Review: The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

Over the past couple of days I’ve been reading Mike Michalowicz’s book The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur.

 I have to admit, I immediately had a positive bias towards the book after skimming the table of contents…any book that has a section called “How to Blow Your Last $20 on Booze and Still Make Millions”  has me hooked right away.

Mike’s Not Just an Author, He’s Your Buddy

Mike writes in an everyman kind of style that’s entertaining, straightforward, and downright enjoyable. I finished most of the book in one sitting, it’s that engaging. And while the it may be aimed at startups or those just going into business, the principals and ideas Mike lays out apply regardless of what stage your business is in.

Have a Beer With Mike, and Pick His Business Brain

What I like best about the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur is that it reads less like a “How to” manual on business, and is more like sitting down with a successful good buddy over a couple of beers to discuss how they built a business, and what you can do to start yours.

Mike provides numerous TPE Tips throughout the book, which are real world suggestions and ideas that you can apply today to help you succeed with your business.

Some will save you money (such as using Google Documents instead of expensive office software), others are nuggets of wisdom that will save your sanity as you take your business to the next level.

Take Action Now

As if the insight from Mike wasn’t enough, he ends every chapter with a Take Action Now set of  items for you to accomplish. These are practical things you can do today, in less than 30 minutes, that put into practice what you just learned from the chapter. Worth their weight in gold!

Get a Swift Kick From Mike

Whether you’re just starting out or have been at this for years, Mike’s “get real” approach to business is a much-needed swift kick in the pants. In this book, you’ll discover:

• Why a business plan is a total waste of your time.
• Why fulfilling your own needs is the first and last order of business. 
• Which three sheets of paper you need to successfully launch, manage and grow your business.
• How to get started in business with little or no money
• How to find and exploit resources that no one else knows about.
• How to stop procrastinating and take action NOW!

Summary

This is one of the most enjoyable business books I’ve read in a while, and think you’ll enjoy it too. 

If you’ve been looking for that easily digestible book on business,  or have a business idea but don’t know what to do next, this one’s for you. 

 

Full Disclosure: The above is my honest opinion . I’ve received no compensation from the author for writing such a mushy review, although if he wants to send me some royalties I probably wouldn’t say no.

 

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