Once in a while you come across a business book that really has some substance - one that inspires, entertains, motivates and educates.
Such a book is Anyone Can Do it - The Autobiography of Duncan Bannatyne - From Ice Cream Van to Dragons’ Den
Not sure how many of my Non UK readers know who Duncan is - but he is one of the UKs leading entrepreneurs - a self made man that can from very humble (poor) beginnings to become very rich.
Duncan has made something like £100 Million and the recurring theme of this book is that is someone like him can make £100 million, then anyone can!
I have to say as something of a “self-made man” myself (but not currently in the style of Duncan) there was tons of really good advice and inspiration in this book.
Right from the first paragraph, Duncan proclaims: “that if you had a childhood like mine, you’ll never get bored of using private jets, owning luxury villas or staying in the best hotels”.
Well Duncan, I don’t have the private jets, but I can relate to that
Indeed, the reason why so many successful entrepreneurs are as motivated as they are is simply that they decided early on in their lives that they HATED being POOR and once more, they appreciated and understood that being financially poor is as much a choice as deciding to be financially RICH. (I’m just waiting for all those emails disagreeing with me now!)
There is much much more to the book than MOTIVATION, there is also lots of good old fashioned practical business advice - such as for example, lowering your accountancy fees with regards to Government Policy / Taxation etc - by simply approaching each Government Department direct and obtaining all the guides and advice on how to for example: Take on Employees or Register For VAT
So often, business people are too scared of “Government” and have their accountants do even the simplest of tasks for them, when they would be far better of doing it themselves (and learning and understanding the process) rather than wasting money that on many occasions they cannot really afford, especially it those early start up days.
I dare say you could also say that Duncan Bannatyne is a Frugal Entrepreneur - who despite his great success has never lost touch with the Value of things. Indeed FRUGAL is a trait I often find some of the most successful entrepreneurs share.
Anyone Can Do it - Very inspirational - especially if you are seeking the motivation to start your own business or to take the business you have to a greater level.


June 5th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
That sounds like a good book and am gonna see if I can get my hand on a copy. While I do get your point about not spending on accountants and consultants but sometimes I’ve found it to be far cheaper to hire someone who knows how to get things done smoothly inside government departments. Atleast here in “entrepreneur unfriendly” Indian Government Departments.
June 13th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Barry, feel free to send me the book
I just spent 4 grand on air conditioning, so I am tightening the purse strings.
Dean
June 13th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Well Dean - if you must live in a beautiful warm climate, then I dare says AIR CON is a must
Just for you, I will send you the book!
Barry
February 13th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
How do people CHOOSE to be poor some have no CHOICE
April 19th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
yes thats true but their are things u can do to improve your situation.