The Enterpreneur Mind

by Kevin D. Johnson

A book to guide you in the most rewarding directions! Typically, the journey to becoming a master salesperson is long and painful, full of trial and error, requiring perseverance and constant self-motivation. But it doesn’t have to be that way! While pundits may describe sales as an art form, the truth is that – like science – it is based on core principles and practices. In order to get better at sales, a salesperson need only improve on these individual building blocks. In the Science of Sales, author Pranab Bhalla builds a logical framework for budding professionals on the process of sales. Here you will find: • The right psychological approach • The building blocks of cold calling and business development • The art of questioning • The sales presentation • Understanding buying decisions • Dangling the bait And much, much more! Pranab Bhalla works in the Indian IT sales industry. Throughout his career, he has donned many roles in sales and business development. From selling insurance and telecom products door to door, to closing multimillion dollar transactions for large MNCs, Pranab has gone through the grind. He is based in Gurgaon and married with two children.

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Nonfiction, Startup, Audiobook, Finance, Self Help

Paperback

First published March 5, 2013

Reviews

[Austin Tunnell · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I actually found some really helpful tips in here, the author's tone is pretty darn self-absorbed. He seems nearly incapable of giving an example that doesn't somehow lead back to how awesome he is. What I assume he intended as 'blunt realism' simply comes across as childish and annoying. The content gets redundant fast and it feels like he is just talking to hear himself talk. It could easily be "10 Essential Beliefs, Characteristics, and Habits of Elite Entrepreneurs" rather than 100....

That being said, I still found myself getting excited while reading it--mainly because it made me think about my own business. But I suppose that has some merit.

[Bader · Rating 4 out of 5]

1: Strategies
1.1) Think Big
1.2)
1.3) Work on your business not in your business
1.4) All risk is not risky
1.5) Don't waste time
1.6) Build a company that is a system dependent not people dependent
1.7) Ask for help
1.8) Business comes first, family second
1.9) Do what's important first
1.10) Hire a good lawyers/attorney
1.11) The business plan is overrated
1.12) Require criticism and disagreement
1.13) Fire your worst customers
1.14) Make money while doing nothing
1.15) Outsourcing makes sense
1.16) Move on fast from a bad business idea
1.17) A bad economy is a great opportunity
1.18) Adopt technology early
1.19) Ignorance can be bliss
1.20) Adapt to change quickly
1.21) Technology is an opportunity not a threat
1.22) Always follow up
1.23) Have a LASER like focus (keep focusing)
1.24) Non profit really means profit (non-profits are good clients)
1.25) Explore new adventure for inspiration (traveling brings inspiration)
1.26) Failure does not kill you, it makes you stronger
1.27) Seek partnerships for the good reasons
1.28) Be a master at leveraging resources
1.29) Ideas execution not its uniques yields success (speed, team,& frugality)
1.30) Find an enemy
1.31) Doesn’t underestimate your competitors (in new markets, subtitles are competitors)
1.32) Ask for what you want
1.33) No competition means your idea probably has a little merit
1.34) Put out fires quickly
1.35) Have an exit strategy (Begin with an end plan)

2. Education:
You are in no rush to get an NBA

3. People
3.1) Spend most of your time with people smarter than you
3.2) Office space is not a good priority, but a good team is
3.3) What you wear is not your worth
3.4) You don’t always have to be the smartest one in the room
3.5) Talent trump seniority
3.6) You are odd and it’s ok (ch8, 16:00)
Dyslexia and ADD are common among entrepreneurs
3.7) People do not work only for money
Some people work harder if they don’t get paid and some people are welling to work for things rather than money
3.8) You have a sidekick (work in teams)
3.9) Do not let people abuse your flexibility (boundaries must be set and respected)
3.10) Don’t manage people manage expectations
3.11) Get the right mentor
3.12) Choose your spouse wisely
3.13) Fire unproductive people (hire slow, fire fast)

4. Finance
4.1) You don’t need money to create money
4.2) Pay taxes quarterly
4.3) A check in hand means nothing
4.4) Avoid negative cash flow
4.5) Borrow money from a bank before you need it
4.6) Pre payment is king, disregard standard payment terms
4.7) Hiring a professional accountant is a money well spent
4.8) Manage debt well
4.9) There is a down side to having investors
4.10) Focus on building revenue
4.11) The biggest investment in your company is yours
4.12) Use different bank to minimize risk
4.13) Know your pay deck score
5. Marketing and Sales
5.1) You are in sale wither you want to be or not ( don’t just focus on building the product, focus on selling it)
5.2) Your costumer is your boss
5.3) You have a sale before you have a business
5.4) You are not always the best person to close a deal
5.5) Networking isn’t all about you
5.6) Don’t waste time on people who can’t say yes
5.7) There is no such a thing as a cold call (a winning effort begins with preparation)
5.8) Tell everyone about your business
5.9) Ask the right question
5.10) Receive the maximum value for your product
5.11) Don’t patronize your customers
5.12) Build your network creatively
5.13) Don’t hold grudges

6. Leadership
6.1) Act in-spite of what you feel
6.2) Push beyond your fear
6.3) Be a Maverick
6.4) Make your dreams come true
6.5) Make difficult sacrifices
6.6) You have an unbelievable endurance
6.7) Be prepared to lose it all (Entrepreneurship is not for weak)

7. Motivation
7.1) Being successful is not the goal - do it to add value to the market and to solve problems (there is nothing wrong with wanting to be successful, but it is the wrong reason to start a business)
7.2) You’re excited when Monday morning arrives (Entrepreneurs love Mondays)
7.3) You’re disappointed when Friday arrives
7.4) A 9 to 5 is worse than death
7.5) Your parents what you to get a real job with benefits
7.6) You sometime get resentment than respect
7.7) It’s not about being your own boss
7.8) Entrepreneurship is in your blood (true)
7.9) You know your worth
7.10) You can’t keep a job
7.11) You cry when things don’t go your way
7.12) It’s never too late to be an entrepreneur
7.13) You feel un equaled joy when your idea come true
7.14) Following your passion is bogus (Don’t follow your passion, follow where you put effort)
7.15) You have the right motivation
7.16) You love your life
7.17) You are an entrepreneur for ever

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the real story of what it will take to succeed, from a guy that has done it.

Right from the introduction, Kevin lays out the roadmap to successful entrepreneurship succinctly, directly and without hype or fluff; "elite entrepreneurs respond quickly, put their business first, consult with mentors often, hire the best team, create an environment of stressful urgency, use time wisely".

Kevin starts by dispelling some of the obvious myths around starting, running & succeeding in your own enterprise. Its as relevant to consultants, retailers, online and 'bricks-and-mortar' businesses as it is to early stage startups.

As Kevin clearly spells out, your critical thinking processes and your ability to deliver are the keys to determine your reality, not your status, standing, enthusiasm or potential.

He speaks honestly about key areas such as customers, cashflow, team, service and operational requirements, as well more specific topics around your life, attitude & what it will take to develop a winning entrepreneurial mind.

He states early that this "book is to help young entrepreneurs avoid the mistakes I made". I reckon he might've also had his eye on some us older, more seasoned campaigners when he wrote this book.

There are many new & great books now being delivered on the the topic of Entrepreneurship, as well as it being a topic increasingly taught in universities everywhere. Kevin D Johnson's book is without question the best I've read this year, and any aspriring (or struggling) entrepreneur should make this the very first book that they read before they take another single step.

It's also important to note that nowhere did Kevin preach to me, or tell me to compromise my values, as I have read in a number of other books.

Having done 8 startups in Australia myself (and probably doing almost everything wrong along the way), I wonder if my journey may have been accelerated applying Kevin's (or 'Kev' as we affectionately call him downunder) principles.

Albert Einstein said, "You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else."

So "do yourself a favour"; learn the rules, and play.

[Hugo Messer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I scrolled through the book. The tips are truths and can be of value depending on the stage of entrepreneurial development you are in. Not really a book to read from beginning to end, but one to go to for inspiration on specific topics

[Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must be a pretty weird kid to give a book on entrepreneurship 5 stars. If you plan on being an entrepreneur, I would recommend this book. If you don't plan on being an entrepreneur, you will after reading this book, which I would still recommend even if you don't plan on being an entrepreneur.

[Nikki Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably the worst business book I've ever read. Maybe even the worst book I've ever read. Dry and boring the whole way through, uninspiring. This guy seems really intent to make people think he's smart and successful when I didn't really see it or feel it.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was SOME good insight, but it was difficult to read for me. Not that the verbiage or concepts were hard to get, but the whole book was Kevin Johnson patting himself on the back the entire time. Boring. It took me about two months to finish, but I did it and now I want my time back.

[Anastasija · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you think about changing careers, you should take a look at this one.

[Victor Volpe · Rating 2 out of 5]

It tries to encompass too much in a short book. Ends up not getting into any detail.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Entrepreneur Mind is a book filled with “100 Essential Beliefs, Characteristics, and Habits of Elite Entrepreneurs” spread out over seven chapters and 243 pages. Each chapter covers a different topic (strategy, education, people, finance, marketing and sales, leadership, and motivation) in a chronological format. For each of the 100 beliefs, characteristics and habits listed- the author lists a quote usually followed by a personal anecdote to support the topic in reference. There’s some quality insight in this book, however, I found it to be general, elementary, and basic. The information felt a little forced like the author was running out of ideas but needed to get to 100. Many people have complained about the authors “self-boasting” methods of supporting his topics, this didn’t bother me personally. But it may be something to keep in mind if that kind of thing rubs you the wrong way. I could see this book being useful if you’re looking for an easy to read introduction into business ownership/entrepreneurship. If you already read a lot in this space, or have prior experience starting and running a business, you likely won’t find new information here.

[Gisela Hausmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides the classic advice 1) Think Big 7) Ask for Help 10) Hire a Good Lawyer 12) Require Criticism and Disagreement in Your Company 13) Fire Your Worst Customers 22) Always Follow Up 47) Don’t Manage People, Manage Expectations 48) Get the Right Mentor 69) Don’t Waste Time on People Who Can’t Say Yes

My only issues were with rules 38) Spend the Majority of Your Time with People Smarter Than You and
48) Get the Right Mentor.
I read this advice all the time, however, hundreds of small business owners will probably concur that the “right mentors” don’t grow on trees, thus may not be available. In connection with 38) and 48) I missed a mentioning of the Internet as a resource. Pete Cashmore, the founder of Mashable, thought up his business concept alone, using only the world wide web as a resource.

The very best advice: "Don't waste your Time on People Who Can't Say Yes".

Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger

[John Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my Mindset

I wish I would have read this book at the start of my entrepreneurial journey.

But, all things happen in the time they’re supposed to happen.

I’ve read this work through Kindle, but now I’m buying it in print to re-read later down the road as a refresher.

To all your entrepreneurs, or wannabe entrepreneurs, out there, make sure you grab this book and read it! Don’t just gloss over, make sure your mind chews it over and over.

Thank you, Kevin, for your enjoyable thoughts and advice.

[Sebastian Prohaska · Rating 4 out of 5]

1) Frage dein Netzwerk und Menschen um dich herum nach Hilfe. Überwinde deine scheu und deinen stolz.

2) Finde Dir im Business einen Konkurrenten/Feind. Microsoft und Apple konkurrieren und motivieren sich gegenseitig zu Höchstleistungen.

3) Das Buch liefert 98 weitere interessante Erkenntnisse und Ideen für Unternehmer. Es zahlt sich aus alle zu lesen/ zu hören.

Bewertung des Buches von mir: 4 von 5 Sternen.

[Vinoth Srinivasan]

Book comprises of the list of do's and dont's for every budding entrepreneur.

[Powell Omondi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book with the basic principles for developing the hunter mindset

[Vivek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

Definitely some very good points but a lot others were just common sense or too philosophical.

This was my 2nd full read

[Drew Wolsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Take: Not what I expected, but some solid tips for anyone wanting to jump into entrepreneurship.

Longer Take:

I’m developing a course on Intrapreneurship for my day job. Part of the course involves discussing how to think like an entrepreneur. So a book on “The Entrepreneur Mind” seemed like an ideal resource. Unfortunately, it is not what I had hoped for (Obviously my fault for making an assumption based on the title).
“The Entrepreneur Mind” by Kevin D. Johnson is essentially 100 tips on how to be a successful entrepreneur. I suppose some of the tips are related to an entrepreneurial mindset, but for the most part, it’s just a list of best practices.

So, not the book I had hoped for. But I would definitely recommend “The Entrepreneur Mind” to anyone hoping to become an entrepreneur. There are many valuable tips and I enjoyed how the author used plenty of examples from his entrepreneurial journey.

Some of My Favourite Quotes:

“Until an entrepreneur’s company runs without the founder, that person is just self-employed, the lowest rung in the hierarchy of entrepreneurs. The unfortunate reality for millions of entrepreneurs is that their business depends on them way too much.”

“I actively seek people who will ruffle my feathers by criticizing my ideas. … Surround yourself with honest people who tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

“Novice entrepreneurs … tend to think that the idea they have is the only good one they’ve got, demanding an all-or-nothing response with no retreat possible.”

“Entrepreneurs do not allow a bad economy to hold them back … Ironically, poor economic conditions often have the opposite effect; they motivate entrepreneurs more and propel them to success even faster.”

“Failure is inevitable in entrepreneurship, but how you deal with failure determines whether you are ultimately a winner.”

“A gap the size of the Grand Canyon separates idea and execution.”

“When you start a business, immediately choose an enemy that you and your team aspire to crush. Identifying an archrival helps to solidify your team around a common goal and serves as a natural motivator. No one wants to lose in a game of one-on-one.”

“An entrepreneur who stops learning stops earning.”

“The culture you start with will probably be the culture you end up with.”

“No entrepreneur has succeeded without some type of mentor figure. Mentors are invaluable.”

“Don’t believe the hype about needing money to start a business. It’s deceiving, and if you believe it, you could be ruining or delaying the success of your endeavour. … Having no money doesn’t mean you have no resources. You’ve got something, so get started…”

“When done correctly and effectively, networking isn’t about you. Rather, it’s about what you can do to help others improve their businesses. … get the most out of your experience by assuming an attitude of service.”

“Winning entrepreneurs act in spite of how they feel. … overcoming what we feel like doing versus what we should be doing is a daily battle … but it’s a battle you must win.”

“What am I willing to sacrifice to make this happen? Your answer can help determine your likelihood of success.”

Druid’s Top Entrepreneurship Lesson: There is no one “right way” to succeed as an entrepreneur. But there are plenty of “right things” you can do to increase your chances.

www.druid.biz

[Andres Marin · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are my top 10 takeaways:

1. Ambition

It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is having no stars to reach for.

Low aim is sin.

2. Compass

Ask where you are now, where do you want to be and how do you get there.

Delegate tasks and carve out priority time to develop your idea.

3. Mind-set

Creating new markets is better than competing in overcrowded industries.

As Henry Ford said, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses”.

4. Resilience

Failure is the opportunity to try again but more intelligently.

How you deal with it determines whether you are ultimately a winner.

5. Perspective

An event can have a 1 percent or 99 percent probability of loss. Our response to and interpretation of those two levels of risk make all the difference.

Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.

6. Priorities

The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.

Good things happen when you get your priorities straight.

7. Investor Relations

Never tell a potential investor you have absolutely no competition.

Investors are skeptical of any business plan written by one person.

8. Network

Find people that can get under your skin and make you question your way of thinking.

People that tell you the good, the bad, and ugly. People with the ability and audacity to think big carve the path to greatness.

9. Worth & Wisdom

People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But it means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. Pick carefully.

Just because some customers want you, doesn’t mean you need them.

10. Habits

If you really want to know where your destiny lies, look at where you apply your time…

Don’t follow your passions, follow your effort.

[Hugh Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Serial Entrepreneur from Atlanta Who LOVED This Book

Yes I had numerous businesses in Atlanta coming there to be the publicist for the Original Marlboro Man, the late William Thourlby, in 1978. Staying on until 2000 with businesses in public relations consulting, preparedness and survival skills consulting, video production, TV co-production and co-hosting several Comcast shows.

I can identify with Kevin's journey as my entrepreneurial drive started in grad school knowing I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my mentor, whom I met at undergraduate school at Florida State University. I chose the public relations route just like my mentor did. Like Kevin I believe mentors are CRITICAL to your success and even have one now as a 76 years youngster! By the way my grandfather was an entrepreneur and his daughter my Mom was an entrepreneur. Like Kevin we can look to our past to see family members even back then who were entrepreneurs!

I am not the Millionaire I started out to be by age 35 after reading Think & Grow Rich while in grad school at the University of Illinois; however there is still time as I like Kevin don't EVER plan to retire until the Good Lord takes me home!

I agree with Kevin that being encouraged by parents and friends has kept me enduring even homelessness before taking a 9 to 5 J. O. B. - Just Over Broke!

Yes the other 99 are reminders to me but #100 is my personal favorite - DON'T EVER STOP BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR!

[Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Entrepreneur Mind is a book I'm currently reading, and in my opinion a must read for anyone passionate about starting their own business or working on their personal brand. The book consists of 100 essential skills, characteristics, and lessons that the author believes that every 'entrepreneur' should know. These 100 lessons are split into 7 main categories, and include multiple real-life examples throughout to get a deeper understanding of it.

Each chapter is a couple of pages, making this read perfect for anyone with a busy schedule. I have learnt vital lessons from it, and will keep this book by my side when working with clients as well as my own personal brand.

#brand #business #theentrepreneurmind

[Amisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am torn. Sometimes this books infuriated me. In my humble opinion, it’s written by a self involved narcissist who wanted a couple hundred pages to stroke his ego. But the redeeming factor is that, in some pages few and far between, it made me believe I was not crazy. I started my own business this year and sometimes things would happen which would make me believe I should self combust. His words told me that I am not alone... that it is due course for the journey. And for that, he deserves every last one of these four stars. What a fitting book to end 2018 with!

[Mthokozisi Shabalala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book is very informative and inspirational to anyone who wants to take the red pill or someone who has took it already.I am definitely taking the red pill and I am not looking back ever again.I just hope that the universe will conspire to my dreams,goals and opportunities along the journey.Special thanks to the author and I absolutely recommend the book to everyone who is fascinated by how deep the rabbit whole is in Wonderland.

[Fahran Kamili · Rating 1 out of 5]

Johnson said you should build a company not just by yourself. Just take a look at the time difference between 400m relay and 400m single.

What kind of analogy is that?

Worst business book ever. Definitely, the worst book that I ever read. This is what happens when a narcissist wrote a book about his "success".

[Erfan · Rating 2 out of 5]

1)The book is very basic maybe if you have no idea of entrepreneurs things and you want to start to get to kniw you will give it a 5 star but for me many of it was too basic.
2) some points could habe been said in a single sentence but you had to read 3 pages about it -_-
However, last chapter was most interesting for me.

[Dhiran · Rating 4 out of 5]

100 lessons in strategy, sales & marketing, finance, leadership, education, people and motivation in the journey of Entrepreneurship. Mostly sighting real experiences of self or of others, to help the reader relate to the journey of entrepreneurship that one is planning to start or has already started. #BookLovers #LoveToRead #dntjbookclub

[maialaboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book; a lot of the ideas/suggestions were very helpful while the others were a little too obvious and just plain common sense. I’d definitely recommend if you’re interested in starting your own business!

[Blake Isbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in my Music Entrepreneurship class at Lipscomb University. This book presented information in an efficient way and also discusses interesting topics. I do not however agree with all of these topics but they were still interesting.

[Tanya G. Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of Golden Nuggets

This book offers lots of good tips, ideas, and inspiration for entrepreneurs. There were parts where I would burst out laughing at some of the personal stories, and then there were parts where I was feverishly taking notes. Very good read!

[Walter Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a motivational book than a how to book. Then again, there never really is a one system for all when it comes to entrepreneurship. It is a easy read with a lot of helpful tips for anyone interested in diving deeper into entrepreneurship.

[nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Made me realize a lot of stuff pertaining to my journey in entrepreneurship I can’t quite zero in on a few items but one point I remember most is that it’s hard to classify us. Are we lawyers / bankers / doctors.