The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur: The tell-it-like-it-is guide to cleaning up in business, even if you are at the end of your roll. Hardcover – September 24, 2008

I ploughed through half the book with great zest the other night - part of which I read out loud to my wife; I was reading Chapter 2: A Little Peace and Quiet (in your mind) and when I read the title, ' How to Blow Your Last $20 on Booze and Still Make Millions', she popped her head around the bathroom door, squealing, 'No! It does not say that...!' When I showed her it did and went on to read further subtitles such as, 'The competition will beat your inexperienced ass' or content such as, ' ...they have achieved something that we should have, but we didn't (and can't), so screw them' - she laughed and said, 'Did you write this?!'.Her asking me that question just summed it all up for me as to why this is such a refreshing book on the subject of entrepreneurialism: because it spoke to me in a way that I understand - the way of the ordinary guy who does (though we don't like to necessarily admit it outright) suffer from envy, anxiety, apprehensions and fears about getting into commercial ventures. My wife obviously knows me very well and she knows that the almost cavalier attitude that prevails in TPE (by comparison to what one would expect from a similar book) is very fitting for someone of my character - so much so that she thought I could have written it myself as it speaks my own language to the T. That is what sets it apart from all the more wishy-washy, generic, boring books in it's class - although technically I don't feel it can be lumped into the same genre as it is as much a 'business book' as it is an 'anti-business book', snubbing the generic tomes. It is like the Salvador Dali of business/entrepreneurial books - Dali, who famously said of his peers when they tried to banish him from the surrealist movement: "The difference between me and the surrealists is that I am a surrealist".I actually found the story on spending your last $20 on booze very amusing, being British, like the character it describes - that's how we roll! But it gave me hope (as I rolled over into the red buying several cases of Corona in Publix for our July 4th BBQ) that - as is reinforced - Nothing is Impossible! As long as we have the creative energy to think outside the box and keep moving with the times and work with what we've got, play to our strengths and not compare ourselves jealously to our counterparts, anything is achievable - even with just three sheets or less!Overall, from what I have read thus far, the aspect that I love the most about the book is that it really boosts confidence through incorporating many a 'mind-over-matter' philosophy such as the Channel of Enabling Beliefs. A friend introduced me to the fascinating power of cognitive therapy a couple of years ago and I had largely forgotten about it until I read this segment which reads almost like an exercise from one such book on the subject; by literally turning each of your Wall of Limiting Beliefs excuses effortlessly into positive Enabling Beliefs (with valid common sense behind each transmogrification), it pretty much proves that it is all in the head - that we are the ones that control our thoughts, fears and feelings through our own mere perceptions of things. It never ceases to amaze me how such a simple, seemingly trivial and inconsequential concept can in fact be the most powerful flip-switch to one's personal, emotional, financial and spiritual success. I almost feel as though Freud's life work would never had existed if cognitive therapy had been on the scene in his day - because really, our own unique perceptions of the world are what cause us all our grief or joy.But enough about all that. I just love that the book incorporates such a perfect spectrum of confidence boosting introspection and simple, matter-of-fact principles to dealing with potential clients and corporations alike - and it does it an amusing, yet heartfelt way, like your favorite teacher at school. Unlike similar books, I do not feel intimidated or patronized by the language in this one - to the contrary - one gets the distinct impression that you are being handed prime information from the trenches by a rebel leader who has infiltrated enemy lines - and all whilst in the field mess kitchen with your mates!So top marks to the author! Thank you for producing a down-to-earth, solid book that is full of knowledge, confidence and most importantly, wit. After all, if we didn't have humour in our life, what would we have?

The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur by Mike Michalowicz is an inspiring and unconventional guide to entrepreneurship that stands out for its humor, candid advice, and real-world examples. While some of the tips may feel a bit dated or tailored to the U.S. business environment, the core messages resonate universally with anyone on an entrepreneurial journey.What makes this book particularly compelling is its blend of Mike’s personal experiences and the stories of various entrepreneurs who have built success with limited resources. Michalowicz masterfully challenges traditional business wisdom, offering practical guidance for those who may lack abundant capital, time, or connections—aptly referred to as having "only a few squares of toilet paper left."One of the standout aspects is his advice on identifying which clients are worth keeping and which ones to let go. This guidance encourages entrepreneurs to prioritize relationships that align with their values and long-term goals. The book is packed with actionable strategies, from starting lean to building a business culture that thrives on authenticity and determination.Michalowicz’s humor and conversational tone make this a highly engaging read, even as it delivers valuable lessons. For aspiring entrepreneurs or seasoned business owners looking for a fresh perspective, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur offers motivation, insights, and a good dose of laughter along the way.

The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur tries to promise two things: that the book will be funny as well as contain sound unconventional advice. Well, it's not funny but it delivers on the important part.The humor in the book is easy. Way too easy to be considered funny by anyone over 15 and interested at all in comedy. The lame jokes at least leave the book light and irreverent, making it easier to read than virtually every other terrifically boring business book.The advice in the book centers around infusing your business with your value. While, as the book says, this keeps you happy and persistent in your efforts, the author (perhaps without even knowing it) is teaching you to build a brand for your business. And not just any brand. Since this brand will be aligned with your values, it will be genuine and consistent (since you will stay you).The small tips for working with no money may lower your expectations of what you can start out with, but they are realistic and the mark of a business man with his ear to the ground.I highly recommend the book if you're starting a company or thinking about it, but unless you like carlos mensia level humor, prepare for some eye rolling.