I have the privilege of reviewing a newly released entrepreneur book by Steven Schussler called:"It's a Jungle in There"
Title: It's a Jungle in There: Inspiring Lessons, Hard-Won Insights, and Other Acts of Entrepreneurial Daring
Author: Steven Schussler
Publisher: Union Square Press (October 5, 2010)
ISBN: 978-1402762895
Hardcover: 256 pages
Dimension: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
Excerpts from the press material:
"Wild and crazy ideas. That’s the foundation of Steven Schussler’s impressive career in the restaurant and entertainment arenas. Four years and $400,000 after rebuilding his suburban Minnesota home as a jungle—with a life-sized replica of an elephant near the front door and mist, waterfalls, and 40 live tropical birds flying around inside—and inviting prospective investors to come, Schussler launched his dream business. He watched the Rainforest Cafe grow from an idea everyone thought was crazy into an enormous business success and international phenomenon, while getting a kick out of bringing happiness to millions of kids of all ages.
In his first book, Schussler shares the wild and crazy stories of his life in business. While making readers laugh at his antics—from donning a Superman costume, getting into a wooden barrel, and having two policeman buddies deliver him to an interview for a sales job, which he nailed, to showering a parade with confetti made of real money from the Federal Reserve—he reveals the keys to successful entrepreneurship that he’s discovered through his experiences."
Although, gorilla face on the cover page was not my cup of tea, I presume it is related to how the author initiated his business ventures. Fortunately, I'm not the type of person who judges a book by its cover, otherwise I would have missed out on this awesome book!
Schussler shares his strategies for success by pinpointing the "Five P's" of entrepreneurial success - Personality, Product, Persistence, People, and Philanthropy - which jumpstarts creative thinking, and helps business people turn their ideas in to reality. Curious, I wanted to find out more about his 5 strategies.
Some of the points in the book that caught my fancy were: 'Don't be afraid to dream, and dream big,’ as successful entrepreneurs tend to have the positive thinking attitude that allows them to reach for their goals. Also, dreaming big gives a person a better chance at succeeding big.
Another chapter in the book that I enjoyed reading was chapter 8: Sweat the Small Stuff - something that an aspiring entrepreneur should take great importance and pride in. I am impressed with how Schussler took the extra mile to ensure his clients are satisfied with their deals and projects. As Schussler mentions early in this chapter, people often fail to realize just how important paying attention to detail is, causing them to lose out on bigger opportunities. Schussler exemplifies this principle with his personal experience in noticing and picking up a cigarette butt on the walkway right outside his office door while he was with a client for a company tour. Attention to details such as this impresses his client so much as it reflects on his personality and his company’s.
I also concur with the chapter that touches on making someone feel special, as it does go a long way and ensures the relationship with the clients remain strong. Schussler provides his readers with examples that show how friendships help forge stronger business ties.
This book is a good choice for individuals who are aspiring to be successful in their business or those who are already in the business world wondering whether there's anything else that can be done to build up their business.
Steven Schussler is the Chairman and CEO of Schussler Creative, Inc., a company that creates theatrical environments for restaurants, retail stores, and attractions worldwide. The award-winning founder of the Rainforest Cafe, one of the fastest growing and top-grossing restaurants in the world, he is also the creator and founder of T-REX™, Yak & Yeti™ Restaurant, Betty & Joe’s™, Hot Dog Hall of Fame™, Galaxy Drive In™ and Backfire BBQ™. A dedicated philanthropist, he is a founding member of Smile Network International and has participated in its surgical missions as a volunteer. Born and raised in Far Rockaway, New York, he has homes in Minnesota and Mexico, and frequently gives talks and workshops to aspiring and practicing entrepreneurs across the United States.
You can get this book from Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble and even an autographed copy from the book website itself. You can also read about the author at: http://www.schusslercreative.com/schussler_author.html
I received no monetary compensation for this review, I was provided with a copy of the book by the publisher (Union Square Press) via my association with BookPleasures in order to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Please do your own research when purchasing products, as your opinions may differ from mine.
And if you'd like to read my previous book reviews, you can do so by reading this post of mine called "My Book Reviews"
