5 comments about Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance.

1. This book can help you put a plan into place that you can follow to be successful. If you have trouble motivating or keeping on track, this book will help you do that. Marcus helps you discover what your strengths are so that you can focus on your strengths which in turn will help you be successful.



2. Focus on playing to your strengths instead of focusing on improving your weaknesses. Doing so will help you be a more all around satisfied and productive person. Buckingham's "strengths revolution" could revolutionize the way people think about themselves and production in the workplace. Imagine sitting with your supervisor as he or she reviews your strengths and blazes the trail for you to improve those strengths--as opposed to confronting your weaknesses, which Buckingham says you'll never really master anyway.
   
   Good book, could be a brief, one hour read.



3. Marcus Buckingham brought to light strengths in my life that were buried. Since reading, Go Put Your Strengths to Work, I have used my strengths and am living a richer life.
   CK - Author of, Dean Ransom, Restored.



4. Really useful. For everybody that works with Competences, a great skill. Absolutely recommended.
   
   I work with SME's and executives, and It functions.



5. `Go Put Your Strengths to Work' gives us six clear steps for increasing our personal productivity. Author, Marcus Buckingham, draws our attention to several myths, for example that as we age we improve in the areas we have always been weakest. In fact such a myth only perpetuates a tendency to focus on what we are not good at. Instead we should be shifting our time management to focus upon the areas where we work best
   
   Naturally, Buckingham's core piece of advice is that we will not be able to build our strengths if all we can see is what we are not good at. Once we truly clarifying our strengths we are better set to enter a workplace and soar. Not only that, but knowing exactly what you are good at and how to articulate it in a job interview is a fantastic advantage to have.
   
   [...]

5 comments about Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time.

1. I'm in Brazil and the book came just right! no problems buying from another country.



2. What makes Never Eat Alone different from other business books that focus on the art of networking is that Never Eat Alone includes tips and advice that are unique. I've read more than my fair share of business books, and I can say with all confidence that this one is worth the purchase. The author brings in a good deal of personal narrative and real-world examples that illustrate just how easy it is to meet people and connect. "Connect" is the operative word here, because so many other books look at meeting people as a means of getting ahead. This book goes so far as to suggest that we actually try to get to know and build relationships with others. Now if that isn't unique for a business book, I don't what is.



3. This innovative guide contains many step-by-step techniques for growing a large network and building deep relationships (attending conferences, using pings, mastering organizational techniques, etc.) that aren't covered by any other books in the field. It is unique in its blend of strategy, technique, and technology that integrates with our modern world and lifestyle. His 3-tier ping method was a big breakthrough for me.
   
   Forbes and Inc. magazines both call Keith Ferrazzi one of the world's most "connected" individuals. Keith "is one of the rare individuals who discovered the essential formula for making his way to the top -- a powerful and balanced combination of marketing acumen and networking savvy."



4. I have to agree with the other reviews that indicate that the author does nothing except name drop throughout the entire book. Who cares how many superficial "relationships" that the author thinks he has cultivated? Not surprised he was so interested in getting to Hollywood. Absolutely, the worst business networking book I've ever read. In any case, I've learned to read the reviews posted before I make my purchases.



5. Keith Ferrazzi takes networking to a whole new level of interpersonal relationships. A lot of the concepts in this book are reiterated from books written in the past about networking. Every time I read the same concepts from other authors I am more opt to put what I've read and learned into action. There are techniques that he uses that I don't think I would try but there are more ideas in this book that opens your eyes to explain why he's so successful at what he does. This book isn't the fastest read but a lot of the stories and personal experience are touching and worth reading.

5 comments about The Richest Man in Babylon.

1. How do you place a price on brilliance? This short read is outstanding and I would recommend it to anyone including every junior or senior high school student in the United States. More books like this one and all of the Og Mandino books or any of the Napolean Hill books. And, let's not forget W. Clement Stone books.
   The Richest Man in Babylon



2. It's interesting, entertaining and good historical read. And very motivational. For that price you get a great time, good mood and motivational power. A worth to buy & re-read also. I can just add one more 5 star. You must have this book just because it's a eternal law of money nature



3. I read The Richest Man in Babylonseveral years ago while on vacation but when I got home I couldn't remember the name of the book. I have been searching for the book on & off since then.
   
   I just bought 4 copies on line a few days ago and will be giving them (3 of them) out for Christmas. I can hardly wait for them to arrive.
   
   Every time I speak to someone about finances I bring up this book. Now I will be able to give them the name. It helped me get out of debt except for my house.
   
   I highly recommend this book, especiall for Jr high/High School kids. It will give them a look to finances that schools don't teach. It is not a "Religous" book but gives a parable look at finances. (Do you remember Aesops Fables when you were young? They taught us alot.)



4. Clason's timeless classic is not just about how to acquire money, keep money, and make money earn more money. Rather, it is also about how to achieve personal wealth, happiness, and even meaning in this world. The use of parables and stories make this a great book for children as well.
   
   Although many books contain the same messages, the way Clason delivers these timeless strategies cannot be duplicated by anyone else.



5. Great for beginners, starters, students, people looking to learn about money. It's a must. This booked is unchanged and does allow those looking and keeping money. A great lesson in life.

5 comments about You Can Read Anyone.

1. i had great excitement when i got this. i was disappointed (i have the
   audio tape). he is not a professional reader. he READS to me, not talks,
   so he goes very very fast. it doesn't sink in. plus, i want more personal examples. there are only a few. and, the examples he gives seem most useful for a law enforcement interogator, or a jury profiler. this would be far better presented in a workshop situation where one could see videos of 'the guilty party', and where one could practice. as it is, i would save my money and not recommend this. or get it from the library. i think it is a 'top seller' because of what it promises not what it delivers.



2. I bought this book based on a reference in Secrets of the A Game by Logan Edwards. I originally purchased this book to help with attracting women, but I actually got much more out of it. Of course, it DID help out with attracting women, but also gave me a better perspective human psychology and behavioralism. I highly recommend it.



3. The author successfully predicted the winner of the '08 presidential election, and so did I by reading this book.



4. So far I am only about half way through this book, and I am not sure that I can finish it. As I read through the foreward, I got the same feeling as when I was watching some late night commercial on how if I did this program I will suddenly become rich and quit my job or how this new vacuum would suck all the dirt out my carpet like never before.
   
   The book has some okay tactics, but nothing that is earth shattering. All the tactics that I have read are a)very very basic, and b) very subjective.
   
   Being basic is okay, actually I like basic, but compared to many of the other body language books I have read, this is like Jack and Jill stuff.
   
   As for subjective, ofcourse its subjective, all body language is. But, agian, this book wants you believe its THE BOOK. And quite honestly, I think several of the tactics and predicted outcomes are just completely wrong. If you were to use this book on me, you would have me pegged as the guy that killed JFK, and I knew where Hoffa was, just becuase I could care less about the topic.
   
   Overall, this a quick read, and possibly worth reading if you are stuck on an airplane and have already looked at this months "skymall". I may change my mind if I actually finish the book and find that it get more meat on its bones in later chapters. but so far, I doubt it.



5. It's a good book with some good information. Not great book, not a bad book...if you pick this book up you will read people a little better but nowhere near how the title implies

1 comments about 32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business.

1. If there's one word to describe the content of this book, it would be substance. I picked this book up last week after listening to Magic's radio interview with Steve Harvey. Normally, I would actively listen to book discussions and if interested, add to my list for later. However, during the discussion on the radio, Steve highlighted some of the points covered in the book such as forming business partnerships, following your entrepeneurial passion, franchising and of course financing. This book was told through Magic's experience from beginning to end. It covers finding your dream, to building your business, exiting your business and my favorite, social responsibility. I enjoyed the level of detail in his experiences. You don't normally get this from a well-known athlete/celebrity or even from other business books who's intent is to educate OR tell a story. Magic's book educates through real examples. He takes you through the journey of getting in that board room and pitching your business plan which lead to a "no" at first. Many entrepenuers can relate to that! There's cautionary advice, a host of options for you to consider as a entrepeneur. Magic did not learn everything in one day and he gladly gives credit to those who have taught him along the way. I believe because of his mission, he taught a lot of pessimistic opportunists a lot. Earvin does speak a little about how his past NBA-career may have helped or hurt during his entrepeneurial journey. It's worth the read for inspiration and direction. This book is a comprehensive look at what it takes to lead a community while pursuing entrepenuership. Ironically, given all of Magic's business dealings, I don't think I've ever read of anyone maintaining an evolving door of entrepeneurship. His mission is steady and his investments are diverse. Truly an honest read. I walked away with a full discussion with my family and a sense of additional research I needed to do as a budding entrepeneur. Again, this book has substance.

5 comments about NLP: The New Technology of Achievement.

1. This book is great in that it not only explains some of the basics of NLP but it also includes 43 different exercises to do while you are reading the book. Most of these exercises can be done quickly and have been, for me, generally quite effective. These exercises are not easy to find online, so it's nice to have them compiled in one place here. For the price of a paperback it's hardly a question as to whether or not you should buy this book, especially if NLP is something that interests you.



2. I do like the author and have heard him on tape and CD before, but this CD set was originally a tape set (we repeatedly hear "on this tape" spoken), and should have been re-done instead of edited.
   
   Some (only some) of the basics of NLP are included here, and if you've ever opened a book or heard a tape about NLP, you probably already know all that's offered on this CD.
   
   Three of us here listened to "NLP," and we all found the constant reference to "tapes" annoying, along with the voices of two people who do a lot of speaking on the second CD. They both sound like they're trying to do cartoon voices, and my husband couldn't stop laughing. Yes, the voices are that distracting.
   
   The author co-wrote a better introduction to NLP years ago, called "Success Mastery With NLP." It's usually available used on tape. Having used NLP since 1976, I really do recommend it as a more useful introduction to the subject.



3. Even though this book meets my criteria for having `fluff', this is still one great introduction book to NLP. The language is down to earth, the exercises are well explained and the authors give a lot of thoughtful advice to beginners.



4. There are better, more comprehensive books and programs available, but for someone who is curious, this is good intro into the subject. I bought this in conjuction with Secrets of the A Game and The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists - all have been helpful.



5. I found this work to be a good fit for an initial exploration into the topic of NLP. It was easily outlined, concise and provided me with the basic information I was seeking, at a phenomenally low price. Quite reasonable cost/benefit ratio with this choice.

5 comments about QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability in Work and in Life.

1. I found QBQ through Dave Ramsey's radio program. Dave is the Financial Peace guru and author of The Total Money Makeover. I am a big Ramsey fan and I figured if QBQ was mandatory reading for his staff then it should be for me and my team as well. QBQ is a quick read and when actually put into practice can have a dramatic impact on one's personal and professional life. Unfortunately, many people will miss its profound implications because of its simplicity. The fact is, if you're like me, you have very little time to learn new concepts much less put them into practice. If so, you're going to love QBQ. This is something that is simple enough to absorb quickly and practical enough to use every day! As a VP for a large organization I cannot think of a better culture to develop than one of Personal Accountability. It's the one concept that brings everything else to life. QBQ is the real deal when it comes to making Personal Accountability a core value in your life. I would also recommend Flipping the Switch by Miller which takes QBQ even further.



2. This book was required reading one night during my recent interim pastor training. It took me about 40 minutes to read it and I found the book to be inspirational and helpful in asking questions the 'right' questions in a world that is no longer linear and predictable. In a world where change is the only constant, this book was helpful to begin to re-frame the kind of questions to ask and how to approach situations so as not be reacting to change but to be part of the solution to problems that come up in a constantly changing world. I'd recommend this book to any professional who is seeking to understand how to be effective in a constantly changing environment.



3. I read this book for the first time a little over a year ago. At the time, I tried to soak in the message, but since I thought it didn't really apply to me, I think it went in one ear and out the other, so to speak.
   
   Fast forward to today. This book is required reading for my work, and I read it a little more closely this time around. As it turns out, this little book is jam-packed with morsels of good advice. It's all about using a JFK-esque philosophy: ask not what your company can do you for you but what you can do for your company. You can insert almost any words you'd like to replace "company": team, client, etc. The whole point of the book is encouraging people to take a moment to think before placing blame. Instead, look in the mirror first and see if YOU can resolve the issue instead of passing the buck as we are so wont to do in this society.



4. One of the test readers of my book and audio book, Managing Thought: How Do Your Thoughts Rule Your World?, showed me this book after reading my chapter: Shaping Thought-Asking Powerful Questions. I absolutely love this book. It's all about taking responsibility for the quality and quantity of our lives and circumstances and offers great suggestions on how to ask questions that lead us in a direction that truly serves our purpose. QBQ: The Question Behind the Question is a quick, enjoyable read and a powerful guide and reference tool for choosing powerful thoughts.



5. Great book and it helps you learn how to be a great person and excell in all aspects of life.

5 comments about Rich Dad's Advisors: Guide to Investing In Gold and Silver: Protect Your Financial Future (Rich Dad's Advisors).

1. Although I have not yet read the entire book, there's one thing that EVERYONE is missing.
   All the gold bugs can rush and buy, but the problem is, if there's an economic meltdown, gold and silver will be illegal!
   This allows the government and feds to "buy" low, and sell high.
   In the great depression, it was illegal to carry gold and silver.
   
   Although there are not yet ANY laws prohibiting gold or silver, it is still not safe!
   
   The reason?
   I have heard that the Patriot Act (or as I call it unpatriotic act), has a section where it makes it LEGAL for federal officials and government to go into your house, take any gold and silver they want, as well as any currency they want, without even doing so much as asking or notifying you. (You may want to google it or read the bill for yourself at congress.gov, or whatever website)
   
   So what's the REAL solution?
   I like the idea of buying diamonds. Not only are they safe from this law (as far as I know), but if you want to HIDE them, it's easy to do so, and they're not easy to detect.
   As a last resort, you can hide them in your mouth, or under your tounge, and if they ask you to open up your mouth and look under your toungue, you can swallow it...
   Of course, it won't be a very pretty dimond on the way out!
   
   Diamonds can cut through anything, even gold and silver, (or steel bars, if you're really paranoid that martial law is coming, and you want to plan an escape).
   I still think there is value in gold and silver, and this book is still excellent so far, and will be useful in deciding how to buy gold and silver, and understanding why currency is designed to lose value, except for period in which they contract the money supply and seize assets.
   
   Although diversification is not something the rich do, in this case, I think you need to make an exception, unless you can somehow protect that gold&silver from the Patriot act, perhaps through a corperate entity. Or something.



2. Mike Maloney's book is an easy read & proves his point about investing in silver & gold. An essential read for improving your Financial literacy in the 21st century.



3. This book caught my eye prior to boarding a plane. I suppose it was launched at a time when gold and silver were making record highs and these precious metals seemed extremely attractive to the everyday investor.
   
   I found the initial history lesson interesting but a little drawn out.
   
   I have read most of Kiyosaki and his advisor books and after a while they all seem to sound the same. This one was more interesting but Maloney obviously felt obliged to laud Kiyosaki's other books as totally amazing and the best books he has read. I find this difficult to believe. He is a learned gent and has read many quality books on The Fed etc. so I found this a bit irritating.
   
   I read this book after the financial crisis had already unfolded but Maloney predicted it (or something similar) with eery truth around pg. 112. In a nutshell the book says that the only true currency is gold and silver and the cash (the dollar) is just a fiat currency, in the more can be printed. In times of distress people flock to precious metals and these prices go crazy. That hasn't quite happened during this crisis so it's not that simple. I flew through this book and it is easy reading but I finished it feeling less convinced than many other readers here. The great website reference at the back pushes it up to four stars though.



4. I have read several of the "Rich Dad Poor Dad" books, and have been enlighten with the information that was provided, and it has helped me personally deal with my financial issues. Plus, seeing my future is very different after reading these books.



5. I purchased this book to learn about investing in gold and silver. What I got was a whole lot more. This fast read gives great insights into how our economy is no more secure than a house of cards. The author demonstrates where our economy is headed and how we can gain wealth rather than endure looming financial disaster. Oh yes, the book tells you about the different ways to purchase and hold precious metals. He also discusses the benefits and pitfalls of each method. If you are looking for a technical summary of exactly how to do it, this isn't the book for you. It is, however, a real wake-up call for America. I'm purchasing several copies for my family, friends and business assoicates.

5 comments about Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller--Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century.

1. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R16TPH4TK6GX3Z This has been an enormous help in setting and reaching goals. My goals are related to money, but I think his system would help with reaching any type of goal. *note that I read an older edition*



2. This is a great book that will change your current way of thinking. This version adds contemporary examples whom everyone will be able to relate with.



3. When your mentor says that Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" changed the course of his life forever, let me tell you, I ran off to read this book within the first week of hearing that, from Secret Teacher, Bob Proctor, when I first began my studies on the mind.
   
   There are concepts in this book that I found fascinating! I loved Chapter 11 that explains how "genius is developed through the sixth sense." So many people talk about "the sixth sense" and to have it explained to me so that I understand where my "inspired" actions are coming from, was beyond powerful.
   
   I also utilized Chapter 7 called "Organized Planning" and the thirty major causes of failure. What an eye opener to have Hill point out to me the recipe for success. I am excited to continue towards my goals, and understand that as I grow older, I will only sharpen my skills, and experience more success. Who wouldn't want to set themselves up for a powerful life? My mentor did it, so why can't I?
   
   Andrea Samadi, author of The Secret for Teens Revealed: How Parents, Teachers, and Teenagers Can Inspire Leadership and Transform Lives



4. This book is without doubt the best if you're looking into becoming a true success. It literally describes all the actions that are required to push you towards your ultimate goal. I will also recommend another from the same other which you would find just as revealing. The laws of success..



5. Put simply this is a life-changing book and will reinvent the way you see the world and how to achieve in it. The title is misleading, as it may make you think that it is yet another how-to on making yourself fabulously rich. What Napoleon Hill describes is much larger than that. If getting rich is your goal then this book will help you get there, but it is really a book about training yourself to be successful. It teaches you how to put yourself in the proper mindset to go about getting what you want, whatever that may be. If extraordinary wealth is that goal then the path is there, but if your dream is to be an astronaut, CEO, nuclear physicist or simply a good manager it will help you achieve that goal as well.
   
   Put simply, you want help achieving your goals in life Think and Grow Rich will be an invaluable tool in getting you there. I can't recommend it enough.

5 comments about The Ten Roads to Riches: The Ways the Wealthy Got There (And How You Can Too!) (Fisher Investments Press).

1. A fun, fast (read it in one day) and eye-opening read on the real roads to real wealth. This was very different from Fisher's last book, the Only Three Questions that Count, which I also liked, but did not disappoint. This book is not about stocks per se (although Fisher does cover stock investing in one of the chapters as a path to wealth) but rather is a sort of frank public service announcement about the most realistic paths to wealth. And, it helps you figure out how to improve your odds of getting down the path you choose more successfully.
   
   The book uses real life, and often very funny examples to show what to do and what to avoid doing if you want to build real wealth. Highly recommended.



2. Everyone knows its best to save your money and invest wisely, but here's the straight scoop on how the really rich got that way. This book was part no-nonsense career coach, part cheerleader, part cautionary tale. There's something for everyone here. And yes, it was a fast, inspiring, funny read.



3. This is a fun, breezy read, as investment advisor and long-time Forbes columnist Ken Fisher has written a serious, but humorous book about how to build wealth. And at 216 pages a quick read.
   
   Fisher's last book, "The Only Three Questions that Count", was superb. This latest book is very different from "The Only Three Questions...", which is all about personal investing but which also has application to other areas of a person's life.
   
   "The Ten Roads to Riches" is about the varied ways a person can build personal wealth. Fisher draws from his own experience of meeting many successful people, as he charts the paths. The chapters are insightful and written in a tongue-in-cheek style with ideas that can be easily visualized.
   
   Some examples: The first chapter "The Richest Road", which is founding your own business and building it into the next Microsoft, Nike, or Charles Schwab. The third chapter, about the "Ride-alongs", people who hitch theirselves to the Bill Gates's or Warren Buffett's of the world and rise as they and their firm rise. If you are Warren Buffett's longtime sidekick, there's got to be wealth in that, right? (Yup. Charlie Munger is his name and his net worth is $2 billion.)
   
   Chapter four is "Rich ... and Famous". Some tips: compose songs, don't sing them, and star high school baseball players have slightly better odds of making the big leagues then star football players.
   
   Chapter five is "Marry Well, Really Well", which is very amusing, but also serious. Hey, if you want to get married, hang around with rich people and fall in love with one of them! Plenty of examples including John Kerry (twice) and John McCain.
   
   Chapter six is "Steal It - Like a Pirate, But Legally", making a career as a plaintiff's lawyer and suing companies. Enough said.... And chapter nine is "Trumping the Land Barons" - all about real estate.
   
   The last chapter is "The Road Most Travelled", about doing it the old-fashioned way - get a good job, work hard, save and invest wisely.
   
   Each chapter is a survey, giving multiple examples of people who took the particular road, and offering ideas, but no detailed plan. At the end of each are brief reviews of suggested additional readings for anyone who might be inclined to follow that particular path. I was surprised that there are actually serious books about how to "Marry Well", but maybe I shouldn't have been?
   
   An enjoyable, quick read about one aspect of the business of life.



4. I wish I had read this book in high school; it honestly would have made a great impact on my life going forward and the choices I made in college regarding my career. Fisher doesn't pull any punches here. He lays out the pro's and con's for 10 wealth building occupations in an easy to read manner. Highly recommended.
   
   One caveat is that I wish Fisher had written more on the pro's and con's of the professions (doctor, lawyer, investment banker) instead of lumping them in to the final road to wealth ("the road more traveled").



5. Most of us have dreams of getting rich. Right now, times are hard and most of us are feeling more insecure than we have in a long time. Yet, it is in these downturns that the foundations of wealth are best set down. Ken Fisher with Lara Hoffmans have give us a book that lays out the ten paths that can lead to the riches you think you want. You don't have to take all ten. In fact, some of the ten may revolt you and others will be of no interest. However, if you find one or a few that you can work on, you just might find you way to that pot `o gold.
   
   What are the ten roads the authors show us?
   1) Founding and leading your own visionary company.
   2) Becoming a top CEO at someone else's successful company.
   3) Investing in a successful company.
   4) Becoming a highly paid celebrity, athlete, artist, or other famous person.
   5) Marrying a very rich person.
   6) Learn to prey on other's vulnerability by looking for steals.
   7) Use your ideas (or marry other's ideas) and OPM (other people's money).
   8) Create multiple incomes and maybe pensions.
   9) Real Estate (of course, now the bubble has popped)
   10) Saving and investing prudently while living modestly.
   
   I really appreciate the way the Fisher compares the fantasies of each of these paths with the realities you will face if you decide to travel them. While none of the articles will give you more than an introduction of what you will have to know, do, and accomplish to succeed, you will have more honest information than you are likely to have now.
   
   This is an interesting read even in these uncertain times.
   
   Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI