Book Description

Here's the guide you've been looking for - written by a successful consultant who has himself written hundreds of winning proposals. In this easy-to-read, easy-to-follow book, consultant Alan Weiss takes you step-by-step through the proposal process from definitions, objectives and essential preparation techniques...through the actual structuring and writing process...and on to the all-important client followup.

How to Write A Proposal That's Accepted Every Timeshows you how to acquire the information that creates winning proposals in collaboration with the buyer . "That's the key to proposal acceptance," says Weiss, "Collaboration with and agreement by the client prior to anything being committed to paper."

In this practical guide you'll learn how to -

Avoid gatekeepers and deal only with the economic buyer (the person who can cause a check to be signed).
Establish boundaries and avoid "scope creep."
Effectively convey the value of the project.
Frame your intervention in terms of outcomes rather than cost. And much more...

Let this detailed, how-to guide lead you to consulting success, before, during and after the proposal process! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Use this book to make money today!
I was skeptical. How could one book be worth over $100? And how could Alan Weiss tell me how to write proposals to my unique clients? It has been almost one year since I asked those questions...If I knew then what I know now, I would have paid a $1000 for this book! Here are the facts,when I first started using Alan's proposal templates my closing ratio went down from approximately 90% to 75%. BUT my consulting engagment fees went UP OVER 100%. Now, I have learned to avoid clients who don't value my work and my closing ratio has gone back to about 90% at almost double the value to me! But that is not the biggest benefit, through this book I learned how to get paid in advance...before I ever begin the project. Prior to using Alan's models I was never paid in advance, now 40% of my clients are paying me a much higher fee and paying it in advance.

I no longer have this book. I took the pages apart and filed the proposal templates according to my client base and instructed my client services manager to never deviate from these templates.

There are many books that have helped me think more critically, solve problems quicker and speak more effectively...BUT nothing has helped me increase my consulting revenue like this one by Alan Weiss. ... Read more

Book Description

PERFECT FOR NEW AND SEASONED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS, CAREGIVERS AND STUDENTS ALIKE, this resource covers the spectrum of conditions, disabilities, syndromes and other types of developmental differences that teachers and caregivers may encounter in children from infancy through age eight. For each disability or condition, a very concise definition is presented in straightforward language. Following the definition is a wealth of information in an easy-to-follow column format. The first column details observable behaviors, symptoms, and physical characteristics associated with the condition; the second presents a list of alternative conditions, behaviors and symptoms which may be similar but indicate a different root cause; and, the third column is dedicated to recommendations about how to work with a child who fits the profile of this disability or condition. Particular emphasis is placed on finding effective ways to include the children with special needs in the group. Suggested Web sites at the end of each section offer further opportunity for research. ... Read more

Book Description

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (11)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Description

This book provides readers with a clear, straightforward writing style, an abundance of examples, detailed real-life cases, and current data and statistics. It aims to 1) introduce ethical concepts that are relevant to resolving moral issues in business, 2) develop the reasoning and analytical skills needed to apply ethical concepts to business decisions, 3) identify the moral issues involved in the management of specific problem areas in business, and 4) examine the social and natural environments within which moral issues in business arise.Chapter topics cover ethics and business, ethical principles in business, the business system, ethics in the marketplace, ethics and the environment, the ethics of consumer production and marketing, the ethics of job discrimination, and the individual in the organization.For anyone in business. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The book with show the ethical in doing business
This book will provide you with the ethic activities when doing business. You can learn from the various cases in this book that show you how good & bad to doing you business. Ethic its about do right or wrong that much depend from the social standard. From this book we can learn much enough how to threat your customers in the ethic way. In much case in this book will show you the unethical activities that doing by the company finally they have to face the lawsuit or crash down. Just read this book first before you serve your customer in ethic way.

Up to Date Ethical Situations
This book is very up to date on the ethics surounding business today. It thougholy explains the different theories and concepts of business ethics. I rate this book high on content, but low on context. This is a good book but is long and dry, this author repeats himself and does not always get to the point directly.

Concise and well-written, although not perfect
I read this book as part of the first year of my MBA program and, in general, would recommend it to others with questions about business ethics. The book is quite well-written and a worthwhile read, although I would argue with some of Mr. Velasquez's conclusions.

Excellent text book
This book is our text book for the first year of MBA program. The author discusses the nature and significance of ethical standards and identifies four kinds of moral principles for resolving ethical dilemmas in business. We all learn a lot from this book. ... Read more

Book Description

From abandonment to zoning, and over 2,800 terms in between, The Language of Real Estate has every term that real estate professionals need.this industry best seller is a must have for all students, practitioners, and educators.Highlights include:
* Appendix boasts over 350 commonly used abbreviations.
* Subject classification index lists terms by topic.
* Spanish key terms help both ESL students and those who will be working with ESL customers. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent book- but I did not like the "bi-lingual" edition
I have this book - as well as the previous edition (4th edition).
This one came with my real estate class.

It is an excellent and very informative book.

However- many terms in the book have the Spanish word next to it.

Examples:
appraiser (valuador, tasador)
counteroffer (contraoferta)
deed (escritura)
fee simple (pleno dominio)
joint venture (asociacion, en participacion, contrato de asociacion, en participacion)
mortgagor (deudor hipotecario)
.......Etc.........

In the back of the book in Appendix D is a Spanish-English dictionary.

I did not want a bilingual real estate book.

The previous version of this book (4th edition- 1993) did not include this.

I don't know why the author- John W. Reilly- or Dearborn Real Estate- felt it necessary to include Spanish words next to many of the real estate terms.

I want to learn real estate- in English- not in Spanish.
And I felt that to be a huge distraction.

I want to learn real estate terms in ENGLISH- not in Spanish.
I was very disappointed when I saw that.

Maybe the author should publish an English version- and a Spanish version.

I took Spanish in college- and I want to learn REAL ESTATE- not a foreign language.

It is an excellent book - and in my opinion that is it's only flaw.

Excellent Reference Book
Whether teaching or working in the real estate field, this a a wonderful reference book for all. This could be helpful for beginners in the field and also for someone that has spent a lifetime in the field.

The #1 necessary book for agent or consumer
As a real estate instructor, this is the book I bring to every classroom, regardless of the topic. It is the ideal suppliment to any real estate instruction. It's clear, concise and to the point. My students are accustomed to hearing, "Let's see what THE BOOK says." As a writer and course developer, it's always there as my reference book of choice. As a consultant, I recommend it to buyers and sellers as their first step in learning the language. This is the all around perfect book for anyone dealing with real estate in any way --- which is just about everybody!

It is reallya must for any home buyer to read rather study
This gives a complete in sight of Realtor's work & psychology and thus helps a home buyer to make a gainful decision of his life to have a roof , without being taken for a ride. ... Read more

Book Description

An activity-based approach to teaching with an emphasis on using manipulatives to build conceptual understanding! This invaluable book combines practical teaching ideas, video examples, updated assessment techniques, and the NCTM Assessment Standards to give teachers all the background they need to introduce elementary and middle school students to the wonders of mathematics. ... Read more

Book Description

This legal environment text offers balanced coverage of private law and public law. To illustrate the legal points covered, the authors have integrated cases in the language of the court into each chapter. Strong ethical coverage helps students understand the need for responsible decisions. ... Read more

Book Description

If you've taken the time to turn your business into a corporation, chances are you'd like to see it stay that way. Your business card may say "incorporated," but if the courts and the IRS think differently, it's closing time.

Because meeting minutes are the primary paper trail of a corporation's legal life, it's important to know when and how to prepare these minutes. The Corporate Minutes Book provides all the answers, instructions and forms you need to get the job done.

Tear-out and disk minutes forms include:

*Call of Meeting

*Meeting Participant List

*Notice of Meeting

*Certification of Mailing

*Acknowledgment of Receipt of Notice of Meeting

*Shareholder Proxy

*Meeting Summary Sheet

*Minutes of Annual Shareholders' Meeting

*Minutes of Special Shareholders' Meeting

*Minutes of Annual Directors' Meeting

*Minutes of Special Directors' Meeting

*Waiver of Notice of Meeting

*Approval of Corporate Minutes By Directors of Shareholders

*Cover Letter for Approval of Minutes of Paper Meeting

*Written Consent to Action Without Meeting

The Corporate Minutes Book also gives you more than 80 additional resolutions -- both as tear-outs and on CD-ROM -- to insert into your minutes:

*elect S-corporation tax status

*adopt pension and profit-sharing plans

*set up employee benefit plans

*amend Articles and Bylaws

*borrow or lend money from or to directors, shareholders and banks

*authorize the issuance of shares of stock

*declare dividends

*hire employees and contract with outside firms and businesses

*approve the purchase or lease of commercial property

*approve corporate contracts

*select a corporate tax year

*approve salary increases and bonuses

*authorize bank loans

*authorize a corporate line of credit

*purchase or lease a company car

*authorize the use of a corporate credit card to pay business expenses

The 2nd edition is completely revised and updated to reflect current law. So take a few minutes and read this book -- your corporation deserves it! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The BEST book I've found too!
I borrowed an older version of this book from the library and had to buy it. This is THE best book on corporate minutes I hve ever read...and I have read many! It is very specific. It has all the forms in print and on disk. It not only tells you how to fill in the forms but why! If you run a small corporation and don't want to pay a lawyer to do all you minutes, this book is a must!

Best Book I've Found!!
I borrowed this from the library to check it out and now I own it. It covers everything you can think of needing. And it explains every form in detail ....the why and how.

the best book I've found
I've recently set up several corporate structures for small business ventures. In preparation, I took a couple of short classes at a local community college and read several books.

Most of the information in other books was very general. They would say something like, "you must do X to protect your corporate status," without telling you *how* to do it.

This is the only book I've found that clearly describes all the steps needed to properly set up and maintain your corporation. It does not cover choice of corporate structure or the actual incorporation process, but instead explains all the things you must do to maintain the legal and tax protections provided by your corporation once it is established. It also includes an extensive set of forms, all on CD-ROM. The forms are supplied in Rich Text Format, also known as rtf, and can be read by most word processors.

(Note to Macintosh users - although the book says that the CD-ROM is not "supported" on the Mac, I had no trouble opening and using the forms.)

Keep your corporate status. Record vital meeting minutes.
One simple reason to record meeting minutes is to be able to retain the precious corporate status of your business. Otherwise, the courts may strip away the corporate status leaving the owners vulnerable to lawsuits. That's one of the many things I learned by reading just the first chapter in this book.

I first ordered it because I wanted templates I could customize for my own company and I had read that this Nolo book had almost a 100 different forms in electronic format (CD-ROM) that I can use for recording all kinds of important corporate decisions. But when I got the book, I was surprised that it was such a heavy book and curiosity got the better of me and I started skimming through the various chapters.

This book has more than just tear out forms and electronic versions of these forms. Keeping with Nolo tradition, it has about 20 chapters dedicated to explaining in great detail all the various forms that can be used for recording corporate meeting minutes and HOW to use these forms. It made eveverything really easy!

The first 8 chapters of the book are about how to hold the meetings and record the minutes (including How to Take Action by Written Consent Without a Meeting). The chapters following that include topics like 'Corporate Tax Resolutions', 'Corporate Hiring and Appointment Resolutions', 'Resolutions for Loans to the Corporation', and 'Stock Issuance Resolutions'. I especially like the discussion of Legal and Tax Issues Affecting Stock Issuance and Loans to the Corporation by Shareholders and Other Insiders.

This is probably the most expensive Nolo book that you can purchase (almost twice their cheapest book) but I didn't hesitate even a second to buy this book because I was sure I would spend hours trying to come up with my own forms for meeting minutes. I thought it would be better to just buy and use their forms instead. Good luck and don't lose that precious corporate status! ... Read more

Book Description

This popular text effectively combines a traditional case focus with clear and concise coverage of a wide range of up-to-date topics. Students are introduced to the impact of the law affecting business, while concentrating on information and applications essential to the business practitioner. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Legal environment of business
to the sender of this book:

I was sent the wrong version. I was sent the 7th ed. not the 8th ed.

Please send me the 8th ed. of

The Legal Environment of Business...

ISBN: 0324121512

VERY Useful and Clear -- and Excellent
I taught out of this text for several years. It's excellent. The materials are sensibly organized; the writing is clear without being juvenile; and the legal analysis is flawless.

Students respond well to the book.

This is one of the best texts that I've ever used in any class, and it's certainly the best text that I've found for teaching business law to non-law students. ... Read more

Book Description

Through five editions since its first release in 1959, What Every Supervisor Should Know has effectively responded to the changing needs of supervisors, and it remains the standard in the field of supervision. Now in a new edition, this classic guide to handling the day-to-day problems that supervisors face is: more current than ever-two new chapters cover the environment and innovation, this latest edition also treats such timely issues as computer surveillance and job competency guidelines; more personalized than ever-the new Personal Development Portfolio offers convenient checklists and sound guidelines on planning careers, managing time and coping with stress; leaner, meaner, and easier to use-the format is modular, and each chapter features three or more case studies, chapter-end reviews, and lots of easily referenced lists, tables, and charts. It's the best reference available for supervisors just starting out as well as for seasoned managers who need to freshen up on the basics or update their skills. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Just my opinion
Started using this book in a Supervision class I took at Purdue Unversity in 1987, and used it as a reference til I bought the 1990 printing in 1995 on sale at a local bookstore. I will be using the latest printing as a textbook to train foreman in my job. Very good information for a new front-line supervisor or as a reference for old pro.

Review
Dry and difficult to read straight through. Set up more like a textbook, which wasn't really what I was looking for. ... Read more

Book Description

This text is designed as a brief paperback focusing on the core business law topics (including contracts and sales) and is positioned to answer objections based on cost. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

R Cohen
I received my book from R Cohen in good conditions, with the best price and very soon (actually before than I expected). I strongly recommend him.

okay
ye ... Read more

Book Description

Designed specifically for trainers, speakers, and group facilitators, this 400-page cookbook of playful group mixers helps to "break the ice" among participants at the beginning of any meeting, or to recharge participants on the brink of boredom. Complete with guidelines, these simple activities-like games, energizers, brain-teasers, and quizzes-require little or no preparation time, and most can be completed in less than 5 minutes. Also included are props and hand-outs that can be photocopied for the entire group to enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great for Residence Life staff
There are few books on icebreakers/teambuilders that I've found to be useful with college students ( I work in Student Affairs). This book, however, offered many activities that were useful not only for just 'breaking the ice' but also for applying them to the many educational workshops we do in this field. There was also a very helpful section called "Icebreakers for the Non-Icebreaker types" that was both interesting and practical. Because I work with such a diverse range of students, I struggle to find icebreakers that are not geared solely to the extroverted-types. This collection gives a number of activities that are beneficial to teambuilding while respecting the different learning/interaction styles we see in our students. Out of the 201 offered in the book, I have found at least 180 of them that I will use as integral parts of the next staff training. This book also offers activities for groups ranging from 8 participants (good for small staffs) to 400 participants (good for all-hall activities)!

Disappointing
It was disappointing to find so few ideas for a group of 100 business people who don't know each other. Most of the activities are far too personal for such a group, involving sharing personal information or touching. In addition, many of the activities have no "closure": they simply end, leaving us to wonder, what was the purpose of THAT? Many of the activities would be fine for very informal gatherings where being silly (marching in a parade, charades, making a human octopus) and getting personal are appropriate. But business people--even my lighthearted group--expect some degree of professionalism and purpose associated with such activities.

Group Warm-up Exercise Testing/Assessment Instruments
Can any one help me locate a Testing or Assessment instrument that I can use to validate the usefulness of Ice-breakers or Group Warm-up Exercises? I am a Ph.D. student at Walden Un. presenting a research paper on the usefulness of Ice-breakers through Experiential Learning. I would be most greatful for any help I can get. Derrick W. Copper ... Read more

Reviews (6)

This Style Guide Has Everything!
This book tells you how to do everything! It can be used by both students and professionals. This book has everything from how to properly use a comma to writing bibliographies; from how to use photographs in presentations and documents to writing resumes. This guide gives you hints on how to manage meetings effectively. I use this book at both work and home. People come to me to borrow this fantasic book constantly. I have the CD installed on my computer and love using the program - it is very user-friendly. I don't think any student or office should be without this wonderful tool.

Covey's CD doesn't work, neither does customer service!
I recently purchased the Covey Style Guide with CD Rom. The CD rom, after installation, wouldn't come up. I phoned Covey's 800 number and got bounced around to several people who said I had to go online for help, or else give my credit card up front for a minimum of $20 service charge. Their online system supposedly has a technician online, but I kept getting the message "Sorry, sometimes the system cuts of the reply. Please resend."

This is was too weird for me. This is not my idea of customer service!

Stephen Johnson
editor@healingpath.com

Great book to improve technical writing skills!
This book was great for improving my technical writing skills. I used this book as a required textbook for a masters degree program and felt it was great for my first class.

The most helpful style guide ever!
There are a number of useful style guides for technical and business writers on the market; this is my most favorite!

It is easy to understand, has great examples, covers all imaginable aspects of written communication, and - the best - it comes with exhaustive coverage on a CD.

Finally, it is definitely the best bank for your buck!

Great desktop reference for Technical Writers
This is a great reference tool for anyone starting out in the technical communications field! This book is very user friendly. It's apparent once you start flipping through the pages. All the topics, such as, "Editing and Proofreading," "Page Layout," and "Word Problems," are organized in alphabetical order and printed on the outside edge of the page's header in large easy-to-read font. I also appreciate the way each topic has the keypoints summarized at the beginning with numbers that corresponds to an in-depth discussion of the keypoints. The enclosed CD-ROM was also a great addition to this book. This book is a worthwhile investment! ... Read more

Book Description

This new edition of a classic surveying and land law reference has been significantly revised to include updates on laws of boundary evidence, the advances of Global Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) and their impact on surveying measurements. This volume provides new insights into the historic basis for boundary determinations, and expanded coverage on ownership, transfer, and description of real property. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Surveyor's Bible
While preparing for my licensing exam, I read this book from cover to cover. It addresses every principle of retracement (sequential and simultaneous conveyances), public lands, and riparian issues thoroughly. The highlighted "principle" at the heading of each new topic makes remembering the main points simple. I can honestly say that every question on the NCEES exam that dealt with general principles and practice was answered in this book. I passed on my first sitting, and this book was one of the main reasons why. If you can only study one reference, this is it. Every practicing surveyor should also refer to it regularly.

Boundary Control and Legal Principals
This is the definitive work on boundary control. Technicians preparing for the SIT and PLS tests should own this book.

Brown's Boundary Control and Legal Priciples
This is a must own book for Land Surveyors, or Survey technicians. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Multiple Uses
I purchased Thinkpac nearly 2 years ago, but have waited until now to write this review. One reason is the myriad uses I have discovered for these versatile cards. Thinkpac is tool for brainstorming, and is based on the author's wonderfully useful acronym SCAMPER. (See 'Thinkrtoys,' Ch. Nine.)A brief book summarizes the principles. The cards provide the means.

Traditionally, brainstorming is viewed as a technique for solving problems occurring in business and industry. However, I have become increasingly intrigued with other applications. When 2 or more people engage in creative discussion many options open. I have used Thinkpac to plan a family vacation. And a friend and his associates used the cards to strategize and assemble a fantasy football team for an entire season. The sky's the limit.

Fantastic
We used this deck of cards brainstorming in our company, and the cards sparked an idea that has doubled our profit. Can't begin to tell you about all the ideas this little deck has sparked. All I know is we are very happy to discovered this tool.

Dynamite!!!
I have had "THINKPAK" for about 3 years now and they have never failed to help me or my management team generate tons of ideas. Every new idea is some addition or modification to something that already exists. These cards show you how to take anything (service, product, process, etc.) and manipuate it into something new by using a checklist of questions based on the classic SCAMPER brainstorming technique that dates back to Alex Osborne the early guru of creative thinking who invented the process of brainstorming itself. Anytime you are at a loss for an idea, need a solution for a problem or just plain brainstorming, pull these out and the ideas just keep coming. If you're in a business where you need to keep coming up with novel, fresh ideas to stay ahead of the competition, this deck is the ticket. It's dynamite

Thinkpak? Think Again!
This was one of the worst 'toys' I've ever invested in. Purchased the item for use during motivational/sales training sessions. I was in the market for some new ideas & felt this might be the breath of fresh air I was searching for. Wrong!! I'm embarrassed to mention that I own this worthless box let alone use the kit in front of employees! My own brand of brainstorming has netted more creative explosions. Quite frankly, a deck of Old Maid garners a higher rating than Thinkertoys. At least someone was thinking of more than a quick buck when he/she created that deck of cards. My advice is: don't waste your money. Rather than investing in Thinkertoys, buy your child a set of Tinkertoys and watch a true creative genius at work.

In what ways might I ThinkPak?
ThinkPak is 56 individual cards used to create new and innovative ideas. Not only can the cards be used individually but also with groups, co-workers, teammates, family, children, etc. First let me demystify ThinkPak, ThinkPak is basically the technique of SCAMPER, but with some great additions. If you have not read the books Thinkertoys, or Cracking Creativity, SCAMPER is merely a way to create new ideas.

SCAMPER
S = Substitute?
C = Create?
A = Add?
M = Modify
P = Put to other uses?
E = Eliminate?
R = Rearrange or Reverse?

You merely get an idea or a problem and expand on them using the individual SCAMPER cards. In addition, you then can evaluate your ideas with the "evaluation" cards. Sound simple? Yes it is, but all too powerful!

Let me also start by properly labeling how the cards are separated, and put together into 4 different uses. From the ThinkPak booklet,

Card No. 1 is an easy -reference list of the nine principle strategies.
Card No. 2 outlines the basic techniques for using ThinkPak.
Cards No. 3 through 47 are idea stimulators, i.e. SCAMPER
Cards No. 48 through 56 are techniques that help you evaluate your ideas. i.e. "evaluation" cards

What makes the cards very nice is they are sort of "bullet-items" for SCAMPER, so the cards can do the walking. One side of the cards is some creative diagram visually labeling the card sets (just visual, nothing to use). The backside of the cards is where the information is. All of cards are numbered and the cards are filled with questions and examples, useful to understanding and using SCAMPER.

ThinkPak also comes with a small 61-page booklet with instructions on how to use the cards. The booklet is also great, I have read both of Michael's books and the little ThinkPak booklet gave me some new examples on how to use SCAMPER. Also in the booklet Michael gives some great examples on how people used ThinkPak in real life creative situations. There is a lot more in the booklet as well, including an area on how to use ThinkPak in-groups.

Lotus Blossam is also mentioned in the ThinkPak booklet. Another one of my favorite techniques for creating new ideas. Lotus Blossam is merely a special diagram you draw on a piece of paper that you expand your ideas with. You merely start with a central idea and you expand it outward from a central starting point. The diagram is expanded and is shaped somewhat like a flower (although with squares), hence the name Lotus Blossom. For an in-depth explanation of the Lotus Blossom, check out Cracking Creativity. One of my all-time favorite books, and a great addition to ThinkPak.

Two minor, but noteworthy quivers that I do have concerning the ThinkPak card deck.

No. 1 problem is the size of the individual cards. The cards measure at about 3" x 4 3/4" in size. This makes the cards rather bulky and not extremely pocketable. I would like to have seen the cards been a little smaller in size, something akin to regular playing cards. There is a lot of text on the cards and this is the possible reason for the size? The cards are a little large, but they are handleable. However, they are great size for business groups, or group brainstorming. They can be easily scattered on a table and then selected by your group, or thrown into a box and shaken vigorously. I usually separate my card deck into two piles and then select individual cards. The evaluation cards (48-56) I use mainly after creating new ideas, so they are usually always separated from the main deck.

No. 2 problem is the cards are essentially thin paper. I was curious if the cards would be laminated or not, sadly they are not. I enjoy my cards so much I merely fixed this problem by laminating my cards. Your local Kinko's will laminate the cards. Kinko's offers two different types of lamination (light or heavy) for all sorts of cards, layouts, pictures, etc. Rather inexpensive to laminate but well worth the time and effort. Now my cards are practically waterproof, pocketproof, and childproof :-)

These are only minor complaints for ThinkPak! I love my card deck and I find them very helpful. I also have always liked SCAMPER, and find it very idea-friendly. With SCAMPER, evaluation cards, Lotus Blossam and other ways to create ideas, be prepared to have a notepad ready because ideas will come so fast you may not be able to write them down fast enough! Yeehaww! ... Read more

Book Description

The Six Fundamentals of Success shows readers how to refocus their energies on the constants of business success—satisfying customers, doing what you say you'll do, communicating clearly and regularly, and developing strong relationships. In a refreshingly frank manner, Levine spells out exactly how to achieve these goals through his six time-tested principles:

Make Sure Everything You Do Adds Value
Know How to Deliver Results
Conduct Yourself and Your Business with Integrity
Invest in Relationships
Communicate Up and Down, Inside and Out
Gain Perspective

In more than eighty short, specific rules of one or two pages, he instructs the reader on how to make each of these fundamentals work. Covering the most effective ways to behave, respond, and motivate others, he exhorts leaders and managers to respect themselves first; always act ethically; work with a sense of urgency; become financially literate; say thank-you; keep meetings focused; don't let others define who you are; and make a practice of sharing all the news, good and bad.

Aimed at business people and entrepreneurs at all levels, and companies of all sizes, THE POWER OF FUNDAMENTALS provides the smart, action-oriented guidance needed in today’s challenging climate.

Reviews (63)

A dynamite book...
I can not say enough about this book and the impact it has had on my business life and skills. This book did a superb job of reiterating skills that all business people need to make sure they excel at to be successful in their individual businesses. Stuart Levine has a tremendous way with words, giving distinct, unforgettable analogies that help to force home the point. This book has allowed me to expand my career, and certain skills I have retained have been noticed by my fellow workers. I highly recommend this book to anyone in a business-related field or even not, as it is an important tool to have in navigating the path of life, especially one's work life.

Levine on ¿Today Show¿
I picked up this gem, after watching Levine on the Today show with Matt Lauer. Reading this book once, was not enough for me. I personally leaf through the book every few days.

The insights Levine provides are integral to every facet of my life. As a student leader on campus this book has helped me set goals, implement change, and maintain relationships. I apply these insights to my studies and everyday life. As the president of a major student organization, I can appreciate the fundamental "Communicate Up and Down, Inside and Out" for its reinforcement of the importance of constant communication among my peers. This book has saved my student organization time, money and a lot of frustration.

Make Sure You Get it!
I was reading this book on a recent business trip on the recommendations of a co-worker and found this book truly interesting! The author's six fundamentals and their respective rules for getting it right are really key ingredients of success and should be mandatory reading materials for all new and middle managers!

I especially enjoyed the rule "Setbacks make you stronger" because when you have the right perspective on how to deal with failures in life, nothing can stop you!

Make sure you go out and buy one copy and recommend it to your friends!

Every few years you will find a best-seller
Stuart Levine's "Six Fundamentals of Success" touches on all the most relevant subjects that successful people embrace every day. The unique and hard part is to distill those kind of wisdom in a very easy-to-understand manner and language.

This book achieves that and I will predict it will become a best seller! Personally I really like the Fundamental "Make Sure You Add Value" because most executives have a sense of entitlement after they have been on the jobs for a couple of years.

Make sure you pass this book to some of the up-and-coming future leaders in your office!

A Business Book with Global Apeal
A good friend of mine from California gave me this book as a gift. After reading it, I strongly feel that this small business book has global appeal, its fundamentals particularly applicable to Asian business executives. Hope it has a Chinese version soon because I know it will sell very well.

I have been in business in China and Hong Kong for over 34 years and some of the rules in the book are great for Chineses business owners. Even though the author is not Asian, it seems to me he has some strong global experiences. "Invest in relationships" is a golden rule if you want to do business in China. ... Read more

Book Description

Breaking down complex philosophical issues into a step-by-step self-help guide, the founder of the Institute for Global Ethics shows us how to grapple with everyday issues and problems: Should I take my family on a much-needed vacation or save money for my children's education? Should we protect the endangered owl or maintain jobs for loggers? This is a unique, anecdote-rich, and articulate program that teaches us to think for ourselves rather than supplying us with easy, definitive answers. Offering concrete guidelines and principles, Kidder enables us to resolve ethical dilemmas and to make the tough choice between what are usually two "right" values. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Framing the question frames the answer
Kidder's book essentially boils down any tough choice down to basic conflicts, a struggle for competing "rights" or things we value. We value loyalty, for example, and we value honesty...what happens if I know my spouse is cheating on our taxes or from their company?

Thought provoking, easily read....strongly recommend.

choice and conflict
This is a nice, short book that anybody could read and get something useful out of. To help potential readers, I will clarify a little about the book. In many ways, it is not a book about decision making per se, but rather ethics and decision making. As such the title doesn't quite fit: perhaps it should be called how good people -should- make tough choices. Given that the emphasis of the book was somewhat different than expected, Kidder made a decent book out of the general topic of ethics. Not arcane in any way, chock full of examples and designed to be user-friendly. A great book for "lay persons" who are nonetheless quite familiar with decisions that have ethical implications and need to make them on a regular basis.

Excellent
This is an excellent book and along with Donald V. Paone's "To Be or Not to Be: Reflections of Modern Bioethical Choices" (also available from Amazon.com) is must reading if those who confront the problems of living morally in the modern world.

Beautifully written, easy to understand ideas
This book has provided me with a structure through which I can begin to think more openly about ethics. It has surprised me with a number of new ideas, most of which are relevant to all of us. I highly recommend this work to those who care about living a thoughtful life. Ethics this way is not stodgy and limiting, but expansive and exciting.

The best book on the subject
After reading a variety of books on ethics and ethical decision making, this one stood out for its clarity of thinking and superb examples. A book that makes you think about your life and how you choose when the choice is hardest of all: between right and right. ... Read more

Book Description

A job with the U.S. Border Patrol provides more than a good salary and excellent benefits. Border Patrol agents enjoy exciting jobs, diverse experiences, and promotional opportunities. Competition for these challenging jobs is stiff. You have to be courageous, honest, and physically fit. And, you have to pass the all-important Border Patrol Exam. Over 5,000 people take the exam each time itÆs offered, competing for perhaps 400 positions. To come out on top, you need all the help you can get. LearningExpress has created this easy-to-use guide to give you the edge you need to land the job you want.This new edition includes vital information and preparation for the new Spanish portion of the Border Patrol Exam. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

INS Test Prep
I bought this book because I needed to study for the Immigration Inspector exam. Unfortunately, there isn't a book available for this exam, but this book was at least helpful. I took the test yesterday, and I was so glad that I had studied. There were 200 people taking the test, and at least I felt that I had a slight edge from studying. I wish there would have been more test exams in the book - there's only two. The Immigration Inspector test doesn't include any Spanish or Artificial Language sections, but I did use the Spanish section to brush up on my skills. It takes up to twelve weeks to get your results back, which the book doesn't mention. Good luck to all and study, study, study!!

Buy the blue one!
Until the third edition comes out (and that could be a while since this one is fairly new), this edition is the most up to date one available! The first edition still contains the old vocabulary portion which has been eliminated from the current Border Patrol test. If you wish to study the vocabulary section, I would recommend buying both books, but this is simply NOT necessary. This book gives you study tips, very realistic practice tests, and it helps you to find your weaker areas. Buy the blue one!

Ray Harris
... Read more

Book Description

This text provides a concise explanation of the statutory and case law that affects business with the objective of enabling students to use the law as a source for business decision-making. Excellent preparation for CPA exams and numerous critical thinking features are particular strengths of this text. This sixth edition continues the tradition of authoritative, accurate, and up-to-date presentation of the law. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good book, but AMZN's price is high
You can get the book at much cheaper price from elsewhere including book stores.

Barnes and Nobles.com sells it only for $72.50.

Check it out. do not buy from AMZN. They are cheaters. ... Read more