5 out of 5 stars - A good introduction for the novice and a wake-up call for the experienced. By N Sena

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

For someone who is interested in becoming an entrepreneur, the idea of coming up with one's own business can either be very daunting or can easily be underestimated. David W. Miller II's book, Hard Knocks MBA gives an honest and realistic perspective, which is worth considering, especially given the author's rich experience. The tone of the book is very straightforward and unpretentious, which makes it much easier to understand. It also makes it much easier to use, especially for those who are really planning on setting up their own enterprises. However, for someone who has already tried to come up with a business (such as myself), this is still quite helpful because of the many nuggets of wisdom that are necessary for success but very easy to forget or take for granted. Great find!

5 out of 5 stars - Hard Knocks MBA Packs A Punch!

By Susola "Book Lover" (New York, NY)

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

One of the biggest, yet flawed, beliefs of Americans is that anyone can make it big. If you haven't done it yet, something is wrong with you. This attitude keeps people down, keeps them unsatisfied and keeps them wanting more without taking a good look at what successful entrepreneurs have done to get to the top, the hard work it took to get them there, and the real price that they've paid to do so. I began reading David W. Miller II's Hard Knocks MBA with all my skepticism on full, prepared to read a chapter or two and then lose interest. What I found was totally the opposite. The book is a must-read for anyone wanting to learn about success through another person's journey through failure and ultimately to succeeding in business, and really trying! Whether you're trying to make your first million, or just wanting to do better at your paid job, this book is chock-full of practical examples of what to do, what not to do, and all the grey areas in between. Not to mention being a great read all around.

5 out of 5 stars - The good, the bad and the ugly of entrepreneurship. A must read! By Rebecca Gal

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David W. Miller II writes a telling book on the good, the bad and the ugly of entrepreneurship. In his book, Hard Knock MBA: The Search for Job Satisfaction and Business Success, Miller speaks about being inspired by Dr. Stephen Covey, and making the 7 Habits work for him but this entrepreneur really throws open the curtain of business ownership and explores his mistakes and reveals his devastating loss of a multi-million dollar business. What really makes this book powerful is that Miller isn't trying to sell you into buying any get rich scheme; instead Miller actually tells you (in detail) about his "Smart Marketing" and how it can work for your business. Whether you are self-employed or dreaming about it, Miller's book can help pave the way to your success. Hard Knock MBA is a must read!

5 out of 5 stars - A "How-To" About Being Successful & Learning About Yourself.  By Carolyn F. Piner "NCcharmer" (North Carolina)

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David W. Miller II's "Hard Knocks - MBA" is an in-your-face motivational story about how to be successful...and a reminder that if you fail it is your fault if you are a business owner. It is so very right on target that a lot of people over 45 will see themselves in his theories. I was successful and I also crashed and burned. He hit it right on the nail why...I had absolutely zero passion for what I did. I lasted nineteen years, but it was only because I surrounded myself with people who had the passion I lacked. Ultimately, the owner will tear it apart. In my case, being in real estate, the market didn't help. But, like Mr. Miller, I knew where the fault belonged. I enjoyed the credit he bestowed on those like Dr. Stephen Covey, who taught him how to succeed. He did know everything he needed to know about that and did amazingly well. But you can't create passion if there is none. No way, no how. Read his book, gain his knowledge and you may be able to avoid many of the pitfalls you encounter.

5 out of 5 stars - Must Read!

By Kimberly K. Fisher (New York, NYC)

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David W. Miller is the kind of person that inspires others around him. In his book "Hard Knocks MBA" you will get an easy read with pictures, tips on business & marketing and inspirational quotes. He tells his story about the rise and fall in the workforce; from being laid off to starting his own business and watching it grow to one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America to watching it crumble to nothing. He separates his chapters into short essays, so it is very organized and easy to skip around to different chapters. Some of the highlights: Look Before You Leap, Be Unique and Show it & Hiring Disaster.

5 out of 5 stars - Inspirational business.

By Mary P. Rayme "mayray" (Elkins, West by-god Virginia)

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

If you are not happy with your current job, if you have always wanted to start your own business, this is the book to read. David Miller's writing is straight forward, easy to read, but never dumbed-down. His story of making millions, losing millions, and what he learned during his entrepreneurial ride is fascinating, personal and rich with wisdom. From Stephen Covey to The Matrix, Miller uses popular culture as well as his education and experience to illustrate best business practices.

5 out of 5 stars - THE GOODS AND NOT SO GOODS ON BUSINESS. By M.L. Olen

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David Miller's book is a definite read for anyone who has even touched the hem of business. His experiences as an owner, employer, businessman, and a former owner, employer and businessman give the facts of what it takes to make it in business or go bust. His straightforward style and honest humor towards the reality of good times and bad make him. Broken down into short, informative vignettes from his experiences, Miller is able to zero in on what is needed and what should be tossed from the business acumen. Whether you work for someone or for yourself, his lessons are great tools to make you a stronger and smarter businessperson.

5 out of 5 stars - From rags to riches and back.

By Cris Espino

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David W. Miller II's Hard Knocks MBA details his story: from rags to riches and back. While we've all heard the story of the poor boy who had nothing and gained everything, Miller's book tells us something new, unique, and most importantly, real. Through the eyes of someone who knows the business world, everyone can relate and use his advice without necessarily being interested in entrepreneurship. Inspiring and provocative, this book gives a few wise words, and then some.

5 out of 5 stars - Great Read!

By Jill Sodafsky (Simsbury, CT United States)

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David W. Miller II's situation - being a kid growing up with nothing, with a single mom, and being a "have not" is a story we have heard time and time again - HOWEVER, David Miller doesn't tell the same story over, he makes this his own. Not only did he come from a place of nothing and turn his life into something, he also admits falling back to a place of nothing after the collapse of his business, but he still considers himself a "have" and not a "have not" because he learned so much along his journey. A lot of people say they see things as "half full" but their actions contradict that mindset. David Miller's story shows that he truly does see life as "half full" - that do as I say AND as I do mentality will turn many readers' heads. His story was a fast read and truly inspirational. I hope you find it just as inspiring as I did!

5 out of 5 stars - Hard Knocks.

By MrCHeadley

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David Miller's Hard Knocks is a must read for anyone who is looking to start fresh in their career or anyone who intends to create their own business. I recommend business management professors make this a requirement to read in their class. Miller's unique ability to share his ups and downs will not only leave someone inspired but will in fact keep them grounded and not let them get ahead of themselves. Happy reading!

5 out of 5 stars - "Hard Knocks" knocks it out of the ball field!

By Rachel Moore (Tulsa, OK)

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

As a small business owner after reading Hard Knocks MBA, I not only identified, but sympathized with the struggles of making a business successful. The honesty and humility of David Miller, coupled alongside his real-life experiences allowed me to trust what I was reading. His passion to guide and re-direct the business owner comes from his own personal pitfalls. The guidance found in this book is priceless. You will find that common marketing strategies may not always be the answer but a new approach will open the doors to success! I cannot wait to let my husband read this and use the tools!

5 out of 5 stars - Powerful Business Plans and Marketing Strategies - Excellent Book! By Kimmerly Carey

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

A very well down to earth writing of one man's venture into an entrepreneurial endeavor, displaying excellent tools of research and marketing. You'll be enlightened by the practical thinking and strategic planning of a man who possesses the drive and motivation at an early age to become a "have" as opposed to a "have not" person in life. The writer relies heavily on Steven Covey's philosophy in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" as well as "The 8th Habit." He takes a business venture that he really doesn't have much knowledge about and in a few short years experiences tremendous growth. Yet, only to face business failure from becoming too big, too fast. Very good analytical strategies as he lays out the cause(s) of his failure, and reflects in great detail what should have been done to maintain success.

5 out of 5 stars - Great Motivational Read.

By palmbeachprincess (West Palm Beach, FL)

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

In HARD KNOCKS MBA, David W. Miller chronicles his meteoric rise to riches and success and subsequent fall, teaching readers the habits that made him rich, "do these," the habits that made him bankrupt, "don't do these," and what he learned along the way. The book is filled with inspirational quotes that readers will find themselves using in their next business meeting with Dave-isms like "If business is war, marketing is the art of that war." Miller gives readers a refreshed perspective on their jobs and their businesses, teaching them that every job is a small business and that if you're not going to give it your best every day, you might as well go home. He has a refreshingly honest voice, guiding readers down the path to success while steering them away from his pitfalls. Miller provides an important and motivating message in times where business is down and seems hopeless.

5 out of 5 stars - The path to financial freedom.

By Jeannie

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

There are plenty of individuals who walk through life and realize that they are not satisfied with their careers. Sometimes, people stick with their current jobs because they're just afraid of moving forward; afraid of the unknown. However, if there was a book that explained how to take a leap of faith, everyone would walk on successful water. The way of owning your business is the answer to financial freedom. This specific book directs its readers into the path of stability. David Miller presents techniques and guidelines that every newbie and even oldies can implement in their careers and prosper.

5 out of 5 stars - Great view of being an entrepreneur.

By Kathy K.

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David W. Miller II's book is informative and intriguing whether you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur or not. He is a success story in that he came from nothing, developed a successful business, only to lose it in the end. However, he does not consider himself a failure, but a success, and I'd have to agree. He paints a picture of how difficult it is to start your own business and how much work must go into it. Very informative his positive outlook is inspiring in a "never give up or give in" sort of way. A good read.

5 out of 5 stars - Great tool for learning READ IT!

By Kristine B

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

I was really impressed by this book. I like the way he delivered the information, he is an entrepreneur that wasn’t afraid to show his failings. Learning form some one else's mistakes and success will help me grow my business. It cut through a lot of the guessing out of my business plan. You need to read this book.

5 out of 5 stars - A read that will knock you into gear...

By L. Brown

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

There is no doubt that a person who is trying to write a book on how find job satisfaction and business success better have the experience to back it up! David Miller's got that--as an entrepreneur, businessman and employer--he has the knowledge to write all these good tools and lessons. His style is straightforward and natural. I think at this point we don't need anymore bedazzling--folks need realness--Miller delivers just that.

5 out of 5 stars - Miller's Hard Knocks Will Guide You to Success in Business. By MizBanks (Arizona)

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David W. Miller II is definitely a go-getter who believes you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. In Hard Knocks MBA: The Search for Job Satisfaction and Business Success he mentions more than one occasion where he went for an achievement simply because someone told he couldn't do it. The `it' he writes about in Hard Knocks MBA is starting a business and operating it so successfully as an entrepreneur that it grew to be a multi-million dollar company in five years' time. This success didn't last, though, and he ended up losing everything. Well, not everything. He paid attention to the lessons that were presented along the way. Lessons that proved to be quite valuable, and that gave him the content for this guide that teaches others how to be successful in their careers or businesses by telling what to do - and sometimes more importantly what not to do.

5 out of 5 stars - Habits That Make you Grow Rich.

By Sonya Alexander (Los Angeles, CA United States)

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David W. Miller II's 374 page "Habits That Make You Grow Rich: The Search for Job Satisfaction and Business Success" explains not only how to grow rich, but how to avoid bankruptcy and the shortcomings in-between one might face in business. Focusing on maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit, the book addresses the aspects of being your own boss, the responsibilities that entails, and what it means to really serve the public. Miller emphasizes the importance of "smart" marketing, concluding with stating the necessity of having the mind, body and spirit all aligned in order to function at optimal potential. The book is reader-friendly and, despite page count, it moves quickly.

5 out of 5 stars - A Phenomenal Book with Great Lessons to Learn and Profit From. By thebeardenexperience

This review is from: Hard Knocks MBA (Hardcover)

David Miller's Hard Knocks MBA: The Search for Job Satisfaction and Business Success is the perfect read for everyone who has suffered from the recession, owns a small business, or is seeking job satisfaction. Miller went from a childhood as the son of a single mother to leveraging everything he owned for a $500,000 to buy Trinity Restoration, to turning the business into a $6M per year profit machine to bankruptcy in late 2008. What made Miller's book particularly strong was his combination of likeable tone and his ability to see the recession in a positive light, seeing it as a learning experience rather than a time for grief; like many, he lost everything in the recession; however, he is not bitter, using it as a time to reflect on his mistakes and warn others against making similar mistakes. Through his story, we are taught the art of marketing, building a successful business, and how to stay at the top of the heap.