'Anyone can better themselves, better their life, better their situation. You've got to think big. People have lost faith in the system, it's time to empower yourself .'
At a time of ultimate global disruption, many people are having to re-set their goals and take a new path. Mark Bouris is a self-made man who knows what that feels like. He sees this as an opportunity to change what isn't working.
The founder of two hugely successful financial institutions, he's watched Australia's enormous potential be squandered as entrepreneurship has been ignored, ingenuity has been punished and our reputation for boxing above our weight as a nation has been torn down. It's pissed him off. And now, more than ever, he knows we all have to be our best self and not throw in the towel and think it is all too hard.
Growing up in the working-class suburb of Punchbowl, in western Sydney, there were no silver spoons in the Bouris house. No easy rides. He learned quickly that he had to be his own best asset. To be resilient, focused and determined. To have energy, drive and a willingness to work his arse off.
All of that was more valuable than any amount of money. It's what separated Mark from the pack, and what will help you stand out as well. You might be sitting there thinking, I can't do that, I can't do what he does, I can't be a Mark Bouris, it's all too difficult. But the fact is ... you can. Anyone can. And in Rise he's going to show you how.
Imagine you're down at the pub and Mark Bouris walks in. He sits next to you and is in a talkative mood so he ends up telling you about how he started out in business, how he started Wizard and then Yellow Brock Road. Tells you a bit about how much he loves boxing and rugby. Talks about politics and what he thinks is important in life and passes on a few business tips along the way. Drops a few swear words. Talks about how important he thinks small business is in this country which is pretty rad coming from someone as not small as him. And that's what this book is like. Not your average business book. I liked it.
An easy book to read, however, no startling revelations. There is some good advice, but your grandmother probably gave you that. I.e., work hard, get your mind into the right place etc. While reading the book I continually wondered, when will the boasting stop and how much of the text is factual or how much of it is simply an example to assist in putting across the story. We all know people who swear, some of these people use the foul words as part of their everyday language and have difficulty controlling it. Here it was consciously inserted. This colourful expression may be a marketing tool, but he needs to consider the example he is setting to the many teenagers who are suckered into reading the book. Most adults can happily do without it. The man has apparently been successful, but it sounds like a very big risk to follow someone with an ego like that. I wish him the very best with Business Warriors, but remember, someone has to pay, and these are very difficult times with worse to come.
I always used to have a business-ie book on the go, I don’t know why I stopped. I got a lot out of Rise. It was so conversational and interesting. Loved the Kerry Packer soft skills and I hadn’t realised Mark Bouris was so well educated. I listen to the mentored podcast, I like his interview technique and style. But I’m not actually sure he does speak for me as a small business owner. I know he talked about wanting an army and creating a platform, but I feel sorry for the deli owner who is creating all the community but too buggered to partake in it. I would have loved more practical advise for the small business owner, beyond fight back and buy the competition…The $25 million deal with the entity was fascinating, but it so isn’t small business
I enjoyed Rise by Mark Bouris for a couple of reasons.
Was a down to earth, common sense discussion about business. I like how he wove in different aspects of being in business such as work ethic, risk, marketing and particularly about thinking.
Secondly, I thought his wishes for a small business sector with power made perfect sense.
Lastly, his recommendations such as don't give up your income source whilst working on other projects was very sound advice.
Overall, was a motivational read and would definitely go hear him speak after reading this.
Mark Bouris has written another essential book for all Australian business owners. This one is more biographical than his previous book, however you will gain a lot of wisdom and applicable knowledge which you can apply to your circumstances. Highly recommend