Customer Reviews

21 reviews

• Paul, South Australia.

  Thank you so much for writing “Be Your Own Boss” and sharing your business experiences. My mother gave me your book for my birthday earlier this year in January. I have always wanted to be my own boss, and I can honestly say that after reading Be Your Own Boss it has given me the courage and guidance to point me in the right direction and actually making this happen. I have been a qualified plumber for 13 years and it was only after reading your book that I had the courage to start my own business using all the business skills I gained from the book. I started out on my own in May this year and have not looked back. I recently took on an apprentice and I now have so much work that I am about to employ another plumber. I would highly recommend anyone considering going into business to buy and read “Be Your Own Boss”, it has changed my life for the better. Thank you, Bill.

• James Castle, School Careers Advisor, Melbourne

  “Be Your Own Boss" is a powerful and inspiring book that will assist any school leaver going into the workplace for the very first time. The book covers #Business start-up #Goal Setting #Business Planning #What a banker really wants to see. #Marketing #Franchising #Business Structure and #Your own wheel of fortune plus much more valuable information. The author shares his knowledgeable wisdom, which is extremely practical and accessible, written in everyday language which is easy to understand. The tools provided in this book help the reader access their own strengths and weaknesses, assisting in setting their future career path. Every year 12 student should read this book.

• Wajida Berum

  As I turned every page of "Be Your Own Boss" by Bill McGowan, I felt an excursion that tallied very much with aspirations and echoing insecurities about life and making it in the business and entrepreneurship world. The transition story of Bill's business from being a lawn mowing business to one that established a footprint in the transport business captured me from the very start. It's like I was walking with him all along, picking up lessons along the way on how he ventured on his businesses. His openness on the nitty-gritty of franchising in Australia was quite enlightening, but I could also get encouraged and think out of the box of traditional lines of doing business. Bill’s narrative is profound in its simplicity and depth. He has managed to brilliantly bring into touch the basic questions of why a person should venture into a business idea and how the financials are maneuvered in the backing of banks. And this part of the storytelling demystifies to me the often scary part of financing. Moreover, down-to-earth advice on marketing, with all the details of steps one needed to take to start a business, was kind of a compass guiding me through the fog of startup uncertainties. The chapters on expanding a business through franchising and the associated legal requirements were enlightening. Bill's methodical, monotonous approach to explaining the most apparently daunting and complex of apparent legalities made the surprisingly manageable task of understanding laws on franchising. His advice on structuring a business was the cornerstone of my learning experience. Having a business idea is one thing, but structuring it for success is a totally different ball game; on this, Bill's insights have been very valuable. The exceptional editing and grammatically flawless writing of the book added to my enjoyment and ease of reading. In those very few books, like treasures themselves, they are written for easiness in reading. Every chapter, every page has been an experience of learning, void of errors or cumbersome sentence structures. Clearly, Bill gave the same amount of precision and care to the business venture that he gave to crafting this book. Not once did I find myself disliking any part of the book. This is a perfect mix of personal business narrative with practical entrepreneurial advice. It has struck just the right balance of sharing personal experiences and imparting business wisdom. It has not inspired me only; rather, it inspired and empowered my entrepreneurial spirit, for I came out enlightened and equipped with knowledge and tools to be able to confidently pursue my business dreams. In reflecting on my journey with "Be Your Own Boss," I see it not just as a book but as a mentor. Bill McGowan weaves his own success story, underlining actionable business strategies that are imprinted on my entrepreneurial outlook. Lessons from his life experiences are those kinds of treasures which I will pack in the carry-on as I take off into my very own business venture. The sheer fact of resilience, strategic thinking, and courage to be one's boss. The journey from lawns to logistics that Bill undertook is not a business success story. It's an inspiring guiding light for entrepreneurs like me. I rate this book five out of five star.

• John M. Los Angeles, USA

  Bill McGowan, your book Be Your Own Boss has provided me practical advice, confidence, and the strategies I needed to start my own business. I have read the book 4 times and completed all the practical exercises. I love the first section of your book when you took me through your story of how you became such a successful Global entrepreneur. I purchased the book last June off amazon and have never looked back. I am 28 years old and started my new venture offering the door to door, sale of commercial cleaning products and equipment on the 1st February 24. Sales have exceeded my budgets and I have now taken on an additional 2 sales staff, and I am even considering franchising down the track. Thank you so much for writing the book and sharing your business experiences. The book was the catalyst for me in starting my own business venture. I would highly recommend anyone considering going into business to buy and read this book.

• Sharon Godden - Sydney Australia

  I have always wanted to be my own boss and I can honestly say that after reading Be Your Own Boss it has given me the courage and guidance to point me in the right direction in making this happen. Working as a Travel agent for over 20 years has given me all the practical skills I needed in my career. I just needed to take a leap of faith and start working for myself independently. I actually keep the book on my desk so I can refer back to things like strategies and marketing or anything else I may need some guidance on in the future. Page 69 and 70 (A few basic questions to ask yourself) once I answered those questions, I knew I was ready. I worked out my business plan and what I wanted my business to look like. So, I then aligned myself with an entrepreneurial mobile based company specializing in luxury travel. Your book can teach you something new each time you read it. I now have my own mobile business Luxebyitravel which I know will be a success. Thank you, Bill McGowan, for writing this book and sharing your valuable knowledge and experiences in the business world.

• Angel Okafor

  In Be Your Own Boss by Bill McGowan, the author delves into how a person can manage to become their own boss. Many people around the world have dreams of owning their own businesses and not working under someone else, even though they may not know how to achieve this. The writer of this book has been his own boss and has decided to outline how he was able to achieve this great success. Bill, who was born in New Zealand, started his own lawn mowing business at the age of 13. After selling the business at age 18, he decided to venture into the transport sector. Bill continues to share the steps and decisions he took to become the global company he is today. The first chapter of this book shares Bill's success story, while other chapters detail how to achieve similar success. The writer believes that there are many reasons why people would like to own their own business, but the main reason is to make money. This book contains insights on how to start your own business, goal setting, business planning, and marketing. This book is highly informative and educational. The writer leaves no stone unturned, providing a comprehensive guide on how to start a successful business and become your own boss. I believe this book would be of great help to people who are tired of working under someone, whether due to dissatisfaction with their workspace, inadequate pay to cover expenses, or disliking their boss's attitude, and who have plans to start their own business. I found nothing to dislike about this book. As someone who also dreams of being my own boss, this book has been extremely helpful. I appreciated the diagrams and cartoons used to illustrate some concepts in the book. I would rate this book five out of five stars because of its clear narrative and language. In conclusion, I believe this book is for everyone. I would personally recommend it to those who love educational and informative literature.

• James Blakeman

  Bill McGowan gave me the manuscript to read prior to the book being published and I can confidently state that “Be Your Own Boss” is a most intriguing, absorbing, and informative read, very well-written and well-researched throughout. It is immersive and comprehensive with the ability to fascinate even the less experienced reader on starting a new business. The sustained analysis and the variety of topics discussed relating to being your own boss and business strategy make the work compelling and it shows the author’s deep knowledge and understanding. This book is also very well organized into sections, allowing for a cohesive read. The personable writing style throughout makes this work accessible to a wide audience and it will fascinate those with interests in starting or buying a business, or in business-related endeavors more widely. 'Be Your Own Boss' will succeed within its market.

• Professor Andrew Terry, LLB Hons (Cant. NZ); LLM Hons (Cant. NZ) Professor of Business Regulation, The University of Sydney - Business School

  I loved Bill’s Fastway story. It’s very comprehensive but I enjoyed it so much that I wanted more. Not everyone who reads Bill McGowan’s book “Be Your Own Boss,” will build a business as large and prominent, and successful as the franchised courier business that the author developed internationally, however, every person who aspires to be their own boss will benefit greatly from the business wisdom that Bill shares - wisdom which is practical and accessible and which has been forged from his own hands-on experience in identifying a business opportunity and developing, managing and growing it.

• Jim McCracken - Melbourne Victoria

  Be Your Own Boss is a comprehensive and practical outline and guide for anyone setting up and/or buying a new business. It is an excellent tool for any wannabe purchaser or setter-upper of a business. This book is very well done.

• Stephen Giles, Franchise Lawyer & Senior Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright. Australia

  I really enjoyed reading “Be Your Own Boss”, it was very personal, engaging, and informative. This is the sort of content that is sadly missing these days in franchising.
  
  

• David Tran, OPerations Manager, National Facilities Management, Sydney, Australia

  Thank you for sharing your story on your business journey and the wealth of knowledge gained in 50 years of business.
  
  “Be Your Own Boss” is a must-read for anyone who is looking to venture out in starting their own business. The author provides practical advice and tips on how to start and grow a successful business. What sets this book apart from other business books is the author's focus on entrepreneurship as a mindset, taking risks, and being open to new opportunities.
  
  The book provides a step-to-step guide on how to start a business, from identifying what type of business is right for you to completing comprehensive research on the business you are interested in, the type of business models that are most suited to you along with how to write an effective business plan and much more!
  
  The author's writing style is engaging throughout the book and I found myself motivated and inspired to take action after reading each chapter.
  
  Overall, I highly recommend “Be Your Own Boss” to anyone who wants to start a business or take an existing business to the next level. This book provides practical advice, real-world examples, and an entrepreneurial mindset that is essential for success in today’s business world.
  
  

• Simon Lord, Franchise Magazine NZ

  Pulling no Punches. This new book by a franchise veteran provides good advice for anyone wanting to be their own boss.
  
  You don't get to build a multi-award-winning international business by pulling your punches, and in "Be Your Own Boss" Bill McGowan, the founder of Fastway Couriers, delivers some hard-hitting advice for anyone thinking of starting their own business or buying a franchise
  
  The book is designed as a guide to help people organize their thoughts and to decide whether being their own boss is really for them. Along the way, Bill shares a bit of family history, explains how he got into the business, and tells a lot of memorable tales about the effort that went into creating Fastway - all in Bill's typically blunt fashion. The tale of how he got revenge on a reluctant bank manager made us genuinely laugh out loud.
  Bill also translates his experiences of researching opportunities, overcoming obstacles, and teaching other people how to operate their own businesses into checklists, questionnaires, and advice. He recognizes that starting a new business is complex at the best of times, and he has aimed to make this process as manageable as possible for the intending entrepreneur. The book covers # Going into business on your own. # Goal-setting. #Business Planning. # What does a banker really want to see? #Marketing. # Franchising. # Business Structure. # Your personal wheel of fortune.
  
  AS Andrew Terry, professor of Business Regulation at the University Sydney Business School said "Every person who aspires to be their own boss will benefit greatly from the business wisdom that Bill shares - wisdom which is practical and accessible and which has been forged from his own hands-on- experience in identifying a business opportunity and developing, managing and growing it."
  
  This review is published in the April 2023 edition of Franchising Magazine New Zealand.
  

• Brem Ellingham

  Be Your Own Boss by Bill McGowan is a great read and is full of tips for potential business owners drawn from Bill's 50 years of business experience and his successes in franchised business

• Chiwelite Obioma Mgbeoji OnlineBookClub.org

  Bill McGowan is a retired businessman who has mentored and is still mentoring newbies in business; he has been in the business world for over fifty years with a lot of experience. He is peculiarly fond of the franchise business. He has won many awards over the years and has earned his place in the business world. He has traveled the world while expanding his business.
  
  In the book Be Your Own Boss, he leads us through his business story. He endears us to him with details of his struggles as a young business owner, and he doesn't stop there. He lets us know his struggles before the business started and the risks he took. Also, he lets us know how draining expanding a business can be when it comes to management in connection with the different cultures of people. He doesn't lie or make running a business easy. He tells us of the work we have to put in to enjoy financial safety and freedom. Bill encourages us and takes us through a step-by-step procedure to make this journey easier.
  
  Be Your Own Boss is more than a good read; I loved every page of it. To start with, the pictures and caricatures were amazing. The images served as evidence and made for easier understanding. The author related all that was written easier with illustrations while, on the other hand, the caricature was fun, and this is one of the reasons I kept reading the book. I was never bored, and this enhanced my reading experience. Another positive aspect I must not forget to mention is the details. Bill couldn't have done a better job. He used subchapters or subheadings to explain every term more. I never got confused, and understanding was not stressful.
  
  Furthermore, This book was truly eye-opening; it was a three-in-one course on economics, accountancy, and (business) management. I had my jotter next to me, taking in all I read, which made me keep reading, and the feeling I had was that of curiosity and close to the suspense. As I stated earlier above, Bill didn't in any way make us feel that starting and running a business was a piece of cake but instead, he made us fully aware of the hurdles along the way in and he was realistic in his explanation. I am grateful for that.
  
  Last but not least is the question and answer sections/survey. I didn't just learn about economics, accountancy, business, and management. I also learned about myself, discovering my weaknesses and strengths. I learned what life will suit me presently in the business world and what I should do to achieve a particular state. With the help of this book, I was able to complete surveys like Personal Strengths and Weaknesses Form, Personal Questionnaire, Business Suitability Form, and Personal Wheel of Fortune.
  
  If you have dreams of owning your business and being your own boss, this book is for you. If you are not certain if you want to be an employee for life or if you are at a crossroads on which path to take, this book is a must-read for you. If you want financial freedom and want to retire and not worry about finances while your mates are still employees, you can't miss out on this one because this book is definitely for you. If you want to examine yourself, learn about your weaknesses and strengths, and if you want a step-by-step procedure on how to maximize your strengths and work on your weaknesses, then this book is also for you.

• Kevin Hoare

  Be Your Own Boss
  
  Author Bill McGowan.
  
  The Author of this book sold me his story as early as 1989, and I hung on every word then, to better my life and be my own Boss.
  
  Well I can safely say that Bill,s book published this year was, “wow” what a great read, and the facts have refined themselves greatly over the years, and are undeniably factual and true if one wants to embark on his/her own business and have a better than average chance of Succeeding.
  
  The book is also a great personal story of how Bill,s determination to succeed won the day regardless of how much sleep he had or not, or what day of the week it was, to build a major force in the Franchising World.
  
  The book sets out clear objectives for motivated individuals, with the desire to better themselves, so Bill,s advice in this book to work hard and follow your goals gives us all a clear message that ‘aggression plus goal setting = motivation’.

• Greg Nathan, Founder, Franchise Relationship Institute. www.franchiserelationships.com

  I have enormous respect for Bill McGowan and what he has achieved in business. This book is packed with practical tips and checklists, delivered in Bill's straight-shooting style. I particularly liked the first chapter where Bill shares his real-life journey in establishing from scratch one of the world's leading courier franchises. And I loved the last chapter titled "Your Personal Wheel of Fortune" which provides an invaluable personal assessment for anyone in business. Thank you Bill McGowan for sharing your practical business experience in such a comprehensive manner.

• Noemi Toth - OnlineBookClub.org

  Be Your Own Boss by Bill McGowan delivers advice to anyone who wants to start a business. It is a guide to help. The author shares how he started the business and also writes about his family. He has more than 50 years of experience. The writer presents his entire business journey. He tells about the difficult beginnings, the struggle, and the risks. It shows that the business world is not easy at all and encourages you to achieve your goals step by step.
  The book contains a lot of useful information. Bill shares a lot of details about his life, which makes the ready more personal. The writer’s knowledge and life experience help the reader. He covers several topics, such as marketing and organization.
  What I really liked about the book were the illustrations; they made reading more interesting for me. The caricatures were entertaining. The structure of the entire book is demanding. As I read the lines, I felt that the writer takes his message seriously and that passing on knowledge is important to him. The book is a quick read with collected information. It provides practical advice, such as how to write an effective business plan. What makes it stand out from other books is the author’s personality and his focus on mindset and open-mindedness.
  While reading, I learned not only about economics and accounting but also about myself. It is a positive experience for me, which helps me grow and get to know my personality better. Bill did almost everything to get his point across. He also showed the difficulties, so it was realistic; he didn’t want to present false hopes. How’s “Your Personal Wheel of Fortune?” was my favorite part. I learned from the questionnaire what kind of place I would have in the business world.
  It is a well-constructed book with a valuable message. I was motivated after reading the chapters.
  I recommend the book to people who would like to know themselves better and are interested in the world of business. If you want financial independence, to learn about your strengths and weaknesses, and to organize your thoughts, this book is definitely for you. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to start a business from scratch. The book gives practical tips to those who want to be their own boss.
  
  

• David Allen Pacific Book Review

  Shamans the world over will tell you that the remedy for many tropical poisons and plants is often found within inches of the offending agent. Or, that opportunity, money, and success are, like air and water, superabundant: they are all around. The art and magic is knowing how to catch ‘them.’
  Look around you. Franchises are everywhere. McDonald’s, and Burger King are the most obvious and blatant examples of the same. Bill McGowan, a forward thinker and entrepreneur-extraordinaire from Australia, takes us on a delightful and supremely informative tour of his Wanderjahre, his formative business years in which he saw the writing on the wall, saw the remedial and facilitative agents of change everywhere — and did something about it.
  McGowan became the founding father of Fastway Couriers, an international company based on reliable, expert handling of courier mail, business mail, and packages. McGowan, a self-starter, and impressive autodidact did his homework. He went out and did market surveys. He pored over the literature. Wherever he saw a need, he approached it. When he encountered an opportunity — more power to him! So much groundwork, so little time…
  But so much ambition! With humour and a heart of gold, Bill McGowan generously and sumptuously provides readers with sketches, theories, working plans, questionnaires and bullet-pointed To Do lists. Like-minded readers can stand on McGowan’s shoulders and strategize their very own onslaughts.
  Be Your Own Boss is organized into two major sections. First, there is the backstory of the company, of McGowan’s self-propelled rise to business and personal success; then there is the very useful workbook which follows, comprising the second half of the book. Readers setting out upon, or dreaming of, businesses of their own will be heartened by McGowan’s unselfconscious and mostly modest account of his own rise. The take-home lessons in this book are extremely valuable — not only to business-minded readers, but to any reader seeking personal, career, and financial liberation.
  The illustrations by collaborator/cartoonist Steve Panozzo provide a suitable and breezy accompaniment to the text. Hold on: there’s more. Readers will also cheer McGowan’s uncanny ability, time and again, to align corporate goals with societal and personal ones. Franchises can contribute to Green! A business — and hopefully this book — will be on your event horizon.
  
  

• Jade Kuhnert

  In Be Your Own Boss by Bill McGowan, readers are taken on a journey through the eyes of a young entrepreneur who took a remarkable leap of faith by giving up his current lifestyle to embark on establishing a courier transportation company. This book offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, as Bill McGowan recounts how he relinquished everything in his life to pursue his dream. His focus is on catering to small businesses, offering cost-effective solutions, and solving the challenges clients face when dealing with courier companies.
  Bill McGowan doesn’t sugarcoat the process; he provides a candid and detailed account of his entrepreneurial journey. He shares not only his successes but also his struggles and the creative problem-solving required to overcome obstacles. From the initial stages when he had to feign being an established company to attract new clients, to eventually growing the business into a global franchise company, Bill McGowan’s story is testament to dedication and resilience.
  His firsthand account of the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way serves as a source of inspiration and valuable lessons foe those embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey. It offers a comprehensive breakdown of the entrepreneurial experience, shedding light on the harsh realities of starting a business versus being an employee. Bill McGowan’s narrative is rich in practical insights and strategies that can be invaluable to anyone contemplating taking the same first steps of their own.
  It is worth noting that the book does contain some spelling and grammatical errors. It also contains some mild foul language or swear words, which may not be suitable for all readers. However, the overall reading experience is enjoyable as references were made that my own father used in his daily life too which was a wonderful moment of nostalgia for me, but it also provides a behind-the-scenes view of what it truly takes to launch and sustain a small business and what it can take to grow it.
  
  

• Kgauhelo Chabalala

  Over the span of two decades, Bill McGowan has meticulously crafted a masterpiece with “Be Your Own Boss”, a valuable resource tailored for individuals contemplating business launches or acquisitions. Drawing from five decades of personal business acumen, McGowan presents an encompassing guide for those seeking to crystallize their thoughts and evaluate the viability of the entrepreneurial journey.
  First and foremost, acknowledging the necessity of substantial groundwork before embarking on any entrepreneurial endeavour is paramount. A deed understanding of the relevant industry serves as a foundational requirement, necessitating aligning skills with the chosen field. Moreover, while self-employment offers autonomy and ownership, recognising its inherent risks is pivotal. “Be Your Own Boss” endeavours to offer insights poised to significantly enhance the likelihood of success.
  In the realm of business, uncertainty is unavoidable, and this book earnestly aims to provide insights that tangibly elevate the odds of success. Its diverse topics range from business planning and dissecting startup failure causes to strategies for sidestepping pitfalls through meticulous research and planning. Furthermore, the guide offers a step-by-step framework for crafting both professional and personal objectives. It delves deeply into securing financing and addresses a myriad of other mission-critical facets.
  What sets this book apart is its seamless blend of business insights with humour and introspection. Amusing illustrations counterbalance weightier business content, while thought-provoking questions encourage readers to delve deeper into contemplation. Beyond business, the book aspires to make a positive impact on readers’ personal lives.
  Throughout the text, the significance of research is consistently emphasised. Effective research, as underscored by the author’s investment anecdotes, forms the bedrock of any nascent business venture. These narratives convey knowledge while also igniting the reader’s imagination and motivation.
  Interwoven within the narrative are the author’s firsthand accounts of overcoming challenges, from navigating government regulations and obtaining operational licences to mastering cost management and facilitating growth. These anecdotes deeply resonate with readers, captivating and inspiring them. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that despite meticulous research, unforeseen challenges will inevitably arise, requiring astute Management.
  Ultimately, the book underscores the reader’s agency in shaping their path. It serves as a guide to align aspirations with actions. Amidst numerous manuals tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs, Be Your Own Boss offers not only a panoramic view but also practical tools for embarking on the journey of self-employment. One of the standout features of the book is the personal survey that guides readers in evaluating their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations for entering the business arena.
  McGowan’s writing style exudes professionalism and authority, reflecting his domain expertise. He consistently emphasises the importance of independent research and counsel beyond the book’s scope, urging readers to seek guidance from seasoned practitioners. Venting into entrepreneurship is undoubtedly a significant undertaking, and McGowan encourages readers to balance enthusiasm with objectivity and emphasises the necessity of using ‘reality checks’ from impartial sources to offer alternatives, discern risks, and hone plans.
  Overall, I would rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. This rating takes into account the minor errors encountered throughout the text. However, it’s important to note that these minor issues do not detract from the author’s core message. I highly recommend this book to all aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals contemplating the path of self-employment.
  In the words of McGowan’s Dida, “Set your mind to something, focus on it and if you believe in it 100%, you will be able to do it and be anything or person that you want to be. You don’t have to limit yourself to anything, you are who you believe you are, and you can achieve anything that you believe 100% in.”
  
  
  
  
  

• Review by bookexcellence.com http://bookexcellence.com

  Be Your Own Boss offers a wealth of valuable information on building a business and getting into franchising; it is clear and user-friendly, offering important foundations for both business and life.
  
  In Be Your Own Boss, Bill McGowan recounts his time as a business owner and, more specifically, as the founder and chairman of Fastway, a group of companies in New Zealand and Australia. He goes on to walk readers through a wide spanning body of advice on how they can break into business, set and meet effective goals, plan their business operations and market their products and services, devoting the last stretch of the book to his specialty: franchising. Following the narrative portion of Be Your Own Boss, the book is organized by topic, and each chapter consists of some context on why that subject is crucial in business, followed by a comprehensive breakdown of statistics, principles, and best practices for how readers can embody that information in their efforts. Many of the chapters close with practical exercises or questions for reflection that readers can complete to actually begin the process of putting what they’ve learned into action.
  
  The content of the book is delivered with exceptional pragmatism -- both in its style and organization. The first standout feature of the book is just how comprehensive it is. McGowan gives you everything you need to get started in business, at least in terms of learned insight and guidance. The second is the clarity, brevity and thoughtfulness with which he organizes the information. He relies heavily on the use of bulleted lists but in such a way that leaves the reader wondering why this isn’t the norm for a book of his genre. His writing is straightforward, and he does a fantastic job of drawing connections between each subtopic that he covers. It is clear how each new list of principles relates to the last and how these components fit together as a whole.
  
  The expansive narrative sharing McGowan’s personal history bears relevance, establishes his credibility and illustrates many of the principles that he goes on to cover in the book. The story is, in itself, compelling, and fans of memoirs and autobiographies could also be drawn to the book as a source of inspiration for their own journeys.
  
  Strap in! Be Your Own Boss could be classified as one of the greatest contributions to its genre. It is definitely well worth the read.
  

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