Book Description

Four masters of selling share their secrets and insights, on everything from meeting a prospective client, through the final close, in this unique boxed set that make a terific gift for any businessperson.

Includes: Negotiating the Game:Optimal Win-Win Negotiating (Herb Cohen), How to Sell Yourself (Joe Girard), The Academy of Master Closes (Tom Hopkins) and Secrets of Closing a Sale (Zig Ziglar). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Eighteen Stars Total!
Good salespeople are made, not born; to be successful in a sales career requires practice and training, and far more than just the video or workbook that most companies provide. To that end, there are two books that I encourage every salesperson to read - "Secrets of Closing the Sale" by Zig Ziglar and "The Art of Selling" by Tom Hopkins. With this audiobook collection, you get not only a sampling of those two master's works, but also the added benefit of hearing how they speak, when they pause, how they ask. Since selling is mostly speaking and listening, repeated observation of those skills will obviously improve your technique, don't you agree?

Along with Tom's urban style and Zig's southern charm, this four tape set also contains the Jewish wit of Herb Cohen and the record-setting wisdom of Joe Girard. Whether lying in bed or driving to work, anyone who earns their living by the powers of persuasion should find a time and place to learn from these four masters of the craft. ... Read more

Book Description

The Leadership Wisdom of Jesus is a call to wise and compassionate leadership. Rather than looking to Jesus’ teachings to support preconceived theories of how managers should lead, Manz looks at the New Testament with an open mind. What he has found are powerful lessons that will inspire leaders and followers of any religious background.

This updated and expanded edition includes a new preface, a chapter on how to address issues like accountability and justice in relation to compassion and forgiveness, and suggestions for classroom use. It also features more insightful examples of leadership wisdom in practice. Remarkably contemporary, the lessons in The Leadership Wisdom of Jesus shed a penetrating light on the path to effective leadership and provide valuable insights on how topromote a more constructive and compassionate world for us all. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great for new managers and old who care for their followers
I am a Christian and was looking for a book on managagement that would help me to be a good leader and also help me learn to creatate a win-win type situation. I found that this book confurmed that what I have beendoing in regard to my leadership style is how God would have me to be. Ihave to say that Mr. Manz stretches for the passage and the subject tomeet, He in the most part does a very good job. I would recemmened thisbook to everyone, leader or not .It give good advice on how we should treatpeople.

Outstanding lessons in sound leadership practice.
I enjoyed Manz's perspective on leadership. In the age of mergers,aquisitions, and emphasis on the bottom line, Manz offers sound leadershipfor the business executive based on the fundamental wisdom of Jesus Christ.The subject manner offers huge challenges for the executive of today. Ideassuch as lead by serving, passiveness, lifting up employees, and leadershipthrough example are all sound but seem to be huge challenges in todaysworld. Those who are critical are unwilling to accept the challenge but itdoes work. It is refreshing to see a perspective based solely on the truth.Leadership based on the truth will not fail and I congradulate Dr. Manz onhis stance and his thoughts. ... Read more

Book Description

In today's changing business world, leaders face more challenges than ever before, whether from increased competition, new ways of reaching customers, or motivating people.

Leadership by the Book is an exceptional new book, brimming with insights, ideas, tools, and tactics for becoming a successful leader. Written in the parable format of Ken Blanchard's bestselling The One Minute Manager. and Raving Fans, it tells the story of a professor and a minister who school a young professional in management skills and ethics. Citing Jesus as a source for practical lessons in effective leadership, the authors explore the concept of "servant leadership" and offer simple strategies for bringing vision and values to any organization. Individuals will learn how to:

• Achieve goals without sacrificing character or faith
• Inspire and sustain commitment and others to give their best
• Build teamwork and celebrate successes
• Find personal passion and meaning in work

Sure to be required reading for managers and employees, Leadership by the Book can also be applied in day-to-day life by parents, coaches, entrepreneurs, and community leaders everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Excellent Idea, Severe Omission
Blanchard and Hybels and Hodges team up for an excellent perspective on leadership from a Christian point of view. While reaching out to the secular marketplace with valid concepts for servant leadership, they put together an excellent framework for leadership. The summary checklist, given on pp. 171ff., offer a helpful concise summary of the book. The glaring omission, and one that I can't believe that Hybels would make, is to clearly point out that following Jesus' style of leadership is absolutely impossible apart from first having a personal relationship with Jesus, in other words, you can't lead like Jesus if you don't have him in your life to help you. I can't believe that there wasn't at least an appendix for those who would like to pursue that issue further. I believe that the authors are posturing too much to get the secular audience to read the book. But for the Christian, it is an excellent book.

An excellent primer for servant leadership
Ken Blanchard's allegorical style leads the reader through a case study as we learn about the leadership style of Jesus. The story helps us get beyond the typical studies, charts and graphs of many leadership books and allows us to touch on the spirit and heart of true leadership.

This book will appeal to those persons who are intuitive and feeling. Ken leaves out the data and speaks to the heart of leadership.

A significantly different Christian leadership book than those put forth by John Maxwell.

Very Slow Story!
I was absolutely bored to tears while reading this book. I think that a lot of the suggestions towards better leadership are very well intentioned and are good ideas, but it is very heavy in religion. If you are a strong believer in JC then this book might appeal to you. I was sick of the many religious references by page 30. The story was also poorly written. I found myself having to re-read portions of the book to understand the point. The only thing I will remember from this book is EGO (you'll get it once you've read it).

Another great Blanchard book
Leaderhsip By The Book is another in a great string of management books. While many books scratch the surface of management and other delve into the minute details, Blanchard and his co-writers deliver practical, useable ideas in a common-sense manner that will allow the brightest of managers see new insights and the newest of managers see the bigger picture of the challenges ahead of them.
The story is told in parable format, similar to Raving Fans and Gung Ho (two books referred to within LBTB), which allows Blanchard, et al. to tell the story of a hard-charging businessman who had built a solid foundation for his direction and effort and had lost his way getting caught up in the fever of big business and big EGO. I'm confident most managers can identify with some of the mistakes made by Michael, the good guy that gets turned around, has a heart attack and finds his way back. The heart attack is symbolic of what often confronts leaders that allows them to see the wrong choices they make that are casued by EGO or other motivators that are not aligned with the idea espoused in this book called servant leadership.
You have to read this book. I am leading a leadership program at work and this book is the capstone of the program. Buy it and get a copy for all your employees who are in the position of leadership, whether in management positions or line positions.

Let there be leaders
This is yet another parable by Ken Blanchard in his characteristic style for driving home powerful messages. This story is around Michael the executive and his friends the minister and the professor. It clearly brings out the pressures experienced by a high-flying executive in his pursuit of success, that soon he loses his links with friends and guidance from the Lord.

Business leaders tend to assume themselves as masters to get things done through lesser mortals to achieve business goals. Their egos start bloating, denying them the true unconditional love bestowed on us by the Lord. EGO is aptly described here as "Edging God out".

The leadership model as described in this book is based on Jesus and, in my opinion has not been discussed in most management books on the topic.

Let there be leaders....who lead as servants of the Lord.

Highly recommended for all men and women who would like to lead in leading. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Fifteen Years Later, He's Still Retired
This book, along with Your Money or Your Life, changed our lives. By following the advice outlined in these two books, we were able to quit our jobs in our forties and pursue other interests. We have been free of the daily grind for over four years now, thanks in part to Paul Terhorst, Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez (authors of YMOYL).

In a conversational style, Terhorst explains how he realized his job was sapping the life out of him, and how he used his skills as an accountant to devise a plan that would enable him to retire at 39 years of age. Unfortunately, the specific financial advice he gives (invest in high-yield certificates of deposit) is no longer possible. But number-crunching is not the most important message that Terhorst has.

Cashing in on the American Dream advocates a no-nonsense approach to determining just what you want in life. Do you want to be free of working for others? Then it might mean giving up your car and dinners out. But it doesn't have to mean giving up what you really love (or need). Terhorst and his wife, Vicki, have been retired almost twenty years now and have spent much of it traveling the world. They have health insurance abroad, because it's cheaper than U.S. insurance, and better.

The Terhorsts have their own website and I like to check in on them once or twice a year. The fact that they have made their plan work all these years is more important than any advice they have. Cashing in on The American Dream is an inspiring book. If they could do it, why can't you?

A Classic on Early Retirement
Tired of life on the corporate treadmill, Paul Terhorst retired from his Accounting career at age 35.

The main premise of this book is that by tapping into equity you may already have (like your house), and keeping your expenses at a reasonable level, you may find that you are closer to retirement than you think.

A key component of Mr. Terhorst's philosophy is appropriately entitled "Don't work for your Assets".When you consider the amount of money that many of us spend on property taxes, car payments, car insurance, expensive toys, swimming pools, etc., who are we really working for? Are we working for ourselves or simply supporting our assets?His solution to this situation is to calculate how much those assets would be worth if they were converted to cash. When he went through the exercise for himself, he realized he had enough money to retire at age 35.

Many years after retiring and writing this book, Mr. Terhorst and his wife are still retired, doing what they want each day, instead of slaving away from 9 to 5 for someone else, which is a testament to the effectiveness of his early retirement philosophy.

An excellent book. Highly recommended.

John L. White, author "I'm in Debt, Over 40, With No Retirement Savings, HELP!"

This book is The Best,Adream realized
I know this book is out of print but if you get an opportunity to buy or read this book I would recommend it.And maybe, just maybe the author will update the book for this new century.I certainly hope so."Cashing in on the American Dream" the title says it all, financial independence and early retirement.
It may not be for everybody, but it appeals to many.

This book is a little dated when it refers to 8% CDs, but the concept is one which is timeless.The author, Paul Terhorst was featured in "Money" magazine several times and has a web site http://www..../.The author retired from his CPA job at KPMG to live the life of world travel and financial freedom.When he retired in 1984 he was making in excess of $125,000 a year.The concept works best where you have a high priced personal residence in a hot real estate market.The premise is that you sell your high priced house and your status car.Then you take the proceeds and invest it in a SAFE, CONSERVATIVE investment living off the interest and never touch the principle.You move to a lower priced area, either in the US or outside.A friend of mine spends much of his time in Costa Rica and tells me that one can still live there for $10,000 to $20,000 a year.I have been to Lake Chapala in Mexico where many Americans live a comfortable low cost life in a moderate temperate climate.A major consideration is health insurance and health care.Some people will be able to get continued coverage from their former employers or the employer of their spouse.For many people this does not work.

One of the basic concepts of the book is that you have money to begin with.If you have no money this process just won't work.But the author does have a chapter entitled "It takes less money than you think".People living in coastal/metropolitan US cities are used to high priced houses costing $500,000 and up.And this is not just Bill Gates type mansions.Regular middle class houses can cost that much in parts of the US.But at the exact same time there are places where houses are extraordinary inexpensive.In rural areas outside the commuting area of the big cities there are houses that sell for $25,000.

Just think about how much less you could live on if you didn't have a huge mortgage payment and a huge car payment.Terhorst talks about either not having a car or having a "station" car.That would be the kind of car that you could leave parked at the train station and have no worries about dents. Scratches, and scraps.There are plenty of older, some with low mileage cars around for low prices.Something like a Chevy Station wagon from 15 years ago or a Chrysler Cordoba.The purpose of the these cars is not to imress but just your basic cheap transportation.And if the repair bill gets too high you sell the car and buy another cheap car to replace it.

According to the author he has moved out of CDs when the interest rates fell and has a more traditional portfolio of low costs index funds.While living in Argentina him and his wife had an HMO, but currently are self insured and avail themselves of cheaper medical care outside of the US.And while there are places where $50 a day doesn't cut anymore like Paris, the author is still able to live with that self imposed budget in many places.

The author writes about a life of traveling to different places around the world but always living on $50 a day.That figure may need to be adjusted for inflation.This book provides one blueprint for independence that though dated should be thought provoking in the reader and your dreams and creative juices flowing.By looking at the author's website you can get a current update on their travels.In January 2003 they were in Bangkok, photos on website.This is a favorite book fo mine along with "Your Money or Your Like" by Joe Dominquez and Vicki Robin.

An Outdated Book for the Rich and Healthy
An interesting book, but really only workable if you have $400K--$500K in assets. What's worse, Terhorst assumes you'd be living off the interest generated by investing your assets in CDs earning a currently unheard of 8% interest.

In addition, the book doesn't touch on health insurance. I'm guessing that when he wrote the book almost 15 years ago, health insurance was far more affordable than it is now. Either that, or he was assuming that you could self-insure if your assets were so high.

I'd like to see this book updated for the 21st century--i.e. how to "live off your assets" when interests rates are 2% or less, and how to live on "$50 a day" (Terhorst's mantra) while still securing health care.

THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES
The author shows you that it is possible to get out of the rat race at an age much younger than the norm; all it takes is an idea, a goal and the commitment to not listen to the din of consumerism.

His book is a bit dated in 2002, CDs aren't paying as much and houses in most parts of the country aren't appreciating like they once were.But it's the idea that you can escape that makes the book such an interesting read.

I would also recommend Possum Living, Your Money or Your Life, and Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor.All three touch on the same subject though on different aspects of it.

Some people are happy with the traditional "9 to 5 'til you're 65" routine, and that's OK.But in poll after poll something like 70 - 90 percent of us would leave our present job given the opportunity.I think that fact is a function of the nature of the beast; I don't think we were evolved to end up living within the constraints of most typical employment.

Financial independence is not a pipe dream it is simply a goal that requires planning and execution the likes of which is simply beyond the attention span of most of us caught-up in the pleasures of immediate gratification at the expense of life-long servitude.

Our financial lives have failed to evolve. We spend our money, percentage-wise, almost exactly like people did 50 years ago.What is up with that?But I keep the faith, as we are a nation of pioneers. If we are ever to cash-in on the promise of our increased productivity (in the 50s they thought we'd only be working 24 hours a week by now), we need people with the fortitude to figure it out and pass it on.

Good luck if you're one of the pathfinders, I hope to hear from you. ... Read more

Book Description

Synchronicity is an inspirational guide to developing the most essential leadership capacity for our time: how we can collectively shape our future. Joseph Jaworski offers a new definition of leadership that applies to all types of leaders: community, regional, national, international, corporate, political. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Some day more books will be written this way.
Talking of dreams, magical moments with animals, following hunches and coincidences, dealing with the pains of personal history, talking about life as if it were an adventure story of wonder and self-discovery; you could say this is no way to write a book about business leadership. But thank goodness Joseph Jaworski, with the help of friends and a visionary editor, had the courage to do just that. Because the result is as profound as it is compelling. Dialogue is at the heart of Joe’s leadership philosophy, and the style and integrity of his writing is such that it draws the reader’s mind into just that state. His words are no dry treatise, they leave the page and make a direct emotional connection. Some day, more books will be written this way, and the world will be wiser for it.

The Power of Intuition Is the Irresistible Opportunity to Be
Many books about leadership view the subject as being akin to mechanical engineering. How do you get all those people (like cogs in a machine) to act in just the ways you want them to? Mostly written by leaders to describe their own experiences or by writers to explain what leaders told them, these books are unsatisfying in the extreme. Take a look at Flawed Advice and the Management Trap by Chris Argyris to get a further perspective on this problem. This book is totally different, and quite appealing.

Jaworski (son of Leon Jaworski, the famous special prosecutor of the Watergate scandal) tells of his personal journey from being a successful corporate lawyer to becoming someone who works on making leadership better for all of us. Like most personal journeys, this one has low points (his wife falling in love with another man and telling Jaworski to move out that day, his father not telling him that he loved him, and the deaths of a child of each of his two sisters) and some high points (breakthrough meetings with great thinkers and stimulating helpful change). You could read the book for this, and you would have the rewards of a nicely done biography of someone who is working towards living an exemplary life.

But there is more. Jaworski has accumulated some important insights into leadership that are well worth knowing. He makes an appealing case for servant leadership (the leader looks out for the group, rather than his self-interest). He also tells a fascinating tale of running the scenario development work at Royal Dutch Shell for 4 years. From this, he develops what seemed to me to be a profound insight: Scenarios can be used both to prepare for the future by helping us think through it in advance, and to create the future. That last thought provided me with a nice epiphany. Although I was very familiar with the Shell planning technique from the business literature and from talking to Arie de Geus about it, this implication had never dawned on me. I deeply appreciate learning this.

Beyond that, the book is a living testament to the importance of finding your true self and listening to the wee small voice of intuition that can steer you in the right direction. Jaworski to his credit has been quite willing to do both, and it has made all the difference.

Many books on leadership talk about the role as a state of being. That usually leaves me confused. Jaworski makes the same point, but through his personal history I was able to understand what he meant.

At another level, I found the book to be quite astonishing because it paralleled my own personal journal. I started out as a lawyer, heeded my inner voice to become a management consultant, and then heeded my inner voice again to become an author to spread important ideas about how people can become more effective in working with one another. He was fascinated by how to use scenarios to help the political transition in South Africa. I founded a company in the early 80s to find ethical ways for companies to leave South Africa while strenthening the position of nonwhite employees. I have read the works of everyone Jaworski cites in the book. At first, this seemed like a big coincidence. Then I realized that Arie de Geus is someone we both know, and he probably suggested more then a few of the authors to both of us. In fact, Arie de Geus played a pivotal role in the development of our new book, The Irresistible Growth Enterprise. Six degrees of separation is occuring all over again!

If you read this book, and read the works of those who Jaworski cites, you will have given yourself a valuable trip towards becoming the kind of signficant leader you have the potential to be. With the help of you wee, small inner voice, this should be an irresitible call to action!

Reads like a good mystery novel
My colleagues and I have been designing and facilitating leadership development programs for about 20 years. I've also served as a VP of three Fortune 500 companies. I recommend this book to everyone who is a leader or who wants to be one. Not only does it contain THE secret to true leadership, Mr. Jaworski has written his account so that it reads like a good mystery novel. You wonder what will happen next. And he has written this book from his heart. I hope our paths cross one day soon.

Good Story about Personal Reinvention
I read the book on the recommendation of a coworker. For me, it opened up my eyes to finding my type of leadership-in my case servant-leadership. His journey of personal reinvention is a joy to read especially as he learns what is truly important in life.

Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership
Ideas of Grandiosity.
I would suggest that the individuals mentioned in this book be interviewed for their version of the experiences. Then determine if this book has taken some "fictional" license. But wouldn't we all like to paint a fantastic autobiographical picture of ourselves especially if our lineage had someone truly outstanding in it. ... Read more

Book Description

In a fresh and innovative look at customer service, the authors present an entertaining story about an area manager with a rotten service record and his golf-playing good fairy who teaches him how to turn customers into raving fans. ... Read more

Reviews (65)

I'm a Raving Fan!
Kenneth Blanchard continues his trend of writing easy-to-read books with BIG ideas for making your business better. Raving Fans is a book of stories relating how fictional companies have created an environment of delivering awesome customer service. A guy that has just been put in a managment position requiring a turnaround goes on a fictional trip with his "angel" to visit businesses that have figured out their vision and their system to deliver customer service extraordinary. Based on three simple principles (Decide, Discover, Deliver), each company has created a group of Raving Fans (not just customers, but fans) who wouldn't consider shopping anywhere else for what one of these companies offers. Within each story is other nuggets of common sense and good ideas that can be implemented in any company that has customers and wants to create fans. We required our store managers to read the book and each created a list ranging from 20-40 points that they can put into effect at their stores to improve customer service. This is a simple, must-read for every business owner and manager.

Great Model for Approaching Perfection through Innovation
A major problem with most books on management processes is that that do too little to focus on how to make large amounts of progress beyond what is now done. Raving Fans is a big success in providing you with simple instructions for making large strides toward achievable perfection.

Imagining perfection is a critical first step to improvement, yet most people have never thought about what that could mean. Then testing that perfection with customers (and potential customers) must be done to be sure that there is a valid opportunity, and to be able to understand customers' ideas about achievable perfection. Then attaching the idea of continuous improvement toward that vision is also valuable, and useful. There are plenty of practical tips about how to do each part, which is key to making this book so valuable.

One of the reasons that I enjoy writing reviews about books on-line is that I can find a Raving Fans that agrees so much with my own perspective and research. This book will quickly get you past your Psychology of Disbelief, Bureaucracy, Procrastination, Communiation, and Ugly Duckling stalls.

Good for Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles . . . and good for you, too!

Fluffy
Way too fluffy. It should have been presented as a bulleted list, not a book. If you must get this book, I recommend the print version; Charlie's voice is quite annoying.

good concepts, juvenile delivery
The intellectual content of this little book could fit nicely and succinctly in a 500-1000 word magazine or journal venue. Instead, Blanchard sticks to the successful story telling formula that served him well in The One Minute Manager. The concepts are good, and I think their true value lies in their simplicity. They are easily understood and therefore should be easy to apply. Successful implementation may be another matter. If you agree with the concepts, and it's hard to see how you wouldn't, the actual book is a great tool to get them out to your people. The long narrative has the effect of beating the points into your head and the examples leave little to the imagination as to how the concepts can be fleshed out. I have found that people who last raved about Who Moved My Cheese also rave about this book. Those who don't care for this type of cutesy, least common denominator writing style will try to get through it as fast as possible and glean the concepts for further consideration afterwards. It can be read cover to cover in about an hour and a half at a pretty leisurely pace. Regardless of whether or not you like the style of the book I think you will find the concepts and down to earth examples good food for thought in your own enterprise.

Raving Fans
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is an easy read and contains some great fundamentals on providing excellent customer service. Readers who enjoy this book may also enjoy reading Time Management is an Oxymoron. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great for beginners to the speaking industry
Dottie Walters is a long-time veteran in the speaking industry - both as a speaker and as the owner of a speakers bureau - and she delivers many great tips and techniques on this audio set.

If you're just starting out as a speaker, and you want to know how to make yourself more desirable to speakers bureaus, pitfalls and potholes to avoid, what should go into your speakers kit, etc., this is a fantastic way to get the ball rolling.

I've personally been using the tapes to boost my own speaking career. And indeed they do work. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Must read for the Unorganized
The truth is that many of the quick fix techiniques and tips that are given to the many unorganized people as I used to be don't work well for long.I was on a quest to find out how to become organized my self and be part of the select few who seem to be born that way.By following what this books says I have been able to do it.See, many of the things that are believed to help aren't very effective, such as writing down things to do on an agenda that has times written down--doesn't work because its easy to be interrupted and not finish something on the alotted time etc. etc, but these are the foundations of personal organization.I have observed that these also happen to be the things that real organized people actually do.Now they might seem simple, but these book truly brings all the aspects of personal organization together--the three pillars as i like to call them, which with one missing, the other two fall in despair and chaos once again.Master List, Master filing system, and a clean work area--sound simple, it is, but trust me, read the book.Easy read, and well worth your time if you're disorganized--true testimonial form me, I can't stress it enough.My word.

weLEAD Book Review by the Editor of leadingtoday.org
Occasionally a book comes along that is short, a pleasure to read and truly helpful. If You Haven't Got the Time to Do It Right, When Will You Find the Time To Do It Over is such a book. Mayer has spent much of his career as a time management consultant and he has written a basic primer for those interested in organizing their lives to a greater degree.

Most of us are being required to do more work with fewer people. How to get this increased workload accomplished is a common problem. Mayer asks, "But are we really increasing our productivity, or just the number of hours we work?" He then offers a solution. The key to getting work done is not simply to work harder and longer but smarter! Better organization is a solution. This book is centered on the principle of "save time by wasting less of it!" The author uses his vast experience to offer ideas, techniques, and concepts to save time and use it more effectively.

If You Haven't Got the Time to Do It Right, When Will You Find the Time To Do It Over provides common sense ideas that really work if we are willing to apply them. Being creatures of habit we tend to do things because that is the way they have typically been done. Mayer has boldly stepped out of the habitual routine to find ways to overcome daily obstacles to time and productivity. He attempts to show how time can be saved in "small pieces" rather than in large blocks. He ponders, "Save thirty seconds every five minutes, and by the end of the day, you've saved an hour." The book is divided into two parts. The first part shows you how to organize your workspace including your office, files management and desk. The second part shows you how to streamline your entire business to become more productive and organized.

This is a useful and rewarding book. If it helps you to change only one routine in your life due to its beneficial ideas it will have served a valuable purpose. Easy to read and understand from cover to cover!

I first read this book in 1993 and still use it today.
Unfortunately, I later handed it off to a coworker who was struggling with organization.It's definitely a "read it once" type of book.My disorganized boss continuously comments on my organizational skills, so I've decided to pick up a copy for her as well as another coworker and replace my own.

A really good motivational book
The David Rix review really summarizes this book well.Its small size makes it very readable and very useful--a long, detailed time management book really defeats the purpose.The strength of this books isn't so much in the common sense advice; it is the the fact that it gives you a starting place, and a clear strategy for managing your time.By just spending less time trying to find lost files/information, holding more efficient meetings, and by reigning in your phone time and lost "chit-chat" time at work, you can really gain more control over your day.Having control over your day can really help you to get up in the morning, and not lose so much sleep over the endless problems that crop up during your work day.This book is a good first start toward that end.

Keep your desk clean, make a to-do list.
Keep your desk clean, make a to-do list. I just saved you the money, time and energy needed to read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Two 60 minutes covering all of the basics in the best selling book Soft sell.Includes: prospecting, presentation skills, closing and more. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sometimes, "what we've got here" is not "a failure to communicate." Often, people understand each other perfectly well and still disagree with each other. What to do? Dr. David Stiebel outlines a four-point plan that can help you resolve seemingly unwinnable arguments in your favor.

In humorous, yet straightforward, language, Dr. Stiebel guides readers through the principles of "strategic communication." These strategies allow you to anticipate your opponent's reactions and play to them, often by underemphasizing your own motives, in order to get what you want. Whether you're looking for solutions to conflicts at home or in the workplace, When Talking Makes Things Worse! offers sensible advice that you can apply immediately. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book on negotiation, debunks many misguided myths
I bought this book second-hand and had it shipped from USA. Read it in one evening, and the verdict is - one of the best books on negotiation. Although neither the title, nor the subtitle bear any referenceto negotiation (a marketing and editorial mistake in my opinion!!!) this book is not just about communication, it is predominantely about persuasion and negotiation.

I run training courses on negotiation, so, naturally, I've read almost all negotiation books available in English language. Can't tell you how much rubbish is out there on this particular topic. Not David Stiebel's book - this one is one of the best. Regrettably, one of the least obtainable ...

If you liked "Start with NO ..." by Jim Camp, you will like this book too. It also debunks the win-win myth (and many others)and puts to shame many bestselling books out there .. Negotiate This or That, Secrets of This and That ...

Although by no means a complete treatise on negotiation, this book should be on every negotiator's Top 10 list! ... Read more

Book Description

From the audio archives of the Napoleon Hill Foundation-a series of classic lectures by Napoleon Hill

Napoleon Hill is the acknowledged master of motivational speakers. The principles and philosophy of success that he outlined in his masterwork, The Laws of Success, and his international bestseller, Think and Grow Rich, have served as the foundation for every motivational speaker since.

In these rare recordings you will hear a complete and thorough exposition of Napoleon Hill's life-altering philosophy of personal achievement. More than that, you will gain deeper insight into Hill's philosophy as you listen to him interpret and amplify the seventeen universal principles of success. Best of all, these lectures are designed to motivate you and teach you the goals and strategies that will carry you to new heights of personal success:

• turn setbacks into a springboard to achievement
• generate attention for your ideas
• influence others and improve personal relationships
• define your true joy in life
• achieve financial success

Your Right to Be Rich is a working blueprint for a life of prosperity-an inspiring series of audio lectures that will give you powerful tools to achieve your dreams.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

Your Right to be Rich
Great Investment!To hear Mr. Hill share his personal stories and place emphasizes on certain principles is wonderful.You will enjoy listening to the original motivational speaker.There is a wealth of information, wisdom and insight to be gained from listening to each CD.You will be glad you purchased this set (especially if you can get it at a discounted price)

Lessons from the master of PMA!
I wasn't sure if I needed yet another Napolean Hill program. I already had Think and Grow Rich and few other tapes that Hill had produced. And I really didn't know if I was ready for 12 hours of tapes.

Now that I have bought the tape set, I can honestly say that this was one of the best investments I ever made. Hill covers the 17 principles like never before. Hill is witty and funny too.

This tape set is almost like a audio version of The Law of Success. It contains live lectures done by Hill in the 50's. If you have never heard Hill do a live lecture, then you must get this set. It is outstanding. Hill is fantastic and the material is incredible.

Excellent! 12 hours of Napolean Hill's wisdom
This abridged audio program features actual tapes of Hill's live lectures. You get to hear from the master himself.

Napolean Hill is the acknowledged master of motivational speakers. The principles and philosophy of success that he outlined in his masterwork, The Law of Success, and his international best seller, Think and Grow Rich, have served as the foundation for every motivational speaker since.

In this 8 cassette, 12 hour tape set, you will gain a deeperinsight into Hill's philosophy than ever before. You will learn his 17 universal principles of success. Best of all, these lectures will motivate and teach you the goals and strategies that will carry you tonew heights of personal success. This program will help take you from peak to peak.

This program by Hill is like a blueprint for a life ofprosperity. A whole series of audio lectures that rank right up there with Earl Nightingales Direct Line series and will give you powerful tools to achieve your dreams.

Addictive, Fantastic!
Hello, I have listened to a lot of self help speakers and read a lot of books, about 150. I have to say that listening to mr Hill live is mesmerizing, 12 hours!!!. He talks and screams so i get very motivated and influenced. He is also very funny. He outlines all character traits and actions one needs to do to succeed with whatever one wants. He outlines 17 universal principles of success. It is not exactly the same as in law of success, it's like a mix between law of success and think and grow rich. It contains many things that are not in any one of those two books. I will listen to this program consistently since it contains almost everything i need to know to succeed and be the best i can be. I recommend everybody to buy it. It is extremely lowpriced for what you get for the money.

Napoleon Hill at his VERY BEST!
If you've read Think and Grow Rich, or any other of Hill's books, these tape recordings of Hill speaking live will set your heart on fire! Here he is, the Man who's made more millionaires than anyone else in American history...and he'll show you how to be SUCCESSFUL at fulfilling your purpose in life.

These tapes are DYNAMITE! You'll hear Hill and his audience having fun with the powerful principles he taught so well... and listening to these recordings will inspire you to GO FOR IT! Can't recommend them enough! ... Read more

Reviews (73)

"My God,it's full of stars"
...
This book explains the psychology of seduction. With examples throughout history it shows what works, and what doesn't. It doesn't start from the humanistic premise that all people are generally good, but from the biblical idea that "all men are evil" and will do evil. This makes the book downright devilish, and extremely practical and useful.
Approach indirectly, play the coquette, mix pleasure with pain, insinuate, "Use the demonic power of words to sow confusion", be hard to figure out. These are just some examples and this stuff works.
This is a handbook on manipulation. Although it can also be used to avoid being manipulated (very usefull, indeed).
Do yourself a favor, learn from the past, not only your past but the past of peoples from the dawn of time. This book was worth every cent.

Excellent, Provocative, and Useful
First, if you have read Robert Greene & Joost Elffers' previous book "The 48 Laws of Power" then you'll notice a similar format in this book. Which means you'll be given a description of the chapter's main focus, then given a Historical (some actual seducers who lived, though most are from literature)example of that topic in action, followed by the author's interpretation of why it worked, and then "keys" to the success of it, then ending with a "reversal" (how it can backfire) to using the technique/method discussed. Which is one of the reasons I enjoyed this book (And have re-read it from time to time)
From the most famous seducer, Casanova, to the first "bad boy" Lord Byron, to the female seductress' of History and literature, this is one of the most complete and well researched books on seduction I have ever read. And therein lay a controversy. You see, with so much information on the subject, one could easily use this book to play serious mindgames on those they want to seduce. But, as a mentor of mine said, "Technonolgy is morally neutral." So use the information as you wish, and take responsibility for what happens as a result.
That's My Opinion, But You're Welcome To It!

Perceptive and challenging
'The Art of Seduction' is about willfully exploiting other people's weaknesses in order to seduce them.

The book deals not only with romantic seduction, but also the type of charismatic seduction that allows certain political leaders for example to wield enormous power over the public.

The type of seduction talked about here is more than the everyday level of admiration, it's about how to really get under people skins, how to make them obsessed with you. Not surprisingly the author makes it clear that not everyone can be seduced in this way, that you need to find someone who has some large hole in their character ready to be exploited.

The book is divided into two sections. The first outlines different types of powerfully seductive characters - whose traits you might nurture in yourself. For example, the 'Natural' who embodies childhood, playfulness, spontineity and unpretentiousness. The second half of the book outlines a number of strategies and maneuvers to be employed in the seduction process. One example is to 'Stir up the transgressive and taboo'. Another small section explains a number of 'victim' types, their character weaknesses and how to exploit them. For example you may seduce a 'Professor' type - the intellectual who cannot leave their head, by providing an escape to physicality.

Many points are illustrated using examples from historical and literary figures, including relative recent examples such as JFK.

Although i doubt i will ever consciously use any of the techniques outlined, still I found the book quite perceptive and fascinating. One thing I repeated wondered is why you would want to seduce someone you have such a cynical understanding of the weaknesses of. Still I have no doubt that highly seductive people instinctively employ many of the techniques mentioned. I'm no psychologist, but many of the book's remarks on human nature rang true to me.

I doubt the book's usefulness as a Manual for Seduction (those who need self-help book are no doubt seduced by the idea of this!), but I'd recommend it to anyone with a deep interest in how the world works.

tongue-in-cheek !
it's ironic that most reviewers are so serious about whether this books works as a how-to manual on seduction... they missed the point that this is a witty, juicy, lightly intellectual take on the history and psychology of seduction. it transcends any moralist stances and is a wonderfully modern, entertaining read. mischievious and complex. rewarding.

Just the hostorical facts
Overall a very good book. It's not a step by step seduction guide that would instantly turn you into a modern day casanova. Wouldn't that be graet? It rather gives you some historic perspective on how the 'players' back in the days used seduction. ... Read more

Book Description

In Flight of the Buffalo, James Belasco and Ralph C. Stayer combine expertise, insight, and passion to show how the nature of management must change if a company expects to survive in the white-knuckle world of modern business. Going beyond the quick-fix approach of many of today's business gurus, the authors explain how to avoid being outmaneuvered by the competition; how to become more focused and flexible; how to empower workers and maintain their loyalty; and how to become a manager who goes beyond filling quotas. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Get Focused on the True Role of your Employees
The authors really "feel the pain" of the small business owner whose employees just don't seem to accept ownership and concern of the major issues in their areas. Excellent examples are provided of real life business circumstances that most any owner/manager can relate to. The ideas and theory provided is down-to-earth and can apply to most any company. It is also a very motivating book for getting re-focused on your employees, their needs, and motivations.

A Leadership Book Worth Reading
Flight of the Buffalo discusses the fact that the business world has changed. To stay competitive business leaders must also change and change the way our businesses operate. The only things that are constant are that change will continue to impact the way business is done and the speed of this change will continue to increase. How do you satisfy (retain) that current customer, or acquire that next customer in this continually changing competitive environment? First, as a leader you must learn to learn and learn at a faster rate. The foundation for all change is learning. Second, it is important that changes be made to the organizational culture in order to accomplish the changes required by the organization to allow employees to lead. The culture needs to change to remove the mentality that we are all victims because we have no control over any of the tasks required to make the customer happy, to one in which we all have ownership of the problems our companies/customers face. There are a number of obstacles that stand in our way as leaders. Many leaders within our companies hesitate to empower their employees and give them responsibilities for fear that they will not have anything to do themselves. Anyone who struggles with relinquishing control and trusting their coworkers to share in the responsibilities of the organization should read this book.

Although the book discusses many important aspects of leadership and developing a culture in which employees do lead, the book lacks in two areas. First, many of the concepts presented in the book were repeated numerous times. As I read the book I felt like I had already read that page. Secondly, the book does not do justice to the concept of letting employees lead. It does discuss at detail how the leader's mentality has to change to effectively lead an organization where the employees lead, but it does not discuss when this is appropriate. The book is subtitled "Soaring to Excellence, Learning to Let Employees Lead," and it may have been the author's intent not to discuss the ramifications of this change on the employees, but instead focus on the real problem, the leadership, for which the author does an excellent job at detailing. After reading the book I am left with many questions: Does every company need to change to a flock of geese to remain competitive, or are there situations where the lead buffalo is a necessity to running the business? What if employees do not want to take on the responsibilities of leading the organization? Are there changes within the employee reward system to effectively deal with this change in the organization? How do we as leaders handle resistance to this new system? The book only brings us half way in our understanding of how to let employees lead.

Good General Principles Trust Your Workers
These are good business principles to live by. Involve your workers, and better yet, make them feel like they are a vital part of your organization.

Read this with your employees.

My boss did this when I worked at Fond du Lac...and we got some good debate going.

Flight of the Buffalo
The "Flight of the Buffalo" is an interesting book for managers and leaders of today society. The idea that let the people who work with the product, own the responsebility of fixing the problem is a fresh outlook. The difference in being a manger and leader is spelled out so clearly, that the most elementry person can grab the idea. This book focus on "how can you run an organzation from the clouds?" In todays ideas, you have to meld three things together, what the employees want, what the buyer wants, and what the bottom line is. This book explains you can manage these items yourself or you can lead you people in finding ways they can do it for themselves.

Insightful!
James A. Belasco and Ralph C. Stayer have written an insightful book, the title of which derives from the authors’ vision of traditional companies as a milling buffalo herds. The book’s central metaphor follows from this vision — Modern leaders must transform their companies from buffalo herds to flocks of geese, in which each bird takes a turn at the head of the V. Their straightforward prose is peppered with real-world examples, and Belasco and Stayer display a refreshing willingness to reveal their own past leadership shortcomings in explaining the concepts that they propose. Many of these concepts boil down to a simple, and hardly original axiom: Empower your employees. But by presenting these ideas in a down-to-earth style that’s illustrated by entertaining anecdotes, the book brings life to advice that otherwise might seem cliché. We recommend this book to professionals new to management, and to more experienced executives looking for an accessible introduction to the rationale, theory and practice of employee empowerment. ... Read more

Book Description

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

This is the recorded abridged edition of the book, Tragedy in the Workplace: The Longest Running Show in the Country.It is read by the author. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Interested in loving your work? Read this book!
Danna Beal explores issues close to anyone's heart who is of working age and is working! Ms. Beal, who spends much of her time traveling the country talking to professional groups as well as doing work with companies, asserts that each of us have an essence of who we are, hidden underneath the protective layer of our ego. This essence is fundamentally protected by the ego, but that which protects it actually suppresses it. We are then, ego driven, forced to play our role at work. This role requires that we are the star of the show and feel powerful by doing things like gossiping or not taking responsibility for our actions.
What's the answer? Find your role, as ego, mine is Rocky! (Always almost producing the result, looking good in the process, with a big heart, getting screwed by the man! Should have won, really!) Once you recognize your role and the part your ego plays in the production of work you can move beyond it and allow you natural talent and joy take over.
Tired of that feeling on Sunday of dread about going back to work? READ THIS BOOK.

read this book in book store to pass some time its a easy re
and you can clearly get her message that runs through- out the book.What I found most helpful was she defines the ambiguous game playing and ego roles that go on in a work enviroment. You can by reading this book get a birds eye view of this -process- and build your confidence knowing these people are trapped in roles they may not even be aware of but with this book you have insight and awareness to rise above it and see your own ego at work-this book is freedom.Rather than feel slighted next time by a co-worker keep in mind this person is trying to live up to some primetime expectation-and its your job to help them live it because corporate culture is full of these hopeless gyrating pychopaths-my opinion-but on a kinder note once -u-instill this authors advise into yourself your human essence of compassion will transfer nonvebally-real confidence-to your co-worker and they will begin to relate to you from the same level.Although big ego's can be intertaining they often follow unconcious and unreal ambitions blindly-only to end up as lonely lost souls on death beds chasing desperate gods and expiring in teriffied last gasps.My advise is find a talentand to discover that you need to know who you are and that takes looking at yourself from a dynamic perspective because what you are looking for you will never see but only glimpse.Once your remove your status expectations about your primetimed self your talent will surface and lead you to prosperity.Good luck my friend.

Uses theatrical metaphors
To write her ground breaking book, Tragedy In The Workplace: The Longest Running Show In The Country, Danna Beal draws upon her more than twenty years as a professional business consultant and trainer working in all kinds of industries to create a new model for understanding how the modern workforce is besieged with envy, fear, battling egos, power competitions, office politics, cliques and power struggles, personal agendas, dishonesty, managers disempowering employees, co-workers sabotaging one another, as well as the general and pervasive atmosphere of insecurity in today's workplace. Using theatrical metaphors, Beal shows readers how they can cast others in roles to play out their own workplace dramas and by doing so, come to grips with workplace problems, issues, and personalities in order to minimize anxiety, resolve disputes, increase job satisfaction levels, and enhance productivity and the corporate bottom line. Tragedy In The Workplace is very highly and invaluable reading especially recommended to business owners, managers, personnel directors, and anyone caught up in the age old games of office politics.

Opportunity to operate from higher ground in the workplace
In a world starved for heart-centered, spirit-reviving insights, Danna Beal takes center stage with her book that spotlights leadership problems and offers practical, workable solutions. Her corporate background helped to flesh out the "actors", so identifiable on our own stages of life. As a Licensed Massage Therapist for over 12 years, I see and touch the "fallout" from the workplace daily and, am delighted to point my clients in the direction of this compelling book.

The Tragedy In The Workplace - Timely Truth For Our Day
I had the opportunity of reading The Tragedy In The Workplace, by Danna Beal during the Thanksgiving Holiday period. Reading it gave me another reason to be grateful.I found it to be full of truths which can be discovered in various venues by thoughtful people who are willing and able to listen to their inner voice.Although "Tragedy" is billed as a business book, I found it to be of a profoundly spiritual nature, which would help anyone with relationships of all kinds, e.i., business, family, and personal. In particular, I enjoyed the uplifting nature of the book, wherein the author took the high ground when it came to discussing sensitive issues, and no vulgarity or unseemly discussions were utilized, but at the same time anyone should have been able to relate the principles taught to their own situations, of whatever nature. In other words, Danna communicated well without resorting to the lowest common denominator, as is prevalent in much of today's writings. I was specifically impressed with the teachings of principles regarding: Synergism to achieve worthwhile goals, Focus on our spiritual cores which have unlimited potential, Accepting personal responsibility for results, How to break out of self-imposed prisons, Recognizing the spiritual nature of our fellow beings, An excellent treatment of the power of forgiveness - both for yourself and others, and The problems associated with judging.Reading Danna's book, reminded me of a phrase I have been using for years: "There are no rewards and no punishments, only consequences." Like this thoughtful book, it is apparent that its author, Danna Beal is a winner.

Sincerely, Laurence H. Keim ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Insightful!
Author Anthony J. Alessandra identifies the four basic business personalities: Directors, Socializers, Relaters and Thinkers. As you come to appreciate the strengths of each of these styles, you also learn to put them to use. You will read about the drawbacks of each style and you will see how you can help people overcome them. The book is generally for managers who want to get more out of their employees. The authors include a section on how to apply The Platinum Rule to selling, which makes the book quite useful for anyone in a sales position. We [...] recommend this book to sales or personnel managers, and to other executives who want to understand and motivate people.

There is another dimension.
"As Chairman of the Bethel Institute, I recommend The Platinum Rule by Dr. Tony Alessandra, my clients all find it to be most useful. However, there is another dimension I'd like to suggest. I have six adult children and each is married. I have given the book to each one as a guide to a happier marriage. Tony has given us a tool to build relationships, understand ourselves, our partners and our children. Our most important and endearing relationships are at home. It seems appropriate to have a book of this magnitude to guide us in our efforts to achieve a happier personal life." Sheila Murrary Bethel, Chairman, Bethel Institute, Author: Making A Difference, 12 Qualities That Make You A Leader

Understanding Yourself Increases Your Sales
This book gives the student of human persuasion something to think about. Although not discovered by the authors, they outline four distinct personality styles. Knowing the style of your customer is a great advantage. They give numerous examples and insights on how to talk to and interact with the various styles. These examples and insights are very useful for a salesperson.

If you want to understand others first understand you. This work assists you in understanding what style personality you are. After understanding where you are coming from, you begin to understand where other people are coming from. This makes you an excellent communicator.

One of the most difficult areas of personal selling is figuring out what the customer really wants. This endeavor needs good communication skills on the part of the sales representative. Opening a window of communication with the customer is critical. And, you don't want the window to close when you have your neck out the window talking with the customer. Understanding how certain customers think about the world and other humans, helps with this window of communication. The authors give specific examples of how to talk to each personality style and what types of behaviors to expect.

The book is practical and the reader is immediately able to go from book to the field and use the techniques. If you are in the sales trade study this book. But we all need to sell ourselves and thinking about the techniques and concepts of this work will benefit anyone.

The golden rule... to the next level
The basic premise is that you should t