Publisher's Synopsis
Deborah Meaden is known to millions for her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach on BBC2'sDragons' Den. A brilliant entrepreneur herself, she knows exactly what questions to ask and what pitfalls to avoid when deciding whether or not to invest in a new venture. InCommon Sense Rules, Deborah shares the secrets of her success, drawing on years of experience to offer advice that is both candid and straightforward. How do you turn a bright idea into a commercial proposition? How do you inspire others to get on board? How do you ensure that a setback doesn't become a disaster? Above all, how do you make sure that you stay focused and achieve the goals you've set yourself?
Some of Deborah's insights come from observing the successes - and the failures - of others. Many more, though are drawn from her own life and business ventures. She shows, for example, how an early stint as a bingo caller in a holiday park gave her a crash course in customer relations. She frankly and honestly analyses why her first enterprise, which started so promisingly, turned sour. And she explains why turning down a multi-million pound offer for her chain of holiday parks was the best decision she ever made. As direct and to-the-point on the page as she is in the Den, Deborah Meaden is a superbly clear-sighted and experienced observer of business success, and her book is guaranteed both to inform and inspire.