5 comments about Organizational Behavior (13th Edition).

1. I got this book because it was needed for my class, but my teacher doesn't really teach from it. Other than that, the book is still really good for what it is, a little pricey though.



2. I think it took so long because my book came from India! I needed this for a class and it took weeks for me to get the book. It did not arrive by the expected date. I emailed the dealer to find out the status and I never got a reply.
   
   This is the first time I ever had a problem ordering through Amazon and ordering a used book. I'm happy that the book is in okay condition. The pages are kind of see-thru though, which I've never seen.



3. I made my purchase over a month ago and have still not received it in the mail, yet they took the money for the purchase out of my account. I have contacted the supplier with no response to date. I would not recommend using this supplier.



4. I received this book in enough time for the beginning of my class. The book was in great shape. I was very pleased with my purchased.



5. I ordered this book for class and was stunned at how quickly I got it. I ordered it new directly from Amazon. Amazingly fast shipping! I got it just in time to read it for my class. My prof teaches from this book and does very interesting reviews and recaps to tie it all into lecture.
   
   I find the format to be excellent for studying and grasping the concepts. The photos, captions, graphs and stories make it all a well rounded guide. For anyone who is not on a career track that specifically includes leadership training or someone who could use some sound leadership material -- this is an excellent source to keep in your office as a guide for important concepts on leadership. Its not a beginner's book and its not so advanced that with the book and some self study and research you could grasp the concepts.
   
   Understanding human behavior as it relates to organizations is a fascinating science that too many people take for granted. This book introduces you to the complexities of it in a straight forward way.
   
   It also comes with an access code to allow you to take the self assessment surveys. These are beneficial in that they provide you with greater insight into your own leadership style, values and perspectives on things.
   
   I recommend this guide to any manager who's new to their leadership role or anyone who's looking to get better at what they do. Only caveat, it weighs a ton so carrying it around in a backpack or book bag is not fun!

5 comments about Missed Fortune 101: A Starter Kit to Becoming a Millionaire.

1. Add this to the list of books that explain how you can get rich in a fantasy world. Look folks, if it was easy everyone would be doing it. You'll get rich faster by putting the money you would spend on this book into a saving account.



2. Dough Andrew has many ideas that seem to go against traditional ideas of investment. But once you read his book it seems like common since and you wonder why no one has presented these ideas before.
   
   Very respectfully,
   
   Marty Burbank, JD, LLM(tax)



3. I have read both of the MF101 books and find that they do not fully disclose the potential pitfalls of equity harvesting. I believe as a mortgage planner, it is my duty to introduce my clients to the concept of equity harvesting; however, under full disclosure. Equity harvesting can be a powerful wealth building tool, but before implementing equity harvesting, one must be aware of the pros and cons. I believe many advisors unknowingly may be opening themselves up to potential lawsuits by not fully disclosing the potential downsides to equity harvesting.
   
   
   MF101 seems too much like a salse book created to sell life insurance products. Missed Fortune 101 implies that someone would be an idiot if they did not refinance their home and invest it in life insurance contracts. Can equity harvesting be a viable option for wealth building? Absolutely. However, the fact is that equity harvesting is not for everyone; therefore focusing on becoming debt-free, including paying your mortgage off early, is often times for many, the best course of action to take.
   
   MF101 is nebulous in many of the concepts, and does not give full disclosure.



4. Horrible, awful advice from an insurance pitch-man. He conducts these "seminars" around the country where insurance agents and mortgage brokers are invited, and they are encouraged to bring potential clients so that the missed fortune people can make money, insurance agents can generate giant commissions on worthless products, and mortgage brokers can write up re-fi loans.
   
   There is NO SUCH THING as "investment-grade life insurance." It's a made-up term. My sandwich I had had for lunch is "investment grade." What does that mean? Nothing. People who don't know any better are suckered into this scam by a huckster who is making money from this book and the seminars.
   
   Do NOT be fooled by this scam. Don't buy the book, and certainly don't buy the "advice." This author is clueless.



5. Please don't waste your time, effort and money on this idea!!!! Been there done that, trust me you will be sorry. Check out the insurance policies on google first, these are not investments at all, just a way to give all your money to the insurance company. They say there liquid, safe, & guarantee your principle will be safe. Don't buy it, what they don't tell you is all the fees and commissions and taxes up front, kill any chance of you coming out ahead, even after years!!!!! & Years, you do the math, it doesn't add up, isn't true, and should be outlawed soon before someone gets really mad!!!!!!!!!! What ever you do don't take a second mortgage on your home and also put that in jeapardy. Basically you will be living in a nightmere state. That's where we're at now. Trying to get out of it!!!!!!!!!!!!! PS the Missed Fortune will be yours and the insurance company will then have it. Please don't waste your time!!! sincerely Teresa I had to give one star on the review because it won't accept none. Sorry! for that!!

5 comments about Starting a Yahoo! Business For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

1. I purchased this book thinking I could enhance my existing Yahoo store with the information. This book is only useful if you use Yahoo's Store Editor program and the author states this in his introduction. I use another program Yahoo Sitebuilder, so I turned around and ordered that book too. The title is very misleading....this is really only a book about using Store Editor to build your Yahoo store! If that is what you need the book seems pretty useful.



2. this book is very useful to people who just get into the online business especially you have a YAHOO store , its worth every penny you paid !!!



3. Rob, do you have a fan club? 'Cuz I'm you number one fan. I've had a Yahoo store for 5 years and I never knew how much important information and SEO I was missing until I picked up this book. I read through the entire book first, now I am going through chapter by chapter making the recommended updates.
   
   Rob really knows first hand about making Store improvements because he isn't a background programmer - he's a store owner that has tried everything he teaches. He's tested it, then reports on the proven methods. My book arrived June 1st and that is when I started making improvements - I can't wait see the results.
   
   Rob, Thanks for sharing such valuable information!



4. I found this book to be very helpful and informative. A must read for anyone thinkng of developing a Yahoo store.



5. It is exactly what I was looking for. Hold me by the hand and talk to me like I am back in sixth grade (wait...I flunked sixth grade). It is hard enough trying to tie all of the pieces in the puzzle together, this is the type of information I needed and disseminated in the "Dummies" style that I love.

5 comments about Absolute Beginner's Guide to Project Management (Absolute Beginner's Guide).

1. I've read 10 books on PM in the last 3 years. Without a doubt this is the most practical one I've read. It takes PM theory and goes much further than other beginner's guides to actually telling you how to do apply the theory in the real world. The mind maps are particularly good. I have used these maps extensively for operations staff training and brain storming for phase planning. Highly recommended reading.



2. This is one of the better books about PMBOK-based ProjectManagement. But what I really miss, is a practical explanation of how to switch theory to reality. For example: The PMBOK defines 44 processes. Some of them have to be done one time (e.g. defining a Project Charter), but many process steps have to be done daily, weekly, monthly and with different participants. So, what I miss is a description how to organize all these processes during a concrete project including a project plan with all these process steps defined as meetings.
   This book is a really good introduction to PM and it helps to understand every PMBOK process. But when trying to use this methodology in daily work, you dont know what steps to do with whom and when. I simply miss a kind of project calendar showing how to spread these processes over the timeline.



3. I have been practicing project management/program management and PMO management for 40 years. This is not only a great reference book for all PM's of any sophistication but it should be the Textbook for Technical Colleges and Universities for Project Management courses. I hold it in the same group as the Capers & Jones book on software engineering



4. I have re-read a number of books immediately after reading them for the first time. Re-reading well-written fiction is of course a pleasure, but I usually reserve this technique for non-fiction that is hard to understand or very dense, and I may re-read immediately after the first read or months or years later.
   
   This book is the first I have decided to re-read before I even finished it. The information presented is so full of useful knowledge that I realized I would forget most of the points while I was taking in the newer stuff. With the diagrams and summaries there is a vast amount of content here.
   
   I have one small criticism that I'd like to make. The book shows common-sense techniques for project management, and on subjects like this we feel we could do the job based on instinct. I think that the book, instead of being almost exclusively saying DO THIS, should have a few examples of DON'T DO THIS. Stories that involve mistakes and disasters tend to make the lesson more memorable.
   
   I have written several books, and I have rarely been more impressed at how the author handles huge amounts of information.
   
   Anyway, this book is worth five stars.
   
   EDIT: Forgot to mention it, but the book has a dangerous typo. On page 208, the book says "Exclude" but the word intended is "Exude" - in this case, that's almost 180 degrees from the intended meaning.
   
   And a big Hi! to my loyal fans. Glad you trust what I say.



5. This is a mediocre book on project management. There is some good information in there...However, project management is a very mature field and there is a standard for it...this book is not compatible with the PMBOK Guide that holds the standard for the project management. It's ok to use it as long as you know it. Also the flow of the coverage is not very logical...but it's an ok book...

5 comments about Today Matters: 12 Daily Practices to Guarantee Tomorrows Success (Maxwell, John C.).

1. You only have today. And what you do (or don't do) today bears much significance. Today Matters is practical and well written, giving insights from someone who has lived many significant, meaningful days. If you're looking for a book that helps guide you into making every day count, John Maxwell's Today Matters is a must read.



2. Maxwell has done it again, but in a new way! Maxwell has written some of the classics on leadership and living, and he takes a fresh and basic look at life in this book. While he still uses his principle driven style of instruction, he strips away a layer and lets us into his life. In "Today Matters" Maxwell gives us insight into his "daily dozen." These are his twelve decisions made throughout his life for various reasons and the practices he associates with them. Phenomenal place to start for anyone looking to bring more discipline to their life or ministry. I consider myself an advanced "daily practice" guy and I found this book exciting and invigorating. His perspective on why today is so important and a plethora of other special insights make this book a must read. Dave Tilma



3. Reading these books are like listening to music written by the same artist, after a while, it all starts to sound the same. If you have read one, you have read them all! Rehashed material!



4. This book includes exercises to teach you and help you to maximise your day. Twelve daily habits to really put you firmly on the road to successful thinking.



5. Today does Matter and this book is an awesome reminder that there are a just a hand full of ideas if practiced daily that can greatly enhance our life. The information contained here is great schedule to adopt for our daily agenda. It's written in clear concise language and is easily put to use, it needs only your discipline and effort.

5 comments about The Mary Kay Way: Timeless Principles from America's Greatest Woman Entrepreneur.

1. What a great tribute to the woman who changed business! This is a great book for anybody, not just sales force and employees of Mary Kay, Inc. I highly recommend this book!
   
   
   The Mary Kay Way: Timeless Principles from America's Greatest Woman Entrepreneur



2. Mary Kay is a very inspiring woman and the book is a great book about the lady who made a mutimillion dollar company what it is today. With love and honesty and a great believe in God first family second and career third. The insight in this book will inspire and give women the gift of being beautiful and special. If you are an independant beauty consultant it will help you in so many ways. Great Book for anyone to read.



3. The Mary Kay Way: Timeless Principles from America's Greatest Woman Entrepreneur This is great reading. Every Manager, Executive and all people should read this fantastic Management plan.



4. This book is excellent for helping one understand how to provide excellent customer service. It speaks to women who are starting their own businesses on how to help your business stand out in a saturated market.



5. If every business in America operated under the Mary Kay principles the country would be in a better place.

5 comments about Women Don't Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding Negotiation--and Positive Strategies for Change.

1. To say I was a little disappointed with this book is probably an understatement.
   I was expecting a hybrid of the psychology behind why women don't ask and coaching or mentoring points (checklist if you like) of actions and strategies to improve.
   This is not what I found.
   The book was interesting to some degree but it was difficult to pinpoint actions or strategies for improvement, they weren't spelled out in easy to read format, nor were they easy to identify.



2. Babcock and Laschever have presented an excellent -- thoroughly researched and well-written -- discussion of the rationale behind, and costs of, the problems encountered when women negotiate (including a resistance to doing so). They build a damning case against gender stereotyping and socialization based on extensive scientific research and present clearly the ways in which this has hampered many women in their approach to negotiating. In particular, the discussion of the impact of disparate levels of perceived entitlement between men and women (of all ages) is extremely illuminating. It is not a book that levels blame (which does not mean that it is a comfortable read; as a professional woman I found it decidedly uncomfortable at times), but does seek to highlight ways in which we, and the society in which we live, have solidified an aversion to asking for what we want, need, or deserve.
   
   The touted "strategies for change" are minimal (although the idea that feelings of entitlement lead to stronger bargaining is useful). Instead, the benefits of a more stereotypically feminine approach to negotiating (i.e. collaborative) are discussed, as are the ways in which modern negotiations are tending in that direction.
   
   All in all, a book very worth reading (and one that almost all my friends will be getting!).



3. Another in my series of reading books that my wife has left lying around the house. This book studies why women don't seem to ask for things as frequently as men do - and the impact of not asking. I was fascinated by the data presented - in short, that (in general) men seem to view everything in life as negotiable, while women consider most things as non-negotiable. In fact, I noticed this yesterday at the local Big 5 store - the guy in front of me just flat out asked for an extra discount - no reason given - and he got 10% off, just for asking. I asked about a AAA discount, but the clerk seemed to have run out of freebies. This book was certainly useful to me as we bought a car and arranged to have our house painted during the period I read it. (Total savings, $700 and I could have done better).
   
   This book was also very relevant to me as a parent, as I see Matthew always asks for what he wants, with no qualms at all - whereas Emily is more hesitant as she considers the ramifications of her request (will I get mad, will relationships be endangered, perhaps I will guess what she wants without her having to ask, etc.). All in all, lots of good lessons for Emily and I.
   
   Also, the book does not simply say "men ask for more, they get more, women should be like men" - but rather point out ways in which women's typical negotiating style (relationship oriented) can work out well in the long run and how women can leverage that style to be more effective. But I think it also helps women to realize that much of life is actually negotiable and that there are opportunities waiting to be grabbed.
   
   Women Don't Ask is one of the best blends of "journalism + academic writing" that I have seen. As I have noted before, journalist writing is often "light" - statements are not deeply justified, ramifications not fully explored, objections not effectively countered. On the other hand, academic writing (which has none of those flaws) can be dense and unreadable. This book is a near-perfect balance. Probably helps that one author is a journalist and the other is a professor - but the book is co-written seamlessly.



4. This book does a wonderful job of sharing all the research which explains why women are less likely to negotiate, less likely to ask for what they want, and less likely to get what they want. However, what's missing from this book is how women can overcome these barriers. The sequel to this book, "Ask For It", does a great job answering that question. If you're looking for ideas of how to improve woman's likelihood to negotiate and a woman's likelihood to ask, buy the sequel. If you're interested in WHY women are less likely to ask, stick with this book!



5. Every woman should read this book before asking for a raise. The studies conducted are a harsh, yet empowering reminder that men often get raises, promotions, projects at work, etc. because they are not afraid to request what they think they deserve (or don't deserve!). I've recommended this book for young women just starting out in the work force, as well as seasoned executives at major companies and they have all found it useful. The information is presented in an intelligent, interesting manner- not a self-help or 'business' book, which in my opinion, is a good thing.

4 comments about Beat the Market: Invest by Knowing What Stocks to Buy and What Stocks to Sell.

1. I read the previous book Kirkpatrick co-authored, "Technical Analysis," and so when I saw that he had a new book, I ordered it at once. It arrived on a Saturday morning. I started reading it and didn't get up -- couldn't get up -- until I finished it. I've read many books on the stock market. I only need this book to make money. Kirkpatrick is a leader in his studies of relative strength investing. (Several pages are devoted to his methods in Robert Colby's "The Encyclopedia of Technical Market Indicators.") He has been trading his techniques for 30 years and the results are astounding -- far outperforming the market. His approaches are as simple and straight-forward as they are powerful. Moreover, nothing is proprietary. I am able to duplicate his methods myself without needing to subscribe to his newsletter, even though I do subscribe because I enjoy it. I particularly recommend his chapter on market timing -- how to avoid getting caught in the horrors of a bear market such as we are experiencing now. I highly recommend this book.



2. This book is a rare find in the abundant population of investment literature. The author shares technical and strategic thoughts based on his vast experience, as well as providing a very precise and efficient system. Two points contribute to the value of this book. First, the author explains his system rationale based on both academic studies and his own personal research/experience. Second, the application of the system is provided with detail and precise indications on how to use it. Basically, the "why" and "how to" make the depth of this unique book. Highly recommended!



3. This is arguably the best investment book I have read (and I read quite few). Very well written and right to the point. Original ideas and points of view can be found on every page. After reading several chapters I signed up to the author's newsletter and ordered his previous book "Technical Analysis: The Complete Resource for Financial Market Technicians". Looking forward to reading this one.



4. The book is short ans succinct in describing his investment philosophy and methodology. Easy to understand and a quick read. I was able to duplicate his Bargain List results using a backtesting website called Portfolio123.com. Keep in mind that Kirkpatrick advocates the use of an overal portfolio filter to determine whether and how much you should be in the market. This is regardless what his stock screen is telling you to buy. Reason is his individual stock selection and disposition method, although will outperform the market over a cycle if fully invested at all times, can have some fearsome drawdowns in a short period of time when the overall market is in correction mode. This was borne out by my portfolio123 backtesting. So if you are sure the market is in a bull market, his methodology does really well. But you need to have portfolio-level risk management in place to control the losses.

5 comments about One up on Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know To Make Money in the Market, Miniature Edition.

1. I thought this book was an abreviated version of the full book, however this book is actually a miniture ~2inch micro-pocket version of the full book. Text is full size, thus it only contains a very few high-level comments. I was hoping for a boiled-down version, but got mini-me.



2. I was going to do some online trading and bought this book too learn more about selecting stocks. Mr. Lynchs' statement that he considered himself successful if 6 out 10 stocks he selected increased in value changed my mind. I want to thank him for waking me up. I will stick to index funds and wish all the online traders the best of luck.



3. I struggled with the 1st 74 pages or so, but after that this book is excellent. There is a section he titles Kicking the Tires, in short he goes over how to evaluate a company and to stay away from the 1-2 year fly away companies. I remember when everyone was selling Apple back in the day, Peter did the opposite and started gobbling up shares. As he somewhat states, the wheels on Apple were still good.



4. Peter Lynch wrote a classic with One Up on Wall Street. Peter Lynch was lead investment manager of the Magellan Fund, which is arguably the most successful large $ mutual fund in the US. He no longer manages the fund but in his book he lets us in on some of his secrets of choosing stocks.
   
   His approach is rather simple. Buy stock in something that you know. As a consumer and a personal investor we have the ability to know products before anyone on the street knows about them. For example he got in on the stock Yum Brands because he bought a Taco Bell burrito years ago when it first came out. He believed that their set up and approach would work and so he put some money into the company.
   
   His suggestions like listening to things Oprah likes are great simple tips that a typical investor may not even realize we have more information on than wall street on a daily basis. His book is a read for all investor types from beginner to advanced. Enjoy!



5. Amateur investors have "numerous built-in advantages, which, if exploited, should result in outperforming the market and the experts."
   
   Peter Lynch, America's number-one money manager of Fidelity's multibillion-dollar Magellan Fund, shows the layperson how to use what they already know to outperform the "experts" and to create investments on businesses that really matter.

5 comments about The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness.

1. If you have any form of debt, buy this book!!! It will open the door for the rest of the Dave Ramsey books. They all educate you on how to navigate the financial market and build peace of mind for you and your family.



2. I've listen to Dave on the radio for months and decided to get the whole truth. This is enjoyable to listen to--Dave actually does the narrating. It walks you through step by step. Highly recommended



3. Dave Ramsey presents a plan to get out of debt and build wealth in such a simple, logical (and entertaining) way that I can't imagine anyone forsaking his advice. My husband and I listened to his audio book while driving from Indiana to Tennessee this past weekend. From the moment the audio book ended we started planning with excitement how to reach our goals using TMMO. In fact, we would stop the CD to discuss then pick back up. We're finally both on the same page regarding our finances, which for many married couples is difficult to achieve. I believe listening to the audio book together was the best approach. If you read his book and get all fired up, then it may be frustrating while you wait for your spouse to read it -- IF they read it.
   
   The only thing I found just a little annoying was his introduction. I'm sure his inflections were meant to translate into simple animation, but it came across as slightly immature to me. He works his way out of that, though. I also found myself wanting him to "get on with the meat of the plan already" instead of spending so much time in the intro. But be patient because the meat of it does come and it's prime!



4. My husband and I LOVE this system! We are giving Dave's CD's for all graduation and wedding gifts. If you are looking for peace and freedom- this is your key!



5. My husband has always wanted us to be debt free. I never thought we could and still enjoy life. After 3 months, we have already paid off 3 of our credit cards and cancelled them. We are more careful with our spending now, and we are finding cheaper ways to have fun (while we are getting out of debt)! Excellent reference!