Book Review: Get Off Your Arse by Brad Burton

I've previously read and reviewd Brad Burton's other two books - Life. Business. Just Got Easier (his third book, and my favourite of the four) and Now What (his fourth book).

This year, I decided to buy and read his first two books - Get Off Your Arse and Get Off Your Arse Too. I'd originally planned to review the books together, however I've now decided to review them in seperate blog posts.

On his website (https://www.bradburton.biz/bradsbooks ) there is a recommended reading order - and I agree with reading Life. Business. Just Got Easier first (although each book can be read on its own, in any order).

While I'm connected with Brad Burton on LinkedIn, etc. - he has not asked me to write this book review.

So here's my review/thoughts on Get Off Your Arse...

• The book is a mix of motivation, straight talking business advice, and wisdom, looking at the realities of starting a business.
• When you see the book cover (voted best business book 2009, and then the small print!) it's clear that this is going to be a business book with a difference.
• The author talks about starting and growing his business, 4Networking. Including the many challenges faced while starting a business.
• Released in 2009, the book could easily still be written and released today - back then there was the credit crunch (and the book even mentions Woolworths closing down) and now we have the cost of living crisis.
• I've followed the author on social media for a few years, so I recognise some of the ideas from his videos, social media posts, etc. - however that shouldn't stop you from reading the book!
• Some of my favourite chapters include chapter 8 (on cufflinking), chapter 11 (a very short chapter!) and chapter 9 (technology and social media - still as relevant as when the book was written in 2008/2009). Also liked the mention of asking for forgiveness rather then permission.
• Enjoyable to read, even when the book covers more serious topics.
• Addresses some of the nonsense and myths around starting a business - e.g. not being rich, living on supermarket value ranges, etc.
• A particular favourite part - and something the author has also talked about on his social media pages - being self employed with multiple clients, versus employment with one employer and facing redundancy.
• Also has some great tips and advice on networking.
• Reading the book, I also wonder if attitudes have changed since 2009 or are the same. For example, if you are self employed and end up delivering pizzas to a client.

Definitely a great book to read for small business owners - with a lot that anyone who is self employed can relate to, with plenty of business wisdom. It's also a great book to read if you don't normally like reading business books.

You can find the book on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-Your-Arse-Brad-Burton/dp/1907451005/

The author's website is: https://www.bradburton.biz

I'll be sharing a review of Get Off Your Arse Too soon!

Have you read Get Off Your Arse? Or any of the author's other books? Be great to see your own thoughts in the comments!

Discover, discuss and recommend books to help your work or business - my book group includes a Facebook group for sharing book recommendations, and regular meetings in Aberdeen.

More info on both the group and events at: booksandnetworking.co.uk ?