Survive and Thrive: How to Build a Profitable Business in Any Economy (Including This One)
This award-winning #1 bestseller is an entrepreneurship masterclass filled with insights from the best & brightest minds in business today.
To write this book, I started with my own experience building three companies from scratch (selling two) and I incorporated insights from dozens of interviews with highly successful entrepreneurs.
Reviewers have called this book a “Weekend MBA” full of “Timeless Principles” and “Worth a read… twice!”
Testimonials for Survive and Thrive:
Survive and Thrive provides timeless information about starting a business from scratch, but at exactly the right time. Having gone through a layoff myself in 2008, I know exactly how important each and every lesson John shares is, and I wish this book was around when I first started my entrepreneurial journey. Step by step, genuine, and highly recommended.
John explores all things you need to know as an aspiring entrepreneur. You’ll get exposure to an insane amount of relevant topics and insights. He also asks the best questions so you walk away with real actionable advice.
Forget the MBA and do this instead. Business doesn't have to be complicated. But way too many people overcomplicate it. Unfortunately, that leads to many businesses never getting started. This book breaks down the truth: that anyone with the drive to do so can start a successful businesses. I'm very confident you'll do great if all you do is implement what you learn in here.
Reading Survive to Thrive is like having a chat with a friend who is a successful entrepreneur. Unlike so many entrepreneur books, this one is written in a friendly, approachable style and concentrates on showing the how and why of getting the basics right, because a structure built on a strong foundation can weather many storms. Everything is explained simply, with real-world examples. As a hobbyist looking to get more serious with my business, I found this book to be both immensely helpful and very inspiring.
John's style of writing is to be clear and concise. He doesn't complicate the subject with jargon talk and buzzwords. And because of this he gets the message over very well. This is not marketing and branding made easy; this is marketing and branding made clear. Follow the steps John has laid out and you are on your way.
Fantastic book, chalk full of practical tips and strategies for growing your business under any conditions—but especially during uncertain times. Worth a read!
Well worth the read in this current economic climate. No matter which stage of business you are at. Highly recommend.
Try this book! It was very helpful in summarizing the beginning stages of a platform business, and it logically leads into the later financial steps that I need to take but hadn't thought or known about. I liked it so much that I bought another copy for a friend.
I was hooked right from the intro. This approach to entrepreneurship makes a lot of sense and resonated with me immediately as an approach that works in the real world, written by someone who's "been there, done that". The trial and error method alone can be long, costly, and painful. So I really appreciated John's conversational tone, without meaningless filler, taking the reader straight to the key elements that actually move the needle. This book feels like the privilege of meeting with a start-up mentor over coffee.
John really hits the nail on the head with this book. It is extremely insightful and has a crazy number of really practical tips for thriving in your business. I particularly like Chapter 6 on "Selling Strategy". The tiered pricing and business model he describes is brilliant. The other thing I found really helpful is the metrics-based approach he uses for everything. It is not shooting in the dark but rather creating solid strategies based on the numbers.
I googled myself and found the author of the same name. I’m a CPA and majored in economics. I found that John laid out some technical concepts I already knew (and some I didn’t), but it was more about the way he presented the information. He didn’t try to dazzle with a bunch of jargon, but instead explained things you can take action on. I was lucky that my vanity of googling my name lead to an inspiring read. :)
John Meese gives a wholesome/community building perspective through this book that inspires the average entrepreneur to reach into pockets of the market that are often overlooked. The emphasis on “real people” interaction with customers is such a crucial yet undervalued aspect in today’s “big business” mentality of doing business. It is very easy to get lost in the pure numbers and statistics in today’s market, and what this book does is readjust your mind to what is truly effective. I highly recommend this book.
I've heard it said there are three types of perspectives we can adopt as entrepreneurs: the Historian, the Reporter, and the Futurist. All are important: the Historian pulls insight from the past, the Reporter focuses on current events, and the Futurist focus on what is to come. This is a futurist book. A key takeaway for me: Choosing the path of entrepreneurship means choosing a path of problems for the rest of your career. I've been quoting that line to my audience since I read it. Highly recommended title.
The hardest part of starting a business is actually starting. Survive and Thrive helps you avoid the trap of "procrastilearning," (reading and researching from dozens of sources without making real progress) by giving you everything you need to get started in a single, easy-to-digest book. (I also love the illustrations! ;) You can survive and even thrive... and today's a great day to start!
I find helpful to study timeless principles of business. This book is chock full of ones like this: “To build a thriving business, focus on solving problems for real people who are aware of the problem in question and engaged in actively seeking a solution to that problem.” If you dream of being your own boss, John Meese has written a straightforward how-to guide for you. if you’re already in the throes of growing a business and feeling stuck, these pages will help you return to the fundamentals.
I've been kicking around the idea of starting my own business, but I had no idea where to start. Then I was introduced to Survive and Thrive by John Meese. It not only quickly frames up the "how" but also the why behind small business! It's not just about making money for the sake of money. It's also about meeting your clients where they are and solving a problem they have. Will definitely be recommending this book to others looking to take the leap of small business ownership!
John does a phenomenal job of offering practical and actionable guidance. I found John’s advice on structuring business finances and dealing with financial transactions with clients particularly convicting. John Meese has easily earned his place next to the other great authors I’ve read, such as Simon Sinek, Donald Miller, and Seth Godin writing about business strategy.
John did an incredible job providing what it means to be a successful entrepreneur in this single book. It's one of the best I've ever read. I cannot speak highly enough about this! Do yourself a favor and read this book!!!
In his book, Survive and Thrive, John Meese clearly defines an entrepreneur as one who solves problems for a profit, but emphasizes that the motivating factor behind solving problems is in order to help and to serve people. One of his mantras that is repeated throughout his book is that an entrepreneur creates real solutions to real problems to help real people. I loved the book and learned a great deal about entrepreneurship. I recommend this book to not only entrepreneurs, but also to leaders, authors, and artists.
If you have a heart to help, see a problem and have a solution, grab this book as a blueprint to put it in action. John Meese walks you from idea to product; from product to pricing; and even helps you understand how to make the most of your budget and financial management (with tons of resources to boot).Entrepreneurs adapt and innovate, so adapt to the idea that John Meese has captured the most innovative business ideas in one place.
This book by John Meese is a great amalgamation of some of the best business processes I've read in quite a while. John takes the best recommendations from many sources and puts them together in an easy-to read format with humor and lightness. This book is a clear and succinct overview of how to build a profitable business in any economy. I've already recommended it to one of my personal clients and expect to recommend it, alongside The E-myth Revisited, for those who aspire to create and build a profitable business.
This book triggered us to start asking the right questions. It has helped us have a deeper conversation about the possibilities, and a better vision for our future.
I first thought this book would be about just economics of building a business, but wow was I wrong! John shares incredibly insightful entrepreneurial frameworks, along with a healthy dose of vision, mission and heart. John’s approach and obvious caring for others shines through and makes this book an easy and insightful read, as well as a blueprint for deeper insight and implementation that every entrepreneur needs. So please, don’t think about it - just click now and get this book!
John does an incredible job taking us step by step to starting or growing a successful business. I love how he breaks each step into specific actions that can be applied to any industry by anyone brand new to business or even experienced entrepreneurs. The lessons are timeless and he shares with the heart of a teacher. Unlike other books that are filled with fluff, the examples in this book expertly drive his points home. Definitely recommend for anyone who's trying to figure out the business landscape going forward.
Loved the book! Great for busy business owners and entrepreneurs. The best part is the author's tips and practical advice on what it will mean to be an entrepreneur in the days ahead—truly practical tips to help owners not just survive, but thrive, in whatever is ahead for the global economy. This book is GOLD for new-ish leaders, but even as a seasoned leader and entrepreneur myself, I found myself re-evaluating and making practical changes to our marketing, sales, and finance areas based on John's advice.
It seems like the scales during COVID either tilted way up or way down for people. John Meese helps the group of us that felt that sinking feeling, come up with a plan that not only keeps our business heads above water during trying times, but to actually thrive during those times. A message of hope for those of us who aren't Jeff Bezos!
This book contained a comprehensive business advice in an accessible format. Having it all in a single place helped me see how the pieces connect. I came away with helpful advice, such as the best practice of budgeting to spend what I already have in the bank rather than on the sales I hope to generate. I also appreciated the MTO (Minimum, Target, Outrageous) framework for thinking about goals. Overall, I would recommend this book for people looking for a one-stop shop for how to create and sustain a business.
I am a new business owner and thought Survive and Thrive was a fantastic read!! I learned so much each chapter from John about how to grow a successful business from the importance of relationships, to taking risks, and trusting the process!! His honest and focused opinion is very helpful for business owners of all kinds!!
Small business owners have way more questions than answers, particularly in the beginning. John’s keen insight and experience provides answers to virtually every significant question posed by exploring, early stage and experienced owners alike. Trust me, place this book in the top of your reading list and don’t dally.
John walks through a practical approach to building a thriving business in the "new normal" after the Great Reset. As an acquaintance of John's (full disclosure), I've seen him put this into practice - he's not writing from a place of theory alone. For anyone looking to build or rebuild their business in the ongoing aftermath of the COVID-19 restrictions, here's your road map.
While other authors dive deep into nuances of business, John does a great job of simplifying business. What are the basics? What are the 3 things to focus on. He helps demystify a business, gives you practical guidelines and gets you back to work.
From beginning to end, I underlined, starred and dog-eared this book! It is so full of practical, applicable advice. Every chapter takes you closer to a fully functioning business! Just the chapter on "Prioritize Profit First" will completely change how I do business. Thank you, thank you for writing this book that indeed helps us " build a profitable business in any economy"!!
This book gave a fresh perspective and holistic view of the opportunities available with the correct perspective and desire. The author's motivation as an encourager brought hope to a post COVID work place.
John has practical business steps that you can implement right away. I particularly like the chapter on making financial decisions. He has a fantastic perspective and you really can see that he is sharing real-world experience instead of theory. I recommend this book to anyone looking to start or scale a business that they be excited about.
I found John's way of speaking in this book to be refreshingly straight to the point. He explains things in detail, but in a way that's easy to understand. It truly is a book for anyone to pick up and learn from. There are quite a few sections I highlighted, my favorite being how to approach goal setting (thanks for that one!) that has already been working for me. It's a short read that feels like a "best of", singling out everything that works and separating it from the noise.
I liked John's ability to influence business decisions that are relevant to today's economy.
I was introduced to John Meese during the COVID onset. I had just completed board certification to become a music therapist. I was desperate for some basic business fundamentals. My business has doubled in size for 8 years straight, but that doesn't mean I have much innovation and introspection to do. Explosive growth often seems to disguise major problems and incorrect assumptions. Over a year later, I'm glad that I read John's book.
Survive and Thrive isn't your typical business book that uses dull language and mind-numbing stats to get its point across. John speaks as if he's in the room with you, giving you pointers on how to better pivot your business strategies. He explains the impacts of Covid, the Attention Economy, The Age of Insight, and The Great Reset on entrepreneurship. Businesses and consumers have so much data at their disposal but need guidance on how to filter out noise to find what's relevant.
I can feel the value of a good business book when I realize how much I'm marking it up, highlighting text, and being inspired to write notes for future reference. This book did all of these for me. Great insights. Tremendous value. I highly recommend for new or existing business owners and entrepreneurs. Overall, it's a great book and worth your time.
John simplifies business by eliminating unnecessary variables and focusing on the most critical elements. I wish I had this book 20+ years ago when I started, as it would have saved me 1,000s of hours and helped me to impact more people and make more money in less time and with less effort.
John Meese provides us with a step-by-step guide on building your own business. It is perfect for this economy when so many of us are now working from home. He guides us on how to find and reach an audience, make sales, retain customers and make adjustments as the marketplace changes. He speaks from his own experience and successes. This book is a life-saver and highly recommended.
Love John's insight but delivered like we're at coffee shop together. The "Charge up Front" chapter was my personal fave...
This book was an absolutely incredible read that is already affecting how I run my business. John distills broad ideas into easily understandable and actionable concepts, and he does this without talking down to reader. It’s funny, informative, and—most importantly—implementable in these odd economic times. This book is a must ready for any entrepreneur or business-owner! Five Stars.
In John's book, Survive and Thrive, you'll discover a clear success path that will generate business cash flow and growth. In any economy, John challenges us to embrace an important truth, "there is no shortage of opportunity today, but there is a shortage of execution." John simplifies what many have overcomplicated. He explains the five growth models and reveals the power of having cohesive products for long-term success. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to build a thriving and profitable business.
I would recommend this as the "so you want to start a business" book to anyone in the new, post-covid economy.
Survive and Thrive is a great book for entrepreneurs. It is easy to read and to the point. Chapter 6 - The Selling Story is the chapter that was most applicable to me. In this chapter, John creates a framework for creating a gateway, flagship, and continuity product. It's important these products fit together into a cohesive "selling story". It's a highly recommended read for someone starting their own business.
If you are a business owner, especially of a new business, I absolutely recommend this book. For me personally, I feel like this is a life-changing book and I'm so thankful that a friend gave me a copy. So many of the perspectives and ideas that Meese talks about in the book struck a chord with me on running this business of mine. I’ve been in business 6 years this month and I'm doing my best to implement the information conveyed through this book to run a tighter ship! I'm very thankful for John Meese.
As John says, there is no shortage of opportunity today, but there is a shortage of execution. If you can focus on creating real solutions to real problems for real people, you’ll have a clear advantage in the marketplace. Survive and Thrive can show you how.
The world has changed yet again, and as an entrepreneur you must rise to the occasion. John's book gives you a step-by-step plan to serve the new market in the new way. Your business is about to be stronger than ever.
When times are challenging it is easy for the would-be-entrepreneur to slide into dejection, certain that all effort is futile. John Meese's book Survive and Thrive is the antidote to passive languor. It is a surefire call-to-action that omits all those cliched motivational slogans and guides the reader into the specific activities that will build a business. Not only will it put a bounce in your step and set your chin to a jaunty new jut, Survive and Thrive will tell you what to do today to reach your destination tomorrow.
Survive and Thrive is a recipe for success for any entrepreneur. John has applied these foundational principles in his own business and knows first-hand how to ensure your vision and passion become reality. Every business owner and operator needs this as a handbook now more than ever.
Are you struggling to adapt your old business to the new market, and grow despite an uncertain economy? Buy this book, put these principles to work, and you’re already on the right track.
Too many entrepreneurs rely on a booming economy or favorable external circumstances for their business success, but everyone knows this doesn't last forever. If you'd like to build a business that can survive and even thrive when the going gets tough (and it will), then you need this book.
This book provides a step-by-step plan to help you reach more people, make sales, and enjoy more profit, regardless of what the ‘economy’ is doing. Does it feel like times are tough? Survive and Thrive slices through the clutter, and helps entrepreneurs build stronger-than-ever businesses while making the world a better place.
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