No comments about The Luck Factor: How toTake the Chance Out of Becoming a Success (Session 1-12: 6 Audio Cassettes.

5 comments about Only the Paranoid Survive : How to Exploit the Crisis Points That Challenge Every Company and Career (AUDIO CASSETTE).

1. Andy Grove has verbalized the mindset that we must all develop to survive in the 21st Century. While his idea of constantly looking over your shoulder has always been applicable, the speed of the Internet economy requires that we do it much more frequently and penalizes us much more quickly if we do not.

   Grove does a great job of showing how one man's crises is another's opporuntity and uses the term strategic inflection points to describe these periods of 10x change.

   This book is a good reminder for anyone who thinks that what made them successful to this point is any guarantee that they will be successful in the future.




2. Maybe I haven't read enough "management" books (though I do have an MBA), but if this is considered "great" for this genre- WOW. This entire book could have been summed up in a couple pages without losing any major points, but I guess you can't have a bestseller that way! One reviewer said it was too technical. Are you living in a cave? I found it condescendingly written- absurdly simple and dumbed down. Granted, it's over a decade old, but I doubt everyone was really that much stupider ten years ago.



3. This is by far the worst business book I have read in recent years. It is hard to believe that Andy Grove actually thought that this material was worth putting into a book. As other reviews have said, this book at most should have been a short article in Business Week...but even then it would require some actual content to make it worth reading. The best part of the book is the quotes on the cover from Steve Jobs et al. It makes me wonder if they even read the book.



4. A disappointing book when you see who the author is.
   
   It is mostly about change management - he calls it the "Strategic Inflection Point".



5. Andrew Grove immigrated to the United States from Hungary in 1956, the same year that the Hungarian people spontaneously rose up against the communist government. Hungary's lose was Americans gain as he has a very astute business mind, which he demonstrates in this book.
   His major premise is that the pace of change in business is now so fast that there is no such thing as a secure market niche. Even the apparent best of times contains seeds of your demise and you must constantly operate on the premise that your business can collapse at any time and with little warning. Grove borrows from mathematics to create the phrase Strategic Inflection Points (SIP), which are temporal positions where massive change takes place. There are many generators of SIP's, some, like war, are obvious, yet others are far subtler and are not apparent for years.
   The only possible way that a leader can maintain their business in such a climate is to remain perpetually paranoid and Grove gives a historical context for his position as well as advice on how he prepares for and deals with SIP's. Given that change is even more rapid now than it was when this book was written, his advice is even more appropriate. This book is a not a handbook for guaranteed success, however it most definitely can keep you in the proper mental frame of mind so that it is possible for you to succeed.

4 comments about A Healthy Dose of Motivation : Includes 'The Aladdin Factor' and 'Dare to Win'.

1. 
   While Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen are described as motivators, it might be as accurate to describe then as rejuvenaters, resusitators, reinvigorators, all the boosts that a person needs to be happy and successful. Cheerleaders might also be an apt description as they're sure you can do it, and they make that clear in "A Healthy Dose of Motivation," which they read with all the vigor and charisma that marks their personal appearances.
   
   These two gentlemen, as most know, are the authors of the incredibly successful Chicken Soup series, so they're more than familiar with the subject of fulfillment. Quite often, personal stories of those who have succeeded are the basis for their books, along with suggestions and clearly defined steps.
   
   "A Healthy Dose of Motivation" consists of two texts from their repertoire: "The Aladdin Factor" and ""Dare To Win."
   
   "The Aladdin Factor" deals with the importance of asking for what you want, and how to tolerate rejection. The destructive pattern of limiting yourself is featured in "Dare to Win," plus advice on how to rid yourself of self-destructive behavior.
   
   Think you can't? Give a listen to "A Healthy Dose of Motivation," and you may discover that you can.
   
   - Gail Cooke



2. Listening to these two program was very inspirational, heart-warming and motivational. Some of the anecdotes provided really brought tears to my eyes and touched me deeply. They really brought home to me that anything, ANYTHING is possible. I just started my own business five months ago and have faced many challenges. I bought the CD because of its title, I really needed "A Healthy Dose of Motivation" to keep going in my business. I got what I paid for, I feel very motivated and inspired to keep going despite any obstacles and with my renewed postive energy my business is growing in leaps and bounds! A great investment.



3. J. Canfield and M.V. Hansen have done it again! I bought this audio-book for a friend who has poor-eyesight, but loves to read. Also, he is fighting some personal issues right now. It's a Christmas present, so we'll know soon enough how happy he is to get it.
   
   I know for a fact it's wonderful! I accidentally ran across "Dare to Win" in the library five years ago. I find myself reading it once or twice a year--not because I didn't get it the first time, but because as with all things "practice makes perfect". But really, what an inspiring message!! I generally read this one in the morning with coffee...sets the tone for the whole day:
   
   I can do anything. As soon as I start doing it. I am somebody, even if it feels like nobody else thinks so. Happiness is a state of mind, not a situation. You are only a victim of the things you choose to be a victim of. Doesn't that sound like a great way to start the day?
   
   (PS: You really DO only need to get through one day at a time...or when it gets really bad, just commit to one more hour--over and over and over again!
   
   Life starts to get interesting when you get into the driver's seat instead of cowering in the backseat, or pulling that sullen teenager act in the co-pilot's seat...grow up and LIVE!)



4. This gives great advice to whom appreciates motivation. I liked the details that were given. Though alot is common sense, I think we all need a reminder from time to time. The Authors aren't out to make money, they are really genuine.

5 comments about How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: The Secrets of Good Conversation.

1. I enjoyed this book - it is clear, concise, and an easy read.
   
   I felt as if Larry was talking to me - in an honest and comfortable way. His writing is clear and lacks any attempts at sounding fancy. His anecdotes were entertaining and illustrated his advice in actual past scenarios.
   
   I felt most of his advice was pretty good - except that on how to approach women. I would never go up to a girl and tell her I'm not very comfortable talking to women. In any case - Larry highlights some very important points that people should embrace to be their best at talking - such as being honest and remaining comfortable.
   
   To develop expertise, one should not only practice but look deeper into Larry's advice through other media.
   
   Recommended.



2. Without trying to sound holier-than-thou, though I admit Larry brought up some crucial and helpful points on verbal communications in various settings; social and formal, I also notice several inconsistencies in what he preaches versus what he practices. In the beginning of the book, he points out the need of honesty and openness while his own or his buddies' experiences demonstrate otherwise as the readers will find out in the section that deals with negotiation skills which to me sound more like blackmailing skills. What I'm worried about, therefore, while his theories teach honesty and the need of being concise and direct, he sadly encourages cheating and verbose communication; one example is a baseball coach being questioned by the US Congress, where Larry suggests that when asked a hard question you don't feel comfortable answering, give a reply that has nothing to do with the question with the purpose of confusing the inquirer to the point that he gets sick of it and stops pursuing the answer. Larry King may be an excellent talk show host and in this book, he offers some excellent tips for successful communication in the social and business world, but I suggest the interested readers should read it with great discernment.



3. It's BAD... Man, You are going to regreat your wasted money. This book it's pure trash. Pay atention: It actually says that TALKING ABOUT THE WEATHER IS A GOOD WAY OF STARTING A CONVERSATION!!! (words from the book). Come on... Who would find cool someone who talks about the weather in the midlle of the party??? The book is boring the same way the autor is a boring pearson.



4. Great Read!
   
   I wholeheartedly recommend this book for everyone.
   
   I remember well listening to Larry when he cut off verbose thoughtful callers on his AM station some 30 years ago. One man who knows the power of brevity and banality. Guidance for all who aspire to the penultimate of superficiality in communication! Essential reading for all under the age seven.
   
   By the way, love your braces!



5. If you are an introvert, or if you find small talk a time wasted - you can read this all you want and it will be of no use.

5 comments about YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN: A NINE-STEP PLAN FOR SUCCESS CASSETTE: A Nine-Step Plan for Success (Simon and Schuster Sound Ideas).

1. This book is very valuable and can be useful guideline to you if you still cannot find out your right direction in life. Stedman Graham??s nine-step could probably help you to find out because those nine steps are clear and easy to follow.

   Stedman Graham successfully put abstract ideas (how to succeed) into concrete instructions (the 9-step) with examples. It lets us more easily to understand what to do and how to do in order to be a successful person. Also, those nine steps are really practical in the reality and suitable for everyone who want to be outstanding.

   In this book, Stedman Graham likes encouraging us to ask ourselves questions. It is good because it helps us to make sure that we are in the right track and really moving forward to success. Besides, although Stedman Graham is an American and most examples are happened in America, his concepts are also applicable in Asian countries, such as china.

   To sum up, I think it is worthwhile to spend some time to read this book and find out our own objective in life and then plan to achieve it.




2. I love Stedman's proactive philosophy about life and great success examples (the Dr J story is awesome). He reinforces the importance of taking action and having a plan to get what you want. It is the same theme in my dating book, SMART Man Hunting: How to Get Out There, Get Dates and Get Mr. Right! - i.e. if you want to find the right mate, you need a dating plan and focus. You Can Make it Happen rocks! I highly recommend this book!



3. Stedman's approach to motivating his readers is one all to common. I found this book only to be full of cliches - pointing out the obvious and reinforcing it like a nagging schoolteacher.
   
   The bottom line is that this book lacks creativity; it is completely unoriginal and provides no means of inspiration to those whom read it.



4. I saw this book in a store for about $2.50 and thought to myself what could it hurt to purchase "You can make it happen". Well purchasing Mr. Graham's book turned me around to the point that I see my vision for the future and what it has to offer me. I started by purchasing a day planner and already positive results have come into my life along with some positive thinking people. There are still many areas in my life that need to grow and improve, but we have to start somewhere. I would like to thank Mr. Graham for giving me the blueprint to success.



5. An inspirational as well as an instructional book. This book is a good read for all who seek or need an inspirational push. You don't have to suffer from low self-esteem and lack of motivation to read "You Can Make It Happen". It is an easy to read and down to earth book. I have recommended this book to one of my family members.

5 comments about Over The Top Moving From Survival To Stability, From Stability To Success, From Success To Significance.

1. I am a christian and have read the post about the person trying to make void what Zig teaches because he is a Christian. It is probably a good guess that the post was from someone that does not know God. I love Zig, his books are awesome and his insights; I am sure come from the Holy Bible and God. The truth always comes from God. I love all of the posts for this review. I even like the one from the anti-christian because in a way it shows that God can work through his willing and obedient people to teach men the best way to live.Some people want all the rewards w/o the sacrifice.



2. I have read Zig's books, attended his seminars and listened to his audio tapes.....I think I like this book the best of them all. His ideas are timeless and I love his positive mental attitude. Also, he is a funny guy and that comes through in the book. He is a model of success and his strategies in this book, if followed, will make you successful. Finally, this book is easy and quick to read....



3. Another great book from Zig Ziglar!! Zig teaches you a lot of stuff that will help you live a better and more fulfilled life, in all aspects!! This is good read!! What I got most out of this book was how to set goals and meet them. I now use the Personal weekly perfomance record to see where I am at on daily, weekly and annual basis. Works great!! Read this book!!!



4. A renowned writer and speaker, Zig Ziglar is known for his passionate and empowering presentations - even if you're not a self-help junkie, do yourself a favor and pick up one of his audio books for the experience. 'Over the Top' is all about goal setting, performance, and motivation. As with any self-help book, there is plenty of repetition, and a few insightful examples. Personally, it helped me identify several new areas for improvement, as well as, reminded me of several habits which I have forgotten. The only word of warning: there is a heavy dose of messaging on spirituality and religion. If you're new to the self-help section, I would recommend starting with Jack Canfield's 'The Success Principles'.



5. I thought this was a great follow up to See You At The Top. I enjoyed it and Zig continues to inspire me.

5 comments about Die Broke : A Radical 4-Part Personal Finance Plan to Restore Your Confidence Increase Your Net Worth and Afford the Lifestyle of Your Dreams (Cassette).

1. Written for "baby-boomers," but, most definitely recommended for us younger folks too.

   I took a chance, liked what I heard, and bought a set for a '25ish' friend; whose nose is always stuck in one financial book or another. He was immediately hooked, and, has already begun to change his way of spending, thinking, and doing. Just last week, he was thinking of buying the paper edition to reinforce what he listened to!

   Generally, I don't do well with audio-books (or even the written financial word), but, this one is worth picking up in any form.

   My Dad raised me on many of the same practices and principles preached within, and I couldn't agree more with the concept of; dying broke, paying cash, and giving now!, instead of leaving it later.




2. Die Broke is an extremely seductive book. Stephen Pollan's idea is that you'd be a fool to save your money for a rainy day. He says spend it now, which is contrary to what evey other personal finance expert advises. Take a round-the-world cruise, buy that new Mercedes, or better yet, lease it. This advice goes against the grain, and I found myself fascinated by such an original approach. It's tempting to adopt his methods and live for the present, but my advice is listen to the book, but don't take it too seriously.



3. This is the ultimate demonstration of GIGO (garbage in; garbage out). They start with defining all readers as a stereotypical babyboomer husband and wife team who are so work driven they get nothing out of life. Authors as lawyer-savior-savant advise them to quit their jobs, or at least think as if they quit, tear up their credit cards and work the rest of their lives while spending all they have and dying broke. Not every baby boomer, much less average American, is what they describe as the party to whom they are giving advice. While there is good advice in some of the book, the idea of proceeding from a stereotypical description of a person leads to a conclusion that might be of value only to that stereotypical person. The conclusions and advice given cannot apply to most people, much less all people. There remain in the society hard workers and slackers; brain surgeons and dullards; computer programmers and ditch diggers; driven producers and fourth generation welfare recipients. Ovbiously, this book is not for food stamp recipients or clients of the welfare system. Never the less there is good advice that is worth taking and understanding. The credit card system, whereby one obligates himself to pay without the pain of shelling out hard earned cash, allows one to build debt without feeling it. This book is really for those much too busy to read it.



4. My opinion of this book changed a few times while I was reading it.

   First, I thought that this book was pretty good in that it gives a "radical" new approach to personal finance. I enjoyed this book because of this. It takes a topic that can be very vanilla in its ways, and gives a brand new thought process. I guarantee you that you will see some ideas that totally contradict what other personal finance consultants would say. For example, the author actually makes an argument for leasing instead of buying a car. Seeing that argument was a first for me, especially in this type of book.

   Then, the author became very repetitive, and actually started to use examples and paragraphs that were previously used in this book. This was quite annoying.

   Finally, the book finished it's 4 part radical plan, and began to add commentary about various topics in personal finance. After being annoyed, this section kind of got me back on track. Again, it was interesting to read opinions that were not necessarily mainstream, on topics that have been discussed to death in other books.

   Overall, I would say that people should give this book a try. Beware of the redundancy, and go in with an open mind.

   You won't read about having to live under your means, or about how accumulate the most wealth to give to your heirs. Instead, you will see how to make the most of you money, live at your means, die broke, and leave people a minimal estate. Through the use of annuities, insurance, and reverse mortgages, one can have money till the day they die. However, the book does come up short when it talks about actually implementing this program. For example, there was no mention on the typical price of an annuity, nor how one would actually purchase these annuities with a minimal savings account. If it was mentioned, it was given the justice it deserved.

   Enjoy!




5. Die Broke is an extremely seductive book. Stephen Pollan's idea is that you'd be a fool to save your money for a rainy day. He says spend it now, which is contrary to what evey other personal finance expert advises. Take a round-the-world cruise, buy that new Mercedes, or better yet, lease it. This advice goes against the grain, and I found myself fascinated by such an original approach. It's tempting to adopt his methods and live for the present, but my advice is listen to the book, but don't take it too seriously.

1 comments about Cavett Robert Human Engineering Motivation Sales (Sales -).

1. I had been looking for material from Cavett for years - especially the recording of Are You The Problem or The Solution - or something like that. This set has no recording of such.
   
   It was sorta like a very dry and BORING lecture about sales. I tried several times to get through it and well, it was just plain torture.
   
   Disappointed I definitely was big time. I'm going to give this set to my local library so anyone in my area looking for Cavett's stuff will be able to sample it before buying.
   
   I suggest the audios by Tom Hopkins, Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy. They are much more interesting and will get repeat play by you.

5 comments about The Dale Carnegie Leadership Mastery Course: How To Challenge Yourself and Others To Greatness.

1. This is not Dale Carnegie but just some amateurs trying to make some money out of the good name of Dale Carnegie. I think they are called Dale Carnegie Associates. lol.
   
   I've listened to it twice through and know there is virtually nothing which will be of any use to anybody.
   
   What it does, is take one of Dale Carnegie's principles, explain it in about 5% of the detail Dale Carnegie did, try to give a contemporary example and finish by going,
   
   "You'll now be on the way to leadership mastery"
   
   Its one for the bin.
   
   There is this guy with a lisp reading part of it who is so fake getting enthusiastic over "filler" drivvle.



2. The Dale Carnegie Leadership Mastery Course has only a little bit of Dale Carnegie's writings in it. It is mostly material that was written much more recently. The newer material is consistent with Dale Carnegie's thinking and modernized to use examples from the 1980s and 1990s, but the writing lacks the punch of Dale Carnegie's original books.
   
   There are some readings from Dale Carnegie interspersed with the newer text, but they are short and don't seem to fit in very well. Most of the Dale Carnegie excerpts are from How to Win Friends and Influence People.
   
   If you want to be inspired by Dale Carnegie, buy the audio book version of How to Win Friends and Influence People instead. It is a classic.



3. Great CD's for the small business owner or a person in financial sales. Very helpful and descriptive.



4. This CD series is a basic introduction to leadreship, great for those first starting out with the principles of becoming a leader, less valuable to those already on the journey.



5. The Dale Carnegie audiobooks by Nightingale Conant tend to be too basic and common sensical, trying to repackage the" Win Friends Influence People", "Stop Worry Start Living", or "Public Speaking" principles in new bottles for the New Economy Age. Good endeavors, but tend to fail to provide the wow, useful new ideas.
   Bought "5 Essential People Skills", "Make Yourself Unforgettable", "Stand and Deliver", "Sales Advantage", "Dale Carnegie Leadership Mastery" and "Leader In You". All of them are newly recycled, repackaged, old ideas of Dale Carnegie's "Win Friends Influence People", "Stop Worry Start Living", or "Public Speaking". They are not as informative as other great audiobooks in the market like "Crucial Conversation", "Difficult Conversation", and "Articulate Executive" by which have more twists and new things to say about leadership communication and persuasive communication. If you need to buy audio books of Dale Carnegie, just buy Dale Carnegie's original, unabridged "Win Friends Influence People", "Stop Worry Start Living" audiobooks. Old too, but relatively more meat and better organized. Besides, you can get them from audible.com easily.
   
   Dale Carnegie & Associates really needs to hire more gurus or outside consultants to help update and upgrade their outdated content (not the principles!). When I showed those Dale Carnegie timeless principles to my 12 years old, he said they are too elementary and common sensical in the internet 2.0 Age. Like KFC, Dale Carnegie is an aging brand that needs rebranding and remarketing to stay relevant and practical to the readers or audience.

5 comments about Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty.

1. Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty is one of the best networking books I have read ("Never Eat Alone" is another great one) and one of the most important books for anyone who wishes to get ahead. Having a solid network of people will do more for your career advancement than almost anything you can do. Harvey Mackay list the top-ten most important things a network can do. Here are a five of those:
   1) A network replaces the weakness of the individual with the strength of the group
   2) A network can enrich your life anywhere in the world
   3) A network can help you help others
   4) Job security? Don't rely on the corporation. Rely on your network
   5) A network expands your financial reach infinitely
   
   Mackay goes in great detail on how to build solid networks by adding value to others and keeping in touch. He believes that the most valuable tool in your office is your Rolodex. Harvey Mackay certainly knows what he is talking about, not only does he write books and give speeches, he has built an incredible company, in the envelope business, with over 100 million in annual revenue. He did this by learning EVERYTHING he could possibly know about his clients, not just their order history and size of company, but also the owners favorite sport, team, children's names, ages, spouse's name, where they grew up, what they are passionate about, what they are proud of, etc, etc. In this book he teaches us how to ask for that information, how to maintain the data fresh and how to use it to grow our networks.
   
   My favorite quote from the book is: "No salesperson who knew the names of his customer's kids ever went broke." This is as true as: No person who reads this book and applies its principles will ever go broke. Enjoy!



2. Dig Your Well... is full of great advice and real-world situations which make Harvey Mackay one of my favorite authors. He is well-networked and likeable, showing that building a network of trusted friends, advisors and business associates is valuable for success at any career level.
   
   Meghan Wier
   Confessions of an Introvert: The Shy Girl's Guide to Career, Networking and Getting the Most Out of Life



3. Harvey's books are always written in an easy-to-read format, which I like. His no-nonsense prose make it easy to understand his points right away and apply them. While I have learned many networking tips over the years, there were at least 10 new ones in this book that I have never heard of before. If you are interested in improving your network (and career) read this book!



4. As a consultant and coach, I have to do a lot of networking myself. I also coach people who get tired of shaking all those hands and giving out all those business cards.
   
   Many books on networking give you clichéd information that you knew already. What Harvey Mackay does is much more than that. He shares his experiences from the time his career began to the international success he enjoys today and shows how networking made him who he is. The examples are clear and will give you truthfully everything you'll ever need to know about how to network successfully. Furthermore Mackay has a wonderful sense of humor. You'll laugh aloud as you learn.



5. This book helped me appreciate the value of relationships that I haven't been maintaining--hopefully in time to salvage them!. It also helped identify some connections that ought to be formed and reminded me that while a network can be beneficial to me, it's really the service I can provide for the people in my network that makes life rich and fulfilling. Sounds sappy and obvious I know, but Mr. Mackay's book can help you to internalize these lessons in a powerful way. Lots of great stories too, and a very readable format.