What does a former boxing Heavyweight Champion of the World have to offer in the way of advice on running a business? Quite a bit, as it turns out. The cheerful man who brought us George Foreman’s Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine also brings us a book full of homespun entrepreneurial wisdom. See what can be, by finding a need and filling it. Get competent advisors who have integrity into your corner, and listen to them. If your name is on it, make it good. Set your standards and be willing to walk away from a deal. Build relationships and make people love you. Celebrate your success by becoming a giver.
The book tells numerous stories both from George Foreman’s boxing days and also from his subsequent life as a preacher and business entrepreneur, leveraging his fame in marketing numerous different types of goods, some successfully and others unsuccessfully. The narrative flows naturally from the challenges faced in a boxing match to the challenges faced in running a business. You will face pain, but you must not let it keep you down. You must know your foe. If you want to succeed you must always answer the bell at the start of a new round, even when you are tired, thirsty and hurting.
I initially found various references to “the Good Lord” and “the Good Book” somewhat confusing, perhaps intended for an exclusively Christian audience. Subsequently it became apparent that Foreman credits his coming to faith in Jesus as the primary reason for the change in his attitude as a boxer and then for the positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm which has led to his business success. While the book is not a complete textbook for entrepreneurs, those who have ever plucked up the courage to try something daring and different will find the contents positive, encouraging and entertaining.
Disclosure: This review has been prepared as part of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program.