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Powershift: How to Master the Three Prongs of Influence to Close Any Deal and Achieve Any Outcome
Bestselling author and Shark Tank star Daymond John reveals the secrets to cultivating influence, building relationships, and negotiating your way to any deal or outcome.
Getting what you want in life is all about relationships: establishing them, leveraging them at the right time, and continuing to nurture them long afterwards. In Powershift, bestselling author, founder and CEO of FUBU, and star of ABC's Shark Tank Daymond John shares the recipe. First, you need to establish a reputation and create a sphere of influence. Then, you'll learn how to secure the best possible deal. Finally, you'll learn how to maintain those essential, career-defining relationships so you can call on them later on.
Drawing on never-before-told stories from his life and career, Daymond shares the lessons and principles that got him to where he is today: from how he remade his public image as he made the unlikely transition from clothing mogul to television personality, to new negotiation strategies he honed "in the tank," to how he learned to navigate a new web of relationships as a serial entrepreneur. Whether you're a seasoned professional trying to land the next big client, an entrepreneur trying to close a round of funding, or a recent graduate negotiating your first salary, Powershift will show you how to achieve any outcome, big or small.
Getting what you want in life is all about relationships: establishing them, leveraging them at the right time, and continuing to nurture them long afterwards. In Powershift, bestselling author, founder and CEO of FUBU, and star of ABC's Shark Tank Daymond John shares the recipe. First, you need to establish a reputation and create a sphere of influence. Then, you'll learn how to secure the best possible deal. Finally, you'll learn how to maintain those essential, career-defining relationships so you can call on them later on.
Drawing on never-before-told stories from his life and career, Daymond shares the lessons and principles that got him to where he is today: from how he remade his public image as he made the unlikely transition from clothing mogul to television personality, to new negotiation strategies he honed "in the tank," to how he learned to navigate a new web of relationships as a serial entrepreneur. Whether you're a seasoned professional trying to land the next big client, an entrepreneur trying to close a round of funding, or a recent graduate negotiating your first salary, Powershift will show you how to achieve any outcome, big or small.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2020
114 people are currently reading
1635 people want to read
About the author
Daymond John
30 books216 followersA young entrepreneur, an industry pioneer, a highly regarded marketing expert, and a man who has surpassed new heights of commercial and financial success are just a few ways people have described Daymond John. Over the last 20 years, Daymond has evolved from one of the most successful fashion icons of his generation to one of the most sought after branding experts, business, and motivational speakers in the country.
Daymond’s creative vision and strong knowledge of the marketplace helped him create one of the most iconic fashion brands in recent years. FUBU, standing for “For Us By Us”, represented a lifestyle that was neglected by other clothing companies. Realizing this need in the marketplace, Daymond created the untapped urban apparel space and laid the groundwork for other companies to compete in this newly established market.
Daymond grew up in the community of Hollis, Queens, quickly becoming known as the birthplace of the new genre of music called Hip-Hop, with acts like RUN DMC and Salt-N-Peppa rapidly making names for themselves. Being surrounded in this influential neighborhood helped spur the inspiration for his clothing line that would ultimately change the fashion world.
His first foray into the apparel market came when he wanted a tie-top hat he had seen in a popular music video but could not find one for a good price. With the sewing skills he had learned from his mother, Daymond started making the hats for himself and his friends. Realizing he was on to something, Daymond made a sizeable order of the tie-top hats, sold them on the streets of Queens one day, and made $800 in just a few hours. There was a buzz about Daymond’s products that simply could not be ignored.
Based on that early success, Daymond recruited some of his neighborhood friends and FUBU was born. They created a distinctive logo and began sewing the FUBU logo on all sorts of apparel, including hockey jerseys, sweatshirts and t-shirts. The brand hit a tipping point when Daymond convinced Hollis native and Hip-Hop superstar, LL Cool J, to wear FUBU for a promotional campaign. This was the catalyst behind the entire Hip-Hop community supporting the new brand and instantly giving it credibility. In need of start-up capital to keep up with demand, Daymond and his mother mortgaged the home they collectively owned for $100,000. Soon, the home was turned into a makeshift factory and office space.
FUBU gained even more nationwide exposure when Daymond and his partners traveled to the industry trade show Magic in Las Vegas. Despite not being able to afford a booth at the event, the FUBU team showed buyers the distinctively cut, vibrantly colored sportswear in their hotel room. The company came back to Queens with over $300,000 worth of orders. FUBU soon had a contract with the New York City-based department store chain Macy's, and it began expanding its line to include jeans and outerwear. A distribution deal with Korean electronics manufacturer Samsung allowed their designs to be manufactured and delivered on a massive scale. With the brand transcending into the mainstream markets, FUBU recorded annual sales of $350 million, placing it in the same stratosphere as designer sportswear labels such as Donna Karan New York and Tommy Hilfiger.
In 2009, John joined the cast of the ABC entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank, produced by acclaimed TV producer Mark Burnett. As one of the “Sharks”, Daymond and four other prominent executives listen to business pitches from everyday people hoping to launch their company or product to new heights. Investing his own money in every project, Daymond becomes partners with the entrepreneurs helping turn their dreams into a reality. Millions of viewers tune into the show as Daymond demonstrates his marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights.
Due to the increasing amount of requests from major companies, Shark Branding was formed to provide companies with the marketing insights that have made D
Daymond’s creative vision and strong knowledge of the marketplace helped him create one of the most iconic fashion brands in recent years. FUBU, standing for “For Us By Us”, represented a lifestyle that was neglected by other clothing companies. Realizing this need in the marketplace, Daymond created the untapped urban apparel space and laid the groundwork for other companies to compete in this newly established market.
Daymond grew up in the community of Hollis, Queens, quickly becoming known as the birthplace of the new genre of music called Hip-Hop, with acts like RUN DMC and Salt-N-Peppa rapidly making names for themselves. Being surrounded in this influential neighborhood helped spur the inspiration for his clothing line that would ultimately change the fashion world.
His first foray into the apparel market came when he wanted a tie-top hat he had seen in a popular music video but could not find one for a good price. With the sewing skills he had learned from his mother, Daymond started making the hats for himself and his friends. Realizing he was on to something, Daymond made a sizeable order of the tie-top hats, sold them on the streets of Queens one day, and made $800 in just a few hours. There was a buzz about Daymond’s products that simply could not be ignored.
Based on that early success, Daymond recruited some of his neighborhood friends and FUBU was born. They created a distinctive logo and began sewing the FUBU logo on all sorts of apparel, including hockey jerseys, sweatshirts and t-shirts. The brand hit a tipping point when Daymond convinced Hollis native and Hip-Hop superstar, LL Cool J, to wear FUBU for a promotional campaign. This was the catalyst behind the entire Hip-Hop community supporting the new brand and instantly giving it credibility. In need of start-up capital to keep up with demand, Daymond and his mother mortgaged the home they collectively owned for $100,000. Soon, the home was turned into a makeshift factory and office space.
FUBU gained even more nationwide exposure when Daymond and his partners traveled to the industry trade show Magic in Las Vegas. Despite not being able to afford a booth at the event, the FUBU team showed buyers the distinctively cut, vibrantly colored sportswear in their hotel room. The company came back to Queens with over $300,000 worth of orders. FUBU soon had a contract with the New York City-based department store chain Macy's, and it began expanding its line to include jeans and outerwear. A distribution deal with Korean electronics manufacturer Samsung allowed their designs to be manufactured and delivered on a massive scale. With the brand transcending into the mainstream markets, FUBU recorded annual sales of $350 million, placing it in the same stratosphere as designer sportswear labels such as Donna Karan New York and Tommy Hilfiger.
In 2009, John joined the cast of the ABC entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank, produced by acclaimed TV producer Mark Burnett. As one of the “Sharks”, Daymond and four other prominent executives listen to business pitches from everyday people hoping to launch their company or product to new heights. Investing his own money in every project, Daymond becomes partners with the entrepreneurs helping turn their dreams into a reality. Millions of viewers tune into the show as Daymond demonstrates his marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights.
Due to the increasing amount of requests from major companies, Shark Branding was formed to provide companies with the marketing insights that have made D
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 17, 2024
Daymond John is an American entrepreneur who founded the hip hop clothing label FUBU (For Us, By Us) and, for at least the first 16 seasons as I'm writing this review in late 2024, has been one of the main cast of "shark" investors on the US version of Shark Tank. Though John has published several books to date, Powershift is the first of his books I've read. As the subtitle promises, this book focuses on John's conceptualization of the three prongs of influence that have guided his career and those of others he interviewed: 1) establishing credibility and building influence, 2) making deals from a place of strength, and 3) establishing, building, and nurturing relationships over time.
I feel like points #1 and #2 are well-hammered-on in the business press (especially #2, and of course a Shark Tank investor has a lot of insight into this point), whereas #3 is the most novel and most compelling. I appreciated John's examples of ways he's nurtured relationships longitudinally.
My statistics:
Book 309 for 2024
Book 1912 cumulatively
I feel like points #1 and #2 are well-hammered-on in the business press (especially #2, and of course a Shark Tank investor has a lot of insight into this point), whereas #3 is the most novel and most compelling. I appreciated John's examples of ways he's nurtured relationships longitudinally.
My statistics:
Book 309 for 2024
Book 1912 cumulatively
December 3, 2020
Powershift (2020) is a guide to setting yourself up for success. Drawing on author Daymond John’s experience as an entrepreneur in the clothing industry and show business, it provides a host of tips, tricks, and ideas that will help you expand your influence and win others over to your cause.
December 3, 2020
Зорилгоо олж ухамсарлахад минь тусалсан үнэхээр бизнесмен хүний гараас гарсан ном санагдлаа. Цаашид аливаа санааг бодит болгох боломжтой эсэхийг дан ганц орлого олох боломжоос нь илүү юунд өөрчлөлт аврчич байна гэдэгт анхаарах нь зөв юм байна. + Some tips on Shark Tank
December 23, 2020
Nice read
March 29, 2020
This is the 3rd book I have read from Damon John. He focuses on how he grew his entrepreneurial startup into multiple businesses. His books are an opportunity to listen to a mentor who has walked in my the small business or entrepreneurs shoes. He gives examples of how "relationships are everything" and how continuously solving problems increase our likelihood of success. My favorite quote from the book is: "Its not a seat at the table, its a voice we should target. " Lastly, I loved how he stressed readers to focus on understanding their target audience... Not everyone. Find them and deliver to that audience. It will payoff.
April 25, 2020
Great read. Definitely provides the knowledge to transform any situation, close any deal, and achieve any outcome. It's up to the reader to apply the knowledge provided in the book to make a POWERSHIFT from an undesired situation or condition into an ideal situation or condition.
June 7, 2020
It was a good read and I recommend this book if you are an entrepreneur needed negotiation skills and tips to powershift toward your next level. If you struggled to create or maintain long lasting relationship within your entrepreneur career then this book may help at some capacity.
September 17, 2020
This book packs a lot of great information in a perfectly sized package. The author dispenses invaluable advice, supports his thoughts and then moves on. At no point does it seem he is dragging out a point already made, like some other books in this category do. I’ve never been a regular viewer of Shark Tank, but have taken to streaming episodes from Hulu to see how Daymond John puts his ideas in action. Regardless of the scope of goals or challenges you set for yourself, this book has something to offer you in achieving them.
January 20, 2020
I got this book via NetGalley for an honest review. I liked the concept and story telling of Daymond. He really relates his past mistakes and his bets on winners via great story telling. Bringing simple concepts and skills together. It really distills down to 3 things! 1. Make an Impression 2. Make a Deal 3. Make your relationships memorable and lasting.
Easy to read book and I look forward to the next!
Easy to read book and I look forward to the next!
December 3, 2020
Successful brands sell lifestyles that tells a story and signifies what you stand for when you buy what they make. Personal branding works similarly. When you stand for something, make heads turn, and that gives you influence. This book says this is the starting point of your powershift. From here on, it is all about doing your homework, working with rather than against others, including peeps that are easily overlooked, and keep an eye out for your body language.
December 20, 2021
I saw Daymond at a talk about home ownership and read his book. I found it interesting to learn more about him and his story, and his philosophy. The reason this did not get more stars from me was that it didn't feel like fresh advice, and the emphasis on "work hard" while true seemed to come at the expense of "develop judgment." There wasn't enough detail in some of the stories for me, and so I was less inspired than I had felt the pain.
December 22, 2022
If you go by the title, you'll think that this book is only about business, but that's not the case. Daymond John wants you to do a bit of soul searching. He asks, "Once you make your first million, what do you plan to do with it? What do you really want out of life?"
He also emphasizes to enter a negotiation when you have a clear idea of the value you bring to the table and what you expect in return. Nice book.
He also emphasizes to enter a negotiation when you have a clear idea of the value you bring to the table and what you expect in return. Nice book.
May 6, 2020
You know exactly what you're going to get from a Daymond John book. There's nothing wrong with that either. Personally i find them to be motivating and give you ideas to think outside the box. No it's not some scheme to get rich quick. They're about looking I'm the mirror and seeing that we could either be our own biggest obstacle or be our own biggest motivator.
May 24, 2020
Good info with modern references, enjoyed
This was a good read, very up to date with modern references, will show you some different sides of business that you may have not seen. Worth your time.
This was a good read, very up to date with modern references, will show you some different sides of business that you may have not seen. Worth your time.
July 1, 2020
A nice continuation of my previous book "Start with Why". "Start with Why" is more business focused, this is more personal life focused, and business is just part of it.
Still not much new things learned. But it made me to think I need to take actions on influence, negotiation and networking.
Still not much new things learned. But it made me to think I need to take actions on influence, negotiation and networking.
July 22, 2020
I enjoyed the personal stories and took away how important relationship building is, even more than I’d even realized. Great lessons for life and business; some new, some revisited, all worthy and timely.
August 22, 2020
Definitely a great book for an entrepreneur. It teaches you to maneuver in the business world no matter what type of business your in. Shows you ways to negotiate deals, from gaining capital to business partnerships.
February 21, 2023
3.75 ⭐️ There were little nuggets of useful information sprinkled all throughout this book. The different perspective and business acumen John shares in this book is unsuspecting but solid advice that I hadn’t much read elsewhere.
May 11, 2020
There are great stories in this book that teach an important lesson
June 21, 2020
Always great advice. There are references to other books and some overlap, but still great takeaways.
June 28, 2020
Add it. I really enjoyed this book.
July 1, 2020
I'm a big fan of Daymond. Great book.
November 14, 2020
Interesting read. Great advice and nuggets of information whether an aspiring entrepreneur, navigating your career, or life in general.
December 23, 2020
If you’re an entrepreneur, go-getter, or motivated person to achieve your goals, this is the book for you.
January 14, 2021
Great principles, great read!
February 22, 2021
It was good but his points seemed repetitive
March 16, 2021
Great informative read. This helps anyone with their goals. This book is a must for anyone with, or interested, a small business.
June 5, 2021
Damond John is an absolute legend. 'The Power of Broke' changed my life but 'Powershift' did not.
July 12, 2022
No new info but im sure shark tank fans would enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2023
Loved hearing the stories and ways to negotiate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews