The Little Stuff Matters Most: 50 Rules from 50 Years Trying to Make a Living

This book was called "Little Things Matter" when it was in hardcover. At any rate, I think many people overlook the fact that Brillstein was one of the most successful managers and producers in that snake pit called Hollywood, with a career spanning 50+ years. And he didn't have to be a prick to do it. He learned a lot along the way, and this book (and his other - Where Did I Go Right?: You're No One In Hollywood Unless Someone Wants You Dead!.) are a concise sharing of the experiences. (He passed away not long ago on August 7, 2008). Much of what he relates are useful in any business - I'm a consultant, and saw many personal business experiences in his anecdotes - in fact, a few gave me some new insights on what I thought at the time were just rather odd situations. Like any memoir, it's unique to the person and their times. But one has to wonder - was Brillstein the last of a generation (mature, professional, not totally self-absorbed and with some principles) - or did he set the example for another generation to follow? He certainly put his signature on a lot of people. Food for thought.

I found this book in the dollar store over the past weekend. I've read through the book and found it enjoyable: Common-sense approaches to business that can be distilled in a few easy lessons. The chapters are short, the points of which are illustrated by vignettes peppered with familiar entertainment industry names. It comes down to this: Be true to yourself, work hard, treat people the way you'd want to be treated, and don't underestimate your enemy. Overall, a worthwhile and entertaining reading experience.

This book is clear-headed, chock full of invaluable tell-it-like-it-is insights, humorous or serious when it needs to be. If you want coddling go elsewhere. If you want to hear the truth about what it takes to get ahead in business and in life -- manners, smarts, listen to your own instincts, think in the long term -- you'll have to agree that the little stuff DOES matter most, and Brillstein's career and accumulated respect shows it. As the jacket says: like having your own personal manager without having to part with 15% of your paycheck. That's worth the price of the book right there. (And it's small enough to carry everywhere!)