The Power Point

I've proclaimed for a long time that the single biggest reason that Bill Gates is the richest man in the world is because he has done a better job than anyone else at getting people on his "bandwagon". This book talks about getting people on your bandwagon - customers, employees, vendors, and lenders. And then, it does a fabulous job of explaining why the system-oriented company will always outperform the people-oriented company. Having a systems orientation is critical to a businesses success. This book has perhaps the best explanation of this "mindset" that I have ever seen. The book brings these two important messages - people on your bandwagon and systems - home by use of interesting stories of people who got people on their bandwagon and who created fantastic systems. A third important point that this book brings out is how people are "asleep", how they are simply "reacting" their way through life - and they wonder why their businesses either struggle along or fail. Perhaps the greatest lesson that one can derive from this book is that if God isn't the center of our world, our world will crumble, our world will be chaotic. The last half of the book describes a lot cynicism and negativity about life and people. The author tells in detail how his own business reached a great pinnacle and then crumbled around him. I've helped many business owners grow their business through the years and I continually see two patterns played out over and over. The person and the business who has "The Lord's Prayer" as its center of operation will ultimately succeed no matter what comes against it. In contrast, the person and business who does not, will find their business crashing down around them - usually after having reached spectacular heights. As we can read in the book of Psalms, "except the Lord build the house, the builders build in vain". If a person has a good handle on the concepts of creating win-win arrangements for all and the concept of business processes and systems, then I would recommend passing on this book because of it's dismal nature and because of its foul language. If however, a person's business is struggling and you aren't familiar with systematizing your business, then this book might be a life-saver for you. It's for this reason that I give it 5 stars.

This book is good for any business person in a franchise that is going a bit tough ... Michael went through what I could only imagine was a horrific situation and came out the other end with flying colors. The book will give you the passion to continue. Other books will give you the `how to' and that is needed - this one gives you the strength. Nic

What a tremendous book from a man who has an incredible understanding of business in our free market economy. If you want to have a better grasp of why businesses succeed or fail, and want to transform your businesses and take it to another level, by all means READ THIS BOOK! Your view of business and how they operate will never be the same. Thank you Michael Gerber!