I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse: Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss

What does a former mob boss know about conducting legitimate business? Franzese reveals how he made millions and shows you how to do the same---legally! Learn how to "whack" behaviors that keep you from achieving your goals. Understand that "ya gotta have a crew." And be sure to "cook" the pasta, not the books. 224 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

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What secrets can a former mob boss share about how to do legit business? Let’s have a sit-down and find out.

By age 24, charming mob boss Michael Franzese was one of the wealthiest people on Furtune magazine’s survey. As one of the rare people who quit the mob and lived to tell about it, Franzese has a unique perspective on how business is done. And one thing he noticed was that the way he made millions per week in business inside the mob can be applied to doing business outside the mob (minus the illegal part):

·          Mob Rule # 4; Be an Early Riser & Avoid Getting Killed in Your Pajamas

·          Mob Rule # 5: Ya Gotta Have a Crew

·          Mob Rule # 7: Cook the Pasta, Not the Books

"Anyone who sells the mob short when it comes to its ingenuity, its ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and its substantial profit margins is simply kidding themselves." This book promises a mob’s eye view of business that will change the way you see business forever.

 

Average Rating:

7 of 7 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Marvin Penick (Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin), August 31, 2009

If you want to improve your leadership ability there’s a lot you can learn from a former mobster. I just finished reading “I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse – by Michael Franzese” which was written as a book of business tips but had quite a lot to say about running a “family” as well (pun intended). In my opinion it’s a must read. Michael Franzese was at one time listed in the top 5 biggest mob bosses in the country by Forbes magazine so I’m guessing the fact that he’s selling a book and not buried in concrete means he knows what he’s talking about. The obvious question? What possible similarities can there be in running the mob, and leading a family? The sometimes not so obvious answer? Leadership must possess certain qualities and adhere to certain philosophies that increase the odds of success in any “family “. Some examples from the book – Emotional connection will get more cooperation long-term than a lead pipe beating. If you’re up and working at the “crack of dawn” you’ll never get shot in your pajamas! Have a fair and impartial consigliore (adviser) not someone who will flatter you just to get ahead. Operating your “family” under “the end justifies the means” philosophy is a double edged sword that can destroy a lifetime of effort in mere minutes. “Look and learn before you leap. Never put your mouth before your brain.” How to master the “art of the sit-down” (I’ve used these tips for some awesome conversations with my teenager!) Failure can sometimes be the best guarantee of future success. It shouldn’t take a horse’s head to convince you. You gonna earn the right to lead by being a sucker and not reading this book? Fuggedaboutit! Get the book! P.S. Thanks to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to review this book.

Reviewed by Kimberly (Lynchburg, VA), June 18, 2009

The author draws on his own personal experience and the experiences of others to comment on what works and what does not in the business world and in life. At the end of each chapter, there is a summary of sorts, entitled “Get the Message” wherein the author repeats the main points from that chapter in list format. Throughout the book, Franzese makes comparisons using references to, and quotes from, two historical figures with very different perspectives - Machiavelli and King Solomon. He asserts that people cannot conduct business following both of these examples, but rather they must choose one or the other. Near the end of the book, there is a series of five questions, wherein the reader can test themselves on points addressed earlier in the book, in order to determine if they tend to respond more like Machiavelli or King Solomon. I recently read this book as part of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program, and found it to be straight-forward and written in an easy-going style, at a level appropriate for most readers. While I wouldn’t consider it a page-turner, it was certainly readable and applicable to all people, even those not particularly interested in business as a profession. There is a good mix of points made and corresponding examples from the mob life provided, and the connection between the two is easy to understand and does not seem forced or contrived. It’s clear from the beginning that the author believes there is no success apart from working hard, but at the same time, he warns against work becoming your life. What is shared on the issues of integrity and honesty, as well as his advice on the importance of listening and thinking before speaking is beneficial for everyone. http://www.thomasnelson.dev/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=0785261842&title=I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse&authors=Michael-Franzese http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

Reviewed by bob garbett (Eastern, North Carolina), June 04, 2009

What on earth could someone in legitimate business learn from a former mafia capo? Apparently, quite a bit. In “I’ll Make You An Offer You Can’t Refuse,” Michael Franzese writes about how the lessons learned from conducting mob business can be applied in today’s business environment. He rightly points out the goal of both is to make money, the difference is in how it the goal will be accomplished. Franzese pits the philosophies of Machiavelli (the Mafia way) and King Solomon of Israel. The advice given is very practical. From streamlining meandering business meetings to resemble Mafia “sit downs” where everyone knows the agenda and follows it to guarding against losing company funds to gambling addictions. Franzese’s style is very matter of fact and he makes it clear he does not advocate or condone any of the illegal or unethical behavior of his former lifestyle. With his focus now clarified, the author makes it clear the true measure of success goes well beyond the bottom line. I would recommend this book to anyone in business, considering going into business or in any leadership capacity. (I reviewed this book as a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger Program www.brb.thomasnelson.com)

Reviewed by No-Spoilers (Puerto Rico), May 30, 2009

Franzese shares eleven chapters of business tips, including hire employees you trust, seek advice before making decisions, learn from your failures, operate with integrity, and pay your taxes. He recounts stories from his former life in the mob in order to back up his assertions about the right way to do business. Throughout the book, he compares the philosophies of Machiavelli, which guide mob business, to those of King Solomon. Franzese concludes that Solomon’s system presents a better way. There are some good reasons to read the book: (1) It’s a quick an easy read. Even busy people can finish this book. (2) Each chapter ends with key review points to help you grasp the content. (3) Franzese writes in a conversational tone. His style, combined with his crazy stories about mob life, guarantee this is not another dry business book. Caution: The material’s usefulness depends on the audience. A Christian publisher produces I'll Make You an Offer, and sometimes this association elicits certain expectations. The suggestions conform to biblical principles in a general way, but the book is more about ethics than building a Christ-centered business. If you want ethics, you’ll find solid advice here. If you want advice about using your business to share the gospel, move ahead the kingdom, or store up treasures in heaven, you would do better to look to another book.

Reviewed by Janet Carter (Winder, Georgia), May 03, 2009

I had to choose this book for my husband to read because he is a fan of Mob movies and books. Also, I was curious as to how this book ended up in the hands of Thomas Nelson. Here is what my husband had to say about this book … I like this book because of the simplicity of the business practices that were used by the Mob in running a successful business. It is like reading a book about good versus evil, where good always triumphs over the latter. Each technique is talked about and demonstrated by the Mob and how this same principle is used with successful business men today. It uses the comparisons of Machiavelli a sixteenth-century Italian philosopher and King Solomon of the Bible. As a business man myself, I have always been challenged to be profitable. This book outlines good character practices viewed as one that takes the low road and the one that takes the high road with both being successful in their world. However, in the end, crime doesn't pay - just ask Michael Franzese.

Reviewed by Sally (Pembroke Pines, FL), April 10, 2009

I thoroughly enjoyed this easy-to-read, up-to-date, nonfiction book, which is chock full of good business advice offered with anecdotes and quotes from Machiavelli, Solomon, as well as mobsters. Humorous Italian references ring true; mafia background information is fascinating to read. The author compares the Machiavellian philosophy of "the end justifying the means" with Solomon's advice from Proverbs, which he clearly favors. This is no ordinary self-help business book. For instance, Chapter six, "Master the Art of the Sit-Down" gives good business advice about incorporating the mob's art of conducting a sit-down while using Solomon's advice. Any one in business would do well to master this chapter. At the end of each chapter, the author sums up his major points with a "Get The Message" list. Innovative idea This is a NelsonFree book. Once the book is purchased, the owner can download an audio MP3 file and several types of e-book files, including EPub, MobiPocket, and PDF. For more information, click here. I tried it out. I downloaded one chapter at a time. It was quite simple and took less than two minutes. I can see that someone might download a chapter to "read" while driving to work, or download the entire book to "read" while traveling. With this innovative method, readers can read wherever they choose.

Reviewed by plowlady (NY), April 03, 2009

Special thanks to ThomasNelson.com for this incredible opportunity to review this book: I was trying to sum up this book in a few short words, but the very best description I've read is: "The small book contrasts a Machiavelli (the end justifies the means) and Solomon (integrity first) way of life/business, asking the reader to decide which way of life to choose." And I have to agree. It's filled with a lot of business common sense that you can carry into your regular, day-to-day life and helpful information that you can lend to others without intimidation or too much pressure on them, as it is, like I said, common sense. He explains why Machiavelli is followed by mobsters, and why following Machiavelli can be your undoing. He covers concepts like starting the day early, working hard (which doesn't always guarantee success), keeping your mouth shut, and of course, not getting whacked in your pajamas! Another serious discussion Michael Franzese covers is learning from your failures - that not everybody is cut out for everything. Find what you're good at and do it. You can always delegate the things you're not good at. And don't run away from your problems. The last two chapters of the book deal with picking which philosopher you will follow: Machiavelli or Solomon, and making sure you have the right idea about success. Trying to convince yourself that you can follow both Machiavelli AND Solomon is a Machiavellian trick. Also, having millions of dollars while spending no time with the family really isn't success. This is a great book for anyone beginning in the business world of any kind really. It's filled with knowledge and wisdom that you only learn from timely experience. The author, Michael Franzese, integrates what he learned from life in the mob by expressing short, sometimes humorous stories that has now helped him in his business life. If anyone is inspired to do business in a moral, ethical way, then this book is a must read!

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