Like most kids who came of age in the 1970s, I was
became a fan of the band Kiss…granted not a Kiss Army level fan, but did wear
out a vinyl copy of Kiss Alive. Later
a became a fan of the band’s bassist, Gene Simmons; he of the un-naturally long
tongue and fire breathing fame. It wasn’t Simmons musical ability that drew me
to him, but line from and interview where he spoke about all the musicians that
came along when he did wanting to be “like the Beatles” while he wanted to be
like McDonalds…billions served.
As far as business side of things here was a guy who
clearly got it. So I was surprised to see Simmons finally after decades of
success land in the business section of the book store. In ME, Inc. – Build and Army of One, Unleash Your Inner Rock God, Win in
Life and Business, Simmons espouse his thoughts on business and entrepreneurialism
in a wide range of ventures.
I had to remind myself that the book is broken down
into two distinct sections; the ME Section in which Simmons piles on the tales
of his life, his successes and his multitude of business ventures. Clearly no
one could accuse this guy of not having a high opinion of himself; some might
say he’s cocky, but as he points out later in the book, self-confidence can go
along way when you’re starting a business venture.
It is in the second half of the book, the YOU section
that this book really hits its stride. While Simmons certainly doesn’t offer up
any earth shattering, new secrets to business success; what he does do is offer
a clear headed approach to both life and business with a palpable sense of
urgency.
It’s easy to see why Simmons has become a favorite with
the cable business and conservative news networks. Don’t expect a Harvard Business
Review white paper; this is common sense based, pretty straight forward and at
times hard hitting advice on business and success.
Simmons isn’t shy about stirring the pot when offers up
his take on success and the impact of marriage and children. He dovetails a
chapter on honing the ability to tell your own story and the impact that can
have on your business success with a chapter on the importance of speaking
English. I doubt Simmons would sit still very long a phone menu that includes; “Press
one for English.” The case he makes is absolutely on target; English is the
language of success.
While the ME section can wear a little thin as it runs
on; I found the YOU section to be a real shot in the arm, its business and life
motivation on steroids.
