John Warrillow – The Glenn Beck of Canadian Business? | Small business news; tips; networking

Posted by ScottK under News
From http://www.abonarconsultants.com 4959 days ago

Like our readers, we keep our eyes open for business insight on the web. We came across John Warrillow, a writer for the Globe and Mail. He comes with the credentials of a newspaper writer – published author, successful businessman. It’s quite shocking to read his blog. Each post contains a statement that is either obvious or ridiculous. Here is a short sampling of his work.

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Comments

Written by smallbiztrends
4957 days ago

John Warrillow's book, Built to Sell, is one of the best books for small business owners I've ever read, with many many insights that may sound simple, but are non-obvious in the execution and detail. I recently was hired by Gale Publishing, which supplies libraries, to come up with a list of the top 100 business books between 2005 - 2010, and his book was on the list near the top.

I've met John Warrillow. I know his track record. He's the real deal.

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Written by ShawnHessinger
4955 days ago

To each their own, Sean. Thanks for the comments and the post. Glad you're enjoying BizSugar. :)

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Written by SeanMcAlpine
4955 days ago

He very well may be the real deal. If his book is like these posts, I'll take a pass. There are plenty of other good ideas being shared, many on this site. I don't think I'm missing out.

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Written by ShawnHessinger
4958 days ago

Hi, Sean,

Interesting take on the author of "Built to Sell", named the 2010 Best Book for Business Owners by Inc Magazine and a guy who, according to his bio, has started and sold four companies and is today a celebrated speaker and angel investor. Though I haven't gotten around to reading it myself, I understand the book is sort of required reading in some business circles. You can check out the listing over at Amazon which is where I got all this info. My point is that John's something of a celebrity and revolutionary and while I have no doubt some of what he says is deliberately provocative and perhaps over the top, some of it may have at least some merit. No, I wouldn't judge someone on the basis of an MBA alone, but it is a fact that there is a difference in the basic way a professional manager is trained to think and the way an entrepreneur thinks. And, yes, it may be unwise to spend huge amounts of time drafting a lengthy business plan before you've gone out and talked to some people and maybe even closed some sales at least of a prototype so you can be certain there really is a market and that it doesn't just exist in your head. I guess my point is that while guys like Warrillow may sometimes say things for shock value their real purpose is to test assumptions. And let's face it, some business assumptions could certainly stand a bit of testing. I've read some interviews, watched some video and have really found some of Warrillow's thinking to be quite worthwhile. Like the idea of increasing the value of your business to sellers by making sure it can run successfully without you. Just my two cents. Thanks very much for participating.

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Written by SeanMcAlpine
4955 days ago

I agree that he is posting these things to generate buzz and to promote his brand. Just like Glenn Beck, it appears that he is trying to build on his celebrity. My post's point was if you make these bold statements, back them up with something of substance. If not, prepare to be ridiculed. I'm sure John doesn't mind. All of these celebrity pundits are divisive and the controversy surrounding them drives their brand.

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Written by businessavante
4958 days ago

Hi Sean.

Numbers 1 (...screen out MBAs) & 4 (Business plans are a waste of time) are "classics" of hyperbolic convoluted logic. This guy is so bad he's ALMOST good. Thanks for the heads-up, I loved your take.

Duncan

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Written by SeanMcAlpine
4958 days ago

Thanks Duncan,

I don't mind starting a post with a provocative statement, but at least have something to back it up. This guy's postings are great, if only for the comments section. Makes one wonder about the comments he scrubs from the boards.

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