HOW TO BE STREET SMART

Qandeel applies street knowledge to business and dating in this debut self-help guide.

To be street smart means to possess a certain blend of worldliness, common sense, and people skills, but the author argues that there’s more to it than that: “It is about being always ready to learn new skills and ideas in order to be the winner rather than accepting defeat,” writes Qandeel in his introduction. “It is also about not taking no for an answer and using your problem-solving skills to make things work.” With this book, Qandeel helps the reader adopt the “street smart mindset” in order to better succeed in business, investing, romance, and more. He breaks down the necessary components to reshape one’s mindset, from finding the proper motivation and expanding one’s tool kit to abandoning the security of a 9-to-5 job, launching side hustles, and navigating interpersonal relationships. The author distinguishes being “book smart” from being street smart, claiming that street smart people are better equipped to take advantage of book smart people. (Nikola Tesla? Book smart. Thomas Edison? Street smart.) In addition to business, Qandeel advises the reader on dating and romance, detailing seven types of men and women and the issues that can doom a relationship. In keeping with his street-smart persona, the author dispenses some cynical advice—he discourages men from being “nice guys,” favors prenups, and encourages readers to embrace manipulation. “Some people want to act morally superior and refuse to admit to using manipulation at any point in their lives,” he writes. “Well, let me tell you that if you ever tried to get a job, you most likely used manipulation.” Qandeel does not offer much evidence of his expertise besides mentioning a few of his business ventures (snow removal, a collision center), and much of his advice is fairly rote. Even so, his direct manner will no doubt appeal to some readers.

A pat motivational book with a slick gloss.