Review from HustleBear.com by Judd Weiss
930160
This album changed me. It changed my taste in music.
I loved loved Catherine Wheel's 1995 grunge heavy metal album "Happy Days" when I was 15. I listened to it all the time, turned it up loud, and fed off its pounding energy. I was so excited when I heard in early 1997 that Catherine Wheel has a new album coming. I couldn't wait. I couldn't wait. Then "Adam and Eve" came out and... I was disappointed. So disappointed. Just so surprised to hear them so stripped down and bare. What is this sissy crap? You know, I thought I was about to bite into a sloppy chili cheeseburger with bacon and onion rings only to discover that I just bit into a warm goat cheese sandwich on wheat toast with beansprouts and eggplant. WTF?? Very startling and upsetting for an aggressive 16 year old. I listened to it just once, put it on my shelf and didn't touch the cd for 3 years. I wasn't alone with that opinion, many of the newer fans weren't into it, and the label was upset, ultimately dropping the band and letting the album go out of print quickly.

3 years later, I picked it up again for some reason at the much more mature age of 19 and discovered maybe the most beautiful thing I ever heard. My god. This album is stripped away and about pulling back the layers and getting somewhere authentic. I can now tell that Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" and Talk Talk's "Spirit of Eden" were a big inspiration. I heard the song "Future Boy" and I was stopped cold. You understand the meaning of the song just from the production mixing, when the rising swirl of insanity and noise disappears into a singer alone with his acoustic guitar. I wanted to learn how to play this song on guitar. I'd been playing guitar for 3 years at this point, but it was this song that got me to turn off the distortion and learn chords beyond metal power chords. This started my journey through acoustic rock. And I was suddenly sad to realize that creating one of the most beautiful works of all time earned this band the reward of being dropped from their label and having their album go out of print to fade into obscurity.
Although they did add one radio friendly song at the last minute; "Delicious" is a cool song, just out of place here.
If this album didn't exist there never would have been any Coldplay. Listen to Coldplay's first record "Parachutes". It's a watered down attempt at "Adam and Eve". But props to Coldplay, they were so much better when they tried to pull off Catherine Wheel than when they tried to pull off U2.
2176822
Calling out greed & envy as siren songs to avoid.  Cautionary tales and a hard look at why you want to be a startup founder and why your motivations matter.

"The problem with money is that it's a empty motivation.  There is not enough money in the world to fill that feeling inside of  you.  It is a sieve of a motivation; it is full of holes.  It is a hungry monster that has no soul.  The more you feed it, the hungrier it gets until it eats you alive."

I really like the related "Two Wolves" story told by the Cherokee Grandfather to his grandson.

I suffer from aspects of the Artist Founder Lucas describes and so it was useful for me to read his descriptions and to observe myself reacting defensively.  "Ah ha! Touched a nerve there did he? Maybe that's worth digging into a bit further, eh what?" :)

Overall this was a good introduction to Lucas' thoughts on being a Craftsman Founder.  I look forward to his future full-length book on the topic.
3256378
Im always looking for new ways to grow and expand my knowledge when it comes to blogging and making money online. So when I came across Confessions of An Online Hustler I was intrigued.

I hesitated to buy the book at first because it contained advice on setting up and installing WordPress, so I didn't know if I would get enough out of the book as someone who has been blogging for over a year now; I bought it anyway and was not disappointed.

One of the main reasons I ended up buying this book is that Matt is transparent with his work. There are thousands upon thousands of people shoving their Make Money Online products in your face, but theyve never written anything besides articles about blogging and making money online.

Because I have little interest in those topics, I wanted to take my advice from someone who writes about subjects that are of interest to me and similar to topics I write about.

This is my ironclad rule for writing: Write what you know and make sure what you know is interesting.

The book gave me exactly what I was promised such as ways to grow blog traffic, selling and marketing products, improving your writing kills and much more. The book contains a lot of other additional information, but those topics were of the most interest to me.

There were a few places where I thought the book fell short, however.

Like in real life, success online is determined by who you know just as much what you know.

He emphasizes the importance of networking, but I was hoping there would be specific examples of doing that.

The book is quite short and can be knocked out easily in several hours. Yet, within that timeframe Matt condenses everything that someone looking to make money online needs to know.

Matt is a fantastic writer, and I found myself laughing out loud several times. You will definitely enjoy this book, and I think anyone looking to expand their horizons on this topic certainly will.

If making money online via a blog sounds like something that youve been dreaming about, then I highly recommend this book as a way to make your dreams a reality.
4073188
In case you don't want to take the 5 minutes necessary to read the preview of this book (or think you've been "misled") - it's written by a guy who has had a lot of success in Amway.  He's a Christian.  He talks about both in the book.  He's also an author, and I imagine proceeds of the sale of this book will go to him, his publisher, Amazon probably gets a cut even.  Don't be shocked that a person selling a product (a book) makes money off the sale of that product.  If that offends you, well you probably shouldn't buy this book, or anything for that matter.

Otherwise, if you'd like to read a story about a man who started in a business opportunity 30 years ago with very little in life, had lots of fears and doubts about whether it would even work, overcame the #1 obstacle holding him back (himself), and is now a success story in his industry: read the book.  You'll get something out of it.

I found the book to be very inspirational.  Larry really poured his heart into what he shared, and I've heard him share some of these stories before - he held a lot back.  There is a lot he didn't say, so that he could get to the core message which is he was at one point in the same position the vast majority of his target audience is in: concerned about the risks of a new business opportunity, broke, wanting more out of life, not even aware how his daily life was consumed by mediocrity, and with no spiritual foundation or moral guidance.  His dreams from his youth had been shattered by life circumstances, and he was every definition of the word average... but then slowly over the course of many years, he started the process to change.  He did a great job taking you back in time to where he was at, and walking you through the process he went through.  He shared stories about that journey.  It was encouraging because he went through a handful of tough set backs.  He did things to fight for his dream that are truly above average.  His book is not just about success, but HIS success.  Before you buy it you should know that it's his story - so of course he's going to mention Amway and God.  Can you imagine if you genuinely wanted to know how he got to where he is now, you spent money on the book, and time reading it, and then he didn't mention those things?

He's so transparent, he even includes an Amway legal disclaimer in the back (available to read in the preview).  There shouldn't be any surprises when you get this book.  If you do have an independent business backed by Amway - you'll love it!  If you don't - it's probably still worth reading.  Check out the preview to see if you like the content, and make a decision.

At least now you won't be able to say you were surprised or offended by the content.
3688813
"Look, darling, another check for $15!"

--Keith Knight.

==============

I'm not a rich guy. I'm pretty poor. But I'm rich in other ways, and I love my life.

One of the ways I'm rich is that I get very cool mail from very cool people. Today I got a signed copy of "The Passion of the Keef" in the mail from Keith.

Made my friggin' week.

My gal and I sat and read the book together and laughed our toushies off.

By the way, I make a living writing because of Keith.

I originally gave away all I'd learned about filmmaking at the time from making my film "DIY or DIE: How To Survive as an Independent Artist" on a website called "99-cent film school".

I had a Word document and let people download it free.

I had a paypal icon and encouraged them to tip me 99 cents.

2000 people downloaded it, and not one person tipped me 99 cents.

Then I remembered what Keith said when I interviewed him in DIY or DIE, that "People don't appreciate stuff they get for free." (He was talking about how he used to give his self-published comics away free, before he had a publisher.)

That's when I learned to write a proposal, and wrote one for $30 Film School.

I've since put out six books.

$30 Film School sold 20,000 copies and the second edition just came out.

I'm not rich, I make about what you'd make managing a record store. But I work at home doing stuff I love.

And it's all Keith Knight's fault.

By the way, the first time I ever met Keith, he was at a Fugazi concert in a park in San Francisco, wearing a sandwich board promoting his book "Dances With Sheep." He had a blow up love doll sheep under his arm. I said to myself, "I've GOT to go over and meet this guy."
2189339
Bill, I first heard about your book on a TV interview on Bloomberg one October morning.  I liked the title and I looked you up.  Your story not only inspired me, but rekindled my hope.  Lifes vicissitudes can steal your dreams of success.  As an entrepreneur, 2010 was a rough year.  But, after reading your entire book...Im Back!

I highly recommend reading his book because you would be too!

I know you're a very busy man.  When you're in NY and free for 20 minutes, lmk.  My brother and I would be honored to meet you for a coffee (on us of course).  Steve Estro | http://about.me/steveestro
1175614
This is an excellent must-read for any businessperson, hustler, or college student on the grind! I work in college administration and have worked in universities from Miami to Malibu. I recommend this book to my students who are going into business or marketing.  Few successful people posses a business mind, spirit of a hustler, and grind of a beginner.  This book contains the secret formula to what makes you successful.  The author is credible and has survived the generation from days of spreading the word by word of mouth to days with social media platforms.  Treat yourself and grab this book!
1021279
I learned about Justin Gesso through real estate investor/coach/blogger Mark Ferguson, of InvestFourMore. Mark had described how Justin left his six-figure corporate job to begin working with him in a specific capacity, and then expanded/blossomed into taking on more projects/business opportunities through building his network. And how he fairly quickly equaled, and then surpassed, his previous annual 'job' income.
So, when I learned Justin actually wrote a book detailing his experience, what he learned, his mindset, and what he's focusing on moving forward, I was excited to order it; and learn from it.

As other reviewers have written, it's both motivating and inspiring. And really makes the reader not only believe that it's possible, yet nearly required, to leave the corporate structure so you can control your future. There are specific steps and recommendations for either going full-bore on your own right now, or to build a 'side hustle' and different revenue streams to build up to leaving your job.

And Justin also does a nice job of describing not only the benefits of passive income, but ideas on how to create it. Definitely a worthwhile reading, even if for the motivation and knowing that 'it' is possible, from a person who's done 'it' very recently.
3149557
The author is manic. The writing style jumps all over the place with little consistency. Darting between thoughts, analogies and stories. Sprinkled with years of experience from someone who has "Been there, done that".

And that's How I like it. He speaks my language. The book gave me a fantastic idea for a service that I probably wouldn't have thought of. Within 24 hours of reading this book we implemented the service as an upsell during the checkout process on our website. 2 hours later we had our first sale (the very next order that came through!). It was an amazing experience to generate additional revenue without having to source more clients!

At one stage the author discusses what he had for lunch and where he usually has lunch. Yes, it's true - I kid you not. He even provides his personal phone number for you to call him if you have any questions or need any advice. I mean, wow.. But behind the ramblings you will find a book with plenty of upsell techniques, ideas and suggestions.

I got something out of this book I wasn't expecting: The ability to detect the behaviours of customers by strategically placing upsells throughout the checkout process on an ecommerce website. Some amazing tips to be had.

Who this book is for: The entrepreneur who sells products online and is looking to add more value to the customer experience. Generating more income by placing strategic upsells during the checkout process.

Who this book isn't for: Anyone who sells products person-to-person or over the phone. Unfortunately there's little advice here about selling in person or building long-term relationships with your customers. If you're a salesperson or you run a business that deals directly with customers I recommend reading "Who to Win Friends & Influence People" and "Upselling Techniques" by Stephen Schiffman.
2845179
More and more people are turning to side hustles and entrepreneurship as an alternative (or in addition) to their day jobs. In my experience, stay-at-home moms are some of the best side-hustlers out there.

As a work-from-home mom myself, Im always interested in books that discuss the entrepreneurial spirit, ideas, and tips for making the solopreneur lifestyle work. Ive read quite a few books on this topic, and The Million-Dollar One-Person Business was a good addition to my collection.
The Strongest Aspect of this Book:

The stories that Elaine Pofeldt tells are fantastic. She uses examples of entrepreneurs who started one-person ventures and grew them into million-dollar businesses. Not all of them got things perfect on the first try, or even the second. But with some tweaking, the businesses she features all got their revenue up to a million dollars or more.

I loved the stories. Theyre so inspiring. The other thing I loved is the statistics the author shared. She goes into the exact numbers of people who have been able to make the solopreneur lifestyle work. The choices they made, when/if to grow, and how they came up with their ideas.
The Downside to this Book:

Like many business books, the action items are vague. Im a person that needs clear steps to follow  go here and do this. Instead, this book used general terms and broad advice. Good advice, but too broad for my taste.

Regardless, its a good book to read if you're interested in entrepreneurship, starting a side hustle, or launching a one-person business. It introduces readers to a new way of looking at side hustles, how to get ideas, and how to fine-tune your idea.

Source: Thank you to the Blogging for Books program for sending me a copy of this book.
1547604
Each spring, as the weather begins to heat up (and I realise that my 20-something metabolism is now another year behind me), I feel the heat of the sun on my layers of clothing, but also wonder about the layers of `me' under those clothes that prevent me from being, well, more revealing.

I really don't relish the idea of people ringing animal control wondering why there is a beached whale. So, each year I fight the battle of the bulge anew; last year was a banner year until I broke my foot and thus couldn't run any longer. This year, the ankle and foot are still tender, so I am forced to employ a new strategy. Enter this book.

Matt Roberts is one of the better known personal trainers in the UK, with many Hollywood connections (he counts Sandra Bullock among his clients). I have no illusions about turning into a Hollywood hunk, but the routines he presents in this book are both do-able as well as effective - after a month, I already can see a noticeable difference.

This small book is primarily pictures, which is a DK publishing signature. In it, Roberts presents three different routines, one each to be done each week in an every-other-day pattern. Both incorporate a level 1 and a level 2 number of reps, with a few alternate possibilities to adjust for ease or difficulty. There a few things that would be helpful (warming up on a rowing machine or a cross-trainer is recommended; an exercise inflatable ball is also recommended), but most can be done simply with the body and a matt or carpet.

Each routine is designed to be done in about 15-20 minutes, and is mostly tailored for beginners and intermediate level persons. I have incorporated this into a wider regime of treadmill running (hoping that my fractures from last year will not be exacerbated on a more shock-absorbent surface than the road) and light weight work. The exercises work the midsection all around, front, back, and obliques, upper and lower abs, and incorporate stress and stretch movements.

While the routines in this book could be followed by a man or a woman, the book seems much more clearly geared toward men, as all of the pictures show the exercises being demonstrated by men; also, some of the starting levels seem more geared toward people who are used to working out, so lower levels might be called for.

All of the exercises in the book were familiar to me, but one thing that Roberts states (there are question and answer sections between each exercise routine chapter) reminds me of my dilemma - one person asked why, if he did 100 sit-ups every morning, did he still not have a six-pack. I do a similar amount each day, and am also gently rounded. The truth is, as Roberts states, the sit-ups only work the abs in one way, and that won't achieve the desired results. Roberts presents a tested combination that works the midsection is a host of different ways that complement each other. I am seeing more results with fewer sit-ups.

Roberts also extols the virtues of cardio exercises (aerobics) and watching the diet, although these are not developed in detail in this book. I know that as I forge ahead into my 40s, I need to develop both areas along more healthy lines. The more times I hear this (or read this), the better - perhaps it will sink in.

This is a very inexpensive book, a small size that can easily fit in a gym bag or back-pack. The pages are rather thick and durable, and should stand up to regular use. My trial period for these routines continues for two more months; hopefully the results will consider to appear, and I can then modify my routine to prevent the plateau as well as maintain the results achieved - like diets that work to get the weight off, but only succeed in the long-term if there are long-term maintenance changes, that is what is needed here on the exercise side as well. Many of these exercises I can foresee remaining part of my maintenance programme.
785484
I really enjoyed this book.  While I would love to quit my job and move closer towards a four-hour work week, I was really just looking for information about trying to get a product to market in the easiest way possible, which is what the author has provided.

While I don't necessarily agree with all of the advice given in this book (I'm too much of a control freak to check emails only twice a day, and I'm fine with that), I often find myself coming up with ideas that I think are great, only to let them drift off into the ether because the task of creating and marketing them seemed too daunting.  What I've gotten from this book more than anything else is a new hobby: a way to turn my ideas into product for between $1200-2000 on average.  Considering the costs of some other hobbies (travel, golf, etc.), this doesn't seem that bad, and at least there's a slim chance that any one of my ideas could be life changing, so there's always excitement too.

People reading this book and hoping that it is some sort panacea may be a little disappointed.  The author does spell out for you how to make a life like his.  However, it will take a huge leap of faith (not to mention a successful product/idea) to start.  He does his best to ease you into his way of thinking, and an intelligent person is going to process his advice and make their own decisions.  The author is also not promising riches beyond your wildest dreams.  He's selling a way for you to enrich your life experiences, and the purpose of your business is to finance these experiences.

Overall, lots of good information, and very motivational.  If you've ever had an idea that you thought could change the world, or you wanted to turn the ratio of work to living that you do upside down, you should at least take a cursory glance at this book.
3882754
This is a goldmine of conversations between Judd Apatow and successful people in the entertainment industry (mostly comedians). I enjoyed seeing how decent and hard-working the majority were. How much they slaved to get to where they are. How smart they are. Some of it resonated for me as a writer, to see how another creative person works.

What I liked the least: when interviewees recited their job histories.

What I liked the most: when they spoke about the bigger issues about life. Here are a few examples.

Harold Ramis: "...youre famous. Now what? Now it becomes a measure of character, growth, and development. Who do you want to be from that point on?...Growth is hard...When you're almost sixty years old theres got to be something more going on. What are the challenges of being a grown-up in the world?" (Lynne: I loved this, because I'm all about rethinking things when you're around 50, 60, and older).

Jerry Seinfeld on being a dad: "...my son (insulted me) even worse than that. We were making up words as a game at dinner one night and I said, 'You know, I've made up a lot of words that people actually use as words.' And my son said, 'Uh, really, like what? UNFUNNY?'"

Larry Gelbart: "I don't worry about what (the audience will) get. I write for myself on the assumption that there are a number of people who have similar sensibilities and will appreciate what it is..."

Lena Dunham: "There are always people telling you that your experience doesnt matter, that its navel gazing or unnecessary. 'We don't need to hear about twentysomething girls who feel like they're ten pounds overweight. We don't need to hear about forty-year-olds getting divorced.' But we do need to hear it, because...it can be the difference between someone feeling like they have a place in the world and someone feeling they dont." (Lynne: I write for people who are 60-something, so thank you for the validation, Lena.)

Louis C.K. on not being chosen for gigs: "I'm glad I didn't get it. I'm glad for every single thing I didn't get."

Great interview question: Judd asks, "Who's voice is in your head that's wise?"

Mike Nichols: every scene is either a fight, a seduction, or a negotiation.

Judd: "When your parents behave in ways that make you feel unsafe, you think, 'Oh, I guess Im in charge of myself.' And when you're fourteen, thats not a great thing. It kind of never goes away. As a producer, Im always assuming things are going to crash and Im trying to figure out what could go wrong before it happens. Its helpful for work. But its a terrible way to live your life." (Lynne: amen, brother.)

I could go on, but you get the idea. I think Judd Apatow poured his considerable heart and soul into this book, and I recommend it.
1622456
Jeffrey,
Just received your book today and I am already committed to absorb and harness its power, not just for sales but also for efficiently garnering interest in worthwhile projects in my community.  I believe that the quality of my communication is measured by the results that follow. Thank you  some tools to correct my communication and understand my client intentions more effectively.
Sincerely,
Sylvia
PS My husband says God created only a small percentage of attractive heads, the rest he covered with hair.
1916656
The following are testimonials written by former clients:

"One of the best business decisions I ever made was letting Jeff Hauser design my Yellow Pages ad programs.  The results were far more profitable than anything I had done before. I highly recommend that you trust his judgment. I do."

- Bob Cunningham, owner of "Exercise Equipment of Arizona" in Phoenix and Scottsdale

*************************************************

"Jeff was my directory rep for fifteen years and handled my large and expansive program. I recommend him as an expert consultant & honest colleague."

- Pat Mulqueen, owner of  "Singer Sales

  Centers"

*************************************************

"My wife and I started up our A/C & appliance service company over 20 years ago with one truck, and two phones.  Jeff Hauser was our first yellow page rep.  We planned out our first advertising strategy with him in 1986.  Over that time, our company expanded into two states. Jeff helped us keep our yellow page advertising up to date and on the

cutting edge.  With his experience and insight of the Yellow Page business, you can take any advice Jeff offers,  to the bank."

-Larry Calloway, owner of "Valley Services" an a/c & appliance repair firm in Mesa, AZ

*************************************************

"I had several YP reps before Jeff and my ad was just okay. When Jeff took over my account he took it to another level. Jeff took a personal interest in designing & creating my ad to make it the most distinguished and interesting in the book. After 18 years using the same one,  I still get compliments. "

Carol Hall, owner of "The Flower Shoppe" Tempe, AZ

*************************************************

"Jeff Hauser's decades of experience and artistic abilities helped our insurance company substantially  increase sales and net profits.

The number of phone call's from our yellow page advertising rose more than 100%  and our return on investment increased 200%.  Jeff helped our company capture our "target market" customers while keeping our advertising costs to a small percentage of our total sales.

- Dominic Gervasi, owner of "Insurance Referral Service," Tempe, AZ
3594807
Fantastic little gem written by a born hustler.  Jesse Tevelow's book--written and edited in full hustle mode in one week's time--serves as great inspiration for all those readers who were born to shake things up and rise to the challenge of forging their own path.  The book has lots of practical advice about how to get yourself moving and make things happen.  If you are struggling and need a fresh perspective to get moving from stuck "potential energy" to flowing "kinetic energy," this may be just the book.  It sure did the trick for this reader.
717507
Currently, I am a student at the University of Baltimore enrolled in the survey Entrepreneurship course and this book was my recommended reading. I certainly had no trouble reading Delivering Happiness. The book is well thought-out in a way that shows readers how Hsieh's understanding of happiness grew from his early childhood days to growing Zappos into a company that Amazon acquired for $1.2 billion in stock. He tells about his early entrepreneurial ventures as a child as well as his education and various jobs before he entered the corporate world.  I admire and will always remember one specific common trap he mentioned on page 144; that many marketers fall into is focusing too much on generating buzz and should be focusing on building engagement and trust. I can tell you my mom has zero buzz, but when she says something, I listen. I guess this would be the case for most people, when mom speaks we all listen. I like the fact that Hsieh was completely open and vulnerable about his life and give you valid accounts of how he made it this far. I did not really care about that fact that his discussion is directly related to Zappos and not of a more general business sense of what to do and how to do it. Nevertheless, coincidentally if you are a fan of Zappos or want to know more about Zappos this would be a good read for you. I feel as though this book would be an okay book to recommend for other Entrepreneurship students, especially those interested in going into the retail business such as Zappos.