Cloutier is a turn-around man. Companies in trouble hire him and he turns the business around. His advice in Profits Aren’t Everything, They’re the Only Thing is poignant, sharp and almost humiliating. He cuts right to the bone and points out what’s wrong with a business.
This is mostly written for smaller businesses in trouble. Contractors, small service companies, manufacturers, distributors, car dealerships can follow Cloutier’s advice and make a difference very quickly.
Cloutier hates golf. If you play golf, and that is important to you, do not read this book.
He also thinks that for the most part relatives are trouble. Don’t allow your wife to do the books, don’t give your brother-in-law a job as head of sales. Keep the kids out of the business if they don’t know what they are doing.
Cloutier insists that you have to micromanage. Team play is for losers. If you are a business owner, you are the king and you tell people what to do. It’s not about making employees feel good at work. It’s about getting them to do their jobs and create profits. Business is not a democracy.
Weekends are for work. Go to church if you have to, but if you are serious about your business, you go to the office on Sunday morning. Real business owners get ahead during the weekend while everyone else is goofing off.
This book is tough talk to business owners in trouble. It’s a ruthless lesson in the basics of small business. That makes it a difficult read for anyone.
If you are in charge of a business, you cannot afford not to read this book.
Rating: ***