I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse: Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss

Michael Franzese’s book is a masterclass in storytelling, blending wisdom, experience, and humor in a way that makes it feel like he’s speaking directly to you. The flow of the writing is smooth and engaging, making it incredibly easy to read; I finished it faster than any book before.One of the most compelling aspects is the contrast between Machiavelli and King Solomon, offering two distinct perspectives on leadership and business. As someone starting my own business in education, I found myself digging deep, reflecting on which approach fits best; not just for business strategy, but also for personal growth and character development.Franzese doesn’t just focus on business tactics; he highlights the personality traits and mindset needed for success. The structure of the book is well-thought-out, with each chapter delivering key lessons and a clear takeaway message. The humor throughout keeps it light, making even the toughest lessons easy to absorb.Overall, the book felt incredibly genuine. Reading it was like sitting in on a morning conversation over black coffee with Michael and Sonny, absorbing wisdom from two opposing yet equally powerful perspectives.Thank you for sharing your life experiences, Michael; this was truly an offer I couldn’t refuse.

Easy to read, Packed Well. Feels like recycled paper with that soft look and feel. Interesting story.

I was looking for a nice easy read and this was definitely that. This really isn't a business book as much as it is a book regarding philosophy. I was surprised at the comparison between Machiavelli and Solomon and even more surprised that he chose Solomon in such strong terms (but he's right) given his background. Th advice isn't anything new, but is worthwhile.All in all a good read.

I liked how Michael Franzese used his unique background to teach practical business lessons, emphasizing trust, discipline, and negotiation. The mix of real-life stories and actionable advice made it relatable. However, some anecdotes felt overly dramatic. I read this book to gain insights on leadership and ethical decision-making, and it delivered valuable perspectives.

Michael Franzese’s book is essential reading for burgeoning entrepreneurs, business people and anyone interested in leadership. How so, with centuries of text on the subject? First, He uses an interesting dichotomy of Machiavelli, the patron saint of Organized Crime and King Solomon, the wisest king ever appointed by the Almighty, to highlight universal principles of business. Next, Mr. Franzese isolates and distills the wisdom of these sages or holy men to show, no matter the moral values an individual ascribes to, a successful enterprise or leader needs to have certain mechanisms and perspectives. Finally, Michael uses these ancient wise men to illustrate his lesson, while offering a brief mentorship in business acumen drawn from his experience and wisdom learned over a lifetime of surviving and flourishing in an arena, “... that doesn’t believe in severance packages.”(p.106)Mr Franzese gives guidance on “How” to be effective in leadership and business, developing the awareness, understanding, perspectives, and principles needed to succeed. His lessons not only point out “What” facts, figures, antidotes, personal experiences, and wisdom his mentors to use, but why the reader should take note of Michael’s and those from their own lives. Meanwhile the tone and format of the book leaves the reader feeling as though Don Vito of the “Godfather” is sitting at your elbow guiding you.A few interesting observation on the perspectives and philosophies/Faith based Michael Franzese uses. First and foremost, he never misses an opportunity to exhort the reader to pursue legitimate business. Additionally, Mr. Franzese, by using the contrast of Machiavelli and Solomon to highlight universal principles of business, creates, whether conscious or unconsciously, viewpoints from multiple levels with Machiavelli being a public official seeking appointment; Michael Franzese himself a prince of privateers and captain of men; and King Solomon God’s appointed most wise (human) king and leader. To expand this point, Machiavelli was a civil administrator writing to a Florentine prince illustrating his value and seeking appointment, while Mr. Franzese, a prince illuminating what Captains and Kings seek in effective people to administer their operation; leaving King Solomon at the top by Divine appointment to layout the larger framework of wisdom and mechanisms needed in any enterprise. Of course, I may be just reading too much into the structural and philosophical layering, especially as all three authors are Biblically trained.Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah and every applicable holiday.

I watched Michael's interview about a week ago on YouTube and I liked the stories he shared. I got this book in hope to learn something new in regards to negotiation but there wasn't really much.This is more of a basic business tips book for beginners who got no idea how to deal with business.I thought that I would learn some new strategies in dealing with people when it comes to negotiation but nothing much here. I like the quotes and personal stories Michael shares and I will buy his autobiography but I wouldn't recommend this book if you are looking into negotiation.There many other great books on negotiation and getting people to agree with you.

After seeing the author on a few podcasts. I decided to read his book. He is a wonderful story teller who is able to relate his experiences of mob life to running a business. However, it took his growth in Faith to change his life from an " ends justify the means " rollercoaster existence to a God pleasing success. He compares the principles and wisdom of scripture to the "win at any cost" attitude of business and our government today. Real success and peace can only come through knowing and obeying God. The book is a wonderful read!

I like the comparison between Machiavelli and Solomon. It also brings highlights a lot of similarities with business and mob