Monday, August 24, 2009

Foreman, George with Abraham, Ken. Knockout Entrepreneur.


Thomas Nelson Publishers. Sept. 2009. c227p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-7852-2208-8. $22.99.

Here former Olympic gold medalist in boxing (1968) and two-time, World Heavyweight Champion (1973, 1994), Foreman (also a best-selling author of ten books; founder, George Foreman Youth and Community Development Center, Houston, TX; ordained minister; philanthropist; father of ten children), a successful entrepreneur whose portfolio includes the infamous George Foreman Lean Mean Grilling Machine, George Foreman Knockout Cleaner, a clothing line with Casual Male, and more, shares his personal secrets, principles, and strategies for business success. Defining the successful, “knockout” entrepreneur as a visionary and risk-taking, doer, who wants to succeed, is willing to do the hard work, and seizes the opportunity to grow and prosper, the author sets forth his way of doing business, which serves as the model for the “knockout” entrepreneur. In fourteen chapters that are filled with recollections of his lifetime experiences as a boxer and businessman, Foreman sketches a plan for achieving success that is based upon a plethora of real-world experiences, sound advice, good judgments, and faith in oneself and God. While the first several chapters provide the foundations for becoming successful, the remaining sections encompass ways to overcome obstacles and continue to achieve. The author covers topics not limited to recognizing and seizing opportunities, building a “corner” team, persevering, pursuing the counterintuitive, facing deal breakers, public relating, knowing your foes, overcoming obstacles, making the most of what you have, continuing to the play the game, celebrating success, and more. He ends each chapter with a list of knockout ideas in the format of questions to further stimulate readers. Nicely- presented, well- organized, and insightfully- written, this inspirational and sometimes humorous publication by one of the world’s most beloved athletes and personalities actively will engage general readers and business audiences. Unfortunately, given Foreman’s emphasis on the importance of reading for success (pp. 180-4), it lacks a selected bibliography and back-of-the book index but does include endnotes. After being purchased in print, this Nelsonfree book is available as a free, downloadable audiobook and ebook from the publisher’s website. Recommended for public library collections. Availability:Amazon, Barnes & Noble.com