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I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse: Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss
You gonna make money being a sucker? Fuggedaboutit! Here's a tip: You've got to get a plan, work it hard, work it smart, and surround yourself with people who know how to help you reach your goals--people like Michael Franzese.
Franzese was a capo in the Colombo crime family. He ran rackets that earned millions a week. And then he walked away and went straight. He served his time and now schools everyone from executives to small business owners about how to get the most from their businesses--and how to do it on the level.
Filled with hard-won experience, street smarts and a just a pinch of philosophy, "I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse "delivers the goods: Strategies for winning What kind of people you need in your crew Ethical pitfalls Coming out ahead in negotiations And a lot, lot more
Business is business. Let your friend Franzese give you a tip or two about how to run yours better.
Franzese was a capo in the Colombo crime family. He ran rackets that earned millions a week. And then he walked away and went straight. He served his time and now schools everyone from executives to small business owners about how to get the most from their businesses--and how to do it on the level.
Filled with hard-won experience, street smarts and a just a pinch of philosophy, "I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse "delivers the goods: Strategies for winning What kind of people you need in your crew Ethical pitfalls Coming out ahead in negotiations And a lot, lot more
Business is business. Let your friend Franzese give you a tip or two about how to run yours better.
176 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2009
262 people are currently reading
1799 people want to read
About the author
Michael Franzese
21 books150 followersMichael Franzese (born May 27, 1951) is an American former New York mobster and caporegime of the Colombo crime family, and son of former underboss John Franzese. Franzese was enrolled in a pre-med program at Hofstra University, but dropped out to make money for his family after his father was sentenced to 50 years in prison for bank robbery in 1967. He eventually helped implement a scheme to defraud the federal government out of gasoline taxes in the early 1980s.
By the age of 35, in 1986, Fortune Magazine listed Franzese as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses". Franzese had claimed that at the height of his career, he was making up to $8 million per week. In 1986, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges, released in 1989, rearrested in 1991 for a parole violation, and ultimately released in 1994. Soon after, he retired to California and is now a motivational speaker and writer.
By the age of 35, in 1986, Fortune Magazine listed Franzese as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses". Franzese had claimed that at the height of his career, he was making up to $8 million per week. In 1986, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges, released in 1989, rearrested in 1991 for a parole violation, and ultimately released in 1994. Soon after, he retired to California and is now a motivational speaker and writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 18, 2009
As a college student taking Business courses in College and with today's business climate this is a great book to read and think about. These "Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss" are totally different then what I expected to read about.
I figured it would be a few quips and snazzy quotes and alot of filler. Boy was I wrong... yes there were the quips, snazzy quotes, but the meat of the book -- was a high quality meal.
It is a look at the business views and teachings of Machiavelli v.s. those of Solomon. And how those can effect and play out in life and business. With alot of stories from his life Michael Franzese fleshes both of these Idologies out. As you read (at least for me) he causes you to think about how you do and deal with your life, job, friends, and yourself.
After each chapter he has some "Get the Message" statements and questions the summarize the chapter. A quick refesher of the main points "The message" of the chapter.
Here are some of the questions he asks us to answer.... A.K.A - "Final Exam Time"
1. Do you believe that a soild bottom line is justified bt whatever means are used to attain it?
2. Do you believe that situations arise in business that justify employing dishonest business tactics?
3. In dealing with your competitors, is it acceptable to do whatever is neccessary to gain an advantage, even if it means driving them out of business?
Another Great FEATURE is because it is a "NELSON FREE" book you also get to download a searchable E-Book and a MP3 Audio book of this title. This is a great extra -- I have downloaded the mp3 and will be listening to in the car.
In the end, seeing the finacial mess our country and world is in and even when we come out of it. I would highly recommend this book to both business men, students, employees, and anyone else. It is truely a book you shouldn't refuse.
I figured it would be a few quips and snazzy quotes and alot of filler. Boy was I wrong... yes there were the quips, snazzy quotes, but the meat of the book -- was a high quality meal.
It is a look at the business views and teachings of Machiavelli v.s. those of Solomon. And how those can effect and play out in life and business. With alot of stories from his life Michael Franzese fleshes both of these Idologies out. As you read (at least for me) he causes you to think about how you do and deal with your life, job, friends, and yourself.
After each chapter he has some "Get the Message" statements and questions the summarize the chapter. A quick refesher of the main points "The message" of the chapter.
Here are some of the questions he asks us to answer.... A.K.A - "Final Exam Time"
1. Do you believe that a soild bottom line is justified bt whatever means are used to attain it?
2. Do you believe that situations arise in business that justify employing dishonest business tactics?
3. In dealing with your competitors, is it acceptable to do whatever is neccessary to gain an advantage, even if it means driving them out of business?
Another Great FEATURE is because it is a "NELSON FREE" book you also get to download a searchable E-Book and a MP3 Audio book of this title. This is a great extra -- I have downloaded the mp3 and will be listening to in the car.
In the end, seeing the finacial mess our country and world is in and even when we come out of it. I would highly recommend this book to both business men, students, employees, and anyone else. It is truely a book you shouldn't refuse.
August 12, 2018
I picked up this book after watching an interview of the author on Youtube by Valuetainment. His background hooked me and I got his book. Though this book touches on common business ideas, it does so with a gangster style. It was easy and quick to read and enhanced my interest more in financial market.
October 18, 2022
Business Advice from the paradigm of a former boss in the Mafia's Columbo Crime Family. Michael Franzese at one point was making millions a week in defrauding the government in gas. Not that this is the moralistic ideal to follow, which he openly admits, however, he has some practical advice through his experiences in the underworld on how to sharpen your business education in the legitimate atmosphere. Franzese pulls knowledge from his personal life, and other sources like Nicolo Machiavelli and King Soloman, wisdom that applies to today (to an extent). If your interested in this type of theme, this is a light and easy read.
March 21, 2025
Easy to read on my multiple flights lol
April 12, 2022
Blasted through it, really great tips! Many tips will apply to you and some not so much but that’s okay because it’s great to get perspective. Fantastic book!
May 11, 2022
Just finished this book after a few months of stalling but what an amazing book it neither less was. Amazing anecdotes packed with gems from the mob life and comparing Machiavelli philosophy with Solomon’s philosophy. An all around great business book and great read that I’d recommend to anyone!
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I re-listened to this book whilst at work (RS). I love the books blending of Machiavelli's and Solomon's wisdom whilst also breaking down the principles. Franzese has an extremely unique perspective and I take heed to his wisdom. I will definitely re-listen to this book again-
key takeaways: mob up your business, first --> nail down the basics, next --> beware Machiavelli's trap (stay away from immoral people and don't do business with them), use Solomon's solution (lead your business with integrity and spiritual wisdom), lead with your brain --> not your mouth (play the long-game and be diplomatic in conflicts), master the art of the sit-down (stay away from ineffective meetings, always come prepared to a meeting, use silence to your advantage in negotiations --> being underestimated can be an advantage when dealing with huge egos), keep your eyes on the bookies (stay away from gambling --> it's a vicious vice), learn from your failures (reflect on your failures and keep trying if the idea is solid), play it straight and legal (don't take a shortcut and play by the rules) , pick your philosopher --> Machiavelli or Solomon (you can't be both --> pick one and don't deviate from the wisdom), get the right idea about success (don't forget to enjoy your life and don't lose yourself to the work)
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I re-listened to this book whilst at work (RS). I love the books blending of Machiavelli's and Solomon's wisdom whilst also breaking down the principles. Franzese has an extremely unique perspective and I take heed to his wisdom. I will definitely re-listen to this book again-
key takeaways: mob up your business, first --> nail down the basics, next --> beware Machiavelli's trap (stay away from immoral people and don't do business with them), use Solomon's solution (lead your business with integrity and spiritual wisdom), lead with your brain --> not your mouth (play the long-game and be diplomatic in conflicts), master the art of the sit-down (stay away from ineffective meetings, always come prepared to a meeting, use silence to your advantage in negotiations --> being underestimated can be an advantage when dealing with huge egos), keep your eyes on the bookies (stay away from gambling --> it's a vicious vice), learn from your failures (reflect on your failures and keep trying if the idea is solid), play it straight and legal (don't take a shortcut and play by the rules) , pick your philosopher --> Machiavelli or Solomon (you can't be both --> pick one and don't deviate from the wisdom), get the right idea about success (don't forget to enjoy your life and don't lose yourself to the work)
October 8, 2010
Business principles. (Machiavelli vs. Solomon) Could be a profitable easy read for a round table business group. Good street smarts based on Solomonic wit. I particularly enjoyed the sardonic humor of real life scenario mafia deals that reak of some of the best scenes of The Godfather.
August 6, 2019
It's worth to watch his interviews - you'll get a few lessons from him. He is a smart man!
When it comes to the book, it isn't one I will be recommending. I thought it would be more practical to me, but in the end this will be good mainly to people who might have the wrong values and ethics.
When it comes to the book, it isn't one I will be recommending. I thought it would be more practical to me, but in the end this will be good mainly to people who might have the wrong values and ethics.
April 13, 2019
I liked this book because it talks about life and business from someone who has experience with both Machiavelli and Solomon’s teachings. The advice is very practical, not all of it is groundbreaking but it has a very good message overall. My favourite part in the book is the section called 'A model in need of repair' where the author talks about how a government should be run. I think his suggestions should be read by any individual who is planning on getting involved in politics or wants to run a country. The solutions are there,
***Spoiler Alert!!!
(cut spending, increase cash flow, eliminate borrowing, dealing with illegal aliens) there just needs to be as Mr. Franzese says ‘more Solomons and less Machiavellis'.
The explanations are much better and fleshed out in the book so I recommend people research them on their own there. I also found it refreshing to hear someone talk about their faith from the perspective of a former mobster. It is encouraging to those of us who have not been exposed to that lifestyle to steer clear of it and to stick to having a good relationship with your creator.
Great read! I enjoyed this book!
***Spoiler Alert!!!
(cut spending, increase cash flow, eliminate borrowing, dealing with illegal aliens) there just needs to be as Mr. Franzese says ‘more Solomons and less Machiavellis'.
The explanations are much better and fleshed out in the book so I recommend people research them on their own there. I also found it refreshing to hear someone talk about their faith from the perspective of a former mobster. It is encouraging to those of us who have not been exposed to that lifestyle to steer clear of it and to stick to having a good relationship with your creator.
Great read! I enjoyed this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
The G men said that this crime boss was on a Death sentence, "he will get whacked."
All the other mobsters have not had natural deaths.
However Michael Franzese died the odds and wrote this book. The crime boss explains the difference between Macchiavelli and Solomon.
The author of the prince is read by all mobsters in jail. It's their Bible. Macchiavelli wrote, it is better to be feared then loved. A prince can break their promise and get away with murder if he can. Macchiavelli is manipulative, cunning and about exploiting people for personal advantage.
Solomon is honest, won't be malicious to competitors to get an edge, be kind to the poor, he would rather be loved then feared and believes that God will reward him.
Solomon is about having integrity, people 1st and principle, and sharing knowledge do everyone can benefit
The author says you have to choose 1 or the other.
The end of the book, published in 2009 when Obama was president sounds exactly like Trump. Very much about common sense. I guess Trump is more crime boss then we knew.
All the other mobsters have not had natural deaths.
However Michael Franzese died the odds and wrote this book. The crime boss explains the difference between Macchiavelli and Solomon.
The author of the prince is read by all mobsters in jail. It's their Bible. Macchiavelli wrote, it is better to be feared then loved. A prince can break their promise and get away with murder if he can. Macchiavelli is manipulative, cunning and about exploiting people for personal advantage.
Solomon is honest, won't be malicious to competitors to get an edge, be kind to the poor, he would rather be loved then feared and believes that God will reward him.
Solomon is about having integrity, people 1st and principle, and sharing knowledge do everyone can benefit
The author says you have to choose 1 or the other.
The end of the book, published in 2009 when Obama was president sounds exactly like Trump. Very much about common sense. I guess Trump is more crime boss then we knew.
November 9, 2020
Look to the mob for business advice? Not hardly!
I expected this to be an expose of his dealings in the mob and what it is deals more with his lessons learned in life by taking a rough road then finding God. I appreciated his turning his life around but find it hard to take management advice on how not to manage. He compares Machiavellian philosophy to Solomon’s wisdom and tries to steer a path to Solomon which is wise, after all, wasn’t Solomon one of the wisest to live on the Earth? Nevertheless, there are much better books on management styles and business. I wouldn’t recommend this book.
I expected this to be an expose of his dealings in the mob and what it is deals more with his lessons learned in life by taking a rough road then finding God. I appreciated his turning his life around but find it hard to take management advice on how not to manage. He compares Machiavellian philosophy to Solomon’s wisdom and tries to steer a path to Solomon which is wise, after all, wasn’t Solomon one of the wisest to live on the Earth? Nevertheless, there are much better books on management styles and business. I wouldn’t recommend this book.
December 31, 2024
This was a divergence from the types of books I would usually read but I must say that it was very enjoyable and an easy read.
Most interestingly to me was that the seemingly completely different worlds of business and organised crime do in fact cross over to a considerable extent. I have certainly taken lessons in this book and successfully applied them to my own business dealings.
Additionally, Michael's awareness of the downfalls of the Machiavellian ways of 'the life' are a great parallel to the pitfalls of the corporate world that befall so many.
A good read for those in business, especially those that love a good mafia movie.
Most interestingly to me was that the seemingly completely different worlds of business and organised crime do in fact cross over to a considerable extent. I have certainly taken lessons in this book and successfully applied them to my own business dealings.
Additionally, Michael's awareness of the downfalls of the Machiavellian ways of 'the life' are a great parallel to the pitfalls of the corporate world that befall so many.
A good read for those in business, especially those that love a good mafia movie.
July 4, 2021
I knew this wouldn’t be an in-depth ‘how to’ business manual, it was what I expected: some G-rated mob stories loosely tied into some general business principles. It’s fine.
In one of his examples, the wrong date was listed for the Castellano hit (he said Dec 1986 instead of 1985), so that made me turn my head a bit, but I’m probably just being picky. That being said, how does an incorrect reference to arguably the biggest mob hit ever, in a book written by a former mobster, make it past the proofreaders?
It’s a quick read and if you can pick it up cheap, do it.
In one of his examples, the wrong date was listed for the Castellano hit (he said Dec 1986 instead of 1985), so that made me turn my head a bit, but I’m probably just being picky. That being said, how does an incorrect reference to arguably the biggest mob hit ever, in a book written by a former mobster, make it past the proofreaders?
It’s a quick read and if you can pick it up cheap, do it.
July 24, 2020
Some useful insights about how to be successful in business, though I was a bit disappointed; After watching him interviewed on YouTube, I was expecting a bit more. Maybe I need to read it again...
Here's the interview that made me want to buy the book:
https://youtu.be/5U-yqm9H_Sg
Also you get a positive vibe one gets from seeing someone having transformed themselves.
Here's the interview that made me want to buy the book:
https://youtu.be/5U-yqm9H_Sg
Also you get a positive vibe one gets from seeing someone having transformed themselves.
December 11, 2020
Okay, but pretty basic. Some contradictions and alot of the mobster repeating himself. Also, don’t bring religion into business, or into anything else for that matter. Only read through it for the stories. Maybe his previous book would be more interesting. As a business book, this goes way down on the list of what you should read. I like the strictly ethical aproach tho.
January 4, 2021
Rea!ly Well Done
This is a truly great read that is chock full of practical lessons emanating from a set of life experiences which provide the author with a PhD in essential business tactics. In fact, much of the lessons are applicable to everyday life and go well beyond the arena of business. Highly recommended, fast read that is all at once funny, engaging and valuable.
This is a truly great read that is chock full of practical lessons emanating from a set of life experiences which provide the author with a PhD in essential business tactics. In fact, much of the lessons are applicable to everyday life and go well beyond the arena of business. Highly recommended, fast read that is all at once funny, engaging and valuable.
February 10, 2021
Enjoyed this quick read. Serves a strong lesson on the value of integrity and has some good business lessons. It was nice to get an insight into mob life and how that parallels with business and the government. Although, towards the end of the book the author seemed unaware of the fact that most unauthorized immigrants pay taxes.
March 25, 2023
Highly recommended
There are so much things to learn from Michael’s life. I love the clear line between Machiavelli and Solomon ways of life. If not because of this book, I would still remain in the Machiavellian ways of life. Everything is necessary as long as I’m winning. This book is like a revelation to me. It opened my eyes to see beyond merely success.
There are so much things to learn from Michael’s life. I love the clear line between Machiavelli and Solomon ways of life. If not because of this book, I would still remain in the Machiavellian ways of life. Everything is necessary as long as I’m winning. This book is like a revelation to me. It opened my eyes to see beyond merely success.
May 6, 2018
None of the insights in this book are very profound or deep, but it's still got some good information and is presented in an informative and entertaining way. The mafia-related anecdotes also add a lot of value to the book.
May 4, 2020
So insightful and eye opening book!
It reflects real life situations that have universal appeal!
Life changing story that helps one to make a conscience decision and decide which part to stay in!
It reflects real life situations that have universal appeal!
Life changing story that helps one to make a conscience decision and decide which part to stay in!
March 27, 2021
Michael Frachezse is one of the most clever and smart authors I know. Very well educated in his former life. He discusses common business practices and translates to them how he learned some of them from his former life in the mob. I liked his style on how he explained the tricks of his business. Kind of a business and true crime(ish) book for those who are looking for a good read.
October 17, 2021
Main lesson of the book is to conduct your business in an ethical manner, even if that means making less money. More important than money is having time to enjoy life, spend time with family, and being able to sleep with peace of mind.
May 6, 2022
A very sound business guide with great advice laid out by two roads, one made by Machilavelli, the other by Solomon. Franzese is a successful business guru, so no words are wasted. Whether from his time in La Cosa Nostra or independently, he's been able to create foundations for strong enterprises.
May 31, 2025
interesting. He talks about business concepts; Mob vs. Average person. And compares and contrasts The Prince by N. Machiavelli with King Solomon in the bible. It all makes sense. Short read, but I believe worth the time.
October 1, 2025
I picked up this book after seeing a couple of interviews involving Michael Franzese and as soon as I started reading I couldn't put the book down. I enjoyed all the stories but it's time in the mafia and I learnt a different way to approach life because of it. I would definitely recommend it.
April 30, 2018
It cuts to the chase. One of the few real talk style books on Business and Life that I have read in a long time.
November 15, 2018
Tres bon
Très bon livre. C'est un excellent livre parce que l'auteur sait de quoi il parle. C'est, un très bon livre.
Très bon livre. C'est un excellent livre parce que l'auteur sait de quoi il parle. C'est, un très bon livre.
April 3, 2020
Eye opening
Who would have that biblical passages and machiavelican principles has much to do with our businesses. Highly recommended for beginners and executives.
Who would have that biblical passages and machiavelican principles has much to do with our businesses. Highly recommended for beginners and executives.
June 26, 2020
Ideias interessantes sobre como agir quer profissional quer pessoalmente.
November 22, 2020
A fantastic book from a former mob boss with great tips on doing business:) I didn't read it, I absorbed it:) A must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews