• Me, Inc.

  • Build an Army of One, Unleash Your Inner Rock God, Win in Life and Business
  • By: Gene Simmons
  • Narrated by: Gene Simmons, John Varvatos
  • Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (531 ratings)

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Me, Inc.  By  cover art

Me, Inc.

By: Gene Simmons
Narrated by: Gene Simmons,John Varvatos
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Publisher's summary

The quintessential self-made man, master of brand identity, New York Times best-selling author, and award-winning executive, KISS's Gene Simmons, shares his manifesto for business success.

KISS did not become one of the most successful rock bands in history by accident. Long before they first took the stage, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley had a clear-cut operating plan for their business. Over the past forty years, KISS has sold over 100 million CDs and DVDs worldwide and manages over 3,000 licensed merchandise items. In addition to KISS, Simmons' lucrative ventures include two hit reality shows, a professional sports team, a restaurant chain, and a record company. A recipient of the Forbes lifetime achievement award, this brilliant executive runs all of his businesses on his own - no personal assistant, few handlers, and as little red tape as possible.

In Me, Inc., the marketing and finance wizard gives aspiring entrepreneurs the critical tools they need to succeed. Simmons teaches you how to build a solid business strategy, harness the countless tools available in the digital age, network like hell, and be the architect for the business entity that is you. Inspired by The Art of War, Me, Inc. is organized around thirteen specific, easy-to-understand principles for success, drawn from Simmons’s own triumphs and failures. From finding the confidence necessary to get started, to surrounding yourself with the right people, to knowing when to pull the plug and when to double-down, these principles can help you attain the freedom and wealth of your dreams.

©2014 Gene Simmons (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about Me, Inc.

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

Not the Gene Simmons you THINK you know! 10 stars!

Would you listen to Me, Inc. again? Why?

Yes, I WILL listen to it again and again. This is a gold mine of wisdom. I had pre-ordered this book, which was a first for me. I was chomping at the bit to read it, because Gene is no fool. When I saw that he wrote a book about success, I had to have it. Think about it, the man's philosophy and his great work ethic got him where he is today, so he KNOWS his topic. While I was waiting for the book to be released, I sometimes wished I could pick his brain. Well, this book IS like sitting down with a FRIEND who is successful and who wants ME to do well in life. He didn't have to write this book, but he did, and I hope I can thank him personally one day. He is warm, caring, humble and brutally honest with both himself and the listener about his failings and his successes. I didn't BUY this book... it IS an INVESTMENT. An investment in ME.

What other book might you compare Me, Inc. to and why?

"The Seven Habits of Highly effective people". Both lay out proven wisdom and then explain it so well that you realize I CAN do this, I SHOULD do this, and I WILL do this. The trick is, to DO this. Awaken. See. ACT.

What does Gene Simmons and John Varvatos bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The audio version really feels you've got a friend who cares about you. There is a lot of warmth and caring in this book. If you think that's nonsense, I challenge you to read his section on Philanthropy. Both Gene and John aren't just saying "Do this, and you'll be successful". They're saying You CAN do it!!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES, ABSOLUTELY. I will often refer to this book.

Any additional comments?

I'm in my early 50's, and developed some successful guitar amplifiers and other musical instrument products. I lost my job a few years ago and shortly after that, I was diagnosed with a neurological condition. The diagnosis devastated me. I wasn't able to work anymore. I now receive Social Security Disability payments. (Like Gene said in the book, it's insurance that I paid into.) I thought I was finished and useless. About a year ago, I started believing in myself AND my abilities again. I sold my favorite vintage guitar (My ONLY guitar...) to get started working on a design for a musical instrument product that I want to patent (In fact, I showed my idea to Hartley Peavey and he told me I should patent it) and I bought recording gear to get going with songwriting, but I allowed fear self doubt to conquer me. NO MORE. We all fall down at different times in our lives, but this book helped me stand up again. Not only that, it made me WANT to stand up again. This book lit a fire under my backside after my first listen to it. That's a key word here: LISTEN. I have a lot to offer, and I, like Gene, have a pretty damn good gut instinct. My track record proves that. I made a lot of money for my bosses, and my goal is to turn my ideas into significant money for my family and I. (Gene quotes Dr. Farrah Gray on this topic, and Dr. Gray is correct.) I don't want to *need* my disability payments to get by, and I don't want to just "get by", either. I want to support myself and my family again, even better than I used to when I was working. Am I kissing up to Gene is this review? NO. I am extremely grateful to him? YOU'D BETTER BELIEVE IT, PAL. Big difference. BTW, if it wasn't for KISS, I wouldn't have entered the music business. Thank you, Gene. I wish you and your family all the best. PS: Next time you're in Big Bear, the coffee is on me!

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15 people found this helpful

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

Short and to the point!

I like Gene Simmons. I liked "Kiss and Make Up" and "Sex, Money Kiss". This book is like an updated version of the latter. It is truthful and to the point. One the key points that came home to me, was that most projects and business ventures fail. Being able to come to terms with this fact is very important. So is the ability to move on to the next project.

He is truthful and brutally honest, so if you are after sugar coated material this might not be for you. But overall I thought it was great.

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7 people found this helpful

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

Amazing BUSINESS book, don't use it as a LIFE book

What made the experience of listening to Me, Inc. the most enjoyable?

Gene's story is simply excellent and leaves you wishing for more details about his pre-KISS life.

What did you like best about this story?

The honesty of the observations and leaving political correctness to those who aren't interested in being successful.

What about Gene Simmons and John Varvatos ’s performance did you like?

I listed on 1.25 speed because Gene's voice is just a touch slow or maybe I'm just hyper.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

Fail NOW, fail OFTEN so that you may succeed.

Any additional comments?

As I write this, there are very few reviews. I suspect many will come complaining about his insights on marriage and children and such because they will take him as saying he is against these things. The book delivers an objective, gloves off view of the requirements for massive success and is not a marriage book or parenting book. If you actually listen to what he says in context (wait to get married and wait to have kids), this is one of the best "get off your butt and start your own business" books out there.

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6 people found this helpful

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

Good listen...

A basic positive, motivating read. Just to hear his voice and history makes it more palatable. I enjoyed it..l

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • JW
  • 12-31-14

No Holds Barred Excellent Advice

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I loved his candid advice and straightforward thinking.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Me, Inc.?

His overall theme of self reliance and the necessity of hard work was refreshing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Scomo Review Me, Inc.

Always wondered why some celebrities, for example Joan Rivers in comedy, Gene Simmons of Kiss in music, with good but not great talent, grew ( in Gene's case from impoverished beginnings) into multi, multi millionaires while other groups ended up dead broke. This book explains it all.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Gene at his best!

I grew up with KISS blasting from my brothers room every day. I enjoy the KISS shows but I'm not the kind who dresses up and hangs out with my KISS collection all day. This is the part of the band I have really been interested in. The stories about 5,000 one night stands are fine but I love the other side of Gene's story. The principles of success and ideas of what it takes to do something special in business are awesome.

I wish I heard this when I was 20. I will be sending this to my 44 year old brother, the one with the KISS collection.

Thanks Gene!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Gene Needs His Own Podcast

What about Gene Simmons and John Varvatos ’s performance did you like?

It's always nicer hearing the book in the authors book. Thanks Gene for taking the time, but after listening to the book you know that Gene goes the extra mile.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

From Douchebag to Moneybags

Any additional comments?

Gene says some things that would be deemed controversial, but they are true WORK HARD, WORK SMART. I LOVED the section on how you need to learn English if you want to do business in America. "If Siri can't understand you, there is a problem" is a classic line. I thought the book showed a wiser, more mature Gene than in the past. He showed his shortcomings, and explained how he has been a jerk in the past. I thought that was cool. I knew how he grew up poor, but this contained details that I hadn't heard. If you want some straight talk, check this out. You don't need to be a Kiss fan to enjoy it (although I am).

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Be A Rock God!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. Gene Simmons really "gets it". I definetly saw "You" in "Me". I loved this audio book and listened to it 3 times. Gene does not sugarcoat anything and really lays out the realities of making it in America. I also recommend "Empowering The Professional Woman" by Susan Diane Howell for women who are trying to make it in the business world.
She decribes many similiar thought processes from the woman's perspective and she also came from the entertainment world.

Thank you Gene for taking the time to write this MUST HAVE book for the rest of us. You are truly inspiring and I'm also glad you have decided to commit to family. The only point that I will disagree on is that FAMILY MUST COME FIRST. Without your family Gene, you would have been zero in life. (Your mother, wife and kids.) You are nothing without them and do not ever question that.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Me, Inc.?

I liked Gene's contrast of his early upbringing in Israel and his newfound perspectives of American lifestyle. Most American's don't have a clue as to what America offers that the rest of the world does not enjoy. This is why native born Americans tend to be underachievers. We simply don't get it!

What does Gene Simmons and John Varvatos bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Personalization. First person passion.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

You bet!

Any additional comments?

Thank you Gene for sharing and thank you John for supporting Gene's dream to write a book of legacy.

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Gene holds nothing back

Gene holds nothing back in this book. he is not PC and I like that. He tells it like it is. if you get offended easily don't bother listening. Work hard and maybe, just maybe you will become your own "Rock God" in what ever you want.

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