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  • Built to Sell

  • Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You
  • Written by: John Warrillow
  • Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt
  • Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (143 ratings)

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Built to Sell

Written by: John Warrillow
Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt
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Publisher's Summary

A business parable about how to create a start-up that won't trap you when you want to sell it. According to John Warrillow, the number one mistake entrepreneurs make is to build a business that relies too heavily on them. Thus, when the time comes to sell, buyers aren't confident that the company-even if it's profitable-can stand on its own. To illustrate this, Warrillow introduces us to a fictional small business owner named Alex who is struggling to sell his advertising agency. Alex turns to Ted, an entrepreneur and old family friend, who encourages Alex to pursue three criteria to make his business sellable:

  • Teachable: focus on products and services that you can teach employees to deliver.
  • Valuable: avoid price wars by specializing in doing one thing better than anyone else.
  • Repeatable: generate recurring revenue by engineering products that customers have to repurchase often.

©2011 John Warrilow (P)2011 Gildan Media Corp
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What listeners say about Built to Sell

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  • Overall
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Life Changing!!

I've always wondered if I'm doing things the right way as a business owner and this really made me look at me, my process and asses if I'm putting my team in a winng position.

Thank you John

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great information annoying narrator

Great information for anyone interested in building a business capable of running without them, that's scalable and potentially easy to sell for big bucks.

I like the story format as well, only negative is the narrator's tone, sounded like he was trying to do too much.

A good listen nonetheless.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Info dense AND engaging

Even if you don't plan to sell your business, the wisdom in this book is important for me and to build scalable ones

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A well written easy to read book for entrepreneurs

I give this book to my clients. Every business should begin with the end in mind- an exit that is a win win for all involved.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great story for valuable business tips

I loved the way this learning was presented. it gave me many ideas to create more in my business. i did not like the narrorator's speaking cadence or voice. It was challengjng to listen too. i will not by another book if he is the voice actor.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Must read for any business person

Got through this book in 2 days, interesting and relatable story line. Very knowledgeable and makes you think about your business or future business plans.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Good story, reminded me of the Wealthy Barber

Took me a couple chapters to get used to the voice, but overall was a great way to listen and learn.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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great if you can stomach a bad narrator.

at first I was put of by the narrator's style, and considered giving the book a miss. I'm glad I didn't though.

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The mental shift I needed

As a consultative service provider business owner who abhors how many services have been watered down in the name of scalability, this book helped me see how to productize and scale without selling out. On track now to a sellable business.

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Great Value

Valuable insight on growing business with value. Great actionable and easy tips for any business owner.

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