5 comments about The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick).

1. I'm normally averse to those business advice books that state the obvious in far too many words. This isn't one of those books.
   
   True, Godin tackles some allegedly self-evident insights on quitting (or not). But they're only self-evident when you take the time to think about them. Which we don't.
   
   And only self-evident if you are "brave" enough to confront them and accept that just maybe you should be quitting more often. Most of us aren't that brave.
   
   Godin writes eloquently and inspirationally. Reading the book means you finally face up to the obvious. And his words have a magical way of encouraging practical action. I know I sat down the day after reading the Dip and took some necessary decisions I'd been pushing aside for years.



2. I'm not normally one for books of this nature: short, quirky books that have easy to understand steps to great success all wrapped in cute little analogies. Godin somehow does it right. Whether you are stuck in a rut or itching to start something new, this book provides advice that helps condition your mind so that you end up succeeding. Otherwise you might as well quit.
   Buy it, read it, and revisit it every year when you need a boost to your career or hobby.



3. The book is quick and easy read, but doesn't really say much. It is much more lucrative to be the "cream of the crop" than a middler, no matter which profession you pick. Seth argues for careful deliberation when seeking out opportunities, and a willingness to change course. Quitting should be a rational decision, even planned ahead of time if possible. Overall, he argues that to best utilize your potential, you should seek out a job you will be challenged on, can grow in, and can be the best in the world. Once you've done that, stick it out without being disheartened by the time it takes to become an expert a.k.a. "the dip", because that's just what it takes, and its worth it.
   
   I'm usually a big fan of Seth's work, and agree with the content of the book, it just wasn't very insightful or enlightening for me.



4. This review was written by my 7th-grade daughter:
   
   The Dip is a little book about when to quit and when to stick. It tells you how to persevere through obstacles in jobs, new things you want to try, or things you're trying like a band you want to start. The Dip is a temporary setback that you will have to wade through like thick syrup.
   
   People quit things they want they want to do because the cost may seem too high. People don't have a lot of time and don't want to take a lot of risks. In school teachers tell kids that once a problem gets too hard they should move on to the next one. The low handing fruit is there to be taken; no sense wasting time climbing the tree. The Dip is the long stretch between beginners luck and real accomplishment.
   
   I recommend The Dip to people that have lost faith and believe that what they are trying to do is too hard because either their boss, coach, or someone else is not the kindest person to them, or when their environment is not the nicest. I believe that this book will give you great advice on how to live through dips and any rough path you have to get to before achieving your goal.



5. This is an interesting little book exploring a very important set of concepts. But despite the subtitle, it does a poor job of explaining when to quit and when to keep going.
   
   Godin's theory is clear enough. The book falls short on practical guidelines and specific, real-world examples that will help the reader decipher their own complicated situation. It's like an outline for a how-to book, without most of the content that would make it usable. I hope that Godin will develop his concepts in enough detail to make them teachable, and then write a second book that really does the job.

5 comments about The Leadership Challenge, 4th Edition.

1. I am convinced that Jossey Bass will publish anything. I don't necessarily disagree with the material, however, it would make a better magazine article rather than a 400-page book. The authors go to an embarassing extreme in order to stretch the material out. See how I just used two sentences to make a single point? Annoying, right? This book uses pages and pages to illustrate rather pedestrian concepts. Ugggh!



2. This is not only a good product, it has been dleivered in a timely and beneficial manner. In fact, I have both just added a second purchase of this book for one of my military friends, and have added it to my future "Gift List" for friends and relatives.



3. I gave this book four stars because it is well written and very readable, but it is really designed for people interested in business and working in corporations; something I did not realize before I started. I feel like the chapters were a little wordy, but the "summaries" at the end of the chapter are nice.



4. My coworker recommended this book to me, and it's one of the best leadership/management books I've ever read. There's great practical advice and teaches you how to treat your staff, coworkers, managers like human beings while still being an effective leader. I highly recommend this book for people entering the work force and first-time managers or managers who need a new perspective.



5. I've been using this book for years to help graduate students in Communication and Leadership to analyze and change their leadership behaviors.
   
   The five principles are based on probably the most extensive research in leadership.
   Model the way.
   Inspire a shared vision.
   Challenge the process.
   Enable other to act.
   Encourage the heart.
   
   Not a stuffy academic book, this readable work will give you an array of ideas you can employ in work, home, and community contexts. This book is the best one on the topic, and it just keeps getting better.

5 comments about Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney.

1. Boy do I wish I had this book years ago... but I've got it now!. Great, practical, inspirational and undeniable logic. It's a "how to" guide to leadership that spills over to everyday life. If you deal with other human beings on any level, I'd recommend you buy this book and absorb ever word. I couldn't put it down.



2. Creating the Magic is a nice light read. It seemed to me like there were more stories about Marriott in the book than I would have expected. I would have liked more stories about Disney World. I think more discussion of the unintended consequences of change would be helpful. Often times books like this champion change and overlook the unintended consequences of change. Creating Magic does give a little nod to the consequences of change when it recommends you be compassionate when you let someone know they are losing their job because you think you have a better way of doing things. On the other hand, implementing strategies like Fast Pass at Disney World are declared great successes without any discussion of the negative impact Fast Pass had on guest flow at the theme parks. Have you ever noticed Fast Pass has not been expanded and has even been rolled back? The author clearly improved many things at Disney World. However, I would have appreciated a more balanced evaluation of some of the strategies.



3. Having studied Disney and its methods and motives for over 30 years I am always keen to learn more and read different insights and views.
   
   Lee is a Disney legend. He has been at the top of the profession for many years and I found this book a wonderful read.
   
   Its not a story, its a manual on how to lead with real examples. Its well written and easy to follow. You will be using it time and time again.
   
   I am constantly trying to use this. his RAVE falls at my place of work as the people, well. But it has made me a better leader (I hope) which is the aim.
   
   Thanks Lee.



4. Being an executive recruiter and a career consultant for over 32 years with many years of public speaking on the topic of "Your Future Marketability" I found that Lee's book was an incredibly inspiring book. "Customer service" is something that is dwindling away in our society. We have been a continuous visitor to Walt Disney World for almost 30 years. The service that they give is just as good today as it was back then when all they had was the Magic Kingdom. It is dedicated people like Lee who have made the name "Disney" what it is today.
   
   I have already read the book twice and have referred to it in my presentations on interviewing techniques. Marketing yourself in an interview is just as important as marketing the Disney package. When an employer is made comfortable in their hiring decision then the decision is easy to hire the person. Whenever we decide on a destination for our vacations, Walt Disney World is a yearly event. We find ourselves needing to be "Pixie Dusted" at least once a year. We go to WDW because of the extraordinary service and it is people like Lee who have made this possible.
   
   A definite "must read"
   
   [...]



5. As a corporate human resources director, I really enjoyed reading this book. "Creating Magic", is a common sense approach to leadership that will help those in need to improve on the job, indeed in their personal lives too. The strategies and great WDW stories make this a very "usable" book that also happens to be a fun and insightful read.
   
   "Creating magic" is the bounding of various stories that teach us a lesson about leadership and management. The stories drive home the point that leadership is not about the leader but rather the people that are being lead, molded and guided in their respective careers.
   
   While I recommend this book in that it pursues leadership excellence. However, I cannot rate it 5 stars as Creating Magic does not contain any novel or new techniques. That is, the lessons of the book have already been digested by most of those in the managerial profession. If you are seeking an excellent reminder of these values then the book will meet your goal. If you are looking for the novel and new approaches to leadership, you will not find it here. I also suggest High Altitude Leadership: What the World's Most Forbidding Peaks Teach Us About Success
   
   Michael L. Gooch, SPHR - Author of Wingtips with Spurs

5 comments about 2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews: Ready-to-Use Words and Phrases That Really Get Results.

1. As a current director of human resources for a F-500 company, I can honestly say this is one of the most useful books I have bought. My only regret is that I didn't have this great little book years ago as I struggled to find the correct word or phrase.
   
   The quality of your written communication is critical to one's overall career or the lack thereof. Furthermore, I have found through the years that your written communication can often make or break you in a court of law. In essence, we are not simply talking about making our jobs easier with this book, indeed, we could be talking about profitability or loss.
   
   I highly recommend this book for everyone in management.
   
   Michael L. Gooch, SPHR - Author of Wingtips with Spurs



2. Reviewing this book2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews: Ready-to-Use Words and Phrases That Really Get Results, I found it to be a useful resource for ideas when writing performance reviews. I have twenty reviews to write every quarter! Guess what? Sometimes I run out of ideas and ways to state something intriguing about each team member. If you are the type of person that gets 'blocked' when under pressure to get a report out, try this book. It will prompt you with phrases and catchy words that will jumpstart your brain. If you need support in writing an effective review, I think you will find that this is the book to try; I know I found it helpufl and will keep it for a resource on my shelf.



3. I just love this book. I use it a lot, as a guide to give feedback to my employees. Also, i've found it useful as an appraisal guide. I selected some of the phrases that reflect the needs of our company, and made a test. I've used as a 360º feedback. I love the consistency of its concepts.



4. Communication & Cooperation
   * Regularly displays constructive information
   * Asks well thought out questions
   * Explains complicated issues clearly



5. Looking for a key word or phrase and/or having writers block? "2600 Phrases for Effective Writing" really comes in handy. Being in the military and writing performance reports on a daily basis, this book has helped me out all the time. Not only does it help for the good reports, it also does for the bad.

5 comments about Your First Year in Network Marketing: Overcome Your Fears, Experience Success, and Achieve Your Dreams!.

1. Honestly, I just can't get into this book. I am having a hard time getting past the first few pages. I personally think it is the set up of the pages to be blunt. I have read some good stuff as I have skimmed through the book and read eye-catching sections, but for me to sit down and read this book and highlight the good stuff and take notes--- yea, well it is just not happening with this one.
   Information wise, what I am reading is good- This couple certainly hits both sides - the misconceptions and well as the reality of the network marketing world.
   One thing I do like is the summary at the end of each chapter (one reason is becaus eit is a different font and page set so it is easier to follow) but mainly because it really does highlight the good parts of the chapter.
   
   Happy Selling! Party On!
   -GameLady Verlina
   SimplyFun Senior Consultant



2. This book was so informative and I would highly recommend it to anyone involved in network marketing.



3. This book ilustrate the path that any networker will go trough if he's serious abouth the business. Be aware of the ups and downs and, enjoy the ride to success!



4. Anyone who has joined a network marketing company needs to read this book. It's a bible for the network marketing industry.



5. The book was in very very very good condition as stated on the description. I believe it was "Used, but like new" or something like that. 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK!!! TWO THUMBS UP!

5 comments about SPIN Selling.

1. ...this may help. It is one of a few books to use as a resource.



2. When I first read "Spin Selling", shortly after its introduction, I found it enlightening. At the time I had been in office automation sales for 10 years and management for 5 years, and the book solidified many of my thoughts and theories on selling. Since then, I have read a lot of other selling books but none really deal with the underlying theory of selling as well as Neil Rackham's book does. Even now as I am self employed, I still re-read the book occationally to brush up. For those who feel that the author hasn't the field expereince to be credible, obviously they have never coached or mentored someone in complex sales. And for those reviewers who blame Kodak's current lack of succsess to SPIN, they might find it shocking that Microsoft uses SPIN too.



3. Being involved in complex sales processes for years, I found the SPIN concept elegant and very effective at the same time. It is one of the best books written in the area of major sales. Absolutely a classic!



4. I've read over 200 books on sales and marketing in my career and SPIN Selling is without question one of the best out there. No tactics, techniques or processes (those never work) like other sales books. Excellent for relationship selling. I am seeing the author Neil Rackham in one of his very rare live appearances in December of 08 (www.MoveAhead1.com) and highly recommend that everyone reading this gets tickets to see a true sales giant.



5. As a sales and marketing trainer and coach for professionals, I discovered Neil Rackham's book while looking for a simple way of explaining the techniques that distinguish larger, more complicated sales from small quick sales.
   
   This book provided exactly what I was looking for. SPIN is an easy way to remember to ask more questions--and more meaningful questions--and the discussion of how to raise the level of need from "implicit" to "explicit" and then sell to the "explicit" need was a brilliant way of explaining what the best professionals I've worked with have learned to do.
   
   In my own book,The High Diving Board: How to Overcome Your Fears and Live Your Dreams, I used a simple 10-step template like this to help people overcome the fears that keep them from doing what they need to do to be successful.
   
   Rackham supports his template with hard research, but anyone who watches top professionals sell their services can instantly recognize the accuracy of what he presents.

4 comments about Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur.

1. I am an aspiring entrepreneur. I was coming up with several business ideas and was looking to find a meaning and mantra for my business, and was looking to get some insight into other entrepreneurs experience. Came across this book and bought it, and read it. It is a valuable read for entrepreneurs and for others thinking about entrepreneurship. Do not forget to read the inside of the covers on the front and the back. Several valuable lessons that can be learnt from Sir Richard Branson's experience, while you are going about your startup. Make sure you have fun reading this book!
   
   Do not miss this book! Must read for entrepreneurs. The book is rich with experiences and tips that will help you make your business a success!



2. Look Richard is a great businessman and a very ruthless one.Son of a privileged upper class Judge who introduced him to offshore secrets and how to use the law 100% for his own advantage Richard has made himself filthy rich indeed.And I say "Bravo" to you Richard!!!You have achieved a perfect smokescreen over your corrupted,merciless and aggresive life.Bravo!!But please Richard.please write a TRUE self bio for once so that we,the peniless lads,will have the opportunity to really learn from you.Tom Bower is the only person who wrote a real bio of who you are.Losing my Virginity is just fluff talk.But man Business stripped bare is a master book on how to promote yourself one more time.Bravo again!!
   Keep Walking,Just Do it and Think different.Let's put a smile on thaaaat face,eh?



3. Having attended high school with Richard Branson's first wife, and being an admirer of his "Virgin" empire and adventurous spirit, I try to read everything I can on him. This book is filled with detailed information on his latest Virgin experiences - sometimes it gets a bit too tedious, and Branson tends to "toot his own horn" on occasion. I think it's the kind of book you read in parts, and since the chapters are rather long, a reader may have to "cut the tale" down to shorter segments. I will say this- a few years ago, I invited an Virgin Atlantic official to speak to a foreign language class on how to utilize another language in a career. She did an excellent job in her presentation and also treated the students to "virgin" gift bags. I wrote to Mr.Branson in praise of his employee, and he immediately sent me a "thank you" note for supplying this onformation to him. I was forever impressed.. !!



4. What a huge disappointment. The only thing Branson did well in this book was blow his own trumpet. The business advice is mainstream and management techniques straight out of a text book. I'm glad I got this book with a discount voucher - to pay full price would have been even more disappointing.
   
   The book should have been called "Why The Best Company In The World Is My Own - Just Ask Me". Maybe he's hard up for a bit of cash and another book was the answer...

5 comments about Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service.

1. This book has a rather flimsy message. Simply stated it is that you can smash your competition and achieve exceptional success in sales by adhering to a deceptively simple formula: Know what you want; know what the customer wants, deliver beyond the client's expectation, and never stop enhancing your service. The message is delivered in a writing style known as "mystical realism" in the fiction world, and which doesn't work quite as well in the non-fiction world. There is some real magic here, though, and it's on the cover of the book, "More than One Million copies sold." This probably relates to the fact that the target audience is, in fact, probably not all that literate, that it reduces an MBA in Marketing to a 75 minute read, that the print is large, and of course the whimsical and all too frequent references to the game of golf. The fact is that salesfolk periodically need to have their batteries recharged, and this book is a quick-charge. It gives the reader the feeling that he has learned something new, and that the business world is really much less complex than appearances would suggest. I read it as mandatory preparation for a Xinnix seminar, and if they thought this book had exceptional value, I'm worried about how simplistic their seminar might be.



2. I bought this in lieu of buying th book and am glad I did. We slipped it in and played it while on a day trip on the road. We are Amazon booksellers and found the information very helpful in our applying it to our bookselling business. The narration is story form which helps keep it interesting as well.



3. By definition, a "raving fan" is a customer that is so happy with your company that they praise your actions to anyone who might possibly listen. They are the best form of advertisement and the hardest to acquire. Changing your customer service strategy so that you have raving fans rather than customers is the point of this book and the story is told in parable form.
   The two main characters are Area Manager and Charlie, his male fairy "godmother." Using the magic that all fairy godmothers possess, Charlie takes Area Manager to several companies that generate their own raving fans. The strategy is common and ubiquitous across industries; treat your customer as a coveted and valued asset rather than a source of revenue to be squeezed.
   Another very important point is that to be successful in the area of customer service, you must first decide what you want to do. A fundamental component of this is to realize that not all potential customers are desirable ones. The fact is that some people are simply unsuitable as customers. Decide up front that they are not what you want to do and don't do it. Focus on what you can and want to do well.
   Ken Blanchard has once again been an author of a book that points the way to success in business. The path to success is by providing quality service that appears costly, but that is a mirage. Good customer service is one of the best ways possible to make money and save time by spending money and using time to provide it. This is one of the best management books ever written, made even better by the simplicity of the presentation.



4. Good quality, really almost new. Highly satisfied, only wish it had arrived a little quicker. Ordered another used book at the same time from another Amazon source and it arrived 3-4 days sooner.



5. From the Author of How to Sell Your Home in Any Market: 6 Reasons Why Your Home Isn't Selling... and What You Can Do to Fix Them and The Fundamentals of Listing and Selling Commercial Real Estate:
   
   I have re-read this book more than a dozen times. Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles have captured the essence of growing a business through exceptional service like no other book on the market. I can't recommend this book enough!

2 comments about The Leader in Me: How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child At a Time.

1. This is a great book about institutionalizing 7 Habits in Kindergartens and Primary schools. It is far better written than Living the 7 Habits, the 8Th Habit, and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, since this is a real case book on how the 7 Habits paradigm was applied in teaching leadership to kids. The book is well written because it is written in plain English and less pretentious than Covey's the 8Th habit (which is poorly written and filled with theoretical jargons).
   
   Covey shows a lot of passion in educating future kids with correct principles that ignite their "primary greatness" like integrity, honesty, and responsibility. Many schools these days focus on developing kids' competence in many academic subjects, but not necessarily developing their character.
   
   This book is not only a good read for parents, teachers, and educators, but also for 7 habits lovers. Looking forward to reading more books written by Covey on 7 Habits real case histories and applications in the real world, especially in the business setting. Many of his previous books are too theoretical and focusing purely on principles (Living the 7 Habits is more like a "customer testimonials" book which is too much of a PR exercise!). This book certainly helps Covey break new ground in his book authoring approach.



2. This book begins with 8 pages of testimonies from Teachers, Community leaders, School Principals, and other Administrators all praising Steven Covey and his effective methods of success. The man is also the grandfather of 50 children and has trained heads of states and CEO's all over the world. What more reasons do you need to read the book? Let me give you some.
   
   The book instructs you put your children in mind stimulating environments. Covey praises this elementary school in North Carolina called A.B. Combs Elementary throughout the book. He considers this school a role model for all schools in America as it is known for its great teachers who teach leadership skills to kids when they are still in kindergarten. It teaches them to be responsible and respectful children and prepares them for greatness by teaching them the 7 habits.
   
   The 3rd chapter titled Crafting a Blueprint is probably the most important one in the book. It talks about the approach called "the ubiquitous strategy" which is designed to motivate students to reach their true potential. Schools must go beyond teaching academic skills to instilling in children leadership skills that prepare them for life's challenges. The chapter ends with a quote from Booker T. Washington that I think should be memorized: "Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him." The earlier a child learns to be responsible, the sooner he or she will mature and develop into a confident person with a strong work ethic.
   
   Children these days are pampered and spend way too much time in front of the television. If they are not challenged in school, they will not be prepared to stand on their own two feet when the time comes for them to be independent. We can prepare kids to be adults by allowing them to participate in adult activities and do the things that we expect grown people to do. When I looked at the picture on page 83 of a boy in the fifth grade giving a speech to 140 adults, I thought about how valuable public speaking skills can be and how it is never too early to teach them. At the end of the book, he mentions the story of Helen Keller and how she was blind and deaf and had animal like behaviors but still ended up a successful student and person with the help of her mentor Anne Sullivan. Mr. Covey wants more Anne Sullivan's who will go out of their way to get children to learn and not just view teaching as a way to collect a paycheck.
   
   The criticism that I have of this book is that it does not even mention teachers such as Rafe Esquith who has turned underprivileged and at risk youth of central Los Angeles into some of the highest achieving students in the nation. He could have at least taken some tips from him and incorporated it in his book. He also could have mentioned Ron Clark, a teacher who inspired students in Harlem and raised their test scores and self-esteem to incredibly high levels. Both teachers have written bestselling books about their teaching methods and I am sure they would not have minded if Mr. Covey used their names in his book. I recommend you read their books as well as this one and you will have the formula for producing excellent students and productive citizens of society.

5 comments about The Answer: Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life.

1. Here is a review that wasnt written by one of the authors in the self help author circle.
   The way I found this book to be written was clear, concise and to the point and did an excellent job decribing the how and why scientifically all this is supposed to work on a quantum mind level. I suppose I buy that. I have seen things like that in my life. But I also have doubts, as I am a poker player.
   After the world series of poker was won in 2005 we all knew who the winner was. Fossilman was the guys name. It takes incredible skill AND amazing luck to win the world series of poker. With over 20,000 entrants the chances of being the last one standing is pretty small indeed, skill non withstanding. Many of the top pros just dont have the cards go thier way as dictated by chance. You can be standing there in an all in situation against a pro (those that play or watch poker on cable know what Im talking about) and you are subject to random chance as the cards are drawn off the deck. If you flop the set you stay, if not, youre out and you go home. This sends many pros home and many ameteurs who do not possess the pros skill end up eventually winning the WSOP. In 03 a guy won that played for several years and entered in a contest online to get a seat at the WSOP(World Series of Poker) and won the whole thing. Astronomical odds. But someones gotta win, and there is going to be someone left standing at the end of the World Series of Poker, just as there is a 1 in 80,000,000 million multi state lottery winner. Anyway, watching the rerun tape of the WSOP (that I knew Fossilman won) I watched him win improbable hand after stunning just made the card he needed at the last second hand. Knowing he would be the eventual winner let me marvel at the raw luck this guy was enountering as he knocked off person after pro after guy, weaving his way through the tables knocking off his opponents to end up being the winner.
   And thats my point. These two guys (authors) that wrote this book. Could it be that they were just two lottery winners of life that just so happened to be 2 out of 200,000,000 people that were at the right place at the right time every time like the guy that kept winning hands at the WSOP? Given a big enough population size, statistics dictate that there will be through random chance several SEVERE winners out of 200,000,000 non winners. There are 300,000,000 million people in the United States, 90% of which live check to check. Then there are these two guys that just so happened to win at everything they did and they became rich.
   
   Perhaps the error of these two authors was to turn around and personalize statistical odds and think they could develop a system that could include the other 200,000,000 people that didnt win in their winning circle. But the problem with that is that capitalism is by nature a pyramid. The wealthy few exist at the top help up by the base of the majority of the others through services and the manufacture of goods.
   
   Lets say everyone in America got a check from the government for 10,000,000 million dollars. Inflation non withstanding, what would happen? WOOOOO! Im a multi millionare! Youd want to be tended to, to buy stuff, be pampered, go on vacation. But why would the guy at the hotel serve you? He got a check for 10,000,000 too. So did the janitor. So did the pilot of the plane. No one is working, they all expect to be waited on as they are now rich. No one is building, manufacturing, producing food, everyone quits thier jobs. Suddenly if everyone has money, no one wants to work as THEY expect to be waited on. Suddenly the money is worthless, and we are back to trading beans. Not everyone can win and be rich.
   Good book, good science behind it, I just decided to throw on a pair of horns and make the case for the other side. I guess Im going to find out if this really works within the next two months as I am going to do this every day.
   Good luck people. And yes, I gave this max stars cause at least it got my hope up. We will see if it delivers: me sitting in my own house with a mercedes and Range Rover in the garage.



2. "...your dream business will be not just possible, not just probable, but unstoppable."
   
   The Answer: Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life.
   
   "The Answer" is a hybrid between a self-improvement book and a small business growth book which is obvious that while John Assaraf focuses on "you" in the first half of the book, Murray Smith focuses on "your business" in the second half.
   
   Content (I'll divide into two halves)
   
   First half: including 1. Inside the Box: John's Story 2. The Search for How the World Works 3. The Law of Attraction 4. The Universe Inside Your Brain 5. How to Change Your Mind 6. Your Dream Business 7. The Neural Reconditioning Process 8. Neural Reconditioning FAQs
   
   The first half of the book is a mix of business, biology (anatomy, molecular biology, and neuroscience), psychology, quantum physics, and a touch of hypnosis. This first half tells you how you can renew yourself.
   
   Second half: including 9. The Important Things: Murray's Story 10. Vision, Focus, Action 11. Your Ideal Customer 12. Innovating Your Business 13. Finding Your Business's DNA 14. Reaching Your Ideal Customer 15. Big Thinking
   
   The second half of the book is a straightforward, no-nonsense, get-to-the-point business growth method. It is about typical things like customers, innovations, USP, and marketing communications.
   
   ...
   
   Comparing "The Answer" to an ideal book; "A business book that is easy to understand, distinct, credible, practical, insightful, and provide great reading experience."
   
   The Six Elements Review:
   
   Ease of Understanding: 8/10; although, in the first half, molecular biology, quantum physics and business do not normally go well together, the authors can digest biology science (who knows whether it is harder or easier than rocket science?) into easy-to-understand science.
   
   Distinction: 7/10; a nice blend of science and self-improvement in a business book in the first half deserves a 9/10, in my opinion. On the other hand, the concept of the second half is nothing new but there are some new, exciting, and simple approaches to the mainstream concepts (such as in customer identification and innovation) which deserve 5-6/10.
   
   Practicality: 7/10; the book provides you with easy, interactive and simple steps on implementation. However, the book aims to be a "one-size-fits-all" book. It might seem easy while you read, but a great effort is required if you try to weave the ideas into you and your business.
   
   Credibility: 5/10; I love the first half of the book (mostly) by John Assaraf and it is inspiring but unless it is solidly proven with facts and researches (especially the science of zero-point field, resonance, possibility), I cannot say it is totally credible. The second half is high on the credibility scale with lots of fascinating examples that are authors' experience or the experience of their clients.
   
   Insight: 8/10; the first half is a real eye-openers with lots of amazing findings and how you can master them. The second half has some precise concepts and they are supported sufficiently. Examples are not cursory but they are probed and explained thoroughly.
   
   Reading Experience: 8/10; reading this book is like having two mindful and thoughtful coaches taking turn trying to help you. The best thing is that you will feel that they really believe in you and believe that you can, and will succeed.
   
   Overall: 7.2/10; if I'm biased (maybe I'm already biased!), I'll give more points to "The Answer" because I feel good reading it. If you feel distressed, down, or frustrated with your business, grab this book. Excluding every aspect of the book, this book make you feel energised, pumped up, and ready to take on anything ahead.
   
   Viriya Taecharungroj
   www.tedded.net



3. Un libro más de autoayuda pero lleno de lugares comunes, frases que hemos leido muchas veces y planes de acción vacios. No dudo que pueda ayudar a algunas personas que se inician en estos caminos, pero está muy por debajo de mis expectativas.
   No tiene profundidad y no proporciona argumentos sólidos, más allá de los que conocemos, que permitan la reflexión profunda y un verdadero aprendizaje. Me podría atrever a decir que es un "pobre" libro más de autoayuda que sólo enriquece a los que los escribieron y hace publicidad a sus propios productos y servicios. Le falta sustancia.



4. Great speaker, great author. John is one of the best coaches in our world right now.



5. I've read most of the contemporary books available on manifesting prosperity and transforming your life. I have to say that "The Answer" is most definitely the best of the best!!!
   
   The book is clear, concise, practical, true to life, and based on realistic principles that make a difference in your journey to success.
   
   Even better read "The Answer" with an awesome trio of prosperity/self development books that I noticed are now offered together for an amazing deal!!!
   To discover this terrific trio check out: NEXUS by D. Morrison & A. Singh
   
   Nexus: A Neo Novel