Make Your Own Rules

February 28, 2011
In his first effort Rogers says he doesn't read business books and doesn't want to tell readers how to succeed; he wants to lead by example. Writing with Young (Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me), Rogers suggests we learn from history and eschew being different or moderns unless there's a good reason. This is solid advice but also emphasizes the only renegade element here: the byline. Rogers, who starred in the TV show MHAHSHHH, peppers his tales of success in real estate, restaurants, retail, and other areas with Hollywood memories and anecdotes. He begins with an overview and history of today's business world, helpful to the average reader but likely common knowledge to the business hopeful who picks this up. In 10 chapters, Rogers chronicles his business adventures, pausing often to relay the tips he picked up along the way: know what you're up against, find people you can work with, cast off conventions, do your homework, be open to unexpected opportunities, and so on. Rogers's book is far more successful, and often entertaining, as the memoir of an actor-turned-entrepreneur than the guide it claims to be.

February 15, 2011
Rogers, entrepreneur extraordinaire, recounts the lessons he learned that ensured his success in numerous businesses over 40 years, with the central theme that he had no prior experience in any of those fields. His approach, therefore, was creative rather than administrative since he had no well-accepted rules to follow and lacked both a supposed road map to success and a weve always done it this way mentality. The authors cover topics that include how to compete in our monopolistic environmentfor example, big government with regulations, big banks with all the money, and big corporations with political influencethe value of creativity, which means imagination plus reason (but without fantasy) and curiosity, or fostering an inquisitive mind to keep learning; how to be well prepared by doing your homework and seeking out customers for advice; and always being passionate about your work. The authors quote Eric Hoffer, longshoreman philosopher: Man is most uniquely human when he turns obstacles into opportunities. Thoughtful advice for current and aspiring entrepreneurs.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)