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How to Be a Capitalist Without Any Capital: The Four Rules You Must Break To Get Rich
You don't need to be Ivy League educated, have money, be creative, or even have an idea to get rich. You just need to be willing to break the rules.
At nineteen, I founded a software company with $119 in my bank account. Five years later, it was valued at $10.5 million. I don't consider myself exceptionally brilliant. I just realized something few people know: You don't need lots of money or an original idea to get really rich.
Now, I make more than $100,000 in passive income every month, while also running my own private equity firm and hosting The Top Entrepreneurs podcast, which has more than 10 million downloads. This book will show you how I went from college dropout to member of the New Rich. And I'm holding nothing back. You'll see my tax returns, my profit and loss statements, my email negotiations when buying and selling companies.
It's time to forget your grandfather's advice. I'll teach you how to be a modern opportunist--investor, entrepreneur, or side hustler--by breaking these four golden rules of the old guard:
1. Focus on one skill: Wrong. Don't cultivate one great skill to get ahead. In today's business world, success goes to the multitaskers.
2. Be unique: Wrong. The way to get rich is not by launching a new idea but by aggressively copying others and then adding your own twist.
3. Focus on one goal: Wrong. Focus instead on creating a system to produce the outcome you want, not just once, but over and over again.
4. Appeal to the masses: Wrong. The masses are broke ($4k average net worth in America?). Let others cut a trail through the jungle so you can peacefully walk in and capitalize on their hard work.
By rejecting these defunct rules and following my unconventional path, you can copy other people's ideas shamelessly, bootstrap a start-up with almost no funding, invest in small local businesses for huge payoffs, and reap all the benefits.
At nineteen, I founded a software company with $119 in my bank account. Five years later, it was valued at $10.5 million. I don't consider myself exceptionally brilliant. I just realized something few people know: You don't need lots of money or an original idea to get really rich.
Now, I make more than $100,000 in passive income every month, while also running my own private equity firm and hosting The Top Entrepreneurs podcast, which has more than 10 million downloads. This book will show you how I went from college dropout to member of the New Rich. And I'm holding nothing back. You'll see my tax returns, my profit and loss statements, my email negotiations when buying and selling companies.
It's time to forget your grandfather's advice. I'll teach you how to be a modern opportunist--investor, entrepreneur, or side hustler--by breaking these four golden rules of the old guard:
1. Focus on one skill: Wrong. Don't cultivate one great skill to get ahead. In today's business world, success goes to the multitaskers.
2. Be unique: Wrong. The way to get rich is not by launching a new idea but by aggressively copying others and then adding your own twist.
3. Focus on one goal: Wrong. Focus instead on creating a system to produce the outcome you want, not just once, but over and over again.
4. Appeal to the masses: Wrong. The masses are broke ($4k average net worth in America?). Let others cut a trail through the jungle so you can peacefully walk in and capitalize on their hard work.
By rejecting these defunct rules and following my unconventional path, you can copy other people's ideas shamelessly, bootstrap a start-up with almost no funding, invest in small local businesses for huge payoffs, and reap all the benefits.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2019
318 people are currently reading
1324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 25, 2020
The entire tone of the book comes off as an egotistical, wanna-be, contrarian who wants to brag about his accomplishments and advertise his products.
Each chapter starts off with a quote from someone of significant stature. Nathan Latka quotes himself in one of the chapters. Yep, that's what the readers are walking into...
This book has tons of problems. First, the author is not well-known enough to give advice to the readers about how to build capital. So, to build credibility, the author constantly has to give us evidence of his success. While the intent may have been genuine, he comes off as a poser (there is literally a shirtless picture of the author in front of a fancy resort and he quotes himself). These evidences of his success sometime overshadow the advice he is giving and reading this book feels like I am just reading about his acquisition of small startups.
His advice given to the readers are polarizing, to say the least. While I understand his intention is to make his readers think differently about being successful, these advices apply only in a very specific scenario, mostly in the tech world.
Significant portions of this book are repeated: yes, the readers understood the importance of toptal, fiverr, and upwork for freelancing work. The author tries to sell these services repeatedly. The author was gracious enough to include a summary of his thoughts in the beginning of the book. If the readers only read that portion, I think they would be fine not reading the rest of the book.
I do like his emphasis on focusing on multiple projects/income streams, purchasing already functioning businesses (and not starting your own from scratch every time), creating a self-sustaining business with little involvement, and focusing on creating busines that makes others' lives easier.
I think the book does a poor job of giving specific steps for general public. However, if the readers focus on getting the "big picture," then they may appreciate this book.
Each chapter starts off with a quote from someone of significant stature. Nathan Latka quotes himself in one of the chapters. Yep, that's what the readers are walking into...
This book has tons of problems. First, the author is not well-known enough to give advice to the readers about how to build capital. So, to build credibility, the author constantly has to give us evidence of his success. While the intent may have been genuine, he comes off as a poser (there is literally a shirtless picture of the author in front of a fancy resort and he quotes himself). These evidences of his success sometime overshadow the advice he is giving and reading this book feels like I am just reading about his acquisition of small startups.
His advice given to the readers are polarizing, to say the least. While I understand his intention is to make his readers think differently about being successful, these advices apply only in a very specific scenario, mostly in the tech world.
Significant portions of this book are repeated: yes, the readers understood the importance of toptal, fiverr, and upwork for freelancing work. The author tries to sell these services repeatedly. The author was gracious enough to include a summary of his thoughts in the beginning of the book. If the readers only read that portion, I think they would be fine not reading the rest of the book.
I do like his emphasis on focusing on multiple projects/income streams, purchasing already functioning businesses (and not starting your own from scratch every time), creating a self-sustaining business with little involvement, and focusing on creating busines that makes others' lives easier.
I think the book does a poor job of giving specific steps for general public. However, if the readers focus on getting the "big picture," then they may appreciate this book.
March 5, 2019
The thing that's so different about Nathan Latka is that he digs into the nuts and bolts of how to really build your venture. I've read a lot of business books written by people who give advice for the 'started with a silver spoon' crowd. This book fits people like me who live in the real world - I'm a single parent who has hacked out a space in my market against some hard odds - I'm successful by some measures but need to pivot to scalable. This book is the playbook for someone like me who is working on the road map of what's next and building scalable revenue streams and is eager to launch my next thing with more precision. But for people who haven't taken the first step towards scalable income - just read this to let Nathan brainwash you a little with a kind of mindset that is a level up from where most of us live. Now the grit to pull this stuff off is up to you - but for me, just reading/listening to Nathan reminds me of my own fearlessness and helps me see what rules I can totally break (and what to embrace). The guidance on how to move away from the round-the-clock hustle and to increase the ROI on your time is really practical and broken down at a level that is actionable. I'm going to be recommending this to all of my friends who live in this upward trajectory space. You'll really use this stuff. Get the book.
September 7, 2019
I liked this book a lot. However, while Latka’s examples were great, he did oversell his success and his methods have a time limit (which he admits). For example, he got to drive a $300k Rolls Royce Ghost rental for a day for free but he didn’t get to keep it. I have also read about other Instagram influencers trying his techniques with humiliating failure. As more people learn of his techniques, those techniques will be less useful and the competition greater. Still, it’s a good read about what he did and how he did it to serve as an example for the reader to be prepared to identify opportunities.
April 23, 2019
Good ideas for when I don't have a toddler.
June 18, 2021
Takeaway from this book - Being good at talking, negotiating and shameless self-promotion work.
February 14, 2021
Great Book.. If you want to be successful, you need to start breaking the rules.
Create Your Own Rules.. You don’t have to follow other people’s rules – in fact, bucking conventional ideas is pretty much mandatory if you want to make it big.
Avoid specializing in one narrow field.. Learn different two or three fields, you will not be broken if your single career fired you, also you will have multiple source of income.
Create Automatic Systems.. For you and your business, outsourcing routine work to put you on success path. At work, write down a very detailed description of specific task, then give someone 5$ if he succeeded to execute it, if he did, you are ready to hire one.
Sell Axes to Gold-Miners.. Assisting successful industries will make you rich. Uber is pumping, so startup Car Maintenance Company to assist Uber.
Create Your Own Rules.. You don’t have to follow other people’s rules – in fact, bucking conventional ideas is pretty much mandatory if you want to make it big.
Avoid specializing in one narrow field.. Learn different two or three fields, you will not be broken if your single career fired you, also you will have multiple source of income.
Create Automatic Systems.. For you and your business, outsourcing routine work to put you on success path. At work, write down a very detailed description of specific task, then give someone 5$ if he succeeded to execute it, if he did, you are ready to hire one.
Sell Axes to Gold-Miners.. Assisting successful industries will make you rich. Uber is pumping, so startup Car Maintenance Company to assist Uber.
April 23, 2019
Its a tool not a book. So it should be on Goodtools instead of Goodreads.
5* for making me think different.
5* for making me think different.
May 22, 2020
Loved his unconventional approach to building wealth. Important to remember to consistently think outside of the box, and to never let your money sit. Always look for new investments/revenue streams
December 27, 2020
Thanks Nathan for writing this book.
The strategies in this book teach you how to be resourceful and clever with your money.
Nathan does a great job of educating the readers on the endless possibilities to multiply their income (wealth). He also provides templates and step-by-step guidance on how to go about doing it. This book is strategic and tactical...just the right amount of information you need to take action.
For example, I applied one of the strategies in this book to get a $12k sponsorship for my podcast. So yes, what Nathan teaches works.
Most importantly, as Nathan mentions in the beginning of the book, you need courage to apply what he teaches. If you're going to be passive and not take action, this book is not for you.
The strategies in this book teach you how to be resourceful and clever with your money.
Nathan does a great job of educating the readers on the endless possibilities to multiply their income (wealth). He also provides templates and step-by-step guidance on how to go about doing it. This book is strategic and tactical...just the right amount of information you need to take action.
For example, I applied one of the strategies in this book to get a $12k sponsorship for my podcast. So yes, what Nathan teaches works.
Most importantly, as Nathan mentions in the beginning of the book, you need courage to apply what he teaches. If you're going to be passive and not take action, this book is not for you.
July 21, 2021
Although in general a good book , this book encourages us to build passive income with little money possible by leveraging our network. The ideas presented might work for some but is definitely not for me . Leveraging through social media following, going on buying business and selling them the moment their growth starts stagnating may not work for everyone. What I love about this book is ,one shouldn't be afraid to copy ideas from businesses that works.
May 21, 2019
There is no BS in this book! (#2 for the month of April)
BEWARE: The book is addictive, it was almost impossible to put it down once I started reading it.
Nathan shares a lot of specific details about how you can be a capitalist without capital.
Want to get sponsorship deals? Get better deals by using your social media influence? You will learn that and MUCH more. The best part is that you will even get to see the specific emails and scripts that Nathan uses.
If you are tired of people saying they can help you get results, but they only share high-level strategies, then this is the book for you.
Flow: GREAT! Read it in less than 24 hours.
Actionability: GREAT! You'll get a lot of specific scripts that you can use for many business activities.
Some of My Highlights:
"That happens a lot. The product is crap but the story is unbelievable. People love to buy the story."
"Time blindness is another common oversight. We always project that things can be done faster than they actually can be done."
"It's because we overestimate what we can do in a day and underestimate what we can do in a year."
"Think about this: the average net worth of people under thirty-five years old in the United States is $4,138"
BEWARE: The book is addictive, it was almost impossible to put it down once I started reading it.
Nathan shares a lot of specific details about how you can be a capitalist without capital.
Want to get sponsorship deals? Get better deals by using your social media influence? You will learn that and MUCH more. The best part is that you will even get to see the specific emails and scripts that Nathan uses.
If you are tired of people saying they can help you get results, but they only share high-level strategies, then this is the book for you.
Flow: GREAT! Read it in less than 24 hours.
Actionability: GREAT! You'll get a lot of specific scripts that you can use for many business activities.
Some of My Highlights:
"That happens a lot. The product is crap but the story is unbelievable. People love to buy the story."
"Time blindness is another common oversight. We always project that things can be done faster than they actually can be done."
"It's because we overestimate what we can do in a day and underestimate what we can do in a year."
"Think about this: the average net worth of people under thirty-five years old in the United States is $4,138"
October 30, 2019
“If you want to be rich and successful, you need to start breaking the rules. Contrary to what lots of people say, there’s nothing wrong with copying successful products and becoming a jack of all trades. Add in a streamlined service that outsources humdrum tasks to others, and you’re set – all you have to do now is wait as your business takes root. In the meantime, you can keep your head above water by getting the most out of your existing assets and saving money on travel. Put all that together, and you have the makings of a luxurious life of plenty!
Actionable advice:
Find investment opportunities on the street.
Investing in a company is a tricky process. After all, if you’re not already an industry insider, you just don’t know what to look out for. So here’s an alternative: follow your nose and trust your gut. One of the author’s most successful investments is a hostel in Austin, Texas. He loved the atmosphere and the motivated owners so much he just knew he had to get behind the venture. That’s a great example of one of the canniest investment strategies out there: looking around and seeing who’s building companies that look destined for success.”
Actionable advice:
Find investment opportunities on the street.
Investing in a company is a tricky process. After all, if you’re not already an industry insider, you just don’t know what to look out for. So here’s an alternative: follow your nose and trust your gut. One of the author’s most successful investments is a hostel in Austin, Texas. He loved the atmosphere and the motivated owners so much he just knew he had to get behind the venture. That’s a great example of one of the canniest investment strategies out there: looking around and seeing who’s building companies that look destined for success.”
October 22, 2019
If your only goal in life is to become rich, this is the book for you. Its author takes himself as the prime example of how you can become rich by acting like others don't want to: by shamelessly taking advantage of others.
Forget building great businesses. Just buy some and milk them. It's easier.
Forget giving proper loans to microbusinesses. Offer them super expensive loans and call it investments.
Despite all that, kudos to the author for being so open and detailed about all this.
At least we get to learn something here from the endless creativity displayed. I even got inspiration out of it beyond what I mentioned above (especially with regard to expanding wallet share etc), hence the rating.
Forget building great businesses. Just buy some and milk them. It's easier.
Forget giving proper loans to microbusinesses. Offer them super expensive loans and call it investments.
Despite all that, kudos to the author for being so open and detailed about all this.
At least we get to learn something here from the endless creativity displayed. I even got inspiration out of it beyond what I mentioned above (especially with regard to expanding wallet share etc), hence the rating.
September 8, 2020
This book probably has some good advice, but it's hard to look past how much I want to punch this guy in the face. He's so obnoxious it hurts to read. The book seems to mostly be a promotional tool for his other works - namely, his podcast. I looked into his podcast, but the one he names in the book seems to either have been cancelled or is now under another name. I listed to the podcast I could find (about SAAS companies) with him, but, unfortunately, he was no less insufferable there. He talks really fast and drops a lot of business jargon to ask his guests essentially just basic questions about how they run their businesses.
April 17, 2019
Informative read. The only reason for the 3-star rating was due to the accompanying figures supporting the text. Found the graphics and tables difficult to read due to print quality. That fact rendered some of the author's points difficult to follow without the detailed backup. (Of course I did wonder if the author was sending a subtle message that the world should read his material electronically as the figures would have been readable.) Regardless, the ideas are innovative and reflective of the manner in which business start-ups and funding have changed.
March 12, 2019
First sell then produce
There are several mindset shifts Nathan teaches in the book. For me the three most important takes are:
- first sell then produce
- create systems
- create repeatable processes for everything so you can pass the tasks to others and get more time to build up other businesses
And many other lessons!
There are several mindset shifts Nathan teaches in the book. For me the three most important takes are:
- first sell then produce
- create systems
- create repeatable processes for everything so you can pass the tasks to others and get more time to build up other businesses
And many other lessons!
May 27, 2021
It’s was absolutely a refreshing book! Nathan is very creative entrepreneur and you can learn a lot from just reading this book! He has his unconventional way to do business and it’s working very well for him. I loved his easy going attitude about business and his determination and grit to make things done. I enjoyed reading this book.
March 24, 2020
Nathan gives a solid, inspiring overview of ways to make money outside of a day job. It requires hustle and thoughtfulness, but if you are ready to go for it in any sort of side hustle, this is a good read to get you started.
Copy others, you don’t need to start from scratch. Don’t just be good at one thing, because your own thing is always under attack. Can share values and opportunities among different things.
Keep swinging and learning. Luck and timing are the keys to success. If you try more, you will get both and you will learn a lot more swinging then watching.
What patterns and ideas can you take from a different industry? Dropbox free storage increases by bringing on friends translating to wealth management industry with bringing in more friends for $1k free.
Sit down and write out your decade goals. Then figure out where you need to get in 1 year. Then week by week choose 5-10 things. Then each day focus on 1-2. It adds up.
Buy real estate. Figure out what neighborhoods are recession proof by googling property data 2008 plus the town or city you’re looking at. Never pay more than 100x monthly rent for a property.
Nathan bought a free app. Then hired a developer from toptal.com to build in a paywall after 50 uses for $5 a month or $50 per year. Give option of one more free try. Built the business off of that.
He finds high rating apps that haven’t been updated in 1-2 years. Also look up most funded Kickstarter campaigns and other successful companies and find out why.
Copy others, you don’t need to start from scratch. Don’t just be good at one thing, because your own thing is always under attack. Can share values and opportunities among different things.
Keep swinging and learning. Luck and timing are the keys to success. If you try more, you will get both and you will learn a lot more swinging then watching.
What patterns and ideas can you take from a different industry? Dropbox free storage increases by bringing on friends translating to wealth management industry with bringing in more friends for $1k free.
Sit down and write out your decade goals. Then figure out where you need to get in 1 year. Then week by week choose 5-10 things. Then each day focus on 1-2. It adds up.
Buy real estate. Figure out what neighborhoods are recession proof by googling property data 2008 plus the town or city you’re looking at. Never pay more than 100x monthly rent for a property.
Nathan bought a free app. Then hired a developer from toptal.com to build in a paywall after 50 uses for $5 a month or $50 per year. Give option of one more free try. Built the business off of that.
He finds high rating apps that haven’t been updated in 1-2 years. Also look up most funded Kickstarter campaigns and other successful companies and find out why.
April 25, 2022
What do you need to make it as an entrepreneur? We’re usually told it’s some combination of hard work, original ideas and single-mindedly pursuing your goals. That amounts to a pretty flattering portrait of today’s top capitalists, but it’s well wide of the mark in most cases.
For every creative genius like Steve Jobs, there are a hundred self-starters who broke every rule in the business playbook. Instead of creating their own dazzling products, they copied their rivals and put their own twist on already successful ideas. Rather than blazing their own trail through the market, they chose the path of least resistance and let others do the hard work. Sound unfair? Well, who cares? It works!
That’s the credo of Nathan Latka, a multimillionaire who started out with just a little more than a hundred bucks in his bank account. Along the way, he realized that you don’t have to follow other people’s rules – in fact, bucking conventional ideas is pretty much mandatory if you want to make it big.
If you want to be rich and successful, you need to start breaking the rules. Contrary to what lots of people say, there’s nothing wrong with copying successful products and becoming a jack of all trades. Add in a streamlined service that outsources humdrum tasks to others, and you’re set – all you have to do now is wait as your business takes root. In the meantime, you can keep your head above water by getting the most out of your existing assets and saving money on travel. Put all that together, and you have the makings of a luxurious life of plenty!
For every creative genius like Steve Jobs, there are a hundred self-starters who broke every rule in the business playbook. Instead of creating their own dazzling products, they copied their rivals and put their own twist on already successful ideas. Rather than blazing their own trail through the market, they chose the path of least resistance and let others do the hard work. Sound unfair? Well, who cares? It works!
That’s the credo of Nathan Latka, a multimillionaire who started out with just a little more than a hundred bucks in his bank account. Along the way, he realized that you don’t have to follow other people’s rules – in fact, bucking conventional ideas is pretty much mandatory if you want to make it big.
If you want to be rich and successful, you need to start breaking the rules. Contrary to what lots of people say, there’s nothing wrong with copying successful products and becoming a jack of all trades. Add in a streamlined service that outsources humdrum tasks to others, and you’re set – all you have to do now is wait as your business takes root. In the meantime, you can keep your head above water by getting the most out of your existing assets and saving money on travel. Put all that together, and you have the makings of a luxurious life of plenty!
March 5, 2019
I’ve read all the top success books that are out in the marketplace. So I was a bit skeptical when I saw this book by Nathan Latka at the bookstore the other day.
But after some research on the author and his backstory and success in business and reading the first few chapters, I couldn’t put the book down.
I’m not looking for a get rich quick scheme, and if you are this isn’t the book for you (side note: there are no books for you if this is the case).
This book offers solid, proven and documented ideas to put the readers ideas, work ethic and fore site to good use.
From finding under valued but high potential small, tech businesses, to utilizing your network leverage to score free and reduced cost deals on cars, travel and lodging to simply taking an action that will launch you and your future financial self to the next level, this book is essentially “The Four Hour workweek” version 2.0.
Buy this book. Devour it. And start to implement the ideas and strategies that Nathan so clearly lays out for you.
Good luck. And enjoy the financial windfalls are coming your way.
But after some research on the author and his backstory and success in business and reading the first few chapters, I couldn’t put the book down.
I’m not looking for a get rich quick scheme, and if you are this isn’t the book for you (side note: there are no books for you if this is the case).
This book offers solid, proven and documented ideas to put the readers ideas, work ethic and fore site to good use.
From finding under valued but high potential small, tech businesses, to utilizing your network leverage to score free and reduced cost deals on cars, travel and lodging to simply taking an action that will launch you and your future financial self to the next level, this book is essentially “The Four Hour workweek” version 2.0.
Buy this book. Devour it. And start to implement the ideas and strategies that Nathan so clearly lays out for you.
Good luck. And enjoy the financial windfalls are coming your way.
September 17, 2020
Nathan’s tale is the modern take on business. By redefining the rules of old business and defying the stereotype of success he makes it relatable to readers so that we can take his words and apply them to our lives.
His words hold true to the modern world. Don’t just be great on one thing (multitask), being unique is overrated, capitalize by copying ideas with your twist, it’s not about one goal but creating systems that gives you what you want, and you don’t have to appeal to the masses, stick to your lane and capitalize on it. These concepts give a whole new insight to be more intentional and reflective of our actions when it comes to trying to make money.
One thing to note that is undersold is that Nathan doesn’t mention how a lot of success has been contingent on building a following. He’s insightful guy who opens up to people and has conversations with every day people which turn into lucrative business opportunities. How he treats people in life feeds into his success as a capitalist.
His words hold true to the modern world. Don’t just be great on one thing (multitask), being unique is overrated, capitalize by copying ideas with your twist, it’s not about one goal but creating systems that gives you what you want, and you don’t have to appeal to the masses, stick to your lane and capitalize on it. These concepts give a whole new insight to be more intentional and reflective of our actions when it comes to trying to make money.
One thing to note that is undersold is that Nathan doesn’t mention how a lot of success has been contingent on building a following. He’s insightful guy who opens up to people and has conversations with every day people which turn into lucrative business opportunities. How he treats people in life feeds into his success as a capitalist.
May 20, 2020
*GIFTED from the author*
This is an interesting book if you're looking to understand how some of the people you see online actually make their money. I liked the transparency that Latka gives, including copies of emails sent and received, spreadsheets and ideas. He's honest and uses his relative freedom from commitments as part of the reason he's been able to achieve much by his mid-twenties.
I didn't relate as much to the latter half of the book, where he refers to buying and selling businesses, but that's just because of where I am in my life; it retained the character throughout and I could still see how it was relevant to the target audience.
Whilst there are elements of 'chat speak', it wasn't nearly as corny as many books written by 'entrepreneurs'. It sounded genuine and much like how he talks on Instagram.
This is an interesting book if you're looking to understand how some of the people you see online actually make their money. I liked the transparency that Latka gives, including copies of emails sent and received, spreadsheets and ideas. He's honest and uses his relative freedom from commitments as part of the reason he's been able to achieve much by his mid-twenties.
I didn't relate as much to the latter half of the book, where he refers to buying and selling businesses, but that's just because of where I am in my life; it retained the character throughout and I could still see how it was relevant to the target audience.
Whilst there are elements of 'chat speak', it wasn't nearly as corny as many books written by 'entrepreneurs'. It sounded genuine and much like how he talks on Instagram.
March 10, 2019
This is one of the most practical business books I've read in years. How do you hire talent from marketplaces to save time? Nathan explains it. How do you run a podcast and structure proposals? You can see proposals in the book. I'm still reading the book and wanted to share my thoughts. I can’t wait to finish reading the book later this week. If you want step by step guidance from a successful Internet entrepreneur, this is the book for you.
If you want to see “behind the scenes” – screenshots of emails, proposals, contracts and more – this is the book for you. If you were inspired by "The 4-Hour Workweek" but felt frustrated by the lack of actionable tips, this book will get you covered.
If you want to see “behind the scenes” – screenshots of emails, proposals, contracts and more – this is the book for you. If you were inspired by "The 4-Hour Workweek" but felt frustrated by the lack of actionable tips, this book will get you covered.
December 20, 2020
I used to think Latka was just an Internet troll, but I have realized he is a super-smart hustler. In general, it's a new "4 Hours Workweek" by Tim Ferris. In this case, the rules of the "new rich" are pushed to the extremes.
I wanted to read it, as I was curious how Nathan Latka monetized the data he gathers through interviews, and now I understand how he managed to do it. It was really interesting, but also not revealing too many details.
I liked the concept of buying/selling companies, real-estate part was less valuable. In general, worthwhile if you're trying to setup side businesses, a very good complimentary to Ferris' books.
I wanted to read it, as I was curious how Nathan Latka monetized the data he gathers through interviews, and now I understand how he managed to do it. It was really interesting, but also not revealing too many details.
I liked the concept of buying/selling companies, real-estate part was less valuable. In general, worthwhile if you're trying to setup side businesses, a very good complimentary to Ferris' books.
December 24, 2020
Latka has quite a bit of personality, and I can see how a lot of people would be turned off by it. I didn't mind. The book could have been organized better. When the phrase "more on that later" crops up about every other page for three quarters of this book, it has an organizational crisis that should have been fixed in the editing process. But, what this book does well, is give the type of practical, actionable business advice that is lacking from many of the books in the business and personal finance arena. I appreciate Latka's acknowledgement that many methods for building wealth in the past no longer work as the world changes (and even his some of his advice is already dated).
June 13, 2025
This book gave me lots of feelings. This approach to wealth-building focuses on creating passive income streams with little effort and little value added to product or customer, with a lot riding on the willingness to ask for what you want. I resent the system and dominant market values that mean these techniques are effective, but I can't hold it against someone for making a system work for them within reason. I will be trying several of these techniques to reduce workload, leverage available assets, and increase sales, but I hope that the value I bring to my clients is roughly equivalent to the capital I generate.
May 6, 2019
Read this book if your looking for high return opportunities.
Pearls of Wisdom "Things my ear picked up on"
If you win the game but there's no pot of money to win, you picked the wrong game
In getting to yes be hard on the problem and soft on people
Don't you dare through life against yourself
I'll manage my partners expectations on the rent
Sell pick axes to gold miners
Build yourself rich
Aggressively copy competitors and add your own twist
A remarkable hunger for winning big
That is a tough needle to thread
Pearls of Wisdom "Things my ear picked up on"
If you win the game but there's no pot of money to win, you picked the wrong game
In getting to yes be hard on the problem and soft on people
Don't you dare through life against yourself
I'll manage my partners expectations on the rent
Sell pick axes to gold miners
Build yourself rich
Aggressively copy competitors and add your own twist
A remarkable hunger for winning big
That is a tough needle to thread
October 24, 2019
If you want to be rich and successful, you need to start breaking the rules. Contrary to what lots of people say, there’s nothing wrong with copying successful products and becoming a jack of all trades. Add in a streamlined service that outsources humdrum tasks to others, and you’re set– all you have to do now is wait as your business takes root. In the meantime, you can keep your head above water by getting the most out of your existing assets and saving money on travel. Put all that together, and you have the makings of a luxurious life of plenty!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2023
Nathan doesn't overuse the atrocious term "the new rich," as badly as Tim Ferris, but every instance is cringe inducing for me. Add to that some of the awful rent seeking approach to getting rich and his pretty clear ripping off his employees, and he comes across as kind of a d-bag.
That being said, he's super honest, upfront, and pretty detailed about some of this steps, so it may be a useful book if occasionally annoying.
If his tactics help me achieve financial independence early, I'll come back and add some stars...
That being said, he's super honest, upfront, and pretty detailed about some of this steps, so it may be a useful book if occasionally annoying.
If his tactics help me achieve financial independence early, I'll come back and add some stars...
October 11, 2019
Uniquely practical in its approach and stuffed with exemplary firsthand documents and emails.
Latka's book recounts his personal experiences with fiscal success by offering up a hearty bend of specific stories and ideas, significant procedural considerations, and spiritual motivation that far surpasses the vast majority of encouraging entrepreneurship literature in utility and potency. A great launchpad for personal-development ideas.
Latka's book recounts his personal experiences with fiscal success by offering up a hearty bend of specific stories and ideas, significant procedural considerations, and spiritual motivation that far surpasses the vast majority of encouraging entrepreneurship literature in utility and potency. A great launchpad for personal-development ideas.
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