Michael Hyatt
Bestselling Author
As John says, there is no shortage of opportunity today, but there is a shortage of execution. If you can focus on creating real solutions to real problems for real people, you’ll have a clear advantage in the marketplace. Survive and Thrive can show you how.
Dec 14, 2022
Pat Flynn
Bestselling Author
Survive and Thrive provides timeless information about starting a business from scratch, but at exactly the right time. Having gone through a layoff myself in 2008, I know exactly how important each and every lesson John shares is, and I wish this book was around when I first started my entrepreneurial journey. Step by step, genuine, and highly recommended.
Dec 14, 2022
Ray Edwards
Bestselling Author
This book provides a step-by-step plan to help you reach more people, make sales, and enjoy more profit, regardless of what the ‘economy’ is doing. Does it feel like times are tough? Survive and Thrive slices through the clutter, and helps entrepreneurs build stronger-than-ever businesses while making the world a better place.
Dec 14, 2022
Mike Michalowicz
Bestselling Author
The world has changed yet again, and as an entrepreneur you must rise to the occasion. John's book gives you a step-by-step plan to serve the new market in the new way. Your business is about to be stronger than ever.
Dec 14, 2022
Weekend MBA (without sacrificing the time or tuition!)
If you have a heart to help, see a problem and have a solution, grab this book as a blueprint to put it in action.John Meese walks you from idea to product; from product to pricing; and even helps you understand how to make the most of your budget and financial management (with tons of resources to boot).Entrepreneurs adapt and innovate, so adapt to the idea that John Meese has captured the most innovative business ideas in one place.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 5, 2021
Refreshingly Simple
Forget the MBA and do this instead. Business doesn't have to be complicated. But way too many people overcomplicate it. Unfortunately, that leads to many businesses never getting started. This book breaks down the truth: that anyone with the drive to do so can start a successful businesses. I'm very confident you'll do great if all you do is implement what you learn in here.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 7, 2023
Short, Digestible and Thought Provoking!
Totally digging the new book! What a great job John. It’s short, digestible and extremely thought provoking. Helping me think differently about how we approach the problem of building a business and bringing it to market.Plus it has pictures, so you know, I can actually follow along. If I weren’t reading it on Kindle I would suggest maybe pop ups in the next book ;)Great work John!
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
Short, direct, and simple to implement
Each section in this book is short and to the point. I can read one chapter quickly and get all the information I need. He does a great job making things straight forward and actionable. And as silly as it sounds, the illustrations help to drive the content home making it memorable. Definitely worth the read.
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
Is There Anything New?
One of the big questions I ask when considering whether or not to invest my time (let's be honest, it's not the $$ cause we'll blow $10 on a mediocre lunch) into a book is this: Is there anything new for me to gain in reading this book?And I'll tell you, I'm a bit irritated with author John Meese... I've been in the online business space for over 5 years, and this book would have saved me so much time from chasing gurus. I wish Mr. Meese would have had this book available when I first started.Thankfully, there's always room to grow so I still find it a great asset.The way the material is presented both in word and through illustration makes the content feel so fresh. Concepts I've heard before are in the book, of course, but John's presentation and communication of those concepts makes them *easier to understand* and *faster to implement.*Having said that, I do wish there were more illustrations to guide the reader through the concepts. The illustrations that are there are so helpful in *creating clarity*, it really made me want more. Especially because it sets it apart from other books in this genre.Truth be told, I have not finished the book cover to cover. But why would I? The material is delivered in a way that encourages taking action rather than simple study. None of us need another book on theory or how cool the author is for grinding it out. What we need is what John offers. Practical wisdom, easy to understand, easy to apply.If you are a wantrepreneur looking to start or an entrepreneur ready to scale - this book is your best bet. I highly recommend it.
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
Easily digestible ideas for business content creating
Always Be Teaching is an easy-to-read resource for those who are new to the online space, are moving into it from a brick-and-mortar, and even for those who like a succinct review of concepts they’ve been learning for years.John Meese uses dozens upon dozens of real-life examples of what others have done (along with links in the downloadable version). I loved the simple and yet well-illustrated visual concepts.Each chapter and section is short and easily digestible. He goes over concepts such as : helping your potential clients by understanding what problem you solve, giving away your best info, imposter syndrome, documenting a la Gary Vaynerchuk, and so much more.If you want a book with well-rounded business advice and ideas without having to buy All. The. Books, grab your copy.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 9, 2023
Mindset shift!
John’s philosophy of Always Be Teaching is a huge mindset shift from the way most content creators think. I loved how easy this was to read + the illustrations make it a lot of fun! You could easily use this book to build your entire philosophy that powers your operational results.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 10, 2023
Profound, Professional Advice
There is so much to love about this book. Good topics. Great writing. Practical illustrations. Tremendous value. This is the second book I've enjoyed by author John Meese. When he writes another, I expect I'll get that one also.Overall, I was thoroughly impressed. From start to finish, there were so many times that it related to exactly what I needed to read, making it an instant favorite. One of the standout features of this book is the range of topics covered. Meese does an incredible job of addressing relevant and thought-provoking topics that are sure to capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. His insights are deep, insightful, and at times, downright awe-inspiring.What really sets this book apart is the style of the writing. Meese has a talent for crafting compelling and engaging narratives that are sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. The writing is clean, concise, and infused with a sense of passion and purpose that is infectious.In addition to the great writing, this book is also filled with practical illustrations that help to drive home the key messages and concepts. The illustrations are well-crafted and thoughtfully designed, making it easy for readers to connect with the material on a deeper level.Most significant are the easily-applied messages contained in this book. It offers tremendous value for readers. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an engaging, thought-provoking, and useful business book.

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2023
Loved the down-to-earth and super-practical advice
As always, John Meese makes a TON of sense as he offers practical, down-to-earth advice about building a business and supporting customers the right way. Definitely a gem! I particularly liked the quick, easy-to-read style that made it simple to gather nuggets of advice in just a few minutes. Great job!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 10, 2023
Perfect small bites to fix your business thinking
What I really like is how this book is divided up into compact discreet topics to boost entrepreneurial skills. Perfect for the morning routine, lunch break, or anytime you find yourself with extra time.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 10, 2023
Simple. Clear. Practical. Love it!
John has a way of taking sound, practical business advice and putting it in language you can not only understand, but apply. He's always been able to do that when he teaches. Seeing that he can do it in the written word is terrific!
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2023
Practical and Incredibly Helpful!
John Meese's book, Always Be Teaching, is not only a DELIGHT TO READ, it is full of practical help and loads of encouragement from someone who has lived what he is teaching. I highly recommend it!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2023
This is a Must Read
What I like about John's book is it gives you the truth about what it takes to be successful and what you need to do to be successful if you want to be an entrepreneur. There are so many illustrations that will help you get unstuck, gain traction and have a clear understanding of how to move forward. I wish I had this book years ago when I was struggling and overpaying for information and tactics that don't work. I highly recommend taking the time to read, implement and grow your business with John's wisdom and guidance.
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2023
Inspired me to Thrive again online.
Always Be Teaching has proven to me that I can Thrive Again online by teaching what I already know.
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2023
An Experienced Teacher Sharing His Knowledge
John Meese has taught these concepts to thousand of students already and is now sharing his knowledge in this easy to read book. Get it, read it and do it!
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2023
Online Creators Should Study this Book Until It Becomes Dogeared
This is a well-conceived and well- written book on an important subject. It is engaging and easy to read. The illustrations augment the text in ways that increase the fund and also the understanding.The book proceeds from a more general, theoretical framework to specific, highly practical guidance.The qualities that make this a good resource for content creators include:• The differentiation between manipulative marketing gambits and marketing designed to discover and serve the real needs of buyers. “Which do you want, to become trendy or trusted?” (p. 39)• Memorable imagery and language. For example, the author uses the phrase “magnetic brand identity” to convey the need to target a specific audience, which is attracted to your product or services, and to repel those for whom it is not a good fit. This image coupled with a great drawing gets a point that many marketing professionals make again and again but in a less memorable way. Another example is the phrase “credibility marker.”• Succinct but powerful discussions of common problems faced by online creators. For example, the author includes a forthright and honest discussion of the imposter syndrome and how to overcome it without being a fraud. There is a chapter on writing great headlines. The book is filled with practical suggestions.This book contains a complete program that would cost thousands of dollars to get in personal instruction and assistance or even as part of a group or community. It’s your Baedeker Guide for serving others by turning your experience and expertise into useful digital resources (blogs, courses, podcasts, webinars). And the book also shows you how to make this work sustainable by getting paid.Finally, it’s yours for only $9.99. So, if you have access to a computer of any kind and you’re in or want to be in the insight sharing business, you should take advantage of this book.
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023
MUST HAVE for EVERY Entrepreneur
“Always Be Teaching” is a most exquisitely condensed, and easy to digest guide for every entrepreneur, from startups to establishments. Every short chapter is packed with valuable advice and insights from John’s years of experience building some of the biggest online brands today. Owning “Always Be Teaching” is like having a personal business mentor right on your bookshelf.
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023
A must for aspiring business owners/coaches
If you're looking to grow your online brand, John's book is an essential. His pragmatic approach and detailed steps will give you the mindset and tools to gain momentum and success!
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023
clarity and confidence for your online game
Thankful for John and his work he is bringing to the world. He offers tremendous wisdom with clarity. I have personally got 1:1 coaching and been in his group coaching. If you are looking to make strides in your online business grab this quick read. It you next level help reach out to John and dive deeper.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 25, 2023
Great book and Easy to Read
I love how John easily lays out the concepts and provides simple-to-implement steps.As we grow our businesses, we can get so caught up in so many to-do's that we end up feeling overwhelmed and get stuck.John does an excellent job of laying out the steps to follow in a clear and practical manner.The other approach that is common in the business world is to always be selling and that can be so off-putting.No one wants to be sold to all the time. A mindset of serving and teaching frees us up to share and John does a great job teaching this concept as well. This is powerful content! I would highly recommend this book.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 29, 2023
FANTASTIC GUIDE BOOK TO MAKING YOUR PASSION SHARABLE WITH PERSONS NEEDING YOUR EXPERTISE 8
This is a must read for anyone with knowledge to be shared with others seeking to solve related issues in their lives. I am sure I will be referring back to it again and again.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 6, 2023
John Meese did it again!
John has a knack for sharing key concepts in a creative and interesting way that sticks with you. His writing style is down-to-earth and reads like you're having a conversation over a cup of coffee. The way the book is organized makes it easy to read one lesson per day in a few minutes. Each lesson challenges your assumptions and breathes life into the areas where you feel stuck or discouraged. Lots of simple to understand and apply "aha's" are waiting for you in Always Be Teaching.
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2023

Alex Sanfilippo

Wade Galt
A Solid Introduction to Important, Timeless, Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs
Reading Survive to Thrive is like having a chat with a friend who is a successful entrepreneur. Unlike so many entrepreneur books, this one is written in a friendly, approachable style and concentrates on showing the how and why of getting the basics right, because a structure built on a strong foundation can weather many storms (such as we've recently seen, for example).John discusses everything from a working definition of 'entrepreneur' and the most future-proof accounting method, to the types of customers to attract and the 3-5 products types. Everything is explained simply, with real-world examples (and one fictional example just for the book).As a hobbyist looking to get more serious with my business, I found this book to be both immensely helpful and very inspiring.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2021
great read
Well worth the read in this current economic climate. No matter which stage of business you are at. Highly recommend.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 April 2022
Jargon Free
John's style of writing is to be clear and concise. He doesn't complicate the subject with jargon talk and buzzwords. And because of this he gets the message over very well. This is not marketing and branding made easy; this is marketing and branding made clear. Follow the steps John has laid out and you are on your way.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 29 July 2021
Worth a read… twice!
Fantastic book, chalk full of practical tips and strategies for growing your business under any conditions—but especially during uncertain times. Worth a read!
Reviewed in Canada on July 31, 2021
This book gave me greater clarity.
This book triggered us to start asking the right questions. It has helped us have a deeper conversation about the possibilities, and a better vision for our future.
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2021
What a great book
John really hits the nail on the head with this book. It is extremely insightful and has a crazy number of really practical tips for thriving in your business. I particularly like Chapter 6 on "Selling Strategy". The tiered pricing and business model he describes is brilliant. The other thing I found really helpful is the metrics-based approach he uses for everything. It is not shooting in the dark but rather creating solid strategies based on the numbers.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 10, 2021
Game-changer! Don't miss this book
The media could not be loaded. John did an incredible job providing what it means to be a successful entrepreneur in this single book. It's one of the best I've ever read. I cannot speak highly enough about this! Do yourself a favor and read this book!!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2021
Excellent read!
John Meese gives a wholesome/community building perspective through this book that inspires the average entrepreneur to reach into pockets of the market that are often overlooked. The emphasis on "real people" interaction with customers is such a crucial yet undervalued aspect in today's "big business" mentality of doing business. It is very easy to get lost in the pure numbers and statistics in today's market, and what this book does is readjust your mind to what is truly effective. I highly recommend this book for those wanting to shake up the norm and excel above the status quo.
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2021
One stop shop!
The hardest part of starting a business is actually starting. Survive and Thrive helps you avoid the trap of "procrastilearning," (reading and researching from dozens of sources without making real progress) by giving you everything you need to get started in a single, easy-to-digest book. (I also love the illustrations! ;) You can survive and even thrive... and today's a great day to start!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 7, 2021
A "futurist" type book - highly recommended
I've heard it said there are three types of perspectives we can adopt as entrepreneurs: the Historian, the Reporter, and the Futurist. All are important: the Historian pulls insight from the past, the Reporter focuses on current events, and the Futurist focus on what is to come.This is a futurist book. I especially like the insight into how there will be no V-shaped recovery after COVID, and that things will not go back to what they were before (we didn't after 9/11, and we won't after COVID). Another key takeaway for me: Choosing the path of entrepreneurship means choosing a path of problems for the rest of your career. I've been quoting that line to my audience since I read it. Highly recommended title.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 6, 2021
A needed book in this new world
I would recommend this as the "so you want to start a business" book to anyone in the new, post-covid economy.
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2021
John cuts through the noise to what's most important about growing your business
John simplifies business by eliminating unnecessary variables and focusing on the most critical elements. I wish I had this book 20+ years ago when I started, as it would have saved me 1,000s of hours and helped me to impact more people and make more money in less time and with less effort.
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2021
Pure gold for small business owners!
Small business owners have way more questions than answers, particularly in the beginning. John's keen insight and experience provides answers to virtually every significant question posed by exploring, early stage and experienced owners alike. Trust me, place this book in the top of your reading list and don't dally.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 2, 2021
What's the first step?
I've been kicking around the idea of starting my own business, but having been in the corporate world for the last 20 years and always working for someone else I had no idea where to start. Then I was introduced to Survive and Thrive by John Meese. It not only quickly frames up the "how" but also the why behind small business! It's not just about making money for the sake of money. It's also about meeting your clients (once you identify who they are) where they are and solving a problem they have, all while living a life of empathy toward your clients problems. Will definitely be recommending this book to others looking to take the leap of small business ownership!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 7, 2021
A Must Read for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners!
This book was an absolutely incredible read that is already affecting how I run my business. John distills broad ideas into easily understandable and actionable concepts, and he does this without talking down to reader. It's funny, informative, and—most importantly—implementable in these odd economic times.This book is a must ready for any entrepreneur or business-owner! Five Stars.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 29, 2021
Practical, Invaluable help for my business!!
From beginning to end, I underlined, starred and dog-eared this book! It is so full of practical, applicable advice. Every chapter takes you closer to a fully functioning business! Just the chapter on "Prioritize Profit First" will completely change how I do business. Thank you, thank you for writing this book that indeed helps us " build a profitable business in any economy"!!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 28, 2021
A heaping dose of actionable practicality you need for your business.
John does a phenomenal job of offering practical and actionable guidance that is not only valuable to anyone in any phase of building a business, but especially to those who are looking for that extra 'nudge' to launch their business (especially in THIS economy), or simply put forth the extra effort to push their business to the next level. I found John's advice on structuring business finances and dealing with financial transactions with clients (striving to be a "cash positive" business as much and as often as possible) particularly convicting. And while I've been implementing SOME of John's business practices SOME of the time, Survive and Thrive gave a swift reminder of how much better I could/should be doing. John Meese has easily earned his place next to the other great authors I've read, such as Simon Sinek, Donald Miller, Seth Godin, and other predominant authors writing about business strategy.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 11, 2021
Enjoyable and Educational - A Must-Have Entrepreneurial Blueprint for Success
I first thought this book would be about just economics of building a business, but wow was I wrong!John shares incredibly insightful entrepreneurial frameworks, along with a healthy dose of vision, mission and heart which all entrepreneurs need to be successful.John's approach and obvious caring for others shines through and makes this book an easy and insightful read, as well as a blueprint for deeper insight and implementation that every entrepreneur needs.So please, don't think about it - just click now and get this book!Stephanie Frank4x Int'l Best Selling AuthorThe Accidental Millionaire
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2021
Solid collection of advice
I appreciated that this book contained a comprehensive set of business advice in an accessible format. While I had heard most of the teachings before in other places, having it all in a single place helped me see how the pieces connect. I still came away with helpful advice, such as the best practice of budgeting to spend what I already have in the bank rather than on the sales I hope to generate. I also appreciated the MTO (Minimum, Target, Outrageous) framework for thinking about goals. Overall, I would recommend this book for people looking for a one-stop shop for how to create and sustain a business.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 27, 2021
GREAT Summary of Business Processes for Success
This book by John Meese is a great amalgamation of some of the best business processes I've read in quite a while. John takes the best recommendations from many sources (podcasts, books, and training courses) and puts them together in an easy-to read format with humor and lightness. He provides endnotes for all his references. If you read this book and want to dig deeper into any of the subjects, the other books are referenced and quoted. This book is a clear and succinct overview of how to build a profitable business in any economy (including this one!)I've already recommended it to one of my personal clients and expect to recommend it, alongside The E-myth Revisited, for those who aspire to create and build a profitable business.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 19, 2021
Entrepreneurs create solutions to real problems for real people
In his book, Survive and Thrive, John Meese captures the essence of what should motivate entrepreneurs. He clearly defines an entrepreneur as one who solves problems for a profit, but emphasizes that the motivating factor behind solving problems is in order to help and to serve people. One of his mantras that is repeated throughout his book is that an entrepreneur creates real solutions to real problems to help real people. A full chapter is given and developed about each of his nine principles in developing a successful business model. Yes, of course an entrepreneur will make a profit, but the principles presented in this book will help an entrepreneur make the world a better place. I loved the book and learned a great deal about entrepreneurship. I recommend this book to not only entrepreneurs, but also to leaders, authors, and artists. It is also a great book for individuals and families to learn how to set reasonable personal goals and develop a well-balanced financial plan and personal budget.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 28, 2021
A real business model for sole proprietors or small businesses
Survive and Thrive isn't your typical business book that uses dull language and mind-numbing stats to get its point across. John speaks as if he's in the room with you, giving you pointers on how to better pivot your business strategies. He explains the impacts of Covid, the Attention Economy, The Age of Insight, and The Great Reset on entrepreneurship. As he quotes venture capitalist Mary Meeker, "We are awash in data, but lacking connectivity and insight." Businesses and consumers have so much data at their disposal but need guidance on how to filter out noise to find what's relevant. John uses his training as an economist to be that filter. I broke out my highlighter when I started reading it, but realized that it was easier to turn down page corners instead of marking up entire pages. Buy the book, and as they say on NCIS New Orleans, "Go learn things."

Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2021
Phenomenal book! John is a trusted voice & inspiring guide for entrepreneurs in this new economy!
Loved the book! It's a quick and easy read, great for busy business owners and entrepreneurs. It contains fascinating data, but not so much that you're bored or bogged down w/ it. The examples and story-telling aspects of the book were inspiring. The author's insights on what the pandemic means for the economy, particularly business owners and entrepreneurs are clear and powerful. The best part is the author's tips and practical advice on what it will mean to be an entrepreneur in the days ahead—truly practical tips to help owners not just survive, but thrive, in whatever is ahead for the global economy. This book is GOLD for new-ish leaders, but even as a seasoned leader and entrepreneur myself, I found myself re-evaluating all aspects of my companies and making practical changes to our marketing, sales, and finance areas based on John's advice. Highly recommend!He also has a podcast and follow-up assessment you can take for your business that are worth checking out.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 27, 2021
Both casual and informative all in one setting
Love John's insight but delivered like we're at coffee shop together. The "Charge up Front" chapter was my personal fave...

Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2021
A step-by-step how to for entrepreneurs
John Meese provides us with a step-by-step guide on building your own business. It is perfect for this economy when so many of us are now working from home. He guides us on how to find and reach an audience, make sales, retain customers and make adjustments as the marketplace changes. He speaks from his own experience and successes. This book is a life-saver and highly recommended.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 9, 2021
Chaos Brings Clarity
This is Brian Lee Bauer from Mimic Music and I'm reviewing from my wife's Amazon account.I was introduced to John Meese by way of Platform University during the COVID onset. I had just completed board certification to become a music therapist. My 5 year plan was to move my entire music school online. Turns out, it only took me only 5 weeks, but I was still desperate for some basic business fundamentals. As a teacher, I knew that this was a unique moment and I had much to learn, and there is SO MUCH NOISE (and noise makers) out there.Over a year later, I'm glad that I read John's book. I found page 127 to be most helpful. As a musician, I like to think in terms of ratios and intervals, so this "Set Allocation Percentages" was really helpful.I also enjoyed page 110, "Growth is not all its cracked up to be." Then, "Growth by itself, is neutral." Yes. I needed to see that. My business has doubled in size for 8 years straight, but that doesn't mean I have much innovation and introspection to do. Explosive growth often seems to disguise major problems and incorrect assumptions. Look around.The podcasts are a great compliment to the book.I wish that Chapter 5 "Choose Your Path" was a bit more lengthy and detailed. Those concepts could be a book by itself, so let me know when I can preorder it, please?I also enjoy John's humor, and I almost chose to put this review in a music video format. Maybe after rereading.Thanks, John

Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2021
Straight and to the point
This book gave a fresh perspective and holistic view of the opportunities available with the correct perspective and desire. The author's motivation as an encourager brought hope to a post COVID work place.
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2022
Simple yet powerful insights to apply to our changing business world
I liked John's ability to influence business decisions that are relevant to today's economy.
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2022
Not just another book on theory
John walks through a practical approach to building a thriving business in the "new normal" after the Great Reset. As an acquaintance of John's (full disclosure), I've seen him put this into practice - he's not writing from a place of theory alone. For anyone looking to build or rebuild their business in the ongoing aftermath of the COVID-19 restrictions, here's your road map.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 26, 2022
Thankful for this book!
If you are a business owner, especiallyof a new business, I absolutelyrecommend this book. For mepersonally, I feel like this is a life-changing book and I'm so thankful thata friend gave me a copy. So many of theperspectives and ideas that Meesetalks about in the book struck a chordwith me on running this business ofmine. Shannon Pest Control has been inbusiness 6 years this month and I'mdoing my best to implement theinformation conveyed through this bookto run a tighter ship! I'm very thankfulfor John Meese.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 21, 2022
Simplifies the Overcomplicated
In John's book, Survive and Thrive, you'll discover a clear success path that will generate business cash flow and growth. In any economy, John challenges us to embrace an important truth, "there is no shortage of opportunity today, but there is a shortage of execution." John simplifies what many have overcomplicated. He explains the five growth models and reveals the power of having cohesive products for long-term success. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to build a thriving and profitable business.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 27, 2022
Starting an online business?
Try this book! It was very helpful in summarizing the beginning stages of a platform business, and it logically leads into the later financial steps that I need to take but hadn't thought or known about. I liked it so much that I bought another copy for a friend.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 9, 2021
Absolutely loved this book, filled with a wealth of tips for entrepreneurs!!
I am a new business owner and thought Survive and Thrive was a fantastic read!! I learned so much each chapter from John about how to grow a successful business from the importance of relationships, to taking risks, and trusting the process!! His honest and focused opinion is very helpful for business owners of all kinds!!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 27, 2021
Great Business Book!
John has practical business steps that you can implement right away. I particularly like the chapter on making financial decisions. He has a fantastic perspective and you really can see that he is sharing real-world experience instead of theory. I recommend this book to anyone looking to start or scale a business that they be excited about.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 29, 2021
Good optimistic down to earth advice
I googled myself and found the author of the same name. I'm a CPA and majored in economics at Tennessee. I found that John laid out some technical concepts that I already knew (and some I didn't), but I it was more about the way he presented the information. He didn't try to dazzle with a bunch of jargon, but instead explained things you can take action on. As I continue my quest to transition from working at a big company to doing more direct accounting work I'll definitely reread John's book. Anyway, I was lucky that my vanity of googling my name lead to an inspiring read. :)
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 12, 2021
Sink or Swim? John helps you do more than keep your head above water.
It seems like the scales during COVID either tilted way up or way down for people. John Meese helps the group of us that felt that sinking feeling, come up with a plan that not only keeps our business heads above water during trying times, but to actually thrive during those times. A message of hope for those of us who aren't Jeff Bezos!
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2021
A "real world" business model with an application formula that makes sense
I was hooked right from the intro. This approach to entrepreneurship makes a lot of sense and resonated with me immediately as an approach that works in the real world, written by someone who's "been there, done that".There's a lot to be said for learning to think like an entrepreneur, building from scratch, and learning lessons along the way. But the trial and error method alone can be long, costly, and painful. So I really appreciated John's conversational tone, without meaningless filler, taking the reader straight to the key elements you need to have in place that actually move the needle.This book feels like the privilege of meeting with a start-up mentor over coffee, as he encourages you, helps you maintain perspective, shows you what really matters, and what to focus on next.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 9, 2021
Short, actionable, timeless
John does an incredible job taking us step by step to starting or growing a successful business. I love how he breaks each step into specific actions that can be applied to any industry by anyone brand new to business or even experienced entrepreneurs. The lessons are timeless and he shares with the heart of a teacher. Unlike other books that are filled with fluff, the examples in this book expertly drive his points home. Definitely recommend for anyone who's trying to figure out the business landscape going forward.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 25, 2021
Chock Full of Timeless Principles
From time to time, I find helpful to study (yet again) timeless principles of business. This book is chock full of ones like these: "No matter, the entrepreneur's job is the same: Solve problems for a profit." And "To build a thriving business, focus on solving problems for real people who are aware of the problem in question and engaged in actively seeking a solution to that problem." If you dream of being your own boss, John Meese has written a straightforward how-to guide for you. If you need a book for aspiring entrepreneurs in your life, recommend this one. And if you're already in the throes of growing a business and feeling stuck, these pages will help you return to the fundamentals.
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2021
the 20% that gets 80% results
While other authors dive deep into nuances of business, John does a great job of simplifying business. What are the basics? What are the 3 things to focus on. He helps demystify a business, gives you practical guidelines and gets you back to work.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 13, 2022
Survive and Thrive creates a framework for entrepreneur success
Survive and Thrive is a great book for entrepreneurs. It is easy to read and to the point. Chapter 6 - The Selling Story is the chapter that was most applicable to me. In this chapter, John creates a framework for creating a gateway, flagship, and continuity product. It's important these products fit together into a cohesive "selling story". It's a highly recommended read for someone starting their own business.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 2, 2022
Allan Dib
Bestselling Author
Too many entrepreneurs rely on a booming economy or favorable external circumstances for their business success, but everyone knows this doesn't last forever. If you'd like to build a business that can survive and even thrive when the going gets tough (and it will), then you need this book.
Dec 14, 2022
Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Bestselling Author
When times are challenging it is easy for the would-be-entrepreneur to slide down into dejection, certain that all effort is futile. John Meese's new book Survive and Thrive is the antidote to passive languor. It is a surefire call-to-action that omits all those cliched motivational slogans and guides the reader into the specific activities that will build a business. Not only will it put a bounce in your step and set your chin to a jaunty new jut, Survive and Thrive will tell you just what to do today to reach your destination tomorrow.
Dec 14, 2022
Phillip Stutts
Bestselling Author
Are you struggling to adapt your old business to the new market, and grow despite an uncertain economy? Buy this book, put these principles to work, and you’re already on the right track.
Dec 14, 2022
Casey Graham
Bestselling Author
Survive and Thrive is a recipe for success for any entrepreneur. John has applied these foundational principles in his own business and knows first-hand how to ensure your vision and passion become reality. Every business owner and operator needs this as a handbook now more than ever.
Dec 14, 2022
Michael Hyatt
Bestselling Author
As John says, there is no shortage of opportunity today, but there is a shortage of execution. If you can focus on creating real solutions to real problems for real people, you’ll have a clear advantage in the marketplace. Survive and Thrive can show you how.
Dec 14, 2022
Pat Flynn
Bestselling Author
Survive and Thrive provides timeless information about starting a business from scratch, but at exactly the right time. Having gone through a layoff myself in 2008, I know exactly how important each and every lesson John shares is, and I wish this book was around when I first started my entrepreneurial journey. Step by step, genuine, and highly recommended.
Dec 14, 2022
Ray Edwards
Bestselling Author
This book provides a step-by-step plan to help you reach more people, make sales, and enjoy more profit, regardless of what the ‘economy’ is doing. Does it feel like times are tough? Survive and Thrive slices through the clutter, and helps entrepreneurs build stronger-than-ever businesses while making the world a better place.
Dec 14, 2022
Mike Michalowicz
Bestselling Author
The world has changed yet again, and as an entrepreneur you must rise to the occasion. John's book gives you a step-by-step plan to serve the new market in the new way. Your business is about to be stronger than ever.
Dec 14, 2022
Weekend MBA (without sacrificing the time or tuition!)
If you have a heart to help, see a problem and have a solution, grab this book as a blueprint to put it in action.John Meese walks you from idea to product; from product to pricing; and even helps you understand how to make the most of your budget and financial management (with tons of resources to boot).Entrepreneurs adapt and innovate, so adapt to the idea that John Meese has captured the most innovative business ideas in one place.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 5, 2021
Refreshingly Simple
Forget the MBA and do this instead. Business doesn't have to be complicated. But way too many people overcomplicate it. Unfortunately, that leads to many businesses never getting started. This book breaks down the truth: that anyone with the drive to do so can start a successful businesses. I'm very confident you'll do great if all you do is implement what you learn in here.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 7, 2023
Short, Digestible and Thought Provoking!
Totally digging the new book! What a great job John. It’s short, digestible and extremely thought provoking. Helping me think differently about how we approach the problem of building a business and bringing it to market.Plus it has pictures, so you know, I can actually follow along. If I weren’t reading it on Kindle I would suggest maybe pop ups in the next book ;)Great work John!
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
Short, direct, and simple to implement
Each section in this book is short and to the point. I can read one chapter quickly and get all the information I need. He does a great job making things straight forward and actionable. And as silly as it sounds, the illustrations help to drive the content home making it memorable. Definitely worth the read.
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
Is There Anything New?
One of the big questions I ask when considering whether or not to invest my time (let's be honest, it's not the $$ cause we'll blow $10 on a mediocre lunch) into a book is this: Is there anything new for me to gain in reading this book?And I'll tell you, I'm a bit irritated with author John Meese... I've been in the online business space for over 5 years, and this book would have saved me so much time from chasing gurus. I wish Mr. Meese would have had this book available when I first started.Thankfully, there's always room to grow so I still find it a great asset.The way the material is presented both in word and through illustration makes the content feel so fresh. Concepts I've heard before are in the book, of course, but John's presentation and communication of those concepts makes them *easier to understand* and *faster to implement.*Having said that, I do wish there were more illustrations to guide the reader through the concepts. The illustrations that are there are so helpful in *creating clarity*, it really made me want more. Especially because it sets it apart from other books in this genre.Truth be told, I have not finished the book cover to cover. But why would I? The material is delivered in a way that encourages taking action rather than simple study. None of us need another book on theory or how cool the author is for grinding it out. What we need is what John offers. Practical wisdom, easy to understand, easy to apply.If you are a wantrepreneur looking to start or an entrepreneur ready to scale - this book is your best bet. I highly recommend it.
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
Easily digestible ideas for business content creating
Always Be Teaching is an easy-to-read resource for those who are new to the online space, are moving into it from a brick-and-mortar, and even for those who like a succinct review of concepts they’ve been learning for years.John Meese uses dozens upon dozens of real-life examples of what others have done (along with links in the downloadable version). I loved the simple and yet well-illustrated visual concepts.Each chapter and section is short and easily digestible. He goes over concepts such as : helping your potential clients by understanding what problem you solve, giving away your best info, imposter syndrome, documenting a la Gary Vaynerchuk, and so much more.If you want a book with well-rounded business advice and ideas without having to buy All. The. Books, grab your copy.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 9, 2023
Mindset shift!
John’s philosophy of Always Be Teaching is a huge mindset shift from the way most content creators think. I loved how easy this was to read + the illustrations make it a lot of fun! You could easily use this book to build your entire philosophy that powers your operational results.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 10, 2023
Profound, Professional Advice
There is so much to love about this book. Good topics. Great writing. Practical illustrations. Tremendous value. This is the second book I've enjoyed by author John Meese. When he writes another, I expect I'll get that one also.Overall, I was thoroughly impressed. From start to finish, there were so many times that it related to exactly what I needed to read, making it an instant favorite. One of the standout features of this book is the range of topics covered. Meese does an incredible job of addressing relevant and thought-provoking topics that are sure to capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. His insights are deep, insightful, and at times, downright awe-inspiring.What really sets this book apart is the style of the writing. Meese has a talent for crafting compelling and engaging narratives that are sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. The writing is clean, concise, and infused with a sense of passion and purpose that is infectious.In addition to the great writing, this book is also filled with practical illustrations that help to drive home the key messages and concepts. The illustrations are well-crafted and thoughtfully designed, making it easy for readers to connect with the material on a deeper level.Most significant are the easily-applied messages contained in this book. It offers tremendous value for readers. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an engaging, thought-provoking, and useful business book.

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2023
Loved the down-to-earth and super-practical advice
As always, John Meese makes a TON of sense as he offers practical, down-to-earth advice about building a business and supporting customers the right way. Definitely a gem! I particularly liked the quick, easy-to-read style that made it simple to gather nuggets of advice in just a few minutes. Great job!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 10, 2023
Perfect small bites to fix your business thinking
What I really like is how this book is divided up into compact discreet topics to boost entrepreneurial skills. Perfect for the morning routine, lunch break, or anytime you find yourself with extra time.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 10, 2023
Simple. Clear. Practical. Love it!
John has a way of taking sound, practical business advice and putting it in language you can not only understand, but apply. He's always been able to do that when he teaches. Seeing that he can do it in the written word is terrific!
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2023
Practical and Incredibly Helpful!
John Meese's book, Always Be Teaching, is not only a DELIGHT TO READ, it is full of practical help and loads of encouragement from someone who has lived what he is teaching. I highly recommend it!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2023
This is a Must Read
What I like about John's book is it gives you the truth about what it takes to be successful and what you need to do to be successful if you want to be an entrepreneur. There are so many illustrations that will help you get unstuck, gain traction and have a clear understanding of how to move forward. I wish I had this book years ago when I was struggling and overpaying for information and tactics that don't work. I highly recommend taking the time to read, implement and grow your business with John's wisdom and guidance.
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2023
Inspired me to Thrive again online.
Always Be Teaching has proven to me that I can Thrive Again online by teaching what I already know.
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2023
An Experienced Teacher Sharing His Knowledge
John Meese has taught these concepts to thousand of students already and is now sharing his knowledge in this easy to read book. Get it, read it and do it!
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2023
Online Creators Should Study this Book Until It Becomes Dogeared
This is a well-conceived and well- written book on an important subject. It is engaging and easy to read. The illustrations augment the text in ways that increase the fund and also the understanding.The book proceeds from a more general, theoretical framework to specific, highly practical guidance.The qualities that make this a good resource for content creators include:• The differentiation between manipulative marketing gambits and marketing designed to discover and serve the real needs of buyers. “Which do you want, to become trendy or trusted?” (p. 39)• Memorable imagery and language. For example, the author uses the phrase “magnetic brand identity” to convey the need to target a specific audience, which is attracted to your product or services, and to repel those for whom it is not a good fit. This image coupled with a great drawing gets a point that many marketing professionals make again and again but in a less memorable way. Another example is the phrase “credibility marker.”• Succinct but powerful discussions of common problems faced by online creators. For example, the author includes a forthright and honest discussion of the imposter syndrome and how to overcome it without being a fraud. There is a chapter on writing great headlines. The book is filled with practical suggestions.This book contains a complete program that would cost thousands of dollars to get in personal instruction and assistance or even as part of a group or community. It’s your Baedeker Guide for serving others by turning your experience and expertise into useful digital resources (blogs, courses, podcasts, webinars). And the book also shows you how to make this work sustainable by getting paid.Finally, it’s yours for only $9.99. So, if you have access to a computer of any kind and you’re in or want to be in the insight sharing business, you should take advantage of this book.
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023
MUST HAVE for EVERY Entrepreneur
“Always Be Teaching” is a most exquisitely condensed, and easy to digest guide for every entrepreneur, from startups to establishments. Every short chapter is packed with valuable advice and insights from John’s years of experience building some of the biggest online brands today. Owning “Always Be Teaching” is like having a personal business mentor right on your bookshelf.
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023
A must for aspiring business owners/coaches
If you're looking to grow your online brand, John's book is an essential. His pragmatic approach and detailed steps will give you the mindset and tools to gain momentum and success!
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023
clarity and confidence for your online game
Thankful for John and his work he is bringing to the world. He offers tremendous wisdom with clarity. I have personally got 1:1 coaching and been in his group coaching. If you are looking to make strides in your online business grab this quick read. It you next level help reach out to John and dive deeper.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 25, 2023
Great book and Easy to Read
I love how John easily lays out the concepts and provides simple-to-implement steps.As we grow our businesses, we can get so caught up in so many to-do's that we end up feeling overwhelmed and get stuck.John does an excellent job of laying out the steps to follow in a clear and practical manner.The other approach that is common in the business world is to always be selling and that can be so off-putting.No one wants to be sold to all the time. A mindset of serving and teaching frees us up to share and John does a great job teaching this concept as well. This is powerful content! I would highly recommend this book.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 29, 2023
FANTASTIC GUIDE BOOK TO MAKING YOUR PASSION SHARABLE WITH PERSONS NEEDING YOUR EXPERTISE 8
This is a must read for anyone with knowledge to be shared with others seeking to solve related issues in their lives. I am sure I will be referring back to it again and again.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 6, 2023
John Meese did it again!
John has a knack for sharing key concepts in a creative and interesting way that sticks with you. His writing style is down-to-earth and reads like you're having a conversation over a cup of coffee. The way the book is organized makes it easy to read one lesson per day in a few minutes. Each lesson challenges your assumptions and breathes life into the areas where you feel stuck or discouraged. Lots of simple to understand and apply "aha's" are waiting for you in Always Be Teaching.
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2023

Alex Sanfilippo

Wade Galt
A Solid Introduction to Important, Timeless, Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs
Reading Survive to Thrive is like having a chat with a friend who is a successful entrepreneur. Unlike so many entrepreneur books, this one is written in a friendly, approachable style and concentrates on showing the how and why of getting the basics right, because a structure built on a strong foundation can weather many storms (such as we've recently seen, for example).John discusses everything from a working definition of 'entrepreneur' and the most future-proof accounting method, to the types of customers to attract and the 3-5 products types. Everything is explained simply, with real-world examples (and one fictional example just for the book).As a hobbyist looking to get more serious with my business, I found this book to be both immensely helpful and very inspiring.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2021
great read
Well worth the read in this current economic climate. No matter which stage of business you are at. Highly recommend.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 April 2022
Jargon Free
John's style of writing is to be clear and concise. He doesn't complicate the subject with jargon talk and buzzwords. And because of this he gets the message over very well. This is not marketing and branding made easy; this is marketing and branding made clear. Follow the steps John has laid out and you are on your way.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 29 July 2021
Worth a read… twice!
Fantastic book, chalk full of practical tips and strategies for growing your business under any conditions—but especially during uncertain times. Worth a read!
Reviewed in Canada on July 31, 2021
This book gave me greater clarity.
This book triggered us to start asking the right questions. It has helped us have a deeper conversation about the possibilities, and a better vision for our future.
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2021
What a great book
John really hits the nail on the head with this book. It is extremely insightful and has a crazy number of really practical tips for thriving in your business. I particularly like Chapter 6 on "Selling Strategy". The tiered pricing and business model he describes is brilliant. The other thing I found really helpful is the metrics-based approach he uses for everything. It is not shooting in the dark but rather creating solid strategies based on the numbers.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 10, 2021
Game-changer! Don't miss this book
The media could not be loaded. John did an incredible job providing what it means to be a successful entrepreneur in this single book. It's one of the best I've ever read. I cannot speak highly enough about this! Do yourself a favor and read this book!!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2021
Excellent read!
John Meese gives a wholesome/community building perspective through this book that inspires the average entrepreneur to reach into pockets of the market that are often overlooked. The emphasis on "real people" interaction with customers is such a crucial yet undervalued aspect in today's "big business" mentality of doing business. It is very easy to get lost in the pure numbers and statistics in today's market, and what this book does is readjust your mind to what is truly effective. I highly recommend this book for those wanting to shake up the norm and excel above the status quo.
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2021
One stop shop!
The hardest part of starting a business is actually starting. Survive and Thrive helps you avoid the trap of "procrastilearning," (reading and researching from dozens of sources without making real progress) by giving you everything you need to get started in a single, easy-to-digest book. (I also love the illustrations! ;) You can survive and even thrive... and today's a great day to start!