Thread by @SaaScapo

The best business books aren't about business.

The Prince is a step-by-step playbook for the most  cut-throat, results-driven leaders.

All flaws w/ Machiavellian philosophy aside, it's still very relevant in legit business.

Here are some timeless pieces of advice:

1) “Injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last"

This applies to both your workers & your customers.

Injuries: raising prices, restructuring, layoffs, cutbacks

Benefits: bonuses, perks, features, updates, sales,

Make the pain swift & keep the goods on drip feed.

2) "Whoever desires to found a state [business] and gives its laws must start with assuming that all men are bad and ever ready to display their vicious nature whenever they may find occasion for it."

Here's the deal:

Blind trust & good faith might make you feel like a nice person, but it's a matter of time until you're a victim of human nature.

Assume everyone is looking to get one over on you if the circumstances are right.

You're not going to leave yourself open.

3) “It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.”

Lol this one sounds ridiculous, but it coulsn't be more true:

You can get your people working hard and staying motivated if you promise them a fancy title for their LinkedIn

4) “Men intrinsically do not trust new things that they have not experienced themselves.”

Good luck closing without case studies, demos, or trials! This is the only way you'll acquire the trust needed to sell a high ticket product or service.

5) "Never was anything great achieved without danger."

Risk tolerance is what separates some one who became rich vs a 9-5er.

You gotta be willing to lose if you want a chance to win.