5 comments about The Power of Focus for College Students: How to Make College the Best Investment of Your Life (Power of Focus).

1. I think young high school or college students like me are always struggling with the uncertainty of our future. Lots of people play on this psychology to sell their products. The advice in Power of Focus is not bad, but then nothing new or overly innovative; it is just about signing up for interships, co-op, join clubs, invest your money etc; something you probably hear a thousand times if you pay attention in your first year on campus. The book keeps bragging about their online resources, while the fact is that everything is "under construction" and "will be available soon" on their website once you check.
   
   Another thing I want to get out there if I may. This book sticks out the forever cheesy "following your heart when you choose your career", otherwise you will be MISERABLE with a job you don't have passion for etc. It is good if you have passion for your job, but if you don't, then it is not going to be that bad like they make it sounds, seriously. When people are not happy with their jobs, it is rarely because of the job itself. It is usually because of something else, like the people they have to deal with, the money, the workplace politics or some personal things etc. and those things you will have to deal with in every job, passion for it or not. So if you ever choose a job because it is "safe", offers great salary, and has many employment opportunities, don't ever feel guity and fearful because you don't really have "passion" for it. Just make sure you know the job description, focus on developing the necessary skills, and stay positive, and then you'll be OK.



2. First, I would note that the authors have cut and pasted the other reviews for this book...resulting in a skewed impression on Amazon.
   
   After reading this book from cover to cover, I am forced to ask whether a certain level of success should be required before you can write a book illustrating to others how to be successful...The authors, both 'recent' graduates have filled this book full of anecdotes and little cliches, prompting kids to 'follow their dreams'. One story that brought a tear (of pain) to my eye basically went like this:
   
   "I wanted to be a dentist because I heard that they made a lot of money, but then other kids told me that they have high suicide rates, so I decided to not be a dentist...Boy am I glad!"
   
   A large part of the book is devoted to the idea that 'experiences' are in the end worth more than a college degree, and that by becoming club President and co-treasurer...you'll have something to put on your resume that will sell yourself...I find this entire theory of fluff over substance to be rather saddening...especially given that instead of graduating college and finding a slick job making 200k someplace, these kids are writing books telling other kids 'how to do it'.
   
   Written in a poor style, the authors throw out statistics and 'research' data with abandon, never actually following up any of these remarkable stats with actual 'references' (they must have been chairing a student group when their classes went through this concept).
   
   Sure, some of the tips in this book are useful...but given that it's all common sense, this book is worthless.



3. This is an excellent book and a great graduation gift for High School Seniors. My 18 year old son and I read the book at the same time and had a wonderful time discussing the content. I think the material got through to him so much better than if I had lectured on the same material. The chapter on Financial Focus really got through and I am proud of how my son looks at money, savings and his own work ethic. The book emphasizes that there's so much more to college than just sitting in class.



4. I just survived my first year at college. I was so worried about my grades and keeping my GPA up that I never thought about the other aspect of it. College is not just about making the grades but gaining life-long experience that will help you further.
   Finding your purpose in life cannot be done without our creator GOD. Read the book called The Purpose Driven Life by Rick



5. Entering College was a decision I made because I wanted to be like my older brother. It was never thought out, but just something I decided to do because society promoted it. So, you could say I had NO clue what I truly wanted to do in my life. It wasn't till after college that I picked up this book BOY did I wish I had it before I made the plunge into secondary schooling. Here is just some of the info I learned.
   
   -Over 70% of college students are happy with what they graduate with. (this was me after school)
   -A system that taught me how to find my passion (which at the time or reading really interested me)
   -Some focusing steps that are great for everyone (Not just college students)
   -What I could do to help friend and family who are looking to maximize their college experience.
   
   I would say the biggest thing I got was all about the passion. The have what is called a passion puzzle which will help anyone who is looking to have a better idea what their passion even is.
   
   A great read for the college student.
   
   Dale Sarna
   Author of Evolve

2 comments about Play to Win in Business and Life (Audio Business Course).

1. Fans of Trump, fans of "The Apprentice," and fans of football would enjoy this product. Les Hewitt and Donald Trump explain how championship football teams embody many of the same attributes necessary to succeed in business and in life -- dedication, motivation, inspiration, focus, etc. They explain why you have to have a game plan for yourself and your own life, and they show you how to use proven tactics and strategies that get success. Les Hewitt is a terrific presenter; Trump is always entertaining. Well worth the $39 I spent on this... I'd recommend it.



2. Excellent , if anyone wants to find a way to win in all aspects should consider this product. If also you need to find out why your not producing this is another reason this is must listen to. A very in-expensive product that could produce fortunes for one willing to give it there all. No sports team goes into a season without a play book and niether should a businessman/women and most of them do...

5 comments about Acres of Diamonds.

1. Poor copy of a great text. Author's name is misspelled on the cover. How could that happen? Text looks like a computer copy with spacing problems. Choose a different edition or publisher.



2. First given as a lecture at the beginning of the 1900's, the inspirational thoughts contained in "Acres of Diamonds" are still as relevant today as ever.
   
   
   
   
   Consider how the following passage plays into today's headlines, "I hear sometimes of men that get millions of dollars dishonestly.
   
   
   
   
   
   But, they are so rare a thing, in fact, that the newspapers talk about them all the time as a matter of news until you get the idea that all the other rich men got rich dishonestly." The Reverend Conwell of the Baptist Temple Church in Philadelphia was so successful in attracting people to his "Acres of Diamonds" lectures that he made enough money to found Temple University.
   
   
   
   
   
   How Religion and Capitalism work together and how money could be made right in one's backyard if a person knew of a need and did something to meet that need were the tenets of Conwell's lectures. Conwell's inspirational examples of success are worth a look.
   
   
   
   
   
   Spend a lunch hour, a commute in or back from work or another quiet break in the day to read Conwell's stories of those who missed finding diamonds and gold in their own backyards because they were too busy focusing on finding their fortune in faraway lands. Since the book is under 100 pages, even if you don't find your eyes have been opened a little wider, at least you haven't wasted much time giving the stories a try.



3. Timeless wisdom. Proves once again the principles of success do not need to be re-invented. Everything needed to be successful in life has already been written, and is available to all of us! Excellent



4. At 64 pages from cover-to-cover, "Acres of Diamonds" is probably the shortest book I've read in a long time. Written by Baptist minister and founder of Temple University, Russell H. Conwell, this book originated as one of his sermons, which was so popular that it was published as a book.
   
   "Acres of Diamonds" is based on a parable told to Conwell by an Arab guide during a trip to the Middle East. The parable tells the story of a man who sells his farm to search the world for diamonds. The man dies in poverty and wretchedness far from his home, not knowing that his farm sat on the richest diamond mine in the world.
   
   It is easy to think that great things are only accomplished by other people in faraway places. Conwell argues that we can all accomplish great things wherever we are. He gives many examples of regular people who accomplished great things. After all, he says, even a great man like Abraham Lincoln was just "Abe" to his neighbors.
   
   I believe this book was first published in the early 1900s, so the writing style is kind of old-fashioned and Conwell refers to people and products that were prominent during his time, but have less meaning to people today. There are no chapters or other structure to the book (of course it's only 64 pages long).
   
   Despite these minor complaints, the book has a great message. You can accomplish great things where you are right now. You don't have to move to New York, Los Angeles, or Paris. Whether you're in Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Portland or Shreveport, there are "acres of diamonds" below your feet.
   
   ----------------------------------------
   Michael Mihalik is the author of Debt is Slavery: and 9 Other Things I Wish My Dad Had Taught Me About Money. Learn how to gain control of your finances, pay off your debt, and create financial security!



5. This book is highly Recommended! Very Inspiring!
   
   It reveals to the reader the treasure that is within, if you would but search a little deeper instead of looking else where or to others. It causes you to really think and tap into the hidden gifts and potential that is on the inside of oneself. 5 KUDOS!!!
   
   Lanesa Stubbs

No comments about Suenos En Concreto: Lecciones de un billonario en el mundo del desarrollo.

4 comments about Real Estate Goldmine: How to get Rich Investing in Pre-Foreclosures (Audio Business Course).

1. If you like real estate -- and want to make money in real estate -- who better to listen to than Donald Trump and Gary Eldred? Everyone knows what Trump has done in real estate -- there are a billion good reasons to hear what he has to say. Eldred has written over 20 books on real estate, and I took two of his real estate courses at Trump University [...] -- all were great. Anyway, this audio business course was really good and very entertaining. If you want to learn about making big $$$ pre-foreclosure properties, this is a great place to start. Check it out.



2. This is interesting and some what informative but not worth 49,39,29 or even $19.99. If you have a friend you can borrow it from or can find someone to buy it from for $10 it might be worth it. The program is extremely vague and is given with the detail of a free pamphlet someone left on your car windshield. Get any book from the library on real estate and it will give you more information than this program. Donald Trump is great but there are no trade secretes in here. Save your money.



3. I thought this information presented in a well thought out, precise manner. Becasue of this purchase, I intend to purchase other products form this source.



4. There is a fairly good audio presentation by Gary Eldred, PHD. There is no 12 month study course. The web site has not been updated since March, 2007 and the course essentially does not exist.

5 comments about The Misadventures of Oliver Booth: Life in the Lap of Luxury.

1. High society is rarely what it's cracked up to be, but that doesn't stop some people. "The Misadventures of Oliver Booth: Life in the Lap of Luxury" tells of the titular character's overwhelming desire to live the good life, the life of the filthy rich. Opportunity presents itself and there are no lengths Oliver won't go to mount himself among the most elite in the world. Hilarious and biting satire, "The Misadventures of Oliver Booth" is riveting and recommended reading.



2. David Desmond's The Misadventures of Oliver Booth: Life in the Lap of Luxury (publisher: Green Leaf Book Group Press) is a light, clever satire on the social and economic particulars of life in Palm Beach and Paris.
   
   Oliver Booth is an unlikeable, unsympathetic, unethical buffoon. Passing off Mexican imports as European antiques, Booth occupies a small shop and apartment just off (as in, around the corner from) Palm Beach's trendy Worth Avenue. He's nearly $3000 behind in his electric bill and hasn't paid his rent in months. He dresses in gaudy clothes and throws his morbidly obese self into the path of his affluent, uninterested neighbors. If this book had been solely about this character, I wouldn't have finished the book. He's just that aggravating.
   
   But Booth actually serves as a catalyst for events that happen to two far more interesting characters: the wealthy, elderly matron Margaret Van Buren, and the young French traveler Bernard, who comes to work as a clerk in Booth's antiques shop.
   
   Through their random associations with Booth, Van Buren and Bernard meet, and the older woman sees great potential and talent in the Frenchman. She sends Bernard and Booth to Paris to purchase antiques for her guest house, and despite Booth's constant blunderings and attempts to interfere, the trip is a great success.
   
   Author Desmond does a good job of balancing the satirical tone of this book and his parody of Oliver Booth with a more heartfelt treatment of Van Buren's and Bernard's stories. Some of Booth's "misadventures" definitely go over the top, but they fit in the world of the book and provide some good chuckles. I've never been to either Palm Beach or Paris, but even I could see where Desmond was poking good-natured fun at the Dowagers in Paradise (DIPs) and the young Parisian students on strike for better cheese options.
   
   Desmond wraps everything up nicely for Bernard, consistent with the reader's desires for his future. In the end, I'm not sure Booth deserved what he ultimately got in terms of abuse and reversal of fortune. But I suppose you could say that he imported his fake European chaise and now he has to sit in it.
   
   The Misadventures of Oliver Booth may not necessarily need to move to the top of your To Be Read pile, but it's definitely a fun and harmless way to spend a few hours of your free time.
   
   Thanks go to Mini Book Expo for Bloggers for providing this free review copy.



3. The book starts out in Palm Beach, with Oliver Booth trying to make himself a bit more important that he really was. He owns an antique store but it's not on the main drag of town, Worth Avenue, so as a result he doesn't see much traffic. (Not that he would anyway-he has reproductions that still have the Made in Mexico stickers on them!) After an unfortunate incident at the Morningwood Country Club on New Year's Eve, Oliver finds himself in an unusual situation. He is asked to go to Paris, along with his assistant Bernard (also a waiter at Morningwood), and find furnishings for the guest house for Margaret Van Buren-one of the Palm Beach Society's elite. The trip is, to say the least, hilarious, and it has Oliver in an even more interesting situation, one he would definitely NOT want to have appear in the Shiny Sheet in Palm Beach.
   
   I really enjoyed reading this book; I felt as though I was looking into the lives of the rich and famous. The characters were rounded, and I felt as though I knew Bernard and Oliver personally. I was a bit worried when I first started the book though-I noticed that Desmond was using larger words than necessary. I realize that it gives the air of importance and richness, but I wasn't sure it was necessary. By the middle of the book, however, either I stopped noticing it as much or it slowed down, because I flew through the book, just wondering what was going to happen next.
   
   I definitely would recommend this book-I think everyone wonders what life of the elite is like, and this does give a taste of it, even if it is just an amuse bouche.



4. This book is highly entertaining. Oliver Booth is basically a "wannabe", for lack of a better term. His opinion of himself does not match that of others and it's a constant source of entertainment for the reader. The book takes us through numerous misadventures...most of which take place in Paris as he and his assistant Bernard, attempt to select antiques for a wealthy Palm Beach resident.
   
   At 202 pages, this was a very quick read. My only criticism really is that as obnoxious as Oliver was, I wanted to read more about him! At one point the story began to focus more on Bernard, his assistant and I was anxious for it to get back to Oliver, which of course it did. Desmond did an excellent job of creating a character that you can laugh at, yet not dislike so horribly that you cannot stand to read about him.
   
   Overall it was light and fun and there were several moments that I found quite humorous.



5. To tell you the truth when I first picked up this book I was sure I was not going to like it. I found myself pleasantly surprised. "The Misadventures of Oliver Booth" presents a witty and sarcastic portrait of a desperate social climber.
   
   Oliver Booth seems to be an amalgam of all the pesky, ambitious and abrasive social climbers and hangers on that Desmond surely has come into contact with. Oliver is obese, foul smelling, and petulant. He is not a character most people want to find themselves seated across from at dinner. He runs an antique shop filled with overpriced Mexican reproductions of Louis XIV. He hoodwinks a poor, sensible French waiter named Bernard into working at his antique shop. He demands first class treatment and throws a fit worthy of a petulant four year old girl in a toy shop. He is also one of the most engaging characters I have ever come across. I could not put this book down once I started reading. I was waiting to see what kind of situation Oliver got himself into next. He is not a character you will like. If you meet a person like Oliver, your faith in the general goodness of humanity will be greatly diminished.
   
   Desmond's writing style is also one of this book. He is witty and sarcastic. His writing will draw you into this zany and wacky tale. You will get to the end of the book and not know how you got there. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a good laugh.

5 comments about Churches, Jails, and Gold Mines: Mega-Deals from a Real Estate Maverick.

1. As a Real estate auctioneer this book was a great help and a guiding light. A very hummorus and enlighting book. Most of all a target to shoot for in my career. Thnaks a lot to a dreamer that has made them come true



2. Going once, going twice, sold to Phil Nowak! I was able to win an auction, held by one of Mr. Good's associates, for the book, Churches, Jails, and Goldmines., at the Collegiate Real Estate Conference at DePaul University. I really enjoyed the book because of my passion for real estate and particularly enjoyed the chapter on Michael Jordan's Restaurant as I have lived in Chicago all my life and am a diehard Bulls fan. This chapter also caught my interest because it focused on foreclosures, of which I have taken a class on foreclosure and REO investing. Anyone interested in real estate should add this book to their collection.



3. I picked Steven Good's book up on a recommendation from a friend and enjoyed it immensely. Over the years, Steven has taken a regular brokerage company and innovated the way properties can be sold through the auction process. It was a fantastic read for anyone with even a remote interest in real estate. Good insights on how they made their company 'zoom.'
   
   Enjoy the book!



4. As represented from cover to cover in "Churches, Jails & Gold Mines" high profile national real estate auction companies do not get any better than Sheldon Good & Company. Being a real estate broker/investor with over 35 years experience & $750 million in sales I have had the opportunity to purchase investment property at auction & attended real estates sales by many other auction companies. The bottom line is that what Sheldon Good & Company says & advertises is what they deliver with no play on words such as "absolute, reserve, etc". Also as depicted in this book Sheldon Good & Company truly cares about their clients & their integrity regarding same pays off in repeat business from some of the major names in real estate worldwide. While it's hard to put the formula for successful real estate auctions into words with real time names & examples Steve Good has in fact done just that. Great book! Looking forward to a sequel.



5. I saw a presentation by Steven Good and his colleagues a couple of years ago. He is very impressive. A smooth, smart, articulate, straight-shooting, and good-humored professional. I have also spoken to parties that have used his services and were much impressed.
   
   His book captures the high points of who he is and what he does. It is not (thankfully) another bogus treatise on how to get rich in real estate. Mr. Good is the CEO of the premier real estate auction company in the U.S. The company has extensive experience in analyzing unique properties, finding/making the market for those properties, and selling via various auction formats. The book does not provide a lot of detail about the firm's analytical and auction procedures. Most readers, however, probably wouldn't have the patience or expertise to absorb such detail. Therefore, Mr. Good illustrates his general approach by describing a sample of unique properties sold by Sheldon Good and Company. He focuses a lot on the particular human relationships, characteristics, and concerns related to these deals.
   
   Mr. Good writes about his clients and other people with both compassion and good humor. Clearly, he appreciates the wide variety of individuals with whom he works. It is refreshing to identify a person in financial services these days who might authentically put her/himself in the clients' shoes.
   
   It's about time that Mr. Good writes another book about more recent properties, deals, and personalities. Until he does, check out his first. Readable and entertaining--with some good lessons on success through creativity and being Good.

5 comments about Trump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received: 100 Top Experts Share Their Strategies.

1. Like the other ghost written T books, another one that just wastes trees.



2. I just flipped through it at a bookstore. I've got to tell you, I dont know what The Donald is up to these days because he really seems to be lending his name to all sorts of garbage now. His name used to stand for the best. Now he has his huckster university and all these junk books and even pro wrestling. What's wrong with him? Back to the book, this book is just page after page of short snippets from other developers. No real secrets divulged. 90% of it is just common sense you already know. He didnt even write it for Pete's sake, he just basically lent his name to it.



3. The 100 most opposite and repetitive advices.
   In this book I believe that mister Trump only has rented his photo and that the persons who write have written his comments there in change of his companies are quoted to the beginning of every comment. It must have been a very cheap book of editing.
   The comments are the majority of the times very elementary, repetitive and often contradictory, comment 50 " leaves his emotions in house ", comment 92 " there is no stand-in for the passion ". One can not be cold and excite simultaneously.
   The pearl of the book is when Barbara Corcoran speaks in the advice 18 of her Basque "friend" as that the Basque Country is " the top stratum of the franco-Spanish society ". This friend of Mrs Corcoran must be very clever with the women, since the Basque Country is the poorest region of France and the Basque Provinces or " Vascongadas in Spain they are despised for belonging mostly to small villages and with scarce culture. That is to say rather there are the lowest stratum of the society franco - Spaniard and the not highest. I hope that Mrs Corcoran should know better the real estate market of New York than the geography and economy of Europe.
   A bad book.



4. The reader should keep in mind one thing: this book is more inspirational than instructional. 100 real estate experts tell what worked for them, and in doing so, they give an overview of their investing philosopies and the strategies they used to be succesful.
   
   I always find it interesting to see what has worked for these succesful people. I've long believed that one of the best ways to become succesful is to imitate what other succesful people have done to get there.
   
   If you're looking for detailed strategies, you're better off buying a more instuctional book or course that walks you through the process of buying, selling,and building up your real estate portfolio. I recommend stuff by David Lindahl, Robert Shemin, & Russ Whitney. This is not that kind of book. But if you're interested in "picking the brains" of succesful real estate people, & seeing what you can glean from them to apply to your own real estate investing, this is a book I'd highly recommend.



5. If you are looking for a how to book this is not it. If you don't ask for or take advice, this book is also not for you. But it does give some perspective of what people in the business think are important to their success. It is also a lot easier to read than finding the 100 people yourself and getting the advice directly from them. While there is some repetition, some contributors took more time and actually did write some more detailed tips. There is a good section on how to do better 1031 exchanges for example, which usually gets a mere mention in many books.

3 comments about The Entrepreneur's Success Code (Audio Business Course).

1. "The Entrepreneur Success Codes" with Donald Trump and Jeff Burrows is a terrific product that could help any entrepreneur grow a business and run their business more effectively. Burrows does a nice job of explaining how to put proven business systems in place that let you run your business -- instead of having your business run you. As an entrepreneur, I related to that, totally; I found this product well worth my time and money. For $39, I got a lot more out of this product than I've gotten out of many $2500 seminars and entrepreneurship expos.



2. I really enjoyed this product because it gave me real actionable information that I could use right away.



3. I found "The Entrepreneur's Success Code, How to run a high performance business and have a life", really amazing. It's the "...and how to have a life" part that really caught my interest. It's a study course that encourages you to ask questions of yourself such as:
   What is abundance?
   What are my personal objectives in my life?
   What does money mean to me?
   
   It helps you:
   Transfer you inner wisdom to your business.
   Create a business (or find a vocation) that serves your life.
   Be certain your work allows you to become who you really are.
   
   These are not things I expected in something that had anything to do with Donald Trump. Surprise! Surprise! You'll never be all you can be if your life is not in sync with your inner self. This course shows you how you can do it.

2 comments about Queremos que seas rico (Why We Want You to Be Rich).

1. La economia del mundo se encuentra en cambio constante, si deseamos GANAR en este cambio y no quedarnos atras, Robert T Kiyosaki y Donald Trump nos llevan a traves de sus preocupaciones y nos enseñan soluciones para poder llegar hacia donde queremos, la libertad financiera. Cada dia la brecha entre los ricos y los pobres se hace más grande. ¿En que lado te gustaría estar? "Queremos que seas rico" te cambiará la percepción acerca del dinero y como puedes aportar para erradicar la pobreza.



2. Esta semana fui a la biblioteca y pedí prestado este libro. Lo pensaba comprar pero pensé que mirándolo primero podría tener una buena de idea si agregarlo a mi biblioteca o no. La verdad el libro me tiene enganchado.
   
   El libro escrito por Robert Kiyosaki y Donald Trump une a dos de mis personajes favoritos en el mundo de los negocios (el primero por su libro Padre rico, Padre Pobre y el segundo por su programa de televisión, El Aprendiz). En este libros los dos se unen para darnos una imagen de lo que esta pasando en la economía mundial en este momento.
   
   Ambos llegaron a la conclusión que la solución es aumentar la inteligencia financiera de las personas para que aprendan a resolver sus problemas financieros. Luego de identificar el problema cada uno da su explicación de las posibles soluciones y como podemos ser parte de la solución en vez del problema.
   
   Si desea aumentar su inteligencia financiera de la mano de estos dos educadores, seguro que este libro le enseñará buenas lecciones. Con el estilo directo de Trump y el dialogo de Robert Kiyosaki podrá entrar en las mentalidades de estos millonarios.