32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business

Reviewed by: Leandus Poe C.E.O./Author/Critic Titles: Strawberries and Blackberry Cheesecake Diminishing Love Companies: Million Dollar Book Reviews Million Dollar Boys Club 32 Ways to be a Champion in Business by Earvin "Magic" Johnson 5 Diamonds I can't believe how excited I was to pick up a book written by Earvin "Magic" Johnson concerning information that would make me a better businessman. I have been hearing about his business success as an entrepreneur for years. Honestly I didn't even know that this book was even out until recently. My excitement dates back to the 80's when he lead the Los Angeles Lakers to many victories. That's when I use to watch basketball all the time. It was a better ingredient of athletes back then. Magic was a nickname given to him based off of what he did as a "play-maker" on the court. Well guess what ladies and gentlemen? He is still magical. His book 32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business is no different from him being a superb play-maker. This book lists all the special ingredients to become a powerful force as an entrepreneur. I pose the question, what African American leader is giving back to his/her community? I asked that question because in my opinion giving knowledge is the ultimate gift. Earvin "Magic" Johnson gives back everything he has learned as a businessman with hopes of inspiring the future generation. He teaches in his book not to just be concerned about making a sale. He is more consumed with showing you how to invest in your own creativity so you can establish a mission for your company. Does your company have a cause or goal? If making cash is the only reason then one might truly fail. It's not to say that we shouldn't have the goal of prosperity. It's saying that longevity and company vision will yield a greater return over time. He also urges us to get involved in our on communities. That's a resource that all African American authors, need to tap into. How many organizations are out there showing young kids how to put a book together and get it published? The end result is that I am motivated to be a better entrepreneur and I appreciate Mr. Johnson giving us his personal knowledge to succeed. This book is a Million Dollar Book Reviews recommended read!!

Well writen, good advice on many every day things that always come up. One of those books that once you start hard to not finish. Excellent reading.

This was an easy, well written read. Magic covered everything from A-B. He included his journey to becoming a very successful businessman. He is certainly a respected man on and off of the court. He is also very humble and gives acknowledgement to those who have influenced hm throughout this book. He s quite the role model to all.

I caught Magic on the Tavis Smiley show one night and was sold on picking up a copy of his book. After reading the book, I learned what a "brand" means and how closely it's tied to my personal values and consequently how I do business. I'm an entrepreneur (been 3-1/2 years since I left corporate america - yes!) who's been steadily growing my business and adding new client each year. Magic's book helped me understand why people buy from me and what makes me unique (brand). In the past, after a particularly positive sale (and also when managing accounts), I was in the habit of asking clients why they decided to do business with me. Their feedback defined "value" which I now understand, after reading Magic's book, defines my company's "brand". Nowadays, I share my brand with prospects to help them identify a reason(s) to do business with me. I no longer have to be concerned about trying to be something I'm not. Thanks to Magic's stories and the lessons he's learned, I am more confident that what I bring to the table creates a competitive advantage for my company in the local marketplace here in southern New Hampshire. And, let's not forget Magic's goal of "over-delivering"- as shared in his garbage truck story. It's amazing to think how his dad left an indelible impression on him (and now on me) with something as easy to understand as picking up trash on a winter day. Hugely inspiring. I get it and how that life lesson ties into my business each and everyday. Thanks Magic for that and the remaining 31 lessons learned in the course of your many business ventures. I now feel I too will become a champion in business. Best, Perry Spearman, Publisher Town Planner Community Calendar

If there's one word to describe the content of this book, it would be substance. I picked this book up last week after listening to Magic's radio interview with Steve Harvey. Normally, I would actively listen to book discussions and if interested, add to my list for later. However, during the discussion on the radio, Steve highlighted some of the points covered in the book such as forming business partnerships, following your entrepeneurial passion, franchising and of course financing. This book was told through Magic's experience from beginning to end. It covers finding your dream, to building your business, exiting your business and my favorite, social responsibility. I enjoyed the level of detail in his experiences. You don't normally get this from a well-known athlete/celebrity or even from other business books who's intent is to educate OR tell a story. Magic's book educates through real examples. He takes you through the journey of getting in that board room and pitching your business plan which lead to a "no" at first. Many entrepenuers can relate to that! There's cautionary advice, a host of options for you to consider as a entrepeneur. Magic did not learn everything in one day and he gladly gives credit to those who have taught him along the way. I believe because of his mission, he taught a lot of pessimistic opportunists a lot. Earvin does speak a little about how his past NBA-career may have helped or hurt during his entrepeneurial journey. It's worth the read for inspiration and direction. This book is a comprehensive look at what it takes to lead a community while pursuing entrepenuership. Ironically, given all of Magic's business dealings, I don't think I've ever read of anyone maintaining an evolving door of entrepeneurship. His mission is steady and his investments are diverse. Truly an honest read. I walked away with a full discussion with my family and a sense of additional research I needed to do as a budding entrepeneur. Again, this book has substance.