... because the true lessons emerge from that process.


Inspirational advice for creative individuals!   December 26, 2004
 38 out of 38 found this review helpful

"The world's best-selling book" (the tongue-in-cheek subtitle), is a great little collection of ideas, suggestions and practical advice from a man responsible for many successful British advertising campaigns over the last 25 years. Although there is a practical bias towards the business world of advertising and media, this book is likely to appeal to any individual who is interested in creativity and thinking for themselves. It is beautifully designed and very entertaining indeed!

In the first few pages, Paul Arden encourages you to set your goals high and aim beyond what you believe you are capable of. Then there are "The Fundamentals" such as "Do not seek praise. Seek criticism", "Give away everything you know, and more will come back to you", "Don't promise what you can't deliver". My favourite is "It's right to be wrong", where Arden points out how anything is possible when you're not trying to be right. The risk is greater, you are in the unknown, but "there's more chance of it being amazing".

A combination of "common sense", awareness, business advice, communication skills, positive thinking, a few presentation tricks and some quirky strokes of genius. Great stuff.


best of the best   November 19, 2004
 33 out of 34 found this review helpful

I bought this book shortly before quitting my job.

I was lacking in focus and short of confidence, this is going to sound really cheesy, but this book changed my life.

It gave me the confidence and strength to go for a job in the media which I wouldn't have had the guts to go for before.

One of the quotes from the book is
'If you're in control, you're not going fast enough'

I put myself up there and rose to the occasion

I'm now working as picture editor on a major UK magazine.

This is from someone who's turned around their life in 4 months.

Paul Arden, you are the daddy!


Style over content - but great style   June 15, 2004
 14 out of 21 found this review helpful

As you might expect from Paul Arden, the book looks great.
As you may not also expect, it is pretty empty: certainly this is not the advertising equivalent of "The Prince", as has been suggested. It's nearer to a flawlessly executed collection of those specious, would-be inspiring motivational posters that adorn call-centres. Looks wonderful, though.


It's How Good You Want To Be   December 29, 2003
 6 out of 9 found this review helpful

An IT-contracting friend of mine gave the book to me and after reading through it I've passed it on to my younger brother. This is a book that provides a common sense approach to small problems that without a common sense approach can become large problems... Highly recommended and a good gift to those who listen to good advice.