Book Description

Ole!

If you think you smell something at work, there's probably good reason -- "bull" has become the official language of business. Every day, we get bombarded by an endless stream of filtered, antiseptic, jargon-filled corporate speak, all of which makes it harder to get heard, harder to be authentic, and definitely harder to have fun.

But it doesn't have to be that way. The team that brought you the Clio Award-winning Bullfighter software is back with an entertaining, bare-knuckled guide to talking straight--for those who want to climb the corporate ladder, but refuse to check their personality at the door.

Why Business People Speak Like Idiots exposes four traps that transform us from funny, honest and engaging weekend people into boring business stiffs:

• The Obscurity Trap: "After extensive analysis of the economic factors facing our industry, we have concluded that a restructuring is essential to maintaining competitive position. A task force has been assembled..." These are the empty calories of business communication. And, unfortunately, they're the rule. The Obscurity Trap catches idiots desperate to sound smart or prove their purpose, and lures them with message-killers like jargon, long-windedness, acronyms, and evasiveness.

• The Anonymity Trap: Businesses love clones--easy to hire, easy to manage, easy to train, easy to replace--and almost everyone is all too happy to oblige. We outsource our voice through templates, speechwriters and email, and cave in to conventions that aren't really even rules.

• The Hard-Sell Trap: Legions of business people fall prey to the Hard-Sell Trap. We overpromise. We accentuate the positive and pretend the negative doesn't exist. This may work for those pushing Ginsu knives and miracle Abdominizers, but it's dead wrong for persuading business people to listen.

• The Tedium Trap: Everyone you work with thinks about sex, tells stories, gets caught up in life's amazing details, and judges everyone else by the way they look and act. We live to be entertained. We all learned that in Psychology 101, except for the business idiots who must have skipped that semester. They tattoo their long executive-sounding titles on their foreheads, dump pre-packaged numbers on their audience, and virtually guarantee that we want nothing to do with them.

This is your wake-up call. Personality, humanity and candor are being sucked out of the workplace. Let the wonks send their empty messages. Yours are going to connect.

Fast Company magazine named Why Business People Speak Like Idiots one of the ideas and trends that will change how we work and live in 2005.

So grab your cape and sharpen your sword. It's time to fight the bull! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful
The title of this book should be: Why Business People Speak Like Idiots: And How To Overcome Sounding Like One Yourself.

I'm saying this because the title doesn't accurately describe how many great recommendations and ideas the book contains, for improving communicating, influencing, and relationship building skills. This book is chock full of ideas to strengthen verbal, written and presentation approaches. After reading this book you'll never again sit through another jargon-filled, tedious meeting or presentation without harkening back to the concise, crisp ideas set forth in this book.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Excellent book! Its about time someone cut thru the esoteria
How many times have you read a phrase in a book, financial report, consultant's report, or technical journal that, when you finished, you asked, "What did that just say?" If this esoteric jargon drives you nuts, and makes you wonder why the author uses these terms/phrases, then WHY BUSINESS PEOPLE SPEAK LIKE IDIOTS: A BULLFIGHTERS GUIDE is a book to read. IDIOTS calls to task the disingenuous garbage many corporate types call "reporting." Many just wanting to get by will drink the koolaid and allow these items to pass without exception.

Fugere, Hardaway, Warshawsky are three consultants, "addicts" if you will, who have decided to get off the jargon-riddled bandwagon. They detail how generic corporate atmospheres have mutated business from one of communication and meaning to one of faux intellectual elitism. Those deriding this seemingly overwhelming problem have found that speaking to the masses is much easier when one tries NOT to speak Greek.

The three authors, in an effort to spread the word virally, have created a software program called, appropriately, Bullfighter. The purpose of the program is to scour MS Word and PowerPoint documents to rid them of "jargon-mania."

Every profession creates its own jargon so insiders can discuss their livelihoods in a form of esoteric shorthand. However, jargon becomes a problem when it is used to lord over others or make them feel inferior, Warshawsky said.

The authors have studied the reception to their concept by setting up shop in an ever-busy Starbucks to take a simple survey. They showed patrons one of two actual company writing samples: one was jargon-less, while the other was the typical junk-filled jargon-based smoke and mirrors. The authors asked the patrons to assign adjectives to each communiqué. The jargon-laden sample consistently earned words like "rude and obnoxious" while the clearly written one was called "energetic" and "friendly." 'Nuff said.

In sum, this book cuts directly to the chase of the confusing, mind-numbing rhetoric, and offers an alternative. As one who reads legal and financial documents for a living, this book fits the bill, and none too soon. If you read these types of documents in your work or are just tired of the insanity of double-speak, pick this book up and read it.

Highly recommended.

Great gift for your clients and collegues who are full of it
Easy and fun read on bull... more than just bull actually. Great insight into how things work in corporate america and how bull has affected so much of our lives. Great analogies and comparisons from current events makes the book an interesting and easy read.

This book will make a great gift for your clients, collegues, bosses and others who are full of it and you just can't tell them "Don't gimme none o' that jibba-jabba!".

Finally - it's OK to be "normal" at work...
Read the book cover to cover and have it sitting on my desk (I'm in Human Resources) for my colleauges to pick up, peruse, commit to memory etc.This book could not come at a better time, when being genuine and authentic in this world is so important.People want to forge real and effective connections at work - we spend a lot of time here.When there is a lack of bull, it's amazing how much you can get done.I am recommending our leaders across the company be given the book to read, as well as our new hires.Long live the bullfighters!

A Refreshing Look at Business
I found this book both enjoyable and useful for any businessperson. After reading the authors witty and candid views on business communications, I think of this book before every speaking/writing opportunity I have on a daily basis. I also appreciated the use of humor and the role it plays in making work a more personal and genuine place. The authors advocate a refreshing return to simplicity, which is long overdue inside of all our organizations. Do yourself a favor, read this and get a copy for your co-workers! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In a global economy, it is crucial for business peopleto be sensitive to cultural differences. And although the best reason for doing so may be ethical, it's great for business as well! This is an invaluable book for "doing well while doing good" in your intercultural relations, covering the protocols of appointments, business entertaining, greetings, forms of address, gestures, dress, and gifts in 60 of the nations you're most likely to be doing business. Some interesting excerpts:

• Australia:The "thumbs-up" sign, which in the U.S. indicates "O.K." is considered rude.
  
• Brazil:The colors of the Brazilian flag are green and yellow, so avoid wearing this combination in any fashion.
  
• China:Avoid making exaggerated gestures or using dramatic facial expressions. The Chinese do not generally use their hands when speaking, and become distracted by a speaker who does.
  
• Indonesia:Since it is impolite to disagree with someone, Indonesians rarely say "no"...a clear way to indicate "no" is to suck in air through the teeth.

The authors are very aware that no generalizations apply to all residents of a nation, and are careful not to stereotype or judge. Highly recommended to any business traveler--or any student of the diversity of human cultures.

(Note: a great companion volume for this book is Gestures, which is devoted entirely to explaining the varieties of hand gestures in 82 countries!) ... Read more

Reviews (19)

60 Mistakes
This book had come highly recommended, so I had hoped to be able to read it without finding numerous errors, but I was very disapointed. Not only were there entire countries missing but there was one piece of erroneous information which was repeated throughout the book in various chapters. A few of the countries I was not able to find were Austria, Cuba, Lebanon and Morocco. Austria may not be the biggest nation in the world, but that does not mean businesses do not exist there, and just because the US has an embargo against Cuba doesn't mean other English reading countries cannot do business there. Many European nations have open relations with Cuba that do not prevent them from business communications. In regards to the piece of erroneous information repeated throughout the book, in Chile, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Spain, and Venezuela, the book claims that Hispanic women change their last names when they get married. (This information may have been repeated in other Hispanic nations, but those were the only ones I read.) Hispanic women do NOT change their last names at any point in their lives. A Hispanic woman can be married half a dozen times and the last names she dies with are the same ones she was born with. Had it not been for the missing countries and repeatedly incorrect information I would have enjoyed this as a better resource.

Essential for any international business person
At first glance, you might think that a book that offers advice on business protocol in 60 countries would be superficial in its advice on each one. But this is a great "read" and browsing from country to country can emphasize the key cultural differences when you are visiting just one country. There's even a section on the US, and it's good to learn that we are almost the only country in the world where strangers get straight down to business (Ever asked a visitor:"How was your flight?" then realized you didn't even listen to the answer before launching into business.)

This book contains both the important practical matters (bring a gift, wrap it in certain colors, don't expect it to be opened in front of you) and also some interesting academic issues: "Locus of control" and "sources of anxiety reduction." You'll be pleased to know that Americans don't worry about anxiety much--except about deadlines at work.

Country-surfing can hurt
Not a bad idea, but this kind of superficial info can hurt you as much as it can help you - maybe a regional focus would be good?

Essential book if you work with people from other Countries
Fantastic book, I've been referring to this for nearly 10 years now since it first came out. Working as I do with many different cultures, and given the track record of my American Colleagues who don't know where Canada is (joke!) I've always found it ironic that it was an American team who wrote this book!
Anyone who is ever sceptical about the value of its content, I show them the pages for their Country, and within minutes they're sold on its value, even if there's something minor in there they can quibble about.
I especially rely on this book for the Business Practices (Appointments, Negotiating & Entertaining) and the Protocol (Greetings) sections.
I've worked in over 30 Countries, and this book has never let me down. The only times I've needed a Country that wasn't in the book was for Austria & Croatia, but you can't have everything!

Misleading and imprecise
When I bought this book, I wished to have a concise and reliable guide for "do's" and "don'ts" around the world. Well, at least I got a concise one.
I've been in some 20 countries and for most of them, the suggestions of this book would range from useless to misleading. Data about religion, for instance, seem to have been collected from old books, when the Latin America people could be classified as 97% Catholic.
Suggestions about dressing is also outated, with recommendations like 3-piece suites.
The greetings are also outdated: despite not being American, I know that currently, in USA, women (especially the 30-something and under) use to kiss each other in informal occasions, but this is not even mentioned.
And, as a Brazilian, I became marvelled to know that some people in Brazil speak "various Amerindian languages". The book only fails to tell me where ...
An advice: instead of buying this book, ask some friends: is costless and far more trustable. ... Read more

Book Description

A detailed blueprint for planning and executing special events with flair—and without unexpected surprises and expenses

Special events such as fundraising galas, conferences, and product launches are complicated, fraught with thousands of details, and have to come off without a hitch. This book gives readers practical advice on every aspect of organizing and managing special events, such as how to choose the best venue; preparing and managing the budget; scheduling; coordinating food and beverages; selecting decor, themes, and entertainment; media; and staffing.

Includes many forms, checklists, and tips for planning and managing events

• Features examples of events where things went right—and wrong
• Provides techniques to maximize savings and avoid surprises

Judy Allen (Toronto, Ontario) is President of Judy Allen Productions, a full-service event planning production company that designs, produces, and orchestrates special events worldwide. She is a speaker at industry conferences and a contributor to such publications as Meeting and Incentive Travel magazine and Toronto Special Events. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Live & Learn
As a spokesperson for a national woman's interest group, I now understand why taking my potential contributors to a gentlemen's club might have been a faux pas.

All inclusive Event Planning
Having planned many events in the past six years, I already had a great "base" of experience. I was looking for a great guide to cover all the bases. This is it! Each chapter details all aspects of event planning and prompts you to think about how you can apply the suggestions to your own events. I was inspired to think outside the box to make events more unique and memorable. Additionally, budgeting and proposal crafting were discussed to aid the event planner in making a succinct and accurate budget/proposal for a client. This book is a "must-have" for any serious event planner.

Movie Stars and Presidents
I thought this book was much to focused on "major" events. After the first couple of chapters I really felt that the book was focused on setting up elaborate events for VIP's. If you have a very high budget and need to entertain celebrities, then this book will be helpful.

Great read and reference for any type of event planner.
Even a seasoned event planner will enjoy the insights that Judy helps to reveal in her book. It is well layed out, even to the point of leading off with location first, which every event planner knows is the number one step in planning. The steps and points of looking for a location,includes detailed information on what to consider when looking. I particulary like the fact Judy includes using her website, which offers additional advice and insight based on her own experinces. I was hoping to read more regarding contracts but overall the book is A+.

A great find!
Judy turns what could have been a rather dry subject into one that is filled with lively stories and money and time saving tips! It's easy to read and for a beginner (which I am) she brought up numerous "thought provoking" questions, I'd never even thought of! Even seasoned event planners will gain a lot from this book-reminding all of the basic principles of "an ounce of prevention". This book is well laid out and flows easily-following a time-line that one must follow to pull off a successful event. I especially enjoyed the stories and tips.

All in all, I'd give this book a true "thumbs up". I will recommend it to anyone I know who is looking to engage in an event which will be long remembered. ... Read more

Book Description

As today's workplace becomes increasingly more competitive, knowing how to behave can make the difference between getting ahead and getting left behind. In The Etiquette Advantage in Business, 2nd Edition, etiquette authorities Peggy Post and Peter Post provide you with the all-important tools for building solid, productive relationships with your business associates -- relationships that will help propel you and your company straight to the top.

In this completely revised and updated edition, which includes three new chapters on ethics, table manners, and electronic communication, the Posts show you how to handle both everyday and unusual situations that are essential to professional and personal success -- from resolving business conflicts with ease and grace to getting along with your boss and coworkers; from making long-lasting contacts to winning clients and closing deals. They also offer up-to-date guidance on pressing issues such as harassment in the workplace, worker privacy, e-mail dos and don'ts, and knowing how and when to shoulder blame.

Written for business workers of all types and backgrounds, The Etiquette Advantage in Business remains the definitive resource for timeless advice on business entertaining, written communication, dressing appropriately for any business occasion, conventions and trade shows, job searches and interviews, gift-giving, and overseas travel.

No matter the situation in which you find yourself, the Posts will give you the confidence to meet the challenges of the work world with confidence and poise -- because today, more than ever, good manners mean good business.

Book Description

Who says nice guys finish last? In today's competitive business environment, good sense and everyday manners can make the difference between getting ahead and being left behind. In The Etiquette Advantage in Business etiquette authorities Peggy Post and Peter Post show you how to meet the challenges of the business world with the kind of self-confidence and poise that will propel you to the top.

Written for business people across the board, from the junior and mid-level range to upper management, from the home office worker to the overseas traveler, this comprehensive resource addresses all of the pressing issues in today's workplace. The Posts show you how to use personal skills to manage workers more effectively, make longer lasting contacts, win clients, and close deals--everything you need to know to get ahead in your career. In addition, they offer up-to-the-minute advice on such hot button issues as sex in the workplace, worker privacy, hiring and firing, and the relaxed standards on formality that are sweeping across many industries.

You'll also find practical advice on everything from writing persuasive business memos, letters, and e-mails to choosing the appropriate dress for both casual and formal offices; from planning and leading productive meetings to getting results at conventions and trade shows. There are tips on interviewing and conducting successful job searches; guidelines for business entertaining, from the company picnic to formal dinner parties; advice on using the latest technologies effectively--and courteously--and much more, including a detailed primer on the social customs you need to know when doing business abroad.

The CEO interview. the sales presentation to the board of directors. Dinner with the boss. Your assistant's annual review. The company picnic. The first meeting with a new client the start-up of your own business. The gift for your overseas host.

No matter the situation in which you find yourself, The Etiquette Advantage in Business will help you face the challenges of the corporate world with confidence. As today's workplace becomes increasingly more competitive, personal skills can make all the difference. Peggy Post and Peter Post will show you how to use everyday manners to get the results you want--and put yourself on the road to success.

Reviews (11)

A great read
A friend gave me this book, and I could barely stop browsing. Some of the information may be old hat, but the book works as a comprehensive guide to business etiquette. Also, the witticisms buried here and there gave me a good laugh.

Best in Class
We provide this book to undergraduate students enrolled in a business-engineering program to prepare them for situations they may encounter in their first jobs. These situations frequently fall into the "what you don't know you don't know" category of student knowledge.

Besides preparing them for their first encounters with formal behavior in "informal" business situations (often in job interviews), this book we believe will serve as a useful reference for them as they advance into management. The book is well-organized and well-written. It covers a number of very specific situations that, even if they never occur in one's direct experience, convey the elements of common sense and consideration that underly all etiquette.

The authors thankfully avoid spending time on how to arrange the seating at a state dinner or how to address the Belgian ambassador, a common mistake in books of this genre. What they offer is practical, useable advice on the types of real social interactions that occur in business. A very useful book and well worth the price. Definitely five stars.

A real winner
The Posts cover business etiquette so well that anyone will benefit from the information in this book. A terrific job in every respect!

A definite career booster!!
This book is very informative! It contains many practical applications that we all take for granted from time to time. Subjects such as non-verbal communications, eye contact, introducing acquaintances...this book has it all! And it's appicable to every aspect dealing with people, both socially and in a business setting! A true survival guide...it boosted my confidence, and has boosted my career to new heights!!!!
A++

An excellent all-around etiquette book.
This book is filled with practical advice for practically every occasion. I bought The Etiquette Advantage years ago, and it helped me tremendously. Now, I work in Career Counseling and have passed along the information to many grateful people. ... Read more

Book Description

In a nation recovering from economic turmoil, today's business men and women need every advantage to keep precious jobs and get new and better jobs. In the CHIC SIMPLE DRESS SMART books, veteran style mavens Kim Johnson Gross and Jeff Stone walk readers through the basics of building a work-appropriate wardrobe that provides a look of confidence and competence, and expresses personal style. Whether its buying the right blazer for a middle management position, or assembling the most versatile pieces for someone just entering the workforce, these savvy and informative guides provide the straight answers to how people can put their most positive image forward at work. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

a must for any working woman
This book is a must-have for women who are in the workforce. I have used this book as a resource for how to dress and how to plan my wardrobe effectively. I also lend this book to the younger women in my company who often feel that they don't have the capital to wear a top-notch wardrobe.

The book is very up-to-date and gives very simple instructions on how to plan your wardrobe based on your office environment (corporate to casual) as well as by your stage in your career. Unlike many other books, Dress Smart does not insist that you have an ever-increasing wardrobe, but insists on smart choices that offer versatility as well as flexibility, while being polished and smart. The casual guidelines are great, as are the quotes from various industry leaders. The back gives you information on all the clothes highlighted, so you can go to those retailers (or ebay) as needed. Of particular interest is the importance placed on good tailoring. Many people do not understand the need to tailor your clothes, and that is the detail that can make an inexpensive suit go over the top.

If you work where anyone will ever see you, then I recommend this book.

Untitled
I really love the Chic Simple books ... I find the photographs, text and lay out to be really inspirational and compelling on a daily basis i.e. we all have to get dressed each day, and these books (especially "What Should I Wear?" - my real favourite) have made it more fun for me to wear, and buy, my clothes and accessories. There is one matter about this new book which has disappointed me in only a small way, and that is that the authors have chosen to use certain photos and text from older books in this, their new book. I dislike paying for the same content twice. I also had very high hopes for this new book, the first new 'big' fashion/wardbrobe-planning book by these authors for some years now, and was a bit cheesed off to find the same images/text, apparently recycled. It's just a small thing, but it seems to me to be a little lazy on their part. That said, I'm still a fan of the book, and wish I'd had it years ago when I started my first job (I wear suits for work & this book really focuses on that look and how to 'polish' it or expand upon it). This would be a great book for a recent graduate, or for the library of a corporate employer looking for a simple yet thorough and elegant style guide for their staff.

Fabulous!
This book does an excellent job of getting you from nothing to wear to a closet of every possible wardrobe nessessity for the office. The organization is fantastic, going from one interview outfit and then starting a collection of business appropriate clothing based on four suits. Great book for someone getting a promotion, returning to work after a leave of absense, or a new college graduate.

Love the book
Although I do not work in a field that requires suits---I couldn't pass this book up. There may be a time I need to know how to dress for a business lunch, etc. The point is this book is a must have for all woman entering the work arena again or for young woman just getting out of college. The pictures are wonderful and the advice is perfect as in the other Chic books. I love this book..........

Great resource for work wardrobe
This book is broken down into three sections: the interview, succeeding in the job, and getting a better job. It fits anyone that works and give excellent advice. Of course, the pictures are a wonderful asset. This would make a great gift for any career woman. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent book on how to behave in China
Very clear and easy to understand, I recommend that any business traveler to Asia read this to avoid social faux pas. I also recommend that they read "New Asian Emperors" by George Haley to understand how their potential partners or competitors may think.

Insightful!
Scott D. Seligman brings his considerable experience working and living in China to this revised and updated edition of his classic guide. James McGregor, the former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said the original classic, "should be a mandatory carry-on item for all business travelers to China." More than a how-to, this is an updated, candid, and thorough tour of protocol, manners, and culture. It delves deeply into the reasons for Chinese behaviors, and shows how you can deal effectively with any business or social situation. We at getAbstract recommend this book to anyone visiting or working in China, or dealing with the Chinese professionally or socially in any country.

Great introduction to working in China!
If you're planning on doing some business in China and are unfamiliar with Chinese customs- do yourself a favor and read this book. Concise, well written and informative, Chinese Business Etiquette is a good introduction to getting by in the Middle Kingdom.

Besides helping you to do business in China, this book can also prevent you from looking like a complete moron in a Chinese social situation. ... 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

Book Description

From the Internet and e-commerce to contract work and globalization, the way we work and communicate is drastically changing. But keeping up with high-tech advances doesn't relieve any of us from paying attention to the little things-the details that demonstrate our ability to communicate and interact with others on a professional level regardless of our position or occupation. Now Barbara Pachter offers 601 essential ways to approach every business situation and relationship with confidence and ease. Organized into fifty subject areas, from handling sticky situations and successful socializing to your professional image and global business issues, When The Details Count is the perfect quick-read companion for every busy businessperson who wants to shine and succeed in every situation. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Quick and Easy Guide for professionals
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read book that gave good examples and good advice. Many times there were situations mentioned that I would have never thought would have mattered in a business environment. I learned many things on how to handle myself and appearance in a professional way. Many of the things mentioned in the book are easy to implement and take little time, others are larger. I would recommend this book to every student before entering the business work place. ... Read more

Book Description

Have you ever walked into a room full of strangers -- be it a business function, a meeting, or a cocktail party -- and felt uncomfortable?  In the NEW How to Work a Room, " The Mingling Maven" Susan RoAne provides the tools and techniques for savy socializing in all situations so that you are comfortable in any room.  She identifies the roadblocks that prevent us from meeting new people, developing new contacts, and establishing connections that build personal and professional relationships. Susan offers a practical remedy to overcome each roadblock. You will learn how to mix chutzpah with charm to start and end conversations smoothly, know when and how to use humor , and follow the simple rules of etiquette in an emerging manner. Incorporating a decade of feedback from hundreds of presentations, as well as the new chapters " How to Work A Virtual Room" and "How to Work the Techno Toy Room," How to Work a Room is a book that will change your life.

Reviews (21)

A good book with some common sense
I bought the first edition of this book and just finished reading it. I found the first 4 chapters very helpful. The first chapter deals with roadblocks that we have that prevent us from meeting and speaking to people. The Second chapter, focused on removing those road blocks. The Third chapter focused on the benefits of attending events. The fourth chapter on Charm & Chutzpah was more motivational.

I found That Ms Roane, does a good job of showing us roadblocks that we may have not even realized that we had. Once we have identified these issues we can go to work on removing them so that we can improve our business life. From the title of the book I was expecting a guide on manipulation. However, this book is far from that. It's mostly about presenting yourself in a positive light by showing interest in others while at the same time keeping focused on your goal of making business contacts.

In this regard it's a positive book, because let's face it, most of us can see through manipulation, or insincerity. I didn't find all of the book applied to me at this time. For instance the sections on trade shows. However, this doesn't diminish the book, because it's a book that can be constantly refered to through different stages of your business life. This book focuses on business, but the skills are transferable to your personal life as well.

Aslam Mohammed

Very Basic
This book will probably be helpful if you want an easy-to-read guide to the very basics of networking and socializing.

She lays out intuitive, easy-to-follow lists of rules and principles, such as how some of the manners you were taught as a child can become obstacles to meeting people, like, don't talk to strangers. And she perscribes some easy-to-remember, non-threatening tactics for overcoming these fears, such as questions like "I've never been to one of these meetings before. Is there always such a good turnout?"

But I found that most of her major points were fairly common sense. Is it really that helpful to know that arrogance, not listening and poor hygiene will impair your ability to meet people? Or that you should bring business cards to a professional event?

If you feel your social skills are really at ground zero and you need help getting started, this will be a useful guide. But if you're looking for more advanced techniques and ideas for to engage people and loosening yourself up, it's way too easy. It certainly didn't change my life.

I'm now reading Bernardo Carducci's book, "Shyness". It has a much more theoretical and holistic approach--I'll post a review on that book's page as soon as I finish it.

People who love people
Who would want to "work a room"? Someone trying to sell something, maybe? If you're not selling anything overtly, this book will not be of interest. I say overtly because, as someone once pointed out, we're all selling something, but we need not do so overtly or manifestly. But by our behavior. Actions and words and all. This book, and others like it, all have us looking outward for gratification, basically from other people, people "in the room." "In the room" can be a metaphor for the "in crowd." Do you want in with the in crowd? Maybe you'll learn some tools from this book. Then again, you might do better looking inward at yourself. Listen to one of the great modern inward-seekers, Vernon Howard (excuse the gender specificity, it's an old book): "A man owes nothing to any other human being on earth except to be himself, but since few see this, most men stagger under the burdensome debt of artificial behavior. It is a tragic illusion that we can do anything for others before we have done something for ourselves." The writer of "How to work a room" is essentially focusing on how to improve your artificial behavior. Diximus.

Good reminder list, but not well written
This is a decent book to remind us all of what we need to be doing. Although much of it is just common sense, seeing reminders doesn't hurt. There is nothing profound in it.

Unfortunately, it's not well written. This makes it somewhat painful to read and detracts from its credibility. For example, it's "chock full" of trite phrases and the inappropriate use of quotation marks. Both of these writing problems suggest that the author was not entirely comfortable with what she was saying. I still gave Ms. Roane the benefit of the doubt; perhaps she's more of a verbal person than a writer, and verbal communication is the main focus of the book.

WOAH - I wasted my money AND my time
I wish I could give this book less than a star because even 1 star is too generous for this book. The first chapter is quick to cite the important points in working a room (points that you can learn from just any other book on conversation) and the rest is just nonsensical repetition of the same facts again and again. All in all, the book has too many flaws and a too little new material to be of any value. ... Read more

Book Description

As featured in the New York Times and Reader’s Digest "An eye-opener into the pitfalls awaiting the unaware traveler." —Washington Post "Can save the innocent abroad from great gobs of serious trouble." —Chicago Tribune Before you raise your hand to signal the waiter, extend your thumb to hitchhike, or flash the "O.K." sign with thumb and forefinger, Stop! Think of where you are and exactly what you are trying to say—otherwise you could create an international incident. Remember when President Bush thought he was flashing the "V" for Victory sign to cheering Australians? (See inside.) Exploring the ins and outs of body language from head to toe, this newly revised and expanded edition of Roger Axtell’s indispensable guide takes you all around the world of gestures—what they mean, how to use them, and when to avoid them. This latest edition includes:

• Updates about the 200 most popular gestures and signals—and dozens of new examples
• New sections covering special gestures—from American Sign Language and tai chi to flirting and kissing
• Information to guide you through gestures country by country—from Switzerland to Japan, Nigeria to the Netherlands
• Amusing anecdotes and helpful hypothetical scenarios

Reviews (7)

Interesting
This book is good to read in general terms as it attempted to explain the gestures from all around the world. Sometimes, it's amusing to read & at times, I would be loss for words as what I thought was the right things to do in certain countries is actually considered as rude or obscene. Perhaps, it's the kind of book that you can read in the plane or just as a matter of interest. The presentation is rather text book-ish with bullet points, occasional pictures to ease readers' boredom, something like a PowerPoint presentation. I guess that denotes the writer's background being a prominent guest speaker.

Useful, interesting and funny
This is a nice book. If you are going to travel abroad or you meet foreign people, you would like to know what these people understand from your body language. Of course, the book also gives you good material for chatting with friends from anywhere (including your own coutry).

Don't expect the book to tell you what a gesture means in every part of the world or to show you every gesture used in some part of the world. The book of course doesn't do such a hard task, though it tries: it explains you the gestures that are generalized (or most common) in a country. However, be always aware that there are exceptions and gestures you should know and are not included in the book.

Below are some questions you'll answer reading the book. In some cases the book gives you also the explanation about the gesture (what it comes from).

Where should you avoid the "OK sign"?
Where should a man enter before a woman?
Why Latin people get closer to you when talking?
How should you bow in Japan?

"Thumbs up!"(U.S.)
Very helpful, amusing,well-organized, and no unnecessary information. For our diverse society, this is good to have on hand. connie338 shipped the book right away, too. Thanks!

High interest for middle school students
I've added the three Roger Axtell titles to my classroom
for use during silent reading period. My students have learned
a lot about cultural differences and what is deemed acceptable
social behavior around the world.

The language of the body is imperative!
Usually one does not think overly much about how one conducts one's body language. However. according to this book in question, i.e., Gestures : The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World by Roger E. Axtell, Mike Fornwald (Illustrator)is in fact imperative. For instance, thumbs up which means a-ok in the US can get you in real trouble in Australia is seen as obscene. ... Read more

Book Description

While the basics of business etiquette remain the same, there are many situations that need redefinition and rethinking in today’s business world. How do you promote the right sort of relationships in the global office? What are the new rules for the way we dress and converse with clients, colleagues, and bosses? What about the new rules for business entertaining, conferences, trade shows, and travel?

Whether you’re a new player in the working world or a veteran of the workplace, Business Etiquette For Dummies will clear up confusions about the complexities of social interactions in modern business. It doesn’t matter where you work or whom you work for, by displaying proper business etiquette you can give your career a boost and grow both professionally and personally.

Business Etiquette For Dummies will get you acquainted with the etiquette of today’s business, and help you build relationships and avoid potentially embarrassing situations. From dealing with the challenges of e-mail to entertaining foreign clients, this friendly guide will walk you through the new rules of business etiquette and show you why they are so important. You’ll also discover how to:

• Become a positive part of your office environment
• Deal with difficult people and ethical dilemmas
• Avoid business entertainment no-no’s
• Survive conferences and trade shows
• Take inventory of your wardrobe
• Handle cyber communications smoothly
• Send all the right signals with your body language
• Navigate today’s multicultural workplace
• Recognize and handle common conversational faux pas

Reviews (2)

Excellent overview
This is an excellent overview of the subject of business etiquette in the new millennium. Chock full of advice and tips. Look forward to more from these authors.

Why not ?
Useful skills help to stand in the business world. Follows the legible formats in Dummies series. An interesting reading material to dig in on weekends, with serious rules to practise in the real world. No longer a dummy if follows what the book says. ... Read more

Book Description

Foreward written by George H. Bush.

An indispensable volume that shows how to succeed in business by using the Bible and its lessons as a source of inspiration and guidance.

In 1990, David L. Steward founded his company, Worldwide Technology, Inc., on a shoestring budget and borrowed money, well aware of the high-risk nature of the venture he was undertaking. Despite the fact that he was a novice entrepreneur, he was certain he would succeed. Steward believed intensely that God wouldn't let him down. Doing Business by the Good Book shares the inspiring lessons culled straight from the Bible, that Steward used to build his privately held billion-dollar company into a global information technology enterprise.

In Doing Business by the Good Book, Steward delivers 52 chapters, each accompanied by scriptural passages that emphasize their impact on his personal struggle to build a billion-dollar business. Included are chapters such as:

-- Being a Customer-Driven Company
"In everything do to others as you would have them do to you." (Matthew 7:12)

-- Implementation
"Be doers of the world, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves." (James 1:22)

-- Praise and Recognition
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it." (Proverbs 3:27)

-- Good Leadership
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

-- Consistency "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Doing Business By the Good Book: 52 Lessons On Success Strai
David Steward's book should be required reading by all pastors and in all churches as well as in today's business world. It's wonderful! Easy to read, yet weighty in substance. Using biblical principles, David successfully shows a spiritually, mature integration of these principles and his faith with success and business workplace ethics. Churches could also benefit from this refreshing viewpoint of "doing business by the good book" and note that this "good book" is just as good for religous business. I see this book being used to teach biblical ethics and for bible study and Sunday School (one lesson X 52 weeks).

Powerful business book using thebible as a guide
Perhaps if someone less successful in business than David L. Steward and Robert L. Shook wrote this guide book, readers would chuckle over the concept that the Bible offers sage advice on business practices. Business ethics seems an oxymoron as the Golden Rule of Wall St. seems that them with the gold makes the rule (look at who has access to Mr. Bush, Mr. Clinton or those fiefdoms we dub Congress). However, cynicism aside, Mr. Steward and Mr. Shook makes a strong case that those who follow biblical guidance have a very high chance of success.

The authors break the self help book into fifty two topics such as good leadership, empowerment, networking, conviction, etc. Each chapter contains a brief definition, scripture quotes, and examples of success. The advice is solid as the topics are relevant and biblical citations and parables fit quite soundly in today's information age. This is an insightful and interesting book that encourages people to conduct business activities in a positive manner straight from the bible. Ye who doubt must not forget Abraham. He was the leading businessman of his time until he hears a voice in his head. Heeding the advice, he sells the business, relocates and gives the choice beach front property to his nephew. Following that lordly voice in his brain he becomes the leading businessman again.

Harriet Klausner

Stand on Reason
Let's quit relying on allies in the sky to justify our ethical principles. Instead, let's be rational grownups of the 21st century. For a more cogent analysis...not to mention one that is better written, see Michael Berumen's Do No Evil: Ethics with Applications to Economic Theory and Business

Inspired Work
DOING BUSINESS BY THE GOOD BOOK is an inspiring collection of business truisms based on Biblical teachings. The author of the book, David Steward, is a very successful businessman and the founder and CEO of a billion dollar company called World Wide Technologies. Establishing his company in the highly competitive "tech" field was not easy, especially when there were countless naysayers who doubted that a small minority business could garner success in this area. However, Steward credits his commitment to God's principals as the driving force behind his corporate success. Already known as a dominant business leader, David and his wife were asked to teach a Sunday School class for business people. It is this Sunday School class, called Doing Business by the Book, which provided the material for this powerful book.

The lessons in the book are set up in an easily understood manner. Each of the 52 lessons has its own theme and includes a scriptural passage relating to the particular theme. The actual "meat" of the lesson includes the author's interpretation of the scripture and his own experiences with the theme. Steward provides readers with a wealth of information and willingly uses his own experiences as examples.

While this book is targeted towards a business audience, the lessons will motivate anyone who reads it. The book covers a broad array of subject areas, including planning, communication, networking, and flexibility. However, the most powerful message in the book is that our morals and values should be upheld in all aspects of our lives, including the professional arena. David Steward provides relevant, hard-hitting food for thought and his personal experiences are just as powerful as the Biblical lessons he teaches. DOING BUSINESS BY THE GOOD BOOK will provoke readers to examine themselves and consider the word of God before making decisions in their lives. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay

of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

A real classic
There is a handful of terrific books by terrific writers ... few are better than what Robert L. Shook and Dave Steward have put together. ... Read more

Book Description

The ultimate guide to international behavior…now completely updated and expanded! Do’s and Taboos Around the World 3rd Edition "Roger Axtell is an international Emily Post." —The New Yorker "Can help you make friends [and] avoid travel trouble." —BusinessWeek "Helpful…fun to read…" —Steve Birnbaum The first two editions of Do’s and Taboos Around the World helped thousands of high-powered executives and tourists avoid the missteps and misunderstandings that plague the world traveler. This updated and expanded Third Edition provides even more facts, tips, and cautionary tales—gleaned from the experiences of more than five hundred international business travelers—as well as:

• Information on protocol, customs, and etiquette; hand gestures and body language; tipping; American jargon; and the international communications crisis
• Up-to-date advice on dealing with the monumental changes in Russia, Germany, Eastern Europe, the People’s Republic of China, and other locales
• A new chapter on business gift-giving and gift-receiving customs, with country-by-country gift suggestions and precautions
• A special quick reference guide to customs and mores in 96 countries, including revisions and updates from foreign embassies and consulates

Reviews (8)

A Great Resource for International Travelers
The basis of this wonderful book is to show the customs, protocol and laws in societies that may be vastly different from the society in which you live.

The book is categorized according to country, and includes cartoon type illustrations of face gestures, hand and arm gestures, and what they mean. In some countries the same gesture has a completely different meaning, which anyone who uses a lot of body language would do well to learn.

The section on Graceful Gift Giving brings valuable insight so as not to insult anyone from different lands, as gift giving is viewed in different ways according to different cultures.

Whether you are going on a business trip, or are traveling for academics or adventure overseas, it is important to learn the customs of each country.

On a personal note, if you ever go to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, do NOT sit on the rock from which Mohammed Ascended (as I innocently did to pray for world peace) because you can be murdered or jailed for that alone - unless you happen to have a professor who is fluent in Arabic that saves you from harsh penalties, which I was fortunate enough to have. ASK about the Sacred sites in Sacred lands BEFORE you attempt to touch or sit on anything.

Do's and Taboos also provides commonly used terms spelled out phonetically from many lands, so that you can converse among the locals graciously.

Highly recommended for all international travelers.
Barbara Rose, author of, 'Individual Power' and 'If God Was Like Man'

advice for the business traveler, tourist, or EFL teacher
Do's and Taboos Around the World was written in the mid-eighties for American businessmen who regularly traveled abroad meeting foreign clients. I bought this book to help teach culture shock to my Japanese EFL students, and, by and large, I am quite pleased that I have it on my shelf. Even though there is a lot less information about women than men, and some information, such as gift giving, appears to be specifically for business people, there is enough general information about many different countries' cultures to make interesting reading. The chapter on body language and gestures appeared to be well researched, and my students were able to learn many things from teaching material that I made using the book as a reference. There may be some people who would read Do's and Taboos and say that the author has distilled a nation's people to a simple stereotype, and to a point I wouldn't be able to disagree with that. However, if I ever found myself in the company of people whose culture I were ignorant of, it would be nice to be able to scan this book for do's, taboos, likes and dislikes, and give myself a reasonable introduction on what I might be likely to encounter. This book is most useful for business travelers, but it is also useful for tourists and travelers, or anyone living in a culture other than their own.

A wonderful guide to the do's and taboos around the world!
No book is more need then this book in question, e.g., Do's and Taboos Around the World by Roger E. Axtell (Editor). Especially since we are becoming a global village where business knows no bounds and a savvy traveller should be prepared for anything and everything. For instance, in this book, Mr. Axtell guides the unitiated businesman in the art of dining, and says that yes one should eat everything that is being served by the host, e.g., if monkeys brain or sheeps eyes, are the culinary specialty or considerd heute couture in your host country; then one is obliged to go ahead and eat it. Since, not parktaking in the feasting on the speciality or heute couture can be seen as a major snub, cultural elitism or even worst the host feeling as if his guests viewied their dish as something barbaric that only cavemen or wild dogs eat. I loved the book and I can not wait to try some local specialities since diversity of food, culture and customs is the spice of life.

Dos and Taboos
This title offered so much promise. I was really looking forward to reading it and ofcourse decided to start by checking the two countries I know really well, Australia and Japan. Well disappointment just isn't strong enough. How can you trust a book that makes major errors when talking about cultures that you know? Frankly, I can not recommend this book to anyone given the inaccurate out dated infomation I found in the two countries I know really well... Surely there are better books on foreign cultures than this. If not it is not suprizing that Americans have difficulty in understanding people from other countries!

To do or not to do
I bought both this book and Axtell's 'Gestures' to help with research I am carrying out. I have not read either from cover to cover yet, as I have been brought to a confusing full stop. In 'Gestures' I am told that in Egypt one should eat everything on the plate, and yet in 'Do's and Taboos' I am told that it is impolite to eat everything! There is also a discrepency in the meaning of the 'two finger tap' - in 'Gestures' this means 'let's be together' but in 'Do's and Taboos' it is rude and indicates either that a couple are sleeping together or that you are being invited to sleep with the tapper! With anomolies such as these appearing just from the first country I have looked at, I feel I cannot take any of the information offered as reliable. The books are therefore, in my view, only to be considered as light reading giving a very rough overview but bearing in mind that there are errors which could lead to very embarrassing situations - and the whole reason for buying the books was to avoid such situations. ... Read more

Book Description

Who hasn’t been frustrated by the unnecessary stress and aggravation caused by troublesome co-workers?

This hard-hitting desktop book provides all the proven techniques and strategies to create better relationships with the people at work who can make life miserable.

Conveniently organized in an A-to-Z format for quick, easy reference, Solomon offers practical ways to turn awkward situations to your advantage.Learn to cope with hostile, presumptuous, manipulative, or critical co-workers, and get cooperation as well as respect from colleagues. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Learn the art of Communicating.
Well, Well, I find this book 'terrific' to say the least.
The arrangement of text(especially 'capitals') is simply wonderful. I learnt more and educated myself in the process. It was more like reading a novel. I would highly recommend you to read this book, but keep it away from the sight of 'Co-workers/Boss(for your own good!). I wish I could have a video of this book, I mean it would definitely help. Words once uttered, cannot be taken back, so it is better to polish it so that it conveys the intended meaning and gets the appropriate results when dealing with not only 'Difficult people' but everybody.
After some time, you will enjoy working with 'Difficult people', because they are usually the ones who have talents that have been overlooked. Take heart.

Only an OK book
There is some useful information in the book. The book is divided into many different situations and types of people and this is useful. However many sections are very shallow and it seems that the sections that deal with the most difficult people tend to blame it on the recipient rather than the perpetrator. Also, there is a tendency to helplessness in the face of the worst offenders, i.e. there is nothing you can do. In reality this is seldom the case. But the desired actions may be dramatic and have far reaching consequences. It seems the book is written so as to offend none when some should be offended.

Read "Winning with Difficult People" instead
Try reading "Winning with Difficult people" instead of this book. This book did tell me about certain types of people and how to deal with them, but it didn't go into deal about why they are the way they are to others.

Good understanding for what motivates difficult people
I bought this book when it first came out over a decade ago. It's a classic (or should be). It covers the behavior in groups (e.g. "Pushy/Presumtious People", "Exploitive People") and further divides each group into how it is manifested in Bosses, Peers, and Suborbdinates. The author is very perceptive in describing the patterns, what insecurities drive people to behave that way, and methods for dealing with them. The advice is very practical and appropriate to the case. Sometimes it's on the order of "give them some attention to get a return", sometimes it's "define your boundaries" and sometimes it's "this is toxic, walk away." ... Read more

Book Description

When slighted, misunderstood, cut-in-front-of, annoyed, takenadvantage of, or treated rudely, most people avoid their bosses, ignore co-workers,change hairdressers, complain to friends, shout and pound their fists. They often miss themost positive, effective alternative of all: confronting positively. Now, for everyone whowas never taught, or never realized, that between "bully" and "wimp" is a range ofbehavior that is positive, dignified, and effective for dealing with life's bothersomesituations, there is The Power of Positive Confrontation.This practical, step-by-step guide will not only improve your ability to confrontothers, but will also help you to live a more conflict-free life. Filled with hundreds ofreal-life examples drawn from communications expert Barbara Pachter's twelve years ofteaching assertiveness and business etiquette to more than 150,000 people at allorganizational levels, The Power of Positive Confrontation will show you how to:• assess your usual confrontational style • identify the main reasons why you many not be confronting • understand the consequences of not confronting or confronting negatively • learn how to evaluate another person's behavior in a conflict situation• master the three essential steps of polite and powerful behavior • recognize vital verbal and non-verbal factors that can help ensure a positiveconfrontation • handle difficult conversations, no matter what the circumstances. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Perhaps three chapter's worth of usable content
It's only natural for a popular self-help speaker with a truly great message to want to put it into book form. The Power of Positive Confrontation teaches a truly great technique for confronting others that will help everyone who has trouble standing up for him or herself. Too bad there's only about three chapter's worth of actual content in its sixteen chapters. Instead the author gets into telling us how to dress for success, how to convey the information that a friend or loved one is in the hospital, do's and don'ts of International Travel along with several chapters of warm-up before finally getting to her actual WAC technique. Don't get me wrong, I still recommend this book highly but an abridged cassette version would be a lot less painful.

Why Win-Win" Is So Much More Effective Than "Zero-Sum"
With Susan Magee, Barbara Pachter carefully analyzes all of the skills anyone needs to resolve conflicts at work, home, and in life. Confrontation is inevitable. Think about it: What REALLY upsets you? How about "road rage" when someone else cuts you off, tailgates, deliberately forces you to the side of the road, etc.? Or how about "office politicians" who lie both to your face and behind your back, thrive on hurtful gossip, and in countless other ways try to advance themselves at the cost of others? Make no mistake about it: Negative Confrontation also has power.

Pachter has a specific objective in mind: To enable those to read the book to master the skills needed to resolve confrontation is positive, constructive, and beneficial ways. As indicated in the Preface, she wants each reader to be able to say "I don't feel frustrated any more..." or "In the past I would have sulked or complained until the person got the hint, now I can just say something..." or "Annoying things don't bother me as much because I know I can say something now."

The book consists of 16 chapters, ranging from "Positive Confrontation -- What It Is and How It Can Make Your Life Better" to "International Etiquette", with Chapter 16 followed by a "Final 12-Step Pep Talk." Over the course of the book, Pachter covers just about every conceivable situation in which conflict can occur at work, home, and in life. I think this book will be invaluable to individual readers as well as to senior-level executives who can use much of the material to help those whom they supervise to master the same skills.

What A Life Saver!
I've never been very good at confrontation; I always feel like I've said or done the right thing in the wrong way. This book changed that for good. Positive confrontation is something we all aspire to but rarely achieve. I've used what I learned in this book to deal with issues at work and at home -- and it works! Now I handle confrontation in the "right" way, and things work out much better both for me and for the person on the other side of the issue. This is a great book!

The Power of Positive Confrontation
Using the techniques I learned in this book, I was finally able to confront my mother in law and my co worker about things that have been bothering me without getting upset. It worked! I found out that I was using self-discounting statements and my body langauge was a problem too. The book explains the WAC'em technique for getting your words together. The "W" helps you define what's bothering you and why. ... Read more