Endorsements for How to Ruin a Business Without Really Trying

"M. J. Gottlieb has written a successful book on how to fail--witty, engaging, on the money."

--Marvin E. Eisenstadt, President, SWEET 'N LOW

"When I picked up, and read the title of MJ's book, How to Ruin a Business Without Really Trying, I thought to myself sort of tongue in cheek, well . . . been there, done that! It wasn't until I read, chapter by chapter, all of his practical insights, that I realized his lessons, long lost in my experiences, needed to be studied again. His observations are as pertinent to a large global organization as they are to a fledgling entrepreneur."

--Kevin Hennessey, Managing Director Senior Advisor, Retired, Credit Suisse First Boston

"With wit, wisdom, and tongue firmly in cheek, this book explores the dark side of Wall Street's version of the American Dream. The truth is most businesses fail. It's time someone took a clear eyed and fun look at why."

--Nelson George, co-author of Life & Def- the business memoir of entertainment mogul Russell Simmons

“ A must read for those starting a business, and a good reminder for those of us already in the game. As an entrepreneur myself; a former broadcast executive at CBS, and subsequent EVP Sales at CNN, I found How To Ruin A Business Without Really Trying to be a terrific read and right on the money”.

--Michael C. Murphy, Former Executive Vice President of Sales, CNN.

“As an entrepreneur, and the owner of the fastest growing Public Relations agency in the country, I found MJ Gottlieb’s book to literally be a bible- a must read- for entrepreneurs. This should be mandatory reading for anyone thinking of starting a business, or has started a business. A range of daily and major issues, from management to accounting, marketing to lifestyle, all the key entrepreneurial issues are covered in this book- This book was a gift to read, and amazingly helpful and insightful.

Literally, the day after I read it, I came into the office and changed a few major things in my organization. I now skim the book at least once a month and reread it as often as I can. Starting a business, and succeeding at it is tremendously difficult, and this book allows me (hopefully) to avoid the key mistakes that bring so many businesses down. The book was easy reading, filled with so many important anecdotes, and was very enjoyable.”

-Ronn Torossian, Chairman, 5W Public Relations

“It’s often said that to be successful in business you need to have a little luck. Unfortunately, MJ Gottlieb didn’t have much luck and this candid and often humorous easy-read is a must for any new or experienced entrepreneur. Full of valuable real-life start-up miscues and insight from someone not afraid to divulge absolutely everything.”

--Bret Mactavish, Senior Manager- International Basketball Operations, NBA

“MJ Gottlieb is a smart guy who has interesting things to say. He has learned hard lessons in the toughest possible way. And yet, he has written a book which is sometimes funny, always entertaining. If I were crazy enough to start a business, I’d read his book first.”

--David Gelber Executive Producer, CBS News

“Having known MJ Gottlieb for many years, I have felt the pain of his experience first hand, as I witnessed the late nights and long hours he put in for so many years, only to see his dreams twice fall short. We are all fortunate that he has been able to find the strength to critically reflect on those events, document his experiences, and share his insight, gained from building two businesses—through their success and eventual failure. Anyone interested in starting their own business, or simply interested in acquiring a greater acumen in the dynamics of running a business, must read this book!”

—Marc Wharton, Wharton Brand Management

“How to Ruin a Biz makes you make your own rules. It’s light and humorous, and heavy at the same time, which provides a method of teaching which keeps you smiling while you tackle these issues the whole way through.”

-Izzy Ezrailson, President, LRG Brand

“MJ Gottlieb has captured the essential tools of starting a business, and taking existing businesses to greater heights. Since I lived many of the experiences with him, as his former business partner, this book is not a book on how to fail, but on how to succeed. This book is especially important to the new entrepreneur, who will lead with his or her heart and soul, but lose focus on the fundamentals. The general principles of business are fairly simple, but in an economy that is highly competitive and unforgiving, the entrepreneur falls victim to impulsive decision- making. That’s why we must now accept the generosity of his challenges set-forth and use them to build and succeed.”

-Gary McDonald, Design Director, Arizona Jeans, J.C. Penney

"A humorous, self-abasing, and insightful guide to surviving the jungle of starting your own business, written by someone who has been there. Should be required reading for all aspiring entrepreneurs--full of lessons and experiences not taught in business school."

--Scott Shevick, Former Senior Managing Director, Bear Stearns and Company, Inc.