5 comments about The Artist's Way at Work: Riding the Dragon.

1. This is the second Julia Cameron book I have read. It is very much like Artist's Way except it is for the artist in the work place. All of Cameron's books talk about the artist within but it is for those who are looking for self. Self is what you are going to find. It is getting rid of what is unimportant and focusing in on the important making a complete and happier person. I am not quite done with this book but have devoured it and shared it as I did with her first book.



2. Reading the book for a masters level creativity class so I started out a skeptic. While much of the reading in the class has turned out to be very interesting, this book just hasn't struck any chords for me.
   
   Some of the poeple in the class seem to appreciate it so it gets an extra star... but I'd suggest reading some of it before picking it up. If it works for ya, go for it. Otherwise, be cautious.



3. These books were ordered to be used in a weekly group discussion. The response was well received.



4. This excellent book has been og enormous help to me in making me aware of all the things I put up with, and what it was I really wanted ! A great investment in living a happier life!



5. What an incredible book and the DVD with printable workbook is a MUST! There are so many insights from successful artist's that show us the strength behind the methods taught. Thank you Mark Bryan and Julia Cameron for bringing the world of a working artist and those with creative ideas to a place where the thought process can be described in terms that help so much for the end goal of success at what we do. Understanding creative minds for what they are and how the process of work relates to all minds creative process is a huge benefit for all.
   Artists don't come in one shape or color, nor do they in 10, but in infinity of preferences, passions, drivers, careers, and personalities. Artist's Way At Work helps us to see how mutually driven all people are to make the most of the creative genius within, and how to keep it thriving, successful, and happy.
   The nonlinear walk of The Artist Way At Work by Mark Bryan has taken the original work of the Artist's Way to ten years later, in addition to a level where we get to see how all people are `creative' equally in the struggle. The direction in which we move towards this individual creativity in common steps is defined in a way that promotes the ability to overcome traps as a common problem between all creative minds not limited to just writers, painters, singers, and dancers, but also the creativity that feeds the flow in all businesses from scientists to production plants. He teaches us that the psyche of the human dilemma which includes living a paradox creatively and trying to balance real life can be common between all people no matter what job type is involved. He provides structure to work with the well founded "3 C's".
   Mark Bryan is a warm, funny and charismatic man with such passion to drive artists to meet with success. We can overcome our paradox through the ongoing use of the teachable, trackable success doing the daily reflections, reframe our failures, and leverage our strengths. His work has led many, including myself, to a far great future. Using his methods daily will inevitably help to consistently overcome what stops us from true creative genius and will lead to both happy and well lives.
   His innovative methods to bring artistically creative people to this place of peace, with quality in life, are highly recommended.

3 comments about Business and Society: Ethics and Stakeholder Management.

1. This book was just what I needed. It helped me to pass the course I was taking and I received an A+. The book was a bit boring at times but all in all it had a lot of useful and great information!



2. This book was a great tool for inserting ethics into a business course at University. Excellent, up to date case studies that we can identify with. Two thumbs up!



3. I was very pleased to receive the book before the alotted time. However, the book was not indicated it was an International version. Therefore, I would have expected the price to be less. Overall, I would give the review an 85 out of 100.

5 comments about Millionaire Women Next Door: The Many Journeys of Successful American Businesswomen.

1. Or, "How I learned to LOVE pinching pennies & clipping coupons!"
   
   Now there's a title to stir the very hottest of boiler-fires in this coldest of Bounders, oh yes: "Millionaire Women Next Door"! Yummy! The title conjures up visions of 90-something tottering dowagers, having crumb-cake brought to them on silver platters by decrepit butlers, toddling about the mahogany-panelled passages of O Altitudo, shepherded by manservants and maids from Library to Sunroom to Palatial Dining Hall to the Rolls-Royce (gassed-up & ready to rumble by the handy valet) for the Sunday drive in the country.
   
   Think of it: a ninety-something bat with the ferocious desire to rut like a crazed Gambian Howler Monkey, a creature with a very weak ticker, a short life-span, millions of dividend-paying bluechips and tax-free muni bonds piled up in her hoard, and me---first in line in her will!
   
   Or even a chummier prospect: the Millionaire Woman Next Door who primped, nipped, tucked, & aerobicycled her way to bodily perfection, all of 35, hooked up with some venerable drooling Texas Oil Tycoon-Geezer, waited for him to drop, and now is positively rolling in the Shekkels and ready to party!
   
   Alas, those fragrant, lustrous visions are for another writer and another book: this is a Thomas Stanley tome, Stanley being the scholarly fellow who pulled back the frayed shower-curtain on America's eremite wealthy only to reveal that mysterious class wasn't comprised of Robber Barons pulling their 500-foot nuclear powered megayachts into Mediterranean Ports, oh nosirree: they were plain folk, Good Reader, just like you and me!
   
   Only they saved, live frugal lives, clipped coupons, ate catfood from a tin, scrounged, skimped, pinched the pennies until the Little Coppery Abrahams screamed in pain, maybe even splurged every 3 months on a 1-course meal at Mickey D's for the entire clan!
   
   And, of course, according to Stanley and his prodigious stack of statistical data that suggest---no, confirm---that the meet may not inherit the Earth, no sirree, but the skinflints sure as Hell will---they'll die loaded.
   
   I'm not going to parse or quibble with Stanley's research: coming myself from degenerate, somewhat deranged Southern stock, I've seen, firsthand, accounts of miserliness, weal, and grasping avarice that would chill the blood.
   
   I have an Aunt who would hook up with her (loaded) buddy, and the two biddies would have Thanksgiving Dinner at the local homeless shelter. Hey, it was a cheap meal, no doubt.
   
   But is that any way to live? Is it worth it to you, to spend your fleeting hours scrimping and scrounging, fretting over every penny, so you can die loaded? And so, once you give up this mortal coil and your wizened soul speeds Valhalla-ward, your spoiled, nasty little nephew, the only creature left alive mentioned in your will, inherits all your booty, and proceeds to blow the entire stack on a civilian super-submarine---I mean, what's the point?
   
   I was hoping with "Millionaire Women" Stanley would let his hair down, get all "Shaft" with us, maybe talk a little bit about Divorce, the single greatest gender-to-gender (ie, poor hapless dudes to merciless chicks) wealth transfer ever invented in the history of the world. The Big D, an easy con to pull off, and pulled off every day: Woman sinks her claws & pinions, parasite-like, into a Hapless Man, catapults out a few nasty brats so he's bound to her for Eternity, then Lawyers up and pirates his loot. Works like a charm.
   
   But no such luck: we're spoiled even that much of a Dickensian romp.
   
   So if you insist on looking here, know this: Stanley's 'blockbuster' first book, "The Millionaire Next Door", was all about America's truly wealthy: Stingy Dudes.
   
   To cut to the chase, "Millionaire Women" is the same disc, spinning backwards, without even a few Satanic Verses---to wit: Stingy Chicks.
   
   Unless you're looking for a real blue-light special, avoid.
   
   JSG



2. When I read The Millionaire Next Door, I was intrigued. However, I was left yearning for similar information regarding women. Well, I found it in this book. It was very interesting to read statistical information about successful women.



3. I just finished reading this book after picking it up at a bookstore about five days ago. I read from it every chance I got, and though on the one hand, I have to agree with those readers who pointed out that the book was tough going at times, on the other hand, I also have to agree with other readers who had very good things to say about the book, as the favorable reviews are well deserved. First I will cite the bad about the book, and then I will cite the good.
   
   First the bad. The book appears to rely heavily upon convenience sampling and voluntary response. The author seems to have shared mostly only those stories sent to him, or more plainly, that just fell into his lap. Second, like his two other millionaire books, the author uses the book as a platform to share with us the things he values, and appears only to look for that information or evidence which supports his values, never once addressing information that contradicts his position. Third, in keeping with the standard paradigm of women = victim and male = (opportunistic) victimizer, (which always plays well to the target demographic of the book), the author's attempt to make out this group of women as selfless, do-gooding heroines was a bit overdone. The millionaire women are seen as generous and charitable as a group, and the millionaire men are portrayed as heartless misers who penny-pinch at every turn. I felt especially incensed when Stanley went out of his way to make excuses for some millionaire womens' poor choices in mates- the so-called 'Marginal Bobs' (the book titled, Smart Women, Stupid Choices, comes readily to mind for some peculiar reason). By association, if some of the men made poor choices in terms of mates, would they too be given sympathy and generous excuses, or are we to believe that they deserve what they get?
   
   And now the good. Aside from the obvious attempts to play to the book's target audience (middle class, educated wage-earning women) and attempts bordering on the egregious to trumpet the merits of personal financial planners of various stripes, the book did have quite a few good points about it. We learn that if we divide the millionaire women into two groups, those that give the most to charitable causes tend to have lower annual earned incomes and higher net worth. These women tend to give just for the joy of giving, and seek to make the world they live in a better place. Many people took issue with the inclusion of a chapter about a dyslexic man who did good; however, I think the point of the chapter was to show that even those with identifiable disabilities can become millionaires, be they male or female, so long as they play to their strengths, live below their means, save and invest, avoid a lifestyle centered around consumption, and most of all, have a source of thoughtful, intelligent mentoring available to them. Readers that read the book carefully will glean some powerful information from this book, such as the following: 1) you can not change the past, but you have considerable control over your future, 2) those who are professional, service-oriented and customer-focused will always beat the competition, 3) it pays to play to your native strengths, 4) great investors are not born, they are made through trial and error, so go ahead and make a few mistakes, and 5) most important, limit borrowing only to those things that generate a realizable (net) income- a lesson all of those would-be real estate moguls and Robert Kiyosaki mimics would do very, very well to keep in mind.
   
   In passing, I did not think that it was appropriate for Stanley to profile two college professors in his chapter on wealthy educators, simply because in order to become a college professor, one has to spend, at last count, a minimum of at least seven years beyond the Bachelor's degree to receive a doctorate. These days, most places won't allow you to teach on the faculty without a PhD, and more than a few people on faculties do not get tenure. In my mind, it would have been better for him to profile a wealthy elementary or high school teacher, as this is a goal that is more attainable for most readers. Still, I got a good kick out of his story of the matronly professor who touched the lives of so many deserving students.
   
   In sum, I found the book to be a very worthwhile read. Though many would dismiss the book's more important contents as common sense, it is hard to believe that many people still don't get it. Readers should keep in mind that it all comes down to the choices we make, and take special care not to equate one's net worth with one's self worth, a trap too many Stanley devotees tend to fall into. I still contend that ongoing investments in one's health and continuing education will lead to satisfying increases in one's wealth.



4. Question: What's the one thing a woman can do for herself if she wants to be a successful businesswoman or a millionaiare?
   Answer: Find a role-model, and emulate the things she does.
   
   Thanks to Thomas Stanley, women don't have to network to find the mentor they need. They'll be able to find her right in the pages of this book.
   With abundant statistics and case profiles, Stanley presents us with successful women from varied backgrounds, and shows us exactly how they did it.
   
   The book is rich with details, and focuses on the "5-W's" (of good journalism):
   
   WHO these women are.
   WHAT they do and how they decided to do it.
   WHEN they made the decisions that propelled them to success.
   WHERE they live and work, and come from.
   WHY they are so successful.
   
   Recommended reference to keep in your "how to succeed" library.



5. This book is definitely worth a read for two reasons:
   (1) the subject matter is an area where there just aren't a lot of books, and
   (2) this book says some of the non-politically correct things that most books / shows / people in society like to side step, but that its really validating to hear.
   
   Like his other books, his focus is almost entirely on self-made women, rather than those who come from financial means. I was a bit startled to read that one woman's mother told her to pick a job working with men - not competing with women - because the work and pay would be better. Hadn't heard that from anyone but my own grandmother - and it's proven to be some of the best career advice I ever received.
   
   On the other hand, this book did feel much less organized and less thoroughly researched than Stanley's earlier books. Like some reviewers have noted, there is a chapter on a dyslexic gentleman who does well for himself. It's a good story, but leaves the reader wondering why it's in THIS book, exactly.
   
   The tone can be rather patronizing - it acknowledges that women's relationships can be a huge factor in how they save money (working at home v. careers, dodging the egos of husbands and male coworkers, etc.), but it also very clearly and supportively acknowledges a woman's need to be capable of financial independence. You walk away from the book feeling like a woman's best option is to achieve as much as a man does, but keep her mouth shut about it. Which may be true - if it is, kudos for having the guts to say it. But either way, I'd have preferred a little more examination of the socio-economic factors that come into play in this regard, since based on the author's coverage, it's a bigger factor for women than the millionaire men he's covered previously.
   
   I'd also have loved a more in-depth look at HOW women make the money, rather than how it affected them to have the success that they did. Other than an admittedly great story about ONE car saleswoman, we don't get much of a look at the in-depth beliefs and daily work habits of these women. Instead, we get an in-depth look at their upbringings, their marriage habits ... which is all well and good, but it'd be better with both the past and the present (financial and non-) being examined.
   
   The reader gets jumped from investigations of millionaire women's relationships and upbringings, to their professional choices, spending habits, bits of wisdom, etc. and it all is never really tied together as a cohesive whole. It seems that he just grabbed a cool story here, a reader's letter there, and made a passing grab at a spreadsheet or two, and threw it all together for the reader to sort out.
   
   The book is a definite potluck - a little bit of everything. But the individual components are very interesting, very rare, and its information that I - and a lot of other women - are definitely interested in hearing. I've recommended it quite a bit. It's well worth wading through the hotchpot of goodies to pick and choose the items that motivate and instruct you.

5 comments about Business Ethics.

1. The actual chapter text is a little dry and sometimes confusing, but the layout is good and the case studies at the end of the chapters are VERY interesting and thought-provoking. I may not have gotten through the class with an A if not for the way the book is so well organized and clear.



2. I purchased this book as required reading for a class and am enjoying its easy style and case studies.



3. I would have given this book 5 stars but I found that when describing the normative theories I found other internet sites gave an easier to read and understand description. The case studies were eye opening and covered just about every ethical topic one would imagine could happen in a business environment. Overall, a good resource.



4. I ordered the book and received it about the time stated that it should come. It is in excellent condition. The price was great and I so appreciated doing business with you. Keep up the good work.
   Grace



5. William Shaw's book breaches ethics. The book sells for about an extortionist's price of a hundred dollars and is dry, confusing, and poorly organized. There is no glossary or clearly outlined structure. Shaw loses us in his arcane concepts. Although ethics is a soft science, Shaw presents his perspective on current ethics as if it were hard truth. What we think of as ethical in twenty years from now may be radically different than today (2008)..as history indicates. Although Shaw uses the terms "ethics" and "morality" interchangeably, he does a poor job of showing the real basis for moral thinking which is religion. Christ and Mohamed were better ethical philosophers and did more for humanity than Kant or the Utilitarians. Still, the monotheistic tradition gets little more than a footnote under the sketchy and ambiguous ramblings to come out of the Enlightenment that Shaw loves. Shaw would suggest that business decisions should be based on these impossible schools of thought. The end of the book and course left me more confused than before. I know that ethics is important and all for university clout, but this book and its scattered approach turns off students and does more harm to the future of business practice. I notice many students and recently graduated people in the business world boasting that ethics is important because of this fad. Now we are allowed to be clean business people just by saying "I believe strongly in ethics". Before, we had to build a solid reputation by not screwing people over. This was something people developed on their own and truly practiced. Sorry, but we can't learn ethics from some fancy book. Take for example the person who sold me my book on this website. The student, after finishing ethics, posts the book for sale. I purchased the book media mail. Two weeks later, the book never comes. So, I emailed the seller who told me that he sent the book the previous week and I can expect it any day. Two days later, the book showed up and I noticed that he paid for express shipping on the same day as the email. Notice that the seller lied to me via email. Apparently, he either forgot to send the book or he skipped over the notification email. This happens because Amazon.com sends notification emails that appear almost identical to promotional emails. The same thing happened to me last year. I apologized to the buyer and promptly shipped the book express at my own loss. This was the right thing to do. Even though I don't know the student living on the other side of the country, I wouldn't want to be in that position of showing up to class without reading the material. I feel like my seller express shipped my book because he was scared of reprisal. Notice that he did not apologize and in fact lied. I don't know what grade he got in ethics, but he was not able to apply his learning even with it fresh in his mind. I blame the book not for not teaching ethics, but for pretending to teach something that is unteachable in only one semester.

5 comments about Conscious Business: How to Build Value Through Values.

1. Written by Fred Kofman (co-founder and president of Axialent consulting company), Conscious Business: How to Build Value Through Values is a straightforward guide to applying conscious awareness to its fullest extent, recognizing the needs of others, and effectively expressing one's own needs order to build responsibility, integrity, leadership, and reputation - all of which are invaluable tools to a business' continued success. Drawing from real-world examples by such famous companies as Microsoft, Yahoo!, and much more, Conscious Business reveals how being mindful of fundamental human virtues and even "spiritual" questions such as "Who am I?" and "What is my real purpose here?" are positive, empowering assets. A clarion call for balancing fiscal obligations with ethical and moral responsibilities for increased success in all dimensions of business life.



2. Business is an essential part of our lives. Doing business consciously, Fred Kofman, a co-founder of the consulting firm Axialent, is an essential part of living consciously. The author presents a business model where managers are more conscious of the inner and outer lives of employees.
   
   Anyone who works intuitively understands there are two types of managers. As a professor of accounting, Kofman begin his classes by having students listen to one of Beethoven's pieces over and over. Gradually the students would realize that the music was not in the CD; but in the listening. In music as in business, Information's only value is in how it is interpreted.
   
   Most recognize the need for smart employees with the latest in technical competency. Kofman argues it is more important, and less recognized, that organizations recruit and retain employees with high-level consciousness.
   
   He draws a contrast between unconscious attitudes and their conscious counterparts. They are:
   
   Unconscious Attitudes.....................Conscious Attitudes
   Unconditional Blame.......................Unconditional Responsibility
   Essential Selfishness........................Essential Integrity
   Ontological Arrogance.....................Ontological Humility
   Unconscious Behaviors....................Conscious Behaviors
   Manipulative Communication..........Authentic Communication
   Narcissistic Negotiation....................Constructive Negotiation
   Negligent Coordination.....................Impeccable Coordination
   Unconscious Reactions.....................Conscious Reactions
   Emotional Incompetence...................Emotional Mastery.
   
   These qualities are simple to understand; yet, they are difficult to implement. They represent common sense; yet, they are not found widely in common practice. They seem natural, yet they challenge deep-seated assumptions individuals hold about themselves, others and their world.
   
   Kofman opens the reader's conscious to a unique resource for maximizing profit and potential in the workplace and beyond. Written concisely and coherently he communicates an uncommon wisdom about the truth of our emotions and healthy interpersonal practices in business and life.



3. Fred Kofman does a good job explaining his concepts, however his accent can be a little disconcerting at first. If you are a Landmark Education graduate, the material on these CD's is very nearly a rip-off of the same concepts (i.e., having Integrity, Honoring your Word, etc...). For non-Landmark graduates, these CD's cover many soft-skills concepts that can be effective in your personal life, but he applies them (a little obscurely) to a work environment. If you are trying to get your own business off the ground, "Conscious Business" does not offer strategies for doing so, but rather best practices to remain successful. In other words, you won't find tips regarding how to file your returns, collect data effectively, or document discipline. You will instead find tips about the importance of keeping your word, how to stop stressing about work, and things of that nature. The program was not bad--in retrospect, I would have found it no more than $15 worth of value. Take that for what you will.



4. The hard part about starting or running a business is not the long hours, the tight deadlines, or the stresses of being overworked in the face of an insecure future. The real challenges that make or break us surround dealing with our own integrity, our priorities, and conflicts with others.
   
   This book covers those challenges and offers many tools and examples of how we can manage them and come out ahead having built a stronger foundation and a stronger company.
   
   I personally can't stand the idealistic tones of the book but I will admit, unlike most of these books that I have read, this one is much more grounded inthe harsh challenges of reality such as the fact that, while in business and in dealing with others failure is not an option but success is not always achieved.
   
   If you read this book you will find yourself referencing it as you deal with life on any level because the authors clear mind and direct language gives you the language to describe and communicate the situation and how best to manage it.



5. This is a must read book for anyone who is serious about how to bring their spirituality to the workplace.

5 comments about One Person/Multiple Careers: A New Model for Work/Life Success.

1. This book is a friend indeed. Marci has captured the essence of what is going on in our society today (at least in the United States)in a way that supports those of us who are having a slash life to revel in it, and to encourage those who want a slash life to go after it. I think it's great that she has called multiple careers "the slash effect" and hope that enough of us use the words "slash life" for it to catch on. It's far more invigorating that "multiple careers." The book is an easy read where you get to know a variety of different people who have developed slash lives. I believe there's something for everyone in this book since so many people are stressed out and don't want to be. I look forward to revisiting this book many times as I continue to be involved in my own slash life.



2. This is a fantastic book. As a lawyer, I've thought many times of quitting the practice of law. This book showed me that instead of leave one career for another, I could simply become a slash. The book is chock full of nuts and bolts advice such as carry around multiple business cards and start introducing yourself in keeping with your newly chosen profession (i.e. call yourself as a writer and people will start sending assignments your way). Since reading this book, I have made a career change. I recommend this book without hesitation to anyone looking to try a new career or simply put a new spin on their job.



3. Marci is a great writer and clearly explains how we can no longer be defined by one narrow career. She acknowledges that we are complex, multi-faceted beings and that's what makes us interesting and successful. She has captured the essence of careers in the new millennium and provides a lot of food for thought. This is a great read!



4. I have bought this book in order to figure out HOW to make my interests a slash career. Instead, this book is nothing that stories about and resumes of people who have multiple careers. I was hoping the first chapter was just an example, but the whole monotonous book is the same.
   Don't bother.



5. The title refers to the prevalence of a "slash" in people's lives these days - people who instead of seeing themselves as an "accountant", consider themselves an "accountant/musician" or "accountant/designer" or "accountant/parent" or whatever. People with two jobs, basically.
   
   The premise was intriguing to me since I've always considered myself a "slash", if you will. A jack of all trades, a renaissance man, etc. From my very first job I've always done work on the side and have added quite a few "slashes" to my ID over the years, so I was really interested in this book's promise to help you integrate them into a single identity.
   
   What I got was a lot of stories about other people's multiple careers and some generic tidbits like "develop your new career while you're on the job". Lame.
   
   If you want to get inspired by hearing stories of other people who are making money from side interests, go for it. If you're trying to do the same, don't expect any revelations.

5 comments about Complete Guide to Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply.

1. The title of this book says it all. The author does an impressive job of breaking down the components of Roberts Rules and making it easy to understand, especially for someone who has never heard of this way of conducting meetings.
   
   In the beginning of the book, the author lays out ten rules that basically summarize Robert's Rules and the template to implement for the majority of meetings. Not all meeting require Robert's Rules of Order so the author explains what meetings are best suited for Robert's Rules. When the rules are applied properly, it can be beneficial for your meetings.
   
   This book is very informative and answers what's in it for me and why I would want to adopt this way of conducting meetings. Great utilizations of real life examples at the end of each chapter making this book a great resource for those starting an organization or creating a local chapter of an existing organization.
   
   From opening a meeting, to agenda, motions, proper way to vote and closing, this book has it all. Would recommend distributing to Board and encourage members to obtain copy. If you are developing a new company/organization or tweaking one that has existed for years, this would be a resource to have to ensure your meetings are ran in the most efficient way possible.



2. The subtitle to this book is "Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply." "Complete," "made easy," "everything to know," "explained simply" this is just what you need when it comes to understanding and using Robert's Rules of Order.
   Also, this is what makes this book well written, it's clearness of style and use of language are a fine example of the use of plain language in writing about difficult and complex subjects. It's the kind of book suited for first time and occasional user to even a veteran who needs a quick guide for reference.
   
   Starting with the history behind the rules, the author brings you current to using the rules today within an organization. Along with this, the topics of electing officers and types of meetings are discussed. The key point, however, is the use of motions and voting procedures. This is rightly pointed out as the heart of the matter. It relates to running your average club meeting right up the halls of government and big business. Once you understand this key point, you are in command of what is most necessary to participate in just about any kind of meeting.
   
   The rest of this book deals with topics, such as providing the necessary paperwork in terms of having an agenda, recording the meeting by taking minutes, and presenting reports on key matters. Also, covered are the points regarding debate, how and under what conditions such an engagement takes place.
   
   Chapter eight discusses the rules for everyday use by calling attention to at least fifteen basic rules to follow, most of which are already familiar, such as calling a meeting to order, adjournment, recess, making a motion and discussion. Discussed also are those rules used occasionally as well as how to lead and control a meeting by displaying certain key characteristics of leadership.
   
   What is often overlooked in regard to meetings is how etiquette and Robert's Rules are closely related in that the niceties of our usual behavior are also appropriate in conducting and participating in meetings, such as having polite manners, not being rude, or talking out of turn or interrupting. In addition, when there are no direct applications of Robert's Rules, you can adopt a more "relaxed" or "modified version of the rules."
   
   The added values to this book are the appendices which illustrate by example such documentation as: notices and minutes; sample bylaws, committee reports, resolutions, ordinances, and conventions. Also provided is an excellent glossary followed by a user friendly index to key topics.
   
   All considered, this book is a valuable addition to anyone's library especially for those who engage in attending or participating in various civic, political and business functions where meetings are an important part.



3. Now the title itself gave me no indication of what was in store with its contents. I had no idea of Henry Martyn Robert was or what his rules were. The basic rules Robert wrote about in the 1870s and implemented and used are as important today as they were then. And with this book to guide you are basic enough for everyone to comprehend and use.
   
   Now, running a meeting is not just about getting the right people there at the right location, it is about respect, listening and agreement.
   
   Beginning with a test to determine if the rules will apply to your organization and ending with what to do if there is no rule to use in your company, this book is thorough. It delves into each rule with gusto. It also incorporates how the digital age has changed the way meetings are held. International conversations happen effectively and ineffectively every day. You get an idea how to apply the Robert's Rules to online and teleconference meetings alike.
   
   While the book is geared toward more formal types of meetings, such as diplomatic and board committees, I believe everyone should read this book. Its simplicity can be applicable to many types of conversations. The rules are respectful and effective.
   
   Whether you're a formal meeting planner or board member, this book is a must for your arsenal.



4. Who is Robert and why are his rules so important? For anyone who has to attend or manage regular meetings for their workplace or organization, "Robert's Rules of Order" are vital to know how to best manage the order of the meeting itself with the intent of it being productive and respectful of others in attendance.
   
   The author of this book explains that "Robert" or rather General Henry Martyn Robert was an important figure in history as he was a leader of his community in Massachusetts in the 1870's with a great interest in the methods of the English Parliament, the prototype of what is now referred to as Democracy. The Parliament model demands that meetings are held in such a way that all members are heard in a respectful and civilized manner. Robert modified the ideas that he gathered into a set of ten rules that can be applied to meetings in the modern age. Specific case studies of the rules are provided as well as ideas you can use to introduce them into your own organization's meetings.
   
   "Roberts' Rules of Order" are illustrated in a clear and concise manner so that the average reader can understand and apply the principles of "Roberts Rules of Order" easily. Not only will you find this book a very interesting and often humorous read, but you will find out more about why meetings and time management are valuable tools used by organizations to improve things and bring people together to come up with innovative ideas. While the rules themselves are based on traditional ideas, one could learn a great deal about how best to manage a company as a whole from reading this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is in a management role or who may be in the process of starting their own venture.



5. The author was able to explain a complex legislative idea in an extremely simplified manner. For someone who had no idea what Robert's Rules were before reading this book, it is impressive how easily understood the concepts could be. Cook provides an interesting description of how Robert's Rules came to be which fluidly sets the foundation for understanding its basis. Information is organized logically and examples/instruction are used to apply the rules to the reader's own business or group endeavors. I would recommend this book as a fantastic guide for anyone who needs to acquire skills on how to manage a productive meeting of individuals. Star rating: 5

5 comments about Work Like You're Showing Off: The Joy, Jazz, and Kick of Being Better Tomorrow Than You Were Today.

1. Tripe. Do not waste money on this book. There is nothing in it that you can't learn from the Bible's "Don't hide your light under a bushel." That's all there is to it. It's fluff intended to help the author only (in one part, the author recounts the lyrics of a song by a relatively unknown artist, and states that the lyrics stir him, but may mean nothing to the reader. Really). Much of the book doesn't even apply -- much less appeal -- to anyone who isn't in marketing for a living (and I mean the kind of car-lot-triangle-flag-banner marketing). The author admits that he walked around a shopping mall to get chapter ideas for this book, and it's written in the same short-circuited attention span fashion of a teenager on a spree at Claire's. The author drops names of everyday people in the book -- perhaps to get them to buy the book -- such as "Leslie" at Kinko's, who has that certain twinkle (or is it a gleam? no it's a twinkle, etc.) in her eye. Meaning: the author cannot define any techniques that make everyday workers retain their enthusiasm; he can only say, hey, show off, folks! and, Look at Leslie at Kinko's! Over and over again. Gives absolutely no valuable advice. You'll find better stuff in the form of free pamphlets at any Department of Labor. Get Covey's 7 Habits if you want real, substantive techniques.



2. Joe Calloway is a consumate story teller. A master communicator that is able to paint and picture and velcro points that stick to your brain. As a business owner my best employees are the ones who get the concept "The more value I provide the better my position will be with the company."
   
   If this book hits a nerve... that's a good sign that you can benefit from its contents.
   
   Read, learn, take responsibility and show off (in healthy ways :-)



3. Joe Calloway has a knack for observation. He sees pragmatic lessons in ordinary events - like the World Poker Series. He explores what it means to go 'all in' in life. You have to ask yourself what you are waiting for if you aren't going all in. Though my favorite lesson from his book is to 'expect to connect.' If you expect to connect to what you need to get things working in your life, then you surely are halfway there. Maybe showing off is one way to get connected with the right people that share your enthusiasm for doing the kind of work you do.



4. Joe Calloway wrote a no nonsense, in your face, honest, no frills book on how to become the best at what you do. Let go of yesterday, make the decision, get in action and just do it the best you can! Work like you're showing off is not a thought, it is a way of living. A short read, each chapter is three or four pages, and the way it was written is easy to read and enjoyable! Joe captured my attention with the crazy Chapter titles and keep my attention with the awesome content.
   
   If you are looking for a book that will cost you lots of money...in that you will go buy cases of this book for all of your friends, co-worker, and family, go buy this book quickly! Awesome



5. If you want a resource to help you take it to the next level, this is it!

5 comments about Winning Through Intimidation.

1. I finally got around to reading Robert Ringer's completely rewritten and retitled version of his New York Times #1 Bestseller Winning Through Intimidation.
   
   It's been on my reading list and shelf for some time. Recommended by greats such as Dan Kennedy and I believe John Carlton. I definitely like the new title better than the old. I don't want to win through intimidation. I want to win in business by being darn good at what I do, working honestly and ethically and simply enjoying every minute.
   
   Honestly, Ringer's writing style didn't completely resonate with me. I always find it interesting when a book comes so highly recommended and it doesn't really gel with me. None the less, I did glean some insights (or rather reminders).
   
   Ringer does an excellent job of positioning the importance of payment. He outlines the four key steps to successful selling.
   
   (1) Have a product that other people value.
   (2) Locate the market for your product.
   (3) Create and implement a sales strategy (i.e. proposal, presentation, etc.)
   (4) Close the sale.
   
   This may seem like selling 101 to seasoned sales pros. At the same time, Ringer points out that many business books and selling strategies focus on these points. Yet, he maintains, the main point and key business strategy is often omitted. Which leads us to...
   
   (5) Getting paid.
   
   While you may see this as a no-brainer, who hasn't worked their tail off to close a deal and then had difficulty with payment? I wager that it's happened at least once to the best of us. With that in mind, it's important to prevent and avoid business transactions that don't pay off. You can take Ringer's philosophy of "earning and receiving" to the bank. It's one thing to close the deal and another to actually cash the check.
   
   Here are my take away points:
   
   (1) Always negotiate what you are worth in business and don't settle for less.
   (2) Remember, that for many, business is a game. Play to win, always.
   (3) Keep the end in mind when negotiating business deals.
   (4) Remember, the deal isn't done until the check has cleared the bank.
   (5) Get paid.



2. this book is fairly interesting, it is mostly about real estate, although according to RR the lessons can be applied throughout life. as the title suggests, the main point of the book is the recommendation that you intimidate others in business and not let yourself be intimidated. written decades ago, so many things are outdated and old fashioned, but still applicable, especially for those in real estate.



3. This book is dated and the focus is on Ringers expierence in real estate BUT when I got about half way into the book I realized why it got great reviews: The first half of the book relives the pain and rejection all starting people in sales expierence. Then in the second half we learn how the author positioned himself to stand apart from the crowd.
   
   Position, position, position is in sales what location is to Real estate. This book details how he finds prospects (he cold calls) but then turns the table so he is not just another sales person.
   
   Stick with this book until the end - read it twice if you need to - but read it, think about it, and learn from the authors pain to avoid your own!



4. I read this book quite by accident, picking it somewhere and flipping through it initially. the title is a put off and should have been changed. i simply loved the book. it teaches you how to be hard nosed and deal with difficult and crooked people and how to outwit them. the style is easy and entertaining and its not the sort of book that would bore you. i am a corporate lawyer with a keen sense of how one has to be smart,shrewd and cunning in ones dealings and this book tells it all. i made it required reading for all lawyers in my office. its one of the top 20 books i would give a lawyer to read.



5. This is the only book I've re-read more than six times! It changed my life. Yes, I grew up more than a little naive and uninitiated- I was not raised in the streets. As Ringer says, if you think this ia a book about commercial real estate then you have missed the point entirely. He also says, this book is not written to teach you how to intimidate others- it is written to teach you how to recognize when they are intimidating you. If you want to understand why other people treat you as though you had a large red target painted on your chest, READ THIS BOOK.

No comments about Gala!: The Special Event Planner for Professionals and Volunteers (Capital Ideas) (Capital Ideas).