Reviews of Robert's books
How to Start Your Own Business For Entrepreneurs
I have read a number of books in preparation for starting my own business, from a wide variety of authors. A common problem that I found is that a lot of the books overlapped and were lacklustre in their presentation of topics. Robert Ashton's book is something I don't want to put down, it combines useful advice that I have put to actual use in starting my business, with insightful case studies detailing how others have achieved success before. A measure of a business book for me is how you can apply what's in the book to real life starting a business, and for me, that is where this book conquers. B. Smith How to Start your Own Business for Entrepreneurs is a fantastic addition to anyone's business bookshelf. Of particular interest is advice on improving your network. Without a network to call to arms the beginning phases can be very daunting especially when capital is low and the nerves are high.....Robert's advice ensures entrepreneurs share their ideas and call upon their "network" to maximise success in start-up. Getting your idea out there is half the battle! Sit down with a tall latte and digest on a quiet Sunday afternoon.....by Monday you'll be ready to build your empire! C. Mackay Read more... The Entrepreneur's Book of Checklists I love this book. Normally when I read a business book I'll glean a few useful nuggets of new information or ideas and tuck them away. The book will then be shelved! Not with this book! It's format means there is useful information on every page and it's very easy to pick up and refer to over and over again. I love Roberts checklist approach and the fact that it's based on his work with a multitude of different businesses at different life-cycle stages. V.L. Pickles Starting and running your own business is a real roller-coaster ride. Even if you have role models and people to help you, it is a tough road. This book offers help, tips and tricks to make every day productive. It will even help to keep you fully motivated even on bad days - keep it in your laptop case! The book is set out in a way that makes it easy to get the right information and even better, remember it. Superb. I read a little every night before bed to go to sleep feeling good and again over breakfast to start the day in a positive mood. If this book doesn't help you get more from your business, nothing will!! J. Sullivan Read more... The Life Plan This is a very accessable easy start plan. The author provides lists of ten actions you can take to make a change in a wide range areas. I used a highlight pen when I read the book so that I had an action list at the end of reading the book. Equally, I could have put the book down at any time and started using the suggestions straight away. It is a jargon free zone of easy to use, off the shelf, sound suggestions to bring about changes in all areas of your life. It is however intended as a buffet from which you select and the cover accurately describes what is essentially 700 simple prompts. If you have a deeper desire to make substantial and radical changes in your life then please see my other reviews. Great value, pain free, free of the author's bias, religious and philosophical views and written in a clear and friendly style. S. Green As someone that dislikes reading, this was an easy to follow book with some fantastic suggestions to help me make my life better & more importantly a better person to live & work with! I expected to read this book one section or even one page at a time but as soon as I got into it there was no putting it down. I would also recommend The Entrepreneur's Book of Checklists: 1000 Tips to Help You Start and Grow Your Business. It's certainly helped me along the way when growing my own business. A. Jenkinson Read more... Instant Entrepreneur Having come from a self employed and a humble rural background, I am really enthused to instil some fundamental business principals into my clients - and relate often to "Instant Entrepreneur" for some no nonsense guidance and ideas. Having purchased the book in Paddington station some years ago, I did not put it down until reaching West Wales and have often referred others it to and even loaned it to a few mates (apologise for not adding to your sales). Not being a natural book worm, I do find your writing very addictive and applicable to my style of getting to the point without droning on. M. Davies A very well written and researched book in an easy to read format. I read it easily in a weekend. Having done an entrepreneurship course on an MBA and have worked with three start ups since, a lot of what is written hits home. It may not be earth shattering new science but it puts together a succinct blend of advice on marketing, sales, finance and lifestyle choices involved in running a business - of just about any size. Nice as a revision text. Often in running a business we do not have the opportunity to step back and put all the pieces together. This book does this in a very reader friendly format - I will probably read it again at some point. P. Cunningham Read more... I Know Someone Like That A very readable selection of highly personal stories from those who may have faced adversity in their personal or professional lives. You don't have to empathise (although I do), the experiences of a hugely diverse selection of interviewees acts as an inspiration to those who might face the stigma attached to mental health issues. Presented with refreshing honesty, humour and hope for the future. M. Cooper I really enjoyed reading this book probably because the concept behind it is very close to my heart. I have a son who suffers from Paranoid Schizophrenia and I suffer from severe anxiety/depression. During my 20 years as a carer I have seen the pain and devastation that stigma and prejudice causes both sufferers and their families. This book is thought provoking well written and easy to follow. Well done Robert Ashton we need more books like this one. G. Wakefield Read more... |