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From Bicycles To Bentleys: A journey of success, from Beijing to Sydney
From bicycles to A journey of success of a property and real estate investor – is the story of Ironfish founder and CEO Joseph Chou, the Chinese-born business investment entrepreneur who left his homeland as a 29-year-old diplomat to create a new life for himself in Australia, only to find himself in a beat-up Sigma delivering pizzas for a lousy $7 an hour. But through hard work, solid business principles and a positive outlook, Joseph went on to own several successful companies including Ironfish, a property investment firm that has fast become one of Australia’s most reputable and successful firms.
In his book, Joseph tells his personal story from Beijing in 1962 to Australia in the present-day, showcasing a humble man who always had a big dream and a clear set of principles to lead his life by. Readers will laugh at his anecdotes, be impressed with the simplicity of his business message, marvel at his dogged determination and be inspired to ensure they reach the goals they set for themselves. Passionate about his new country, Joseph shares his love for Australia and his desire to see fellow migrants embrace the opportunities they are given for themselves and their country, talking candidly about self belief and risk-taking.
It’s Joseph’s hope that his personal story he will inspire others that if he can do it, surely they can too.
Key messages
You may need to go back to go forward
Work hard, be positive, and persevere
Take risks and back yourself
Never burn bridges
Helping others is helping yourself
Seek help
Value relationships
Laugh at his many stories, be impressed with the simplicity of his business message, marvel at his incredible perseverance and be inspired because ... if he can do it ... so can you.
About the Author
Joseph Chou is one of Australia’s leading property investors, having created a multi-million dollar lifestyle for himself from starting with nothing at the age of 29. He came to Australia in 1991 with just $4000 in his pocket and a desire to create a new life for himself. Born in Beijing in 1962, he studied at the prestigious Peking University and then in the US, enjoyed the role of diplomat in his homeland, only to lose the title and prestige by migrating to Australia. He first delivered pizzas for $7 an hour, then underwent door-to-door sales, insurance, and finally property investment, each time elevating his position, personal wealth and reputation as a determined, brilliant businessman. Today he teaches and speaks to thousands about property investment and business principles and is the CEO and founder of a leading property investment company, Ironfish, with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Shanghai (China).
He has a firm belief that anyone can make it in the property industry as long as they do one simple play by the rules.
Testimonials
‘The story of Joseph Chou is one that reaches far beyond the point of “Success”. It is a story of courage, vision, humility and contribution. If you want to awaken your passion and discover the potential inside YOU, read this book.’
– Dale Beaumont, international speaker and author of 16 books
‘Joseph’s journey from humble beginning to extraordinary success is truly a remarkable and inspiring story. Joseph is a driven man but a humble man who has respect for people at all levels in life. He genuinely cares about people and has helped so many others to achieve extraordinary success in their lives as well. In this book Joseph shares his personal insights into achieving our goals. This is a book worth learning from and sharing with others.
In his book, Joseph tells his personal story from Beijing in 1962 to Australia in the present-day, showcasing a humble man who always had a big dream and a clear set of principles to lead his life by. Readers will laugh at his anecdotes, be impressed with the simplicity of his business message, marvel at his dogged determination and be inspired to ensure they reach the goals they set for themselves. Passionate about his new country, Joseph shares his love for Australia and his desire to see fellow migrants embrace the opportunities they are given for themselves and their country, talking candidly about self belief and risk-taking.
It’s Joseph’s hope that his personal story he will inspire others that if he can do it, surely they can too.
Key messages
You may need to go back to go forward
Work hard, be positive, and persevere
Take risks and back yourself
Never burn bridges
Helping others is helping yourself
Seek help
Value relationships
Laugh at his many stories, be impressed with the simplicity of his business message, marvel at his incredible perseverance and be inspired because ... if he can do it ... so can you.
About the Author
Joseph Chou is one of Australia’s leading property investors, having created a multi-million dollar lifestyle for himself from starting with nothing at the age of 29. He came to Australia in 1991 with just $4000 in his pocket and a desire to create a new life for himself. Born in Beijing in 1962, he studied at the prestigious Peking University and then in the US, enjoyed the role of diplomat in his homeland, only to lose the title and prestige by migrating to Australia. He first delivered pizzas for $7 an hour, then underwent door-to-door sales, insurance, and finally property investment, each time elevating his position, personal wealth and reputation as a determined, brilliant businessman. Today he teaches and speaks to thousands about property investment and business principles and is the CEO and founder of a leading property investment company, Ironfish, with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Shanghai (China).
He has a firm belief that anyone can make it in the property industry as long as they do one simple play by the rules.
Testimonials
‘The story of Joseph Chou is one that reaches far beyond the point of “Success”. It is a story of courage, vision, humility and contribution. If you want to awaken your passion and discover the potential inside YOU, read this book.’
– Dale Beaumont, international speaker and author of 16 books
‘Joseph’s journey from humble beginning to extraordinary success is truly a remarkable and inspiring story. Joseph is a driven man but a humble man who has respect for people at all levels in life. He genuinely cares about people and has helped so many others to achieve extraordinary success in their lives as well. In this book Joseph shares his personal insights into achieving our goals. This is a book worth learning from and sharing with others.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2014
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 19, 2020
The first half of this book I would rate four stars out of five. It covers the author's life and journey to success very well. I liked the casual and accessible tone. Some of his personal tips are insightful. However, the second half of this book lets it down. It seems more like an advertisement for his company and completely strays from the autobiography. There are times when the author seems a bit out of touch.
October 8, 2021
It's an inspiring story, as it is supposed to be for autobiography.
We got insights into his childhood, determination to always achieving success and his competitive attitude.
While the childhood is described deep in detail, the more this book goes, the less information is provided and quickly jumps through his life periods.
When things should start to get really exciting, it gets too promotional and mostly advertising his current company.
At the end of the day, the keynote of this book is "everything is based on sales".
If you want to be successful, you gotta think about sales, make sales and make even more sales as well as aiming into a higher profit.
This might be a great lesson for people in pursuit of earning more money and setting up the bar higher and higher.
Also including information about real estate, but it's mostly what his company is offering, ultimately it's a tip for you on how to look at purchasing an investment property.
If the book wouldn't change the direction in the middle from autobiography into a great example of product sale, then the rating would be higher.
Eventually, you might end up buying his service as it sounds promising, but you gotta be patient for your future growth.
After all, the book itself is motivating and inspirational, planting a seed and drive you to think big and work really hard.
We got insights into his childhood, determination to always achieving success and his competitive attitude.
While the childhood is described deep in detail, the more this book goes, the less information is provided and quickly jumps through his life periods.
When things should start to get really exciting, it gets too promotional and mostly advertising his current company.
At the end of the day, the keynote of this book is "everything is based on sales".
If you want to be successful, you gotta think about sales, make sales and make even more sales as well as aiming into a higher profit.
This might be a great lesson for people in pursuit of earning more money and setting up the bar higher and higher.
Also including information about real estate, but it's mostly what his company is offering, ultimately it's a tip for you on how to look at purchasing an investment property.
If the book wouldn't change the direction in the middle from autobiography into a great example of product sale, then the rating would be higher.
Eventually, you might end up buying his service as it sounds promising, but you gotta be patient for your future growth.
After all, the book itself is motivating and inspirational, planting a seed and drive you to think big and work really hard.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews