Review of SALES FIRST!: Growing Our Company the Old-Fashioned Way

[LinaMueller]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "SALES FIRST!: Growing Our Company the Old-Fashioned Way" by John Haugh and Michael Shaughnessy.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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SALES FIRST!: Growing Our Company the Old-Fashioned Way by John Haugh and Michael Shaughnessy is an entrepreneurship book that tells the story of two chemical salespeople who created the colossal company ColorMatrix which came to generate more than 100 million in revenue. However, they didn't make a revolutionary product (in fact, they found a cheaper and more efficient way to add color to plastics).

This critical book features the two entrepreneurs, each giving their point of view in separate chapters. In this work, all phases of a company are discussed, from its formation, development to the sale of the participation of the two entrepreneurs. John and Michael have achieved the incredible feat of developing a company that generated over 100 million in revenue without investor money. Little by little, they learned from their mistakes and developed relationships that became key for the business to be successful. Besides, the relationship between the two entrepreneurs is portrayed brilliantly. Both make it clear that one should not avoid discussions and conflicts for a business relationship to be successful. Instead, they should be met with transparency so that no issue remains unresolved.

What I liked most about the book was understanding how the two entrepreneurs worked to make a profit but ended up creating jobs and helping the community in Cleveland. The authors don't want to promote themselves because they make it clear in various parts of the book that when they started ColorMatrix, they didn't intend to be community-oriented. Either way, it's inspiring to note that you don't have to be as evil as Gordon Gekko to be successful in the real world. It is possible to make a profit and also contribute to society.

Even the most diehard critic would have a hard time pointing out anything negative. Some people might say that the business model advocated in the book applies only to some specific areas. It may be accurate, but the point is that there is a plethora of advice that can be used in the most diverse business sectors. Besides, it's impossible to write a business book detailing how you've been successful in one specific area that applies to every business. As such, I consider the book pretty much flawless. The authors shared many life experiences and concepts that will benefit many entrepreneurs.

All in all, I rate SALES FIRST!: Growing Our Company the Old-Fashioned Way four out of four stars. This fascinating book demonstrates that you don't have to be a genius or create a fancy product to be a successful entrepreneur. What is needed is commitment and knowing how to deal well with people. Qualities that both authors have to spare. There are no flaws and not one single reason to deduct one star from the final score. Besides, I couldn't find one single grammatical error. I recommend it to entrepreneurs or people who want to start a business.

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SALES FIRST!: Growing Our Company the Old-Fashioned Way
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[collinsogw555]

I am happy to read a review about a business. I would love to read this book because it would teach me more about business-oriented and also how to grow my own business. Great review.

[EternalD]

There is no free lunch. Anyone who wants to get rich without having anything has to work hard and be dedicated. This seems to be the case for these two gentlemen. Great review.

[Mfopat Olympik]

I definitely want to read this book. Is about business and it's two people who have succeeded in business who share their experience. This book should contain a lot of advice for entrepreneurs. Great review. thank you for this shared pleasure

[asteel18]

"Make a profit and also contribute to society" seems rare these days. I'm sure the authors provide invaluable advice.

[Hussein21]

This is a good book for all entrepreneurs and anyone planning on venturing into selling and buying. It tells the tale of two friends venturing into sales and it contains a lot of valuable lessons and I'm glad to come across this book.

[nishureading]

I am happy to see this kind of review. I love reading biographies and this kind of critical eye about the making of a business is needed in my life. Great review!!!

[Astral Magi]

Quite amazing how they started up a successful company from nothing. Thank you for an excellent review.

[Leen282]

Commitment and knowing how to deal with people: if this means building and growing a company the old-fashioned way, then I am all in favour of this old-fashioned approach.

[Amprye]

I hope that this book provides good advice. My fear is that “old fashioned” ways of building a company won’t work in modern times. Congratulations on book of the day!

[Brenda Creech]

This sounds like an excellent book for those desiring to become entrepreneurs! The world is so technology-crazed these days that the old-fashioned ways are forgotten despite the fact they were successful! If I were in the market for a book of this type I would definitely want to check this one out! Thanks for the excellent review.

[Bradley Shelvie]

This book presents a controversial yet intriguing concept in business, seemingly. I'm curious to know what it entails.

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for your review. Two salespeople creating a company that generated over 100 million in revenue without investor money is quite amazing.

[Deval Sodha]

This is an entrepreneurship book that tells the story of two chemical salespeople who created the colossal company ColorMatrix. Each this book to find how they employed a cheaper and more efficient way to add color to plastics.
The review is superb.
Congratulations on Botd

[Aan Granados]

Funny coz I thought we just need to invent one innovative product to be successful, but this book says otherwise. Hmm, I'm intrigued. Thanks for your review.