Profit The Books

Many fundraising books show you the mechanics of fundraising. Ms. Sprinkel does that, but more importantly, she shows the reader how to approach fundraising with the proper mindset. Gone it the "tin cup" mentality. Instead, she advocates that we approach fundraising with an investment mindset.

Having set the stage with her philosophical approach to fundraising, Ms. Grace proceeds to walk the reader through the different stages of fundraising, including annual and capital campaigns.

I used the information in this book to assist the development team at my children's school with a capital campaign. We trained a number of people in the art of fundraising and went on to raise the money needed for a new building. While I won't give Ms. Grace all the credit, I can say with confidence that the advice she dispenses in clearly written and very effective.

This book provides non-profit executives with a very practical approach to making their organizations more successful financially and more relevant to their audiences. I have advised many non-profits on a range of issues, and I am envious of Grace's admonition to "put away the tin cup." That's one of the truest, most important things that today's non-profit leaders could hear.

Many fundraising books show you the mechanics of fundraising. Ms. Sprinkel does that, but more importantly, she shows the reader how to approach fundraising with the proper mindset. Gone is the "tin cup" mentality. Instead, she advocates that we approach fundraising with an investment mindset.

Having set the stage with her philosophical approach to fundraising, Ms. Grace proceeds to walk the reader through the different stages of fundraising, including annual and capital campaigns.

I used the information in this book to assist the development team at my children's school with a capital campaign. We trained a number of people in the art of fundraising and went on to raise the money needed for a new building. While I won't give Ms. Grace all the credit, I can say with confidence that the advice she dispenses is clearly written and very effective.

Defining the difference between fund-raising and donor development was an eye-opener. In a non-profit world that is increasingly competitive for the donor dollar, Ms. Grace offers a powerfully different approach. Of particular interest was reference to values-based mission statements. Something from which every fund-raising organization can learn

"The Board Member's Playbook..." is an indispensible resource for board members and those interested in policy govenance. The writing is very intelligent, clear, concise; a pleasure to read. A separate section provides a thorough overview of the Carver model for those unfamiliar with policy governance, as well as those needing a refresher. An accompanying CD-ROM is another excellent resource for helping board members with implementation.

This book is a roadmap to success for anyone who uses it. The real world examples and worksheets offer a practical, hands-on exercise in policy govenance. After reading and completing the exercises on my own, I felt well-prepared and energized to take on a board-related challenge using the model.

While this book brings everything a board member needs to effectively use the Carver model, it is the board members themselves who are ultimately responsible for their success. Board members must commit to being honest with themselves and one another, and be dedicated to the rigors of the process to properly implement the Carver model.

This wonderful resource also raises a very important question in my mind - why is the Carver model used predominantly in the non-profit sector? Why isn't the Carver model de rigeur for the for-profit sector? I can only see great benefits and progress ahead should this actually occur.

This is an incredibly useful addition to Carver's Policy Governance Model because it provides practical structure to "rehearsing" common Board-Staff-Owner scenarios with concrete examples. There are hundreds of books on non-profit governance but the vast majority just seem to dabble in detail and pop-psychology (unworkable concepts of "shared governance", etc); but the Carver model provides a unique, practical, and internally consistent method of governance. I'd certainly recommend highly all of his books. This one, written by Miriam Carver and Bill Charney, provides practical exercises demonstrating how the Carver model would handle problems Boards face regularly such as: Do Board members have authority over employees?; Should Board members with expertise oversee programs?; Does the Board job include fundraising?; We like and trust our CEO - isn't that governance?; What if the CEO lies?

It's amazing to me that "rehearsal" plays a role in virtually every profession (musicians, lawyers - in mock trials during law school, teachers - with student teaching, MD's - with simulated emergencies, etc), yet Board members don't rehearse. No wonder performance isn't always optimal. This book is invaluable. It not only suggests that Board's spend time, preferrably at each meeting, rehearsing governance issues but it also provides a practical approach loaded with wonderful examples. Worksheets are included as are the author's suggested "generic" solutions.

Every Board using the Carver Policy Governance Model should have this volume. I can't recommend it highly enough!

A welcomed addition to the "Policy Governance" corpus, "A Board Member's Playbook" provides a clear, concise and easily useable framework for Board practice. Complete with worksheets and an CD Rom, the book helps policy governance Boards work through simulated issues, forming a bridge between the theory of policy governance and its practical application.

This book consists of 50 very real-world situations that any board using Carver Policy Governance ® might encounter, with a single worksheet to be used by the board members to logically think through what should be done in this instance. The book calls them "rehearsal scenarios."

I used a few of these scenarios with my board, and they thought it was great! It took the policies from dry words on paper to useable skills. They immediately decided to add time to every meeting's agenda to do one of these rehearsal scenarios.

As the facilitator of our board, I love it because each scenario comes with proposed solutions that I can use to help guide the discussion. It really cuts down on my prep time. It's a great tool for continuing to build board capability of governance.

Zimmerman and Lehman have written an encouraging and practical guide sure to help diffuse the fear and loathing with which most nonprofit board members face in fund development. Straight talk about board responsibilities sets the stage. Short easy exercises suitable for board meetings demonstrate fundraising skills and techniques. "Boards That Love Fundraising" provides the script for board presidents and staff to share the practice and the joy of successful resource development within any nonprofit.
-Marcia Rundle, Regional Resource Development Director, Western States Region, Habitat for Humanity International

The authors challenge traditional attitudes, and fears, about fundraising by arguing that we should view the activity not as "tin-cup begging" but as providing a way for people to invest positively in their communities. The authors break new ground by focusing on benefits that *donors* derive from philanthropic giving and strategies to enhance these benefits. With exercises entitled "What Moves People to Give," the book offers ample opportunity for readers to apply this refreshing approach to their specific circumstances. As a Commissioner on the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, I also serve on the PTA board of my daughter's public elementary school, always in dire need of funds, and fundraise on behalf of my alma mater, Bryn Mawr College, which relies heavily on alumnae financial support, and I have found this book to be an invaluable resource. I recommend this easy-to-read and comprehensive guide to anyone who serves on a board, especially those of you who have been afraid of fundraising. You won't be able to put it down!

I am not associated with a non-profit, but I am an artist who is constantly looking for funding sources. I found this book
extremely helpful in suggesting ways to overcome my fear of confronting prospects face to face. It is written simply and reiterates the positive message that we need not fear requesting large amounts of money. Like in any sales game, the worst thing that can happen is rejection.
I haven't yet found people who are "thrilled to give", but doing confidence building prep before I try can only boost my chances.
Paula Taylor, Independent Filmmaker

I found this book to be a wonderfully straight-forward and user-friendly guide which can actually motivate a nonprofit board to sucessfully fundraise. I think it does a great job of insightfully recognizing the reluctance fundraisers have in asking for money. The authors answer this situation with, what are to me, practical and surprisingly simple ways in which to restore fundraisers' confidence (and enthusiasm!). I definately recommend it!

Excellent! This book is aimed to professional sales people. This book will surely help them to confidently sell the value of their solutions at the highest levels in their customer's organizations. The structure is good. Easy to read. 16 chapters full of practical examples that can be applied immediately.

"In selling, knowledge is value..." This book helps the reader to do the necessary prep work that allows a good salesperson to more fully understand their customer's needs; adding knowledge and ultimately value to the sales process. This book will elevate the sales person into a valued consultant for their clients which will ultimately produce breakthrough sales.

This book delivered exactly the information I needed to truly become a consultative sales person. You can't help solve your customer's business problems - if you don't really understand thier business. "Bottom-Line Selling" gives you a major competitive advantage by giving you the tools to research and understand how your customer competes -- so that you can help them improve their business and differentiate their products. This is an information intensive book -- but well worth the effort and time -- you will get a high ROI from "Bottom-Line Selling."

Reading this book challenged me in new ways to assess my customers from not only what my product or service could do for them, but HOW it could affect their bottom-line (thus increase my probability of success). A "must read" if you want to "play with the big boys".

Bob Harris and Cal Clemons combined four decades of experience running successful AMCs to create a publication that has been billed by some as a bible for analyzing, revamping, revitalizing and growing an Association Management company. In Building an Association Management Company, they share their secrets on everything from getting started, to business and marketing plans, to soliciting and serving clients, to what the future holds.

I have read Building an Association Management Company from cover to cover. It is a great resource for my company and staff.

This book is a great resource for an association management company. I've used it a lot for a quick reference.

You are a big part of our success. Your book was fantastic and extremely helpful.

John Schaub picks up where he left off at the end of his first book. Good information on how to recognize changes in your local real estate market, and how to capitalize on those changes. Unlike some of the other books out there on the subject of building wealth by investing in single family houses, Mr. Schaub correctly tracks investors' equity when calculating investor wealth versus misleadingly adding up investors' total mortgage debt.

Good book, straight forward read. Interesting information - even if I don't become a real estate mogul, I've learned things I can apply towards my current financial situation

I enjoyed reading this book, but more importantly, I learned from it. Given the uncertainty most investors are facing in most markets, I find Schaub's advice timely and important -- I highly recommend that you buy and read this book.

Unlike many pie-in-the-sky real estate investing books I've read, Schaub advocates a level-headed approach that recognizes the inherent uncertainty associated with any investing activity. He presents workable strategies for protecting your capital while maximizing profits. I especially liked the chapter on, 'Nine Ways to Protect Yourself In a Changing Market.'

In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am an attorney, real estate broker, investor, trainer, and author of another unique and highly readable book on real estate investing that can also be found here on Amazon -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording. The book also includes sample leases, forms, and checklists, so that you can actually go out and implement the investing strategy it teaches as soon as you're done reading.

A related program that's well worth checking out is:

The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Personal Wealth Creation (Combo Audio/Data CD): Audio Seminar With Downloadable 40-Page Action Manual and Active Link Library.

I believe that Mr. Schaub has written an informative book that's worthy of your time. Buy it if you are serious about making a success of real estate investing.

This book is a perfect guide for both homeowners and real estate investors on how to profit in today's market. While some property purchasers are scared off by the trends in property prices, mortgage fraud, and burst bubbles, Schaub guides the reader through identifying properties that can be purchased at rock bottom prices with little risk.

Definitely not a book for people interested in get-rich-quick schemes, Schaub asserts that single family properties are the best long-term investments and real estate should be looked at as a long term investment. He advocates buying one to two houses per year and building a portfolio of properties. He also cautions against buing luxury houses for investment purposes, stating that it is not the structure but the land that appreciates.

Schaub speaks from personal experience, with more than 35 years as a real estate investor in a variety of properties. Excellent book for anyone interested in real estate investment.

I have been a lawyer for 25 years, with the first 15 years specializing in transactional real estate. I also have a broker's license and I have owned and rented two single family homes so far. My goal is acquire several more over the next few years.

I have read many, many books on real estate investing, and most are quite superficial and unrealistic (many start with the presumption that you are consistently able to buy with no money down and for a large discount to current value). They also are commonly written by people who want, oddly enough, to sell you on taking one of their expensive, equally flawed, courses.

This book, however, is the best real estate investment book I have ever read.

It takes a long term prospective, is detailed, does not include a pitch for more product or courses, and does not assume away problems by assuming that you can buy under market with "no money down"; however, it is still is quite inspiring, to a large extent due to the author's own anecdotes re: his own investing experiences.

Although I just read a copy from the library, and do not often feel a need to buy a book I have already read, I will be buying it today, as I expect to return to it often in the coming years.

This is the first time I have been inspired enough by a book to write a review for Amazon. I am taking the time to do this today because I could not recommend any book any more highly than this one.

This is the best real estate book for the serious long term investor. I have bought four properties from 1992 to 1997 in the depressed Boston area real estate market and would have never been able to without this book. The focus of this book is that you can creat long term wealth by buying and holding real estate in the right location. It is not a get rich quick scheme. This is the serious real estate investors "bible"

Many books on real estate usually tell you get rich quick schemes that never seem to work. This one however, show the important of buying and holding onto real estate much like stocks. The author stresses holding onto the estate, rather than trying to sell it quick to make a quick buck. Throughout the story, the author details his own experiences on his quest for his real estate fortune. After losing money gambling with the commodities, the author decided to try real estate. He started with virtually nothing, and eventually built his estate to be worth more than $15 million in four apartments, and 30 condominiums. This is a definite book to read for those who want to start investing in real estate

I know this book is currently out of print and with the date of 1992, I was hesitant at first to purchase this book. It is a true gem of a discovery, his information can be applied to real estate investing in the year 2001 and beyond.

He delivers the information very well written, and gives incredible ideas of ways to continually expand your ideas of how the appraisal business works, as well as many other timely topics.

An interesting format of letters back between friends about service on a board. I believe it's best read after other more structured infomation on the roles and functions of a board, then round out your perspective and understanding with this fine work. Very short, an easy read.

Called to Serve is recommended reading by all YMCA staff who work with policy making volunteers. It is designed as "letters to a friend" and covers the why, how and what in working with volunteers/boards in a conversational way. It is not overwhelming, nor does it get into a lot of governance issues. It leads you to understand the meaning and purpose of volunteerism and many, many lessons as to roles of volunteers, meeting development, strategic planning, effective committees, etc. I highly recommend it!

Truly an enjoyable, profitable read with many treasures for the one seeking advice on non-profit or volunteer boards.

This is packaged in letter form of author writing advice to a friend about such board memberhsip and leadership.

Just a few of the many gleans one will get: "the board does have obligations in the short term, but the future, with certain expectations, comes first"; "desigining an agenda by following the lines of a bell curve"; "one of the great time wasters for any group is the routine of giving progress reports when there's been no progress"; and the wonderful story of the postmaster who would not be bothered out of a meeting until he heard it was to receive thanks.

One reading this wants to be on any board that Max is on. Also, to invoke some of his wisdom tenderly yet passionately given in this work. Buy one for yourself and all members on your board. It will bring more joy to the member and more service to the organization.

De Pree's latest addition to his leadership books such as best-selling Leadership is an Art, Leadership Jazz, and Leading without Power, has turned his vast experience with non-profit boards into a helpful volume about creating an effective volunteer board. The book covers generalities like the expectations of board and staff, as well as specifics like how to construct an agenda. De Pree gets as specific as stating, "The chairperson should not permit anyone to read to the board." Amen to that! The book can be read quickly, referenced easily, and would help create basic principles and expectations for the board. Anyone working with a volunteer board would do well to provide a copy for each board member.

Reviewed by Sandra MacLean for Reader Views (3/06)

The minute you even think of doing business in China, Japan or Korea, do yourself a favour and run out to pick up this book. Author Mia Doucet avoids dry, jargon filled pages as she delivers practical tips you can use to approach these markets, giving your company a greater chance for success. She conveys the excitement of discovering a new culture while remaining tightly focused on what this understanding means for doing business.

Doucet makes getting to know your market a breeze with her easy to understand and easy to use advice. This book is full of intriguing gems of priceless information. Just this one example should rouse your curiosity: Why should you always wear clean socks without holes? (See page 114 for the answer.)

She does a great job of making the culture come to life so business planners can improve their chance of success just by being better informed than their competitors. How better to show your respect than to go the extra mile to gain an understanding of the new environment in which you intend to do business. Moreover, you will get to know some pitfalls you should avoid that could get in the way as you attempt to establish profitable relationships.

Doucet gives you clear advice on where you need to pay attention. Consider this common decision - Do you need an interpreter or a translator? Should you hire at home or do you think you can get by with hiring someone once you arrive? Well, that depends on if you "know whether to kiss, bow or go on a bender." You'll have to read the book to find out the answer! In the end, you'll understand not just what you need to do but why.

For such a meaty book, it is a surprisingly easy read. I'd be tempted to say, "Read this on your flight to the far east," but you will be very glad that you found this information long before you board the plane. Just be sure to take it with you in case you forget some of the details.

This is a book that could help a much broader audience. It's not only useful for those going overseas to do business but it would also give a tremendous advantage to any North American planning to travel in the Pacific Rim countries whether for business, pleasure or as part of volunteer organizations.

Staff members of companies on this continent who host guests from the Pacific Rim would also benefit from this information. Our western customs are so familiar to us that we may not always realize how foreign they are to visitors from other cultures. Imagine how much this greater sensitivity could enhance the experience you plan for future visits with business colleagues from around the world.

Doucet offers the reader a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of international business. It's a good read even if you have no plans at the moment to move into these markets. When the time does come, you will be very glad you have this resource in your toolbox.

With "China in Motion: 17 Secrets...", Ms Doucet has created a wonderfully useful book for every entrepreneur who is eyeing the Asian markets. With 1.3 billion residents in China alone, EVERY entrepreneur should be setting their sites on the Asian markets. (It is no surprise that this Far Eastern country has earned the moniker, "the new land of opportunity".)

Each and every one of Ms. Doucet's secrets is important. I especially appreciated #4: "Think in terms of a web of relationship". I have found this to be especially important in my dealing with Japanese associates - a very different approach from the typical Western "it's-all-about-me" perspective.

Every business person who wants to do business in China, Japan and/or South Korea owes it to themselves to buy this book. The next time I travel to one of these countries, this book will be my closest traveling companion.

I was just in China on business and upon returning my sister recommended this book. I was astonished as I was reading it because it described exactly what I had experienced. This is an excellent guide for anyone who would like to do business in China and there is nothing like actually being there and experiencing it. I do highly recommend that you read this book as well as learn Mandarin if you intend to do business in China. My hat is off to Mia! Thank you for providing this wonderful guide.

This book has many good quotes and bits of information that will help you understand what it takes and the thinking required to do business in Asia....there are many good hints from the differences in culture to personal habits that may offend the customer....an example "not writing on the back of the business card...and the thinking behind it..." Very well written book.

hi my name is chris j coombes and i am a firefighter and arson is not good in california. arson is a big combat for firefighters. i wish that evere arsonist knows how hard we fight the fire's they dont want us to get them but we will fight fire with fire.. and they will see that we are going to get them and mack them pay. thank you chris j coombes..

Having used the 1st edition for many years, I was most interested to discover that the 2nd edition has been revised to include the latest in technological innovations including computer modeling. An invaluable publication!

This is one of the first books written in regards to this type of arson. The civilized world loses billions of dollars every year in property and lives do to this crime. This book should be read by all serious arson fighters

Combating Arson for Profit is a most welcome guide to the investigation of fraud. As an insurance company S.I.U. investigator, I recommend this to all those involved in these complex cases. The reader will discover how to conduct the "paper chase", document evidence, write professional reports, and assure the most comprehensive case for court. Highly recommended!