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You Don't Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success
From bestselling author and Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec comes a business book in which he transcends the business world, helping us all learn the art of persuasion in order to get ahead in our personal and professional lives.
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller!
Many people assume that effective sales ability demands a unique personality and an aggressive attitude. It's not true, and Robert Herjavec is proof. Known as the "Nice Shark" on the ABC's Emmy Award-winning hit show SHARK TANK, Robert Herjavec is loved by viewers, who respond to his affable nature. He has developed an honest and genuine approach to life and selling that has set him apart from his cut-throat colleagues, and rewarded him with a degree of wealth measured in hundreds of millions of dollars.
In You Don't Have to Be a Shark, Robert transcends pure sales technique and teaches "non-business people" what they need to know in order to sell themselves successfully. We are each our own greatest asset, and in order to achieve our goals, we need to be able to communicate with others, position ourselves and even look the part. Robert's philosophy is Great salespeople are made, not born, and no one achieves success in life without knowing how to sell. Entertaining, enlightening and effective, You Don't Have to Be a Shark will reveal the secrets of one of North America's most successful businessmen, who also happens to be one of today's most prominent TV personalities, delivered in a friendly, down-to-earth manner, and filled with anecdotes and observations to support its hard-nosed advice.
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller!
Many people assume that effective sales ability demands a unique personality and an aggressive attitude. It's not true, and Robert Herjavec is proof. Known as the "Nice Shark" on the ABC's Emmy Award-winning hit show SHARK TANK, Robert Herjavec is loved by viewers, who respond to his affable nature. He has developed an honest and genuine approach to life and selling that has set him apart from his cut-throat colleagues, and rewarded him with a degree of wealth measured in hundreds of millions of dollars.
In You Don't Have to Be a Shark, Robert transcends pure sales technique and teaches "non-business people" what they need to know in order to sell themselves successfully. We are each our own greatest asset, and in order to achieve our goals, we need to be able to communicate with others, position ourselves and even look the part. Robert's philosophy is Great salespeople are made, not born, and no one achieves success in life without knowing how to sell. Entertaining, enlightening and effective, You Don't Have to Be a Shark will reveal the secrets of one of North America's most successful businessmen, who also happens to be one of today's most prominent TV personalities, delivered in a friendly, down-to-earth manner, and filled with anecdotes and observations to support its hard-nosed advice.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2016
99 people are currently reading
856 people want to read
About the author
Robert Herjavec
14 books78 followersRobert Herjavec is one of North America's most recognizable business leaders. A first generation immigrant, Robert, age 8, arrived in Halifax, Canada on a boat with his parents after escaping Communism in the former Yugoslavia. From delivering newspapers and waiting on tables, to launching a computer company from his basement, his unlimited dreams led him to experience the classic “rags to riches” immigrant story.
A dynamic entrepreneur, Robert has built and sold several IT companies to major players including AT&T and Nokia, on his way to amassing a personal fortune. Following a short retirement, Robert recently launched, The Herjavec Group (THG), a $125 million managed security company that is recognized by Profit 100 as one of the fastest growing technology companies in North America. In 2013, Robert won the prestigious Canadian “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” for Technology and was presented with the Queen’s Jubilee Award for outstanding service.
Robert demonstrates his entrepreneurial expertise through his leading role on the Emmy nominated, hit American TV show, Shark Tank, now in its 5th season on ABC (produced by Mark Burnett Productions). His inspiring books, “Driven” and “The Will to Win”, were simultaneously Top 10 Bestsellers that earned him the title of “Best Selling Author”. Robert’s motivational business advice has received millions of impressions through TV, print, radio and digital media.
To Robert, running a business is a lot like one of his greatest passions, racing cars. He believes, “You have to stay LASER-FOCUSED when driving a car over 200 miles an hour, similar to growing a business in today’s world of rapidly changing technology.” For the past three years, Robert has competed as Ferrari #007 for The Herjavec Group Racing in the North American Ferrari Challenge Series including winning, “Rookie of the Year 2011.”
A dynamic entrepreneur, Robert has built and sold several IT companies to major players including AT&T and Nokia, on his way to amassing a personal fortune. Following a short retirement, Robert recently launched, The Herjavec Group (THG), a $125 million managed security company that is recognized by Profit 100 as one of the fastest growing technology companies in North America. In 2013, Robert won the prestigious Canadian “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” for Technology and was presented with the Queen’s Jubilee Award for outstanding service.
Robert demonstrates his entrepreneurial expertise through his leading role on the Emmy nominated, hit American TV show, Shark Tank, now in its 5th season on ABC (produced by Mark Burnett Productions). His inspiring books, “Driven” and “The Will to Win”, were simultaneously Top 10 Bestsellers that earned him the title of “Best Selling Author”. Robert’s motivational business advice has received millions of impressions through TV, print, radio and digital media.
To Robert, running a business is a lot like one of his greatest passions, racing cars. He believes, “You have to stay LASER-FOCUSED when driving a car over 200 miles an hour, similar to growing a business in today’s world of rapidly changing technology.” For the past three years, Robert has competed as Ferrari #007 for The Herjavec Group Racing in the North American Ferrari Challenge Series including winning, “Rookie of the Year 2011.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 7, 2019
A good book for beginners. Some good points - very basic ones.
October 19, 2016
The Shark Tank star shares soft-hearted advice that is nothing new--even he admits,"Many ideas discussed in this book are not entirely original." There are a bunch of simple sale techniques mixed with stories about the TV shows he has been on. He presents himself as a selfless hero who always remembers his humble roots, when in truth he fails to open up much about his failures or his bad choices. He does mention his divorce briefly, but makes it sound like he was the victim and doesn't address media reports about his womanizing. Then he looks for empathy by claiming the breakup was so traumatic that he considered suicide. All of this is barely touched upon and comes across as a shallow plea for attention. He doesn't refer to his children, who didn't attend his marriage to his Dancing With The Stars partner and reportedly don't talk to him. So the conclusion is that this money-hungry self-centered workaholic chose business success over personal success. Which negates much of what he's trying to preach in the book.
He seems out of touch with himself. A good example is that just after he bought a car for $1.5 million, he spent ten days helping at a homeless shelter and instead of doing something significant like buying them housing his idea of helping was to go to Wal-Mart and buy them socks. That's right, a multi-millionaire who could have changed the lives of any of the people he encountered instead thought socks were the answer.
He also criticizes workplace bullies and those that are too assertive in trying to get their own way. Has he watched himself on Shark Tank? He tries to bully others, is overly sensitive when any attention is taken away from him, and gets visibly upset if he doesn't get the deal he has pushed for. Or watch him on Beyond the Tank, where he practically screams at people he has invested in, over-reacting to their choices. He's way too sensitive and thinks his own opinion is more valuable than others.
After reading the book I came to like the author less than when I started. He may claim you don' t have to be a shark to be successful, but he has proven that in his life being a shark is the only thing that has put him ahead, no matter who he has destructively left behind.
He seems out of touch with himself. A good example is that just after he bought a car for $1.5 million, he spent ten days helping at a homeless shelter and instead of doing something significant like buying them housing his idea of helping was to go to Wal-Mart and buy them socks. That's right, a multi-millionaire who could have changed the lives of any of the people he encountered instead thought socks were the answer.
He also criticizes workplace bullies and those that are too assertive in trying to get their own way. Has he watched himself on Shark Tank? He tries to bully others, is overly sensitive when any attention is taken away from him, and gets visibly upset if he doesn't get the deal he has pushed for. Or watch him on Beyond the Tank, where he practically screams at people he has invested in, over-reacting to their choices. He's way too sensitive and thinks his own opinion is more valuable than others.
After reading the book I came to like the author less than when I started. He may claim you don' t have to be a shark to be successful, but he has proven that in his life being a shark is the only thing that has put him ahead, no matter who he has destructively left behind.
December 6, 2016
A very down to earth discussion on sales, life and business in general. Is refreshing to read a book that not only gives how to advice but directly advises one to go ahead and keep that moral centre as it will be what will get you ahead in the end.
January 25, 2022
Robert Herjavec is a successful businessman because he's a great salesman. They go hand in hand.
His newest book has heaps of great sales advice, but it’s not just a good read for salespeople.
Robert shows how every aspect of your life, including your personal relationships, can be improved by honing your ability to sell.
I’ve always thought of myself as a terrible salesperson. I worked in sales a couple of times – a retail store and as assistant manager of a banquet hall (which involves selling the venue). I didn’t love or feel comfortable in either role. But when I really think about it, I’m selling now, as a journalist, on a daily basis.
How many times have I had to convince someone to give me an interview, tell me their story? Several times a day. I’m successful more often than I’m not, so I guess I’m not such a horrible salesperson after all.
When giving his advice, Robert thinks outside the box and makes it relatable to anyone reading.
There’s a nice personal touch to the book, with his stories of childhood bullying and his mom’s unfortunate experience with a nasty salesman.
There are also great tips on applying for a job in a way that makes you stand out.
PS. Don’t miss the chapter about the significance of fresh, clean socks.
His newest book has heaps of great sales advice, but it’s not just a good read for salespeople.
Robert shows how every aspect of your life, including your personal relationships, can be improved by honing your ability to sell.
I’ve always thought of myself as a terrible salesperson. I worked in sales a couple of times – a retail store and as assistant manager of a banquet hall (which involves selling the venue). I didn’t love or feel comfortable in either role. But when I really think about it, I’m selling now, as a journalist, on a daily basis.
How many times have I had to convince someone to give me an interview, tell me their story? Several times a day. I’m successful more often than I’m not, so I guess I’m not such a horrible salesperson after all.
When giving his advice, Robert thinks outside the box and makes it relatable to anyone reading.
There’s a nice personal touch to the book, with his stories of childhood bullying and his mom’s unfortunate experience with a nasty salesman.
There are also great tips on applying for a job in a way that makes you stand out.
PS. Don’t miss the chapter about the significance of fresh, clean socks.
January 12, 2018
You Don’t Have To Be A Shark by Robert Herjavec describes his personal relation with success in life, and what it takes to be great at selling yourself and your business. The book itself is a crossover between a biography and a handbook, using the mistakes in his personal life to guide him and others through decisions in business. While the book provides great information and lessons, the pace is relatively slow.
The book was first published on February 23, 2016 and then again later on May 17, 2016. It is the second book he has written, but independent from any series. As an author, Robert Herjavec is a multi-millionaire and popular with his role in the TV show, Shark Tank, which the books ideas are largely centered around. He writes with personal experience and logic as a backbone to his approach in his writing and helping others.
Robert describes the importance of being able to sell anything and how it can affect all aspects of life. He tells the typical story of how anybody can succeed from any background including his. Born in Croatia, his family fled the country when he was young to escape the grip of communism and the effects that it had on his family. From a young age he had to become disciplined and learned early that the world is indeed a cruel place. His first real job was held in a bad-debts agency as a collector, calling and asking people to pay money they had owed for a long time who typically refuse to do so. After trial and error, he discovered a strategy that allowed him to set a collections record for the agency. He found developing a relationship with the customer and trying to make ends meet through agreements instead of demands had a much higher chance of success, even if he was dealing with a criminal. This he describes as one of the most influential moments in his life and still applies to his everyday life. He later quit what he described as a deadbeat job in order to start one of the most successful internet security firms of all time.
This book is about Robert’s lifetime experience, and written in a similar style to a biography he is the only character. Although he talks about other figures in his life, he references them only in a few pages. Many details about his life are left out, using only specific instances to provide explanation for selling and how they affected his career. The book mainly focuses on the aspect of business and how to improve those relations. Each chapter describes a section of business, and the chapters link together.
Overall, this book helpful if you are interested in business but it isn't necessarily a great read. Robert offers quality advice and perspective with experience that few can offer. He proves that unique personality and slimy sales tactics are not something that is needed to become a great salesman, but perseverance and ingenuity are. Success is based on hardwork a solid foundation. It is also important to realize it is difficult to make a book about business feel lighthearted and entertaining, although it could have been approached differently. Being able to sell is an important life skill that can apply to many situations.
The book was first published on February 23, 2016 and then again later on May 17, 2016. It is the second book he has written, but independent from any series. As an author, Robert Herjavec is a multi-millionaire and popular with his role in the TV show, Shark Tank, which the books ideas are largely centered around. He writes with personal experience and logic as a backbone to his approach in his writing and helping others.
Robert describes the importance of being able to sell anything and how it can affect all aspects of life. He tells the typical story of how anybody can succeed from any background including his. Born in Croatia, his family fled the country when he was young to escape the grip of communism and the effects that it had on his family. From a young age he had to become disciplined and learned early that the world is indeed a cruel place. His first real job was held in a bad-debts agency as a collector, calling and asking people to pay money they had owed for a long time who typically refuse to do so. After trial and error, he discovered a strategy that allowed him to set a collections record for the agency. He found developing a relationship with the customer and trying to make ends meet through agreements instead of demands had a much higher chance of success, even if he was dealing with a criminal. This he describes as one of the most influential moments in his life and still applies to his everyday life. He later quit what he described as a deadbeat job in order to start one of the most successful internet security firms of all time.
This book is about Robert’s lifetime experience, and written in a similar style to a biography he is the only character. Although he talks about other figures in his life, he references them only in a few pages. Many details about his life are left out, using only specific instances to provide explanation for selling and how they affected his career. The book mainly focuses on the aspect of business and how to improve those relations. Each chapter describes a section of business, and the chapters link together.
Overall, this book helpful if you are interested in business but it isn't necessarily a great read. Robert offers quality advice and perspective with experience that few can offer. He proves that unique personality and slimy sales tactics are not something that is needed to become a great salesman, but perseverance and ingenuity are. Success is based on hardwork a solid foundation. It is also important to realize it is difficult to make a book about business feel lighthearted and entertaining, although it could have been approached differently. Being able to sell is an important life skill that can apply to many situations.
October 15, 2016
Herjavec's books are an easy read. This was my 2nd or 3rd book of his that I read, and I learned a lot of great lessons in selling/marketing yourself in today's age.
July 22, 2021
A simple but good read. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed Robert’s narration. I’m a huge Shark Tank fan and Robert seems like such a great, down to earth guy who knows how to work hard and play hard.
June 7, 2016
From the beginning of the book until the very end, Robert Herjavec inspires. In this book, he emphasizes that you don't need to be aggressive in the business world. You do, however, need to be competitive. It also talks about the importance of selling-- selling in business and selling yourself. He tries to take away the negative connotations behind the word "selling"; constantly reiterating that selling is one of the most important skills in life.
Robert shares his stories in business, dancing, and community service. A humble shark worth listening to.
Robert shares his stories in business, dancing, and community service. A humble shark worth listening to.
March 12, 2018
This was another very good book about how to be successful in business without being extroverted.
April 8, 2020
Good book with interesting stories but mostly felt like reading journal entries.
March 25, 2018
Great lessons for sales, not a good general business read
I must have missed the subtitle about this book being geared toward salespeople. There are some other lesson in here, but sales is the main focus.
I must have missed the subtitle about this book being geared toward salespeople. There are some other lesson in here, but sales is the main focus.
August 29, 2017
I LOVE Shark Tank! It is probably my favorite show on TV and Robert Herjavec is one of my favorite shark’s because of his well thought out counter pitches offered back to the clients selling their ideas to the sharks. Founding a fiber security firm worth hundreds of millions of dollars Robert Herjavec has definitely spent some well invested time in the business world and knows more than a thing or two in how business works.
I loved the balance and variety of business and personal life experiences that he discusses having influenced who he is today. One of my favorite selling tips offered in this book was: "Listen & Silent share the same letters". As in many selling technique/business books silence is portrayed as power in a sales deal but I had never heard this idea portrayed in this design of words which is easy to remember yet effective. I loved the mindset behind the sales technique and the honesty of never taking advantage of a single soul practiced in his business life today.
This book took me about 4 hours to read and I really did enjoy it cover to cover. Since I got this one from the library I would definitely purchase it to have on my own bookshelf in the near future. If you love business then this book is for you or if you just love Shark Tank I would also recommend this book because there is some really interesting inside scoop material on the ins and outs of the show in this book. Hope you enjoy!
I loved the balance and variety of business and personal life experiences that he discusses having influenced who he is today. One of my favorite selling tips offered in this book was: "Listen & Silent share the same letters". As in many selling technique/business books silence is portrayed as power in a sales deal but I had never heard this idea portrayed in this design of words which is easy to remember yet effective. I loved the mindset behind the sales technique and the honesty of never taking advantage of a single soul practiced in his business life today.
This book took me about 4 hours to read and I really did enjoy it cover to cover. Since I got this one from the library I would definitely purchase it to have on my own bookshelf in the near future. If you love business then this book is for you or if you just love Shark Tank I would also recommend this book because there is some really interesting inside scoop material on the ins and outs of the show in this book. Hope you enjoy!
February 21, 2018
It just didn't have the sales information in it I wanted. A lot of fluff. A lot about his life. I don't need to know how to deal with office bullies and I'm looking for ways to be better at my job, not interview for a new one. Additionally, I wasn't looking for an autobiography, I was looking for sales tips and inspiration. Overall not the type of book I expected but if you're a fan of his, you'll probably enjoy it.
September 2, 2017
Any fan of Shark Tank will love this book. Anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur should seek this one out, as it is loaded with a lot of great advice and perspective on how to become successful. I thoroughly enjoyed this thought provoking book.
May 29, 2016
Great book for entrepreneurs, Robert reminds you of the challenges and sacrifices you have to make to achieve your dreams. Real and inspiring for the people that is on their path to success.
July 16, 2016
Good advice
Wasn't sure what to expect and hadn't checked out any of his other books. Good advice that we all know but need to be reminded of
Wasn't sure what to expect and hadn't checked out any of his other books. Good advice that we all know but need to be reminded of
July 23, 2017
Great business book! Lots of practical ideas,
February 25, 2018
Recommended read for EVERYONE, especially young adults!!
December 1, 2024
I picked this up at a used book sale because I recognized the author as being on "Shark Tank" and I thought it was odd that he was saying something like this. There's a lot of good advice here.
The essential point is relationship building. Be honest, be helpful, be authentic. Most of all, listen. We've all heard the stereotype of the obnoxious salesman who will not let someone get a word in edgewise and pushes someone to buy whatever their selling. Evidently, this is opposite of how the author says it should be done. One chapter title in particular says it best, "People want to buy; they don't want to be sold".
Because the essential point is relationship building, the advice goes beyond literal sales tactics and to other aspects of life, because few aspects of life do not involve other people and few life-styles don't involve forming relationships with those people. The author goes into detail about some of them, such as applying for a job or asking your boss for a raise, but also touches on aspects of life that don't involve business at all.
As for the final chapters of the book, I think it is both strange and fitting that he drops the salesman speech, and speaks exclusively about the volunteer work he did at Union Gospel Mission. Two weeks of serving homeless folk; no selling at all, but the essentials he talks about in the rest of the book are still there. Build trust, offer help, Listen to the other person, and perhaps, realize that the relationship you are building is more valuable than any potential sales opportunity. What I truly like about this section of the book is that it is NOT an empty platitude. He went there because he was recently divorced, in a really bad mental and emotional state, and his pastor recommended it to start the healing process.
(Disclaimer: this review is about the book itself. I'm not mentioning anything that about the author from other sources.)
Trickster Eric Novels gives "You Don't Have to be a Shark" a B+
April 27, 2025
This was overall an enjoyable and easy read that felt more like a story with subtle business points and life lessons.
It was interesting to learn more about the many facets of Robert Herjavec’s life, including his humble childhood as a son of immigrants, his hustle with his first career efforts, his involvement with Shark Tank, and his many side quests such as Dancing with the Stars, racing cars, and helping at a homeless shelter.
It was an interesting concept to discuss the similarities of life and sales, which also let the reader fully understand the inner-workings of Robert’s mind, meshing both his personal and professional experiences. Short chapters were also a plus.
My critiques would be that at times the book was a little all over the place due to the various topics. I wish we were able to do an even deeper dive into Shark Tank and the deals he’s made, given that being a shark is mentioned in the title. It is also a little unclear if his main goal was to write an autobiography or to write an informative book on the application of business strategy in life. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read, but I would probably give it closer to 3.5 stars overall.
Honorable Mentions:
“Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
“When you talk to everybody, you talk to nobody.”
“The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it.” -Michelangelo
“When we arrive on this earth to begin our lives, we can't control where we land. But we can work to control where we go from that point forward, and every step we take on our own is a measure of the kind of person we are.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was interesting to learn more about the many facets of Robert Herjavec’s life, including his humble childhood as a son of immigrants, his hustle with his first career efforts, his involvement with Shark Tank, and his many side quests such as Dancing with the Stars, racing cars, and helping at a homeless shelter.
It was an interesting concept to discuss the similarities of life and sales, which also let the reader fully understand the inner-workings of Robert’s mind, meshing both his personal and professional experiences. Short chapters were also a plus.
My critiques would be that at times the book was a little all over the place due to the various topics. I wish we were able to do an even deeper dive into Shark Tank and the deals he’s made, given that being a shark is mentioned in the title. It is also a little unclear if his main goal was to write an autobiography or to write an informative book on the application of business strategy in life. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read, but I would probably give it closer to 3.5 stars overall.
Honorable Mentions:
“Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
“When you talk to everybody, you talk to nobody.”
“The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it.” -Michelangelo
“When we arrive on this earth to begin our lives, we can't control where we land. But we can work to control where we go from that point forward, and every step we take on our own is a measure of the kind of person we are.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 26, 2017
Shark Tank is an enjoyable show and Robert is one of my favorite sharks. When I saw his book at our local library, I grabbed it and read it over a vacation in the mountains.
It was a good book and Herjavec has a pleasant writing style. Being familiar with Shark Tank, it was fun to be able to read the book and hear his voice in my head.
I appreciate that he shared his story and a little about his history. He has solid advice about life and some great quotes. My favorite quote was at the end of the book where he quotes a lady named Mary. She was badly injured in a car accident and when people ask her about her successful recovery, she said, "I told myself, 'Listen, you've got to start moving forward. You can't go back, and there's no sense in standing still.' "
Overall, it was a good book and I recommend it, but I'm glad I chose the library option vs. buying the book.
It was a good book and Herjavec has a pleasant writing style. Being familiar with Shark Tank, it was fun to be able to read the book and hear his voice in my head.
I appreciate that he shared his story and a little about his history. He has solid advice about life and some great quotes. My favorite quote was at the end of the book where he quotes a lady named Mary. She was badly injured in a car accident and when people ask her about her successful recovery, she said, "I told myself, 'Listen, you've got to start moving forward. You can't go back, and there's no sense in standing still.' "
Overall, it was a good book and I recommend it, but I'm glad I chose the library option vs. buying the book.
October 21, 2019
This was an interesting read. I felt like although I know Robert from shark tank, I still have no idea what he does for work. I see he's in sales.. and he has a company. But he talks more about the DWTS than anything else. And I'm really not big into TV, so I just couldn't grasp this idea. (Maybe you have to have seen this show before to understand...?) But I had a hard time connecting with this book.
The 2 stars are for a lot of good information dealing with sales in business and being true to yourself.
He really jumps around alot and has some repeating conversations.. but, I really like Robert on Shark Tank. He has a very trusting and charismatic depth to him. I almost wish his book was a bit more in touch with that side...
I think if you're looking for a personal growth book on business, a good read is Steve Harvey's "act like a success, think like a success". This one had me really moving!
The 2 stars are for a lot of good information dealing with sales in business and being true to yourself.
He really jumps around alot and has some repeating conversations.. but, I really like Robert on Shark Tank. He has a very trusting and charismatic depth to him. I almost wish his book was a bit more in touch with that side...
I think if you're looking for a personal growth book on business, a good read is Steve Harvey's "act like a success, think like a success". This one had me really moving!
August 17, 2017
While much of the book is focused on sales, I appreciated his discussions of how sales relates to personal relationships, life situations, and work dynamics. There is much to be learned and benefit by, even if one isn't a salesman (which I am not). But one of his points is that throughout life we all use the techniques of sales and are salespersons whether we think we are or not.
Particularly interesting are his description of his time spent at the rescue mission in Seattle, his tips on using presentation and selling techniques in a job interview, and his application of selling techniques to ask for a raise.
I also very much appreciated his chapter on one's moral compass in the business world and his repeated emphasis in various parts of the work on being honest and ethical at all times. These are winning principles for anyone.
Particularly interesting are his description of his time spent at the rescue mission in Seattle, his tips on using presentation and selling techniques in a job interview, and his application of selling techniques to ask for a raise.
I also very much appreciated his chapter on one's moral compass in the business world and his repeated emphasis in various parts of the work on being honest and ethical at all times. These are winning principles for anyone.
July 8, 2018
Robert is without a doubt my favorite of the sharks and this book just increased my respect and admiration of him. He has some great stories, a ton of wisdom and shares his message with honesty and authenticity. This book will encourage and guide you into making the most of yourself as a salesmen, regardless of if that has any relation to your official job title or not. Overall an excellent read that is well worth your time to digest thoroughly!
Favorite Quote: “At its heart, selling is effective communication between people. I don’t know any activity in life, from dealing with children to settling international crisis that doesn’t benefit from the ability to get your point across to the other person. More than that, it helps you appreciate their needs and expectations. I honestly believe that everything worthwhile in life depends on that one skill.”
Favorite Quote: “At its heart, selling is effective communication between people. I don’t know any activity in life, from dealing with children to settling international crisis that doesn’t benefit from the ability to get your point across to the other person. More than that, it helps you appreciate their needs and expectations. I honestly believe that everything worthwhile in life depends on that one skill.”
February 19, 2025
Entry-level business advice. The book is perfectly lovely and easy to read. The business advice contained within is good if not a little trite and cliché. I would say this book is most practical for young people looking to get into sales or business fresh. Beyond that, it’s probably a little too basic to be useful. To give you an idea, there are entire chapters dedicated to job applications, how to ask for a raise and generally just how to be a decent person. If you have a strong fan appreciation of Robert Herjavec and Shark Tank, it’s probably entertaining insights into his life and career. Otherwise, if you’re looking for more advanced business and sales insight, there are probably other tomes that will serve you better.
September 24, 2018
Didn't know what to expect from this book, it turned out to be an easy listening, going over broadly the basics of business: importance of selling, importance of knowing your numbers, especially when pitching your company and how to hire great people.
But also from a hiree perspective to someone looking to get hired: how to find a job, how to ask for a raise and present themselves.
Favorite parts we're when he shared behind the scenes stories from Shark Tank and Dancing with the Stars.
Also appreciate him being open about his struggles after his marriage ended and freshening his perspective while helping homeless people.
But also from a hiree perspective to someone looking to get hired: how to find a job, how to ask for a raise and present themselves.
Favorite parts we're when he shared behind the scenes stories from Shark Tank and Dancing with the Stars.
Also appreciate him being open about his struggles after his marriage ended and freshening his perspective while helping homeless people.
December 13, 2018
Good book, but I've got mixed feelings about it. I mainly read it because it seemed like a good book on sales in general, which I'd say it gives excellent advice. I felt it dragging at points, though, because it felt overly autobiographical (fortunately, I've always really liked Robert Herjavec, so that wasn't the end of the world). Overall, the content is good, but if you're not interested in him as a person, I'd say you'll probably skip over several pages at a time. It gets a little less autobiographical the further you get (but you have to get there first, obviously).
January 3, 2022
Very basic sales and career advice that you can find almost anywhere which is then underlaid with a moral story and a loosely tied connection to the author’s experience on ‘Dancing With the Stars’.
It's not bad its just very simple. I think its good for those who not in a normal sales, business, and marketing setting who need to motivate and educate themselves toward an entrepreneurial goal without all the fan fair that some business books have.
But for someone who regularly reads these types of books, it will seem repetitive in a lot of areas.
It's not bad its just very simple. I think its good for those who not in a normal sales, business, and marketing setting who need to motivate and educate themselves toward an entrepreneurial goal without all the fan fair that some business books have.
But for someone who regularly reads these types of books, it will seem repetitive in a lot of areas.
May 12, 2017
Audio Verison:: Robert has a lot to teach and I got a few pearls of wisdom, but I think the delivery could have been better. Some sections sounded a little too robotic and lacked any emotion or engagement. Generally when an author reads his own work, there is some passion behind in. It could be the company who produced the audio who "coached" him to read this way, but the feelings didn't translate when it came to some of the personal stories he provided throughout the book.
May 6, 2019
Emphasizes the importance of sales to be successful in life. Sell yourself, your product, etc. He makes some interesting points in this respect.
Also talks of his divorce, dancing with the stars, remarriage and arguments on shark tank. Seemed like some of it, like life lessons, were ghost-written, a bit cliche and predictable. Some of it sounded like spin.
The audio book was hard to listen to. He reads only 3 to 5 words at a time, slowly and mechanically.
Also talks of his divorce, dancing with the stars, remarriage and arguments on shark tank. Seemed like some of it, like life lessons, were ghost-written, a bit cliche and predictable. Some of it sounded like spin.
The audio book was hard to listen to. He reads only 3 to 5 words at a time, slowly and mechanically.
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