Book Description

Explore connectivity options, then delve into optimization methods that can be implemented in the Crystal environment, including the use of SQL Expressions and SQL Commands. Coverage includes an execution plan, optimization of indexes, and reduction of parsing, and Oracle-specific features such as external tables, Heterogeneous Connectivity, and Oracle Flashback. Common difficulties when using Oracle are described, and solutions provided. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of its kind.
This book by Annette Harper is one of its kind in the market.It explains the various ODBC drivers by a comparitive study which gives us a very good idea as to which driver we should use.
The book is very helpful for people who are writing Crystal Reports against Oracle Database.

Crystal Reports 9 on Oracle
Crystal Reports 9 on Oracle is an excellent book written by Annette Harper. Every report writer will benefit from the in depth coverage of how to write effective reports by best utilize Oracle 9i database features from new Oracle 9i analytical SQL functions, PL/SQL, materialized views, external tables, flashback queries, etc. to Oracle optimization techniques. The book's expert insight into Crystal Reports 9 optimization tips, Data Dictionary report and Crystal Reports 9 repository will empower Crystal Reports writer to fully utilize Crystal Reports 9 and create faster, better reports.

Connecting Crystal 9 to the Oracle DBMS
This book contains everything that I needed to extend my existing Crystal Reports 9 development knowledge into the Oracle DBMS realm. As an experienced CR developer, but one without any previous experience with Oracle as the back-end, this reference provided the necessary overview of the Oracle system along with sufficient supporting detail - to allow me to quickly acquire the skills to competently utilize the Oracle system in general, and some of its more advanced features on particular: Stored Procedures as datasources, REF Cursors, the MINUS Set Operation, Materialized Views ...

Having performed several searches of the Crystal Decisions knowledge base for detailed guidance in using Oracle Stored Procedures (and Packages) as a datasource and coming up short of the desired comfort level - in terms of the breadth and depth of coverage, this reference proved invaluable in my last CR consulting engagement. As an added bonus, Annette Harper responded personally to my email requests for clarification in areas that a more sober reading (one performed outside the deadline pressures of an existing consulting engagement) would have allowed.

In short, and speaking from the perspective of an experienced CR developer with decent DBMS skills in general, this book made it possible to comfortably and competently transition to using Oracle as the back-end data store. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

sort of cheating
This book is exactly the same as "Handbook of Technical Writing" by same authors. The only difference is in the cover picture and colors. I think it is not a cool thing to sell the same book with two names without mentioning it. So if you have that one, do not buy this one. They are exactly the same.

Excellent Reference Book. A Companion for Every Desk at Work
This book has been one of the best tools I've recommended when training corporate executives on how to communicate more effectively. I enjoyed the special sections for English as a Second Language because my work is mainly done outside the United States.

Dear Sir/Madam
This book is great for showing you how the flow of any type of letter should be. It also shows you how to use proper grammar, punctuation, and writing style. A great book for anyone who ever needs to write a letter on any subject.

Best Writing Reference Ever
Even as a secretary, I still have to look things up that I haven't used in a while or to prove myself right. ;) This is the perfect book for either of those purposes. (I have a lot of pet peeves as an admin.) Each entry is clear and to the point. This is *not* Chicago Manual of Style, this is every person's everyday reference for writing business or personal communication. My favorite entry, and the one I show people most often, is under Correspondence > Formats and Parts:

"Center the letter on the page vertically and horizontally."

For some reason, very few people do this. Mostly, it's because they don't know how to do it in MS Word, but that's no excuse. Neither is the excuse that no one else does it. This is the proper way, and one of the most important steps in formatting a professional looking letter. And, this is one of very few reference books that includes that little tidbit. To continue with the instruction:

"Although one-inch margins are the default standard in many wordprocessing programs, it is more important to estanblish a 'picture frame' of blank space surrounding the page of text. When you use organizational letterhead stationary, consider the bottom of the letterhead as the top edge of the paper. The left and right margins should be approximately equal; to give fuller appearance to very short letters, increase both margins to about an inch and a half. Use your computer's 'full-page' or 'print preview' feature to help you achieve proportion."

What can be simpler than that? (Going to a additional pages is a pain, as the vertical alignment should change to the top, but small price for looking like you know what you're doing.) If you know someone who writes for business or pleasure, they will appreciate this book.

Good Condition, but slow delivery
The book condition is fairly good for a second hand book. However, it took 2 weeks to deliver. ... Read more

Book Description

Packed with essential tips for today's competitive business world, these low-priced paperbacks are ideal for anyone interested in improving their business skills.

Perfect for the briefcase or portfolio, these four new guides in the Essential Managers series are ideal for experienced or novice managers in companies both large and small. Having sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, these books are relevant to every work environment. Concise treatment of dozens of techniques, skills, and methods make Essential Managers the most accessible guide to business available. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding an existing one, this updated guide will help you create a financial, organizational, and operational blueprint for success! Now you can put the expertise of the leading professionals at Ernst & Young to work for you and your company with this complete guide to researching, writing, and presenting a winning business plan. This practical guide leads you carefully through every aspect involved in planning and development—illustrating each step with a realistic sample that shows you exactly what you’ll need. You’ll get the nuts-and-bolts of formatting and design…techniques on how to tailor your plan to the various people and institutions who will review it…new information on funding and financing methods…and special provisions for restructuring and bankruptcy…and the influence of new laws and regulations. Totally updated and revised, this Second Edition also tells you what to include as attachments to your business plan…discusses the impact of information technology on keeping your business plan up-to-date…and presents a new section on how to include buying a company in your business plan. Clear, comprehensive and authoritative, The Ernst & Young Business Plan Guide, Second Edition will help you put together a winning, successful business plan. Ernst & Young is the leading international professional services firm, with 65,000 people in more than 600 cities in over 100 countries, including 24,000 people in more than 100 U.S. cities. A founder and continuing sponsor of the "Entrepreneur of the Year" award, Ernst & Young has unique professional resources that enable it to serve both the great number of Fortune 500 companies and more owner-managed and entrepreneurial businesses than any other Big 6 accounting firm. The firm is also the author of the best selling The Ernst & Young Tax Guide, The Ernst & Young Guide to Total Cost Management, The Ernst & Young Guide to Raising Capital, and many more business-oriented books. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This book is my bible
This book says it all very concisely, no fluff. I've written three business plans with it. Read a chapter in the book, write a chapter of the plan. The examples are very good. I just hit $1MM in sales on my third try - I give this book a lot of credit for helping me get organized.

Good explanations, but ....
This book explains the business plan in sufficient detail to let you understand what is needed to create a business plan. If you're not proficient already in writing business plans, you'll need a Ernst & Young consultant to have any use of the book. Of course, then you'll probably get the book for free ater having paid their fees. In short, nice to read but absolutely not the first bookon the subject to recommend to anyone.

Well delivered information neatly and compactly written
I think this book does of a great job of succintly outlining the dos and donts of business plan writing. I also think that the example plan is most instructional. The only thing it could do better is to put in a sample business plan that is based on a services model, rather than a products model. It also could touch on the Internet as a special information resource.

Quick read, yet detailed.
If you're looking for something more than "Business Plans for Dummies" but don't need a textbook this is the book for you. Reads quickly, gives some pertinent details. A sample plan is used to illustrate components and the author comments on its strong and weak points. ... Read more

Book Description

Brevity is the soul of wit.
And when it comes to business, it's the secret of success.

Lean. Trim. Clear. Concrete. In a world where decisions are made between two rings of a cell phone, this is what a successful business proposal must be. It's a lesson entrepreneur Patrick Riley learned after one too many potential partners ignored his painstaking (but long and forbidding) proposals. And now, in The One-Page Proposal, he shares his secret strategy -- the one that he has parlayed into a multimillion-dollar business career. Riley describes every important element of a successful business proposal -- from the basic message to the financial details. Step by step, he outlines how to create the perfect attention-grabbing pitch, offering dozens of strategies to help organize your research, focus your message, eliminate unnecessary language, and anticipate potential reservations. Learn how to:

• Use active, positive wording
• Compress data without losing important content
• Tactfully ask what you want
• Prioritize information, including only what's necessary
• Get the tone and voice right
• Tailor the product to your target reader

Reviews (4)

Big things come in concisely small proposals
All I can say is that I no longer pull my hair out when a client says "send me a proposal". I have a form, which I received in this book that helps me create proposals in less than an hour (that's if I have to so some research) or I can use a proposal I previously created and just "critique it". In the past year, since the book was recommended to me, I have not been asked once to provide a "larger" proposal... this one page has been "it".

My clients don't believe how e-z it is to use, until they try it themselves. I highly recommend this book for you to write proposals that will get read, because they're short, sweet, thorough and to the point. Why not 5 stars? I found the beginning of the book a little boring. Once he got into the "guts" of the proposal making, I couldn't wait to finish.

This Is Genius!
Ultra successful entrepreneur and business leader, Patrick Riley, has carved out a masterpiece with this book. He's also done what true geniuses have a knack for doing; he's taken the complicated and made it simple.

"The One-Page Proposal" is NOT just for sales and business people, but let's start there.

How many of us have, at one time or another, submitted proposals (solicited and/or unsolicited) that were written out over numerous pages, complete with graphics and all the bells and whistles, and thought, "Wow - this has got to impress my prospect", only to find out we didn't even make the first cut?

I know many sales and business people who now cringe at the thought of even being asked to submit a proposal because, quite frankly, they know they are going to spend hours and hours writing it, and then not even have it seriously considered.

This is where Patrick Riley comes in.

He will show you how to "craft" - and I do mean craft - a one-page proposal which is incredibly persuasive. Never again will sales and business people who read this book be trapped into writing long, mind-bending proposals that don't get read (and, the author, early in the book, explains why it is that so many of these types of proposals never do get read) and, instead, will be the person who stands out above the crowd.

But, as Mr. Riley advises us; don't confuse briefness with a lack of preparation. He lays out a game plan for research and preparation. The more you know in advance, the easier it is for your one-page proposal to be a winner.

As alluded to earlier, this book is not just for the salesperson asked to submit proposals, or for the business person trying to find a financial backer. It's for anyone and everyone!

What a valuable gift to give to your children looking to find a job. They will have the "unfair advantage" in their job search. It will be difficult for anyone to compete with their one-page job proposal (please do not confuse it with a resume; it's an entirely different "animal").

The person starting low on the totem pole in their company can utilize the one-page proposal to submit their ideas and begin the process of advancement through adding value.

"The One-Page Proposal" is a complete communication tool. It is benefits-oriented (the "other person's" benefits, which is what is important) and self-clarifying.

I was glued to practically every page of this book By the way, one terrific thing he (or the publisher) decided to do is to format it giant-sized in shape, while only 100 pages in length. This makes it very easy to read, and with lots of room for highlighting and note-taking, of which I know I did plenty. And, the examples of actual one-page proposals in the back are excellent, and very duplicable.

"The One-Page Proposal" will occupy a space right near my computer, as I'll refer to it continually throughout the rest of my business career. Meanwhile, I'll most likely by a lot of them to give as gifts.

This book, plain and simply, is a winner!

I instantly recommended it to my clients and my friends
Although it's a fast read, the One-Page Proposal is a breath of fresh air offering a new perspective on a topic others have written about in "predictable" ways.

I was so excited when I discovered this that I immediately e-mailed 20 of my friends and told them to immediately order it, and I've recommended it to all of my clients.

The One-Page Proposal gave me a totally new perspective on of my least favorite tasks. It showed me how wrong my previous approach to preparing proposals had been. It showed me how to build my proposal around what my client really wanted, rather than what I wanted to sell.

Chapter 4, "The Road Map--Putting It All Together," presents the new model of the proposal with easy-to-follow clarity. You'll learn how to spend your time planning your proposal, identifying your prospect's needs, and making it easy for them to say yes. Excerpts and annotated samples drive each lesson home.

This is not a superficial, "formula" book. It doesn't do the work for you. Rather, it teaches you how to do the work better and more efficiently. It will change the way you think about and prepare future proposals. You'll soon be preparing more proposals in less time--and enjoying the resulting additional profits.

You'll learn that proposals are not sales "closers," but can be "door-openers" to new opportunities.

I've consulted with hundreds of clients and written 37 books with a total circulation of 1.6 million copies--and I'm erasing my old proposal template and have turned into a Patrick Riley One-Page convert.

Concise and to-the-point! A great book!
This book really cuts to the chase by showing you one means of putting information together in a way that senior manangement at many firms want to see it. It doesn't advocate skipping out on researching all the details of a standard proposal, but it does say that most of what constitutes a typical proposal today is way too much information for a decision document. Mr. Riley makes a good case for telegraphing the information down to the bare essentials of what is needed to make a decision. The rest of the detail one typically finds in a proposal will find its way into the appropriate hands once the proposal has been accepted, but is only IN a proposal now to back up the core arguments! I enjoyed Mr. Riley's method of laying out the idea, and while I found the name-dropping a bit excessive at times, on the whole think that the worth of what he is attempting to get across far exceeds the pain caused by such small matters. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a handy, quick-reference guide that gives you what you need to write virtually any kind of business letter, including sample letters you can adapt and use right now. A must for any business office, home office or home, this newly updated classic has been a best-seller since it was introduced in 1991. It's packed with the most concrete information, useful techniques, and practical tips available. This fourth edition also includes a CD-ROM with ready-to-use templates for all of the sample letters included within the text. This book can help you, or any member of your office staff cut the time spent letter writing in half, and get the "right" word or phrase or the correct format immediately. Includes letters for: sales and promotion, customer relations, collections, letters to the media, letters of condolence and goodwill and many, many more. These effective letters can be copied, modified, and customized to fit your requirements. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dear Sir or Madam - This is a good book.
Just the ticket a quick template and short tips.

When they talk about busy people they are serious. This book is not full of chapter upon chapter of what to do. Rather it is templates for almost all occasions with marginal notes expaling what to add and why.

A Great Timesaver !

For virtually any kind of business venture
From sales and goodwill letters to collections letters and those covering employment, this revised and updated fourth edition of Business Letters For Busy People which provides templates and samples which can be quickly adapted to suit virtually any kind of business venture. The accompanying CD-ROM contains the templates for all of the samples in the text, further reducing the time needed to quickly locate and utilize a professional-sounding letter.

A Great Resource For Anyone Who Writes Business Letters
Jim Dugger has done a great job writing a book for us pragmatic business people who want to write the most appropriate letter in style and structure) for any given situation but don't want to spend hours learning how. I'm an Entrepreneur, work fast paced hours and sometimes take on multiple tasks in my company. This leads me to have to write sales letters, customer relations letters, internal memos, etc. To do this I need to be flexible in my communication with various people and this book helps me do just that. I keep this book handy on my shelf, and so far I haven't been disapointed. It will provide you with two primary things: quick advice for writing letters in professional situations and over two hundred business letter formats for easy reference. The book is organized in such a way that you can easily flip through it, find the type of letter you want to write, and find the best format to follow with a breakdown of each part of the letter and what it's function should be, as well as some general information about that specific type of letter and a visual representation of the letter itself. The over two hundred letters cover almost any type of letter you will have to write as a business person. I would have given the book 4.5 stars if it was possible, but I chose not to give it five stars because I would expect a book on business letters in today's day and age to now include at least some information on e-mail letters, or letters written in the context of e-commerce. I think that if the author came out with an equivalent book for writing e-mails or business letters for people in e-commerce situations, or perhaps made an addition to this book, it would provide important additional resources to the average user given the popularity of new internet technologies. Otherwise the book is excellent, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a quick reference and guide to writing business letters! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A very useful reference source
This book seems to cover just about any business letter that you might ever need. The book itself is divided into 16 chapters covering topics such as LETTERS OF INQUIRY, BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS, INVITATIONS, and COLLECTION LETTERS. In addition to providing many examples of letters the book also covers issues and approaches to creating letter for various reasons. This is helpful if you do not want to use the example, but still need guidance on how to compose a letter on a certain topic. The book also provides what it calls "useful sentences" that you can plug into a letter of your own design. There is also a "quick reference appendix" that show Forms of Addresses (if you're writing to a politician or dignitary), common spelling and grammar mistakes, and other helpful pieces of information. Overall I rate this book very highly and think that it should be on the bookshelf of anyone that writes formal business or personal letters.

A solid foundation with a not so perfect house
Alan Bond's book, OVER 300 SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS LETTERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS gives several examples of actual letters. Examples of just about every type of letter you will ever have to write can be found in this book. It was written as a reference for the business professional and home correspondent.

OVER 300 SUCCESSFUL LETTERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS does not have a lot of tutorials. It does little to teach you to be a better business writer but is a very good source of examples of actual letters.

This book is best when used with BUSINESS WRITING FOR DUMMIES by Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts. BUSINESS WRITING FOR DUMMIES is just the opposite. It does a lot to make you a better Business letter writer but it has very few actual examples when compared to Alan Bond's OVER 300 SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS LETTERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS.

Used together, any person has a formidable arsenal to write a well-written professional letter regardless of the subject or circumstances.

I highly recommend that anyone interested in improving their business witting skills purchase both Alan Bond's, OVER 300 SUCCESSFUL LETTERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS and Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts' BUSINESS WRITING FOR DUMMIES. ... Read more

Book Description

Take Your Writamins!

Whether you’re an executive whose writing is too stiff, a highly trained professional who can’t string together two coherent sentences, a technical expert who wants to communicate in plain English, or an assistant who needs to brush up on writing basics so you can clean up your boss’s work, you need help. Here, finally, is the fun, informative book you’ve been looking for. Corporate writing coach Elizabeth Danziger presents the entire writing process, from procrastination through proofreading, briefly explaining each key point in a witty, easy-to-read manner. This accessible guide to effective workplace language includes:

* Tips on clear and concise writing
* Secrets of editing and revising
* Simple explanations of the most useful elements of grammar and punctuation
* Frequently misused words and how to remember their correct meanings

With practical information and plenty of good humor, Get to the Point! is the only writing book you’ll ever need.

... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Best Thing Since Elements of Style
This book is great! Funny, easy to read, and phenomenally useful. Everyone should own one. ... Read more

Book Description

Writing Business Plans That Get Results shows you how to create a business plan that works. Packed with straightforward question-and-answer exercises for writing each section of your plan, this easy-to-use guide tells you:

• Exactly what to include in each section of your plan
• The most efficient ways to evaluate and present your company's products and services, marketing strategies, organizational structure, plans to achieve goals, competitors' strengths and weaknesses, and more
• How to expertly determine cash needs, appropriate financing sources, payback terms, and potential returns for investors
• Simple ways to make realistic projections for cash flow, profit and loss, and the balance sheet

• Tailor each part of your plan to the various needs of bankers, venture capitalists, partners, suppliers, accountants, lawyers, customers, and other readers
• Structure and arrange the components of your plan for greatest impact
• Anticipate all questions that plan reviewers will ask
• Critique and package your plan for winning results

Reviews (1)

A great business plan book!
Contains insightful tips and helpful questions to help business plan writers generate ideas and keep moving. As the founder of BizPlanIt.Com, an internet-based business plan consulting firm, I can state with experience that this book is a must have for serious business plan writers. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive reference manual is designed to assist students, office professionals, and business writers in preparing written business communications. It includes detailed and precise information for writing, formatting, and transmitting communications. Unlike other reference books, HOW 9 is tailored for writing style, grammar, mechanics, and techniques in a business/office environment. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An Excellent Handbook for Office Workers
If you are looking for a great informative handbook to keep available at your desk in the office, I recommend How 9 Handbook. This is by far an excellent handbook to have. How 9 handbook gives you information on grammar usage, memos, reports, and business documents. The numbers listed on the front of the book, helps in finding the material you need easily. Clark & Clark hit a home run with this book. Also, if you need a little refresher course to enhance your skills, I recommend the How 9 Workbook. Try them both for yourself!! Every office worker should have one.

The Best Office Reference Guide
This book was required reading for a college course; however, had I found the book on my own I would have felt I struck gold! How 9 is the tool to keep right on your desk...allowing you to either learn or refresh skills from grammer and punctuation to proper format of an email correspondence or business letter. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

My Students Love it Too!
The open, inviting and easy-to-read format was the first thing that attracted me to Wilma Davidson's book. Next was the content. She covers all the major areas that most people need to work on to become more effective and efficient writers. Her book provides solid, practical information right up front, with a of easy-to-understand examples. Last but not least is the endorsement given in the forward by Janet Emig, who revolutionized the approach to writing being taught in school systems around the world today. I use Business Writing, What Works What Wont to supplement the principles and techniques I teach in my writing workshop, which is aimed at professionals in technical fields, and they love it too, saying it is a great help and excellent resource.

What Works "Works"!
With business people today spending an average of 30% of their work time writing, this book offers simple techniques (along with practice situations) to make your message more clear and powerful. This book was helpful to me because most writing skills taught in business schools today are not comparable to the writing demands faced by these same students in the business world. This book also helped me discard my academic view that writing features lengthy paragraphs and big words and taught me to use concise paragraphs to get the job done. Look at me now! This review was originally five pages! ... Read more

Book Description

Cryptology, the art and science of 'secret writing', provides ideal methods to solve the problems of transmitting information secretly and securely. The first half of this book studies and analyzes classical cryptosystems. The second half looks at the exciting new directions of public-key cryptology. The book is fun to read, and the author presents the material clearly and simply. Many exercises and references accompany each chapter. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The essence of cryptology explained
After nearly 2000 years of being an esoteric branch of pure mathematics, number theory has found an application. And an important one it is. The expansion of the network of the global economy now forces most organizations to send data over public information lines. Without precise, secure encryption/decryption methods, financial trading would be substantially reduced if not essentially halted. Mathematics has indeed come to the rescue in this regard, providing precise, essentially unbreakable codes that are simple to use and understand.
All of cryptology is covered in this work, from the simple substitution cipher to the RSA algorithm. Techniques used to break codes are also demonstrated. Very readable, it is fun to examine the simpler codes and attempt to crack them. The level of mathematics required to understand the material is quite low. Simple algebra and knowledge of modular arithmetic are all that are necessary .
It is probably impossible to understate the simplicity of the RSA encryption algorithm as well as overstate the importance. It is amazing to think that such a simple procedure can guarantee security even when the opposition knows how the encryption was done. This explanation of the RSA encryption methods is the best that this reviewer has ever seen.
Exercises appear at the end of each chapter and it is very unfortunate that no solutions are given. This is a book that can be read for fun, and such books should provide answers to at least some of the questions.
Occupying a niche in the halls of the ivory tower of pure mathematics for nearly two millennia, number theory now forms a pillar of modern society. This book is the best explanation of how the pillar was constructed that is available today. It should be read by all who look down on "applied" mathematics.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

Albrecht Rocks!
My friend and I did a project for school on Cryptology and Albrecht Beutelspacher was our savior!!!! If it weren't for this book we would have flunked. In "Cryptology," Beutelpacher has the most amazing pictures which make cryptology fun and easy! I would recommend this book to anyone. Good Job Albrecht!

This is a great book!
This book is great for learning about codes! I could never have done research on codes for a math class without it! Albrecht is a great author and the visuals were very entertaining. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in cryptology!!

Entertaining, clear, and mathematically rigorous
I taught a 3-week course on cryptology to academically gifted high school students and I found this book to be the perfect source. It is very clear and actually quite entertaining to read. And yet, I was so happy to see that no good mathematics were sacrificed.

Each chapter ends with 20 or so exercises which are doable and really help one to gain a fuller understanding of the concepts involved.

I would highly recommend this book to both the lay person and the professional mathematician who are interested in an introduction to cryptology. ... Read more

Book Description

Expert tips and 300 sample letters make business and personal correspondence a snap.
When trying to close a sale, answer a complaint, or offer thanks, a well-crafted letter can make all the difference. Packed with practical advice and 300 easy-to-adapt sample letters, this all-purpose guide shows readers how to write letters that get results -at work and at home.
Covering the nuts-and-bolts of letter writing as well as the secrets of high-impact prose, the book delivers proven recipes for attention-grabbing introductions, persuasive arguments, memorable phrases, and closing clinchers. Best of all, it offers guidance on business and personal letters for every circumstance, from job hunting, selling, fundraising, and asking favors to giving a reprimand, responding to criticism, expressing sympathy, and declining gracefully. It's the only reference anyone will ever need to write the perfect letter, whatever the occasion. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Aid for Those Who Hate to Write Letters
Bob Bly is well known in freelancing and copywriting circles, but his abilities probably aren't as well known outside those arenas. This book might just make him known to the average person or at least to the average business person (who in my experince usually hates having to write letters).

Bly offers tips on writing letters of all types and includes some 300 samples of business and personal correspondence easily used and adapted by the individual to suit their own purposes.
The book is particularly helpful for business people who may be trying to close a sale, answer a complaint, offer a product or service, or offer thanks.

Bly covers the nuts-and-bolts of letter writing as well as persuasive writing techniques. The book is filled with proven styles for attention-grabbing introductions, persuasive arguments, memorable phrases, and strong closings. It covers a wide gamut of types of letters, ranging from job hunting, sales, and fundraising to responding to criticism, expressing sympathy, and declining an offer.

If you hate having to write letters, whether for personal or business purposes, this book needs to be sitting on your shelf. ... Read more

Book Description

The Mission Primer: Four Steps to an Effective Mission Statement includes a "Facilitator Training Packet" CD, and is a concise guidebook that teaches you how to develop, evaluate, and manage an effective mission statement for your organization.It is intended for any group of people who are organized for any purpose. No matter what type or size of organization you belong to "The Mission Primer" will show you how to develop an effective mission statement for your organization.It works for industrial concerns, non-profits, schools, hospitals, churches, charities, or government agencies, from small three-person sections, to large departments, to giant-multinationals.

The book outlines a simple four-step method for developing effective mission statements.Our unique method is structured, quantifiable, and has a distinct beginning and end.We have used it successfully with dozens of corporate, university, and non-profit clients.The method is based on a set of six laws --- what we call Gast's laws --- that describe the culture of a successful organization.The central idea is that a mission statement describes how the organization intends to comply with Gast's laws.

Although we are sometimes met with initial skepticism from our clients, it never lasts long.Apparently, Gast's laws are based on fundamental and enduring properties of human beings, and thus they resonate strongly with the people who are exposed to them.Gast's laws provide a direction and clarity that make the process of writing a mission statement focused, time-limited, and rewarding.If you are leading or participating in an effort to develop or evaluate a mission statement for your organization, then you can benefit from the ideas in this book.

Included with this book is a Facilitator Training Packet CD dated September 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Mission Primer: FourStepsTo an EffectiveMissionStatement
The recent ethical problems with Enron, Arthur Anderson and other corporations highlight the need to renew our business missions and values. The Mission Primer describes an excellent system to use for doing such a review. We have found this book easy to use, effective and invaluable. We give it a five star rating. Dr. Richard Zoellner, Pharmaceutical Industry, San Diego, CA

An outstanding buy that pays big dividends!
Adams&associates, inc. is an architectural firm that's been in business for over 25 years. We recently used the book "The Mission Primer: Four Steps to an Effective Mission Statement," to help us with our mission statement. When we started, we weren't quite sure how to proceed. The "Primer" laid out simple steps to follow. The result for us is a sharper focus on our market, our work and our future. The book is short, to the point, easy to understand and effective to use. We give it a top rating. (Five Star)

Short, simple and invaluable for a *real* Mission Statement
I am a senior consultant with a computer-consulting firm. We used "The Mission Primer" to think through our company mission. As we went through the process I discovered the subtle genius in its design. Gast's Laws sparked invaluable dialogues with multiple points of view and unique interpretations. These differing points of view forced a sort of self-discovery, or self-examination, which eventually created a collective focus that did not exist before. You realized that everyone had different perceptions of the business. Using this system offers a great deal of flexibility. We got excellent results. "The Mission Primer" is easy to follow, and highly effective. I give it high marks and you can't beat the price.

Practical Guide to writing a mission statement
A very practical book to help you write a mission statement of a company or of a department. Within half an hour you will be on your way to leading a Mission Team. The book provides a comprehensive list of mission statement bingo words that will help you amaze your team members.

A good and economical buy for first time mission statement writers. The book also contains some examples of a good mission statement. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is essential for anyone who needs to write clear, concise letters, memos, reports, proposals or other business documents.A complete self-study program in a handy workbook format, it provides the same practical techniques and strategies Advanced Communication Designs instructors have taught to business and professional people since 1980. PROFESSIONAL WRITING SKILLS includes techniques for getting started, conveying the main point clearly, selecting and organizing information, using the right tone, using active, jargon-free language, and eliminating unnecessary words.Filled with practice exercises with immediate feedback, the book can be used for self-study or as the text for a class. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Trained Thought
Professional Writing Skills is a step-by-step self-paced training program to improve business and professional writing skills. It trains you to organize your unclear thoughts and to arrange information in logical units. It guides you to develop your thoughts into a writing plan, and to compose a clear and effective writing plan. The book has numerous exercises. Let that not scare you! Only when you solve the exercises will you realize the common errors that you commit in business and professional writing.

Janis Fisher Chan and Diane Lutovich have trained people in business and professional writing skills. They are an integral part of Advanced Communication Designs, Inc., a training company that specializes in customized training courses in business and technical writing. They have also authored, "Grammar for Grownups", "Writing Performance Documentation", and "How to Write Reports and Proposals".

Business writing is unique by its content, style and purpose. It may include letters and reports to the clients, memos to the employees, request for information, product descriptions and so on. The authors warn, "Errors in grammar, or spelling conveys negative image of the company." Imagine the devastating effects of an incomplete report, misunderstood memo, or confusing information?

The book is neatly divided into six lessons. Each lesson begins with an introduction, an objective and what you need section. The core of each lesson discusses errors in professional writing by quoting a few examples. The authors provide easy to understand and implement guidelines to improve quality of professional writing. At the end of each lesson, extensive practice exercises and writing assignments are furnished.

The first training lesson educates you about effects of unclear communication caused due to ignoring the needs and interests of the audience. You need to decide whether you want to influence or inform the audience. The authors advise, "One of the most important steps you can take to increase the chances of readers getting your message is to look at what you're writing from the reader's point of view." A key sentence that expresses your most important message should be incorporated.

The next lesson teaches you to select the information and to organize them logically. Prepare a list of facts and ideas to accomplish the purpose for writing, and group them into key points. A summary sentence for each key point should be written effectively. The lesson also includes guidelines for composing clear and effective email messages.

In the third lesson, the authors guide you to write the first draft. Reviewing and revising your writing plan to overcome inconsistencies, and eliminating unnecessary information are discussed. An effective opening, simple and direct language always attracts the audience. Above all, writing becomes more readable when thoughts are connected.

The fourth lesson emphasizes on using language that communicates clearly and accurately. Pompous words and phrases, and jargons do not impress the audience. Hence, there is a need to use plain English. The authors opine, "The more precise and specific your language, the more information you give to readers and the easier it is for them to understand your message."

Further, the fifth lesson discusses the need to eliminate unnecessary words that slows down reading, and makes writing tedious and boring. The last lesson speaks about the importance of using correct sentence structures, punctuations and grammar. The authors suggest, "As a general rule, keep the average length of your sentences to 17-24 words, with only one or two thoughts per sentence. If you are using technical or unusual terms, drop the count to 15-18 words." Usually, a long sentence is difficult to comprehend.

Communication is a two-way channel. The receiver should receive and understand the message conveyed. It is important to write to suit needs and interests of the audience. The language for communication should be direct, jargon-free, plain and simple. It is also necessary to be able to organize tangled thoughts into clear logical units. On completing the book, I realized that I had improved my professional writing skills.

I recommend you work out the practice exercises and writing assignments at the end of each lesson. It reflects your weaknesses and highlights your strengths in business or professional writing. It increases your confidence in developing and writing any document - business or casual, formal or informal. Remember the saying, "Practice makes you perfect."

In all, this self-paced training program was fun!

great tool
I found this book to be extremely helpful to me when I started my career in public relations. Reading Guerrilla PR Wired in conjunction to this book really gave me all the tools I needed. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in an industry where writing is a key component.

Great book for anyone in business!
Professional Writing Skills jump-started my career! A new manager said that one reason she chose me out of a very competitive field of candidates was that I was the only one who could write a persuasive letter. The most important thing I learned from this wonderful book was how to decide exactly what I wanted to say-and then say it, without beating around the bush. I also love the way this book reinforces something I've always believed, that fancy words only make you sound as if you don't know what you're talking about. Now I use simple, clear, everyday language to get my point across. Thanks, Advanced Communication Designs. Let me know if I can do something for you.

A necessary resource
I found Professional Writing Skills to be the perfect way to learn the skills necessary to write business letters, memos and emails. I was particularly pleased with the way it breaks down the writing process into easy-to-follow steps. By following these steps I have no trouble getting started and figuring out exactly what I want to say. I found the practice exercises helped reinforce each concept so by the end of the program, I was able to write clearly and forcefully and with confidence. Thanks to the book and the very helpful WRITING WORKSHEET included with the book, I am finally free of writer's block and writer's anxiety. ... Read more

Book Description

As its title implies, this book deals with revising, not with original composition. In business writing, where a first draft often emerges quickly under the pressures of facts, figures, and deadlines, revision is typically the major part of a writing task, and collaborative revision often produces the final document. Revising Business Prose provides detailed revision guidance and a collaborative approach to writing easily applied to writing in business, industry, government, and academics. Based on the premise that bad writing in organizations imitates the bureaucratic style The Official Style, as it's called here this book shows readers how to transform stilted, dense prose into plain English. For anyone interested in the revision process in every business writing context. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good Focus, Good Examples, Will Improve Your Writing

There are two kinds of bad English: one is the bureaucratic bad English, using 100 words where 10 will do, and the other kind is the one I have suffered from for decades, complex layering of convoluted ideas with too many commas and semi-colons, and too few periods. In a word, undisciplined.

This book will help both kinds of English. It is short, to the point, and after reading and practicing what this book preaches, you should be able to cut your confusion of words in half, and increase your clarity and communications value by 100%

Not just for nonfiction
This was required text for an editing class I took, and I've recommended it to everyone I know who needs to write clearly. The humor and the examples make it an easy read. The no-nonsense approach make the ideas very absorbable and appliable.

What I learned in this book has applied to more than business writing. I use it just as much in writing fiction. I keep a copy of the "Paramedic Method" taped in my writing journal and use it to clean up everything I do, from personal essays and short stories to work instructions and procedures for the office. Once you know what clean, clear, understandable prose sounds like, you'll never tolerate "lard" in your writing again!

Plain English for the business writer
For years, Professor Lanham has been after us about wordiness. He calls it the Official Style; it's practiced whenever writers want to sound important, and to achieve this effect inflate what they write like Macy's Parade balloons. His "Paramedic Method" of rescuing hyper-inflated prose is directed in this slender volume to writers of business communications: memos, reports, policies, procedures, you name it. By following his advice step by step, it's possible to achieve directness, clarity, even simplicity by finding the plain English that neatly expresses what we want to say. And that means finding and disposing of all the unnecessary verbiage, which by Lanham's estimate comprises about 50% of what we write.

Take the following cumbersome sentence, the likes of which routinely typify everyday business communications: "On the basis of the answers to these and other questions which the team might ask, I would expect the team to present us with detailed recomendations for enhancing the effectiveness of our reporting." Lanham shows how to transform it into something elegantly precise: "By answering questions like these, the team should be able to recommend improvements in our reporting." A reduction, he would be quick to point out, from 34 words to 16 words. True, as the saying goes, it takes longer to write something shorter, but the finished product is more likely to be read, understood, and acted upon by its intended audience.

Lanham's approach to all this is hardly stuffy. He has a good time poking fun at egregious examples of ponderous prose, and he also has a good time whacking it into something presentable. And the end result isn't just readable; it's alive, full of energy, and packs a wallop. This book is for every business person who has something important to say and wants to be sure that what they've written gets read rather than shoved to the side because it's a chore to plow through. Buy this book, read it, and reread it. You won't be sorry.

Excellent for those revising for Clarity
I was given an earlier edition of this book by a colleague in the English department. I laughed when I thought this little David was going to tackle the Goliath of Business prose, but darned if he didn't come through like a crackshot. Lanham effectively teaches writers who hide their ideas in complicated and wordy prose how to cut through the fog and reveal their ideas. Sometimes--and no offense to university teachers (heck I'm one of them) students get it into their heads that convolution leads to respect--and that may be for those writing books on theory--but most of the time convoluted prose just leads the reader to a lot of head-scratching. If you are writing, you need to be clear. This is especially true if you are writing for business. Lanham helps you dissipate cloudy phrasings, and pull ideas out into the light of day. I had to give my copy back to my colleague, but I'm ordering my own now. (I also shudder to think how my prose in this paragraph would stand up to scrutiny--which is why I'm buying and memorizing the book.) I recommend this for English teachers and those writing for businesses--after all there are lots of assessments, idea-pitching and grant writing that need clarity. Lanham comes through like a hero. ... Read more

Book Description

Effective grant proposals are not so much written as they are extensively researched, developed, and positioned. The actual writing, obviously an essential component, is nevertheless only the tip of the iceberg. Grant seekers must possess the necessary skills to correctly identify potential funders, craft a proposal that meets a specific funder’s needs, and follow that funder’s directions to the letter. Cheryl New and James Quick take grant seekers step-by-step through the entire development and drafting process in How to Write a Grant Proposal.

The authors concentrate on all the behind-the-scenes, pre-writing work that makes the difference between successful grant proposals and those that potential funders discard as "nonresponsive."New and Quick concentrate on crafting specific proposals that prove a perfect match between a funder and a solicitor’s needs.Funders and the nonprofit organizations they support are both in the business of solving problems; the key is creating a project that addresses a problem that both parties are interested in solving. How to Write a Grant Proposal provides targeted guidance for a variety of kinds of organizations, including:

K—12 private and public educational organizations

Government agencies

For-profit businesses

Health care organizations

Traditional nonprofits

Higher education universities and centers

A companion CD-ROM contains guidesheets and templates that can be easily downloaded, customized, and printed. The authors provide examples of completed proposals and numerous case studies to demonstrate how the grant-seeking process typically works.

How to Write a Grant Proposal proves a one-stop resource on how to interpret a funder’s guidelines to create a successful grant proposal. ... Read more

Book Description

Everything you need to create a business forecast that potential investors can embrace!

Thinking of starting a business or raising money to expand an existing one? This popular book will show you how to write the business plan and loan package necessary to finance your business and make it work.

With How to Write a Business Plan, you'll learn how to:

*evaluate the profitability of your business idea
*estimate operating expenses
*prepare cash flow
*create profit and loss forecasts
*determine assets, liabilities and net worth
*find potential sources of financing (up-to-date sources provided)
*think first before borrowing from friends and relatives
*present your plan to lenders and investors

How to Write a Business Plan now provides a CD-ROM with spreadsheets that help you determine and forecast cash flow, financial statements, sales revenue, and profit and loss. It also provides three sample business plans you can modify for your own use.

The 7th edition is completely updated, providing all-new resources, both online and off. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

THE Business Plan 101 Primer!!!
If you are a biz start-up novice and aren't sure what you need to do to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper in a logical, well-organized manner...you need this book. If you have a business plan to write and think you might get hung up on the finance section...you need this book. If you have an idea for a business and don't know what to do next...get this book.

While this book may not be for the MBA grad, it is for the entrepreneur who is breaking on the scene with a dream that they have to make happen. How to Write a Business Plan must have used as it's mantra, "baby steps, baby steps in the right direction."Take a project that can be overwhelming and use this book to go through the process in manageable steps.

Napoleon Hill said it and so did Robert Kiyosaki...every successful business starts with an idea. Are you ready...why just sit there thinking about your great idea...why not go ahead and make it happen?!?

Deceiving Title, Probably Great for the Right Person
I was disappointed with this book because I had thought it would be broader and relate to all kinds of businesses. But this book is very specific to the entrepreneur starting up his or her own business, only.Its examples are mostly of home-based businesses or small sole proprietorships.The writing is sometimes condescending and assumes you know nothing whatsoever about finances and investments (which may be good for some readers).It includes several chapters of additional information for start-up companies which take up a significant portion of the book and have little or nothing at all to do with writing a business plan.I feel like this book is mistitled and would be better named, "Mike's Guide to Founding and Funding your Own Business."

Very necessary for the Hip Hop Entrepreneur
This book is one that we at nichemarket recommend highly in our Booklist for any Hip Hop Entrepreneur serious about a career in the music industry or any business venture! ... Read more

Book Description

Let’s face it, a lot of technical documentation reads as if it had been translated into English from Venutian by a native speaker of gibberish. Which is annoying for you and expensive for the manufacturer who pays with alienated customers and soaring technical support costs. That’s why good technical writers are in such big demand worldwide. Now, Technical Writing For Dummies arms you with the skills you need to cash in on that demand.

Whether you’re contemplating a career as a technical writer, or you just got tapped for a technical writing project, this friendly guide is your ticket to getting your tech writing skills up to snuff. It shows you step-by-step how to:

• Research and organize information for your documents
• Plan your project in a technical brief
• Fine-tune and polish your writing
• Work collaboratively with your reviewers
• Create great user manuals, awesome abstracts, and more
• Write first-rate electronic documentation
• Write computer- and Web-based training courses

Discover how to write energized technical documents that have the impact you want on your readers. Wordsmith Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts covers all the bases, including:

• All about the red-hot market for technical writing and how to get work as a technical writer
• The ABCs of creating a strong technical document, including preparing a production schedule, brainstorming, outlining, drafting, editing, rewriting, testing, presentation, and more
• Types of technical documents, including user manuals, abstracts, spec sheets, evaluation forms and questionnaires, executive summaries, and presentations
• Writing for the Internet—covers doing research online, creating multimedia documents, developing computer-based training and Web-based training, and writing online help

Combining examples, practical advice, and priceless insider tips on how to write whiz-bang technical documents, Technical Writing For Dummies is an indispensable resource for newcomers to technical writing and pros looking for new ideas to advance their careers. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Strong on content, but a bit weak in presentation.
As an experienced technical writer already, I bought this book as a general desk reference. It has been a helpful guide when I needed to check something in particular, but I would not use it as a "course textbook" if I was learning the trade.

Generally, the content is excellent - it covers all the basics a novice tech writer needs to know. However, I question the way the content has been organized and presented... it doesn't follow a logical order. There's a section on editing, then a section on brainstorming and figuring out how to start writing, and then later on it swings back to proofreading. Ideally, the information should be presented the same way the writing process generally works: brainstorming, writing the first draft, THEN proofing/editing, and so on.

I also found the short section on "preparing the technical brief" inadequate, considering planning and scoping out requirements is THE most important phase of any documentation project. And for some r