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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
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent candid autobiography

Really enjoyed this, listened to the entire book in 3 days! absolutely excellent. great to get an insight into James' life and background.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Really useful sales and strategy

This is really useful book on sales and strategy in a service based business, littered with little tips which could be useful to many businesses. But shhh let not tell to many people ;-)

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Insightful and inspirational

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

In the top 25.

What did you like best about this story?

It is an inspiring story and within it there are some golden nuggets from a business lessons perspective.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Extected less?

I did not expect anything apart from a "usual business story" and I got it. Sometimes gets a bit boring, the narration could be improved. Overall, I would recommend it if you like business books, but it is not one of those "must read this!" books. Gives some ideas what worked and what did not work for James Caan and for that I would recommend it to my friends.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good listen.

listened at 1.65 speed and enjoyed the flow from startup to current. interesting listening. would recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Ms
  • 29-06-23

Worth listening for 11 hrs 11 minutes

He is a Real Entrepreneur - Loved his Story telling skill - listening in his own voice was very convincing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Enter the Dragon....

James Cann, delivers a fascinating account of his rise to the top. This audiobook provides any budding entrepreneur with masses of tips and insight into the man behind the sharp suit. James Cann takes you from his roots in the bustling ‘Brick Lane’ to the heady heights of selling his recruitment business for millions, to ultimately becoming a Dragon on Dragon’s den. From maverick business man to respected philanthropist, James Cann has lived the life that most can only dream of. He provides you with the route-map to success and encourages you to live a remarkable life, no matter what business venture you decide to pursue. Enjoy, learn and prosper.

N. Matheson

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great book!!

from start to finish, this book is addictive. I really did not want it to end. I feel like James is my new friend. I'd love to thank him in person for sharing his extraordinary journey

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

Outstanding Business Autobiography

Would you consider the audio edition of The Real Deal to be better than the print version?

Yes, as its read in the own words of the author with feeling.

What did you like best about this story?

A personal story warts and all!

What does James Caan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

All the intimate details of his life

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the death of his father who was a great influence on James

Any additional comments?

A 3 dimensional story told with great insight into his business success.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • C
  • 21-05-16

Great listen

A great story - I finished this in a couple of days, listening a very opportunity.

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