WORST BOOK I EVER LOOKED AT, 01 Dec 2008
this was a poor book, and it didn;t even tell me what i wanted to know!

I want to share with you how amazing James Caan's book means to me, 30 Nov 2008
Hello guys:

If you haven't read James Caan's book that you should, I want to share with you how amazing this book means to me, it made me cried and smiled, in fact, I hated reading books but this book turned me non-stop reading it, sometimes I didn't realize It was 4am when I had it on my hand, as it is really an interesting book, honestly, this is my first time I have100% finished reading an English book in my life, as normally I read other famous people's books only for few pages or half book in a half year (^.^) normally I gave them up (^.^)

Many thanks to both of James Caan and his father, I am influence by the brilliant inspiration to know better ways of the "win win win" situation, "the successful business is not about good transaction, it's about good relationship etc". I plan to read this book one more time, so I can use them all good in life. I never taught by anyone like this book to deal things in business, I always hoped someone could teach me good things in a better way like this book when I was much younger, this book seems a good friend to me now, it turns me creating a better business idea when I don't know how to do.

This book really taught me a lot specially I am new in this country, I moved to UK from HK, I am Chinese and worked in Real Estate (Residential) for many years in Hong Kong, I would say I was the popular agent in there, I always had good offered by different companies, my phone always busy rang for getting many referral clients, I was very satisfied I closed so many good deals for international people. But my career has been changed after I moved to Manchester, my confidence has impacted a lot, it seems like I have been falling down from the sky, as I could not get jobs what I wanted in here, this feeling really hurts. I tried to understand I was not born and don't grow up in the UK, so I should not so upset and angry about it, I am so admired James Caan's father how strong and smart he was, he was alone moving to a new country in UK even he could not speak a word of English, how brave he was and how proud I am for him, he did well in business to support the whole family, how amazing he was.

This book does influence me a lot, it brings me some business ideas how to start a new career in a strange country, how I can do things in better ways etc, I am getting into more business seminars and meetings now, I really want to change my life differently, I want to get more qualification in property, so I am also studying courses in property as well, as I am running an commercial property agency myself now, I don't know when it will bring me the good result but the feedback is really good now, my life doesn't have much plans but at least I am trying like James Caan did, specially I don't have choices when living in a new country, it is very tough but I do like this challenge in business, it will take me into other steps in life what I can learn what I can achieve when I face problems, no one can really understand how I feel of a complicated emotion now, sometimes I would think: if James Caan and his father were at my situation how would they do, but the book already gave me the answer, it does motivate me a lot when I try this new business.

James Caan's book also showed me how difficult to build a school as I didn't expect how hard it would be, as now my dream is not just personal longer if I am successful in business the future, as how much I want to help poor children, since it is my objective to do something for them no matter how long it takes me.

I also love James Caan's book how he turned the bad situation into a good opportunity, the way he used the yellow page to create the business on the phone etc, I love those business conversation he had with people on the phone, I remember them all in my mind now, his book does give me some good directions, I have used his ways to deal my business now, it is a really brilliant book teaching me so much, I feel I am lucky reading this book, thanks so much to James Caan.

All the best

Kind regards

Akina


Inspirational and Kind - James Caan, 24 Nov 2008
This book was discussed by James Martin when James Caan was his guest, I was intrigued by James' comments so I had to buy this. I also could not put this book down. I run an on-line business and read what he said about 'observe the masses and do the opposite' - I applied this to my sale page and reversed our sale policy to the effect of accepting returns of Sale Goods (as other companies do not) - This has had a great impact on my business, so Thank You James!!

Excellent, 13 Nov 2008
I would just like to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is clearly fantastic for people to read about how great businessmen succeed. However this book offers a lot more. I was absolutely amazed at the fact that James Caan is not just successful in business but dedicates so much time and money to extremely good causes. I find his drive, passion and enthusiasm to help less fortunate children a remarkable testament to his warm character. Quite frankly I guarantee whoever buys this book will enjoy reading it. It takes a lot to impress me and this book has inspired me. Even if you didn't enjoy it (which I am sure will not be the case) you are doing some good by assisting James's quest to raise money for underprivileged children throughout the world. I have now decided for Christmas I am buying a few copies for relatives!!

Superb !, 08 Nov 2008
Having read many of these business tycoon type books over the past year I have to say this is the best by far. Really inspirational - Worth the money

WORST BOOK I EVER LOOKED AT, 01 Dec 2008
this was a poor book, and it didn;t even tell me what i wanted to know!

I want to share with you how amazing James Caan's book means to me, 30 Nov 2008
Hello guys:

If you haven't read James Caan's book that you should, I want to share with you how amazing this book means to me, it made me cried and smiled, in fact, I hated reading books but this book turned me non-stop reading it, sometimes I didn't realize It was 4am when I had it on my hand, as it is really an interesting book, honestly, this is my first time I have100% finished reading an English book in my life, as normally I read other famous people's books only for few pages or half book in a half year (^.^) normally I gave them up (^.^)

Many thanks to both of James Caan and his father, I am influence by the brilliant inspiration to know better ways of the "win win win" situation, "the successful business is not about good transaction, it's about good relationship etc". I plan to read this book one more time, so I can use them all good in life. I never taught by anyone like this book to deal things in business, I always hoped someone could teach me good things in a better way like this book when I was much younger, this book seems a good friend to me now, it turns me creating a better business idea when I don't know how to do.

This book really taught me a lot specially I am new in this country, I moved to UK from HK, I am Chinese and worked in Real Estate (Residential) for many years in Hong Kong, I would say I was the popular agent in there, I always had good offered by different companies, my phone always busy rang for getting many referral clients, I was very satisfied I closed so many good deals for international people. But my career has been changed after I moved to Manchester, my confidence has impacted a lot, it seems like I have been falling down from the sky, as I could not get jobs what I wanted in here, this feeling really hurts. I tried to understand I was not born and don't grow up in the UK, so I should not so upset and angry about it, I am so admired James Caan's father how strong and smart he was, he was alone moving to a new country in UK even he could not speak a word of English, how brave he was and how proud I am for him, he did well in business to support the whole family, how amazing he was.

This book does influence me a lot, it brings me some business ideas how to start a new career in a strange country, how I can do things in better ways etc, I am getting into more business seminars and meetings now, I really want to change my life differently, I want to get more qualification in property, so I am also studying courses in property as well, as I am running an commercial property agency myself now, I don't know when it will bring me the good result but the feedback is really good now, my life doesn't have much plans but at least I am trying like James Caan did, specially I don't have choices when living in a new country, it is very tough but I do like this challenge in business, it will take me into other steps in life what I can learn what I can achieve when I face problems, no one can really understand how I feel of a complicated emotion now, sometimes I would think: if James Caan and his father were at my situation how would they do, but the book already gave me the answer, it does motivate me a lot when I try this new business.

James Caan's book also showed me how difficult to build a school as I didn't expect how hard it would be, as now my dream is not just personal longer if I am successful in business the future, as how much I want to help poor children, since it is my objective to do something for them no matter how long it takes me.

I also love James Caan's book how he turned the bad situation into a good opportunity, the way he used the yellow page to create the business on the phone etc, I love those business conversation he had with people on the phone, I remember them all in my mind now, his book does give me some good directions, I have used his ways to deal my business now, it is a really brilliant book teaching me so much, I feel I am lucky reading this book, thanks so much to James Caan.

All the best

Kind regards

Akina


Inspirational and Kind - James Caan, 24 Nov 2008
This book was discussed by James Martin when James Caan was his guest, I was intrigued by James' comments so I had to buy this. I also could not put this book down. I run an on-line business and read what he said about 'observe the masses and do the opposite' - I applied this to my sale page and reversed our sale policy to the effect of accepting returns of Sale Goods (as other companies do not) - This has had a great impact on my business, so Thank You James!!

Excellent, 13 Nov 2008
I would just like to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is clearly fantastic for people to read about how great businessmen succeed. However this book offers a lot more. I was absolutely amazed at the fact that James Caan is not just successful in business but dedicates so much time and money to extremely good causes. I find his drive, passion and enthusiasm to help less fortunate children a remarkable testament to his warm character. Quite frankly I guarantee whoever buys this book will enjoy reading it. It takes a lot to impress me and this book has inspired me. Even if you didn't enjoy it (which I am sure will not be the case) you are doing some good by assisting James's quest to raise money for underprivileged children throughout the world. I have now decided for Christmas I am buying a few copies for relatives!!

Superb !, 08 Nov 2008
Having read many of these business tycoon type books over the past year I have to say this is the best by far. Really inspirational - Worth the money

Interesting insight, with broad appeal..., 26 Nov 2008
Although this book is marketed as a Business book, it has a much wider appeal. It offers some very interesting glimpses into how Richard Branson runs his companies, as well as some of the global issues that he believes in.

During the course of the book, he outlines how he first started in business, and how he grew Virgin Records from very little. He also gives insights into the mobile phone business, his airlines, and even space travel.

It's interesting to discover that Richard does not view `Virgin' as one large company, but rather as a brand.. each section runs as a separate business, with it's own team. Richard also believes strongly in a happy workforce, and those he employs often move amongst the various businesses, especially when they have specific skills to share.

As well as business, Richard is highly involved in health issues in Africa, and he's passionate about global warming. He believes that businesses have social responsibilities too, and the book outlines some of the ways he is trying to tackle these issues.

Even as someone not involved in business, I found the book easy to read, and interesting. Dotted throughout are points that Richard feels are important when running a business, be it large or small.. but many of these are also relevant for our day to day lives.

This is an interesting read, giving an insight into the business world, as well as Richard himself.

Good Business Training, 23 Nov 2008
Although I have not finished reading the book, i have thoroughly enjoyed the bit I have read. There is a lot to learn about business from this book and you should read it with a pencil or highlighter. No matter what size your business is you will learn something from it. Sorry for my short comments but I've got to get back to reading it.

Smoke and Mirrors, 23 Nov 2008
They say self praise is no recommendation but that lesson has been lost on Richard Branson. Buoyed by an overdeveloped sense of his own importance Branson emerged from the British establishment (public school, money, privilege and a host of top level contacts) using his undoubted talents for propaganda to raise questions about the efficacy of existing business models.

He did so in an irreverent manner but not without a strategy which he paints as being employee and customer orientated. However, Branson has often showed scant regard for separating myth from fact, hiding behind more spin than Alistair Campbell.

This was set out in Tom Bower's "Branson", much to the millionaire's chagrin. He sued Bower and lost !!! Bower versus Branson has become a landmark case in the right to prick the pomposity of the rich and famous with needles of truth.

When Virgin ventured into financial services Branson was featured prominently as being the person the public could trust. Yet Virgin's life assurance policies were specifically written for those age groups least likely to need them (over 55's need not apply), with less consumer choice and were more expensive than many of their competitors. Tracker funds haven't done that well either.

Similarly when the Sunday Times compared the true cost of flights between Atlantic carriers Virgin came out as the one which, in monetary terms, was the least favourable to customers. Airline Virgin Blue was found guilty of age discrimination against staff and disability discrimination against customers in cases in the Australian courts, neither of which appear in the book. Bower doesn't get a mention either.

It's a point Branson, pontificating that entrepreneurs have literally destroyed poverty in the western world, simply doesn't understand. The British Rail monopoly was bad enough but free market entrepreneurs priced working people off the trains and made it cheaper to travel from the provinces to London by air. Capitalism works - so why is the taxpayer bailing out the banking industry? Branson's response is to whinge about failing to buy Northern Rock, despite having the assistance of some top flight contacts.

Branson's picture of himself fighting the establishment is a myth. He simply represents one section of the establishment against another. The game is given away by the response to the One Account which was lapped up by the professional classes (the minimum mortgage of £50,000 was outside the range of ordinary mortals in those days) but excluded the bulk of the population. Branson is the boss of the bourgeoisie not the mentor of the masses.

Branson has always taken risks - his earliest one of avoiding tax by using illegal means still haunts him. In most cases the risk has been shared with willing partners shouldering the bulk of the financial burden. Branson sees himself as developing good business ideas under the Virgin brand. He's been aided by confronting inept business competitors; British Airways and BT spring to mind. Many Virgin businesses are quite small but, taken together, generate a lot of business. How many of them are profitable remains hidden in a maze of companies.

For Branson the name Virgin is synonymous with success, for many it means getting short changed by publicity. I read this book the week after Virgin Media announced the loss of 2000 jobs. Branson takes the view that Virgin gets up people's noses. This isn't true. What people dislike is not Virgin but Branson himself. Having put himself in the vanguard of spin he doesn't understand why people people react negatively when the spin is stripped away and the bare facts are known.

They don't like what they see, preferring a genuine smile to a silly grin. Branson is successful at much of what he does but he only tells that sanitised part of the story he wants readers to know about, never the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Read it but don't be fooled into believing it's true. It's smoke and mirrors at its best.


Kallokain reviews: Business Stripped Bare, 07 Nov 2008
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R34XCEWXTBLEZO Business Stripped Bare was refreshing, to say the least. A most enjoyable book. I hope the review shows why. I have included very brief chapter-by-chapter descriptions.

Nice to see someone actually doing what management experts have preached for decades. Also nice to see it work so well.

Virgin Optimism, 01 Nov 2008
Regardless of who you are - one thing you have to admit is that Richard Branson oozes charisma, energy and vitality. Even looking at the front cover of the book he is given an exotic yet accessible quality. But enough of this hero worship on my part - what are my thoughts on the contents of the book?

Branson does not claim to be an academic businessman. What comes across in this book is his ethos and belief in the power of entrepreneurship. He covers such themes as Leadership, Brand and Social Responsiblity.

The book has of number of strengths. Throughout he uses stories to illustrate his points. My particular favourites were his tales regarding BA, Coco Cola and his initial set up of Virgin Money. So Branson avoids the situation that other business books fall into - using big words and leaving the reader none the wiser to what they are actually talking about.

A second strength of this book is that Branson portrays business not as an entity detached from his or our everyday lives. If used properly and ethically - it can be a source of great change. I reckon Branson and Adam Smith would have gotten on like a house on fire.

A third strength is Branson's ideas about self empowerment. We may think of Virgin as a monster sized company - whereas in fact it is made up of lots of smaller companies (aside from Virgin Atlantic which Branson readily admits is big). Branson states that the smaller companies avoid the problem of stagnation and each employee can stay energised and involved. Staying with this small scale approach - Branson illustrates how it can be used to tackle such problems as climate change. Correctly he states that large scale solutions often become bogged down.

However the book does have one issue. Branson is much more engaging when talking about the individuals that makes up his company and his relationship with them. The sections where he talks about the high profile individuals such as Al Gore, Clinton and Mandela - tend to get bogged down and I found my attention drifting. I got it that he thinks these guys are great - I just didnt need to read about it for the next 10 pages. Bit rich coming from me since I have just read 328 pages about my hero Branson!

Overall - a great book and with great messages.

The best message being "the brave may not live forever - but the cautious do not live at all".

WORST BOOK I EVER LOOKED AT, 01 Dec 2008
this was a poor book, and it didn;t even tell me what i wanted to know!

I want to share with you how amazing James Caan's book means to me, 30 Nov 2008
Hello guys:

If you haven't read James Caan's book that you should, I want to share with you how amazing this book means to me, it made me cried and smiled, in fact, I hated reading books but this book turned me non-stop reading it, sometimes I didn't realize It was 4am when I had it on my hand, as it is really an interesting book, honestly, this is my first time I have100% finished reading an English book in my life, as normally I read other famous people's books only for few pages or half book in a half year (^.^) normally I gave them up (^.^)

Many thanks to both of James Caan and his father, I am influence by the brilliant inspiration to know better ways of the "win win win" situation, "the successful business is not about good transaction, it's about good relationship etc". I plan to read this book one more time, so I can use them all good in life. I never taught by anyone like this book to deal things in business, I always hoped someone could teach me good things in a better way like this book when I was much younger, this book seems a good friend to me now, it turns me creating a better business idea when I don't know how to do.

This book really taught me a lot specially I am new in this country, I moved to UK from HK, I am Chinese and worked in Real Estate (Residential) for many years in Hong Kong, I would say I was the popular agent in there, I always had good offered by different companies, my phone always busy rang for getting many referral clients, I was very satisfied I closed so many good deals for international people. But my career has been changed after I moved to Manchester, my confidence has impacted a lot, it seems like I have been falling down from the sky, as I could not get jobs what I wanted in here, this feeling really hurts. I tried to understand I was not born and don't grow up in the UK, so I should not so upset and angry about it, I am so admired James Caan's father how strong and smart he was, he was alone moving to a new country in UK even he could not speak a word of English, how brave he was and how proud I am for him, he did well in business to support the whole family, how amazing he was.

This book does influence me a lot, it brings me some business ideas how to start a new career in a strange country, how I can do things in better ways etc, I am getting into more business seminars and meetings now, I really want to change my life differently, I want to get more qualification in property, so I am also studying courses in property as well, as I am running an commercial property agency myself now, I don't know when it will bring me the good result but the feedback is really good now, my life doesn't have much plans but at least I am trying like James Caan did, specially I don't have choices when living in a new country, it is very tough but I do like this challenge in business, it will take me into other steps in life what I can learn what I can achieve when I face problems, no one can really understand how I feel of a complicated emotion now, sometimes I would think: if James Caan and his father were at my situation how would they do, but the book already gave me the answer, it does motivate me a lot when I try this new business.

James Caan's book also showed me how difficult to build a school as I didn't expect how hard it would be, as now my dream is not just personal longer if I am successful in business the future, as how much I want to help poor children, since it is my objective to do something for them no matter how long it takes me.

I also love James Caan's book how he turned the bad situation into a good opportunity, the way he used the yellow page to create the business on the phone etc, I love those business conversation he had with people on the phone, I remember them all in my mind now, his book does give me some good directions, I have used his ways to deal my business now, it is a really brilliant book teaching me so much, I feel I am lucky reading this book, thanks so much to James Caan.

All the best

Kind regards

Akina


Inspirational and Kind - James Caan, 24 Nov 2008
This book was discussed by James Martin when James Caan was his guest, I was intrigued by James' comments so I had to buy this. I also could not put this book down. I run an on-line business and read what he said about 'observe the masses and do the opposite' - I applied this to my sale page and reversed our sale policy to the effect of accepting returns of Sale Goods (as other companies do not) - This has had a great impact on my business, so Thank You James!!

Excellent, 13 Nov 2008
I would just like to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is clearly fantastic for people to read about how great businessmen succeed. However this book offers a lot more. I was absolutely amazed at the fact that James Caan is not just successful in business but dedicates so much time and money to extremely good causes. I find his drive, passion and enthusiasm to help less fortunate children a remarkable testament to his warm character. Quite frankly I guarantee whoever buys this book will enjoy reading it. It takes a lot to impress me and this book has inspired me. Even if you didn't enjoy it (which I am sure will not be the case) you are doing some good by assisting James's quest to raise money for underprivileged children throughout the world. I have now decided for Christmas I am buying a few copies for relatives!!

Superb !, 08 Nov 2008
Having read many of these business tycoon type books over the past year I have to say this is the best by far. Really inspirational - Worth the money

Interesting insight, with broad appeal..., 26 Nov 2008
Although this book is marketed as a Business book, it has a much wider appeal. It offers some very interesting glimpses into how Richard Branson runs his companies, as well as some of the global issues that he believes in.

During the course of the book, he outlines how he first started in business, and how he grew Virgin Records from very little. He also gives insights into the mobile phone business, his airlines, and even space travel.

It's interesting to discover that Richard does not view `Virgin' as one large company, but rather as a brand.. each section runs as a separate business, with it's own team. Richard also believes strongly in a happy workforce, and those he employs often move amongst the various businesses, especially when they have specific skills to share.

As well as business, Richard is highly involved in health issues in Africa, and he's passionate about global warming. He believes that businesses have social responsibilities too, and the book outlines some of the ways he is trying to tackle these issues.

Even as someone not involved in business, I found the book easy to read, and interesting. Dotted throughout are points that Richard feels are important when running a business, be it large or small.. but many of these are also relevant for our day to day lives.

This is an interesting read, giving an insight into the business world, as well as Richard himself.

Good Business Training, 23 Nov 2008
Although I have not finished reading the book, i have thoroughly enjoyed the bit I have read. There is a lot to learn about business from this book and you should read it with a pencil or highlighter. No matter what size your business is you will learn something from it. Sorry for my short comments but I've got to get back to reading it.

Smoke and Mirrors, 23 Nov 2008
They say self praise is no recommendation but that lesson has been lost on Richard Branson. Buoyed by an overdeveloped sense of his own importance Branson emerged from the British establishment (public school, money, privilege and a host of top level contacts) using his undoubted talents for propaganda to raise questions about the efficacy of existing business models.

He did so in an irreverent manner but not without a strategy which he paints as being employee and customer orientated. However, Branson has often showed scant regard for separating myth from fact, hiding behind more spin than Alistair Campbell.

This was set out in Tom Bower's "Branson", much to the millionaire's chagrin. He sued Bower and lost !!! Bower versus Branson has become a landmark case in the right to prick the pomposity of the rich and famous with needles of truth.

When Virgin ventured into financial services Branson was featured prominently as being the person the public could trust. Yet Virgin's life assurance policies were specifically written for those age groups least likely to need them (over 55's need not apply), with less consumer choice and were more expensive than many of their competitors. Tracker funds haven't done that well either.

Similarly when the Sunday Times compared the true cost of flights between Atlantic carriers Virgin came out as the one which, in monetary terms, was the least favourable to customers. Airline Virgin Blue was found guilty of age discrimination against staff and disability discrimination against customers in cases in the Australian courts, neither of which appear in the book. Bower doesn't get a mention either.

It's a point Branson, pontificating that entrepreneurs have literally destroyed poverty in the western world, simply doesn't understand. The British Rail monopoly was bad enough but free market entrepreneurs priced working people off the trains and made it cheaper to travel from the provinces to London by air. Capitalism works - so why is the taxpayer bailing out the banking industry? Branson's response is to whinge about failing to buy Northern Rock, despite having the assistance of some top flight contacts.

Branson's picture of himself fighting the establishment is a myth. He simply represents one section of the establishment against another. The game is given away by the response to the One Account which was lapped up by the professional classes (the minimum mortgage of £50,000 was outside the range of ordinary mortals in those days) but excluded the bulk of the population. Branson is the boss of the bourgeoisie not the mentor of the masses.

Branson has always taken risks - his earliest one of avoiding tax by using illegal means still haunts him. In most cases the risk has been shared with willing partners shouldering the bulk of the financial burden. Branson sees himself as developing good business ideas under the Virgin brand. He's been aided by confronting inept business competitors; British Airways and BT spring to mind. Many Virgin businesses are quite small but, taken together, generate a lot of business. How many of them are profitable remains hidden in a maze of companies.

For Branson the name Virgin is synonymous with success, for many it means getting short changed by publicity. I read this book the week after Virgin Media announced the loss of 2000 jobs. Branson takes the view that Virgin gets up people's noses. This isn't true. What people dislike is not Virgin but Branson himself. Having put himself in the vanguard of spin he doesn't understand why people people react negatively when the spin is stripped away and the bare facts are known.

They don't like what they see, preferring a genuine smile to a silly grin. Branson is successful at much of what he does but he only tells that sanitised part of the story he wants readers to know about, never the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Read it but don't be fooled into believing it's true. It's smoke and mirrors at its best.


Kallokain reviews: Business Stripped Bare, 07 Nov 2008
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R34XCEWXTBLEZO Business Stripped Bare was refreshing, to say the least. A most enjoyable book. I hope the review shows why. I have included very brief chapter-by-chapter descriptions.

Nice to see someone actually doing what management experts have preached for decades. Also nice to see it work so well.

Virgin Optimism, 01 Nov 2008
Regardless of who you are - one thing you have to admit is that Richard Branson oozes charisma, energy and vitality. Even looking at the front cover of the book he is given an exotic yet accessible quality. But enough of this hero worship on my part - what are my thoughts on the contents of the book?

Branson does not claim to be an academic businessman. What comes across in this book is his ethos and belief in the power of entrepreneurship. He covers such themes as Leadership, Brand and Social Responsiblity.

The book has of number of strengths. Throughout he uses stories to illustrate his points. My particular favourites were his tales regarding BA, Coco Cola and his initial set up of Virgin Money. So Branson avoids the situation that other business books fall into - using big words and leaving the reader none the wiser to what they are actually talking about.

A second strength of this book is that Branson portrays business not as an entity detached from his or our everyday lives. If used properly and ethically - it can be a source of great change. I reckon Branson and Adam Smith would have gotten on like a house on fire.

A third strength is Branson's ideas about self empowerment. We may think of Virgin as a monster sized company - whereas in fact it is made up of lots of smaller companies (aside from Virgin Atlantic which Branson readily admits is big). Branson states that the smaller companies avoid the problem of stagnation and each employee can stay energised and involved. Staying with this small scale approach - Branson illustrates how it can be used to tackle such problems as climate change. Correctly he states that large scale solutions often become bogged down.

However the book does have one issue. Branson is much more engaging when talking about the individuals that makes up his company and his relationship with them. The sections where he talks about the high profile individuals such as Al Gore, Clinton and Mandela - tend to get bogged down and I found my attention drifting. I got it that he thinks these guys are great - I just didnt need to read about it for the next 10 pages. Bit rich coming from me since I have just read 328 pages about my hero Branson!

Overall - a great book and with great messages.

The best message being "the brave may not live forever - but the cautious do not live at all".

From Riches to Riches, 20 Feb 2008
Not living in the UK, I actually hadn't seen the programme and the book was a christmas gift. It's an easy read telling some good stories - and let's face it, who doesn't like a good story? I found the dragons' backgrounds very interesting and some of their values very close to mine. Lots of ideas in there for the budding entrepreneur. Would I actually go on the show with my own ideas - I'm not so sure. Would I contact certain dragons with a solid business proposition - I hope so.

Educational?, 05 Feb 2008
This book probably is good in its content but unfortunately you soon realise that it is riddled with spelling errors and mistakes! Maybe its me being picky but surely when you spend £10 on a book you should expect the basics to be right. I lost count of how many spelling mistakes there were which suggests it was written and put together rather hastily.

This just serves to annoy the reader from start to finish.

Good but short, 07 Nov 2007
This is intresting however large font and information repeated mean that you don't get a massive amount of information from this book. However the advice and background on the Dragon's is intresting. Ewan's econimics section is very good and if you like the TV program then you should like this book.

Applied Language Solutions, "The one that got away", 08 Oct 2007
After reading the new Dragons Den book, I thought that like the programme it was extremely enjoyable. After watching the series, I was really interested in finding out more about the entrepreneurs and what happened next and the book helped me do exactly that.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find a whole chapter dedicated to the company I work for, Applied Language Solutions and its founder, Gavin Wheeldon. The Dragons chose not to invest in Gavin's translation company but yet we have proved to be one of the most successful companies to appear before the dragons so far, "The one that got away." I thought it was commendable of the dragons to include both their successes and the investment opportunities they missed. It made the book a more interesting and believable read.

I would definitely recommend this book. If you are a fan of the programme or looking for tips on how to be the next Duncan Bannatyne this is the book for you.


LINGsCARS in DD Book! Hey, read about me! - Ling, 30 Sep 2007
Well, I have just received my pre-launch copy of this book. What a book! I have just re-read the whole thing again. Apart from the fact that I am the subject of one chapter (entirely accurate BBC content and perfect research about LINGsCARS.com, I must say - I have no quibbles with anything written about me), this whole book brilliantly inspires you and me with more ideas about being successful in business.

I really enjoyed my time on Dragons' Den and my business has more than doubled, since I went on the programme. It's a shame I haven't had the chance of first-hand advice from Richard Farleigh and Duncan Bannatyne since the show, but reading this book nearly makes up for that.

While I was in the BBC Dragons' Den warehouse filming, these two Dragons (Richard and Duncan) gave me more ideas about improvements to my contract hire and leasing, new car sales business. They suggested cross-selling insurance. I took them up on it and now earn over £1000 a month in referral commission purely from their idea. Thanks to these two Dragons! Many more ideas like this are contained in this book.

As an immigrant to the UK from China, I wish I had read a book like this 10 years ago! I would say - just buy it and read it again and again, especially at the discounted Amazon price. If anyone wants to contact me, anything @lingscars.com works.

Ling Valentine

Love him or loathe him, you've got to admit it, Richard Branson has drive. And guts. And enough ambition to sink a battleship--or perhaps that should be a jumbo jet--or even a whole company of jumbos if the Virgin Atlantic/British Airways debacle (which takes up a huge chunk of this already huge tome) is anything to go by.

Branson's autobiography makes immensely fascinating reading. Whatever you think of Britain's most famous entrepreneur, the odds are that you will enjoy reading his autobiography. You may snort at descriptions of his "poor" childhood--spent eating bread and dripping while living in a house the majority of us visit on Bank Holidays and attending a "minor" public school. You may groan at memories of early initiative tests: how about being ejected from the family car and told by his mother to find his way home--at the age of four? You may flinch at accounts of his early business days as an unwashed, unshod, hippy magazine publisher living en famille with his staff in the crypt of a West London church. But, all in all, you'll get to understand where the guy's coming from--man.

And, like the man himself, there's no holds barred here. Richard bares his soul, from childhood, school days (cheating at exams), loves and losses (lost one wife when a spot of wife-swapping went drastically wrong--for him), death-defying adventures (yes, the balloons are all there), to the rise and rise of the Virgin empire. His interviews for Student magazine and the early days of Virgin Music read like a chronicle of popular music and culture in the late 20th century. Famous names bounce off every page. Prepare to be enthralled by the life and times of a walking publicity machine. --Carey Green

WORST BOOK I EVER LOOKED AT, 01 Dec 2008
this was a poor book, and it didn;t even tell me what i wanted to know!

I want to share with you how amazing James Caan's book means to me, 30 Nov 2008
Hello guys:

If you haven't read James Caan's book that you should, I want to share with you how amazing this book means to me, it made me cried and smiled, in fact, I hated reading books but this book turned me non-stop reading it, sometimes I didn't realize It was 4am when I had it on my hand, as it is really an interesting book, honestly, this is my first time I have100% finished reading an English book in my life, as normally I read other famous people's books only for few pages or half book in a half year (^.^) normally I gave them up (^.^)

Many thanks to both of James Caan and his father, I am influence by the brilliant inspiration to know better ways of the "win win win" situation, "the successful business is not about good transaction, it's about good relationship etc". I plan to read this book one more time, so I can use them all good in life. I never taught by anyone like this book to deal things in business, I always hoped someone could teach me good things in a better way like this book when I was much younger, this book seems a good friend to me now, it turns me creating a better business idea when I don't know how to do.

This book really taught me a lot specially I am new in this country, I moved to UK from HK, I am Chinese and worked in Real Estate (Residential) for many years in Hong Kong, I would say I was the popular agent in there, I always had good offered by different companies, my phone always busy rang for getting many referral clients, I was very satisfied I closed so many good deals for international people. But my career has been changed after I moved to Manchester, my confidence has impacted a lot, it seems like I have been falling down from the sky, as I could not get jobs what I wanted in here, this feeling really hurts. I tried to understand I was not born and don't grow up in the UK, so I should not so upset and angry about it, I am so admired James Caan's father how strong and smart he was, he was alone moving to a new country in UK even he could not speak a word of English, how brave he was and how proud I am for him, he did well in business to support the whole family, how amazing he was.

This book does influence me a lot, it brings me some business ideas how to start a new career in a strange country, how I can do things in better ways etc, I am getting into more business seminars and meetings now, I really want to change my life differently, I want to get more qualification in property, so I am also studying courses in property as well, as I am running an commercial property agency myself now, I don't know when it will bring me the good result but the feedback is really good now, my life doesn't have much plans but at least I am trying like James Caan did, specially I don't have choices when living in a new country, it is very tough but I do like this challenge in business, it will take me into other steps in life what I can learn what I can achieve when I face problems, no one can really understand how I feel of a complicated emotion now, sometimes I would think: if James Caan and his father were at my situation how would they do, but the book already gave me the answer, it does motivate me a lot when I try this new business.

James Caan's book also showed me how difficult to build a school as I didn't expect how hard it would be, as now my dream is not just personal longer if I am successful in business the future, as how much I want to help poor children, since it is my objective to do something for them no matter how long it takes me.

I also love James Caan's book how he turned the bad situation into a good opportunity, the way he used the yellow page to create the business on the phone etc, I love those business conversation he had with people on the phone, I remember them all in my mind now, his book does give me some good directions, I have used his ways to deal my business now, it is a really brilliant book teaching me so much, I feel I am lucky reading this book, thanks so much to James Caan.

All the best

Kind regards

Akina


Inspirational and Kind - James Caan, 24 Nov 2008
This book was discussed by James Martin when James Caan was his guest, I was intrigued by James' comments so I had to buy this. I also could not put this book down. I run an on-line business and read what he said about 'observe the masses and do the opposite' - I applied this to my sale page and reversed our sale policy to the effect of accepting returns of Sale Goods (as other companies do not) - This has had a great impact on my business, so Thank You James!!

Excellent, 13 Nov 2008
I would just like to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is clearly fantastic for people to read about how great businessmen succeed. However this book offers a lot more. I was absolutely amazed at the fact that James Caan is not just successful in business but dedicates so much time and money to extremely good causes. I find his drive, passion and enthusiasm to help less fortunate children a remarkable testament to his warm character. Quite frankly I guarantee whoever buys this book will enjoy reading it. It takes a lot to impress me and this book has inspired me. Even if you didn't enjoy it (which I am sure will not be the case) you are doing some good by assisting James's quest to raise money for underprivileged children throughout the world. I have now decided for Christmas I am buying a few copies for relatives!!

Superb !, 08 Nov 2008
Having read many of these business tycoon type books over the past year I have to say this is the best by far. Really inspirational - Worth the money

Interesting insight, with broad appeal..., 26 Nov 2008
Although this book is marketed as a Business book, it has a much wider appeal. It offers some very interesting glimpses into how Richard Branson runs his companies, as well as some of the global issues that he believes in.

During the course of the book, he outlines how he first started in business, and how he grew Virgin Records from very little. He also gives insights into the mobile phone business, his airlines, and even space travel.

It's interesting to discover that Richard does not view `Virgin' as one large company, but rather as a brand.. each section runs as a separate business, with it's own team. Richard also believes strongly in a happy workforce, and those he employs often move amongst the various businesses, especially when they have specific skills to share.

As well as business, Richard is highly involved in health issues in Africa, and he's passionate about global warming. He believes that businesses have social responsibilities too, and the book outlines some of the ways he is trying to tackle these issues.

Even as someone not involved in business, I found the book easy to read, and interesting. Dotted throughout are points that Richard feels are important when running a business, be it large or small.. but many of these are also relevant for our day to day lives.

This is an interesting read, giving an insight into the business world, as well as Richard himself.

Good Business Training, 23 Nov 2008
Although I have not finished reading the book, i have thoroughly enjoyed the bit I have read. There is a lot to learn about business from this book and you should read it with a pencil or highlighter. No matter what size your business is you will learn something from it. Sorry for my short comments but I've got to get back to reading it.

Smoke and Mirrors, 23 Nov 2008
They say self praise is no recommendation but that lesson has been lost on Richard Branson. Buoyed by an overdeveloped sense of his own importance Branson emerged from the British establishment (public school, money, privilege and a host of top level contacts) using his undoubted talents for propaganda to raise questions about the efficacy of existing business models.

He did so in an irreverent manner but not without a strategy which he paints as being employee and customer orientated. However, Branson has often showed scant regard for separating myth from fact, hiding behind more spin than Alistair Campbell.

This was set out in Tom Bower's "Branson", much to the millionaire's chagrin. He sued Bower and lost !!! Bower versus Branson has become a landmark case in the right to prick the pomposity of the rich and famous with needles of truth.

When Virgin ventured into financial services Branson was featured prominently as being the person the public could trust. Yet Virgin's life assurance policies were specifically written for those age groups least likely to need them (over 55's need not apply), with less consumer choice and were more expensive than many of their competitors. Tracker funds haven't done that well either.

Similarly when the Sunday Times compared the true cost of flights between Atlantic carriers Virgin came out as the one which, in monetary terms, was the least favourable to customers. Airline Virgin Blue was found guilty of age discrimination against staff and disability discrimination against customers in cases in the Australian courts, neither of which appear in the book. Bower doesn't get a mention either.

It's a point Branson, pontificating that entrepreneurs have literally destroyed poverty in the western world, simply doesn't understand. The British Rail monopoly was bad enough but free market entrepreneurs priced working people off the trains and made it cheaper to travel from the provinces to London by air. Capitalism works - so why is the taxpayer bailing out the banking industry? Branson's response is to whinge about failing to buy Northern Rock, despite having the assistance of some top flight contacts.

Branson's picture of himself fighting the establishment is a myth. He simply represents one section of the establishment against another. The game is given away by the response to the One Account which was lapped up by the professional classes (the minimum mortgage of £50,000 was outside the range of ordinary mortals in those days) but excluded the bulk of the population. Branson is the boss of the bourgeoisie not the mentor of the masses.

Branson has always taken risks - his earliest one of avoiding tax by using illegal means still haunts him. In most cases the risk has been shared with willing partners shouldering the bulk of the financial burden. Branson sees himself as developing good business ideas under the Virgin brand. He's been aided by confronting inept business competitors; British Airways and BT spring to mind. Many Virgin businesses are quite small but, taken together, generate a lot of business. How many of them are profitable remains hidden in a maze of companies.

For Branson the name Virgin is synonymous with success, for many it means getting short changed by publicity. I read this book the week after Virgin Media announced the loss of 2000 jobs. Branson takes the view that Virgin gets up people's noses. This isn't true. What people dislike is not Virgin but Branson himself. Having put himself in the vanguard of spin he doesn't understand why people people react negatively when the spin is stripped away and the bare facts are known.

They don't like what they see, preferring a genuine smile to a silly grin. Branson is successful at much of what he does but he only tells that sanitised part of the story he wants readers to know about, never the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Read it but don't be fooled into believing it's true. It's smoke and mirrors at its best.


Kallokain reviews: Business Stripped Bare, 07 Nov 2008
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R34XCEWXTBLEZO Business Stripped Bare was refreshing, to say the least. A most enjoyable book. I hope the review shows why. I have included very brief chapter-by-chapter descriptions.

Nice to see someone actually doing what management experts have preached for decades. Also nice to see it work so well.

Virgin Optimism, 01 Nov 2008
Regardless of who you are - one thing you have to admit is that Richard Branson oozes charisma, energy and vitality. Even looking at the front cover of the book he is given an exotic yet accessible quality. But enough of this hero worship on my part - what are my thoughts on the contents of the book?

Branson does not claim to be an academic businessman. What comes across in this book is his ethos and belief in the power of entrepreneurship. He covers such themes as Leadership, Brand and Social Responsiblity.

The book has of number of strengths. Throughout he uses stories to illustrate his points. My particular favourites were his tales regarding BA, Coco Cola and his initial set up of Virgin Money. So Branson avoids the situation that other business books fall into - using big words and leaving the reader none the wiser to what they are actually talking about.

A second strength of this book is that Branson portrays business not as an entity detached from his or our everyday lives. If used properly and ethically - it can be a source of great change. I reckon Branson and Adam Smith would have gotten on like a house on fire.

A third strength is Branson's ideas about self empowerment. We may think of Virgin as a monster sized company - whereas in fact it is made up of lots of smaller companies (aside from Virgin Atlantic which Branson readily admits is big). Branson states that the smaller companies avoid the problem of stagnation and each employee can stay energised and involved. Staying with this small scale approach - Branson illustrates how it can be used to tackle such problems as climate change. Correctly he states that large scale solutions often become bogged down.

However the book does have one issue. Branson is much more engaging when talking about the individuals that makes up his company and his relationship with them. The sections where he talks about the high profile individuals such as Al Gore, Clinton and Mandela - tend to get bogged down and I found my attention drifting. I got it that he thinks these guys are great - I just didnt need to read about it for the next 10 pages. Bit rich coming from me since I have just read 328 pages about my hero Branson!

Overall - a great book and with great messages.

The best message being "the brave may not live forever - but the cautious do not live at all".

From Riches to Riches, 20 Feb 2008
Not living in the UK, I actually hadn't seen the programme and the book was a christmas gift. It's an easy read telling some good stories - and let's face it, who doesn't like a good story? I found the dragons' backgrounds very interesting and some of their values very close to mine. Lots of ideas in there for the budding entrepreneur. Would I actually go on the show with my own ideas - I'm not so sure. Would I contact certain dragons with a solid business proposition - I hope so.

Educational?, 05 Feb 2008
This book probably is good in its content but unfortunately you soon realise that it is riddled with spelling errors and mistakes! Maybe its me being picky but surely when you spend £10 on a book you should expect the basics to be right. I lost count of how many spelling mistakes there were which suggests it was written and put together rather hastily.

This just serves to annoy the reader from start to finish.

Good but short, 07 Nov 2007
This is intresting however large font and information repeated mean that you don't get a massive amount of information from this book. However the advice and background on the Dragon's is intresting. Ewan's econimics section is very good and if you like the TV program then you should like this book.

Applied Language Solutions, "The one that got away", 08 Oct 2007
After reading the new Dragons Den book, I thought that like the programme it was extremely enjoyable. After watching the series, I was really interested in finding out more about the entrepreneurs and what happened next and the book helped me do exactly that.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find a whole chapter dedicated to the company I work for, Applied Language Solutions and its founder, Gavin Wheeldon. The Dragons chose not to invest in Gavin's translation company but yet we have proved to be one of the most successful companies to appear before the dragons so far, "The one that got away." I thought it was commendable of the dragons to include both their successes and the investment opportunities they missed. It made the book a more interesting and believable read.

I would definitely recommend this book. If you are a fan of the programme or looking for tips on how to be the next Duncan Bannatyne this is the book for you.


LINGsCARS in DD Book! Hey, read about me! - Ling, 30 Sep 2007
Well, I have just received my pre-launch copy of this book. What a book! I have just re-read the whole thing again. Apart from the fact that I am the subject of one chapter (entirely accurate BBC content and perfect research about LINGsCARS.com, I must say - I have no quibbles with anything written about me), this whole book brilliantly inspires you and me with more ideas about being successful in business.

I really enjoyed my time on Dragons' Den and my business has more than doubled, since I went on the programme. It's a shame I haven't had the chance of first-hand advice from Richard Farleigh and Duncan Bannatyne since the show, but reading this book nearly makes up for that.

While I was in the BBC Dragons' Den warehouse filming, these two Dragons (Richard and Duncan) gave me more ideas about improvements to my contract hire and leasing, new car sales business. They suggested cross-selling insurance. I took them up on it and now earn over £1000 a month in referral commission purely from their idea. Thanks to these two Dragons! Many more ideas like this are contained in this book.

As an immigrant to the UK from China, I wish I had read a book like this 10 years ago! I would say - just buy it and read it again and again, especially at the discounted Amazon price. If anyone wants to contact me, anything @lingscars.com works.

Ling Valentine

Best book I've read in a while, 15 Nov 2008
I bought this book whilst I was traveling in Asia and found mysef unable to put in down. The book goes right from his boarding school days right through to him setting up the world elders. Although the book leaves out no detail I thought that there would be more on his actual thoughs and feelings. However I would recomed this book to anyone it's full of adventure both in bussiness and Bransons record attemts. U cant read this book without loving his attitude and making u feel like there's something we all can do to change the world. A truly well written and unlifting book.

Very Exciting!, 09 Oct 2008
I got this book at an airport (seem to buy a lot of books in airports!) It was a brilliant read. I could not wait to pick the book up in between holiday stuff!
The only thing I found a little irritating was the fact that Richard Branson seems to write with a real self indulgance. It would be nice to read about his life in a bit more of an unbiased way. But hey who am I to critise a man who has made millions!!

Excellent, 02 Sep 2008
I loved this book. Branson is so honest throughout. He's an amzing person. I could not put the book down from start to finish!

Losing My Virginity: The Autobiography, 17 Jun 2008
Losing My Virginity: The Autobiography. This was gift, I kept putting it off before reading. Once I started I could not put it down. A great book, very well written and interesting. Its time for the updated version or book two.

Jewels of wisdom from Richard, I just craved more!, 03 May 2008
I'm glad I read this book, the chronology of it flows exceptionally and it's like finding a real gem of understanding reading his anecdotes and reactions to situations that come his way. The most interesting parts for me was understanding his business start-up and development (the first half I would say), this could sell the book on its own.

Problems: Ok, I'm not sure about everyone else's reasons, but the reasons why I chose to read this book in the first place was to understand how and why Mr Branson approaches business in the way he does and what EXACTLY his methodology and thought processes are/were. Perhaps it's curiosity, tips, self-evaluation, whatever. Anyway, all the other peripheral stuff like his ballooning trips (multiple and repetitive) and the social conscience he develops and promotes toward the end just really slow down the momentum of the book.

I guess I wanted consistent and unadulterated nitty gritty insight into the grey matter of a stupendously successful businessman but there were only snippets and cryptic clues throughout that verged on frustrating. But whatever, it's Richard: he and his philosophies are awesome and you should buy this book just to contribute to the Virgin Empire.

Michael Gerber's The E-Myth Revisited should be required reading for anyone thinking about starting a business or for those who have already taken that fateful step. The title refers to the author's belief that entrepreneurs--typically brimming with good but distracting ideas--make poor businesspeople. He establishes an incredibly organised and regimented plan, so that daily details are scripted, freeing the entrepreneur's mind to build the long-term success or failure of the business. You don't need an MBA to understand or follow its directives; Gerber takes time to explain buzzwords and complex theories. Written in a clear and well-paced manner, The E-Myth Revisited is like receiving advice from an old friend. --Sharon Griggins

WORST BOOK I EVER LOOKED AT, 01 Dec 2008
this was a poor book, and it didn;t even tell me what i wanted to know!

I want to share with you how amazing James Caan's book means to me, 30 Nov 2008
Hello guys:

If you haven't read James Caan's book that you should, I want to share with you how amazing this book means to me, it made me cried and smiled, in fact, I hated reading books but this book turned me non-stop reading it, sometimes I didn't realize It was 4am when I had it on my hand, as it is really an interesting book, honestly, this is my first time I have100% finished reading an English book in my life, as normally I read other famous people's books only for few pages or half book in a half year (^.^) normally I gave them up (^.^)

Many thanks to both of James Caan and his father, I am influence by the brilliant inspiration to know better ways of the "win win win" situation, "the successful business is not about good transaction, it's about good relationship etc". I plan to read this book one more time, so I can use them all good in life. I never taught by anyone like this book to deal things in business, I always hoped someone could teach me good things in a better way like this book when I was much younger, this book seems a good friend to me now, it turns me creating a better business idea when I don't know how to do.

This book really taught me a lot specially I am new in this country, I moved to UK from HK, I am Chinese and worked in Real Estate (Residential) for many years in Hong Kong, I would say I was the popular agent in there, I always had good offered by different companies, my phone always busy rang for getting many referral clients, I was very satisfied I closed so many good deals for international people. But my career has been changed after I moved to Manchester, my confidence has impacted a lot, it seems like I have been falling down from the sky, as I could not get jobs what I wanted in here, this feeling really hurts. I tried to understand I was not born and don't grow up in the UK, so I should not so upset and angry about it, I am so admired James Caan's father how strong and smart he was, he was alone moving to a new country in UK even he could not speak a word of English, how brave he was and how proud I am for him, he did well in business to support the whole family, how amazing he was.

This book does influence me a lot, it brings me some business ideas how to start a new career in a strange country, how I can do things in better ways etc, I am getting into more business seminars and meetings now, I really want to change my life differently, I want to get more qualification in property, so I am also studying courses in property as well, as I am running an commercial property agency myself now, I don't know when it will bring me the good result but the feedback is really good now, my life doesn't have much plans but at least I am trying like James Caan did, specially I don't have choices when living in a new country, it is very tough but I do like this challenge in business, it will take me into other steps in life what I can learn what I can achieve when I face problems, no one can really understand how I feel of a complicated emotion now, sometimes I would think: if James Caan and his father were at my situation how would they do, but the book already gave me the answer, it does motivate me a lot when I try this new business.

James Caan's book also showed me how difficult to build a school as I didn't expect how hard it would be, as now my dream is not just personal longer if I am successful in business the future, as how much I want to help poor children, since it is my objective to do something for them no matter how long it takes me.

I also love James Caan's book how he turned the bad situation into a good opportunity, the way he used the yellow page to create the business on the phone etc, I love those business conversation he had with people on the phone, I remember them all in my mind now, his book does give me some good directions, I have used his ways to deal my business now, it is a really brilliant book teaching me so much, I feel I am lucky reading this book, thanks so much to James Caan.

All the best

Kind regards

Akina


Inspirational and Kind - James Caan, 24 Nov 2008
This book was discussed by James Martin when James Caan was his guest, I was intrigued by James' comments so I had to buy this. I also could not put this book down. I run an on-line business and read what he said about 'observe the masses and do the opposite' - I applied this to my sale page and reversed our sale policy to the effect of accepting returns of Sale Goods (as other companies do not) - This has had a great impact on my business, so Thank You James!!

Excellent, 13 Nov 2008
I would just like to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is clearly fantastic for people to read about how great businessmen succeed. However this book offers a lot more. I was absolutely amazed at the fact that James Caan is not just successful in business but dedicates so much time and money to extremely good causes. I find his drive, passion and enthusiasm to help less fortunate children a remarkable testament to his warm character. Quite frankly I guarantee whoever buys this book will enjoy reading it. It takes a lot to impress me and this book has inspired me. Even if you didn't enjoy it (which I am sure will not be the case) you are doing some good by assisting James's quest to raise money for underprivileged children throughout the world. I have now decided for Christmas I am buying a few copies for relatives!!

Superb !, 08 Nov 2008
Having read many of these business tycoon type books over the past year I have to say this is the best by far. Really inspirational - Worth the money

Interesting insight, with broad appeal..., 26 Nov 2008
Although this book is marketed as a Business book, it has a much wider appeal. It offers some very interesting glimpses into how Richard Branson runs his companies, as well as some of the global issues that he believes in.

During the course of the book, he outlines how he first started in business, and how he grew Virgin Records from very little. He also gives insights into the mobile phone business, his airlines, and even space travel.

It's interesting to discover that Richard does not view `Virgin' as one large company, but rather as a brand.. each section runs as a separate business, with it's own team. Richard also believes strongly in a happy workforce, and those he employs often move amongst the various businesses, especially when they have specific skills to share.

As well as business, Richard is highly involved in health issues in Africa, and he's passionate about global warming. He believes that businesses have social responsibilities too, and the book outlines some of the ways he is trying to tackle these issues.

Even as someone not involved in business, I found the book easy to read, and interesting. Dotted throughout are points that Richard feels are important when running a business, be it large or small.. but many of these are also relevant for our day to day lives.

This is an interesting read, giving an insight into the business world, as well as Richard himself.

Good Business Training, 23 Nov 2008
Although I have not finished reading the book, i have thoroughly enjoyed the bit I have read. There is a lot to learn about business from this book and you should read it with a pencil or highlighter. No matter what size your business is you will learn something from it. Sorry for my short comments but I've got to get back to reading it.

Smoke and Mirrors, 23 Nov 2008
They say self praise is no recommendation but that lesson has been lost on Richard Branson. Buoyed by an overdeveloped sense of his own importance Branson emerged from the British establishment (public school, money, privilege and a host of top level contacts) using his undoubted talents for propaganda to raise questions about the efficacy of existing business models.

He did so in an irreverent manner but not without a strategy which he paints as being employee and customer orientated. However, Branson has often showed scant regard for separating myth from fact, hiding behind more spin than Alistair Campbell.

This was set out in Tom Bower's "Branson", much to the millionaire's chagrin. He sued Bower and lost !!! Bower versus Branson has become a landmark case in the right to prick the pomposity of the rich and famous with needles of truth.

When Virgin ventured into financial services Branson was featured prominently as being the person the public could trust. Yet Virgin's life assurance policies were specifically written for those age groups least likely to need them (over 55's need not apply), with less consumer choice and were more expensive than many of their competitors. Tracker funds haven't done that well either.

Similarly when the Sunday Times compared the true cost of flights between Atlantic carriers Virgin came out as the one which, in monetary terms, was the least favourable to customers. Airline Virgin Blue was found guilty of age discrimination against staff and disability discrimination against customers in cases in the Australian courts, neither of which appear in the book. Bower doesn't get a mention either.

It's a point Branson, pontificating that entrepreneurs have literally destroyed poverty in the western world, simply doesn't understand. The British Rail monopoly was bad enough but free market entrepreneurs priced working people off the trains and made it cheaper to travel from the provinces to London by air. Capitalism works - so why is the taxpayer bailing out the banking industry? Branson's response is to whinge about failing to buy Northern Rock, despite having the assistance of some top flight contacts.

Branson's picture of himself fighting the establishment is a myth. He simply represents one section of the establishment against another. The game is given away by the response to the One Account which was lapped up by the professional classes (the minimum mortgage of £50,000 was outside the range of ordinary mortals in those days) but excluded the bulk of the population. Branson is the boss of the bourgeoisie not the mentor of the masses.

Branson has always taken risks - his earliest one of avoiding tax by using illegal means still haunts him. In most cases the risk has been shared with willing partners shouldering the bulk of the financial burden. Branson sees himself as developing good business ideas under the Virgin brand. He's been aided by confronting inept business competitors; British Airways and BT spring to mind. Many Virgin businesses are quite small but, taken together, generate a lot of business. How many of them are profitable remains hidden in a maze of companies.

For Branson the name Virgin is synonymous with success, for many it means getting short changed by publicity. I read this book the week after Virgin Media announced the loss of 2000 jobs. Branson takes the view that Virgin gets up people's noses. This isn't true. What people dislike is not Virgin but Branson himself. Having put himself in the vanguard of spin he doesn't understand why people people react negatively when the spin is stripped away and the bare facts are known.

They don't like what they see, preferring a genuine smile to a silly grin. Branson is successful at much of what he does but he only tells that sanitised part of the story he wants readers to know about, never the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Read it but don't be fooled into believing it's true. It's smoke and mirrors at its best.


Kallokain reviews: Business Stripped Bare, 07 Nov 2008
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R34XCEWXTBLEZO Business Stripped Bare was refreshing, to say the least. A most enjoyable book. I hope the review shows why. I have included very brief chapter-by-chapter descriptions.

Nice to see someone actually doing what management experts have preached for decades. Also nice to see it work so well.

Virgin Optimism, 01 Nov 2008
Regardless of who you are - one thing you have to admit is that Richard Branson oozes charisma, energy and vitality. Even looking at the front cover of the book he is given an exotic yet accessible quality. But enough of this hero worship on my part - what are my thoughts on the contents of the book?

Branson does not claim to be an academic businessman. What comes across in this book is his ethos and belief in the power of entrepreneurship. He covers such themes as Leadership, Brand and Social Responsiblity.

The book has of number of strengths. Throughout he uses stories to illustrate his points. My particular favourites were his tales regarding BA, Coco Cola and his initial set up of Virgin Money. So Branson avoids the situation that other business books fall into - using big words and leaving the reader none the wiser to what they are actually talking about.

A second strength of this book is that Branson portrays business not as an entity detached from his or our everyday lives. If used properly and ethically - it can be a source of great change. I reckon Branson and Adam Smith would have gotten on like a house on fire.

A third strength is Branson's ideas about self empowerment. We may think of Virgin as a monster sized company - whereas in fact it is made up of lots of smaller companies (aside from Virgin Atlantic which Branson readily admits is big). Branson states that the smaller companies avoid the problem of stagnation and each employee can stay energised and involved. Staying with this small scale approach - Branson illustrates how it can be used to tackle such problems as climate change. Correctly he states that large scale solutions often become bogged down.

However the book does have one issue. Branson is much more engaging when talking about the individuals that makes up his company and his relationship with them. The sections where he talks about the high profile individuals such as Al Gore, Clinton and Mandela - tend to get bogged down and I found my attention drifting. I got it that he thinks these guys are great - I just didnt need to read about it for the next 10 pages. Bit rich coming from me since I have just read 328 pages about my hero Branson!

Overall - a great book and with great messages.

The best message being "the brave may not live forever - but the cautious do not live at all".

From Riches to Riches, 20 Feb 2008
Not living in the UK, I actually hadn't seen the programme and the book was a christmas gift. It's an easy read telling some good stories - and let's face it, who doesn't like a good story? I found the dragons' backgrounds very interesting and some of their values very close to mine. Lots of ideas in there for the budding entrepreneur. Would I actually go on the show with my own ideas - I'm not so sure. Would I contact certain dragons with a solid business proposition - I hope so.

Educational?, 05 Feb 2008
This book probably is good in its content but unfortunately you soon realise that it is riddled with spelling errors and mistakes! Maybe its me being picky but surely when you spend £10 on a book you should expect the basics to be right. I lost count of how many spelling mistakes there were which suggests it was written and put together rather hastily.

This just serves to annoy the reader from start to finish.

Good but short, 07 Nov 2007
This is intresting however large font and information repeated mean that you don't get a massive amount of information from this book. However the advice and background on the Dragon's is intresting. Ewan's econimics section is very good and if you like the TV program then you should like this book.

Applied Language Solutions, "The one that got away", 08 Oct 2007
After reading the new Dragons Den book, I thought that like the programme it was extremely enjoyable. After watching the series, I was really interested in finding out more about the entrepreneurs and what happened next and the book helped me do exactly that.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find a whole chapter dedicated to the company I work for, Applied Language Solutions and its founder, Gavin Wheeldon. The Dragons chose not to invest in Gavin's translation company but yet we have proved to be one of the most successful companies to appear before the dragons so far, "The one that got away." I thought it was commendable of the dragons to include both their successes and the investment opportunities they missed. It made the book a more interesting and believable read.

I would definitely recommend this book. If you are a fan of the programme or looking for tips on how to be the next Duncan Bannatyne this is the book for you.


LINGsCARS in DD Book! Hey, read about me! - Ling, 30 Sep 2007
Well, I have just received my pre-launch copy of this book. What a book! I have just re-read the whole thing again. Apart from the fact that I am the subject of one chapter (entirely accurate BBC content and perfect research about LINGsCARS.com, I must say - I have no quibbles with anything written about me), this whole book brilliantly inspires you and me with more ideas about being successful in business.

I really enjoyed my time on Dragons' Den and my business has more than doubled, since I went on the programme. It's a shame I haven't had the chance of first-hand advice from Richard Farleigh and Duncan Bannatyne since the show, but reading this book nearly makes up for that.

While I was in the BBC Dragons' Den warehouse filming, these two Dragons (Richard and Duncan) gave me more ideas about improvements to my contract hire and leasing, new car sales business. They suggested cross-selling insurance. I took them up on it and now earn over £1000 a month in referral commission purely from their idea. Thanks to these two Dragons! Many more ideas like this are contained in this book.

As an immigrant to the UK from China, I wish I had read a book like this 10 years ago! I would say - just buy it and read it again and again, especially at the discounted Amazon price. If anyone wants to contact me, anything @lingscars.com works.

Ling Valentine

Best book I've read in a while, 15 Nov 2008
I bought this book whilst I was traveling in Asia and found mysef unable to put in down. The book goes right from his boarding school days right through to him setting up the world elders. Although the book leaves out no detail I thought that there would be more on his actual thoughs and feelings. However I would recomed this book to anyone it's full of adventure both in bussiness and Bransons record attemts. U cant read this book without loving his attitude and making u feel like there's something we all can do to change the world. A truly well written and unlifting book.

Very Exciting!, 09 Oct 2008
I got this book at an airport (seem to buy a lot of books in airports!) It was a brilliant read. I could not wait to pick the book up in between holiday stuff!
The only thing I found a little irritating was the fact that Richard Branson seems to write with a real self indulgance. It would be nice to read about his life in a bit more of an unbiased way. But hey who am I to critise a man who has made millions!!

Excellent, 02 Sep 2008
I loved this book. Branson is so honest throughout. He's an amzing person. I could not put the book down from start to finish!

Losing My Virginity: The Autobiography, 17 Jun 2008
Losing My Virginity: The Autobiography. This was gift, I kept putting it off before reading. Once I started I could not put it down. A great book, very well written and interesting. Its time for the updated version or book two.

Jewels of wisdom from Richard, I just craved more!, 03 May 2008
I'm glad I read this book, the chronology of it flows exceptionally and it's like finding a real gem of understanding reading his anecdotes and reactions to situations that come his way. The most interesting parts for me was understanding his business start-up and development (the first half I would say), this could sell the book on its own.

Problems: Ok, I'm not sure about everyone else's reasons, but the reasons why I chose to read this book in the first place was to understand how and why Mr Branson approaches business in the way he does and what EXACTLY his methodology and thought processes are/were. Perhaps it's curiosity, tips, self-evaluation, whatever. Anyway, all the other peripheral stuff like his ballooning trips (multiple and repetitive) and the social conscience he develops and promotes toward the end just really slow down the momentum of the book.

I guess I wanted consistent and unadulterated nitty gritty insight into the grey matter of a stupendously successful businessman but there were only snippets and cryptic clues throughout that verged on frustrating. But whatever, it's Richard: he and his philosophies are awesome and you should buy this book just to contribute to the Virgin Empire.

ATTENTION ALL BUSINESS OWNERS, 23 Sep 2008
A must read for any and I mean any business owners, even if you think you are the next Richard B. you cannot afford to not read this book!!!

This Book Quite Literally Changed My Life, 02 Sep 2008
I read this book after it was recommended to me for about six months, by my business coach, and I remember crying hot bitter tears of recognition, at finally realising why NONE of the businesses I had started in the previous 20 years had succeeded! From the reading of E-Myth however, my life started to change, as I realised I was a raging entrepreneur, I slowly implemented the principles in the book into my current business management, and built a team around me to help my business grow and thrive. I also highly recommend "The E-Myth Manager" which is really pretty much the only book you will need to read on how to choose, hire and motivate staff and team members. If you want to build a business, with value, that someone else will want to invest in or buy, and that won't swallow you whole, you need to read these books urgently.

For people who want to think big from the start, 31 Aug 2008
This book helps people think big from the start. I come across so many women that are running businesses who are not keen to scale up and build a business that can run without them. Michael Gerber's book helps people to think big from the start and to understand the difference between being in business and running a business.

I recommend this all the time to people I work with!

Essential Reading For Business Owners, 30 Aug 2008
As a brand-planner, I recommend this book The E-myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work to colleagues and customers who are owners as I believe it offers a vital point-of-view on being in business for yourself. Too many of us don't really know what we're getting into when we set up a business and this book really opened my eyes to the dangers of making your business a prison where you're consigned to hard-labour for life without the possibility of parole. That may sound dramatic but that's how it feels if you don't get it right. The shift in thinking alone that this book prompts will make a huge difference to you. When you add in the practical tips and suggestions that Gerber offers, you have a handbook for building a business that frees you up to play the role that's right for you in your work and make a success of your business.

In a word: BRILLIANT!, 23 Jun 2008
IF you want quick solutions to your business problems --this book is not the one for you. Instead, as somone wrote before on a review, it is an MBA in book. Well that might be an exaggeration, but believe me it comes close. It spells out why 80 percent of business fail within five years of start-up; I won't give away the answer. But if you are SERIOUS about business then this is an even more SERIOUS book for you. A good read. A very useful read!

WORST BOOK I EVER LOOKED AT, 01 Dec 2008
this was a poor book, and it didn;t even tell me what i wanted to know!

I want to share with you how amazing James Caan's book means to me, 30 Nov 2008
Hello guys:

If you haven't read James Caan's book that you should, I want to share with you how amazing this book means to me, it made me cried and smiled, in fact, I hated reading books but this book turned me non-stop reading it, sometimes I didn't realize It was 4am when I had it on my hand, as it is really an interesting book, honestly, this is my first time I have100% finished reading an English book in my life, as normally I read other famous people's books only for few pages or half book in a half year (^.^) normally I gave them up (^.^)

Many thanks to both of James Caan and his father, I am influence by the brilliant inspiration to know better ways of the "win win win" situation, "the successful business is not about good transaction, it's about good relationship etc". I plan to read this book one more time, so I can use them all good in life. I never taught by anyone like this book to deal things in business, I always hoped someone could teach me good things in a better way like this book when I was much younger, this book seems a good friend to me now, it turns me creating a better business idea when I don't know how to do.

This book really taught me a lot specially I am new in this country, I moved to UK from HK, I am Chinese and worked in Real Estate (Residential) for many years in Hong Kong, I would say I was the popular agent in there, I always had good offered by different companies, my phone always busy rang for getting many referral clients, I was very satisfied I closed so many good deals for international people. But my career has been changed after I moved to Manchester, my confidence has impacted a lot, it seems like I have been falling down from the sky, as I could not get jobs what I wanted in here, this feeling really hurts. I tried to understand I was not born and don't grow up in the UK, so I should not so upset and angry about it, I am so admired James Caan's father how strong and smart he was, he was alone moving to a new country in UK even he could not speak a word of English, how brave he was and how proud I am for him, he did well in business to support the whole family, how amazing he was.

This book does influence me a lot, it brings me some business ideas how to start a new career in a strange country, how I can do things in better ways etc, I am getting into more business seminars and meetings now, I really want to change my life differently, I want to get more qualification in property, so I am also studying courses in property as well, as I am running an commercial property agency myself now, I don't know when it will bring me the good result but the feedback is really good now, my life doesn't have much plans but at least I am trying like James Caan did, specially I don't have choices when living in a new country, it is very tough but I do like this challenge in business, it will take me into other steps in life what I can learn what I can achieve when I face problems, no one can really understand how I feel of a complicated emotion now, sometimes I would think: if James Caan and his father were at my situation how would they do, but the book already gave me the answer, it does motivate me a lot when I try this new business.

James Caan's book also showed me how difficult to build a school as I didn't expect how hard it would be, as now my dream is not just personal longer if I am successful in business the future, as how much I want to help poor children, since it is my objective to do something for them no matter how long it takes me.

I also love James Caan's book how he turned the bad situation into a good opportunity, the way he used the yellow page to create the business on the phone etc, I love those business conversation he had with people on the phone, I remember them all in my mind now, his book does give me some good directions, I have used his ways to deal my business now, it is a really brilliant book teaching me so much, I feel I am lucky reading this book, thanks so much to James Caan.

All the best

Kind regards

Akina


Inspirational and Kind - James Caan, 24 Nov 2008
This book was discussed by James Martin when James Caan was his guest, I was intrigued by James' comments so I had to buy this. I also could not put this book down. I run an on-line business and read what he said about 'observe the masses and do the opposite' - I applied this to my sale page and reversed our sale policy to the effect of accepting returns of Sale Goods (as other companies do not) - This has had a great impact on my business, so Thank You James!!

Excellent, 13 Nov 2008
I would just like to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is clearly fantastic for people to read about how great businessmen succeed. However this book offers a lot more. I was absolutely amazed at the fact that James Caan is not just successful in business but dedicates so much time and money to extremely good causes. I find his drive, passion and enthusiasm to help less fortunate children a remarkable testament to his warm character. Quite frankly I guarantee whoever buys this book will enjoy reading it. It takes a lot to impress me and this book has inspired me. Even if you didn't enjoy it (which I am sure will not be the case) you are doing some good by assisting James's quest to raise money for underprivileged children throughout the world. I have now decided for Christmas I am buying a few copies for relatives!!

Superb !, 08 Nov 2008
Having read many of these business tycoon type books over the past year I have to say this is the best by far. Really inspirational - Worth the money

Interesting insight, with broad appeal..., 26 Nov 2008
Although this book is marketed as a Business book, it has a much wider appeal. It offers some very interesting glimpses into how Richard Branson runs his companies, as well as some of the global issues that he believes in.

During the course of the book, he outlines how he first started in business, and how he grew Virgin Records from very little. He also gives insights into the mobile phone business, his airlines, and even space travel.

It's interesting to discover that Richard does not view `Virgin' as one large company, but rather as a brand.. each section runs as a separate business, with it's own team. Richard also believes strongly in a happy workforce, and those he employs often move amongst the various businesses, especially when they have specific skills to share.

As well as business, Richard is highly involved in health issues in Africa, and he's passionate about global warming. He believes that businesses have social responsibilities too, and the book outlines some of the ways he is trying to tackle these issues.

Even as someone not involved in business, I found the book easy to read, and interesting. Dotted throughout are points that Richard feels are important when running a business, be it large or small.. but many of these are also relevant for our day to day lives.

This is an interesting read, giving an insight into the business world, as well as Richard himself.

Good Business Training, 23 Nov 2008
Although I have not finished reading the book, i have thoroughly enjoyed the bit I have read. There is a lot to learn about business from this book and you should read it with a pencil or highlighter. No matter what size your business is you will learn something from it. Sorry for my short comments but I've got to get back to reading it.

Smoke and Mirrors, 23 Nov 2008
They say self praise is no recommendation but that lesson has been lost on Richard Branson. Buoyed by an overdeveloped sense of his own importance Branson emerged from the British establishment (public school, money, privilege and a host of top level contacts) using his undoubted talents for propaganda to raise questions about the efficacy of existing business models.

He did so in an irreverent manner but not without a strategy which he paints as being employee and customer orientated. However, Branson has often showed scant regard for separating myth from fact, hiding behind more spin than Alistair Campbell.

This was set out in Tom Bower's "Branson", much to the millionaire's chagrin. He sued Bower and lost !!! Bower versus Branson has become a landmark case in the right to prick the pomposity of the rich and famous with needles of truth.

When Virgin ventured into financial services Branson was featured prominently as being the person the public could trust. Yet Virgin's life assurance policies were specifically written for those age groups least likely to need them (over 55's need not apply), with less consumer choice and were more expensive than many of their competitors. Tracker funds haven't done that well either.

Similarly when the Sunday Times compared the true cost of flights between Atlantic carriers Virgin came out as the one which, in monetary terms, was the least favourable to customers. Airline Virgin Blue was found guilty of age discrimination against staff and disability discrimination against customers in cases in the Australian courts, neither of which appear in the book. Bower doesn't get a mention either.

It's a point Branson, pontificating that entrepreneurs have literally destroyed poverty in the western world, simply doesn't understand. The British Rail monopoly was bad enough but free market entrepreneurs priced working people off the trains and made it cheaper to travel from the provinces to London by air. Capitalism works - so why is the taxpayer bailing out the banking industry? Branson's response is to whinge about failing to buy Northern Rock, despite having the assistance of some top flight contacts.

Branson's picture of himself fighting the establishment is a myth. He simply represents one section of the establishment against another. The game is given away by the response to the One Account which was lapped up by the professional classes (the minimum mortgage of £50,000 was outside the range of ordinary mortals in those days) but excluded the bulk of the population. Branson is the boss of the bourgeoisie not the mentor of the masses.

Branson has always taken risks - his earliest one of avoiding tax by using illegal means still haunts him. In most cases the risk has been shared with willing partners shouldering the bulk of the financial burden. Branson sees himself as developing good business ideas under the Virgin brand. He's been aided by confronting inept business competitors; British Airways and BT spring to mind. Many Virgin businesses are quite small but, taken together, generate a lot of business. How many of them are profitable remains hidden in a maze of companies.

For Branson the name Virgin is synonymous with success, for many it means getting short changed by publicity. I read this book the week after Virgin Media announced the loss of 2000 jobs. Branson takes the view that Virgin gets up people's noses. This isn't true. What people dislike is not Virgin but Branson himself. Having put himself in the vanguard of spin he doesn't understand why people people react negatively when the spin is stripped away and the bare facts are known.

They don'