We all own a pair

I often shy away from reading books about entrepreneurs.  I don't know why.  I also don't look at the "how-to" titles section at Barns & Nobles, where books and their titles remain filled with neat checklists of so many step programs and other promising methods and procedure for "entrepreneurial success."  

Last year when I was in Singapore, Monty (our WholeRen guest and Speaker), introduced me to Shoe Dog, Phil Knight's memoir about making Nike.  I just finished the book.  It was a truly refreshing and honest reminder of a bumpy path to business success and what it truly is.  What a disordered, uncertain, and rough path riddled with mistakes, struggles, and incredible sacrifices.  

Today, Nike's sales top over $30 billion.  Its logo is one of the most globally recognized.  And we all probably own a pair or two.  But we truly never think about the story Nike, at least I haven't until I read Shoe Dog.  Phil Night's Shoe Dog brought me back to the 60s where the company started selling imported Japanese athletic footwear.

I won't plan on spoiling the story.  You just have to read it.  But if you are looking for a lesson from Shoe Dog,  Mr. Night may disappoint you a bit.  I don't think Phil Night tries to teach us anything.  There are no tips or checklists.  Instead, he achieves something much bigger.  He describes his story as genuinely as he can.  It is an amazing story.  It is real.  And you will certainly understand in the last few pages why despite all of the hardships and struggles he experienced along the way he only wishes if he could do it all over again.