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Nimic de pierdut, totul de castigat
In this sweeping tell-all autobiography, Ryan Blair reveals how he went from hopeless teenage gang member to self-made multimillionaire entrepreneur facing no shortage of challenges in between, including poverty, single parenthood, and bankruptcy. By sharing his inspirational personal story, Blair demonstrates that people from all walks of life can overcome adversity and become true masters of their destiny.
La verdadera historia para saber qué es necesario para ir desde el fondo al estrellato en cualquier campo. El término “estrella” ya no es exclusivo para alguien del mundo del espectáculo o del rock. Una estrella puede ser cualquiera que encarna las cualidades del éxito, y vive una vida que le permite ser dueño de su propio destino. Cualquiera, sea cual sea su ocupación, puede brillar a pesar de haber encontrado importantes dificultades a lo largo del camino. Ese es el principal mensaje que Ryan Blair pretende comunicar a través de narrar su propia historia personal. Ryan Blair ha luchado contra obstáculos extremos: la vida como ex miembro de una pandilla juvenil, equilibrar una carrera exigente siendo padre separado, construyendo y vendiendo varias compañías, y haciendo y perdiendo decenas de millones de dólares (a veces todo en un solo día). Ha tenido mucho éxito ... y muchos momentos difíciles. Desde el fondo al estrellato trata de cómo aprender a tomar esos momentos de dificultad, cuando estás golpeado, agotado, avergonzado, y acorralado, y utilizarlos para impulsarte hacia adelante. Gran parte de sus consejo son contra corriente, y definitivamente no los típicos que aprenderías en una escuela de negocios. No es necesario ser millonario para ser una estrella. No necesitas dejar tu trabajo. Puedes empezar dondequiera que estés, en cualquier industria o posición que hayas elegido. Pero tienes que empezar AHORA. Este libro te mostrará cómo.
La verdadera historia para saber qué es necesario para ir desde el fondo al estrellato en cualquier campo. El término “estrella” ya no es exclusivo para alguien del mundo del espectáculo o del rock. Una estrella puede ser cualquiera que encarna las cualidades del éxito, y vive una vida que le permite ser dueño de su propio destino. Cualquiera, sea cual sea su ocupación, puede brillar a pesar de haber encontrado importantes dificultades a lo largo del camino. Ese es el principal mensaje que Ryan Blair pretende comunicar a través de narrar su propia historia personal. Ryan Blair ha luchado contra obstáculos extremos: la vida como ex miembro de una pandilla juvenil, equilibrar una carrera exigente siendo padre separado, construyendo y vendiendo varias compañías, y haciendo y perdiendo decenas de millones de dólares (a veces todo en un solo día). Ha tenido mucho éxito ... y muchos momentos difíciles. Desde el fondo al estrellato trata de cómo aprender a tomar esos momentos de dificultad, cuando estás golpeado, agotado, avergonzado, y acorralado, y utilizarlos para impulsarte hacia adelante. Gran parte de sus consejo son contra corriente, y definitivamente no los típicos que aprenderías en una escuela de negocios. No es necesario ser millonario para ser una estrella. No necesitas dejar tu trabajo. Puedes empezar dondequiera que estés, en cualquier industria o posición que hayas elegido. Pero tienes que empezar AHORA. Este libro te mostrará cómo.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2011
128 people are currently reading
1206 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 12, 2011
Ryan Blair started his life in the middle class until his engineer Dad got hooked on meth and started beating his Mom. Previously Ryan had always been enterprising, taking on paper routes and other jobs. When his life was disrupted by poverty, Ryan got caught up in the gang life all around him. He was arrested numerous times and seemed destined for a life in and out of jail. Then his mom started dating a successful businessman who took Ryan under his wing and reignited Ryan's own entrepreneurial spirit.
After a few years of hard work and a never say die attitude, along with basic principles and Ryan became a millionaire. Can anyone do this? Certainly everyone may have a shot, but my guess is that few people are as smart, hard working, and indefatigable.
Ryan's story makes for an easy motivational read. Even I, who falls asleep within an hour every time I find a comfy place and book in hand, is halfway through this book in one chunk of time. OK, I do keep getting up to check the temp on my smoker and making the necessary adjustments to produce a delicious dinner in about 10 hours--but even through his analysis of the business world, I am still awake and enjoying his book.
I find Ryan's story particularly interesting in light of the Occupy Wall Street protesters all over the world. While I think some of the protesters have some valid points with regards to corruption and the feeling they have been lied to, most them appear to not have a clue. This is illustrated when the protesters took the time to have a moment of silence for Steve Jobs at the protest!!
I do hope that high school and college students will read this book and that their schools will stop telling them that they must have their college degree and then they will be guaranteed a great high paying job...even if they major in "Something Studies."
I noticed that one of the reviewers of this book said, "... the book lacked useful advice for the start-up entrepreneur." I think people are looking for a formula for guaranteed success, and they are never going to find it. I'm sure you can find worthwhile step by step books for starting a business, but read this book too because it offers principals and ideals.
Some quotes from the book:
In juvenile detention, if you let someone take your milk the first day, they'll start taking it every day. The same is true in business.
When you're dealing with an investor's money, you have to act as if God himself wrote you the check.
Most business plans aren't worth the paper they're written on.
Efforts don't pay the rent. Have no sympathy for employees who talk about how hard they're trying.
Entrepreneurship is great because you can set your own hours -- any 17 hours of the day, 7 days a week. But if you're doing what you love, it doesn't drain you as much as the 9 to 5 death cycle.
And my personal favorite:
The path is all math.
He wasn't trying to boost my private math tutoring business though, he was speaking about analyzing your business as a system and to put resources into what maximizes that system.
The link to a video of Ryan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BgD7W...
After a few years of hard work and a never say die attitude, along with basic principles and Ryan became a millionaire. Can anyone do this? Certainly everyone may have a shot, but my guess is that few people are as smart, hard working, and indefatigable.
Ryan's story makes for an easy motivational read. Even I, who falls asleep within an hour every time I find a comfy place and book in hand, is halfway through this book in one chunk of time. OK, I do keep getting up to check the temp on my smoker and making the necessary adjustments to produce a delicious dinner in about 10 hours--but even through his analysis of the business world, I am still awake and enjoying his book.
I find Ryan's story particularly interesting in light of the Occupy Wall Street protesters all over the world. While I think some of the protesters have some valid points with regards to corruption and the feeling they have been lied to, most them appear to not have a clue. This is illustrated when the protesters took the time to have a moment of silence for Steve Jobs at the protest!!
I do hope that high school and college students will read this book and that their schools will stop telling them that they must have their college degree and then they will be guaranteed a great high paying job...even if they major in "Something Studies."
I noticed that one of the reviewers of this book said, "... the book lacked useful advice for the start-up entrepreneur." I think people are looking for a formula for guaranteed success, and they are never going to find it. I'm sure you can find worthwhile step by step books for starting a business, but read this book too because it offers principals and ideals.
Some quotes from the book:
In juvenile detention, if you let someone take your milk the first day, they'll start taking it every day. The same is true in business.
When you're dealing with an investor's money, you have to act as if God himself wrote you the check.
Most business plans aren't worth the paper they're written on.
Efforts don't pay the rent. Have no sympathy for employees who talk about how hard they're trying.
Entrepreneurship is great because you can set your own hours -- any 17 hours of the day, 7 days a week. But if you're doing what you love, it doesn't drain you as much as the 9 to 5 death cycle.
And my personal favorite:
The path is all math.
He wasn't trying to boost my private math tutoring business though, he was speaking about analyzing your business as a system and to put resources into what maximizes that system.
The link to a video of Ryan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BgD7W...
September 15, 2012
Pretty quick read. While you may question the validity of the multi-level marketing business model, you should come away from this book having a good sense of what being an entrepreneur means. He speaks frankly about sacrifice,reinvestment and being a guardian for your investors. Many business owners should learn the lessons from this book.
March 16, 2016
Heartfelt, Inspirational, Empowering & Motivating! A Powerful Life Changing Read! I Loved It!
October 17, 2011
As a recent MBA graduate, I have read countless books, articles, HBR studies, etc, regarding business. One complaint I have had is the lack of entrepreneurial conversation in business studies. This book helps rectify that. It is a well writen, clear, concise melding of Porter, Hill, Carnegy, Gladwell and the like.
This book will be my Christmas gift to my friends and peers.
This book will be my Christmas gift to my friends and peers.
August 24, 2011
The book is fluff, much like the businesses built by the author.
September 14, 2011
Awful: proof of the love of money leading to nothing.
September 22, 2011
Thought that the book lacked useful advice for the start-up entrepreneur.
March 28, 2012
Can wait to Read this book... received it on Sunday from Ryan :)
April 5, 2013
I spent quite a bit of time pondering what I wanted to say about Ryan's book, and the impact it had on me. That's mainly because there are so many things I found helpful and inspiring. It was hard to narrow it down to one specific thing, or even just one generalization. It's true that the book offers lots of insight into the world of entrepreneurship, gives lots of practical advice about running a business, and teaches some important life lessons. The thing that kept coming to mind though, as I read through it, was how his words could stir emotion. I kept thinking how true to life Ryan's story is, and how he just laid it all out for the world to see. This is not an easy thing to do. It takes a huge amount of courage and fearlessness to bare your soul to anyone, much less the world. At times I giggled, sometimes I found myself deep in thought, my mind racing as something sparked my imagination. And sometimes, the tears welled up in my eyes, then fell to the paper making wet spots on the page. Ryan shares his trials and triumphs with complete candor. To me a true leader is one who can inspire people, rouse their emotions, and stir them to action. Ryan certainly does that in life and in this book. I also love the new forward by Nick Sarnicola and the new chapter "Told You So," at the end. The epilogue chronicling his mothers journey is heart-wrenching. Each gives added insight into the man that is Ryan Blair. Definitely a must read!
December 29, 2012
This one literally turned up on my doorstep. Twice! The book fairies don’t visit often, but when they do it’s a fantastic surprise. (I still don’t know who sent me this, but thank you – whoever you are!!!)
Looking at the cover, the first thing that sprung to mind was The 50th Law – a book I intended to dislike but was somewhat blown away with by the time I finished the last page. Hard, edgy lessons from a life I have thankfully never lived.
I guess I was spoiled first time around because I didn’t think the edge was ever there with this book. A fair amount of the first pages were trying to convince the reader that what comes next really really did happen. Unnecessary mostly because the title gave us the credibility to run with.
It’s a good book to read. There are interesting parts, a few pieces of new information to work with and a narrative that keeps the attention. It’s not going to blow your mind though as the “gun to the head” nothing to lose sentiment doesn’t really come through with the rawness that I expected it to.
Looking at the cover, the first thing that sprung to mind was The 50th Law – a book I intended to dislike but was somewhat blown away with by the time I finished the last page. Hard, edgy lessons from a life I have thankfully never lived.
I guess I was spoiled first time around because I didn’t think the edge was ever there with this book. A fair amount of the first pages were trying to convince the reader that what comes next really really did happen. Unnecessary mostly because the title gave us the credibility to run with.
It’s a good book to read. There are interesting parts, a few pieces of new information to work with and a narrative that keeps the attention. It’s not going to blow your mind though as the “gun to the head” nothing to lose sentiment doesn’t really come through with the rawness that I expected it to.
October 9, 2011
I’d say I’m lukewarm on this one. Ryan certainly has a compelling story (which I like) but the book seemed to focus a lot on start-ups from the venture capital-backed world, rather than simple start-ups like mine. That world doesn’t hold any interest to me so I didn’t really find reading about it very interesting. The most interesting things to me were when Ryan talked about his life growing up, how he now recognizes the lessons his parents taught him and how he uses them in business.
August 27, 2012
The second part of the title in Ryan Blair’s book is what struck me. “How I went from Gang Member to Multi Millionaire Entrepreneur” seems like other great American rags to riches story. I was a little disappointed however when I read that his transformation from gang member was because his mother married a wealthy real estate magnate when Ryan was a young teenager. Then his step-father dragged him from “the streets” into a very hospitable and pleasant existence.
That being said, Ryan still propelled himself into the internet sales world by creating a weight loss program called Visalus. And a wireless broadband company called SkyPipeline. I, frankly, never heard of either company yet he made millions from them.
I am impressed, and surprised, by the way he spells out like an instruction manual how to be a successful entrepreneur. He learned lessons from his drug addict father, from his gang leaders and particular from his adopted successful step father. He applied all these to his life.
Some are basic concepts to employ in everyday life such as “keep your word” and “payback your debts.” He does go into nuts and bolts too. For example, when asking for financing from a venture capitalist who questioned him on why to give his business his money. Ryan advises employing creativity in your answer. When he was in that situation he told the venture capitalist (who was to provide him the money) to phone his company and he would receive professional service. The call was made and the investor was impressed by the service he received.
When creating an Internet name for your business he gives the obvious advice of something that tells the viewer of the website what business it is but also be remember able. It then states if you cannot come up with a good name try using the street name you grew up on with your middle name. For example, if the current president wanted to start a business he could use Poki Hussein.
There is a lot more valuable information if you are interested in going into a business career of your own.
That being said, Ryan still propelled himself into the internet sales world by creating a weight loss program called Visalus. And a wireless broadband company called SkyPipeline. I, frankly, never heard of either company yet he made millions from them.
I am impressed, and surprised, by the way he spells out like an instruction manual how to be a successful entrepreneur. He learned lessons from his drug addict father, from his gang leaders and particular from his adopted successful step father. He applied all these to his life.
Some are basic concepts to employ in everyday life such as “keep your word” and “payback your debts.” He does go into nuts and bolts too. For example, when asking for financing from a venture capitalist who questioned him on why to give his business his money. Ryan advises employing creativity in your answer. When he was in that situation he told the venture capitalist (who was to provide him the money) to phone his company and he would receive professional service. The call was made and the investor was impressed by the service he received.
When creating an Internet name for your business he gives the obvious advice of something that tells the viewer of the website what business it is but also be remember able. It then states if you cannot come up with a good name try using the street name you grew up on with your middle name. For example, if the current president wanted to start a business he could use Poki Hussein.
There is a lot more valuable information if you are interested in going into a business career of your own.
April 5, 2013
I started reading Ryan's book the evening I received it. I start reading and have a hard time putting it down. Most amazing book so far on Entrepreneurship that I have read to date. One of the most difficult things that I have done is try and figure out which one I desire the most. "Independence, Wealth, Recognition & Fame, or feeling of contribution" I had to write down what drives me. The biggest driver for me is Independence, I have worked myself out of so many positions by giving 100 to 150% to a company that even though their systems were up and running smoothly they all wanted to get me part time because I have one of those hearts that says all in! I was raised in California, my mom raised three girls and had a full time job along with selling one of the vitamin replacements in the 70's - 80's. I was raised to do the best possible job, go to school and get educated. I left a job in 2000 to pursue a college degree. I was so motivated to get this degree, left behind a 35,000 annual job to do it. I went to school for 2.5 years and when I achieved my degree with 3 certificates in different fields, I have not made close to that income or above since 2000.
After reading through Ryan's book, I now realize what I need to do, and the biggest one is knowing that I have nothing to lose! They can come and take my car and my house, but I will prevail! I have a strong drive to not only be Independent but to also help others. I am with ViSalus and will never leave! Ryan's book is giving me motivation to achieve it all. I have searched for a long time, to where I can say "I quit" with a smile on my face because I do not need corporate America telling me what and when I can do something or retire! I will have a pension for the rest of my life!! Thank you Ryan you are a great motivator and CEO :-)
NOTHING TO LOSE, EVERYTHING TO GAIN:By Ryan Blair:Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: How I Went from Gang Member to Multimillionaire Entrepreneur [Paperback] (Author), (Contributor)
After reading through Ryan's book, I now realize what I need to do, and the biggest one is knowing that I have nothing to lose! They can come and take my car and my house, but I will prevail! I have a strong drive to not only be Independent but to also help others. I am with ViSalus and will never leave! Ryan's book is giving me motivation to achieve it all. I have searched for a long time, to where I can say "I quit" with a smile on my face because I do not need corporate America telling me what and when I can do something or retire! I will have a pension for the rest of my life!! Thank you Ryan you are a great motivator and CEO :-)
NOTHING TO LOSE, EVERYTHING TO GAIN:By Ryan Blair:Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: How I Went from Gang Member to Multimillionaire Entrepreneur [Paperback] (Author), (Contributor)
December 10, 2012
OMG!! This has to be if not the most, it's definitely in the top three of the most profound autobiography's I've ever read. Actually, I listened to it on Audible.com which made it even better than reading for me. His story is freakin amazing! Every young person needs to be introduced and made to read or listen to Ryan Blair's story. What he did was nothing short of a miracle and guess what, they will see they too can over come anything! Any labels or titles that society has placed on you, any misfortunes, bad mistakes or choices you've made, any mental or physical abuse you have experienced, regardless of the negative issues in your life.....THESE DO NOT HAVE TO DEFINE YOU OR WHO YOU REALLY ARE! You can overcome it all, because of the simple power of Acceptance, Forgiveness, Desire and Action. Ryan Blair will leave most who read or listen to it feeling more motivated and inspired in a way that they may have never experienced before. Hopefully this book can be the start of making this mind-set a common practice in our society.
December 25, 2011
somewhat inspirational...not a profound one but definitely a motivator; good starting point for small business newbies like myself; easy reading, i.e. not too complicated, not in depth...in a good way...so that even you are not an expert you get the ideas. I'm not in par with some of his visions but like his solid philosophy and strive for fairness and high ethic.
April 4, 2013
Incredible and inspiring story. A good shot in the arm for anyone who thinks they can't accomplish much because of their background or circumstances. Should be required reading for every high school aged student.
April 21, 2012
Great read, full of great information and a lot of insight into a fascinating entrepreneur's life. Tons to learn from in such a short book.
September 26, 2016
I will give this book one positive remark, and that is it includes a few great tips and explanations about how to work effectively in the business realm.
Other than the few moments I felt Ryan provided useful information I did not like nor did I believe most of this book. To keep this review concise I'll list the things I did not enjoy.
1. He started the book by bragging about the artwork and amount of material items he has that he stated was to encourage the reader, but I felt it was more to show off.
2. He would randomly change tenses while writing. He would go from saying 'a person has to work hard' (using a general noun) to specifying in the same sentence by saying 'if she wants to be successful'.
3. His background when discussing his involvement and initiation into gang culture was very vague which made me think he was exaggerating and not being truthful. It made it seem like he was a kid who hung around the guys who sold drugs and acted like he was selling drugs too to seem cool.
4. The linear timeline of how he started his businesses was confusing because the chapters were based on lessons he wanted to instill so he consistently was jumping around about points in his career.
5. He downplayed how his rich step father coming in and saving him and his mom is the main reason he could get to where he is.
6. Another reason I think he is lying about his background is because in earlier chapters he said he never read books until he got to juvie. Then in the later chapters he discusses how he got into juvie because he was shop lifting IT books that he liked to read...this red flag made me dismiss his entire juvenile background.
7. He takes credit for starting companies, as if he was the brain child, for established companies that he clearly stated he acquired by buying them or investing heavily into them.
8. His documentary: He released a documentary that chronicled the creation and promotion of the book. This just made me flat out not like him as a person. He was complaining like a child because the book was #2 not #1 on the NY Bestsellers list. Also his title would appear onscreen with his name, with subtitles of CEO, Entrepreneur, and Millionaire. We get it you're rich, you self aggrandizing narcissist.
Two stars because I think he provided some useful information in between what I believe was false/hyperbolic childhood anecdotes and arrogance.
Other than the few moments I felt Ryan provided useful information I did not like nor did I believe most of this book. To keep this review concise I'll list the things I did not enjoy.
1. He started the book by bragging about the artwork and amount of material items he has that he stated was to encourage the reader, but I felt it was more to show off.
2. He would randomly change tenses while writing. He would go from saying 'a person has to work hard' (using a general noun) to specifying in the same sentence by saying 'if she wants to be successful'.
3. His background when discussing his involvement and initiation into gang culture was very vague which made me think he was exaggerating and not being truthful. It made it seem like he was a kid who hung around the guys who sold drugs and acted like he was selling drugs too to seem cool.
4. The linear timeline of how he started his businesses was confusing because the chapters were based on lessons he wanted to instill so he consistently was jumping around about points in his career.
5. He downplayed how his rich step father coming in and saving him and his mom is the main reason he could get to where he is.
6. Another reason I think he is lying about his background is because in earlier chapters he said he never read books until he got to juvie. Then in the later chapters he discusses how he got into juvie because he was shop lifting IT books that he liked to read...this red flag made me dismiss his entire juvenile background.
7. He takes credit for starting companies, as if he was the brain child, for established companies that he clearly stated he acquired by buying them or investing heavily into them.
8. His documentary: He released a documentary that chronicled the creation and promotion of the book. This just made me flat out not like him as a person. He was complaining like a child because the book was #2 not #1 on the NY Bestsellers list. Also his title would appear onscreen with his name, with subtitles of CEO, Entrepreneur, and Millionaire. We get it you're rich, you self aggrandizing narcissist.
Two stars because I think he provided some useful information in between what I believe was false/hyperbolic childhood anecdotes and arrogance.
February 6, 2015
I like to read books written by people that are street smart (not necessarily book smart). Perhaps, such taste in books formed because I grew up under my parents wing, reading lots of classic literature. I really didn’t have a chance to really figure out how things work in the “real,” not academic, world until I started my first job. About that time, I picked up the book Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: How I Went from Gang Member to Multimillionaire Entrepreneur (2011) because it promised to narrate about the formation of the character and business empire of Ryan Blair, a person that went from being a gang member and a prisoner to multimillionaire entrepreneur.
Ryan Blair’s debut book did not surprise me with exquisite metaphors and an intricate plot, but it provided me with some real-life recommendations on how to succeed in business. I devoured Blair’s book in two evenings mostly because I liked the approach that he took while discussing mistakes that he made over his career and life. I really liked the fact that the author didn’t try to pretend that his American Dream was just waiting for him around the corner. Instead, he precisely described all the ups and downs of his business ventures, including the marketing company that specializes on weight-loss products ViSalus. In my understanding, Ryan’s point is that a strong man should not be afraid to discuss those parts of his life that some people prefer to keep private. To the contrary, Blair states that such situations help people to grow.
READ FULL REVIEW HERE: http://stylesprinter.com/street-smart...
Ryan Blair’s debut book did not surprise me with exquisite metaphors and an intricate plot, but it provided me with some real-life recommendations on how to succeed in business. I devoured Blair’s book in two evenings mostly because I liked the approach that he took while discussing mistakes that he made over his career and life. I really liked the fact that the author didn’t try to pretend that his American Dream was just waiting for him around the corner. Instead, he precisely described all the ups and downs of his business ventures, including the marketing company that specializes on weight-loss products ViSalus. In my understanding, Ryan’s point is that a strong man should not be afraid to discuss those parts of his life that some people prefer to keep private. To the contrary, Blair states that such situations help people to grow.
READ FULL REVIEW HERE: http://stylesprinter.com/street-smart...
October 12, 2014
This is a business book which is not too much of a chore to read. The lessons are very concise and to the point. Although the author, Ryan Blair, grew up under very harsh circumstances, he seems to have the innate competitiveness and drive to succeed. He is a very bright and astute business man, who networked well through groups of investors and mentors, and he received his main direction in life from his wealthy and shrewd step father. I admire his humility and religious moral perspective. But for all the drama surrounding his Cinderella story and partying with the celebrities, there is a calm quality to his thoughts. Many of us worked our fingers to the bone and paid incredible dues with not nearly as much to show for it, so we're reading his book. You need money to reach another level of freedom in this world. Someone who pockets a ton of quick cash can be open to criticisms. When it comes to the weight loss supplement products business, it is perhaps cynical when people in this day and age cannot simply eat less to lose weight. So Ryan, hats off to you for the hard work and business acumen. I learned some things from your book, which was definitely worth my time to read and to be handy in my library of self-help business books. There are some lessons easy to apply. Could I go camping with Ryan? I probably could. Another good idea from this book is how he tells investors that they will never be able to tell him he failed - that's because he would have died trying to grow their investments.
March 5, 2018
Nothing to lose, Everything to gain,
I found this book in my local Goodwill, and bought it for one whole Dollar, and I am glad I did, the title was what caught my interest.
4 starts not for the incredible story, but just the way it was written. Could of been a little more entertaining, but I did learn A LOT. From how to hire people, to who to keep in your company.
Our lives are a series of unrelated events until we connect them, from Ryan and his mother being beaten by his abuse Dad, his mom finally deciding to move out to a bad neighborhood and getting a minim wage job to support her son. Ryan getting into gangs due to his low self esteem and where he lived, and the chance that her mother found a good man willing to take them out of the ghetto to a better life.
Ryan was able to level up his life thanks to his step dad. He made lots of mistakes but he also overcame each one of them, just like he said in his book, when he was a little kid and he fell, his mother made him get up by himself telling him that he was a strong man. Both his mother and step father reprogram him to believe in himself.
Ryan ends with this.
"Whether adversity is self-imposed, attracted, or swiftly delivered by God himself, know that you are being battle tested, and strengthen for a purpose greater than you can understand. "
"With each successive hardship comes the endurance to overcome even bigger storms"
I found this book in my local Goodwill, and bought it for one whole Dollar, and I am glad I did, the title was what caught my interest.
4 starts not for the incredible story, but just the way it was written. Could of been a little more entertaining, but I did learn A LOT. From how to hire people, to who to keep in your company.
Our lives are a series of unrelated events until we connect them, from Ryan and his mother being beaten by his abuse Dad, his mom finally deciding to move out to a bad neighborhood and getting a minim wage job to support her son. Ryan getting into gangs due to his low self esteem and where he lived, and the chance that her mother found a good man willing to take them out of the ghetto to a better life.
Ryan was able to level up his life thanks to his step dad. He made lots of mistakes but he also overcame each one of them, just like he said in his book, when he was a little kid and he fell, his mother made him get up by himself telling him that he was a strong man. Both his mother and step father reprogram him to believe in himself.
Ryan ends with this.
"Whether adversity is self-imposed, attracted, or swiftly delivered by God himself, know that you are being battle tested, and strengthen for a purpose greater than you can understand. "
"With each successive hardship comes the endurance to overcome even bigger storms"
May 27, 2019
An absolute must read!
I really appreciated the raw advice that Ryan Blair recommends. It’s honest, it’s real and it’s worth implementing it. There are several sections of the book that were most profound.
Chapter 4 - philosophies from the jail cell to the boardroom: never express a negative emotion in email or text; praise in public and reprimand in private; compensation drives behavior
Chapter 7 - smarten up: do your research and get yourself a mentor
Chapter 11 - risk and sacrifice: don’t be someone who lives a life of excuses instead of action...
I left reading this book inspired to pursue all sorts of dreams that I have been storing away for some time due to uncertainty on how to start. Starting is usually the most challenging thing we can do but once you do, it’s the most rewarding. I’m excited about the near future!
If you need some inspiration, I leave you with these great questions that Ryan asked, “What would you choose as a career if you were guaranteed a steady income for the rest of your life, provided that you pursued this one thing? What grabs your interest and won’t let go, despite the long hours, low pay, and constant obstacles in your paths? What wakes you up at night and keeps you from going back to sleep because you can’t stop thinking about It?” The answers might surprise you or guide you to a degree of reassurance that you are in the career you were meant to be in.
I really appreciated the raw advice that Ryan Blair recommends. It’s honest, it’s real and it’s worth implementing it. There are several sections of the book that were most profound.
Chapter 4 - philosophies from the jail cell to the boardroom: never express a negative emotion in email or text; praise in public and reprimand in private; compensation drives behavior
Chapter 7 - smarten up: do your research and get yourself a mentor
Chapter 11 - risk and sacrifice: don’t be someone who lives a life of excuses instead of action...
I left reading this book inspired to pursue all sorts of dreams that I have been storing away for some time due to uncertainty on how to start. Starting is usually the most challenging thing we can do but once you do, it’s the most rewarding. I’m excited about the near future!
If you need some inspiration, I leave you with these great questions that Ryan asked, “What would you choose as a career if you were guaranteed a steady income for the rest of your life, provided that you pursued this one thing? What grabs your interest and won’t let go, despite the long hours, low pay, and constant obstacles in your paths? What wakes you up at night and keeps you from going back to sleep because you can’t stop thinking about It?” The answers might surprise you or guide you to a degree of reassurance that you are in the career you were meant to be in.
February 26, 2016
Book #22 - I have owned this for quite some time but ended up following Ryan through his blog posts and just never got around to it.
(Typical me, always doing things out of order. This will be #21. I really need something after Zen Mind. Maybe this will align my chakras!)
Fantastic book! I finished this in 3 marathon sessions and ran the batter out of my iPad TWICE! It's not often that a "I did it my way" book catches my eye and I must say that Ryan Blair really put himself out there. Offering sounds business advice to anyone that has ever thought about starting a business. But he very adeptly side steps the whole AND HERE I MY TEN STEPS TO.... He is honest about how he succeeded, honest about the breaks and the luck he had along the way, but I think even more potent is his honesty about his failures.
I really recommend this book. I learned things that I have wanted to know - but no one seem to talk about in business. I also was able to buy in to his success because he was clear about mistakes. How he made the wrong decision, learned from it and moved on. How he made AND lost money.
This guy came across as someone that genuinely wants to help people learn about business. I'll be keeping an eye on him and looking for his next book.
Pick his book up when you can - what have you got to lose? Nothing.
(Typical me, always doing things out of order. This will be #21. I really need something after Zen Mind. Maybe this will align my chakras!)
Fantastic book! I finished this in 3 marathon sessions and ran the batter out of my iPad TWICE! It's not often that a "I did it my way" book catches my eye and I must say that Ryan Blair really put himself out there. Offering sounds business advice to anyone that has ever thought about starting a business. But he very adeptly side steps the whole AND HERE I MY TEN STEPS TO.... He is honest about how he succeeded, honest about the breaks and the luck he had along the way, but I think even more potent is his honesty about his failures.
I really recommend this book. I learned things that I have wanted to know - but no one seem to talk about in business. I also was able to buy in to his success because he was clear about mistakes. How he made the wrong decision, learned from it and moved on. How he made AND lost money.
This guy came across as someone that genuinely wants to help people learn about business. I'll be keeping an eye on him and looking for his next book.
Pick his book up when you can - what have you got to lose? Nothing.
July 3, 2016
To be very honest I found the book to be good but not a life changing or anything out of the ordinary. The differentiation (and good too) was how at one time in his life the author was at the bottom and from there he was about to turn his life around. The title is well thought out too, when you really have nothing to lose you have a very different take on the situation and things around you. That’s how Blair started his career and many times practiced in negotiations or to build his business. There are many things he mentions about “doing business” which I personally do not agree to, for instance he stresses a lot on having a good business name and not your “porn name” but I personally don’t think a business name however weird that is (and now a days weird is better) is going to be a big differentiate. There were a couple of chapters which I found uninteresting (may be its because I really am not interested in those topics as of now) like the home based business and cashing out.
Complete review on my blog:
https://thebookthisweek.wordpress.com...
Complete review on my blog:
https://thebookthisweek.wordpress.com...
December 13, 2014
Much better than I expected given the cheesy cover. It's a bit Hollywood polished and you can tell it's written for the mainstream, but there's a ton good info in here. He provides practical advice directly from the trenches on everything from hiring, pitching to investors, lawyering up, cashing out, the whole cycle. His business was a weight loss nutritional line distributed through network marketing, which to me doesn't have a great connotation, but anyone who has built a business up to hundreds of millions of dollars and cashed out clean is going to have something worthwhile to say. Couple this with the fact that came from a broken adolescence and completely turned his life around with the help of a few good mentors, and you have a book that's both full of actionable information that reads like a novel. The story is pretty good and provides a spoonful of literary sugar to help the actual business skills medicine go down. It's a good mix between the hustler's never-say-die mentality and the raw business acumen required to make something useful out of it.
January 12, 2015
My favorite books tend to be short and concise in the value they offer. Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain fits this style perfectly. I would not call this book a self-help book, instead it's an honest account of what the author has learned throughout his travels from humble beginnings to business success.
When someone learns something through failure or making a mistake, it always lends credibility to the lesson they are trying to teach. The linkage between the authors missteps and what he learned about how he, and the reader, could avoid such a mistake was told from the heart.
Other key points of interest were his views on living up to deals, and motivation and passion in business. I'd say more but I don't want to spoil the experience for future readers. Read this one, you will enjoy it.
When someone learns something through failure or making a mistake, it always lends credibility to the lesson they are trying to teach. The linkage between the authors missteps and what he learned about how he, and the reader, could avoid such a mistake was told from the heart.
Other key points of interest were his views on living up to deals, and motivation and passion in business. I'd say more but I don't want to spoil the experience for future readers. Read this one, you will enjoy it.
June 7, 2012
Ryan Blair is one of my biggest inspirations, this even before I read his book, but once I read it I was humbled even more at how he's gotten to where he is. He managed to turn his entire life around and has become a leader of leaders. The advice he gives the reader is second to none, being transparent and candid he manages to give us a glimpse into what makes him stand out as an entrepreneur. He most definitely deserved to win the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year! He leads from the heart and with genuine passion to make this world a better place. I will be reading this book on a regular basis!
July 18, 2013
Ryan Blair shares his soul in this book! And some very valuable lessons. His honesty is refreshing and as he tells of all of the horrible conditions he fought his way out of, your heart will break. Even if you have no intentions of becoming an entrepreneur, you can still benefit from reading this book. The lessons taught can be applied to your own circumstances and how to adapt your attitude in order to turn things around for yourself. Ryan will also make you laugh with his wit and teach you important life lessons from explaining his own mistakes in the business industry. I am currently reading it again. This time with a pen and notebook.
May 28, 2013
This book was nothing more then a marketing peace from a CEO that Crammed it down his network marketers throats. I bought one copy to read and low and behold I got two other complimentary copies mailed to me. This is what he did company wide to get his book to rank high and become a best seller. Reading this book states nothing more then Ryan Blair had a Rich Stepfather that opened doors for him. Most gang members don't get that chance. I would have more respect if he would have done what he did on his own. Not after his mother Married a millionaire.
June 19, 2013
This started as a compelling story that I hoped would share rough-and-tumble business lessons, but after the initial chapters detailing his early life, we are suddenly launched into a business to-do list without describing where the lessons came from. It was about 70 pages into the book before we even find out what his main business does, and I was disappointed to learn it was selling diet supplements, which always rings of scam (like in the Four-Hour Work Week). The book itself ended up feeling like a diet-pill scam.
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