Book Description

By doing the wrong things fast in business, waste is all that is accelerated, and value is sacrificed.Two leading consultants offer entrepreneurs and business leaders speed with guaranteed communication skills that can yield more results per hour and achieve a true competitive edge.

Speed both scares and exhilarates business leaders in their efforts to achieve a competitive edge.International consultants Mickey Connolly and Richard Rianoshek believe that well designed communication tactics can overcome the flawed interactions that plague most efforts to accelerate business success.Their book, The Communication Catalyst, offers entrepreneurs, executives, and managers invaluable advice about how to produce more output faster by managing social issues.

An engaging and insightful parable is woven through The Communication Catalyst demonstrating these principles in action.By focusing on conversation, the greatest leverage point leaders have for creating high velocity value, readers will learn communication tactics that can help get products to market faster, seize new opportunities before the competition, and increase productivity. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

refreshing and effective
The authors have offered a refreshing and effective model for communicating. The search for an intersection of facts, views, and intent makes incredible sense. I am using this model in all of my work and making progress in creating more value and less waste. I love their vocabulary. Buy this book if you want to make a positive and significant difference in the manner in which you communicate to those you want to influence, inspire and transform.

Outstandingly useful book on leadership and communication
Connolly and Rianoshek take the view that any issue, no matter how seemingly intractable, can be resolved through effective communication. The ideas and tools in this book back up that view. The writing is clear and the organization will make it available to a variety of learning styles. Excellent book!

Communication Catalyst
This is an excellent book that gives a way for individuals to take difficult problems/situations involving people and use communication to resolve the problem. It is well written with good illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

Life is a presentation.The ability to present one's ideas quickly and efficiently is a significant resource in today's business world. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Appeals to anyone who will ever speak in public
Knockout Presentations is a 'how-to' book that gives the reader practical advice on becoming an effective public speaker. As the author explains, most people ' students and top executives ' are absolutely terrified of giving presentations. However, being a good presenter is now considered a necessity rather than an option. Public speaking skills are especially important since good communication is key to job promotions, raises, more sales and better relationships (to list but a few of the reasons for developing presentation skills).This book is quite interesting as it identifies and dispels strongly held myths about public speaking. One of the biggest myths shattered is the unfounded belief that good speakers are born rather than developed. In addition to providing well written, easy to read content, the author also encourages the reader to make practical use of the learned skills by participating in various exercises presented throughout the book. The interactive setup of the book encourages the reader to take a break from passively reading the contents and to actively participate in the exercises and the surveys. Checklists summarizing what an effective speaker should or should not do are also prove to be a great resource.AudienceA major strength of Knockout Presentations is that it appeals to anyone who will ever speak in public. The audience encompasses the broad range from students to top executives. The clearly written style and exercises will appeal to the less experienced speaker while the conciseness of the book will serve as a great resource for a busy executive. An instructor or a teacher may also want to consider this book as a teaching tool. Content and Format of Knockout Presentations 1. Secrets of Platform Effectiveness 2. Stage Presence: Sizzle or Steak? 3. Fear Fixes: Conquering Nervousness 4. Listening: The Other Side of Speaking 5. Research and Analyze your Audience 6. Building Your Presentation 7. Listener-Centered Communication: Principles of Communication 8. Seeing is Believing: Visual Aids 9. Setting the Stage 10. Q&A, Difficult People, and Deadly Disasters 11. Special Speaking Situations In each section, you can expect to find a number of relevant exercise drills. For example, in the Listener-Centered Communication section, an exercise requires you to list the features of your shoes, the benefit of each feature and then ask the question 'so what?'. If you can learn to persuade someone about the benefits of your shoe, then you can probably be persuasive about any topic. Although, the exercises can be somewhat time consuming, doing some of them can prove to be quiet beneficial in learning the concepts that may be difficult to understand by simply reading about them. Each section is also broken up with entertaining case studies, insightful surveys and helpful checklists. The visual learner will be happy to find the use of informative charts and graphics.Level of DifficultyKnockout Presentations is organized in a clear and easy to follow format. The author communicates directly with the reader in common, everyday language. The reader can simply take in the content of the book without having to exert unnecessary effort. Interesting acronyms are used for a lot of major ideas making it easy to recall the contents of the book and use the ideas in practical terms. For example, DiResta suggests ALARM for handling the Q&A period. That is, the presenter should Anticipate and prepare; Listen; Repeat or rephrase; Answer concisely, and; Move on to the next question.The entire book is organized around three major principles involved in becoming a good speaker. The author refers to these as the YAM formula. That is, to be a good speaker, you must know yourself, know your audience, and know your material. This is a very simple and concise structure that makes it easy to read the book and to learn the main points being highlighted by the author.What I likedThe best thing about this book is the confidence that the reader gains from constantly being told that ANYONE can be an effective public speaker. The reader is constantly reminded that the best speakers are not born that way. If you are willing to put in an effort, there is hope for you in front of any crowd. It is really nice to learn that most people are not phobic about public speaking rather they are simply nervous. When it comes to conquering the nervousness, DiResta explains that 'what you resist, persists'. Although, easier said than done, it is good advice that the only way to overcome your nervousness is to embrace it.The author's expertise and creativity oozes out of this book. One of the best examples is when DiResta wants to show how important listening is for being a good speaker. She does this by challenging the reader to find the secret word in LISTEN. The reader is both amused and impressed to realize the word being sought is SILENT. At that point, it is impossible to miss the message: you must be silent and listen in order to be a good speaker. The author ties in the importance of listening to the next section of the book which emphasis the significance of knowing your audience. The comprehensive content and well-developed writing style makes it difficult to believe that this is DiResta's first book.HR. COMmentaryKnockout Presentations is an excellent book if you want to learn to be an effective public speaker from a great teacher. This is a concise and well-written book that can prove to be an indispensable resource. The motivational value of this book is what sets it apart. Reading this book is like having Diane DiResta, a knowledgeable and respected expert, speak directly to you. .... a small price to pay to have such an experienced communicator mentor you through the nerve-wracking world of public speaking.The only thing that I found to be lacking is the title of the book: Knockout Presentations: How to deliver your message with power, punch and pizzazz. The title seems to be a bit cheesy. Maybe it's the word 'pizzazz'. Given how creative the author is in her writing, I am sure that a better title could have been chosen. As the famous saying goes, 'never judge a book by its title'.Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve his or her communication style. The advice provided by the author will be valuable in both professional and personal relationships.About the AuthorDiane DiResta is an international communications coach and speaker who has helped numerous organizations, including AT&T, Chase Manhattan Bank, Grey Advertising, IBM, Reuters, the NBA, and the WNBA. She has also provided media training for sports and entertainment celebrities such as Vanna White, Bob Lanier, and Rolando Blackman. She is a faculty member at New York University and lives in Staten Island, NY.

i love knockout presentations
My name is John DiResta, I am not 12, I am 36, but I could not find out how to submit this review in an over 12 capacity. Being a stand up comedian and actor for the last 9 years I found this book extremely helpful. I have now read Knockout Presentations twice. I think it is easy to understand and gets to the point in clear and concise manner. I recommed this book for everyone that plans to do public speaking and even for people who are not doing any public speaking. The skills taught in this book can be used in many varied day to day situations. I cannot wait till part two comes out. Thank you.

The best book on Presentation Skills
Diane's book is terrific--easy to read and implement ideas and tips.
I find myself going back many times and use it as a resource!
I've read many books on this subject--she is number 1!

So You Want To Give A GREAT Presentation? Buy This!
If you've spent way too much time and effort putting together a presentation, felt uncomfortable presenting, and came away disappointed, buy this book now. It'll make you and you presentations better almost immediately.

It gives great advice, from projecting your voice to developing a truly persuasive presentation to making the most of your visual aids. It gives actionable tips and techniques to help with each of these items, so you can improve immediately.

Best of all, the book is a great reference tool. It's very easy to go back and find the section on Developing a Persuasive Presentation or Knowing Your Audience (or whatever), in just a minute. From there, you can follow the simple steps and make a big difference in the presentation.

Just got done developing 2 presentations to our CEO, and this book saved me a TON of planning time, and helped me to really get the point across. He was sold!

So, don't hesitate. If you spend way to much time and anxiety worrying about your presentations , this is worth every penny!

Knockout Presentations
This book will help you put your seminars over the top. It helped address a major flaw in my seminars. I highly recommend this book for anyone serious about seminars. ... Read more

Book Description

This 3rd book of the series on policies and procedures is a "must-have" workbook for using the policy and procedure writing format that is introduced in my other 3 policies and procedures books. The majority of this book contains exercises, suggested answers, common mistakes, and the "do’s" and "don’ts" of writing clear and concise policies and procedures. Learn how to present your ideas in a logical format and write good sentences and paragraphs for each of the 7 sections of the writing format, a format that has been adopted by 1000’s of companies worldwide. The scenarios for the book exercises are based on the case study presented in "Achieving 100% Compliance of Policies and Procedures."

The SERIES contains three other books that completes your set of four: (1) "Establishing a System of Policies and Procedures" (ISBN 1929065000) focuses on setting up a framework for writing printed and/or online policy and procedure documents; (2) "Achieving 100% Compliance of Policies and Procedures" (ISBN 1929065493) focuses on writing policies and procedures that can be easily measured and improved; and (3) "Best Practices in Policies and Procedures" (1929065078) shows you how to find content for policies and procedures and how to find the STARTING POINT for your policy and procedure efforts. Also, learn how to align policies and procedures to the vision, strategic plan, and core processes of your organization. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great for Book for Writing Well Written Policies and Procedu
This book is just what is advertised, how to write better policies and procedures. It advocates the use of a writing format that makes for easy-to-read policies and procedures, a format that I know from conferences is used worldwide by many companies. This book is for procedure writers, not technical writers. And this book is not high-level, it is very detailed to the extent that my company has bought more than 25 of these books to hand out to each person who writes policies and procedures. While the book is very simple, it is still by far the best book I have read on the subject. I find the competition too convulted and they don't stay on the point. Not so with this author's books.

Jay

Okay for P&P but not for just Procedure Writing
This book is fine if you are looking for a guide to create a Policy & Procedure manual where the procedures are at a high level. You should, however, look elsewhere if you are looking for a guide on how to write clear, easy-to-use procedures. The format for the procedures in this book is similar to the technical writing style of 20 years ago and is not suitable for procedures that will actually have to be followed by the end-user. You should look to Nancy J. Campbell's "Writing Effective Policies and Procedures," Blake & Bly's "The Elements of Technical Writing," or an Information Mapping seminar if you are interested in creating "user-friendly" procedures.

A helpful book on writing style
I was pleasantly suprised how helpful this book was. Steve demonstrates how to write a procedure so it will be understood by those who use it. His book certainly showed me many of the flaws in my procedure writing. The examples of "what not to do" point out styles that are inappropriate for procedures.

Steve also explains how to format a procedure for ease of use.

Simplifies a complex task
I borrowed my copy of this outstanding book when I was tasked to write policies and procedures for my department. Although other reviewers have recommended reading the author's earlier books if you've never written policies and procedures I was able to quickly produce detailed documents that my staff assured me were clear and effective. I attribute my success to the easy to follow steps that Mr. Page gives, and the logical structure that he recommends.

You can't go wrong if you use this book as a guide for policy and procedure writing. It's like a cookbook in many ways, with a clearly laid out recipe for success and a list of ingredients that will be required in the form of steps and item blocks for your documents.

I was so impressed with this book that I immediately ordered a copy for myself (so I could return the borrowed copy), as well as copies of Mr. Page's other books. If you write policies and procedures for a living, or are required to produce them for your department you should get this book ASAP. It will simplify the task and enable you to produce professional results regardless of your level of experience.

High Quality Book on a Procedures Writing Format
This book seems to be Chapter 4 of "Establishing a System of Policies and Procedures." This author has taken an entire chapter and turned it into a book. Thank you.

I love this book, I thought the author was detailed in his first book but this book is a real complement to the first book. These two books make for a good combination to buy. You can learn how to write a system of policies and procedures and then find incredible detail with this bok.

I just love this book. I loved the exercises and examples. It really did point out some mistakes I had been making in writing policies and procedures. ... Read more

Book Description

Don't let the audience snooze through any of your presentations! How do you keep an audience from becoming bored or restless during a presentation? Find out with The Big Book of Presentation Games.

Each game in The Big Book of Presentation Games is fast, fun, creative, and easy-to-read, and easy-to-lead, and costs little or nothing. Categories also include: great session-openers; icebreakers; climate-setting games; practical jokes and tricks; audience brainteasers; motivation activities; memorable closing activities; and much more!

Reviews (4)

Even company money could be spent more effectively
For any medium to advanced trainer, group leader, or presenter, this book does not raise any new methods of improving audience participation. In fact, the "cheese" factor is enough to choke even the most discriminating mouse.

Having said that, if you're a beginner with little to no background in or exposure to group training, then this book may help give you a little head start to realize how to engage an audience through active participation.

It's only because of the potential to aide a beginner that I rated this a 2. Otherwise, it's sitting with a lone star.

Decent
I was expecting more. But it certainly lived up to its title. Maybe my expectations were a little to hight.

I have yet to try any of the examples yet, but I am certainly waiting to try.

It's not that great.
This book wasn't that great. There were VERY few ideas that I would use. I wouldn't recommend buying this book.

Great for any Organizational leader!
I used a bunch of ideas from this book for my position in a student organization. A definite must for programs on dry material. It never hurts to have an ace up your sleeve, and this book is it! ... Read more

Book Description

Marshal support throughout your organization

Develop a communications strategy that works for -- not against -- you. Based on years of battle-tested principles and case-examples, Roger D'Aprix tells managers how they can avoid the communications breakdowns that sabotage attempts at change, and cause employees to lose faith in their leaders and the system itself. Instead, he shows how communications can be used strategically to connect an organization's vision, mission and business goals to the forces and opportunities in the marketplace -- the driving force behind all change. Includes D'Arpix's market-based strategic communications model for integrating and aligning communications at all levels.

... Read more

Reviews (1)

Just the Primer I needed
As a founder and executive of a fast growing startup, I found d'Aprix's "Communicating for Change" book exactly the introduction I needed to the internal (corporate) communications profession. He effectively defines "strategic communications" (he coined the term) and then articulates why and how strategic communications are necessary in any organization.

The book's strongest contribution is a simple model for approaching internal communication (as articulated in the subtitle): focus on the marketplace. His arguments are based on 2 decades of data and first hand experiences. His brilliance is being able to effectively describe communication principles to those outside the communications profession.

In a few short sections D'Aprix heads off target into territory where his expertise is not so valuable (in management and leadership concepts). But if you're looking for a primer on how to use internal communications to make your organization more effective, this is the book for you. D'Aprix even gives you an added bonus: the book is very short. ... Read more

Book Description

This book prepares today's business people to compete and manage domestic and international diversity in an increasingly multinational business arena. Unique in the market, it uses research involving three Delphi panels of experts' perceptions of the importance of the topics covered as the basis for its contents. The authors have traveled or worked in a number of countries, therefore producing a work of firsthand knowledge of the topics covered.Topics comprehensively covered include: cultural shock; language, oral, and non-verbal communication patterns; written communication patterns; global etiquette; business and social customs; intercultural negotiation process and strategies; and laws affecting international business and travel.A good reference work for anyone who works internationally. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Responding to the familiar observation that what you don't know can and will hurt you, American Productivity and Quality Center leaders Carla O'Dell and C. Jackson Grayson Jr. have countered with a contention that the "hidden reservoirs of intelligence that exist in almost every organization" can, with work, be efficiently tapped "to create customer value, operational excellence, and product innovation--all the while increasing profits and effectiveness." If Only We Knew What We Know is their detailed examination of the resultant groundbreaking but common-sense methodology they have dubbed "knowledge management," along with their analysis of several companies such as Amoco, Arthur Andersen, Buckman Laboratories, and Xerox that are successfully employing it today. By studying the execution and evolution of this practice in over 70 companies involved with their non-profit management organization, the two have observed how top practitioners are turning internal information that's already selectively available into dynamic improvements that are apparent throughout the companies. They describe how to implement knowledge management in your own firm and describe the "enabling context" (including infrastructure, culture, technology, and measurement) that help or hinder the process. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (13)

One of the best knowledge management book I've ever read
The authors of this book will not try to seduce you with another 'management recipe' or fad. Knowledge will ultimately become the only sustainable advantage for companies of the future. Unfortunately, most companies do not realize that they internally possess unexplored knowledge on their own human, customers, and structural capital. This book will clearly demonstrate on how to extract out and share our internal knowledge and best practice, so we can use them to create our value propositions. In addition to rich case analyses and stories, this book will also guide you to start your own knowledge program. Read this book and put it into action. Also recommended: The Knowledge-Creating Company by Nonaka and Takeuchi.

Very Relevant and Excellent Read
This book provides a terrific introduction to knowledge management and so much more. The authors have gone well beyond the theoretical treatment that most have provided on the subject and provide real world examples and processes for implementing knowledge management in your own company. The authors did not spend much time talking about applications that support KM, since the market is still growing, instead they touch upon the concepts that the software applications address. Although it was written in late 1998, the information presented is very timely and still accurate.

-- Highlights --
The first section of the book (3 chapters, 30 pages or so) get you up to speed on what knowledge management is and is not. It also addresses some barriers and benefits of KM.

The second section of the book makes you think about the reasoning behind a KM initiative. This should be standard management-type thinking, but I've found it to be often overlooked in today's IT environment. Why are we doing this? The authors give you three reasons (customer intimacy, time-to-market, and operational excellence) and tell you the type of data to focus on for each of the three reasons.

The third section talks about enabling the enterprise to effectively use a KM system. The authors note that it is vital for the processes to be aligned witht he strategy of the company and the job tasks people currently undertake. To that end, they look at the cultural, technological, infrastructure, and measurement requirements of the KM initiative.

The fourth section gives some case studies of Texas Instruments, Buckman Laboratories, and Sequent. The text refers to these case studies throughout the earlier chapters of the book and now gives them each a chapter to overview how they went about building a successful knowledge sharing infrastructure.

The fifth and final section of the book gives a framework for pursuing the sharing of knowledge and best practices. This is the "What do I do on Monday?" section, according to the authors. It gives a 40 page prescription for the planning, designing, implementing, and scaling phases of a knowledge management program.

The next several years will be very interesting in the I.T. arena. These authors were somewhat ahead of their time in writing this book. Companies across the globe have been storing knowledge in their silos for the past decade as they have taken products to market, built disconnected customer information systems, and as employees have given feedback on internal business processes. The coming business intelligence revolution will seek to organize that information and put it in the hands of people who can create value and grow the business based on the intrinsic knowledge it contains. This book provides a great framework for those who have to conceptualize, design, and build information systems to meet those needs.

Solid Theory, But More Execution Tasks Needed
This book focuses on making the case for a knowledge management system. If you're already convinced and need specific, measurable steps, try a different book.

Good and to the point
This book is the best for understanding and applying KM in a company environment. It defines what you need and does not make you waste time with elaborated theories that are not useful.

An effective approach for consultants
I think the best recommendation I can give for this book is to show how it has helped me. As a consultant one of my biggest struggles is efficiently extracting information from clients. Although this book is about finding, aggregating and disseminating internal knowledge, the approach has proven invaluable to finding where my clients' pools of knowledge are and using this to efficiently craft solutions that are based on best practices that have been developed by my clients. I have too often dscovered that my clients have best practices and other knowledge artifacts that are not known throughout their organization.

An example of how difficult organizational knowledge is to ferret out is shown by one consulting engagement where the client needed problem management processes. All of the "identified" stakeholders and points of contact claimed that there were no written definitions of severity levels, which are an important part of the process. After developing a complete set of definitions and circulating them for stakeholder review out of the blue an unidentified stakeholder emerged and produced a set of definitions that was written years before. Had I read this book before this particular engagement I would have approached it differently and would have identified the *real* stakeholders and pools of knowledge using the cultural enabler of knowledge transfer described in chapter 9. I would have also saved a significant amount of billable hours to the client in the process because what they already had (but just didn't know they had) met their exact requirements.

I gained a whole new perspective on analysis from this book. I now approach this task by identifying (or eliciting) value propositions from clients, and employing to the extent allowed by each consulting engagement the four enablers of knowledge transfer.

This book woke me up to some refined techniques and has influenced my thinking and approach on a number of levels. While it provides organizations with a valuable tool set with which to find and collect the valuable knowledge within, it is also a valuable tool for consultants who are always under pressure to gather data and information from clients as a prelude to findings and recommendations. I cannot emphasize strongly enough its value to both audiences. ... Read more

Book Description

A renowned communication expert introduces a subtle and efffective way of selling your best asset--yourself--without turning off those you're trying to impress. It is well-documented that working hard isn't enough to keep your professional star rising: Self-promotion is recognized as one of the most important attributes for getting ahead. But learning to share your talents and successes without coming across as smug or rehearsed is a tricky skill. Now, Peggy Klaus, top communication and leadership coach, has developed a program that will teach anyone to brag--and get away with it. Filled with practical examples of ways in which people in various work-life stages can promote themselves, Klaus teaches readers to communicate strengths and accomplishments without appearing too opportunistic, eager, egotistical, or self-aggrandizing. Now anyone can communicate with style and substance--in any situation--and walk away shining like the star they are! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Yes- Brag
This is an amusing, informative book advising people how to self-promote. I read the book, and then put into practice what was taught for some telephone promotion for raising funds for a non-profit organization that I work with. It was amazing how the technique Ms. Klaus advised encouraged the return of calls previously ignored. I was so pleased. As well, it is fun to read, making you chuckle throughout. She is a great educator.

MyShelf.com Book Reviewer
In today's corporate market, competition is fierce, as people try to out do each other to get ahead. There are many techniques, but not every one is effective. Finding the right marketing technique to sell your skills is crucial. Survival is only for the fittest.

Peggy Klaus is a world-renowned Fortune 500 communication coach. Being an expert in the art of communication has enabled her to create a book based on simple-to-understand, real-life concepts. Her techniques show how to capitalize on being yourself while making the most of your accomplishments.

With her "Track 12" concept, she allows readers the opportunity to interact with the book itself by answering questions that can be referred back to at the right time and appropriate moment to make yourself outshine the competition. For instance, you will learn how to effectively throw a reference to one of your achievements into everyday conversations without sounding phony or unnatural. Her advice is golden; it provides the polished style and refined substance needed to climb the corporate ladder.

Of all the books I have ever read on this subject, I found Ms. Klaus's to have the most grace and the most overall, long-term impact. For anyone who is struggling to gain the recognition for their hard work and long hours, this is the book you will need to add to your book collection. Very highly recommended.

Wow! I think this book was written just for me!
Brag! was recommended to me highly... three different times. The third recommendation was because the book was on the "must read" list of a class I was taking on marketing. I finally bought the paperback version of the book since I was unable to find it at the local library.

I ho-hummed as I opened the book thinking it would be yet another inspirational speaker writing a book bragging about her success and that everyone else should be inspired. Inspirational speakers have never been that inspirational to me - probably because their "inspiration" lasts as long as it takes for me to get back to my car (usually at the top level of the parking lot furthest away from the auditorium). Once I'm behind the wheel of my car I am thrust back into my own world wondering what just happened. Hadn't I felt great just a few moments before? Wasn't I ready to go get 'em? Wasn't I determined to get going and make a success of my business?

I read the first paragraph of the Introduction of Brag! and Peggy Klaus had me hooked. Wait a minute. I know she was talking about her own background in her narrative, but it sounded as if she was talking about me! She speaks of her father telling her as a child, " ...don't toot your own horn; if you do a good job people will notice you." My parents and Sunday School teachers said that all the time, too, and more. "Bragging is a big no-no." "The Bible says that modesty is a virtue." No wonder I never really liked inspirational speakers. They come off as giant braggarts. According to Peggy Klaus, they're not doing it right.

Countless phrases of virtue and avoidance of being obnoxious and self-aggrandizing hang in the back of my head waiting to pounce as soon as someone asks me what I do. I murmur, "I'm a graphic designer" only half-believing that I deserve the title despite my success. "Graphic designer?" they ask. "Does that mean you do, like, brochures and stuff like that?" "Yeah," I answer. And then the conversation falls flat.

This is where Peggy Klaus picks up the pace and tells you right out that if you don't speak up for yourself, no one else will. However, there is an art to this type of communication. Peggy spends the remaining 190 pages helping you take stock of what you have to brag about while you make yourself a "Brag Bag" full of "Brag Bites" and a few good "Bragalogues" to fit various situations. She also has some plain talk rebuttals to the "buts" we all have to talking about ourselves. My favorite:

" 'But... do I really need to brag 24/7?' Like the Scouts, be prepared... to toot at any time. That doesn't mean, however, that you do it all the time or that you do it at inappropriate times or places. You do it when it feels comfortable. And learning how to make it feel more comfortable is what this book is all about."

Peggy's examples are plentiful and, if you're like me, you'll see yourself in her examples more than once. She's not just any braggart, she's the best! Her natural way of writing (read: unpretentious), extremely practical advice, recommendations and her sense of humor combine to make this my favorite book of my business reading and the book that, right now, is making the most impact in my life and in my business.
-Anna Kris Bell
Catchphrase Graphics

Keep on Tootin¿
Probably most people were taught three principles early on in life: Obey the golden rule, don't pick up hitchhikers, and let other people praise you. Author Peggy Klaus can't help you with the first two, but she debunks the third principle.

Just what is bragging? Or put more properly, WHEN is bragging bragging and when is it taking advantage of opportunities? According to Klaus, there's a time and a place for proper bragging. Bragging (or "self-promotion") can be practiced in and out of the office. It can help you get better assignments, better pay, better recognition, better relationships, and more. But you have to do it properly...

Klaus show us first how NOT to brag, citing many examples of failed bragging and how to correct them. When practiced correctly, the principles of BRAG can help you communicate your talents without coming across as obnoxious. Recommended.

193 pages

Great for Job Hunters
As someone who is looking for a new job, I am always thinking about how to make my interviews go better. This book made me see how I have been presenting myself to possible employers with an almost apologetic attitude. Klaus explains how to make up bragologues about yourself so that you can let people know who you are and what you can do without sounding obnoxious. I was skeptical at first, but for the first time in months I have been called back for a second interview. I also told my friend about this book and she said that it helped her get a new client. It's fun to read and has lots of easy to use advice. ... Read more

Book Description

THE HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW PAPERBACK SERIES is designed to bring today's managers and professionals the fundamental information they need to stay competitive in a fast-moving world.Here are the landmark ideas that have established the Harvard Business Review as required reading for ambitious business people in organizations around the globe.

With topics that include how to run a successful meeting, change frontline employees' behavior, and build effective management teams, Harvard Business Review on Effective Communication offers useful tips for all businesspeople ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Breadth of articles that help business communication work
Though the collection of articles may at first seem sort of old (the oldest is from 1957), the content is very apropos for today. While building a Training Roadmap for our company, I found articles that I think will be extremely useful for a wide range of positions.

What first attracted me was the article on "Listening to People", where I found the clearest presentation on why our listening fails. Even better, it tells how we can improve our listening as a skill that has to be learned.

The next article on "How to Run a Meeting" was enlightening, almost literally! I rushed into my boss' office with new insights on why certain meetings had to be held and how they should run.

I haven't read word-for-word the whole book, rather I've read some others and skimmed some others. That sampling seems to indicate they're all of the same quality.

Good as almost always in this series
I already own five of the paperbacks in the Harvard Business Review series. The articles in it are really state-of-the-art in the field the book is about. And so it is in the case of the Harvard Business Review on Effective Communication. I appreciate the chance to read what the most important authors have to say in short articles, not in long books. The articles are long enough to understand and give many good ideas worth working on. ... Read more

Book Description

While continuing a strong tradition of sound writing principles and abundant model documents, this new edition of Business Communication integrates spoken, electronic, and written communication situations and strategies?the way communication actually occurs in a dynamic workplace. The digital age demands that our students communicate expertly through an ever-expanding number of communication options?from traditional paper documents to e-mail, instant messaging, web communications, voice and wireless technologies, and whatever technology evolves next. You?ll see this integrated business strategy applied throughout the text. ... Read more

Book Description

Turning critical feedback into a constructive message can be a difficult skill to conquer. This book will guide you through the process of learning how to receive critical feedback, developing skills for self-talk, understanding how to give constructive feedback effectively, and handling atypical problems. Feedback is a very powerful communication tool that delivered properly can benefit everyone with a clear and helpful exchange of information about what’s working and what’s not. The techniques outlined in this book for coping with fair or unjustified critical feedback are essential for effective communication.

Learning Objectives:To learn how to receive critical feedback.To present useful coping mechanisms for handling critical feedback.To show how to give constructive feedback fairly and effectively.To discuss handling special problems. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

GreatFeedback ideas
I would highly recommend the book "Giving and Receiving Feedback" by Patti Hathaway,CSP to anyone who wants to improve their business or personal relationships building constructive communication.

On a personal note the planning sections and suggestions can help me redirect some of the things I have been doing and improve my relationships. One of the suggestions I liked the best concerned giving reviews.When giving a review present the negative first, then end the review on an upward appraisal note.

If the only section in the book was the section on the difference in how men and women communicate it would be worth buying the book for,but there are so many more great ideas you should be ordering the book now instead of reading this review.

Patti has done it again
I found this book easy to read, and packed full of helpful information, tools, suggestions and hints.The author included several self-tests for you to discover how you communicate and give feedback.Then, once you knew where your weak areas were, there was ample material to assist you in improving.Charts give examples, case studies allow you to picture how to use what you've learned, exercises offer practice, and the graphics are
appropriate and memorable.This book is for anyone who wants to improve his/her communication skills (and who among us doesn't want to do that!?).

Patti covers the differences in men's and women's communication approaches, overcoming negative self-talk, and a DASR (Describe, Acknowledge, Specify, Reaffirm) technique that will guide you in your communications whether with spouse, parent, child, friend, boss, or acquaintance, throughout the rest of your life. I highly recommend it for everyone to read! ... Read more

Book Description

"Dean Lindsay is a master of progress, and in this book will show you how to be the same.He’ll take you by the hand – a pleasurable experience, because the man is an awesome writer – and lead you into the land of networking nirvana."
-- Jay Conrad Levinson The Father of Guerrilla Marketing
( Brief Excerpt taken from Mr. Levinson's Foreword for Cracking the Networking CODE)

While Mastering the 4 Steps to Priceless Business Relationships...

You’ll Discover:
- The Top Ten Benefits of Networking
- 37 Questions for Defining a Powerful Networking Plan
- The Way Around the "Do Not Call" List
- 16 Examples of Proven Places to Network
- 16 Tips for Running a Successful Trade Show Booth
- 9 Strategies for Opening Face-to-Face Relationships
- 6 Often Overlooked Networking Strategies
- 20 Quick Tips for Delivering Solid First Impressions
- 10 Ideas for Creating a Series of Positive Impressions
- Insight on Business Cards and Note-taking

And...Learn How to:
- Be a Success in Your Own Eyes
- Conquer the FEAR of Networking
- Harness the Power in Numbers
- Gain Confidence Talking to Strangers
- Ask Progress-Focused Questions
- Listen As If Your Lifestyle Depended on It.
- Design Your Rise & Shine (30-Second Commercial)
And of Course How to …
Crack the Networking CODE. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Dallas Morning News Got It Right!
Read the great review of this book in the Dallas Morning News.

I totally agree with the business book reviewer when he writes that Cracking the Networking CODE serves up 'networking advice with wisdom, humor and concise guidance.'

Dean Lindsey's concept of being a 'Progress Agent' has helped me tremendously. I appreciate the book's candid insight on the power of focusing on receiving business cards rather than handing out cards and what Dean calls the 'Rise and Shine'(30 second commercial).

This is an uncomplicated and 'buzzworthy' book.
Highly effective and fun to read.

#1 on Profitable Relationship Building/ Motivating & REAL!
This review is way over due. I wanted to write to say that I really enjoyed this book. Not only does it provide great to the point tips on networking, it also DOES NOT give that "Pie in the Sky" feeling I often get when reading similar books (books which cause the cynical part of me to cringe!) It makes a lot of sense and I really enjoyed Dean Lindsay's unique and upbeat writing style.I often found myself smiling and shaking my head at how he pulled pop references out of left field that made sense.Super cool.Spoke right to me.

This Book ROCKS!!! ( but then what else would I say )
Hey, Doug Barkley here, managing director for World Gumbo Publishing.We are the proud publishers of Cracking the Networking CODE.I could go on and on about how great this book is or how much fun it was working with Dean but instead I will list some of the cool stuff in the book. This is all listed on the back cover.

While Mastering the 4 Steps to Priceless Business Relationships...

You'll Discover:
- The Top Ten Benefits of Networking
- 37 Questions for Defining a Powerful Networking Plan
- The Way Around the "Do Not Call" List
- 16 Examples of Proven Places to Network
- 16 Tips for Running a Successful Trade Show Booth
- 9 Strategies for Opening Face-to-Face Relationships
- 6 Often Overlooked Networking Strategies
- 20 Quick Tips for Delivering Solid First Impressions
- 10 Ideas for Creating a Series of Positive Impressions
- Insight on Business Cards and Note-taking

And...Learn How to:
- Be a Success in Your Own Eyes
- Conquer the FEAR of Networking
- Harness the Power in Numbers
- Gain Confidence Talking to Strangers
- Ask Progress-Focused Questions
- Listen As If Your Lifestyle Depended on It.
- Design Your Rise & Shine (30-Second Commercial)
And of Course How to ...Crack the Networking CODE.

And check this out:
"Dean Lindsay is a master of progress, and in this book will show you how to be the same.He'll take you by the hand - a pleasurable experience, because the man is an awesome writer - and lead you into the land of networking nirvana."
-- Jay Conrad Levinson The Father of Guerrilla Marketing
( Brief Excerpt taken from Mr. Levinson's Foreword for Cracking the Networking CODE)

Here are some other tripped out endorsements the book has received.All of these are printed either on the back cover or on the first couple of pages inside the book.

"Dean Lindsay's easy-to-read Cracking the Networking CODE is filled with fresh insights and practical tips on how to build meaningful, win-win relationships for your business and your life."
-- Gary Keller
Best-selling author of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent

"You can't achieve your best without learning the all-important art of connecting. Let this lively guide inspire you to reach out to others."
-- Ken Blanchard,
Coauthor of The One Minute Manager®
and Customer Mania!

"Whether you are looking for a new job or thinking about changing careers, Cracking the Networking CODE is the book for you.It reveals what the human resource community has known and kept secret for years.Networking is the key to unlock the door to any position and this book gives you the combination to that lock."
-- Gayle Ciupak
Manager, Human Resources,
General Motors

"Whether you have a black belt in networking or are completely new to the concept, you will enjoy Dean Lindsay's humorous yet highly practical approach to networking.Dean presents an easy-to-follow blueprint that will teach you new networking skills and polish your existing ones.It's a winner! "
-- Ginger Benedict
Executive Senior "Pink Cadillac" Sales Director
Mary Kay Cosmetics

"Perhaps the most powerful way to leverage and multiply your talent and ability is by expanding your personal and business network.This book shows you how."
-- Brian Tracy
Author, Getting Rich Your Own Way

As Dean says, "Get Cracking!!"

Clear - Simple - Superb!
Dean has done his research and put together a 'progressive' book that is clear, simple and superb in this subject matter.
He has a fun AND fundamentally sound approach to a topic that never goes out of style and he brings some 'street smarts' wisdom to his presentation.
Gather some of his pearls for your personal and business use and wear them with pride and profit.

George Hendley
Coauthor of Meditations for the Road Warrior

NETWORKING WORKS IF...
I have long believed that it was more reliable, easier, and even safer to deal with people you knew, valued and trusted. NETWORKING WORKS IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE and KNOW HOW TO DO IT.Unfortunately most business people are too self-focused and don't know how to effectively connect with others at business networking functions.

In an entertaining and enlightening way, this book illustrates how networking is much, much, much more than just handing out business some cards and shaking hands.

If you desire to learn how to better connect with others and earn long-term and profitable relationships with them, Read and RE-READ THIS BOOK.
... Read more

Book Description

Now fully updated to reflect the current realities of the public relations field (including the emerging importance of graphic design and the use of the Web), this revision of Newsom and Carrell's practical text covers all aspects of public relations writing. The book offers the practical approach one would expect to find in a trade book, but uses the principles and theories of public relations to give students what they need to write with understanding and purpose. Part One provides the background for all public relations writing tasks by explaining how this kind of writing is unique and by exploring the legal and ethical obligations. Part Two is the writing principle section, which covers both style and techniques. Part Three begins with basic public relations writing assignments that students are likely to be exposed to early in their jobs: letters, e-mail, memos, and eventually reports and proposals, backgrounders and position papers. Part Four covers writing for mass media. Part Five covers the more complex public relations writingincluding media kits, newsletters, brochures, magazines, annual reports, and crisis communication. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

good book
As a Public Relations student, I found this book to be extremely helpful. It demonstrates the proper way to write so that you can lear effective style and techinque. I have found that this book, along with Guerilla PR Wired by Michael Levine, create the foundation for my studies. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jack Griffin argues that it's vital to sell yourself--and your ideas--every day. In How to Say It at Work: Putting Yourself Across with Power Words, Phrases, Body Language and Communication Secrets, he offers practical advice for making your case whether your target is a supervisor, colleague, subordinate, client, vendor, or lender. Part 1 has a self-test for evaluating your current skills and also includes a toolkit for improving your overall communication at work. Part 2 lists specifics for dealing with key individuals and includes helpful (and harmful) words, phrases, body-language strategies and other techniques that can help you be a better communicator at work. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Good ideas for the tongue-tied.
This is an excellent book for anyone who thinks of the right response about three days too late. This book also provides a good framework on which to base verbal communication. It is especially useful for anyone that is shy, non-assertive, non-confrontational, or simply wants to put forth a professional image. I use it as an example in my Customer Service and Career Search classes and the students love it!

I don't agree with absolutely everything in the book (I had a few problems with how to treat a tyrant boss), but overall, it was very good.

Practical, Situational, Inexpensive
This book is (a) practical - it provides logical, step-by-step details that work, (b) situational - it is organized by the many types of conversations and interactions that one is likely to have on the job, and (c) inexpensive - it offers a lot for the money.

Granted, some of the specific situations covered in this book occur regularly and will be most helpful to readers who may have little or no workplace experience.

The book's real value, however, involves those interactions we have with our bosses, employees, customers, and suppliers that do not happen all that often. When these situations come up, emotions may run high and the stakes may be significant. In my experience, "common sense" alone wasn't always enough to ensure that I got what I needed and still maintained a good relationship with the other person. This book doesn't guarantee that (nothing does), but it does offer guidelines that have helped and worked for me.

If you have natural political savvy on the job, you probably don't need the information in this book. If you are more comfortable dealing with tasks than dealing with the people in your workplace, I think you will find this book well worth twelve bucks and the few minutes it takes to read about a specific interaction before you're actually having it.

Waste of Time
This book claims to provide important keys to office communication, but there is nothing ground-breaking here. In fact, it's a disappointing waste of time of the first order, as most of the items covered are mere common sense. If you need help remembering not to refuse a request by your boss by telling him that "that's not my job" then, by all means, purchase this book. Otherwise, try one of the 1000s of books out there that can really help you achieve this goal, such as Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" or Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People".

Common sense will serve you better than this book
This book was written for people who truly have no clue how to act in any kind of professional setting. I was already aware that I should not use "quick and dirty" or "snafu" in a professional environment. It was a waste of money.

Excellent reference for your career
I use Griffin's book regularly for work and always find great ideas and expressions to jumpstart my thinking process. This book is thorough and professional. It should be on every office reference collection. ... Read more

Book Description

Crystal Reports 9 is the latest in a long and celebrated series of report writers for personal computers. It's by far the best-selling report writer package in the world. If you want to produce a top-quality report quickly, Crystal Reports is the top choice to do the job.

And Crystal Reports 9 For Dummies will get you using Crystal Reports quickly and effectively. It covers all the major capabilities of Crystal Reports but doesn't bog you down in intricate detail. It is also valuable to managers who may never personally produce a report, but have oversight of people who do. This guide will tell you what is possible, what you can do easily, and what takes a little more effort to accomplish.

In Crystal Reports 9 For Dummies, you'll discover how to

• Create a report, what a good report should accomplish and what it should look like.
• Make your reports more focused, more readable, and easy on the eye.
• Nest one report within another, p ull report elements from multiple non-database sources, and illustrate points with charts and maps
• Distribute your reports – from printing, exporting them to files, or faxing them to making them available on a local area network, or uploading them to the Web.
• Incorporate Crystal Reports into applications written in a computer language. Because Crystal Reports is included as an integral part of Microsoft's .NET application development environment, you can incorporate the power of Crystal Reports into applications you write in Visual Basic, Visual C++, and Visual C#.

With Crystal Reports 9 For Dummies, you can produce reports fit for the eyes of the organization's CEO. Each chapter deals with an individual feature that you may need at one time or another. In many cases, step-by-step procedures are given for commonly needed operations. You might find it worthwhile to lay the book beside your computer and perform the operations as you read about them. Soon, you'll be producing outstanding reports with a minimum of effort and in the shortest possible time. ... Read more

Book Description

With over 40,000 copies sold, the first edition of Persuasive Business Proposals helped many readers construct dynamic, effectiveproposals. Now in paperback, this fully-revised second edition still gives readers simple, effective techniques for organizing, writing, and deliveringproposals while updating the author's winning strategies for today's global business environment.

By cutting through the confusion, and providing dozens of real-world examples, this updated version provides step-by-step instructions for craftingvalue-centered, recipient-specific proposal packages, with all-new discussions on:

* How to increase business using new communication channels from e-mail and electronic submissions to PDF, HTML, and others * The Seven Worst Proposal Mistakes illustrated with real-world examples

This is an essential book for anyone seeking to win contracts and sell projects. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great resource for business proposals
This is a great book full of practical advice on how to improve your sales proposals. Most business books tell you what you should be doing. This book tells you how to do it. It covers traditional business proposals and Request for Proposal responses. If you're looking for help with business plans, this isn't a book for you. But if you want to improve your sales proposals and win more business, this book is great! I saw Tom Sant speak at a sales conference last year and he was terrific. I also recommend his email newsletter!

A bottom-line enhancing reader
Now in an updated second edition, Persuasive Business Proposals: Writing To Win More Customers, Clients, And Contracts passes on the practical insights and experience-based wisdom of proposal consultant Tom Saint, a business communications expert whose clients include everything from small entrepreneurial businesses to Global 500 companies (including General Electric, Microsoft, Accenture and other Fortune 500 companies). A "must-have" business writer's guide that scrutinizes the proposal development process; offers a wealth of tips, tricks, techniques; alerts the reader to what common pitfalls to avoid; and then ties it all in with solid advice for instantly hooking the reader's attention with ideas, Persuasive Business Proposals is very highly recommended, bottom-line enhancing reader for any corporate manager seeking to expand a client list and who is faced with increasing competition, shrinking budgets, stiffer governmental regulations.

I think Cicero would have been proud...
Engineers like me need to be reminded. Sure the technology we're selling is amazing, but it's not about us. An effective proposal needs to focus on what the customer needs. This is what Tom Sant drives home so effectively in his book, "Persuasive Business Proposals." I've been using (and preaching to my colleagues) Sant's approach for more than ten years and have given away more than 20 copies of his first edition. The new edition is even better than the first.

Focusing on the customer sounds simple enough, but I regularly refer to the examples in Sant's book to get started. I also frequently open the chapter on word choice. It's a useful complement to the proposal tips, and it helps me confidently use words like complement. (Or should it be compliment? It's in the book!)

Sant quotes Cicero in his book to drive home the persuasion point. Hopefully both Cicero and Sant would accept this attempt at a persuasive close: Engineers need help to write persuasively. Persuasive proposals must focus on the readers' needs. Sant's book delivers practical examples for how to meet these needs. "Persuasive Business Proposals" is so well-organized and fun to read that proposal writers will use it as a frequent reference. Ultimately, engineers (who write proposals) simply need sales from winning proposals. Sant's methods are sure to deliver more wins. If you sell, you should read and use this book.

I wish I had read this earlier in my career!
I have read many business books in my career and I was expecting this to be yet another "how to" book about the mechanics of writing. Boy was I wrong. Yes, writing techniques are covered thoroughly in Section IV. But first, you are firmly grounded in the customer point of view and the art of persuasion, learn how to distinguish between those "deals" you should go after and those you should forego, and gain insight into methods for organizing your thoughts and the whole proposal writing process. Before closing, the author leaves you with metrics to analyze and measure the success of your proposals so that you can incorporate "lessons learned" into future proposals.

I was looking for ways to improve my proposals but ended up with so much more... in fact, after reading this book, I plan to be more discriminating in responding to RFPs and when I do, I will use the techniques Tom offers in this book to make them more specific,customer-focused,and concise. I recommend this book to any person who is involved in the proposal process and wants to improve the effectiveness of their proposals.

The "Write" way to become a sales superstar!
Tom shows you in a clear and distinct manner how to convey to customers the value you can provide them. He demonstrates via numerous real-life examples how to make your proposal appealing to the different types of customers that will review them (purchasing agent, technical buyer, manager, president, ceo, and the like). He also makes you rethink how you conduct your sales call so you can gather the necessary information to make custom-tailor, value-driven proposals instead of generic boilerplates. The book reflects Tom's years of successfully working with sales forces and their customers worldwide to develop proposals that justify the solution and value proposition. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn easy, proven techniques that keep you in control of your meetings. This complete guide to effective meetings will show you how to prepare for success and end with results. It includes structured activities that keep everyone focused on your issues, practical techniques for dealing with unproductive participants, and essential considerations for high tech meetings. If you hold meetings, this book is a must! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Extraordinary tool for writers and analysts
As an IT consultant I do a lot of writing and create a lot of graphics to reinforce my words. Before discovering this gem my primary graphics reference was Information Graphics by Robert L. Harris, which is a comprehensive encyclopedia of technical graphics. Thinking Visually will not replace that book, but will augment it because this book is more of a how-to and is focused on 14 basic diagrams that I find myself using in one variation or another in nearly every project. The book is divided into three parts: (1) Introduction to Diagramming, which is among the best descriptions of diagramming and how to approach it that I've had the pleasure of reading; (2) APplying the Core Diagrams, and (3) Introduction to Diagramming, which is an extension of Part 1 that wraps up the book with excellent advice.

Part 2 is the heart of the book. The core Diagrams are divided into six groups: (1) MAPPING THE BUSINESS (System Maps, Mind Maps), (2) RELATIONSHIP AND INFLUENCE (Relationship, Tree, Influence), (3) CONTROL IN BUSINESS (Input/Output, Control), (4) CAUSATION (Multiple Cause, Fishbone [also called Ishikawa], Sign), (5) CHANGE (Force-field, Window), (6) FLOW (Flow, Ring).

Many of the diagrams have multiple instances. For example, flow diagrams can take the form of flow process, blocks, algorithms (flow charts) or netw