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  • The Real Deal

  • My Story from Brick Lane to Dragons' Den
  • By: James Caan
  • Narrated by: James Caan
  • Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (405 ratings)
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The Real Deal cover art

The Real Deal

By: James Caan
Narrated by: James Caan
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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

What listeners say about The Real Deal

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

"The Real Deal".

Its a really good listen, well told with good advice.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

An amazing story

This is an absolutely amazing book to listen to; made all the more poignant as James is reading the book himself.
It's very rare that I come across a book that I just want to read/listen to all the way through, at every opportunity I get, and if you are interested in entrepreneurs, then this is a must.
As James has written the book in such a personal way, by disclosing actual figures in many cases I feel an extra dimension has been added to the book.
This really is a rags to riches story and clearly demonstrates the effort required to achieve this. I found certain elements quite moving as they touch a nerve with probably most of us.

Without a doubt, I would definitely recommend this book to all interested in the subject of entrepreneurship.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story shame about the editing

Really great story he goes into lots of detail and gets really quite personal. I have a lot more respect for him now as a businessman.

The one issue is the editing. I can only assume the physical book had pull quotes as he seems to repeat himself for no reason. His voices changes quite a bit which I'm not sure if it's to do with different recording days or particularly emotional parts of the story.

Overall a great story, very insightful and great for people in sales or business.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

James Caan did a great job

Being a recruiter myself, I wished I read ‘ The Real Deal’ before I started my business. Such an eye opener and very inspirational.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating read

Great book.I thought the fact that it is narrated by Cann himself enhanced the listen. I also found it hard not to be inspired by his win win approach to deals and the high regard he has for his staff. The methods he used to drum up business for his recruitment company some may find risky and disingenuous but I have to say I thought they were nothing short of genius. Really enjoyable listen overall.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Didn’t expect it to be such a good read.

I struggled with this at the start and didn’t really know anything about James but I sped up the speed to x1.5 and it’s was much better.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Inspirational

Fantastic insight into the life of this exceptional man! Definitely worth a listen! Thanks

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Worth Listening More Than Once

Great book. Bought the audible on two device’s that’s how good it is. I don’t usually listen to audible books twice this one is awesome

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • PJ
  • 25-07-21

Inspiring story for any entrepreneur

This the best entrepreneurial book I have ever read. James' story is compelling from start to finish and, unlike other books I have read, explains his thought processes and actual conversations when establishing his businesses. A great incite into his business and personal life, a truly inspirational figure who does amazing charity work.

I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who wants to run their own business.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Despair, triumph and dragon's den.

I will definitely listen to this again. Worth every quid I paid to purchase this book. Experience is the best teacher indeed. Thanks for sharing your story James.

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