Book Description

Your project went off without a hitch--but somebody else got the credit...You averted a crisis brilliantly--but no one noticed...You came to the meeting with a sensational idea--but it was ignored until someone else said the same thing...

HOW CAN YOU GET CREDIT & GET AHEAD?

In her extraordinary international bestseller, You Just Don't Understand, Deborah Tannen transformed forever the way we look at intimate relationships between women and men. Now she turns her keen ear and observant eye toward the workplace--where the ways in which men and women communicate can determine who gets heard, who gets ahead, and what gets done.

An instant classic, Talking From 9 to 5 brilliantly explains women's and men's conversational rituals--and the language barriers we unintentionally erect in the business world. It is a unique and invaluable guide to recognizing the verbal power games and miscommunications that cause good work to be underappreciated or go unnoticed--an essential tool for promoting more positive and productive professional relationships among men and women. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A necessary read!
TALKING FROM 9 TO 5: WOMEN AND MEN AT WORK by Deborah Tannen is a book that everyone should read if he or she goes to work, anywhere. If you are a boss or have a boss, you should read this book (thank you Mom & Dad). If you work with other people, you should read this book. Now that I have stressed that, I will tell you more about the book's focus and the points Tannen makes very well. She is well known for her book, YOU JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND, which I have not read, but which is about how relationship problems come about due to differing communication styles between women and men ("Report" talk by men vs. "rapport" talk by women -- women talk "troubles talk" to build community, when men hear this, they are more than likely to feel that the problems need solving and will say what to do; this creates dissonance as the woman just wants to feel understood not "bossed" around, and the man can't understand why she's telling him problems if she doesn't want solutions). This book takes those issues to work and through many examples from her own research and others in sociolinguistics, anthropology and sociology, Tannen makes the point that different communication styles are problematic only when people don't understand them, that there is no "better" way to talk than another. Tannen made a fascinating point about communication styles and conversation rituals. She writes that people think they can tell when someone is lying to them, but research shows that really, people are not good at discerning this. In a similar way, we think we can tell if someone is confident and a good leader by the way they talk, but we can't. A woman, who raises the tone of her statements to sound like questions, who gives indirect orders and who seeks input before making decisions may often be assumed to be weaker than a man in a similar role, but her conversation rituals are not a true mark of who she is; they are the communication style that she was more likely than not socialized to use as a woman. Likewise, men are assumed to want the floor and command, when sometimes they would rather not take it. Tannen gives evidence on how difficult it is for women to be heard in meetings, and provides anthropological studies that show that as far back as age 3, boys listen to boys and girls listen to girls at play, but boys do not listen to girls, and may ignore and insult them when they pipe up to direct activities. This book is not a polemic against men or masculine styles. Tannen finds that most communication styles are appropriate in many instances. There is more than one way to get the job done, and sometimes, a masculine style is better than a feminine style, and sometimes the opposite is true, but she makes it very clear that a lack of that understanding can be detrimental to organizations because of erroneous assumptions made about people's abilities based on their conversational style. One of her overriding points, born out by her research, is that women tend to talk to build community and do nont like to stand out for accomplishments or for failures in a group. They will engage in ritual talk that seeks inclusion so as to maintain good feeling among the group, not because they are insecure and need to feel that no one dislikes them. Men, on the other hand, tend to engage in one-up talk, are more sensitive to being one down, and will take the lead to avoid being bested. (When a woman who is trying to build community is "one-upped" by a man who takes her ritualistic talk and her willingness to put herself down to create harmony, she feels "betrayed" by his spurning of her communal talk to take the upper hand. Who is "right?" Neither, but their reactions to the same conversation may be very different and in some cases, harmful to the organization.) This book really changed the way I think about organizational life, the assumptions that I draw, the way I have communicated with people who worked for me, and what I will strive to do in the future. Even if you don't read the whole thing, buy it and keep it around. The last chapter, "Who gets heard" is especially instructive, and the afterword is a great essay on the issue with justification for her methods and theories. I think this book would be perfect for anyone who reports to someone of the opposite gender or who is the boss of same. But because the standards for styles are not entirely gender based, I would, again, suggest this book to EVERYONE.

Thought-provoking and helpful
This book makes me acutely conscious of the way I communicate with other people, both women and men (as did "You Just Don't Understand" when I read it several years ago). Without mandating a certain method of communication or telling us how we must change our ways of talking to one another, Tannen illustrates and defines patterns and gives us enough information to work it out for ourselves. I definitely recommend this book to any woman in the workplace who wants to be seen as confident and competent without being labled as the B word.

A disappointment but still relevant book
I have read Deborah Tannen's first 2 books and I found them groudbreaking and very informative. This book however seems to be too much of a rehash of her first 2 books with a little bit of business communication stuck in the middle. I was disappointed by the book and believe there are better books out there than this one.

Very enlightening
I recommend this book to everyone who has relationships or works or has friends or who interact with people....Oh, that's EVERYONE!
It's very interesting to read about how what we say is not what comes across and what we thought we heard is often not what was meant!
A must read for anyone cares about understanding and being understood!

Important Work - A little too much personal bias though
I gave this a 4 star rating only because of the importance of the overall topic. This book really can help one understand some of the underlying issues that make communications difficult between men and women at work. Ritual opposition and ritual apology are two important topics that are often seen and important to understand. I do believe that the author engages in a small amount of "axe grinding" though. Although, you know what Dr. Tannen? If I were a woman perhaps I would have viewed some of your experiences through a different "lens". ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Look at successful women in business
There is a lot of negative reviews of this book. Apparently women don't want to accept the cold truth about business dressing. Business people make judgements on first impressions. Molloy has studied the habits of executives and tells us what they think. If you look around at women CEOs and and the like, they are dressed just like Molloy describes in this book. They played the game and got to the top. They didn't complain that they couldn't wear certain things--they just did it. In his book he tells you if you don't believe him test it yourself. Dress your way and make notes of how you are treated and the level of respect you receive. Then dress his way and compare the results. Try it--it could be an eye-opener. The only thing this book lacks is photos, otherwise it is a very informative guide.

The Way to Dress Successfully in the Workforce
I thought the book New Women's Dress for Success was very interesting and helpful. This book has helped many women realize that the way they are dressing for work is not appropriate. Molloy explains the different fabrics, colors and accessories that will help women to dress for success. Some aspects of dress that seem obvious to some many not be as obvious to others. For example, wearing natural makeup, not dressing too sexy and wearing a jacket are overlooked by many women in the workforce. These dress codes will help women in interviews and to gain more respect and power at the workplace. I found this book very intriguing because I am interested in the business world and Molloy's suggests mostly likely will be very helpful to me in the future. As a high school senior applying to colleges, I can use Molloy's advice about dressing appropriately at college interviews. This book has given me a greater awareness of the importance of woman's dress today and I will be more aware of how my appearance reflects who I am.

factual
For women who love serving the fashion machine, this book is useless. But for women who want to know how to dress to break into the "good old boys" network, who want to rise above their upbringing, or want to stop being treated like bimbos and trash, this book is priceless. Molloy's research into what sort of colors impress juries and potential buyers is incredibly useful. He even tells you how to dress to be a successful doctor. I find Molloy incredibly sympathetic to the needs of real women, including large-size women and particularly women of color.

TELLS THE TRUTH ABOUT FEMALE/FEMALE HARASSMENT
This book is a gem if only due to the fact that Molloy tells the truth about modern women in the workplace. MANY WOMEN ARE JEALOUS OF BEAUTIFUL WOMEN, AND THEY WORK AGAINST THE CAREER ASPIRATIONS OF THOSE WOMEN THEY ARE ENVIOUS OF.

One need only listen to the numerous catty comments that women make about other women, and one can see that WOMEN are the ones actively working to keep other women from success. Therefore, very beautiful women are accused of having slept with the boss, using their looks to get ahead, or any number of nasty things that may not be at all true! Some women actively attempt to ruin careers and reputations just based on the good looks of the women they are insanely envious of. This is a very serious problem for professional women, and it is just ridiculous that men are always accused of creating a "hostile and offensive environment" most of the time, when women are much worse to each other.

I have been in some of the finest department stores only to have the wonderful, articulate, elegant salesperson given a rude, verbal backhand from a coworker, and this was done right in front of me! I was so furious at one woman that I promptly complained to management and then wrote a nice letter commending the poor girl who had been helping me with such professionalism and grace.

Kudos to Molloy for exposing what modern feminists hate to talk about, the dirty little secret of feminism...SNOW WHITE/CINDERELLA SYNDROME in the workplace (female envy of attractive women).

Don't hate them because they are beautiful. Most customers prefer a beauty to a jealous shrew. Corporate America should promote the pretty ones and get rid of the unattractive troublemakers.

Other books that may be of interest to readers of "New Women's Dress for Success" are "Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty" by Nancy Etcoff and "The Substance of Style" by Virginia Postrel. Both books play up the importance of good looks, be it regarding a person or a product.

The hideous, jealous, backstabbing shrews of this world should just slink off into the dreadful holes from which they climbed forth...or try learning to become more attractive, as Molloy helps one do in this wonderful book.

Sexist and offensive
In reading Molloy's book, one could conclude that a woman who thinks that earning a graduate degree, working hard and developing skills is what it takes to get ahead is all wrong. No, what she needs to do (according to Molloy) is to obsess about her looks, starve herself if genetics did not endow her with a thin build and in general market herself as if looks are all that matter. After decades of women working for equality in the workplace, there are still people who think like this?! I believe that women deserve better than this book. True, the advice he gives on appropriate workplace attire is basically sound, but there are many other books out there that give advice just as good, without the sexism and size prejudice. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Robin Wolaner Answers The Significant Seven

Robin Wolaner began her career as a copywriter at Penthouse, worked at Mother Jones and Runner's World, founded Parenting magazine, and launched Vibe and Martha Stewart Living. In Wolaner's new book, Naked in the Boardroom, she shares tales about making a successful go of it all. See the answers Wolaner gave for the Amazon.com Significant Seven questions that we like to run by every author.

Wolaner answers the Amazon.com Significant Seven questions

... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great Read!
I have to blame Robin for my being somewhat sleep deprived. I picked up this book yesterday and couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. This is a thought-provoking, funny and insightful read; and a 'must read' for anyone--female or male--in the business world. Her rules, anecdotes and reflections resonate with any of us who have taken on the mission of building cultures of integrity, excellence, and respect in an organization.

More helpful to the author than to the reader
This book reads more like a personal journal contributing to the author's benefit than to the benefit of people in search of career advice. The sisterhood aspect, professed to be the author's ethic in this book, reads disingenuous at best. But even if she actually walks the walk, it is of no practical value to read about it. Overall, not recommended.

Where was this book when I was starting my career?
As a businesswoman myself, I can only say I wish this book had been around twenty years ago.Not only is it wise and useful, it's a funny, fascinating read full of good stories that would be great gossip even if they weren't so helpful.

Naked in the Board Room is a Winner!
I loved reading Naked in the Board Room, which I'd characterize as a must-read for any woman who is pursuing a career. The book covers all the A-Z's of how to most effectively succeed in business, while simultaneously maintaining your morals and your sanity! Everything is included - from hiring to trusting your gut It's definitely "the book" to read this spring!

Eileen Bramlet

A Business Book of Uncommon Candor and Heart
This is not just one great book, it's actually a couple great books - a business advice title of uncommon candor, a jaunty personal memoir, and an eye-opening account of life as a powerful woman and mother in corporate America.In the interest of full disclosure, Robin was one of my mentors - and this book manages to distill her cool wit, cut-to-the-chase honesty, and keen judgement into one galloping read.If you're a woman in corporate America, read this book - and if you're a man in corporate America, really read this book - Robin's rare combination of fearless leadership, humility and open heart are a model for look-yourself-in-the-mirror career success. ... Read more

Book Description

This woman's experience is far from unusual. As authors Pat Heim and Susan Murphy have learned through twenty years of corporate consulting on gender differences, time and again, professional women fail to support one another and even actively sabotage their female colleagues with subterfuge and "catfights."

The fact is, relationships can be either the best or the worst things to happen to women at work. Studies have shown that women have a greater capacity than do men to encourage and improve each other's professional performance-with better results for all if their relationships are good, and worse results if they are not.

In In the Company of Women, Heim and Murphy draw from thelatest research on brain structure, evolution, and socialization to explain why women's workplace relationships are unique. They describe what makes catfights happen-and how to avoid them. With startling insights into the meaning of everyday behavior, they offer straightforward techniques to change female conflict into female alliances by resolving discord peaceably, making the most of women's unique leadership skills, and building relationships with female superiors, colleagues, and employees. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A real problem that needs to be addressed in another book
I found myself nodding as I read some of the anecdotes in this book. Workplace conflict between women is an incredibly important topic, and it is the evil that cannot be named in PC corporate America.

I was really disappointed in the advice the authors offered. Most of the undermining tactics in the anecdotes were quite damaging to the businesses in question, and not just to the women who were being attacked.

The authors' suggestions? Be nice, be sensitive, try to do your own routine office tasks so as not to offend your female support staff or former coworkers. Appeasement seems to be the message. I do not think violations of a company code of conduct, or acting in ways that drive away customers are behaviors that need to be 'understood' and appeased. These behaviors need to be confronted directly, asked to stop, and documented. If they continues, there need to be consequences, and I don't think 'invoking the power-dead-even rule' really covers that. There should not be different standards of behavior for employees based on their sex.

A newly promoted woman who spends her time on administrative tasks for fear of offending her female coworkers will have less time to spend on project deliverables and management, and risks losing her new position and reinforcing the idea that women cannot be effective supervisors or executives.

I did not see many anecdotes about the beneficial alliances women form. I am left with the conclusion that most women in large corporations will have to make the difficult choice between being liked and being successful. I didn't see much constructive advice that would allow you to do both in the real world.

I Didn't Want to Admit They Are Right--But They Are
When I picked up "In the Company of Women" to read, I was prepared to disagree with every single sentence. A female colleague had given it to me as a gift, saying that all her friends were reading it and having an "aha" experience -- they finally understood what was happening in their interactions with other women at work, with their friends, etc. I wasn't even going to read it, but when she told me that Harvard Business School had the book on its recommended list on its website, I decided to go ahead and at least start.
My fear was that the book would play into every stereotype we professional women have worked so hard to overcome -- reinforcing that all-too-widespread male view that we are emotional, bitchy "girls" just out to get each other. BOY WAS I WRONG! These authors have PhD's and years of experience in corporate America and they know their stuff. I was really impressed with the scholarship and research.
As I was reading I began to see all my friends and myself in the examples. We have all been sabotaged by other women in the workplace; we just didn't want to admit it. I didn't find the advice trite or counterproductive to business in the least --and I didn't find it to be overly focused on the issue itself so that I was left thinking "OK now what do I do?" The majority of the book is focused on solutions THAT WORK, and those solutions are very simple. I have been using them, and I can say with absolute confidence that my work environment is better for all of us -- men and women -- as a result.
We all deal with co-workers based on their personalities, level in the organization, work styles, etc. If I manage someone who isn't brilliant but who is really organized, good-natured, straightforward, and works well under pressure, then I will assign a different project (or in a different way), and with a different set of expectations about completion date, than if he or she is brilliant but disorganized, moody, and gets overwhelmed by pressure. Gender is simply one more factor to consider, but I never thought about it before because I wanted to think it doesn't matter. (Maybe a little leftover 1960's idealism at work-I don't know). But of course gender matters and I just didn't see it! (The rest of our bodies are different -- why wouldn't our brains be too?) That means their work styles are likely to be different too. But as the authors point out, that's not a liability that's a PLUS. I was especially impressed with the biological research Heim and Murphy cite to show how these gender differences are hard-wired --that women's brains are different than men's. I also found the evolutionary and primate studies to be a real eye-opener.
I was prepared to hate this book because I thought it was would be "pop psychology" at its worst. Instead, it's groundbreaking psychology at its best. "In the Company of Women" gives all the scientific, rational explanations and solutions that make it safe for all of us to talk about the problem. It has intense scholarly research combined with "real-world" experience, and solutions, solutions, solutions. Otherwise, women don't want to talk about it for fear of reinforcing that "bitchy girls" stereotype, and men don't want to talk about it because they don't want to appear sexist. If we don't start dealing with the issue, we ALL lose, both in and out of the workplace!
The authors' solutions may seem simple at times, but in my experience the simplest solutions are the most effective ones. I just bought copies to send to my best old college friends as well as to my daughters, and I sent the Harvard Business School review to about 20 other professional women. I am also making the book "required reading" for everybody who reports to me. I hate to be wrong, but it made me realize that women AND men are shooting themselves in the foot by doing what I was doing -- NOT ADMITTING THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS.
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Valuable and authoritative information
This book was recommended to me by a friend and I thank her very much. The authors have described processes that explain what I have observed, but couldn't quite understand, until reading this book. Why women have an incredible memory for hurts and injustices; why women can be so 'catty' amongst themselves; why women can talk so intimately and so easily with each other and with men... I could go on and on with the questions I've always had about women. Learning about the 'tend and befriend' hormone and about the Darwinian survival characteristics of many of these behaviors helps men (as well as women) understand and not personalize these inherent patterns. I especially appreciated the research citations and the sound scientific foundations of the authors' conclusions. I have recommended this book to a dozen people I know, and I think it's a worthwhile read for any adult who works with, is in a relationship with, or is a woman - and I guess that's everyone.

Definitely a worthwhile read!
Based on years of research and practical experience of the 3 authors, Pat Heim, Susan Murphy and Susan Golant...

I found this book to be a new and honest perspective on women's relationships. It has helped me in my professional role as well as my roles as a daughter, a sister and a friend. It is extremely insightful and provides real-life examples and effective suggestions on how to create and sustain positive relationships with women.

I have already purchased more than 15 copies for colleagues and friends.

women - our own worst enemies
Fantastic book. Every job I have ever had I have had difficulties - ranging from mild to extreme - with other women in the workplace. - Never with the men.

I am in a field dominated by men, where most of the women are in support roles. This only makes things worse. They resent you for your success and confidence and your salary. There is no "old girls club" to nurture or mentor you - only a club to sabotage you if you don't follow the rules - and of course you don't know the rules.

With this book - I now know the rules. Despite the fact that following them will make me feel like a manipulator and dishonestly caring about the small talk that women do - i now realize that I must do it or else!

Every woman in the corporate world should read this and anyone, man or woman who manages women should be required to read this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Faith Popcorn isn't shy about telling you who she is or what she can share with you: "I am a futurist. A trend-spotter. A cultural detective." Nor does she beat around the bush in relaying the importance of her theory: "Understanding EVEolution and implementing it ... means the difference between building healthy brands and profitable relationships with women ... or building a flimsy, fluffy foundation with no future." Her vision is large and her passion is palpable, and what she offers in EVEolution is an effective way to know and tap into the increasingly important and lucrative female market.

After establishing men and women are biologically and "shop-ologically" different, Popcorn delivers her central message--that there's a huge difference between a customer who buys your brand and one who joins it. The former is good for the moment, while the latter is good for life. Popcorn believes attracting and engaging the lifelong customer requires rethinking traditional marketing methods using her eight "truths" of marketing to women. These include making your brand a contributing and worthwhile member of the community you create; acknowledging that women lead multiple lives simultaneously--marketing to only one at a time is limiting for you and annoying for them; and remembering to be subtle--women think laterally and notice things peripherally. These and the five other "EVEolutionary" truths are followed by dozens of companies, most of which have gotten the point and are reaping the rewards of an effective brand.

Popcorn definitely has her finger on the pulse (or the popper), though this kind of slick analysis of our too-fast-paced modern age can sometimes get a little tiresome--like an extended session of navel gazing. But someone has to do it, and Popcorn's ability to spot the trends and spout the zeitgeist gives her a healthy leg up on the nonsavvy marketers out there. If you're one of them--and don't have a clue about the complexities of women and how to market to them--read this book. Popcorn will get you into shape in no time. --S. Ketchum ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Eliminate Stalled Marketing Thinking -- Become Irresistible
7 Stars *******

I am a big Faith Popcorn fan. That led me to go into reading this book with high expectations. What a great deal it was to have those expectations well exceeded!

Tom Peters first raised the theme of this book in his book, The Circle of Innovation. The vast bulk of most consumer purchases are either made or strongly influenced by women. Stop marketing generally, and be sure you marketing is gender friendly in the broadest sense. But Tom, as a man, could only take that point so far.

Faith Popcorn has really explained it very well. She has identified 8 key principles:

(1) Women link (the marketer's job is to make that easier for women -- witness the success of women-only Web sites)

(2) Serve all of a woman's needs, not just the ones she has part of the day (if she needs convenient ordering, be sure to offer everything she wants to buy conveniently -- take-out foods for all meals)

(3) Women want their needs anticipated (if she has to tell you what she wants, it's all over -- lots of work, stress, home responsibilities and money mean that home spas are doing well)

(4) Use the indirect approach (women prefer to notice things on their own and apply them, rather than getting a direct, hard sell -- women notice institutional appliances in great restaurants and put them into their own kitchens)

(5) Go to her and make it easy (witness the success of at-home direct selling)

(6) Sell one generation of women, and you get the next as well (see how children now dress like adults at a very young age, because Mom and daughter want to look like each other)

(7) Take on a role as a trustworthy adult to help women, and they will link with your brand (GE Financial Assurance provides a mentor role for women entrepreneurs)

(8) All the details matter (organic foods are taking off because they are healthier, even though very expensive).

As interesting as these points are, Faith Popcorn also deserves praise for the superb way she explains her ideas. In the beginning of the book, she has one example of each concept. Then there is a chapter on each principle. The chapter has many examples, and finalizes with one thorough one drawn from her consulting experience. Then, to be sure you've got the point, she takes well-known brands in each chapter and points out what they are NOT doing that they should be.

The crowning glory is a chapter on all of the things that Ron Perelman and Revlon are doing wrong, and compares it with how the brand was run originally. Faith couldn't find much of anything she likes about the Revlon approach. As a matter of fact, the company has done poorly.

But, at a broader level, this book is also about marketing in the 21st century. Although the focus of the book is women, those who market to men will often benefit from following the same advice. Saturn, a role model she describes, is not just appealing to women. Men like to be treated like people, too, when they buy a car. As a loyal Saturn owner, I know the approach worked well with me.

I can hardly wait for her next book! Have a great time as marketers begin to apply these principles, providing a better consumer experience for customers and more business success for their companies.

One trend she did not explicitly address are the many consumer goods companies that are converting to having mostly women in product design and marketing. That should help, too.

Faith's Female Friendly Finds!
This book deserves more than five stars!

I am a big Faith Popcorn fan. That led me to go into reading this book with high expectations. What a great deal it was to have those expectations well exceeded!

Tom Peters first raised the theme of this book in his book, The Circle of Innovation. The vast bulk of most consumer purchases are either made or strongly influenced by women. Stop marketing generally, and be sure you marketing is gender friendly in the broadest sense. But Tom, as a man, could only take that point so far.

Faith Popcorn has really explained it very well. She has identified 8 key principles:

(1) Women link (the marketer's job is to make that easier for women -- witness the success of women-only Web sites)

(2) Serve all of a woman's needs, not just the ones she has part of the day (if she needs convenient ordering, be sure to offer everything she wants to buy conveniently -- take-out foods for all meals)

(3) Women want their needs anticipated (if she has to tell you what she wants, it's all over -- lots of work, stress, home responsibilities and money mean that home spas are doing well)

(4) Use the indirect approach (women prefer to notice things on their own and apply them, rather than getting a direct, hard sell -- women notice institutional appliances in great restaurants and put them into their own kitchens)

(5) Go to her and make it easy (witness the success of at-home direct selling)

(6) Sell one generation of women, and you get the next as well (see how children now dress like adults at a very young age, because Mom and daughter want to look like each other)

(7) Take on a role as a trustworthy adult to help women, and they will link with your brand (GE Financial Assurance provides a mentor role for women entrepreneurs)

(8) All the details matter (organic foods are taking off because they are healthier, even though very expensive).

As interesting as these points are, Faith Popcorn also deserves praise for the superb way she explains her ideas. In the beginning of the book, she has one example of each concept. Then there is a chapter on each principle. The chapter has many examples, and finalizes with one thorough one drawn from her consulting experience. Then, to be sure you've got the point, she takes well-known brands in each chapter and points out what they are NOT doing that they should be.

The crowning glory is a chapter on all of the things that Ron Perelman and Revlon are doing wrong, and compares it with how the brand was run originally. Faith couldn't find much of anything she likes about the Revlon approach. As a matter of fact, the company has done poorly.

But, at a broader level, this book is also about marketing in the 21st century. Although the focus of the book is women, those who market to men will often benefit from following the same advice. Saturn, a role model she describes, is not just appealing to women. Men like to be treated like people, too, when they buy a car. As a loyal Saturn owner, I know the approach worked well with me.

I can hardly wait for her next book! Have a great time as marketers begin to apply these principles, providing a better consumer experience for customers and more business success for their companies.

One trend she did not explicitly address are the many consumer goods companies that are converting to having mostly women in product design and marketing. That should help, too.

I suggest that you also think about what trends may emerge for women in the future, and begin to serve the needs that those trends create. For example, families are getting smaller. How can you make your products and services fit the one child family better?

Powerful Truths Amid the Fluff and Arrogance
Faith Popcorn's EVEolution lays out some very important, practical principles (she calls them truths) for effectively marketing to women. How one would deliver on the truths of connecting women to each other, marketing to all of her lives, making sure she doesn't have to ask, marketing to her peripheral vision, etc. will be very different for a personal care brand versus money management brand. Nevertheless, if appropriately applied, these truths can make a brand more successful. I have seen results first hand.

The key to getting through this book is keeping the above in mind while wading through what in the end should be considered several minor flaws, even though they tend to dominate the pages of the book.

Notwithstanding several good case examples (e.g., Saturn), the book is filled with an array of very loosely thought out ideas that are so easy to poke holes into, they may leave the reader questioning whether or not following the truths really works.

Faith also, based on my marketing experience, correctly claims that "women don't bond with brands that market to them in an overly aggressive way. A full frontal attack isn't the way to turn a woman on." However, the entire book is presented via an "in your face" approach, which will likely turn off some women (and some men for that matter).

And finally, Faith attempts to make the case that women are superior to men... on all levels. I would agree that women are superior in many aspects, but they are neither superior nor inferior overall. This approach tends to diminish her credibility.

Nevertheless, Faith has keen insight into the way women think and operate. It's really true that "women don't buy brands, they join brands." Therefore, we must do all we can to join our brands in every way possible. Faith's 8 Essential Truths provide unique insight on how to achieve this. Creative, appropriate application of these principles to your band or business is up to you. It actually takes hard work, but as I said before, it will deliver results. For this reason alone, the book is well worth reading.

Eveolution's Truth's Still Hold True
When you want to confirm "What do women want?" Faith Popcorn's book still holds true today. Her visionary view confirms what I as a woman, business owner and consultant to women want...sensativity to my needs and marketing that reflects a genuine interest. This book is an easy read and provides great tips and websites that capture a women's broad interests.

Highly Recommended!
Ignore the infuriating capitalization and focus on what Faith Popcorn is telling you: Women make 80% of all consumer purchasing decisions. The successful businesses of the future will be those that revamp their marketing strategies to appeal to this mother-of-all demographic groups, Popcorn says. She then lays out a fairly comprehensive plan for doing just that. Rich with case studies of gender-based marketing principles in action, the book is witty, intelligent and convincing. We from [...] recommend it as a must-read in marketing, branding or strategic planning.
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Book Description

On television, Wal-Mart employees are smiling women delighted with their jobs. But reality is another story. In 2000, Betty Dukes, a 52-year-old black woman in Pittsburg, California, became the lead plaintiff in Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, a class action representing 1.4 million women. In an explosive investigation of this historic lawsuit, journalist Liza Featherstone reveals how Wal-Mart, a self-styled "family-oriented," Christian company:

á Deprives women (but not men) of the training they need to advance

á Relegates women to lower-paying jobs, like selling baby clothes, reserving the more lucrative positions for men

á Inflicts punitive demotions on employees who object to discrimination

á Exploits Asian women in its sweatshops in Saipan, a U.S. commonwealth

Featherstone reveals the creative solutions Wal-Mart workers around the country have found-like fighting for unions, living-wage ordinances, and childcare options. Selling Women Short combines the personal stories of these employees with superb investigative journalism to show why women who work low-wage jobs are getting a raw deal, and what they are doing about it. ... Read more

Book Description

For every young woman who wants a life as well as a career--and doesn't know how to get there from here.

The next generation of women want a career and a life, but they don't know how to get both. Having watched the boomer generation, they know they don't want their options: sacrificing family life for high-powered careers or consigning themselves to the "mommy track." Not Your Mother's Life shows how today's young women are uniquely poised to reach out and take--or create--the work/life balance that proved so elusive for the boomers. The key, Peters argues, is for women to use their newfound economic power to choose their lives instead of letting their lives choose them. Full of real-life examples of women who are doing it their own way, Not Your Mother's Life offers this new generation a vision of how to remake the work world according to their own needs--ultimately benefiting women and men. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wise Advice
For all the women of my generation who are confused and frustrated by the millions of options and pitfalls involved in combining career, family and self, this book is a strong answer to those questions. Peters writes clearly and well about the encouraging possibility that we can do everything we want without sacrificing ourselves, our families, or our careers. Sound impossible? That's because we've been brainwashed by the generations before us to believe that we must either be workaholics or stay-at-home mom. Thanks to Peters, we can now remember that there is a balance between them.

Highly recommended book
Choose your life...don't let it choose you. What a great message this fascinating book sends to our young women.

Helping young women plan ahead for their lives is a crucial and extremely well-done theme in this book. The stories of women who have "been there" and are "going through it now" are excellent. I also appreciated that the importance of parenthood was a theme, such as this message: "Nothing predicts failure in a family life more certainly than one or both parents working around the clock."

Julia, author of Teen girlfriends: celebrating the good times, getting through the hard times ... Read more

Book Description

In this provocative book, Margaret Heffernan, former CEO and Fast Company contributor, fuses her own experience with that of hundreds of women to identify the biggest challenges and the best solutions that women face today. From VPs of Fortune 100 companies to entrepreneurs to women just starting their careers, she traces the patterns and themes underlying womens power, choices, love, sex, money, and many other vital topics for working women. Without sugar-coating the facts, preaching, or oversimplifying, she offers solutions and shares the truth about the working world: womens choices are limited, you cant have it all, women do work differently from men?yes, it is possible to find success amidst all of this and feel good about it. ... Read more

Book Description

Focusing on equality in the workplace, this informative and empowering study offers a candid examination of women and the barriers they face as they enter the 21st century workforce environment, highlighting the challenges organizations and their employees face as well as offer new directions women can look to in managing their success.Offers valuable insight and expertise from a wide range of contributing authors, providing readers with a foundation for exploring the “glass ceiling”, analyzing women's experiences in the workplace, and identifying strategies for managing successful career. Addresses many pertinent issues, including gender and communication; the experience of women of color; dysempowerment in organizations; the legal system and discrimination laws; career path obstacles; the trend of international women managers; what women entrepreneurs must know; professional women as changing agents, and much more. Begins each section with interviews from some of today's most powerful and inspiring women leaders who share how they “broke through” and found success.For professionals in management and business. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fifteen Experts Share Their Knowledge on a Fascinating Topic
Extremely thoughtful and extensive research on women's reality in today's business environment. The book covers a broad range of perspectives. Very informative and useful. Truly worth it! ... Read more

Book Description

Controversial and exhaustively researched, gender expert Warren Farrell's latest book Why Men Earn More takes as its stunning argument the idea that bias-based unequal pay for women is largely a myth, and that women are most often paid less than men not because they are discriminated against, but because they have made lifestyle choices that affect their ability to earn.Why Men Earn More argues that while discrimination sometimes plays a part, both men and women unconsciously make trade-offs that affect how much they earn. Farrell clearly defines the 25 different workplace choices that affect women's and men's incomes -- including putting in more hours at work, taking riskier jobs or more hazardous assignments, being willing to change location, and training for technical jobs that involve less people contact -- and provides readers with specific, research-supported ways for women to earn higher pay. Why Men Earn More, with its brashness in the face of political correctness, is sure to ignite a storm of media controversy that will help to make this thoroughly pragmatic exposŽ Warren Farrell's next bestseller. ... Read more

Book Description

If you were to write down all the traits a 21st century leader should possess, you would be describing the quintessential mom: nurturing yet tough, inclusive yet decisive, empowering yet accountable, and humble yet courageous.For this reason, itshould come as no surprise that there’s been a dramatic increase of “mother-leaders”on "Most Powerful Women" listsand also at the top of America's large businesses. Executive mothers are winning the hearts and minds of their employees and the boards who hire them. They have found the magical combination of toughness and softness that CEOs need to lead in today's volatile corporate arena.

In her new book, Mother Leads Best – 50 Women Who are Changing the Way Organizations Define Leadership, top high-tech-industry executive and mother Moe Grzelakowski has discovered the keys to why motherhood transforms good leaders into great ones. Through interviews with 50 of America’s top corporate women who are also moms,Moe found that bearing and raising children had an amazing impact on their values and skills:

• While they maintained their intensively driven, high powered, work ethic, they also became remarkably more compassionate, selfless, and grounded.
• The love they gave and received at home unleashed their maternal instincts, strengthening their character and broadening their perspective on life.
• Their overwhelming desire to be the best mother they could possibly be sharpened their focus and softened their edges.They learned to manage chaos, stay calm in a crisis and foster teamwork.

The stories of transformation in Mother Leads Best will captivate anyone interested in solutions to today’s corporate leadership issues.Moe weaves together the common threads of leadership maturity experienced by 50 remarkable executives in a way that will change both men’s and women’s perspective of mother leaders.The evidence she puts forth creates a convincing case that embracing the “maternal leadership model” offers organizations a competitive edge. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the must-have how-to primer for any mother who wants to work from home-with advice and helpful hints on balancing "work" time and "mom" time; making the difficult transition from corporate to home office; legal information; time planning and organization; networking effectively; and much more.

"Full of examples of mothers who have carved out successful home-based businesses...this helpful book provides easy-to-follow instructions for joining the ranks." (Alice Bredin, syndicated "Working at Home" columnist and author of The Virtual Office Survival Handbook ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Confidence booster!
If you are scared or shy about starting your own business and working from home then you MUST read this book. 0ne of the best things about this book are the stories about other mothers, real people you can identify with, who have been successful at working from home. This is a wonderful resource to get you started and answers a lot of basic questions you have about the process. If you don't already have some line of work picked out then you can get great ideas here! I feel that both my business and my family have benefited from this book as there is a lot of information on how to balance the two. You will probably refer to this book over and over again. The $11.70 to buy this book is definitly a great investment!

Inpirational and Informative for all Mompreneurs & others
This is one of those books you pick up again and again from your bookshelf and use as a tool while starting and running your business. The information and advice given is top notch and really helped me when I needed guidelines for my at home business. Whether you are thinking about starting a business or already have one established Mompreneurs is a very valuable resource! I would recommend this book to men and women alike who are looking for useful and helpful guidelines in your business life. It's a very fun read to learn how others are doing it also!

Momprenuer from...- a good starting point
This is s a good starting point for new moms considering going into home based business. As you develop your business, you'll likely need more specific information, but Mompreneurs will give you a broad range of information to help you get started. I read this book almost three years ago while nursing my first child. I've been in business for two years at ... and occassionally refer back to the book for reminders.

The book that was my inspiration! :)
This book was truly my inspiration for getting off my ... and starting my own public relations/event planning company. I had just graduated from college with a degree in Communications/PR and was working as a marketer when I realized I wanted to be the one deciding what to do with my life. I also couldn't bear only seeing my children for an hour before they went to bed.

I picked this book up on a whim in the bookstore. After reading a tiny part, I knew I had to have it. Just a few months later I have my own business, and am working on my first paying project. This book showed me how to do it, and gave me the inspiration and support I needed.

Saw it on OPRAH!
I was just finishing my copy of this book when I saw the authors were quoted on Oprah's show on June 26. I think the authors have lots of great ideas and they obviously have first hand experience. And to see the book and writers quoted on Oprah gave more emphasis to their points. I would recommend this book to anyone who has started or is even remotely thinking about starting an at-home business. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"I have looked upon every job as an opportunity. I've always looked upon work as a privilege and that's why I'm still at it.... There is nothing else I want to do," says 88-year-old business maven Ebby Halliday. Women Entrepreneurs Only profiles Halliday and 11 other highly successful entrepreneurs--women who demonstrate how their inspiration and dedication continue to serve them and their businesses. These women, all winners of Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Award, tell their stories--from inception to investment to market. Along the way, each experienced setbacks, doubts, support, and, ultimately, the belief that she possessed an idea that could positively influence others.

Included in this round-up are Doris Christopher of the Pampered Chef; Sheryl Leach, creator of Barney the Dinosaur; and Joy Mangano, inventor of the Miracle Mop. The entrepreneurs discuss their greatest challenges, the lessons they learned along the way, and what they wished they had known earlier, all the while offering advice to fledgling entrepreneurs. It's a powerful combination of real-life inspiration and lessons that could benefit anyone--man or woman--who wants to know success in business. --Kathleen Doll ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Must read! Dream BIG! Never Quit!
Fantastic! This book is a well written,easy read. It is a wonderfully motivating book. I read it cover to cover in 1 day. It inspires any woman to feel they can do anything even start their own businesses. It gives an honest accounting of 12 women from all walks of life, who have started companies on purpose or accidently, with or without money. They have weathered many obstacles along the way to building huge organizations and muti-million dollar businesses. As a small business owner, I admire their courage and it has given me the push to set much, much higher goals for myself and my company. The lessons and advice in this book are invaluable and extremely insightful. Lesson learned: Dream Big! Go for it! Never Quit! ... Read more

Book Description

Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman, Gail Evans's first blockbuster book on getting ahead in business, was a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week business bestseller. In her eagerly awaited new book, this powerhouse author-and CNN's first female executive vice president-takes her empowering approach to corporate success to the next level: It isn't enough for women to understand and learn men's rules-they must create their own. And the path to success begins with this single most important rule:

Evey time a woman succeeds in business, every other woman's chance of succeeding in business increases.

Every time a woman fails in business, every other woman's chance of failure increases.

Whether you're a top executive or an entry-level assistant, She Wins, You Win will give you the tactics and strategies (and a few controversial ideas along the way) you need to attain your career goals:

* How supporting each other paves the way for success
* The importance of being a team player-and how to set up your own winning team
* When it's okay to break the rules
* How to tap into the resources already at your disposal
* Discovering your rainmaking skills
* Sharing information
* Why women should forget networking and start "webbing"
* Women to watch out for-from "Queen Beas" to "Seniority Sues" ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Gail Evans "gets it"
Every woman struggling to break through in her career will benefit tremendously from reading this book. It's hands down the most relevant book about women and business that I have ever read. Evans' insights are clear, meaningful and ultimately very empowering. The book is full of thought provoking material, good information and interesting case studies. She Wins You Win is perfect for book clubs - trust me, you are going to want to talk about this book when you are done reading it!

A MUST read!
I love this new book by Gail Evans. She really illuminates how important is for women to help other women to succeed. I am giving a copy to my (female) boss in the hopes that she will heed Evans' good advice. You will read through this book in one day, great read, and so helpful. I feel recharged after reading this book and inspired to be a woman at my office. A must read!

Women helping women is good; it's not gender warfare
Gail Evans states, "I don't want you to stop helping deserving guys. I don't want you to feel like a bad person. I just want you to take care of other women. The boys are doing a great job of taking care of themselves already." Evans' book has made me realize the many times I've asked for a recommendation for a professional and have received the names of several men and no women. Because female professionals often don't self-promote, their names aren't on the tips of tongues as they deserve to be. Now, when I add, "Are there also any qualified women you'd recommend?" I usually receive at least one name. Women receive more than half of the college degrees and are now 46.5% of the workforce, but only 16% of upper management. Don't you think it's a good idea - for women and men - to make an attempt to include women in a pool of referrals? It's hard to believe this is considered gender warfare.

Women, empower thyselves!
As a progressive gen-X male, I have always wondered why the unprecedented level of opportunity for women in our society has translanted into equality of education and equal representation in the workforce, but not into equal pay for equal work or equal representation in the boardroom. Gail Evans not only offers an explanation; she tells her readers how to rectify the situation. She has been there, done that, and is spreading the word on how. This book is a great gift for any woman of ambition who is ready to help herself and other women overcome the final obstacles to gender equality.

She Wins, You Win
Once again, Gail Evans has written a book that will resonate with every thoughtful woman both in and out of the workplace. Evans' insights about how women tend to react and behave in particular situations, her stories of 'real people' and her thoughtful advice about ways in which to raise our awareness of ourselves and of how we may empower others, professionally and personally, is much food for thought and discussion. She's urging us to make a conscious effort to look for women when we are seeking professional services and, if we think they can be the best for the job, choose them! She's saying...be advocates for ourselves and for other women and her examples and insights are inspirations for further discussion. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Authors Connie Glaser and Barbara Smalley revisit an ancient question: How did an orphaned Jewish girl win a beauty contest and become the most powerful woman in Persia? They shape the tale of Biblical Queen Esther into an intriguing tutorial for women as managers. Esther’s development as a leader illuminates key strategies for success. These leadership tools are introduced through old/new parallels. For example, Esther’s mastery of "palace protocol" translates into learning corporate culture, her closeness with her wise cousin Mordechai creates a template to finding a mentor, her dustups with the villainous Haman become a primer for dealing with difficult people, and her bravery in saving her people underlines integrity and risk-taking. Glaser and Smalley alternate examples from Esther’sleadership with those of contemporary executives such as Avon CEO Andrea Jung and Enron whistle blower Sherron Watkins.

Each chapter begins with an excerpt from the Esther story and is followed by highly practical suggestions. Seasoned businesswomen may find some strategies familiar. And the writing is diminished by expert quotes that could have been paraphrased. Yet the author’s engaging and thoughtful examples rule the day. Their insights about a tale as old as time are relevant and inspiring. --Barbara Mackoff ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great insight for the business woman
This is the most insightful book for business women that I've read. Glaser and Smalley do a fine job parsing the Queen Esther story and applying it to the modern business world. Women in business have to be more subtle about how they advance their careers and Queen Esther is a great example of that. Networking, researching (including gossip!), timing, finding mentors, etc. -- all intertwine to create strategic game plans that women can use to nurture their careers. I liked this book so much that I ordered 15 to give away to women at my job (including the president of my company's commercial sales division). I have to order another 15 because I've run out.

I recommend it
Relevant, informative and thought-provoking. Both an enjoyable read and valuable reference book.

The perfect book for study groups or clubs!
I've known the story of Queen Esther all my life, but Glaser and Smalley opened my eyes to a new level of meaning and relevance. Great leadership advice coupled with extraordinary examples of modern-day Esthers. A book for women in business that's both inspiring and uplifting. A rare find.

Inspiring, yet Practical . . . an Unbeatable Combination!!!
An ancient whistleblower and hero, Queen Esther provides incredibly valuable strategies for women today. What did Queen Esther know? More than you'd ever believe!

Esther was strategic and understood the importance of mapping out her plan of attack. She was an astute communicator who chose her words carefully and deliberately. She understood the subtleties of "palace protocol" and how to penetrate the inner circles of power. I found it fascinating to discover the contemporary relevance of this ancient tale.

Glaser and Smalley have established themselves as leading authorities on what it takes for women to be successful today. Great "royal" advice. A must read!

Outstanding Advice and Timeless Wisdom!
While reading the book, I was constantly amazed at the relevance this ancient story has for women in business today. From learning how to identify a mentor to finding the courage to stand up for your convictions, the book is chock full of practical strategies that we can all learn and benefit from.

The authors do an excellent job of interweaving the timeless story of Queen Esther with "best practices" for women today. Well-written and well-documented, this book is sure to become a best seller. Perfect for book groups and discussion. ... Read more

Book Description

Can I be a stay-at-home mom and still earn extra income? Which home business is best for me? Where can I find expert advice on launching my own business? How much will it cost to get started?
For nearly two decades, bestselling author and home-based business guru Priscilla Y. Huff has run a successful writing business out of her home while balancing her family life. In fact, this book, now in its third edition, is proof of her success. Her valuable advice on what works—and what doesn't—is available to you. From start-up costs to potential income, this book shows you how to:
·Choose the perfect home-based business from 101 of the best: customer service, arts and crafts, entertainment, computer and high tech, mail order, home-based distributorships and franchises, and many others
·Take the first steps to starting any business
·Find and use valuable resources, including local, state, and federal government sources; business and professional associations; books, Web sites, and other publications
·And much, much more!
You'll also find inspiring stories from businesswomen who have achieved success and financial reward. If you've ever dreamed of owning your own business, this book should be your first investment. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

This book helped me get started! It gave me encouragement!
This was the first of many books I have read to help me get started in a business of my own. As a women and Mother this book gave me tons of resources and ideas on businesses to start

Loads of great info for women starting their own business.
Huff's book presents many ideas with helpful resources to begin your research on new ventures and get you started earning money at a business you enjoy. Readers should have realistic expectations, as Huff does not promise you'll make a million dollars--but she does give enough home-business ideas that the majority of women should be able to find one that works for them. I particularly liked the resources she listed with most of her business ideas and also in the last chapter. These resources quickly helped me find the answers to the questions I needed to start my own business.

Consider this: Author neglects crucial legal information
THERE IS A MAJOR FLAW WITH THIS BOOK AND IT IS SOMETHING YOU MUST BE AWARE OF OTHERWISE YOU COULD FIND YOURSELF IN A BIG LEGAL MESS. In the section for Graphic Artist/Designer, the author suggests using a software program called "Print Artist" for your design business. What she neglects to mention is that YOU CANNOT USE THIS SOFTWARE FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES SUCH AS GRAPHIC DESIGN. I checked with the manufacturer of the software and yes, there are legal conflicts and repercussions for using "Print Artist" for these kinds of business purposes. Basically, you can only use the product for home/personal use. You cannot use "Print Artist" along with their artwork, fonts, etc. to design, print, and publish greeting cards, for example, and then sell them to clients and customers. As a general rule, you can't do this with similar products from other software manufacturers either. So, do not take the author's advice for granted; check and verify it first.
Other than that, the purpose of this book is to provide the reader with ideas and information. It does, but the information is very limited; it only devotes a page or two to each type of business. In addition, it focuses on feminine types of businesses and you need to ask yourself why you are limiting yourself by only considering businesses for women.

Should have gone to the library
Buying this book was a waste of money... I would have done better to do research on the web or to have gone to the library. Hardly any useful information.

Please forgive me
You may not post my review, but I had to let you know what helped me. I am a woman who has stayed at home with my precious babies for 6 years. Now, I need a little extra income to help pay tuition for all 4 of them. The reviewer from Illiois who wrote, a waiste of time and money, helped me, because I'm not looking to start a career. I am proud to be a "MOMMY" as she so sarcastically put it. I plan to get your book as a result of her bad comments about it. Thank you. ... Read more

Book Description

"Filled with profiles of women entrepreneurs.the book is certainly blissful to look at.inspirational.it is full of lush, soft-focus photographs of women running businesses as hat designers, pottery makers, and other enterprises..the book has drawn strong interest."--Wall Street Journal. "Entrepreneurs who daydream about converting a hobby into a career should consult The Business of Bliss."--USA Today. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

INSPIRATIONAL! A MUST FOR ALL!
I love this book! It is so inspirational! If you just want to enjoy a book with a cup of tea, I recommend the Business of Bliss. If you are serious about starting up a small business, I recommend the Business of Bliss. Hearst Publishing truly is the number one source for empowing the smallest of business women and bringing them to the reader. If they can do it, so can I. BUT, I couldn't have done it without being inspired by the women featured in the Business of Bliss such as Debby DuBay. (Who by the way, credits her huge success to Nanc