That’ll never work book review and competition

Writing by aj@lecraic on Tuesday, 6 of May , 2008 at 2:07 pm

I first heard about the book “That’ll never work” when I read an extract from it in the Sunday Business Post a few weeks ago. Being a bit of a business book junkie, I was straight out the next day to pick up a copy.

Featuring 12 private businesses in Ireland, the book aims to answer the question “what is an entrepreneur?” by allowing the owners of these businesses to tell their stories in their own words. The collection of stories is compiled by two partners in KPMG, Michael Gaffney and Colin O’Brien. It was they who came up with the idea of compiling this book which “would help the contribution of Irish entrepreneurs to be recognised as well as being an enjoyable read.”

Some of the businesses are familiar (e.g. Celtic Bookmakers, Aer Aerann), others less so (Green Cone, JFC Manufacturing). Familiar or not, the common theme running through all the stories is the amount of determination and hard work it takes to set up and run a successful business in Ireland (or anywhere for that matter). Reading Padraig O’Ceidigh’s story about the early years of Aer Aerann makes you wonder how it is possible to work so hard without physically collapsing. The belief Kevin Coleman of Green Cone had in his product meant spending hours trudging around housing estates doing leaflet drops. The unique way that business is done in Ireland is most evident in Norah Casey’s story of Harmonia (publishing business), and is very instructive.

The story of 2 Limerick teens becoming millionaires made the headlines some weeks ago and I guess it is the one most people would like to read as inspiration for their own entrepreneurial ambitions. Whilst it is a great story it isn’t an inspirational one to me. The 12 stories in “That’ll never work” are what I would see as being more worthy of headlines and admiration. They contain a lot more heart, drive, energy, passion and inspiration than most of the dot com buyouts we hear of.

“That’ll never work… Success stories from private Irish business” is published by Mercier Press and is on sale for €14.99.

Book Competition

With thanks to Mercier Press, le craic has 3 copies of the book to give away. I recently wrote a post in praise of an Irish company, PJ’s and Prose. What Irish company have you dealt with recently that deserves a bit of praise? The business can be online or offline, it doesn’t matter. Goods, services, whatever. It’s the opposite of the name and shame we read far too often in blogs and other media. It’s time to spread some love for a change. Either leave a comment here with your praise for an Irish business or (preferably) write a post on your own blog and link back here.

I’ll keep the competition open until next Monday, 12th May when the 3 winners will be chosen.

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Category: bookie wookie

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