Title and author: Milton Hershey’s 7 Golden Rules by Greg Rothmann

Content Synopsis:

This little book chronicles the failures and remarkable success of Milton Hershey, founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company and Hershey, Pennsylvania. He was born in a poor family and his father was a failure in everything he tried. He received a fourth grade education. Hershey made multiple attempts at the business, primarily in the candy trade, all of which failed. He tried to open a candy factory, a store, or both in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Denver, Chicago, New Orleans, New York City, and back to Pennsylvania. For years success eluded him.

He finally found success after a great deal of experimentation and dogged persistence. He eventually built the world’s largest candy empire. He founded a city named after him and a school to educate poor children. Hershey chocolate became a household name around the world.

Hershey developed Seven Golden Rules that he believed were essential for success. Those rules are explained here by Rothman and are given more contemporary names. They include:

1. Think outside the box

2. Perseverance

3. Hard work

4. Take risks

5. Take care of your workers

6. Give to Live

7. Your life is your legacy

These rules will come as no surprise to those who study success-minded people throughout history. They echo the same success principles claimed by most successful people.

Readability/Writing Quality:

This is a very easy book to read. It’s small, just 43 pages, but it’s packed with insight and a fascinating story of the King of Chocolate and the secrets to success he found.

Notes on the author:

Greg Rothman is a leading and successful real estate agent in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Three great ideas you can use:

1. Perseverance: If there’s one golden rule of Hershey’s success, it’s the underappreciated power of persistence. Hershey puts one flop after another in seven different American cities before finding success. He tried different types of candies, different processes, and different packaging. Over time, he mastered a milk chocolate recipe that not only appealed to the masses, but was also easy to make in bulk and had a good shelf life. It took him many “failures” before he found that success.

2. Hershey was a firm believer in hard work. He discovered that he could achieve his goals on his own through hard work and observed the same of those around him. But he also enjoyed working hard. If you enjoy your job, it will be easier for you and you will be able and willing to work hard. If you love your job, it rarely seems difficult and you can spend as much time on it as you want.

3. Hershey believed in taking risks. His risks were calculated, and with more maturity and experience they became more and more calculated. He did not advocate reckless risk taking. However, he recognized from his own life lessons that great rewards don’t come to those who don’t take risks.

Release information:

Milton Hershey’s 7 Golden Rules by Greg Rothmann.

Copyright: 2005 Executive Books.

General rating:Good