Review of When Business Is Love

[Tomy Chandrafrost]

[Following is a volunteer review of "When Business Is Love" by Jan Ryde.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Initially, I thought this was just a business book with a touch of self-help and an NLP approach. I didn't expect to gain so many insights from this book.

At first glance, this book seems like a memoir about his journey building his family's company in Sweden, a mattress company that has stood for hundreds of years as an inherited legacy. However, as I read it over time, I realized this book is deeper than that.

This book gives vibes similar to the Blue Ocean Strategy, as he emphasizes in many parts of his book, about applying an abundance mindset in running a business. According to him, we don't need to get stuck in irrelevant competition with competitors and should focus more on our competitive advantages. Everyone should be oriented towards the company's values and how to fulfill others' needs.
The principles he takes are many from the readings he has done. I like how he applies these principles in running his business world, as well as explaining how he executes in each field, from recruitment to how he faces challenges in the business world.

In some parts of his story, we see him reach the point of almost going bankrupt. How he went through the almost bankrupt period when he lost loved ones and how he returned to the values he should hold and reformed this company.
This part teaches me that not everyone has the ability and willingness to develop themselves, even though they have privilege. I like how this book reminds me of the growth mindset and how to get out of mental scarcity and victim mentality. 

This book is easy to read and has an amazing, flawless, and perfect editing.

This book deserves a rating of 5 out of 5 because it is one of the self-help books that, in my opinion, not only uses common sense but also genuinely reads and inserts psychological approaches well into his writing. 

In many parts, I relate to this book. I didn't expect to gain many insights from this book about business. Perhaps this is because of the author's habit of reading and his work as a Dale Carnegie certificate trainer. At the end, there are even many great reading recommendations that he gives to the readers, showing the abundance mentality he advocates.

As for its shortcomings, perhaps this book still emphasizes too much on personal stories and only takes a few examples from outside. He might need to increase the number of case studies from outside to make them more relatable and actionable for others.

This book is very good. I recommend it for fighters in the field of entrepreneurship, young people who are looking to build a career, and even parents who are considering what good values they want to teach their children related to striving in life. This book is suitable for those needs. 

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When Business Is Love
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[Tomi Ahmed]

Thank you for such a comprehensive and reflective review. Your insights highlight the depth and practicality of the book, particularly how it intertwines personal memoir with actionable business strategies. It's great to hear how the author's emphasis on an abundance mindset and growth principles resonated with you. Your recommendation for a wider audience, from entrepreneurs to parents, underscores the book's versatility and relevance. Your balanced critique also adds to the review's credibility. This definitely sounds like a valuable read for anyone looking to gain both personal and professional development.

[Harshitha Nayak]

What a tittle!!! Business is love and getting into business which you love the most because it requires passion, consistency. It helps a lot to people who want to be business people, it's kind of guide book.

[Amy Luman]

I might consider reading a self-help book such as this. Mr. Ryde’s approach to growing a business by focusing on the positive things that he is doing and not worrying so much about the competition’s business practices seems like a good one to me. I’m also glad that there are no errors present. Thanks!

[Julie Basil]

This sounds like an interesting book and I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I, too, enjoy when self-help style books include personal anecdotes, but can understand your desire for more case studies. Keep up the good work!

[Priya Murugesan]

Based on your review, I believe it is a good self-help book. I love the way how you pointed out the shortcomings. I agree with that.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

By now, you've reviewed quite a few self-help books. Did you find that this one offers something new that you haven't read before? This is an issue I've been facing lately with many recent books. The two exceptions are Fireproof Happiness and Phobia Relief, both of which I apply their examples daily.

[Yashi Shukla]

Personally, I enjoy self help books as they motivate me to do better in my life. But I also think case studies add to practicality of a self help book so I think this one might not be my cup of tea.

[Gerry Steen]

I am interested to know more about how the author disregards outside competition while focusing on developing his company's competitive edge. How does he get his employees to be committed to company values and the needs of others? The book's title, "When Business is Love," must serve as a clue to how he managed to be successful. I want to read this book. Great review!

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

Your review offers a fresh perspective on this book, initially perceived as a business memoir but revealing deeper insights akin to the Blue Ocean Strategy's abundance mindset. Great job!

[Anozie Stephanie]

I have read this book before and was so impressed on the family business, the way it was brought up till how the author nutured it to what the business became.

[_Rhea Jacob]

Thank you for your detailed review! It made me even more intrigued to read the book. I will add this book to my reading list.

[Tomi Ahmed]

This review highlights the unexpected depth and valuable insights found in what initially seemed to be a straightforward business book. The comparison to the "Blue Ocean Strategy" and emphasis on an abundance mindset in business are particularly intriguing. The personal anecdotes about overcoming near-bankruptcy and personal loss add a compelling, human element to the narrative. Despite a focus on personal stories, the book's psychological approaches and practical applications in business management are praised. It's recommended for entrepreneurs, career-builders, and parents alike, earning a well-deserved 5 out of 5 rating for its relatable and actionable content.

[Cristiano Bellucci]

Thanks very much, Tomy, for your great review. I was not sure about this book. I appreciate the Blue Ocean strategy, it will be interesting to read. I will add this book to my list.

[Charmaine Mahlangu]

Lovely read. This is a kind of book one should read before they venture into the world of entrepreneurship. It sounds like a well thought out book and prepares you for decisions that not only shape your business but shape you too. I'd definitely go for it.