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The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

(Author), HarperCo Books (Editor)
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (181 customer reviews)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Disarmingly funny, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur tells it like it is and yet never gives up on the little guy. After reading this book you'll feel like you can actually pull it off - because you can."
--Donny Deutsch, Host of CNBC's The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch and Chairman, Deutsch Inc.

"The title of Mike's book might spark your interest, but the contents will truly transform your interest into entrepreneurial success."
--Pat Croce, Former Owner of the 76ers & Host of Down to Business

"Rock solid advice straight from the trenches, this book will change the way you look at everything about business. Mike has done a great job of making the complex - simple to understand. Bravo!"
--Bill Bartman, Self-made Billionaire (25th Wealthies Person in the World) & National Entrepreneur of the Year (twice) by USA Today, Inc, and E&Y & Founder of Billionaire Business Systems.

"This book kicks ass. I have read dozens of great books on entrepreneurship and honestly, I have never read one that was more in line with my own personal entrepreneurial philosophy and experience. And yes, you can quote me on that."
--Scott Allen, The Blogger for Guide to Entrepreneurs (Entrepreneurs.About.com) & Entrepreneur

"The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur is a great, insightful read loaded with ingenuity, humor, and heart. If there was ever a "must-read" book for aspiring entrepreneurs, this is it."
--Cameron Johnson, Entrepeneur, Oprah's The Big Give Contestent and Author of You Call The Shots

"Fast-moving, packed with anecdotes from real businesses and genuinely very funny, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur shares lessons that I can relate to from running my own business for the past five years."
--Fraser Doherty, 19 Year Old Founder & Managing Director of $1M+ company, SuperJam

"Stop your crying! Stop your whining! The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur shows you how to get off the pot by using what you have to make your business a success!"
--Barry Moltz, Entrepreneur and Author of Bounce!

"The book is full of business wisdom that any entrepreneur can learn from. His life experiences, personality and huge set of balls make him THE MAN... and this book LIFE CHANGING!"
--Louis Lautman, Filmmaker & Founder of Young Entrepreneur Society (Y.E.S.)

"The TPE is a raw, powerfully inspirational, and intriguingly crafted masterpiece. Read this book tonight and start your company tomorrow. I did."
--Alexander LindahlFounder of College Mogul

"The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur is a must-read for aspiring AND established entrepreneurs. First, it is written by a successful serial entrepreneur who has built multi-million dollar businesses and walked the talk. Second, Michael is not afraid to call it like he sees it, whether or not it offends others. Unfortunately, both of these qualities are lacking in most entrepreneurship books."
--Michael Simmons, Co-Founder of Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour & Bestselling Author of The Student Success Manifestor

"This book kicks ass. I have read dozens of great books on entrepreneurship and honestly, I have never read one that was more in line with my own personal entrepreneurial philosophy and experience. And yes, you can quote me on that."
--Scott Allen, The Blogger for Guide to Entrepreneurs (Entrepreneurs.About.com) & Entrepreneur

Product Description

"Never started a company before? Struggling with little or no cash? Have no experience, no baseline to judge your progress against? Thank God! You've got a shot at making this work." So says Mike Michalowicz, author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, a business book that is so uniquely useful, so raw and entertaining, it reads like the brainchild of Steve Jobs and Chris Rock.

The founder of three multimillion-dollar companies, including Obsidian Launch, a company that partners with first-time entrepreneurs to grow their concepts into industry leaders, Mike Michalowicz knows what it really takes to spin your great idea into pure gold.

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!


Product Details

  • Hardcover: 199 pages
  • Publisher: Obsidian Launch, LLC; 1st Edition edition (September 30, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0981808204
  • ISBN-13: 978-0981808208
  • Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (181 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,694 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #13 in  Books > Business & Investing > Small Business & Entrepreneurship > New Business Enterprises
    #21 in  Books > Business & Investing > Business Life > Motivation & Self-Improvement

More About the Author

Mike Michalowicz
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Customer Reviews

181 Reviews
5 star:
 (160)
4 star:
 (9)
3 star:
 (1)
2 star:
 (5)
1 star:
 (6)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (181 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Better Than Most Business Books Out There - He's the Real Deal, September 30, 2008
By Andrew Dumais (Manchester, NH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
Mike Michalowicz is the real deal, hands down. I read a pre-release copy of the book and was blown away by the way Mike communicated his message in the book like he's talking with you one-on-one. He's incredibly funny with how he presents the information, which makes it an awesome read (especially since most of us don't have much time to read).

What I really liked about this book was how Mike didn't "fluff it up" and gave some quality content based on real life...something you don't get in the classroom theory we go through. His action steps at the end of each chapter help you to refocus on the point he's making and give you something to take action on right away. The book truly becomes something almost alive to you that will lead you on to success, if you let it.

In closing, I believe this is one of the best guides on how to get started in business. Most business books I've read do well covering the "I'm past the start-up" stage, but Mike really helps the first-time or newbie entrepreneur understand the mindset and actions that are required to succeed. Heck, I'm sure it's even a good brush-up for the experienced ones too. I highly recommend it!
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18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for beginner entrepreneurs and good for the rest of us too, September 26, 2008
By Benjamin A. Simon (Arlington, VA United States) - See all my reviews
Because of my interest in this topic (I write software for businesses who fit the definition of a Toilet Paper Entrepreneur), Mike (a guy I've just met over the web) sent me a review copy of the text.

I have to say, I really enjoyed the book. It's written with a humorous / conversational tone, which makes for an easy read (be prepared for lots of potty humor). While the book is fun, I was pleased to find lots of useful advice for building a business - the book goes beyond just cheerleading.

I happen to be a big fan of the whole bootstrapping method of building a business. Rather than figure this approach out via trial and error, Mike provides a concrete approach for doing just this.

I gave the book 5 starts because I think it nails the topic for the audience it wants to go after: people who want to start a business, but don't think they have the money or education to do so. If that's you, then this should be among the first business books you buy.

If you're like myself and have a bit more experience, then I still recommend the book. You'll no doubt find it educational, and at the very least, you'll get in quite a few good laughs.

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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Short Easy Applicable Guide for the Everyday Entrepreneur, December 22, 2008
I fell in love with Toilet Paper Entrepreneur on page xxi (in the introduction) where Mike Michalowicz does a brilliant comparison between the "Media Darling" entrepreneur and his "Three Sheet Path." In Mike's example at the age of 18, the media darling is recruited to an Ivy League school only to quit and launch a successful VC. Meanwhile, Mike is picking colleges based on the guy-to-girl ratios. Yup - that would be me.

This book showed me that regular people with some skill and an idea can launch a successful business -- without all the fancy schmancy MBA stuff and spending thousands on consultants and technology. Don't get me wrong. There is a place for all the formal stuff - but this book will get you to that place.

One of my favorite Guy Kawasaki quotes (from his new book Reality Check) goes something like "Just once I wish someone would ask me for money to increase their capacity because they have more customers than they know what to do with!"

Toilet Paper Entrepreneur will get you to that point where you will build a business and an infrastructure for profitable growth. If you've ever dreamed of pitching the likes of Guy Kawasaki - read this first. This will get you to needing more capacity to serve more customers.

Mike doesn't have to impress anyone. He has proven (because he's made millions several times over) that real entrepreneurship is about resourceful action and this book tells you how.

Build your business with 3 documents
1. A Prosperity Plan - Your credo and vision for your success.
2. A Quarterly Plan - Your goals and objectives a quarter out
3. Daily Metrics - The numbers that immediately measure the health of your business.

You'll also find ways to:
- Get low-cost, no-cost employees and assistance
- Find office furniture
- Free conference calling and web casting

And so much more.
WARNING: Not for the easily offended.

If you are easily offended by potty humor - this book is not for you. If you're more impressed with high-end consultant, PhD. research-based books that tell you all the right ways to do things - you'll be disappointed.

But even the "negative reviews" here acknowledge that the information is good, valid, insightful and right on.

Personally, I love the potty humor. It's visceral and completely and effectively communicates what it really means to be resourceful when you have to be.

I've already used many of the tips in the book and saved some money. It's inspirational and is gathering quite the community of fun entrepreneurs committed to action and growth no matter what the economy.,
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Run a profitable business from day one!
If I had to choose one book out of all others to recommend to someone who wanted to start their own business, it's this one. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Christopher Foundas

5.0 out of 5 stars TPE is a must have book for entrepreneurs who need that extra push..
I received this book as a gift from a business partner. After reading the book I was immediately inspired to take my business to the next level. Read more
Published 26 days ago by M. Brown

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent!!!!!
I loved this book! It was very inspirational and really gives you some confidence to get out there and get going! Read more
Published 27 days ago by W. C. Dertinger

1.0 out of 5 stars Lack of evaluation/testing undermines quirky strategies
This book has inspired a loyal following; I found more references to this book, and support for its content on the Internet (in forums, chat rooms, blogs, media, etc. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Joehotels

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it! Refreshing views and very good info!
I have never written a review on a book before, but this one I felt warranted it.

I am a long time Entrepreneur and an even longer time business person. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Keith Fear

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Entrepreneur Should Read This!
If you have a business or are thinking of starting one, this book should be read cover to cover with a highlighter in hand. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Theresa Gonzalez

1.0 out of 5 stars The reviews are part of an orchestrated campaign, check the review stats...
Wow! Subtlety may not be required for success in business, but a little is needed to successfully hijack the customer reviews. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jeff Knight

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, honest, actionable, and hilarious business guide - it's about time!
If you're like me, you've been "sitting on the pot" obsessing over all the dreams you've had since childhood about owning your own business and being wealthy. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kevin McLaurin

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and funny!
Mike has done a great job in taking a serious topic and making it entertaining and informative. Great and to the point tips for us, street smart entrepreneurs of the world!
Published 1 month ago by S. Boldrini

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and very USEFUL book
Mike goes the extra mile to show you the bones of any good business. What to avoid and how to focus on simple techniques to move forward and be successful. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Andrew L. Yarnell

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The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

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My connection to the author: When I discovered Mike Michalowicz and The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur on the web I was immediately hooked. Mike was codifying ideas and practices that I was aware of, but hadn’t ever seen expressed so clearly.  Though I

Author: Mike Michalowicz;  Publisher: Obsidian Launch, LLC;  Publication Date: 2008-09-30; ...

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Created on Oct 03, 2008, last edited on Oct 03, 2008.

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