SOCIAL SCIENCES

Business Brilliant: Surprising Lessons from the Greatest Self-Made Business Icons

HarperBusiness. 2013. 256p. notes. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780062253507. $28.99; ebk. ISBN 9780062253521 BUS
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Best-selling author Schiff (executive director of Inc. Magazine's Business Owners Council service; The Influence of Affluence: The Rise of the New Rich and How They Are Changing America) argues that the "business brilliant" ways of the wealthy may be learned. He shares the results of a widespread survey he conducted after the 2008 financial crisis to determine how the "self-made wealthy" continued to prosper. Schiff's examples feature self-made leaders such as Richard Branson and Bill Gates. However, he ultimately debunks what he calls "myths of wealth" by highlighting the differences between the middle class and self-made millionaires; for example, 30 percent of the middle class thought "coming out on top in business dealings is paramount," while 75 percent of self-made millionaires agreed with that statement. Chapters on imitation over innovation, negotiations, and social contacts are followed by an appendix of 17 essentials to master on the road to wealth.
VERDICT A fascinating read that challenges popular opinions about what it takes to be wealthy. Recommended.
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