Introduction

• ISBN – 9788184003970

• Genre: Fiction / Thriller

• Publishers: Random House Publishers

• Price: Rs. 299/- (I got this book from the publisher for a review)

When booze smugglers Jai and Mike reconsider their options after another close brush with the law, their friend Aziz, a corporate lawyer comes up with a plan for all of them to rake in even more money with less risk. Setting up an undetectable, fool proof scam, the boys who grew up together in the same London neighbourhood are now going to grow rich together, and quick. As with the best laid plans, they’d not counted on a few bumps along the way in the form of the intrepid fraud investigator who picks up on their trail, and Pam, the femme fatale whose sari blouses leave less to the imagination than bikinis, who has her eye set firmly on Jai. Knowing you have to risk it big to make it big, the boys put everything on the line in this high-speed thrill ride of a novel. But will they come out laughing or are they walking into a trap?

About the author

Raj Kundra is an entrepreneur and a businessman. This is his first novel.

Me thinks

For a debut author Raj Kundra has done an impressive job here. I wouldn’t say it is excellent or trendsetting in Indian literature but yes strong enough for people to sit up and take notice about him as an author.  The genre – thriller chosen by him needs a lot of finesse to give a riveting end product and to quite an extent he has managed to do that. I did not like the usage of cuss words for I believe they are a huge turn off for me as a reader. They make me cringe and want me to stop reading for a moment. The story is undoubtedly a page turner and edge of the seat thriller. The narration though bumpy at a few places makes it an enjoyable and funny read.

“How Not to Make Money” by Raj Kundra is a book that delves into the world of entrepreneurship, business ventures, and the lessons learned from Raj Kundra’s own experiences in building his career. The book offers a mix of personal anecdotes, insights, and business strategies, all while highlighting the pitfalls to avoid when trying to build wealth or start a business.

About the Author:

Raj Kundra is an Indian-British entrepreneur, businessman, and media personality, best known for his involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his various business ventures. He has had a diversified career, spanning industries such as real estate, entertainment, technology, and more. Raj Kundra has also been involved in several controversies and legal battles, which he often refers to in his book to share what went wrong and how one can avoid similar mistakes.

Overview of the Book:

“How Not to Make Money” is a candid exploration of the mistakes, challenges, and wrong turns Raj Kundra encountered while building his empire. The book reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the highs and lows, and the lessons he learned. It offers readers a behind-the-scenes look into the pitfalls of business ventures and highlights the common mistakes that many aspiring entrepreneurs make.

Key Themes of the Book:

1. The Wrong Mindset:

   • One of the key messages of the book is the importance of having the right mindset when starting a business. Raj Kundra talks about the missteps he took early on, including getting involved in ventures without thorough research or preparation.

2. Risks and Rewards:

   • The book discusses the concept of taking calculated risks in business, but also how jumping into ventures without proper understanding or strategy can lead to failure.

3. Success in Business Requires Patience:

   • Kundra emphasizes the importance of patience in the journey to success. Many entrepreneurs expect quick results, but true success takes time and perseverance.

4. Learning from Mistakes:

   • Kundra shares some personal stories of failures in his business career. The book highlights how these mistakes ultimately became opportunities for growth. It stresses the importance of learning from failures and adjusting your approach rather than giving up.

5. The Reality of Entrepreneurship:

   • The book provides a reality check about what it really takes to succeed in business. It emphasizes that success isn’t easy and that there are no shortcuts to building a sustainable, profitable business.

6. Diversification:

   • Raj Kundra also shares his approach to diversification and how spreading investments across different sectors can be both beneficial and risky. He talks about managing multiple business interests and balancing them effectively.

Why Read This Book?

• Real-World Insights: Kundra’s personal experiences in the business world give the book a unique, authentic perspective. It’s not just a theoretical guide to entrepreneurship but a reflection on actual business mistakes and successes.

• Practical Advice: The book is packed with actionable insights that budding entrepreneurs can apply to their own ventures. It’s a guide to help avoid common mistakes that could derail a business.

• Motivational: While the book does focus on mistakes, it also serves as a motivational tool for those looking to get into business, showing that failure is not the end, but an opportunity to learn and grow.

• Engaging Writing: Raj Kundra’s writing style is candid, often humorous, and easy to understand, making it an engaging read for both experienced entrepreneurs and beginners.

Conclusion:

“How Not to Make Money” by Raj Kundra is an honest and humorous account of his entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable lessons on what to avoid when starting a business. The book offers practical insights into the realities of business and success, making it a great read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an aspiring business owner or someone looking for inspiration, this book provides real-world wisdom and the encouragement to learn from mistakes and keep pushing forward.

HOW NOT TO MAKE MONEY BY RAJ KUNDRA