The Rebel Rules: Daring to Be Yourself in Business

by Chip Conley

Book Overview

When he was 26, Chip Conley broke the two cardinal rules of starting a business: he invested in an industry about which he knew nothing and he ignored the mantra "location, location, location." He bought a notorious "pay-by-the-hour" motel in a seedy San Francisco neighborhood.
A dozen years later, Chip is the "boy wonder" of the American travel industry, famous for his entrepreneurial genius, creativity, and sense of fun.
In The Rebel...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684865165
• ISBN13: 9780684865164
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Fireside
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great Rebel Book!

I bought this book when I was traveling in New Mexico.It is full of spirit and joy! Read this book!To be a rebel means to be true to your vision. Chip givesmany examples in his book. Chip is very conscious of how important vision is. Vision gives your life full-throttle power!!! Chip gives you the tools to craft yourvision magnificiently! Read this book, and you will be a rebel in life, wherever you are- New Mexico or Maine or Iowa! I think this book applies toyou whether you running a biz, investing, or thinking about starting a very visionary biz! Yes!!!

entrepreneurial secrets revealed!

This book was a great inspiration for an entrepreneur embarking on her own business. Chip goes from big picture analysis of the rebel's place in the business world to specific business practices for the rebel entrepreneur. The Rebel Rules helps you to explore yourself and your own role in business as well as those of your employees. By using real life examples from his own hospitality company and those of other well-known "rebels", Chip demonstrates how passion, vision, agility, and instinct can carry you far. It's not just self-help babble... he actually uses concrete examples and excercises to use for yourself and for growth and development in your company.This is a book that I will read and re-read... it's business practices and inspiration are timeless and can be refered to over and over again.

A thoroughly compelling book.

Generally I don't read business books, but I picked The Rebel Rules up at the suggestion of a friend. I'm glad I did. I was so energized by the author's clear and palpable passion for his business and for life. Conley's focus on creativity, innovation and the esprit de corps of his employees was refreshing. Although I am in education and not business, I was struck by how many of his ideas could easily translate to the classroom. I highly recommend this book to those both in business and in other fields.

A must for every entrepreneur...or business person.

I really liked this book! It's full of lessons, not only for "rebels", or wannabes, but for virtually every business person. I love the way the author provides practical applications, useful processes, and compelling dialog to map out his fascinating road to success. Mr. Conley not only describes his accomplishments along the way, but allows us to learn and benefit from his pot holes and pitfalls as well. Thank God for that.The book also includes a "Rebel Hall of Fame" with interesting examples and lessons from mega-stars like Ted Turner, Herb Kelleher, and Michael Dell. Virtually every page contains irresistible ideas that any business owner, manager, or entrepreneur could utilize -- rebel or not. How could you not be captivated by headings like "Creating a Diversity Audit - without Alerting the Politically Correct Police" "Becoming a Magnet for Good People", and "How to Interview Your Potential Employer"? Additionally, The Rebel Rules is full of gold nuggets, useful tools, and easy to follow "how-to" lists that entertain, intrigue, and enlighten. Whether a three-person dot.com start-up or a Microsoft-type giant, I believe any company could benefit from this book. Clearly, Chip Conley has incredible passion for his business and I'm glad he's sharing his magic with the world. Like I said before, "I really liked this book!"

Got my rebel juices flowing!

Rarely have I read a business book that feels real. Most are written by consultants trying to hawk their services or ego-fed execs at the twilight of their career. This book is different as it has an "in-the-trenches" feeling to it. The first few chapters are a little heavy on the inspiration, but you start picking up great little nuggets of management tools and strategies before the end of the 3rd chapter. My favorite 2 sections were in the "Building a Rebel Reputation in the World", the sections on empowered customer service and creating brand and buzz. I've experienced Chip Conley's Joie de Vivre businesses and now I know some of his secrets to success. This book is as good as Paul Hawken's "Growing a Business" but more contemporary, hip, and fun.