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The Lazy Man's Way to Riches
In 1973, Joe Karbo wrote and published this unique personal guide revealing the secrets that gained him a net worth in excess of $10 million dollars (a lot of money in 1973).
Joe sold his book only through direct response advertising...a book that sold over 3 million copies without ever being available in a bookstore!
"The Lazy Man's Way to Riches" is Joe's philosophy on life, and how to live it richly, successfully, joyously and lazily.
It is a wonderful step by step marketing guide that will work for any business - so clearly written it has been used as marketing text by companies, colleges, and universities worldwide.
It is now a classic in both the Self-Help/Personal Development and the Direct Response Marketing fields.
This Rare, Original 1973 Limited Edition direct from Joe Karbo's original Publishing Company is a classic that belongs in everyone's Success library!
First published January 1, 1973
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363 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 3, 2010
I was young and I needed the money!
Back when I was a student, I ordered this book from a magazine ad. I had never read any book on finance or business but couldn't resist the title and the ad copy. I read it and, embarrassed to own a "get rich quick" book, threw it away. I had never mentioned it to anyone.
This book is far from perfect and it's dated. The content is a mixed bag, a strange assortment of misc strategies that were supposed to help you get rich. The author was very enthousiastic about the potential of mail order businesses the way Timothy Ferriss is about online businesses. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
But I'm glad I read it: it gave me hope, taught me that it's possible to make money by other means that a traditional job and planted the idea in my head that I had to keep my eyes open for opportunities at all times. Life has treated me well and maybe, just maybe, this book made a difference. I recently bought a used copy out of nostalgia.
Back when I was a student, I ordered this book from a magazine ad. I had never read any book on finance or business but couldn't resist the title and the ad copy. I read it and, embarrassed to own a "get rich quick" book, threw it away. I had never mentioned it to anyone.
This book is far from perfect and it's dated. The content is a mixed bag, a strange assortment of misc strategies that were supposed to help you get rich. The author was very enthousiastic about the potential of mail order businesses the way Timothy Ferriss is about online businesses. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
But I'm glad I read it: it gave me hope, taught me that it's possible to make money by other means that a traditional job and planted the idea in my head that I had to keep my eyes open for opportunities at all times. Life has treated me well and maybe, just maybe, this book made a difference. I recently bought a used copy out of nostalgia.
April 26, 2014
I can honestly say that this book had a very positive effect on my life. I was out of energy and motivation, having had an horrendous year in 1986, including being wiped out with glandular fever. There are some timeless techniques for getting yourself back on your feet in this book. It's easy to deride these things, but if you give them a go they do help.
About 18 months ago I was at a networking lunch for internet entrepreneurs. I hate these things, and as a conversational gambit I asked a couple of guys sitting next to me whether they'd read it. They had, and it had had an important impact on their lives too. Both had built up successful mail order businesses. I therefore owe another debt to this book - the great friendship I now have with Chris Payne, who is one of the most knowledgeable people in the personal development arena in the UK today (as well as being a brilliant businessman and father). In fact, this is his website: http://www.christopherjohnpayne.com/
About 18 months ago I was at a networking lunch for internet entrepreneurs. I hate these things, and as a conversational gambit I asked a couple of guys sitting next to me whether they'd read it. They had, and it had had an important impact on their lives too. Both had built up successful mail order businesses. I therefore owe another debt to this book - the great friendship I now have with Chris Payne, who is one of the most knowledgeable people in the personal development arena in the UK today (as well as being a brilliant businessman and father). In fact, this is his website: http://www.christopherjohnpayne.com/
December 5, 2015
Joe Karbo lays out the psychology of becoming wealthy. He emphasizes the point where your self esteem and self image play a big part of success. Not only that, he gives you a step by step plan on how to improve it. That's the first part of the book. Good stuff all in itself. The second part of the book tells you the technical business side of how to get rich. If you do what he says, you'll notice your wallet getting fatter.
November 20, 2019
The first part was good, echoing Norman Vincent Peale's beliefs regarding positive imaging and self-reinforcement. I think the second part is significantly obsolescent, but the first part of the book still makes this a worthwhile read.
May 19, 2022
Good example of a direct informal writing style, and the first half was surprisingly interesting. Unfortunately, the second half is not really applicable anymore.
June 23, 2018
This book was written before the age of the Internet, despite that, there is still much to be learned from its contents.
I have seen some of these ideas elsewhere I am not so sure that the other book that I am thinking of was not based on this one. However, I am open to new interpretations and found some in here most useful.
It is hard to get a paper copy of this these days but I understand that a Kindle version is now available - well worth the read - if you are keen on this subject
I have seen some of these ideas elsewhere I am not so sure that the other book that I am thinking of was not based on this one. However, I am open to new interpretations and found some in here most useful.
It is hard to get a paper copy of this these days but I understand that a Kindle version is now available - well worth the read - if you are keen on this subject
May 16, 2017
Part 1 is where all the good stuff is.
It sort of reminded me of a quick intro to Think and Grow Rich.
Goal setting and mindset are a huge part of what it takes to be successful and this book gives a good format to do so.
The second part of the book is all about direct mail business that isn't really applicable anymore... although maybe it would be a good way to stand out these day :D
It sort of reminded me of a quick intro to Think and Grow Rich.
Goal setting and mindset are a huge part of what it takes to be successful and this book gives a good format to do so.
The second part of the book is all about direct mail business that isn't really applicable anymore... although maybe it would be a good way to stand out these day :D
November 9, 2017
If you're offended by this title...stay away.
But as a collector (and user) of such items...I really enjoyed it.
Karbo wasn't the first to sell a "success system" (Peale, Dale Carnegie, Les Giblin, etc"
but he was one of the first to mass market it using magazine ads in seeker style magazines.
Like his wit. Like his style. Like his irreverence.
Enjoy
But as a collector (and user) of such items...I really enjoyed it.
Karbo wasn't the first to sell a "success system" (Peale, Dale Carnegie, Les Giblin, etc"
but he was one of the first to mass market it using magazine ads in seeker style magazines.
Like his wit. Like his style. Like his irreverence.
Enjoy
July 20, 2020
Very good for it's time. Would not float today because of the higher level of market sophistication.
The ad for the book is more impressive than the book itself.
The ad for the book is more impressive than the book itself.
March 31, 2022
„Nawet żółw wie, że nie może posunąć się naprzód, jeśli nie zaryzykuje wystawienia głowy z pancerza.” Powiedziałabym, że przedstawiono tutaj starszy sposób manifestacji.
November 21, 2024
Peak into a more scientific way to make your goals and how to use psychology. If you love secret or something around that. You should go through it once.
February 2, 2025
This was the first book I ever read on self-help. I asked my mum for £10 which I sent off to buy it when I was sixteen years old.
It made a profound impact on me, and I have re-read it many times.
Some of the practical direct marketing advice may no longer be relevant, but the first half of the book is outstanding.
It focuses on visualization techniques to help you be the best version of yourself you can imagine. These techniques work.
The book is very easy to read and, more importantly, put directly into practice.
It made a profound impact on me, and I have re-read it many times.
Some of the practical direct marketing advice may no longer be relevant, but the first half of the book is outstanding.
It focuses on visualization techniques to help you be the best version of yourself you can imagine. These techniques work.
The book is very easy to read and, more importantly, put directly into practice.
February 21, 2020
It's no question that this book is a bit dated in some respects, but the big picture ideas and ideals Karbo talks about are timeless. As someone who works in marketing and sales I can see how some of these ideas can be of use even today and I'm eager to try some of the techniques in the book to see how they work.
Want to read
April 3, 2008Dave - we gotta read this book 'fore its too late...
Read
July 9, 2008well I'm a lazy man...and i want to be rich..can you help me bro?
June 14, 2019
Make sure you get the original version and not the new one by Richard Nixon.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews