How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling Paperback – April 9, 1992

If you only read 1 business book, make it this one. It easily teaches you traits that are useful in business, selling and personal life.

When I first saw this book, I thought to myself, "why would I buy a book that is so small compared to the others, and includes the word failure in its title"? Thankfully I purchased it anyway because it was one of the best books I've ever read. One that didn't even lull me to sleep since that's what happens when a book gets long winded. I was reading Tom Hopkins' book "How to be a successful salesman" and finished reading this book first! It's truly an amazing book because so much of the principles in it were written over 60 years ago, and it still can be applied today. I'm sure that many of those self help "gurus" such as Anthony Robbins or Robert Kyosaki (I think that's how you spell his last name) have read this book and basically plagiarized it's most important principles while calling it "there own ideas". It truly is one of the better books out there and believe me, there are plenty to choose from. Unfortunately, many of them are real losers but not this one. Mr. Bettger (pronounced bet-cher) uses some his own life experiences which is what makes this book such an easy read because he explains it with so much inspiration and enthusiasm. I guess it's because he uses some of the principles he learned from reading books by the REAL INSPIRATIONAL, if not the original gurus of self help, Napoleon Hill & Dale Carnegie. I tell you, when I started reading this book, I just couldn't put it down. It makes you want to do something right away just as soon as you finish reading it. For example, I've been meaning to loose a little weight (ok maybe alot) for some time, but I never got around to doing it. As they always say, something would always come up. If it wasn't one thing it was another. Well after reading this book, I would've ran to the gym and signed up except that it was about 12 in the morning. So I signed up the next day. I am proud to say that I have lost about 10-12 pounds so far and I'm feeling like a melting snowman. You see my friends, reading this book isn't just for people who are looking for a career in sales. It's a book that inspires anyone who is looking to do something with his life that should have been done ages ago! You just needed that little push and this book can help give you that push. So for anyone who feels his life is in a rut or needs to get a little inspired, or if you're a litte broke and don't have the $10.40 for this book because you just spent $25.00 on the last Anthony Robbins book,(man there's so many of his books) borrow it from someone! I urge you to get this book. As I said before it's an easy read and you can even read it to your children because since it was written 60 years ago, it contains no foul language. And you can "bet your life" on that!

This is a book written in 1949, and so the wording, the amounts, and so on, are based in that era. But my dad was right when he bought this book, read it, and lived by it, and passed it along to me. It's an easy read, and as you read along in it, you see what skills a successful salesman needs (or, indeed, what anyone needs that wants to influence another.)Find out what the other person wants, and then help them find the best way to get it.Dale Carnegie wrote the introduction, and showed his enthusiasm about this book. This book urges one to be enthusiastic, and this book shows one how to be enthusiastic--enthusiasm can't be faked, and enthusiasm works and true enthusiasm helps lead to success. There are lots of other organizational and selling skills discussed in this book. Again, this book shows its years in the dollar amounts and some of the situations that are discussed, but this book keeps its continuing relevance in the wisdom that it conveys. Be honest, and listen, said Bettger.Listen to this review, it's honest, and read this book, and learn from it. You'll be glad to read it, as my dad and I were, and I've asked my sons to read it as well.I looked over the other reviews of this book and almost universally they were very laudatory. You will also be glad to read this book and to look at a lot of ways how you can be more successful and still stay true to an honest view of the world and how anyone can, by looking for what someone else needs, to help them get there, whether you are in sales or you think you are in any other occupation (hey, we all help meet someone's needs no matter what we do, even when we define and meet our own needs or our customer's/client's/friend's/love's/family's etc's needs.)

This was recommended to me, it starts off slow but nice read.

How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling is hands down the best sales book I have ever read, and one I will return to again and again. Frank Bettger’s story is incredibly relatable, inspiring, and packed with timeless wisdom. His transformation from a struggling salesman to a top performer is not just a narrative of success but a practical guide for anyone looking to improve in sales—or in life.What I loved most about this book is how Bettger breaks down complex sales strategies into simple, actionable steps. He shares personal anecdotes, failures, and lessons that resonate deeply, making it feel as though you’re getting advice from a mentor rather than reading a textbook. The principles he shares—such as enthusiasm, setting goals, and developing a winning attitude—are not just theories but proven techniques that can be applied immediately.The writing is straightforward, engaging, and filled with insights that transcend sales. Bettger emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships, which is crucial not only in sales but in every aspect of personal and professional life. His emphasis on genuine enthusiasm and integrity truly sets this book apart.I highly recommend How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling to anyone, whether you’re a seasoned salesperson or someone just starting out. It’s an easy read, filled with actionable wisdom that will leave a lasting impact. This is not just a book for your bookshelf—it’s one to revisit time and time again for renewed inspiration and guidance.