In business, everyone can see the first bounce of the ball. It is the second bounce that is uncertain. Ronald Cohen, one of the world's leading private-equity investors, argues that the entrepreneur's aim is to take advantage of that uncertainty: for it is only in situations of uncertainty that significant gains can be made. Putting it another way, successful entrepreneurs know how to turn risk into opportunity. The Second Bounce of the Ball is the distillation of Cohen's 33-year career building Apax Partners into a firm employing more than 300 people, with offices in eight countries and billions under management. He draws upon Apax's experience of backing entrepreneurial businesses in many countries, among them AOL, Apple, Computacenter, Tommy Hilfiger, Immarsat, Kabel Deutschland, Calvin Klein, Molnlyke, Panrico, Q-Cell, Travelex, Waterstone's, Virgin Radio, Vueling and Yell. The book is essential reading for entrepreneurs, wannabe entrepreneurs and all those who want to apply entrepreneurial approaches in all walks of life. It provides relevant background on the development of entrepreneurship and of the venture-capital and private-equity industry through the prism of Cohen's experience at Apax. It provides guidance about how to take advantage of business opportunity: the right people and the right money and the roles played by personality and luck and underlines the importance of ethics. The Second Bounce of the Ball's insights on entrepreneurial strategy provide a unique insider's guide to turning risk into opportunity. 'One of the best books written on entrepreneurship in recent years. It will reward any reader, from start-up to City banker.' Financial Times
The Second Bounce Of The Ball: Turning Risk Into Opportunity
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'one of the best books written on entrepreneurship in recent years' (FINANCIAL TIMES )
'The book sets out the principles of successful entrepreneurial behaviour... a detailed cookbook, making Cohen the Delia Smith of the entrepreneurial world.' (Mario Pisani NEW STATESMAN )
'a most valuable and instructive bible about how to move your enterprise forward and maneuver past early limitations and obstacles' (FORBES )
"a tour-de-force covering both the economic history of entrepreneurship and private equity...and real, experience-based stories about successes and failures that are designed to make the reader assess their own entrepreneurial potential' (THE BUSINESS ECONOMIST )
'The book sets out the principles of successful entrepreneurial behaviour... a detailed cookbook, making Cohen the Delia Smith of the entrepreneurial world.' (Mario Pisani NEW STATESMAN )
'a most valuable and instructive bible about how to move your enterprise forward and maneuver past early limitations and obstacles' (FORBES )
"a tour-de-force covering both the economic history of entrepreneurship and private equity...and real, experience-based stories about successes and failures that are designed to make the reader assess their own entrepreneurial potential' (THE BUSINESS ECONOMIST )
About the Author
Sir Ronald Cohen came to Britain from Egypt at the age of eleven; after winning a scholarship to Oxford and becoming president of the Oxford Union he attended Harvard Business School. As well as founding Easdaq, he founded the Apax Group in 1972, of which he is now chairman. He was knighted in 2001.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Practitioner
Format:Hardcover
In his book, The Second Bounce Of The Ball, Sir Ronald Cohen eloquently reveals his fundamental rules of entrepreneurial strategy. Rather than writing another textbook that focuses on the technical details of starting a business, Cohen focuses on the core issues any leader must consider when facing such challenge. More than anything, the book reads as if you are having a one-on-one honest discussion with Cohen, in which he is answering the sort of dilemmas that every entrepreneur encounters. For those of us who are not fortunate enough to have direct access to someone with such vast expertise in this field, the book is an invaluable resource. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I found it to be very relevant and effective, therefore I highly recommend it.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is an excellent book. It's not a handbook on how to become an entrepreneur, rather the author discusses the attributes one requires to be a successful entrepreneur. Anyone who has ever thought about going into business should definately read this. If you read the book, then question your own inclination to go into business, you'll definately find some very interesting answers. This book will force you think carefully, and analytically about your potential business opportunities - and just how to exploit them.
The book is like having a conversation with Cohen, that in itself is worth moret than the cost of the book. Well worth the time,and money.
The book is like having a conversation with Cohen, that in itself is worth moret than the cost of the book. Well worth the time,and money.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By P. Doherty
Format:Hardcover
This book stands out as an inspiring and insightful summary of a business career conducted at the highest level. The realism around rejection rates of business plans and the time needed to grow a credible PE business are worth noting. The variety of industries into which Sir Ronald has successfully committed capital is a testament to his hard work, keen intellect and open mind. I recommend the book unreservedly to both those with capital to invest and those who are in need of financing.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE BEST BOOK ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
This is probably the most complete book on entrepreneurship I've read in the last 30 years, and I've read hundreds. Read more
Published 7 months ago by GUY'S BOOKS
5.0 out of 5 stars
I wish I had read it when I was 26!!
My own passionate interest in entrepreneurship and leadership has led me over the years to read dozens of books on the subjects and this book is the best I have read by a big... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Will McKee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worthwhile read
An excellent book to focus the mind of would be entrepreneurs. Nothing you probably don't already know but laid out brilliantly.
Published 15 months ago by P. Mccrann
4.0 out of 5 stars
Establishing a PE Fund
Great book about the establishment of Apax and Cohens take on Investments. Has some useful comments on selecting and building teams (McKinsey style), investment appraisal and... Read more
Published on 9 Dec 2010 by N. Jensen
3.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent view into a horribly successful VC
Very insightful and interesting view into the life and career of one of the worlds' most successful venture capitalist. Read more
Published on 23 Jun 2010 by Mark Crawford
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fantastic Book
I dont think I have ever felt more propeeled to review a book than with this one. It is not that Cohen says anything remarkable or visionary, it is that he shares his undoubted... Read more
Published on 11 Sep 2009 by C. Mooney
5.0 out of 5 stars
Definetly evokes a few thoughts
I was recently recommended this book after watching an online interview with Karen Darby a successful UK entrepreneur. Read more
Published on 7 Sep 2009 by Gavin Pereira
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best business book I have read, bar none!
If you are ambitious about being successful in business, read this book. Yes it is a routemap for entrepreneurs, but the qualities and advice are relevant to anyone wanting to... Read more
Published on 10 April 2009 by SII WOM
4.0 out of 5 stars
Insight from a legend
Sir Cohen is a legend, he is smart and highly driven - track record is amazing. There is a lot here which would give anyone starting out in enterprise a massive kick start. Read more
Published on 30 Dec 2008 by Mr. A. King
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
This book is excellent. I read it cover-to-cover in just a few days. I even found myself walking home from the train station whilst reading as I couldn't put it down once I'd... Read more
Published on 28 April 2008 by M. Ambrose
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