Book Description

Are you frustrated with trying to grow and market your coaching practice? Do you feel like there is too much information (or too little) on how to market your practice, yet not enough direction on where to begin? Would you like quick answers and a complete resource guide in one place that makes marketing easy to apply and understand?

This book will show you how to build and market a profitable coaching practice in four easy steps. It walks you through the process of deciding who to coach and how to create a program that potential clients will pay you lots of money for. You will understand the components of creating a winning marketing strategy and learn tips and techniques to implement your plan. You will also discover how to become masterful at both marketing and selling.

“Four Steps To Building A Profitable Coaching Practice is a clear and concise guide to niche-marketing for coaches.” Talane Miedaner, best-selling author of Coach Yourself To Success

"A great book with a lot of valuable information from a master at doing what she does best.” Sandy Vilas, Master Certified Coach and CEO CoachInc.com

“This is a great book. Thorough, professional, and easy to read.” Judy Feld, Master Certified Coach and President International Coach Federation (ICF) 2003

Reviews (4)

The most important how-to book a coach can read.
Coaching is a peculiarly difficult service to market! You're marketing yourself, and all sorts of emotions get in the way of direct action -"I musn't boast", "I can't promote myself","Am I good enough", "I don't want to be seen as pushy" are examples I've heard. Questions of self-worth abound. Many coaches need major coaching in this area! In fact, if you don't market your coaching services regularly and aggressively, you'll sooner or later stop coaching! This book meets that need head-on, with sections on Deciding Who You Want To Coach, Creating a Program Your Target Audience Will Pay For, Creating a Marketing Strategy, and Learning How To Sell. In addition, the largest chapter, Creating a Marketing Strategy, lays out all the marketing options, and, coachlike, offers assignments to the reader to get him/her moving. I found the section on Working With The Press particularly interesting, and challenging. That alone is worth the price of the book. I run a coaching chapter in New York City, and I've invited the author to come and present her book to our membership. If you're a coach, or planning to be one, I highly recommend this book. It is a marketing seminar all by itself. It gives a very clear, well-organized and concise outline of the steps you can take to make coaching a delight - not only because of what you can contribute to others, but also because you can make a very nice living doing so!

Four Steps To Building A Profitable Coaching Practice
I found Deborah's book to be straightforward, precise and probably the most useful of anything I have read for creating and marketing my coaching practice... and all in one resource! She breaks down each of four steps clearly and concisely for even the most beginner coach. An excellent and exciting resource for any coach at most any level.

One Doable Step at a Time
This book has accomplished the twin goals of "taking action": It's comprehensive in the variety of ways a coach can advance their practice. And yet, it breaks down each choice in easily doable steps; taking away the mystique or intimidating notions a new coach may have about what they must do to build their business.

Additionally, it's packed from top to bottom with terrific resources for writing, web development, program/seminar development, and much more!

It's one terrific resource for the back pocket of any ambitious coach!

Advice That Is To The Point
If you like to get information that is concise and to the point, you have found.
In a friendly style, this book offers instruction that is helpful to both new and experienced coaches. It provides proven approaches to developing a coaching practice that are unavailable elsewhere.
This work will push and pull you at once towards reaching your goals rapidly. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Its a start: you must know what you are encountering
The format of this book is not "10 quick things you can do". It is mostly a discussion, from different people, attacking different subjets. It is not uniform. There is a lot of repetition. However, being a lawyer, I find that it is a good start for people who have little concept of technical aspects of the art market.

Author recounts book's success
When I was Special Assistant Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, visual artists had few ways to support themselves except for grants. Apart from the special few, little hope existed for selling their art, and most artists had no idea of how to "go about it." I assembled an internationally respected group of artists, dealers, art lawyers and accountants and put them in front of tens of thousands of artists nationwide. Through questions and answers, speeches and demonstations, a distilled book's worth of unique knowledge and advice came into being. Unlike any other books that give one artist's opinion, or one "art advisor's advice" this book does something different: the straight story comes directly from the most outstanding and respected authorities in the field. No other book does this. No other authority can provide this knowledge in a single volume. The Business of Art is now the basis for college level courses on the business side of art. There is also a companion video sold by Phoenix Flms at 800-221-1274. Used together, they provide artists and art groups with a wealth of learning material for either immediate use or continuing education of artists worldwide.

Not so good
There is a lot of info in this book. However, the information seems jumbled. I say that because, one chapter seems to be more for the emerging artist and the next for the established artist. I did not care for the chapters about the dealers (ex. one chapter in New York dealer, one is Houston dealer, etc.)
I would recommend other business of art books first and save this one for last if your starting a reference collection of art business books.

Money Wasted on the Business of Art
I'd have to say I was very disappointed in this book. The title lead me to believe that there would be plenty of nuts and bolts information, when, in fact, there is very little indeed. There is one long-ish chapter on photographing artwork that contains a great deal of technical information on film, cameras,lenses, and lighting. (Most artists would be better served by hiring, or bartering work with, a competent photographer.) The rest of the book consists largely of personal reminiscences, rambling essays and opaque monologues.

Emerging artists want to know: how do you approach gallery owners successfully? how do you approach museums successfully? how do you prepare your portfolio? how does my work get seen? Well, emerging artists shouldn't expect to find useful answers in this book. The answers compiled in The Business of Art are mostly of the "If you're good enough you'll be found". "Get a magazine to write about you", "I got lucky", "Enter lots of competitions and hope someone notices you", and "Stop whining" variety.

There are a few mildly interesting, though not enlightening, personal stories about the New York art scene "back in the day", but don't look for much practical help here. I consider this as money wasted - both mine and the NEA's.

Lots of info
This book has a variety of information. Some info seems to be for the emerging artist, other info is for the more established artist. It's a good reference but I'd suggest other business of art books first. ... Read more

Download Description

"

What Is Your Life's Work? captures a most extraordinary moment in each of our lives -- the time when we sit down with loved ones and attempt to answer the big question about what really matters. Bill Jensen has created a wonderfully practical space for you to explore who you are, what you stand for, what you believe in, what's risky, what's not, what's worth it, what you're struggling with, and what you've accomplished.

He has captured the intimate exchanges between mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and caring teammates -- all talking about what really matters at work, and in life. Their conversations are as real as yours would be:

• ""Don't kiss tush, beware carnivorous sheep.""
• ""Honey, there are no shortcuts.""
• ""My daughter was limp with pain ... and I'm worriedabout deadlines. What was I thinking?!?!""
• ""Speak up if you don't agree.""
• ""Be a respectful rebel.""

In What Is Your Life's Work? you will discover a new way to see and know who you are in today's more-better-faster world. Exposed is what usually stays private; the raw truths we've all experienced, the personal frailties and mistakes we'd like to hide, and the proudest achievements we'd like to celebrate.

In the letters and work diaries of others, we see ourselves. In their struggles, we see our own.

Bill Jensen has made it his life's work to battle corporate stupidity and help us all simplify our workdays, take more control, and rediscover our passions. As your trail guide and partner, he willtake you through five distinct discoveries thatthousands have encountered in finding their voices:

1. Finding Yourself
2. Finding the Lessons to Be Learned, the Questions to Be Asked
3. Finding the Choices That Really Matter
4. Finding the Courage to Choose
5. Finding Joy, Serenity, and Fulfillment

While it touches your heart and lifts your soul, What Is Your Life's Work? does not shy away from difficult introspection. You are an active participant in this book. Yes, you will find value here -- stories of people like you, new ways of looking at what really matters, or simple confirmation that others have chosen the same path as you.

But the ultimate takeaway asks something of you in return: Take something from this book and pay it forward. Start a new conversation with a loved one about what really matters—about your own life's work.

You will get back even more than you give. You will have brought these pages to life.

Reviews (11)

Introspection and Experience
"Work is not just an eight-hour interruption in our day. Most of us will spend most of our adult lives and most of our waking hours focused on our jobs. Whether we like it or not, we are defined by the choices we make at work." ~Bill Jensen

What is your life purpose?
Are you living your dream?

Reading inspirational stories about how individuals achieved their dreams tends to motivate me in the direction of my own dreams. Bill Jensen asks us an important and life changing question.

What Is Your Life's Work will help you to:

Find Yourself
Make Choices That Really Matter
Have the Courage to Choose
Experience Joy, Serenity, and Fulfillment

I loved reading the letters from women who explained why you should "speak your truth" and from men who explain why "You are who you Choose to be."

One of the best sections in the book is a letter from Kristi Dinsmore. She works in executive education and writes a letter: "Dear Person Who is Hungry For That Thing Called Joy."

In this letter she shows why you should have realistic expectations, have patience, ask for what you really want, compete smart and establish priorities.

I also enjoyed reading Mark Ritzmann's comments in his letter to Lucy. He explores the more pleasant aspects of work, making friends, laughing, having great hobbies and exploring life through changing jobs.

The conclusion of this book is a "Field Guide to Getting Started." In this section, you get to map out your own journey. After taking notes throughout this book, you should have a good idea of what you want out of life.

Practical Application: I started a new journal with the following sections: Quotes (continuing the eternal collection), Words (Single words I find interesting), Moments (Beautiful experiences), Books (lists and quotes), Descriptions (what really matters), Rules (life principles), Why (Entries of important decisions and why I made them), Movies (beauty and art), Misc (casual observations and things I don't want to forget). This will be a book about what matters to me this year. Then I'm going to make a book each year and have quite a collection.

You could start a Journal, write a letter to a friend or family member or even decide to find a new job or start your own business. This book is almost more about "What Is Your Life" than what is your work. Through finding out what you love about life, you can discover work that is more of a pleasure than a painful daily occurrence.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

Tombstone: I Should Have Worked More -- NOT
Want to answer a simple question: What would you tell your kids or your grandkids or dearest friends about what really matters at work?

Unfortunately it often takes an emergency to tell us to think these thoughts. Perhaps it's a medical problem, a mild heart attack or a mini-stroke that is the body's way of telling us to show down. Perhaps it's the realization that for years we've been doing things we didn't and headed in a direction that we really didn't want to go. Perhaps it's the birth of a child that makes you realize that there are more important things than you realized before.

That's the theme of this book. And the questions are answered by dozens of people who took the time to produce the answers.

compelling and real collection of what really matters
It's all here: the joy of friendships, the heartbreak of betrayals, the importance of family, the passion for life that we may have lost long ago, and most importantly, this collection lets us look back on our own decisions through other people's letters. I read about kind and horrible bosses and realized I've learned how to avoid one and attract others. Several letters told poignantly about illness and loss of a loved one and, for the first time in a decade, I lost it emotionally thinking about the promises I made my dad before he passed away. Most of all I was struck by Rick Ritacco, who seemed to be an OK dad, advising his kids to be respectful rebels, and that "we are on this earth for a short time -- make the earth turn, don't just sit and watch it." The book's author says we already know what really matters, we just need to "quiet the outside noise long enough to hear the heartbeat of our own wisdom." Amen! Great book.

Inspirational and motivational reflective guide
The personal letters within this book help remind us - especially those of us of working age - that it's easy to get caught up in the urgent, the nasty, and the now without bothering to think about the larger framework and reasons for life. I enjoyed the unique feel to each of the letters and the consistent theme of doing the right things; though each is different from my own situation, each contained parallels that I could see. This is the sort of book I like to read one of every few months to remind me of the importance of taking control of life and not letting it take control of you.

The only thing I really didn't enjoy was the idea that writing the letter was going to be the single thing that altered someone's life - by the author's own admission, there's only a 20% success rate. I personally feel that you can't make this sort of dramatic change without something like the Covey planning framework that reinforces it on a weekly and daily basis. A single activity would have to be stunningly profound to cause that kind of sustained change in an individual.

I'd also like to note that I was personally impressed by the author outside of this book. Based on my past reviews, he sent me a complimentary copy but only asked that I provide an honest review of his book when completed - other authors and marketers of products have not been nearly so ethical.

Bill's Big Conversation is for All Ages
Who would have thought that a book would spark new conversations about work and life among our entire family. It did, and it does. The 17-year-old wants to know more about her Dad's work and how he feels about it every day. The 21-year-old is glad to know that people don't have everything figured out and can reflect, change, forgive and recover -- this is comforting as he decides where to begin in a career. And as for the 55 and 54 year old parents - we have a new conversation with ourselves and our family inspired by gritty, sweet, stories from strangers who we feel we have known forever. Thank you Bill for showing us how and why to think and talk about our lives without fear. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

NOT FOR THE HOMEOWNER
I purchased this book to help build my house. I am the general contactor for the job and I thought I would be able to find some form for the sub contractors to sign. This was not the case and it really wasn't any help to me at all. It might help someone who is starting their own business but not for someone building their own house.

Far to simplistic an approach to contracting
Although this book is the most readily available book containing standard boiler-plate contracts, most of the forms just do not have what it takes. In today's litigious climate it is necessary to spell out every detail, possible eventuality, and its remedy in a construction contract. If that is what you are looking for then don't buy this one. These contracts are about as simplistic and remedial as something that you would come up with yourself after about thirty seconds thought, and that's it. If you want a good, thorough exhaustive contract (like I do) keep looking. Sorry Craig and Karen, but look at a real estate contract used by your local board of realtors. That is what you need to strive for in your contracts; all of the lawsuits against contractors attest to it. ... Read more

Book Description

A few years ago, buddies Mike, Brian, and nathan faced the end of college with the realization that, like many a college student, they had absolutely no idea what to do with their lives.Their solution: take a roadtrip and interview people from all walks of life to learn how they got where they are. Their mode of transporation: a clunky, 31-foot green motor home. Three months and 17,000 miles later, they'd met the CEO of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, the scientist who decoded the human genome, and the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic. They'd talked to bookstore owners, filmmakers, artists, and more than 70 others who had found their callings-their "open roads."

Mike, Brian, and Nathan had found their mission: to help others define their own paths based on passion, individuality, and nonconformity. They titled the project Roadtrip Nation, made a documentary, created a TV show, wrote a book, and now send teams of students on roadtrips each summer. FINDING THE OPEN ROAD shows how you too can create a roadtrip experience to discover whether you're traveling down the right course in life. Through a step-by-step guide to planning your trip, a roadtrip journal that offers the personal perspective, and more than 50 interviews that describe how others found their true roads, this inspirational handbook offers a nation's worth of wisdom for anyone trying to find their own authentic path. ... Read more

Book Description

You’re not the only one out there who hates conflict. From the corporate bully to thepassive-aggressive employee to the demanding spouse, there are people in our lives who cause us frustration and anger every day. If you’re like the rest of us, you’ll avoid them at all costs.

Success coach Dr. Tim Ursiny shows us that, yes, conflict can be a good thing, and facing up to it can lead to fantastic results! The Coward’s Guide to Conflict gives strength, techniques, motivations and challenges to the people who need it most. With an open, step-by-step approach, it shows you how to prepare, maintain your integrity and work toward resolution.

Interactive exercises and examples from both the workplace and home will coach and motivate you to effectively deal with all types of conflict situations, with results that empower and really work!

--Make conflict less frightening...quickly!
--Avoid the top 10 mistakes made when dealing with upset people
--Build your knowledge, skills and confidence
--Discover the 5 communication styles we all use to face conflict ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Highly Recommend this book!
This book is phenomenal and the best I have read on the subject. Very few people have the experience Tim does, as both a psychologist and successful businessman, so he has great credibility. His system/process makes dealing with conflict a breeze. And I love his humor. I feel connected with him and trust his advice. I highly recommend this book!

Michael Charest
Speaker, Coach
BUSINESS GROWTH SOLUTIONS
and
COACH & GROW R.I.C.H.
(...)
"Grow your business, grow your life!"
(...)

A Must Read
A must read for anyone who tends to avoid conflict for the sake of keeping the peace. Dr. Ursiny meshes practical steps to overcome fear of conflict with engaging stories, while encouraging the reader to be true to self. I have recommended this book to clients and it is being used by small group discussion leaders with great results.

A Great Tool
The Coward's Guide to Conflict is a great tool for every day life in the workplace and at home. Utilizing everyday people and situations Dr. Ursiny explains why we behave in the manner that we do and then gives tools to help change those behaviors to lead to more positive results and a better understanding of ourselves and others. It takes the fear out of conflict. It should be in every household and office.

Right on Point!
Ursiny uses examples to illustrate his points so well - one example looked like it came right out of my work environment - as if he was a fly on the wall! No one likes to face conflict and we are all pretty good at avoidance. This book helps one understand conflict and, most inmportantly, how to face and resolve it in an honest, respectful and EFFECTIVE way. FIVE STARS!!!!!

Complete guide for the non-confrontational
There's nothing Dr. Ursiny has left out of this easy to read and follow book. Since more than 80% of all people are non-confrontational this guide helps everyone understand others and prepares them for any difficult conversation. As a business coach I have used and recommended the book to all of my clients who struggle with getting their point across and being heard in a contentious/confrontational situation.
The book is complete and is a guide deserving to be utilized by everyone.
Great Job!! ... Read more

Reviews (28)

At last!
As an actor and would-be singer, I've read a lot of voice books and have taken a lot of lessons. This book is the FIRST thing that helped. It helped break bad breathing habits and made me understand the difference between making usable sound vs. just pushing breath through my throat. It has made speaking and singing a pleasure again. I put it to the test recently in a role with a 4-page monologue during allergy season. I had lost my voice from exhaustion (day job) and allergies, and the exercises brought it back. I didn't get into the vibrato or styling chapters, so I can't comment on that aspect. Highly recommended.

Be free. . . but don't believe everything you read
Snake oil? No, not quite. Ripoff? Nooo. Lack of research? Definitely!

Mr. Love likes to drop names of singing stars to obfuscate his lack of research in physiology (and very little in anatomy). Why he didn't consult with ENT's or speech language pathologists is beyond me. His wild and absolute certainty about "middle voice" and its "zipper" physiology is unforgiveable when experts on the subject of voice like Sataloff, Colton, Casper and, Boone are accessible.

There is so much that is wrong physiologically in his firm representations it would take another book to refute them all. Mr. Love should stay with the mental imagery he professess, such as imagining your exhaled air the color red, etc. When he leaves this domain and tries to explain physiology he runs smack into this thing called science.

Before Mr. Love writes his next book I highly recommend he observe singing vocal cords via stroboscopy first.

A great book to learn by!
I am a professional jazz/blues and gospel singer here in Japan. I am currently singing at a 5-star international hotel here and also have contracts in many jazz clubs and concert halls. For For jazz aficionadoes, my second CD was produced by Hugh Masekela. Aware of my own weaknesses, I am constanly looking for ways to improve my singing and be the best I possibly can. There are two books that I highly recommend, one is "Singing for the Stars", by Seth Riggs, and the other is this one, "Set Your Voice Free".

The exercises are fantastic and very easy to understand. I also enjoyed his commentary on the strength and weaknesses of singers we admire. It's so easy to think that just because one is famous and making millions that one must be perfect...not so, and Robert Love explains it. Some of his lessons are similar to Seth Riggs, but then he studied with Seth Riggs (lucky thing), so it's understandable.

My voice has certainly gotten better since employing some of the exercises described in this wonderful book. I am booked to sing spirituals(in a semi-classical style...something I thought I would never do...)in a large concert hall next year in March. I thank Mr Love because after reading his book I realized that I have many 'voices' and can develop all of them in a rich manner. My resonance has improved incredibly! I also teach scores of students and I can proudly attest thatmost of them have advanced greatly, and it is many thanks to some of the exercises in this book. The trill exercises are wondeful, don't sneer at them, an I always do the "goog" and "gug" exercises, great way to smoothen the bridge.

I highly recommend this book for pros and for aspiring singers!

An Excellent and Inspiring Guide...
I'm one of those who honestly felt that I had got my $... worth and then some in the first five minutes of working with this book. I've sung in bands and theatre with moderate success but always been frustrated at the entirely hit-or-miss nature of my grasp on 'how to sing'. It's never been something I 'do', but rather something I can 'usually get away with'. Love's book helped guide me in short order to a part of my voice that I've found on occasion on my own (usually in the car, or occasionally an inspired moment on stage, but almost never simply 'on demand') which I now realize is the middle voice he refers to in his book.

Are there other ways to get there? No doubt. Is he first and only instructor to speak of this sort of thing? Of course not, but he's the VERY FIRST who managed to reach ME despite myself. Does that mean he will reach you as well? Who knows, but I'd say it's a pretty safe gamble you will take away something from this book and cd in short order if you approach it openly and with a good sense of humor.

His simple device of using the 'cry' and whatnot have proved invaluable to me in 'remembering' how to find that sweet spot instead of shouting myself hoarse with vocal groping and frustration. Think Robert Smith or Danny Elfman to get an idea of how the 'cry' can sound. It's kind of a vocal 'shoe-horn' to get you into middle voice. Once you start to get a feel for this, the goofy images like 'think of your voice as a purple mist flowing--blah de blah de blah' start to actually become useful as you start to feel and hear when you're going from chest voice to head voice and/or somewhere in between.

Good luck and have fun with the book. Really accentuate the cry when you get to that part. Let yourself be a goofy cartoon character for a bit and laugh and have fun, and you may suddenly realize that your voice is ringing more clearly and purely than ever before. If you've never experienced it before, you'll probaly freak a bit and think "What the shrieking f* was that?!" It will feel very 'unusual' and perhaps even 'un-safe' as in "I don't sound like THAT! OTHER people who really know how to sing sound like that!" Surrender a bit and let yourself continue to explore, and get a pocket recorder so you can record yourself on the fly, even while driving.

Experiment. Laugh. Have fun.

Good Luck!

Make yourself heard
The book 'Set Your Voice Free', by Roger Love, one of most famous and most in-demand vocal coaches in America, is a real godsend to those who rely on their voice for professional purposes (hmmm, why would a preacher need that?). Co-authored by Donna Frasier, this book explores techniques for preserving, strengthening, and extending the vocal power and range of the reader/practitioner.

There is a forward by Dr. Laura Schlessinger--whether or not you agree with her opinions, you must admit she has vocal presence on the radio. This book will not turn you into Dr. Laura (in any respect!) but it will help you achieve the voice that you are capable of having, but simply did not gain the instruction to unleash.

Why is speaking important? While this many seem a question with an obvious answer, it is usually an unexamined one. The right voice can make a business presentation or sales pitch more dynamic, and make the difference between closing the deal and walking away empty-handed. The right voice can win the man or woman of your dreams over to a first date. Even if you just want to sound better on your answering machine, this is book that will help.

Think you can't carry a tune in a bucket, and that this is because you don't have musical training? Guess again. With simple exercises in this book, you will be singing along in no time with much less self-consciousness and more self-confidence, which in-and-of itself can make a difference in how you sound.

It comes with an instructional CD with vocal exercises to follow. From simple breathing exercises (yes, there is a right way to breathe) to more specific practice routine, you will have material to follow to help you unlock the hidden potential of your voice. The sound you make will be richer, more fully rounded and developed.

Roger Love includes extra helps for those who are primarily interested in singing (such a vibrato, riffs, and even stage presence), and those who are more interested in speaking (such as pacing, varying the tone, volume, even what to do with your hands).

The final chapter takes on aspects of the healing power of the voice. Remember how wonderful you felt when, as a child, your mother would read softly or sing to you, how the sound of her voice alone was a great healing comfort? There is a reason for this, not simply due to the emotional bond with mother. The voice can reach parts of the brain that the language itself cannot reach. Learn to tap into that.

Make a joyous sound! Read this book, and set your voice free! ... Read more

Book Description

Turn your enthusiasm into striking photographs! From composing the shot to applying special techniques and developing the film, this information-packed manual covers everything readers need to become successful black-and-white and/or color photographers. Ideal for first-year students, as well as anyone who wishes to explore the ins and outs of contemporary photography processes and state-of-the-art techniques, Photography: The Concise Guide is a fast-paced, all-around introduction to the technical aspects of making photographs. Lavishly illustrated, this full-color manual outlines essential information on film exposure and development, printing black-and-white photographs, plus methods for troubleshooting contrast, printing, sharpness, and other common problems. Clear, easy-to-follow instructions to help aspiring photographers see and compose better shots, and make creative use of light meters, shutter speeds, filters, and other special darkroom and digital photography processes. Assistance in choosing a camera, lenses, and accessories is also offered. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Perfect Balance
Easy to understand. Thorough. Artistic examples drawn from the canon of great photographers both historic and contemporary. Short enough to be affordable for beginning students; deep enough for advanced students. ... Read more

Book Description

Having trouble deciding what you're going to do after you graduate from school? Do you simply want to take your life to the next level? "The Student Success Manifesto" will help you leverage the entrepreneurial mindset to define and achieve success regardless of your career path.

Discover how to: (1) Make massive amounts of money and enjoy doing it(2) Find or make your dream job (3) Make yourself irresistible for prestigiousscholarships & awards(4) Get into your first choice school and make the most out of it(5) Meet and learn from mega role models(6) Start NOW without paying dues ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An Excellent Tactical and Philosophical Manual
Mr. Simmons' book provides higher-order-insight along with rubber-meets-the road applicability. Forward thinking people of all ages would benefit from this text. This book can help people with ownership of their own identity and lives and help them on their own road to personal fulfillment.

Sucess!!
I am so very fortunate to have been able to get my hands on this book while I am in my JR year at the University of Delaware. Had I not read this book, I would not have had my eyes opened to all the wonderful opportunities out there. Michael Simmons's Student Success Manifesto is a must read book, especially if you want to make the best of a bad situation, such as wanting to come out the rat race and becoming a successful entrepreneur. I recommend this book to everyone who is the slight bit interested in starting a successful business. Michael will open your eyes and change your life, he did mine. I wouldn't be surprised if this book was an Amazon best seller by the end of next month. Thank You Michael!!

Great Book!
This book is a great start for young entrepreneurs not only because it promotes the "extreme entrepreneurship" mindset but also because it provides the readers with tips on how to to make the best out of all the resources available and how to improve relationships with others including friends and family members. I strongly recommend this book, you will enjoy it.

Wonderful
I was fortunate to have received one of the first copies of this book while in Boston in July. I read it initially a year ago in ebook form and found it very valuable. I have put many of Michael's 'extreme entrepreneuer' tips to use in the mean time including shadowing and building my own business. It wouldn't surprise me if Michael ended up the next Covey, Kiyosaki, and Napoleon Hill combined. I would highly recommend this book to any person young or old, but especially those 15-25. 5 Stars!

"EXTREME"
This book is simply incredible. For a 21 year old mind to have so much insight, is simply remarkable. Anyone who is even considering an alternate future must read this book. Michael explores the different ways to achieve success by taking the road less traveled. He backs up his information with credible sources, exquisite detail, and a vast pool of personal accomplishments. This book will change lives, and is in line to be a best seller. ... Read more

Book Description

Priceless information regarding getting paid to drive your car and How to Start a Million Dollar Limousine Business. Learn from an Award Winning Industry Leader who shares 20 years of Insiders Secrets.

Discover how to start your business with No Money!

Learn how to be the most expensive service in town and still be the busiest.

Creative Selling and Advertising Techniques which cost nothing! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Great Book !
I'm one of those people who hate reading, but I was on page 70 the second night I received the book! I purchased this book about 2 weeks ago and have yet to start my limousine business, however I feel much more confident after reading this book. "Wheels of Gold" tells you all the secrets plus much more... A Great Book!

Comprehensive and Engaging... Excellent How To Book !
This book will save you time, energy, and frustration. If someone had shared these tips with me when I started my company 13 years ago, I could have shaved many years off my learning curve. Anyone in the limousine industry or considering starting their own business should read this book.

Wheels of Gold
This book details every aspect of starting a limousine business. I can't beleive he would share this much information but I'm glad he did! A step-by-step guide to what works and what doesn't. The book is an excellent reference which will be used in my business for years to come. Well worth it!

Indepth and Overwhelming amount of Information!
An incredible amount of information! This guy knows the business. The book is packed with great ideas. It's fun to read and informative, I honestly couldn't put it down. The help and inspiration I needed to get started. Thank You! ... Read more

Book Description

Your life has a root core that, once understood, unlocks a powerful force to create your life the way it was meant to be, the way you want and need it to be. Key questions and an amazingly clear "map" are now at your fingertips to begin your journey to "Live by Design." These are questions that, with the help of this book, you can answer and bring into action-oriented focus:

Book Description

In the authors' random poll of 1,000 working people, 80 percent said that a single coworker contributed significant stress to their workday. Everyone has worked with someone "difficult" - someone who could always be trusted to blow up or say or do something provoking or inappropriate. Psychologists Alan Cavaiola and Neil Lavender have studied this much-discussed but rarely addressed area. Their research showed that the conventional wisdom that some problem workers are "just nuts" was right: a sizeable number of such employees do in fact have full-fledged personality disorders. In Toxic Coworkers, they pinpoint a variety of personality traits and disorders, showing how they come about and offering effective strategies for coping with them. The authors cover the range of familiar types, from hyperactives, histrionics, and sociopaths to narcissists and obsessive-compulsives and provide concrete techniques for surviving them. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

BULLIES - FAMILY / WORKPLACE / SCHOOL / NEIGHBORHOOD
I strongly recommend this book for anyone seeking to find help with frequent feelings of loneliness or emptiness, mood disorders, any type of addiction, identity issues, self-esteem issues, reoccurring unresolved anger, troubling relationship, boundary and trust issues.

Excellent compliments to this book are: The Angry Heart: Overcoming Borderline and Addictive Disorders by Joseph Santoro and Ronald Cohen; Emotional Blackmail: When People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation and Guilt to Manipulate You by Susan Forward and Donna Frazier; Why Is It Always About You?: The Seven Deadly Sins of Narcissism by Sandy Hotchkiss and James Masterson; The Narcissistic Family: Diagnosis and Treatment by Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman and Robert Pressman; Understanding the Borderline Mother: Helping Her Children Transcend the Intense, Unpredictable and Volatile Relationship by Christine Ann Lawson; Living with the Passive-Aggressive Man by Scott Wetzler; Malignant Self Love: Narcissism Revisited by Sam Vaknin and Lidija Rangelovska (Editor); Children of the Self-Absorbed: A Grown-Up's Guide to Getting Over Narcissistic Parents by Nina Brown; Treating Attachment Disorders: From Theory to Therapy by Karl Heinz Brisch and Kenneth Kronenberg; Secrets, Lies, Betrayals: The Body/Mind Connection by Maggie Scarf; Toxic Coworkers: How to Deal with Dysfunctional People on the Job by Alan Cavaiola and Neil Lavender; Bully in Sight: How to Predict, Resist, Challenge and Combat Workplace Bullies by Tim Field.

And if you want to pursue the subject even further, you may be interested in reading The Narcissistic / Borderline Couple: A Psychoanalytic Perspective On Marital Treatment; Charred Souls: A Story of Recreational Child Abuse by Trena Cole; Sickened: The Memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy Childhood by Julie Gregory and Marc Feldman; Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility by Jim Fay and Foster Cline.

toxic workplaces
This book is a mix of material lifted from the DSM IV (or whatever it's called today) and some anecdotal stories from the authors' own experiences, with some recommendations for 'dealing with type X' as a manager, employee, or coworker.

I'm reminded that the field of psychology would diagnose the majority of us with some form of disorder at some point in our lives, and the authors have extended this to the corporate world in a way that would label nearly everyone I've worked with in my career as suffering from one or more personality disorders. I can only think of a couple who really caused problems. The authors are overly-broad in their categorizations. For example, if your employees think your requests are unreasonable, then they must be passive agressive whiners. But you are narcisisstic or obsessive compulsive for making these requests.

One disappointment is that 'toxic workplaces' aren't mentioned until the second to the last page. Maybe some of the behavior that they describe as disorders are actually reasonable reactions for people in a toxic workplace. The authors describe large corporations, the government, and the military as being a good place for people of this or that disorder. Maybe working for the government makes you that way, not the other way around!

I didn't find much here that would be of help in dealing with bosses or coworkers. I think the various 'dilbert' books would be more genuinely useful, as well as more amusing. I think that most people just want to do their jobs with a minimum of corporate nonsense so that they can enjoy their lives outside of work with their remaining free time, which is why those of us who are not blessed with great wealth are enduring what for most of us are toxic workplaces.

have problems with fellow coworkers?
This book explains why Rob in accounting can be such a jerk at times. In other words, it assesses and explains personality disorders in the context of the workplace. I highly recommend it for people with problems at work, or anyone interested in personality disorders.

have problems with people at work?
Then you should read this book. This book examines personality disorders in the context of the workplace. It explains why that jerk in accounting is a jerk. It also tells you what to do when confronting these type of people. It's a interesting, well written book, for anyone with problems with people at work or anyone interested in personality disorders.

must have if you have annoying workers!
WORKING IN AN OFFICE YOU CAN BE DEALING WITH ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE.SOME THAT CAN GET YOU ON YOUR NERVES AND SOME THAT HAVE REAL PERSONALITY DISOREDERS. READING THIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU HOW TO DEAL WITH ANY TYPE OF DISORDER. IT CAN BE YOUR BOSS, EMPLOYEE OR COWORKER. AFTER READING THIS BOOK AND APPLYING ALL THE INFORMATION THAT YOU LEARNED YOU WILL SEEE YOU'LL HAVE A MUCH EASIER TIME DEALING WITH THEM. ... Read more

Book Description

Becoming the Obvious Choice is a guide to prepare you for your next career opportunity.By following the suggestions detailed in the book, when the right opportunity comes along it will be crystal clear that you are the obvious choice for the position. ... Read more

Book Description

This compact volume puts the complete text of the Uniform Commercial Code--including Revised Article 9 and its conforming amendments to other articles--right at your fingertips. ... Read more

Book Description

Build bridges from classroom to career!Practical assignments throughout connect students directly with the business community, employers and the Internet.This best-selling book provides everything students need to gain competitive advantage in the workplace.It is ideal for a course on Professional/Career Development, Job Search, Resume Writing, and Interviewing.Your Career: How to Make it Happen provides thorough coverage of career self-assessment, employer research, job search/interviewing and career building strategies.The text also contains extensive instructions and examples of market-driven electronic, traditiona, and web resumes as well as cover letters. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Don't Wait a Minute More Buy it! Read it! Apply it!
This book is a "must-read-bible" for college and vocational students, career changers, middle-agers migrating back to the workplace, victims of a reengineered workplace, and employees seeking to expand their career horizons.

The seven key elements of career success are covered in twenty well-crafted chapters including:(1)matching job strengths to the best career/job targets, (2)organizing a strong job search, (3)researching employers, (4)preparing winning cover letters and resumes-both traditional and electronic, (5)using the Internet to best advantage, (6)successfully interviewing and negotiating a top salary, and (7)succeeding on the job.

The super companion Web site links readers to the best of the Net in career resources. The site provides direct access to current trends and information in all aspects of career development, self-assessment, and job search, including salary surveys and relocation resources.

Levitt "cuts to the chase" with her pragmatic and motivational text. She focuses on the practical and personal "how-tos" of successful career building, from starting out to moving up. Clear techniques guide the reader swiftly and skillfully through the "minefield" of career development and job search. She wastes no words, using concise, practical lists and summaries to explain various effective strategies.

Levitt, an educator and successful, much sought-after, corporate and governmental consultant, shares her unique career success, pavement-pounding techniques. Career action activities, or "successercises" are introduced in each chapter, to guide the reader toward collecting and applying career research, directly from the Internet and from the business world.

Don't wait a minute more. Buy it! Read it! Apply it!

Patrick Tormey, Professor Berkeley College White Plains, New York

A terrific resource!
OK. Where was this book when I was looking for my first job? It's practical, lively, and filled with helpful advice. I'd recommend it to any job-seeker!

A well written textbook, resource and educational tool.
This book is a tool for job and career success. It is a classroom textbook or can be used alone as other books published in a self-help format. For the person that is willing to put the time into doing the exercises the rewards are great. This is especially true for those still in school/college without a lot of work experience.

The review that was placed with this book title is judging the book not as a text book that is part of a classroom setting. I am sure that any text book would get a poor review when quick/easy answers are wanted. But when true knowledge and a sure path is wanted, this textbook has more depth than a 50 page quick fix. ... Read more

Book Description

More than 100 opportunities for students and job seekers!

The most comprehensive career book series available, Opportunities in...covers a range of professions from acting to writing, and encompasses traditional as well as cutting-edge careers. Each book offers job seekers essential information about a variety of careers within each field and includes training and education requirements, salary statistics, andprofessional and Internet resources.

Book Description

At last, a software book thats as much about the art of 3D modeling and animation as it is about the specific features of the software!Exploring 3D Modeling with Maya® offers a rock-solid introduction to the workings of Alias/Wavefronts industry-standard 3D modeling and animation software. But throughout the book the authorsaward-winning animators and experienced educatorskeep the emphasis on how designers can use Maya to meet client needs with stunning animation while exploring their own artistic impulses. Coverage includes basic modeling techniques, working with colors and textures, lighting, cinematography, and rendering. ... Read more

Book Description

Today's executive assistant has become a crucial member of every organization's support staff--a key business ally with diverse responsibilities, from overseeing employees to making strategic decisions. Here is the first step-by-step guide specifically designed to help you thrive in this fast-paced profession. Developed by nationally-known business consultatnt and author Melba Duncan, this leading-edge resource provides all the up-to-date information you need to manage information technologes, deal effectively with abrupt organizational changes and office politics, handle stress, resolve conflicts, motivate workers and forge a team mentality, master public relations and the media, capitalize on opportunities emerging fromcorporate restructuring, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Outstanding insights from a former top assistant!
This book has helped so many people! It's perfectly brilliant.

I think it's insane that reviewers are commenting on publisher's type-o's instead of commenting on how significant this book really is. Obviously, Ms. Duncan proofed her own book and after meeting Ms. Duncan at an event, I mentioned the reviews about the errors in the book. Ms. Duncan and her staff has tried desperately for years to demand that the book be reprinted. Some things unfortunately are out of one's hands, and I recognize this after years of being a journalist. Look at the NY Times! And every other book on your shelf! They all have errors!

Ms. Duncan has been instrumental in the salary increases, and gaining recognition for this truly unique role! I recommend this book to anyone in the role or considering it!

Interesting Read
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Duncan's book. I found it an easy read, packed with lots of excellent information.

As with the other reviewer I was extremely disappointed in the skills test in the back of the book. Missing questions, answers to questions that weren't printed.

I wonder if Ms. Duncan has read her own book? Did she review the skills test information in the back before it was published? If the fault lies with the publisher, I hope she got her money back. I also hope she'll do a re-print with the skill test corrected because I found it very helpful in identifying weak areas in my own skill set.

I've been an Executive Secretary/Assistant for the past ten years. Often a good assistant is taken for granted. I appreciated Ms. Duncan's affirmation that my job is more than a job, it's a career and that not just anyone can be a good assistant.

If you can get past all the problems with the skill test in the back of the book, I think you'll find the content extremely interesting, insightful, and motivating.

Talk About Ironic!
I just finished reading this book about the "new executive assistant". Of course it emphasizes attention to detail, checking your work, accuracy, etc. Upon completing the extensive skills test in the back of book, I was horrified to find the following blatant errors: 1. In the vocabulary section, the questions skip from #56 to #61, yet in the answer section, these questions do appear. 2. The proofreading section fails to point out periods that are missing at the end of two sentences. Here's the kicker: 3. When I went to check my answers for the spelling section, I discovered that there were only two answers out of 110 questions. To top, there were answers for #110 - 122, which didn't exist in the first place.

OK, can anyone find a proofreader at McGraw Hill to catch these types of errors? How can anyone take this book seriously? The other person who reviewed this book obviously did not read the whole thing. What a disappointment! I do recommend another book that I read. It's called The Valuable Office Professional by Michelle Burke. She is right on the money. There are some more in-depth self-evaluation tests, which go much further than vocabulary and grammar skills. I also got some information about her consulting service, which I am trying to convince management our company needs. That's my summary of this book. Good luck with your administrative careers no matter who you are or where you live!

Ms. Duncan has written a mentoring masterpiece!
"The New Executive Assistant" is a must-read for aspiring or seasoned executive assistants, their bosses, and everyone in between.

Ms. Duncan doesn't just advise you to develop a proactive rather than a reactive approach to your administrative career, she guides you to discovering both what you want out of life and what your career can provide. She covers all the important bases for surviving in today's fast-paced world: learning to adapt to change (technical and cultural); mastering the fundamentals of communicating what you really mean; tapping into your management and leadership potential; handling both yourself and others in conflict situations; promoting yourself, your boss, and your company; and regaining your spiritual "center". Most importantly, however, Ms. Duncan asks wether or not you are cut out to be an executive assistant. Life is too short to just have a job; whatever it may be, find a career that works for you, challenges you, and fits your personality.

Packed with objective insights, advice, and enjoyable witticisms, "The New Executive Assistant" delivers. I found in this one book what countless seminars and 50-minute training series have not been able to provide; I found truely usable, relevant insights and information. Ms. Duncan has created a mentoring master piece for executive assistants (and anyone who wants to understand them)! ... Read more