The Real Deal

My Story from Brick Lane to Dragons' Den

By: James Caan

Narrated by: James Caan

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

James Caan is one of Britain's most successful entrepreneurs. Dropping out of school at just 16, he started his business life with no qualifications and two pieces of advice: 'Observe the masses and do the opposite' and 'Always look for opportunities where both parties benefit'. Armed with just his father's wisdom, his own unique charm and the Yellow Pages, James Caan built a market-leading business with a turnover of more than #130 million from a broom cupboard.

The Real Deal is the incredible story of James Caan's remarkable life. From his childhood as a Pakistani immigrant in Brick Lane in the 1960s and his decision not to go into the family business, to the phenomenal success of his first company, this book traces James's journey to both financial and personal maturity. It deals with his disappointment upon realising his goals too early, and offers a frank account of what success at 30 really means.

The Real Deal brings us bang up to the present day, including the truth about his role on Dragons' Den, what his charity work in Lahore, Kashmir, and Kosovo means to him, and how he has come to completely re-evaluate the true value of money.

This rag-trade-to-riches story is an intimate account of an exceptional journey. It is a searingly honest exploration of James's path to success and a source of inspiration for anyone looking to emulate his extraordinary business skills.

©2008 James Caan (P)2009 James Caan

Thank You for a wonderful book

This book is pure gold for every inspiring entrepreneur, great sales tactics included, James has a way of thinking about things differently which is super insightful. This is by far one of the best audio books and I would gladly recommend to my friends

Great read. Really interesting & inspiring book.

I've listened to this book twice as I enjoyed it so much. A very interesting life story of someone who has clearly lived his life to the full. In awe of his approach to life & humility.

Simply awesome

I really liked listening to James Caan. He engaged me from the beginning and his life story is truly amazing. I could not put the iPod down until I finished the book.

the best book of the year

I am a 8 years audible fan. The book was recommended through the algorithm of what I should like. I purchased it and i was so pleasantly surprised. James Caan career and life story as of today is so well written, the audio is fabulous. He does a fantastic job at story telling. I didn't even know of him prior to this book. the book is entertaining, educating, stimulating. Thank you for sharing and you had an amazing impact on how i will continue my career in technology and serve the world.

Finished in one day,

Where does The Real Deal rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is definitaly one of the most enjoyable books i have listened to. I began in the morning and took the day off work to finish it.

Which scene was your favorite?

When James realised that recruiting was a sales pitch in chapter 7

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I Did

Fantastic

If you could sum up The Real Deal in three words, what would they be?

A fantastic story of rags to riches and how to create something from nothing using real world examples and experiences. I highly recommend this book for any entrepreneur.

What did you like best about this story?

Its all true!

Which character – as performed by James Caan – was your favorite?

James Caan

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Excellent book

It's weird that a business book could be so personal and emotional. I found his life just fascinating and full of good business lessons.

Essential for Entrepreneurs

James Cann is the Mark Cuban of the UK.
He is a celebrity in part because of his participation in the Dragon's Den, which is the BBC version of Shark Tank (although it started years earlier). To be honest I did not know about James until I got this book. Now I am a fan.

I found James' story to be personal, detailed and incredibly insightful. I made a ton of notes even though I have been in business for decades.

His story, and the process he followed to build Arthur Mann, his first super successful company, are enlightening and should guide any entrepreneur who is aspiring to open a business.

Aside from the business insights, I enjoyed listening to his story, his context and his personal story from Pakistan to a business celebrity.

self promotion

I really liked how James Caan protrayed himself on the Dragon's Den but in this book I got really sick listening to his continual repetition of the fantastic brilliant mind of James Caan ......
He has made a lot of money ,this is great but he has not made a scientific breakthrough which saved lives or anything......Boring Self Promotion