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How to Get Rich
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'Making money is a knack, a knack that can be acquired. And if someone like me can become rich, then so can you - no matter what your present circumstances. Here is how I did it and what I learned along the way.' So writes Felix Dennis, who believes that almost anyone of reasonable intelligence can become rich, given sufficient motivation and application.
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Paperback, 352 pages
Published
August 2nd 2007
by Ebury Press
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Possibly one of the most important books I've ever read, from the late founder of Dennis Publishing [estimated personal fortune: £600 million]. A very brass tacks -sometimes vulgar - testimony on how he amassed his wealth.
The following notes still omit tremendous info, so please read the book ! :)
NOTES :
----------------------
The term "rich" starts at a total asset value of $22-$60 million. This is also known as "the lesser rich".
You will never get rich if you:
————————————
1. Are unwilling to fail ...more
The following notes still omit tremendous info, so please read the book ! :)
NOTES :
----------------------
The term "rich" starts at a total asset value of $22-$60 million. This is also known as "the lesser rich".
You will never get rich if you:
————————————
1. Are unwilling to fail ...more

I don't have much interest in "How to get rich" books, in part because they are so often written by people who a.) overestimate the skill and underestimate the luck that brought them their own success or b.) made more money writing books telling people how to get rich than they ever did at whatever business they were previously in.
I decided to give this one a try, however, since it was written by Felix Dennis, a man who had the foresight to purchase a major stake in the crack-like news periodic ...more
I decided to give this one a try, however, since it was written by Felix Dennis, a man who had the foresight to purchase a major stake in the crack-like news periodic ...more

Jun 07, 2008
Tim Pendry
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Anyone young, losers who blame others, relatives of losers who blame others
This is a book that I am going to pass straight on to my seventeen year old son, not because of its insights into business (although it rings true on that account) but because of its insights into human nature and into the world 'out there' that he is going to have to negotiate in the coming years.
Like all sons, he won't listen to his Dad (and no real reason why he should) but he might listen to 'uncle' Felix.
Why should he? Because Felix Dennis is going to stop him wasting a lot of time believ ...more
Like all sons, he won't listen to his Dad (and no real reason why he should) but he might listen to 'uncle' Felix.
Why should he? Because Felix Dennis is going to stop him wasting a lot of time believ ...more

How to get rich
I listened to the audio version. It had a British accent. Fun to listen to. I don’t know if the narrator and the author was the same or not.
It starts with personal characteristics necessary for getting rich; Pig-headed determination, stamina, boldness, self-belief, persistence, and of course, execution.
Then it shows you how to get capital, upsides and downsides of every method, errors entrepreneurs usually make, cash flow, how to negotiate, importance of ownership, delegation, inc ...more
I listened to the audio version. It had a British accent. Fun to listen to. I don’t know if the narrator and the author was the same or not.
It starts with personal characteristics necessary for getting rich; Pig-headed determination, stamina, boldness, self-belief, persistence, and of course, execution.
Then it shows you how to get capital, upsides and downsides of every method, errors entrepreneurs usually make, cash flow, how to negotiate, importance of ownership, delegation, inc ...more

A book that I read twice before starting my own business (now valued at $180M). It is a must read for anyone ever seriously considering starting their own business. Looking back I can clearly see just how much I took away from Felix's story. He helped me manage my expectations for becoming rich and I feel that without this book I wouldn't have come as far as I have. Thank you, RIP.
...more

I first encountered this book through codewise founder - Rob Gryn and his vlog. Since he obviously got rich and recommended that book i was interested in it. Then i found out that it was written by Felix Dennis who's net worth was around 750m in 2007 when he wrote it. And he made a big chunk of his money in publishing. He managed to become rich while in publishing. In XXI century. What an accomplishment. Since he made his money himself he has something to back his claims.
Since most of the peopl ...more
Since most of the peopl ...more

While it sounds like one of those "get rich quick" books that often make it to the top of bestseller lists, "How to Get Rich" by Felix Dennis is the real thing.
Dennis is a British multi-millionaire AND poet. The combination makes for intriguing reading.
Most importantly, he doesn't cut corners or beat around the bush. He tells the reader what it really takes. And, for most people, the commitment, sacrifice and pure energy required to become rich will simply be too much.
But, if you're intereste ...more
Dennis is a British multi-millionaire AND poet. The combination makes for intriguing reading.
Most importantly, he doesn't cut corners or beat around the bush. He tells the reader what it really takes. And, for most people, the commitment, sacrifice and pure energy required to become rich will simply be too much.
But, if you're intereste ...more

Don’t get fooled by the title. This book is different from other books with similar titles (or so I would assume as I have not read the others) because the author has actually done it in real life.
The book contains many useful – and sometimes brutally honest – truths. I know this from personal experience and have seen many of the principles discussed at work in real life.
This book is for you that have a strong urge to quit your current job which is not challenging and developing to instead be yo ...more
The book contains many useful – and sometimes brutally honest – truths. I know this from personal experience and have seen many of the principles discussed at work in real life.
This book is for you that have a strong urge to quit your current job which is not challenging and developing to instead be yo ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

Jan 26, 2022
Leah
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fav-books-to-learn-from,
own-the-book
Been wanting to read this for 6 years! Crazy lol it's a great book, fairly simple, easy to read, big main points, not much detail.
I love Britain's Felix Dennis take on things, he makes it simple and clear, with a poetic flair.
He owned and operated a publishing company that sold magazines.
Felix was a greedy negotiator lol
Delegate your weaknesses, and the goal should be to delegate almost everything. Make sure you delegate well, micromanagement is the worst and it shows distrust in your colleag ...more
I love Britain's Felix Dennis take on things, he makes it simple and clear, with a poetic flair.
He owned and operated a publishing company that sold magazines.
Felix was a greedy negotiator lol
Delegate your weaknesses, and the goal should be to delegate almost everything. Make sure you delegate well, micromanagement is the worst and it shows distrust in your colleag ...more

4 out of 5, I really liked it.
This book is the strangest mixture of poetry, ego, wine, sex (barely mentioned with numbers), money and business that I read. I disliked the poetry, I laughed at ego, I was astonished by wine consumption, I ... 14?, I liked the proof of the reality behind money and business.
This is not a self help book, this is not a beautiful story about amazing world. It's a book about getting rich. I'm sure that after reading this book, some people will loose the interest in maki ...more
This book is the strangest mixture of poetry, ego, wine, sex (barely mentioned with numbers), money and business that I read. I disliked the poetry, I laughed at ego, I was astonished by wine consumption, I ... 14?, I liked the proof of the reality behind money and business.
This is not a self help book, this is not a beautiful story about amazing world. It's a book about getting rich. I'm sure that after reading this book, some people will loose the interest in maki ...more

What a book! Full of though truths that people who want to accumulate wealth and big build businesses need to know.
Even though I have read many books on the topic, I must admit this cuts short on the woo-woo stuff. On top of that, I must admit it was also very entertaining.
Felix Dennis is not someone who I want to emulate, but certainly someone who earned my respect and that I have lots to learn from.
P.S.: I'm aware of his death. ...more
Even though I have read many books on the topic, I must admit this cuts short on the woo-woo stuff. On top of that, I must admit it was also very entertaining.
Felix Dennis is not someone who I want to emulate, but certainly someone who earned my respect and that I have lots to learn from.
P.S.: I'm aware of his death. ...more

It takes the immortal words of C Montgomery Burns of The Simpsons to summarise this book: "Family, religion, friends.. these are the three demons you must slay if you wish to succeed in business." Felix Dennis is an eccentric, a character, a legend in his own wine-fueled lunchtime, and let's be thankful for it. In terms of having a voice, this book is one of the most forceful, and enjoyable books I've read for a long time. Felix harangues you from almost every page. So you want to be rich? Okay.
...more

Felix Dennis is a bootstrapped entrepreneur. The book did not sugarcoat a thing. It is truly the best book I’ve read regarding wealth creation. There are no sugarcoating methods and many hard truths.
Felix always gave personal anecdotes which made the lessons stick even harder.
The book is divided into 5 sections (reasons not to get rich, getting started, getting rich, troubleshooting & endgame) with a prologue called “How Rich?”.
The four different sections covered:
- Part One—> Reasons not to get ...more
Felix always gave personal anecdotes which made the lessons stick even harder.
The book is divided into 5 sections (reasons not to get rich, getting started, getting rich, troubleshooting & endgame) with a prologue called “How Rich?”.
The four different sections covered:
- Part One—> Reasons not to get ...more

Nov 25, 2018
Lech Kaniuk
added it
How To Get Rich by Felix Dennis is about becoming rich but not about being a good person nor a great leader or manager. It’s Felix reflections about how to get rich. I don’t necessarily agree with everything but with some I do. Here are a few of his advice:
- Cut loose from negative influence and never give in.
- ignore “great ideas”. Concentrate on great execution!
- Focus.
- Hire talent smarter than you. Delegate and share the annual pie.
- Ownership is the real “secret”. Hold on to every percenta ...more
- Cut loose from negative influence and never give in.
- ignore “great ideas”. Concentrate on great execution!
- Focus.
- Hire talent smarter than you. Delegate and share the annual pie.
- Ownership is the real “secret”. Hold on to every percenta ...more

I was really excited by this book, because already in first few pages Felix was telling me that in this book we will discover HOW TO GET RICH. Unfortunately, as many books promise ''something'' Felix is swift at saying what the reader wants to read, but not delivering it. This book is suitable for someone who already has a business, and not a small business but probably something like a small corporation. In fact, he gives his example how he got rich through magazines industry which he was/is in
...more

This is one of the most useful and certainly most entertaining books I have ever read in this genre. Felix Dennis is frank, both about the trials and tribulations of getting rich, and his own life.
Here is an animated video summary I made of this great book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JImkl...
Key takeaway points:
• Don’t let your life be ruled by fear. You can’t care what the neighbours think. Starting a business with the aim to make millions will often mean you’ll be shamefully grovelling fo ...more
Here is an animated video summary I made of this great book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JImkl...
Key takeaway points:
• Don’t let your life be ruled by fear. You can’t care what the neighbours think. Starting a business with the aim to make millions will often mean you’ll be shamefully grovelling fo ...more

Mary Iannarino
Mrs. Smeenk
AP Lang
11 September 2017
A Book Review on Felix Dennis’s: How to get Rich
How to get Rich, a book published in 2006 by Felix Dennis, is a portrayal of not only the steps one must take to acquire wealth, but is also focused on the sacrifices made in order to be successful. The realism of his writing is unlike any other book I have read on the process of becoming wealthy. This is due to Dennis’s many paradoxes and analogies, which are used to portray a rather pessimistic pi ...more
Mrs. Smeenk
AP Lang
11 September 2017
A Book Review on Felix Dennis’s: How to get Rich
How to get Rich, a book published in 2006 by Felix Dennis, is a portrayal of not only the steps one must take to acquire wealth, but is also focused on the sacrifices made in order to be successful. The realism of his writing is unlike any other book I have read on the process of becoming wealthy. This is due to Dennis’s many paradoxes and analogies, which are used to portray a rather pessimistic pi ...more

A humorous, crass, but honest approach to giving advice on how to make money, but more importantly how to figure out what you want in life. This book doesn't sugar coat a thing and for that I love it.
...more

I quite enjoyed this anecdotal book on how a titan of the publishing industry made his fortune. The main takeaways I got were
1) Don't be scared of starting a business
2) You need equity / ownership over everything else to actually get rich. Everything else is wage slavery. ...more
1) Don't be scared of starting a business
2) You need equity / ownership over everything else to actually get rich. Everything else is wage slavery. ...more

Pragmatic guidance interwoven with great selections of poetry. Like the author says in the third chapter, "this is not a calling for the faint-hearted. There is no shame in turning away. After all, if everyone was willing to make the necessary sacrifices, who would be around to work for my own companies?"
...more

For such a douchy title, it is one of the best books on business I’ve read. Sort of covers everything from hiring smart people, picking execution over an idea, compensation, negotiation, ownership structure and how pointless being rich actually is to actual personal goals. It is highly entertaining and a great read and I learned a lot.

2021-08-27 update:
This is an unconventional, surprising book. Why do I say that? For starters it’s an unusual (rich) type of author. Part one is called “reasons NOT to get rich”, inverting our question. (It’s easy to miss!) Dennis proves to be a quick witted, funny mind - turning conventional wisdom upside down - young and penniless? Great news; everybody envies you, including Dennis. And he did make his money legit through his businesses and as he says spent hundreds of millions on his lifestyl ...more
This is an unconventional, surprising book. Why do I say that? For starters it’s an unusual (rich) type of author. Part one is called “reasons NOT to get rich”, inverting our question. (It’s easy to miss!) Dennis proves to be a quick witted, funny mind - turning conventional wisdom upside down - young and penniless? Great news; everybody envies you, including Dennis. And he did make his money legit through his businesses and as he says spent hundreds of millions on his lifestyl ...more

The title sounds like it was conceived by a snake oil salesman who wrote a self-help book. I almost skipped this one, but the good reviews got the better of me. I'm glad I read it, though I think a better name is 'Entrepreneur's Manifesto'.
This book is anything from a self-help book -- Felix's advice often warns people of the perils entailed from the desire to be ostentatiously rich, and reiterates that reading this book will not make you any money.
Rather, it is about a rich, retired media mogul ...more
This book is anything from a self-help book -- Felix's advice often warns people of the perils entailed from the desire to be ostentatiously rich, and reiterates that reading this book will not make you any money.
Rather, it is about a rich, retired media mogul ...more

I couldn't continue to ignore this book as it kept coming up in my life as recommendations ... Similar books I've purchased via amazon and glowing reviews .. So I finally got round to reading it . And to be honest I don't see what the big fuss is about .. Granted it is a ' good book' so in a way I dnt have a lot complain about .. Yet I think am bring abit harsh - because I was expecting so much from it...
If you remotely liked this book I HIGHLY recommend and ( prefer ) a similar straight talking ...more
If you remotely liked this book I HIGHLY recommend and ( prefer ) a similar straight talking ...more

Felix Dennis gets across some important messages using humorous and well crafted prose. Overall, a very enjoyable book for anyone interested in the character traits of successful entrepreneurs (defined as those acquiring £15m or more).
Felix's primary interest is in giving advice to those who would be rich, and his main piece of advice is not to embark on the journey of getting rich unless you really, really want to be rich. As Fhe sees it, and I agree, trying and failing is far worse than not tr ...more
Felix's primary interest is in giving advice to those who would be rich, and his main piece of advice is not to embark on the journey of getting rich unless you really, really want to be rich. As Fhe sees it, and I agree, trying and failing is far worse than not tr ...more
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Felix Dennis (born 1947 in Kingston-upon-Thames, United Kingdom) was a British magazine publisher and philanthropist. His privately owned company, Dennis Publishing, pioneered computer and hobbyist magazine publishing in the United Kingdom. In more recent times the company has added lifestyle titles such as its flagship brand The Week, which is published in Britain, the United States and Australia
...more
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“When you come across real talent, it is sometimes worth allowing them to create the structure in which they choose to labor. In nine cases out of ten, by inviting them to take responsibility and control for a new venture, you will motivate them to do great things.”
—
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“Talent is indispensable, although it is 'always' replaceable. Just remember the simple rules concerning talent:
Identify It,
Hire It,
Nurture It,
Reward It,
Protect It.
And when the time comes, Fire It.”
—
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More quotes…
Identify It,
Hire It,
Nurture It,
Reward It,
Protect It.
And when the time comes, Fire It.”