Stop and Sell the Roses

Trivia Question: In what book will you find Manny Sanguillen, the American Society for the Propagation of Cavities, Shaquille O'Neill, the hot new CD Yanni at Niagara Falls, and a kitty litter box for Jabba the Hut? I'm willing to bet you'll never guess. I'm also willing to bet you'll be surprised, amused, and inspired by that very same book: Jim McCann's outstanding Stop and Sell the Roses. Jim McCann, the easy-going and lovable "flower guy" who stars in his own TV ads, is arguably one of the great entrepreneurial success stories of our generation. But don't be fooled at how easy he makes it appear on television. McCann worked hard for his success and, like most other successful entrepreneurs, realized more than his share of failure as he built the organization that is now recognized worldwide as 1-800-FLOWERS. His story will astound and inspire you. McCann's book, subtitled Lessons from Business & Life, is as enjoyable a read as you are likely to find in any business book of its kind. Within his 1-800-FLOWERS McCann has created a culture of fun in the workplace and he manages to create the same level of fun for his readers. His approach to the New Retail Paradigm will likely be modeled--to some extent--by every aspiring entrepreneur who reads this book. And in case you get carried away with the occasional bursts of laughter as you make your way through his witty and often laugh-out-loud narration, he will just as quickly silence you and bring you back to the harsh realities of entrepreneurial life with provocative statements like, "If you are an entrepreneur and you do not eat, breath, and live your business, you will very soon be an ex-entrepreneur." Among the many lessons learned from his book, the one he stresses above all others--and the one that has stuck with me long after I finished reading it--is: first make a relationship, then do business. If you are inclined to read autobiographies of successful people as a way of gleaning some useful information to apply to your own life, Stop and Sell the Roses gets my highest recommendation. As the name of the book implies, this book is more than simply a "how to" guide for business. It contains lessons from McCann's life and business that you will enjoy and benefit from for years to come. For those fans of the book--of which I am obviously one--we can only hope that as the retail paradigm continues to shift and 1-800-FLOWERS continues to lead the way, Jim McCann will bless his readers with a follow-up book in the near future.

If you're an entrepreneur, I think you'll find this tape encouraging. There's a ton of ways to run a business. You can follow the advice of some marketing guru or pay thousands of dollars for the counsel of a business consultant. But nothing beats hearing how someone who's been there done that, and still doing it tell you have to run your business from start to finish. McCann gives wise business counsel including how to hire people and how to treat your customers. Also, his prediction that businesses of the future will be ran like large movie productions is not off base. If you have a sentimental side and the success of your business depends on forging immense trust between you and your would-be customer, I suggest you listen to what McCann has to say. He's business has to overcome several customer barriers and he maneuvered them well. Moreover, McCann lets his previous work as a student counselor, or "cultural engineer", play a big role in how he manages 1 800 FLOWERS. He's telling the story that entrepreneurs need to hear.

Jim McCann's book is entertaining, enlightning, and a great tune up for business people and anyone interested in an easy read. He offers the basics in the best business philosphy that people will do business with people they like, respect and trust. Jim also offers a unique perspective and feel for New York City. Sharing of his family experiences and the lessons learned both good and bad make this work genuine and fun to read. I've shared this book with family, friends and business associates. Treat yourself and Enjoy!

Jim McCann has built a national image and reputation and it is fascinating to hear him describe his roots and the things that went into making him a success. You can just imagine being at his kitchen table with his family and working the late shift at 800-Flowers. I also really liked his blend of tongue in cheek humor and business advice. After reading this you sure want to buy stock in his company.