Toilet Paper When You Need It Most

October 28, 2008 · Comments

(Yes, Wesley, that’s an affiliate link. If you click it and buy the book, I’ll make $1.75)

I get books to review quite often these days (and I’m grateful for every one). Some of them are pretty humdrum. Others are interesting, but really preachy. I can say without hesitation that The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, by Mike Michalowicz is the first book my Mom ever ran off with before I even had a chance to browse it. She was visiting last week, and did just that.

Diane Brogan runs a custom wire wrapped jewelry business, and generally likes to read the same types of books as me. But she really liked the TPE. She thought the cover and title was catchy, and that’s what got her to read it.

“One of the things that hit home was, in order to be a true success, you have to have passion. You have to live it, think it, breathe it. If what you want to do does not become part of you, you may not be as successful as you planned to be. It’s focus.

I thought the writing style was good. When I started, I thought that it was a little bit crass, but right from the beginning, it was very real. But we’ve all been in that situation in the bathroom and it’s very real. I thought that he went through the planning steps of being alone in the bathroom without enough toilet paper, in a great way.”

I read the book, too. There are lots of interesting ideas that are even more pertinent given the economic situation globally. I think Mike Michalowicz has a great perspective, and offers a mix of cheerleading and first steps to action. The book will most definitely have you smirking, and you might just accidentally learn something while enjoying the read.

Check out The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur or put it on your list for a gift.

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  • I agree completely about your review of this book, Chris. Loved it, read it, and have been promoting it for the last couple of weeks at www.NaturalMarketingBlog.com.

    I think what got me to read it is the "truth" behind the title that most (if not every) entrepreneur can relate to: we are willing to risk much, knowing that every great idea *requires* the risk. Moreover - we are willing to pay the price. Perhaps more accurately - we don't feel that much else is worth it.

    Anyway - great book. (will keep it away from my mom though!)
  • Ok, this statement completely got my attention:

    "'If what you want to do does not become part of you, you may not be as successful as you planned to be.'"

    It's true! It really is... Sometimes the tough part is finding what you're passionate about. Then, the tough part becomes being brave enough to embrace your passion no matter what anyone else thinks (believe it or not, some people have a problem with this part).

    Anyway, thanks for the recommendation Chris! I will take it :-)
  • I think Ricardo already hit on the best part

    ‘If what you want to do does not become part of you, you may not be as successful as you planned to be.’

    You have to love what you do. If your doing what you love then work is no longer work. This is when you will truly reach your full potential.

    I mean who doesn't want to do what they love all day long?
  • book looks great.

    loved the link love for your parents biz.

    need to go check the toilet paper in my bathrooms...
  • Thank you so much for posting about the book. It brings a tear to my eye (flash back to the early 80's - like the ad that ran on TV with the native American Indian as he sat on his horse looking at all the trash), to hear that your Mom read the book, too.

    My goal with TPE was to slap everyone (including myself) in the face, and push forward to achieving bigger and better things. I wanted to do this… but not in the cheesy internet, get rich quick overnight, I am a rich guy and your not, way that everyone (who isn't rich, by the way) is pitching and selling their stuff. I think most of these books, e-books, and “methods” are a total waste.

    I wrote it because it was about time we all got real about what it takes to succeed. I wrote it to identify the reoccurring actions (behaviors), focus and beliefs we need to succeed. And for God's sake, I wrote it to acknowledge that it is more than OK to laugh along the entrepreneurial ride. It is mandatory.

    Thanks again for the post Chris. I am truly flattered and humbled.
  • I've read the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur book...It took me a while to warm up to it and at around page 65 or so I really started to get into it and connect the concepts to my own business experiences.

    What I really enjoy beyond the book is the whole TPE culture and community. It is not by chance that the author of the book (Mike Michalowicz) responded to this post just because his book is mentioned. He really lives his book's message and is extremely active in his community (online & offline). Many of the TPE Evangelists Scott Bradley, Corrie Wilder and others are constantly out there in the social networks- sharing resources, ideas and providing encouragement. So if you do buy the book make sure you check out his Video blog and his Facebook community to get follow up support.

    Thanks for sharing.

    http://www.teenentrepreneurblog.com
    @teenbizcoach
  • Yael Beeri
    Thank you Chris. In this particular post I mainly thank you for this: When your boss can’t see it, it’s because you and I haven’t told the story well enough.
    I have been having trouble with "showing" my boss. Maybe I need to think of new attitutes.
  • Helen
    Book looks really interesting, considering getting it now. But just wondering, when I clicked on this Amazon link it takes me to the US site. As I'm UK based, I'll go over to the UK site and search for it, but I guess you lose the credit for it then? Is there a way to keep you in line for your $1.75??
  • So it took me forever to track down this post but I found it. I wanted to check in to say that I actually did get a copy and read it. In fact, I met with Mike himself and enjoyed what he had so say (both in the book and in-person).

    As a young someone who shares an entrepreneurial drive, I definitely enjoyed reading it and definitely recommend it to others!
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