Lessons from the Apprentice: Secrets to Success from the Boardroom to the Business World (Official Book) (Paperback)

~ Michael Robin (Author), Authorized by The Apprentice (Contributor), Donald Trump (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Part entertainment and part "how-to-succeed-in-business", this unique resource will offer powerful lessons in leadership, management, salesmanship...even chutzpah...for aspiring entrepreneurs and ambitious go-getters of all stripes, all pulled from the enormously popular TV show THE APPRENTICE. The book will explore key business lessons culled from the weekly episodes of the first three seasons of the show. From lessons on effective selling (team Protégé's success in the Lemonade stand business, for example) to launching new ventures (Mosaic's bridal show triumph) to key management tips (team Net Worth's successful effort at Burger King), Lessons From THE APPRENTICE provides the real-life, winning secrets to success directly from the TV show that Donald Trump and the winning participants identity and illustrate on air in each show. In addition to the important business and life lessons from the who, the book will recount the fascinating moves which took place on tasks and in the boardroom in a series of entertaining sections titles" Boardroom Maneuvers", "Winning Moves" and "Fatal Errors"/ Out of these episodes are a gold mine of trips, skills and advice on how to make the right moves in the Boardroom and the business world. And fabulous never-before-seen photos of the cast and tasks will make for entertaining eye candy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Time Inc Home Entertainment (September 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932994262
• ISBN-13: 978-1932994261
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #607,375 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This book is only for The Apprentice Lover., July 25, 2006

By	C. Brooks "Book lover" (Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I gave this book two stars because the book was a little boring and dragged on in some areas. The best information was in the margins and the quotes not really any of the information in the book. I have read: Carolyn, Bill, and Amy's books and I want to give this one a try.

This book is truly for The Apprentice TV lover but if you are looking for business advice this is not the book for you.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A look at the first three "seasons", December 6, 2005

By	Corinne H. Smith (Athol, MA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

It's difficult to believe that the first Apprentice "interview" was aired on January 8, 2004. Donald Trump's signature table smack, pointing finger, and "You're fired!" pronouncement seem to have been in our cultural memory far longer. And you don't have to be a fan or avid watcher of the program to be familiar with it.

"Lessons" follows the format of the typical television show commemorative paperback. It's got full-color photos and two episode lists that detail the tasks, project managers, team members, rewards, fatal errors, boardroom callbacks, and firees of the first three "seasons." But of course, it offers much more than a mere superficial episode recap. The bulk of the book is organized by chapters that focus on the various aspects of business that were represented by the tasks: product development, sales techniques, leadership, time management, boardroom survival, etc. Each chapter uses Apprentice examples, both good and bad, to make a point. The pages are liberally decorated with words of advice from Donald, Carolyn Kepcher, and George Ross, as well as Marilyn DeVries, Linda Sawyer, RuthAnn Fry, Gene Simmons, George Steinbrenner, and Alan "Ace" Greenberg. The result is glitzy and not quite as in-depth as the analysis that was posted weekly on the NBC Apprentice web site during the third "season" (analysis that is shamefully missing from the current fourth "season" web page). These examples and recommendations provide interesting food for thought and a trip down memory lane for those of us who have <gasp!> watched every installment.

Copies of this book are destined to show up at yard sales and used book sales in a few years, but "Lessons" provides moderate enjoyment in the meantime. True Trump devotees will want to hang on to and savor their copies a little longer.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect recap of the first 3 seasons of the Apprentice, October 9, 2005

By	Paul Allaer (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I got into "The Apprentice" about half-way into the first season and have been hooked ever since. There are so many dynamics going on in the show (such as short term goals, i.e. winning the assignment; relating to team members; and of course dealing with The Donald, and his side kicks George and Carolyn), that makes it compelling viewing all around. Don't underestimate the Donald's factor. For proof, check the oh-so-lame new Martha Stewart Apprentice show.... boring!!!

"Lessons from the Apprentice: Secrets to Success from the Boardroom to the Business World" (176 pages) is a high-end, glossy page book that takes you back to the first 3 seasons of "The Apprentice". While the book is structured to offer "lessons", it really is a fun look back of what worked and what went horribly wrong in the teams various assignments. With 20-20 vision, many of the mistakes that the losing teams made were so obvious (Ivana dropping her pants to "sell" chocolate bars? Danny's "Triple Play" act to get people into Burger King? etc.). There are plenty of pictures and quotes from the Donald, George and Carolyn, but also from the various business executives whose company products were on the line, and in that sense, yes, the book offers lessons.

In the end, though, this is an irreverent look back at the first three seasons of "The Apprentice", and a good one at that. In a way, it reminds me of the 3 (so far) Simpsons books that "dissect" the episodes. If you are a fan of "The Apprentice", you will love this book!