Customer Reviews

Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For years it's been frustrating to me that none of Richard Branson's books were available on audio, so when this one came out I jumped on it.

Okay, this book is not as instructional and detailed as books like Good to Great. However, as wonderful as those other authors are, none of them have founded multi-billion dollar international firms. So what advice is here is coming straight from a source.

I know some are probably scoffing at the idea, sure that this book is ghost written, but I doubt it. Branson is a brand fanatic, who has made himself the living symbol of the brand.

Unlike Trump and others who espouse a cut-throat, zero-sum philosophy, Branson shows that entrepreneurship and conscience are not mutually exclusive. You can be a good person and a good businessman.

So if you want some sound business advice and a solid dose of hope this is the book to read... or listen.

I am an aspiring entrepreneur. I was coming up with several business ideas and was looking to find a meaning and mantra for my business, and was looking to get some insight into other entrepreneurs experience. Came across this book and bought it, and read it. It is a valuable read for entrepreneurs and for others thinking about entrepreneurship. Do not forget to read the inside of the covers on the front and the back. Several valuable lessons that can be learnt from Sir Richard Branson's experience, while you are going about your startup. Make sure you have fun reading this book!

Truly inspiring and fun book. Richard first of all is truly a unique and fun personality. The message of the book in short is to "Try!". Whatever you aspire in your life, you must go for it. From business POV book doesn't give that much of concrete advices; As Richard puts it, every company is different and you just must learn by doing. Overall, the book is easy and fun to read, and gives truly great reading experience!

Length:: 8:06 Mins

Austin Slovak's review was made as part of a critical review assignment for the Fall 2011 Economics of Entrepreneurship seminar at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, taught by Art Diamond. (The course syllabus stated that part of the critical review assignment consisted of the making of a video recording of the review, and the posting of the review to Amazon.)

I wonder if this book is just a publicity stunt to answer all the criticism Branson and Virgin have garnered over the years. The stories are often fun and interesting, it's very well written (likely by a big staff of highly paid writers), and it does give you good insight into the motivations of a good company leader. However, there's something funny about it - it seems too well planned and every once in a while it talks about a sensitive topic, as if the whole point is to reframe Branson's and Virgin's image. I'll admit the manipulation is subtle and masterful, but there nonetheless. I don't know much about Virgin but after reading this, I know more and like the company more. So, I'd say they have a success here. If you can see past the massive ego, it's a fun read and informative.

I gave this as a gift, and the receiver has been listening to it and says it is enjoyable, informative, and likes that Richard Branson does the reading himself. Since I gave it, all I can say is what I was told!

I am an engineering student, but I love to read about all kinds of topics. Before reading this book I had an idea that business was hard, that it was reserved to a specific group of people, that it was all about economics and money. Well guess what? It's not. Branson takes you on a journey that skims through some of his experiences in a wide variety of fields and shares his thoughts, feelings, ideas, and enthusiasm. It was an excellent read, and that's coming from someone who hated anything to do with business or economy. Thank you Mr. Branson.

Literary value of this book approaches bedtime stories. The entrepreneurial ideas were interesting, but were weakly linked to the stories.

I wanted to learn about how Branson became a financial success, as that is how he has distinguished himself.

Instead I learned the man is very vain about his charitable efforts.

In the book he details his encounters with famous people who put up with him due to his wealth, as he believes his philosophy is charming them.

This is a boring book.

Not that much meat for starters. Was hard to understand while driving as Branson's voice is to soft and and constantly shifts from very low to moderately higher. I think it was a book done simply to make a buck by trading on the mans fame.