Mick Spencer - Start Before Youre Ready

During the ten years I worked for Richard Branson I was fortunate to work with some of the best entrepreneurs in the world. The one characteristic that sums them up is tenacity. To say yes when others say no. To zig when others zag. Mick and his book are founded on this principle and I recommend it to anyone looking for a story to inspire and most importantly to succeed.

David Baxby, Managing Director, Wesfarmers Industrials & Safety, Former CEO Virgin

When looking for success you need the drive and tenacity to overcome all the obstacles that come into your life and your business, and Mick has these in spades. Watch this space

Janine Allis, founder, Boost Juice

Life is short. In Start Before Youre Ready, Mick tells us how to make the most of it.

Patrick Schmidt, CEO The Iconic, Co-CEO Global Fashion Group

Start Before Youre Ready is a book that is full of practical wisdom and a good dose of motivation to get you going on your next adventure, challenge or goal. Micks story of turning from a boy with many challenges to a man with many successes is both enjoyable and engaging.

Stuart Cook, former CEO, Zambrero Restaurants

Most entrepreneurial journeys are full of twists and turns but when you keep a clear focus on why and where you intend to be then they become distant memories fast. How good of Mick to share his journey so we can learn from his twists and turns.

Naomi Simson, founder, Red Balloon, co-founder, Big Red Group, Shark on Shark Tank

Mick takes us on his own journey and shares great insights on how he personally overcame challenges to create, innovate and make his business viable. The result is an authentic road map to gaining greater self-confidence and some great reminders on how to handle set backs!

Andrew Banks, founder, Morgan & Banks and Talent2 International, Shark on Shark Tank

Mick has a never-give-up attitude and in my opinion, loves to solve problems that others may struggle with. He was born to be an entrepreneur and it was this creative attitude that helped us sell 4 seasons of DundasFit in David Jones. Working alongside Mick taught me that any problem or situation I get into in business can be solved one step at a time. Mick has a natural ability to stay calm and composed and not let big decisions cloud his judgment and he is always sharp no matter the time of day or the pressure of a decision. Mick wont stop, so listen to his advice and hold on!

Jason Dundas, Australian TV host and entrepreneur

Mick wears his heart on his sleeve, and his passion and commitment shine through, in his new book on how he has overcome significant challenges, both personal and business related. In Start Before Youre Ready, Mick summarises his lessons learned in an easy-to-read manner that will be certain to add value to any inspiring entrepreneur.

Clifford Rosenberg, Managing Director S.E. Asia & Australia NZ, LinkedIn (2011-2017)

When Mick Spencer started out in business he started an entirely new business model for apparel. Why? He just didnt know the old model. Normally, clothing has a 6-12 month cycle. Design a lot of clothing you think your customer wants, go out and make it in advance using lots of your own money and then put it in multiple stores and try to sell it to them and hope someone buys it. Repeat. Its been done like that for about a hundred years. When Mick Spencer started he didnt know this model. He was too young! So he just started his own model that made a lot more sense. Let the customer, whether a big corporate client or a small sports club, use technology to upload and customise exactly what they want, use the same digital technology to print the fabrics and make it within weeks or even days, and deliver it overnight wherever they are and the client has paid for it in advance. Brilliant! This book shows how the old business models can and should be challenged, especially if you have the drive to succeed like Mick Spencer.

Derek ONeill, CEO, Billabong (2003-2011)

Theres no doubt any business, large or small, can benefit from Micks start before youre ready approach. I know ours has, and Im looking forward to our continued partnership and entrepreneurial approach together.

Doug Swan, CEO, Workwear Group (Wesfarmers)

What a great read! Micks engaging story is full of actions, steps and tips for life and business success as we read about his experiences in pursuing his goals, getting out of his comfort zone and making the most of life.

Glen Richards, founder and CEO, Greencross, Shark, Shark Tank

Micky Spencer is the definition of a dream-achiever. For anyone, diving into the deep end is a risk but this man is proof that when you persevere and work hard, you get there. Im sure in his eyes hes only just getting started.

Adam Hyde & Rueban Styles, Peking Duk 13x ARIA Platinum Recording Artists

Micks personal account of his journey to date demonstrates the passion, imagination and drive that can encourage young entrepreneurs to think about their future world in a different way.

Kate Driver, Deputy Director and General Manager, Questacon, Australias National science and technology centre

Each year, you meet people that stand out from others. Then you meet people who stand out from those that stand out. Mick is one of those people. His energy, enthusiasm and positivity is hard to contain. Having him put some of that energy, enthusiasm and positivity into his book makes for a fascinating and thought provoking read.

Fraser Henderson, co-founder, Propel Funeral Partners, founder, Millbank Advisory, former partner, Minter Ellison

Start Before Youre Ready is a well written motivational book full of stories and ideas for those who want to succeed in life.

Graham (Skroo) Turner, founder and CEO, Flight Centre

First published in 2019 by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
42 McDougall St, Milton Qld 4064

Office also in Melbourne

Typeset in 11/15 pt Sabon LT Std

John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 2019

The moral rights of the author have been asserted

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (for example, a fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review), no part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, communicated or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission. All inquiries should be made to the publisher at the address above.

Cover Design: Wiley

Cover image: Fidan Farajullayeva/Shutterstock

Author Photo: Simon Schulster

Internal graphics: AntiMartina/Getty Images

Disclaimer

The material in this publication is of the nature of general comment only, and does not represent professional advice. It is not intended to provide specific guidance for particular circumstances and it should not be relied on as the basis for any decision to take action or not take action on any matter which it covers. Readers should obtain professional advice where appropriate, before making any such decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the author and publisher disclaim all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any person taking or not taking action based on the information in this publication.