Resources Books

I found this book excellent although it may be a bit much for the beginner website developer or internet marketer. Many of the reccomended actions are rather complicated. For the beginner that wants to get going and get his or her website up and running and indexed quickly I would rather look at many of the e-books available [www.searchenginesecrets.co.za]. I find the e-books get right to the point which will get you onto the internet quickly and help you to get the first few sites "under your belt" in no time. Afer that a detalied book like this could make a lot of sense.

I have finished the book already and refer it to it as needed. The way it is written is excellent. At the beginning of each chapter is a high-level summary of each topic. Then each topic has it's own 2-3 pages with screen captures of what & how to do the task.
Highly recommended book!

This read is very well written for both the beginner and as a refresher of reference. The book is organized for quick scanning and is a nice compliment to your arsenal of SEO utilities.

If you are completely oblivious to SEO best practices then you need this book.

However, if you already know what you're doing it will not give any particular insight at all into the processes that superstar SEO or SEM operators go through. It's like an "SEO for Dummies" or something similar.

This is a very useful book with a lot of good, practical ideas. It is well written and understandable. It is easy to use; it is divided into one or two-page sections ("Optimize Title Tags," "Article Directory Submissions," etc.) so you can carry out one suggestion at a time, as you have the time. It would be useful to people who do not know HTML, but it is most useful to those who do know it.

Build a personal library of information using free web resources with the help of Tomaiuolo's The Web Library: Building A World Class Personal Library With Free Web Resources, edited by Barbara Quint. The Web Library is simply packed with web links and updates, as well as assessments of the pros and cons of given reference sites. Anyone can use no/low cost Web resources to build a comprehensive personal library of data, documents and images: The Web Library outlines keys to locating such gold mines and includes interviews with librarians and leading content providers alike.

I usually steer clear of web site directory books because they become obsolete very quickly. This book presents more than lists of sites. It contains some unusual and even provocative information concerning whether it is preferable to read in hardcopy or online; it also has interviews with people who create content at the freebie sites and this gave me a fresh perspective on the availability of free resources. The best thing is that isn't chock full of screenshots, it's full of information.

I spend a lot of hours searching the web for work. I bought a copy of this book and it kept disappearing off my desk--borrowed by co-workers. Now I keep it locked in my desk drawer--they'll have to buy their own copies! Well done, Nicholas and Barbara! Hope to see more of your books in print.

This book was a wonderful book which I was pleased to share with my co-workers, most of whom are all resourceful men and women who search the internet for work. As a businessman, I must say that this book was incredibly useful in my many projects and has brought my company's profit up by 3%.

I was lucky enough to be given this book as a gift, because my parents know that I often use the web to locate information for school projects. It has tons of useful websites and is well-organized. I definitely recommend it.

I wish I would have read this prior to starting to work for his new company and also I could've used this about 5 years ago to encourage me to change careers. This is an excellent book and I'm using some of the examples in it for my MBA application this fall.

I don't think I need to tell any educated person that a review from a disgruntled ex-employee needs to be taken with a grain of salt, if not a whole handful (9/26/02). Rosenbluth is not a perfect company, and Hal never pretends it is but the lifeblood of his company is his belief that every member of the company is a valuable contributor. His book does a great job of conveying that value proposition and how others can make it work.

Although many companies preach an employee empowerment model few practice it. That's why Rosenbluth's mascot is the Salmon - we swim upstream.

As an Executive Coach and a close observer of many corporate cultures it did my poor old tired heart a world of good to read this book. If what Hal Rosenbluth says about his company is even half true, it puts his organization at the forefront of employee value and relationship management. Beyond all that, it makes perfect common sense. Why we would think in our wildest imagination that an employee who does not feel valued by his employer would not transmit that lack of appreciation to his customers, is a mistery to me. The first 100 pages of this book are not be missed by any company who truly wants to improve their workplace culture, increase the productivity of their workforce and cut their turnover rate down dramatically. Read it and implement any one of the outstanding programs explained within and watch s shift in morale and productivity start right away. This book is a keeper and an excellent reference source. I could not recommend it more highly.

I am an avid reader of business books, and if I gain just one or two usable ideas from a book, I consider it worth my time. This book is a stand-out among management books, because I got not one or two, but at least a dozen solid ideas I can implement right away. I have shared it with all my top level managers, and have wathced it being shared throughout my multi-national organization. It is a gem, to be kept within reach in one's office -- not with the countless other books that sit, read once, on most managers' bookshelves. I highly recommend it for anyone who cares about the success of their business.

As an Executive Coach and a close observer of many corporate cultures it did my poor old tired heart a world of good to read this book. If what Hal Rosenbluth says about his company is even half true, it puts his organization at the forefront of employee value and relationship management. Beyond all that, it makes perfect common sense. Why we would think in our wildest imagination that an employee who does not feel valued by his employer would not transmit that lack of appreciation to his customers, is a mistery to me. The first 100 pages of this book are not be missed by any company who truly wants to improve their workplace culture, increase the productivity of their workforce and cut their turnover rate down dramatically. Read it and implement any one of the outstanding programs explained within and watch s shift in morale and productivity start right away. This book is a keeper and an excellent reference source. I could not recommend it more highly.

This is a great, straightforward reference. It covers everything any person needs to know about dining etiquette without any useless "filler" material. The audio format is great and the speaker is one of the best I have listen to.

After a few months as a first year associate at my law firm, one of my former law school classmates told me that their firm had sent its new associates to an etiquette class. I decided that it might be a good idea for me to brush up on my etiquette skills as well, so I purchased this CD and also the Food Scholar Wine Basics CD. I recommend both for new professionals to prepare them for any "dining" situation they may encounter in their first jobs. These situations frequently fall into the "you don't know what you don't know" category of student knowledge.

I, for one, had very little experience in more formal dining situations upon graduating from school. This CD was just what I needed to get myself up-to-speed. It is well-organized and well-presented, covering a number of very specific situations that convey the elements of common sense and consideration that underlie all etiquette.

The author thankfully avoids spending time on how to arrange the seating at a state dinner. What he offers is practical, usable advice on the types of real social interactions that occur in all kinds of business. A very useful CD and well worth the price. Definitely five stars.

I will be graduating from college this year and have started to interview for jobs. I have a decent GPA, am in the career placement office every week for advice, and have spent hours polishing my resume. I thought that I had all my bases covered. Then I started actually interviewing for jobs. I have already had three interviews that included meals and two "mixers" with drinks and appetizers. It was a little overwhelming. I could tell there was an order to things I did not completely understand. A friend recommended this Dining Etiquette CD, so I ordered it. I had yet another meal during an interview after listening to it. It made a big difference. Knowing what to do at every turn during the meal was a confidence booster and I am sure it helped me appear more polished and professional. I HIGHLY recommend it, Two Thumbs Up.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 2: Wine Selection & Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

The last book on CD my wife and I bought was terrible: mens' voices for female characters, etc. And what's the alternative on the radio? Pop music or Howard Stern? I spend twenty percent of my waking life in my car. I might as well spend it wisely. The Food Scholar is easy listening and presented in a way that makes the information easy to learn and remember.

I have just returned from Death Valley and this book was an excellent resource both before and during my trip. I found the author to be very straight forward about the information presented and very realistic about the wonders and realities of Death Valley. It's a truly amazing place and this book covers an incredible amount of information and detail that will serve me for years to come and many more visits!

This book is a great resource tool. A fairly inclusive area guide with historical, geological and physical details. More than adequate for most visitors to choose an advanced plan of daily activities. It is not attempting to be a USGS map nor a hikers bible. It is a fairly descriptive summary of things to see, do and where they are.

I purchased this book for helping us plan a 5 day stay in Stove Pipe Wells. Well worth the money spent.

This is a really good comprehensive guide that doesn't give away too many secrets. All the standard destinations are well covered, plus many out in the sticks, but it leaves plenty for you to discover on your own. Will definitely stay in my library, get loaned to friends, get destroyed or lost...all signs of a worthwhile guide.

A rare guide that is so complete i can stop looking further. I don't know how he has covered so much ground in one lifetime. Digonnet's love of Death Valley shines through. A pleasure to read but heavy for the backpack...i am ordering a fresh copy cuz the old one is beat up and has many pages torn out. Also, take care to assess your idea of strenuous against his to avoid finding yourself in over your head.

Be aware that Digonnet omits a few common destinations in this book. But it's by far the best guide to the huge number of hikes that he does include. Rely on this book for the majority of your destinations, but get another guide to fill in the gaps. Also keep in mind that areas described as "easy scrambles" for someone with a technical climbing background like Digonnet may be more difficult for flat-ground hikers.

I purchased Dr. Thomas' book to assist me in my research in leadership behaviors and stakeholder empowerment, and what a great help.

However, the best part of reading this book, I was forced to remember much of my past training and reignite many of the qualities I had forgetten to practice.

What a great book, would recommend to anyone interested in understand how and why motivation works.

Intrinsic Motivation is one of the better books on leadership and management that I have read recently. Thomas targets both managers and employees, arguing that salaries and other extrinsic rewards are neither the sole nor the primary source of motivation in modern organizations. In fact, monetary compensation is only a factor when making major life decisions (e.g., whether and when to change jobs) and when there is a question of fairness. The best a manager can hope for, says Thomas, is perceived equity - that those doing the most and the best work are the best compensated. Absent major life decisions and inequities, it is intrinsic rewards that will motivate employees.

Intrinsic motivation, according to Thomas, means giving employees an understanding of the purpose of the tasks they do and giving them whole tasks whenever possible. Today's workforce is more highly educated than its forerunners. Competition and the need for quick decision-making have reduced the reliance on middle managers and bureaucratic rulebooks. In this environment, employees must be self-managing and they must have a sense of meaningfulness, choice, competence, and progress in the work that they do. If they feel that they have all four of these factors, employees will feel a great sense of job satisfaction, be highly motivated, and perform well.

Thomas offers managers and employees suggestions on how to improve in each area if it seems that that factor is lacking. In fact, if an employee is feeling unmotivated, Thomas suggests the employee consider which of the four "vital signs" is weak and address it accordingly. It is important, for example, for employees at all levels to have a personal vision to boost their sense of meaningfulness. Feeling that you have no choice in how you do your work? Negotiate with your boss for more authority or, if all else fails, consider moving to another job that provides more choice. A sense of competence comes from training and learning, but it also comes from patting oneself on the back for a job well done. Progress can be measured in a number of ways, but one of the best is through contact with customers.

Thomas's book is only an overview into each of these areas. He intends Intrinsic Motivation to be an all-encompassing model of employee motivation, and he generally succeeds. Those seeking more details would need to use Thomas's notes to find articles and books on individual subjects discussed within the book. And it is a shame that while Thomas characterizes outdated management styles as "paternalistic" he uses analogies of parents and children when describing intrinsic motivation. Overall, however, Intrinsic Motivation is a healthy reminder to both managers and workers that there are many steps we can take to improve employee morale and productivity. More money is better than less, Thomas agrees, but a true sense of purpose and worth can be priceless.

This is the first book that I have read that provides me with the information to confront the problems associated with instilling intrinsic motivation in those that I manage. It is often the problem that people show little concern for their work. The rule seems to be something like this- Do just enough to get by while exerting the least energy as possible. I like this book because the information is not a story of what a good manager has as an opinion as to what works best but it is a scholarly book in the sense that it provides information based on research that is proven. This is to date the best book that I have to reference when dealing with teams that act out of extrinsic motivation or no motivation at all. I applaud the author for this work.

This book deserves more than five stars.

Prior to Intrinsic Motivation at Work, management books often referred to the need for intrinsic motivation or sources of thta motivation (such as an inspiring purpose or interesting work). This book takes those isolated thoughts and connects them into a systematic method of improving overall motivation by increasing internal motivation and connecting with external sources of motivation. This book will be a landmark in the field of human resource management for decades to come.

The book contains many helpful elements to help you understand its message. One that I particularly liked was the management tale. In one connected example, it showed how management attention has shifted in the last 120 years from making people perform more effectively at predefined tasks (the rational approach as defined by scientific management) to creating passion and fulfillment from work, by focusing on the emotional side of a person. You get an overview of management practice and theory in very small and easy-to-digest doses. For example, one of my favorite sentences was "So the executives crafted Vision Statements that emphasized Contribution to Customers and Quality . . . but often [they] rang hollow in time -- like unkept promises."

The author distills the relevant sources of intrinsic motivation into meaningfulness, choice, competence, and progress. These ideas are nicely developed in several dimensions. For example, it is explained how these affect the worker (or associate, if you prefer that term). You also find out what the leader or manager has to do to help create those factors for the worker. Then, the author also exposes how the four areas are connected in a system of postive (or potentially negative) feedback. Further, you are given five elements of each one to develop.

Basically, the model calls for the meaningful purpose of the organization as the starting point. The next step is to give people a choice of actions to implement that purpose. Then activities are performed, and these are monitored for the competency shown (which may generate the need for better choices to pursue the object or to enhance the competency of those involved). After the activities are completed, you also look for progress and relate this back to the original purpose and your choices for fulfilling that purpose.

The book goes on the explain how to integrate intrinsic and external sources of motivation so that they reinforce one another.

There are several points to keep in mind when considering this book. First, you will get even better results if the organization picks a meaningful purpose that offers the potential for more intrinsic motivation. Some purposes have more potential to be accomplished and some are more exciting to more people. I find that most people latch onto an organizational purpose with too little consideration of the alternatives. Second, any on-going organization has a perceived purpose that attracts and retains employees now. You should find out what that is before changing it. My experience has been that you get better results by building upon that assumed purpose than by striking off in a totally new direction. Third, simplification (see Simplicity) is a related thought process that should be employed with this one. A lot of demotivation along intrinsic lines follows errors in making things too complicated and difficult.

Although this book is about work, its principles apply just as well to volunteer activities. I suggest that you share the book with those you volunteer with and then discuss how to employ its lessons to fulfill your empowering purposes.

Kenneth W. Thomas presents a model for using intrinsic motivation in the workplace to assure a more committed, self-managed workforce. He advocates leading for meaningfulness, choice, competence, and progress. He emphasizes the need to use this approach to give employees the greater independence and decision-making authority they need as bureaucratic management models break down. While many of these themes are presented in other books on leadership, motivation, training and worker empowerment, Thomas pulls them together in a well-organized, clearly written presentation that gives readers clear directions. The succinct style of writing is easy to understand, even though it is directed toward the serious reader. We [...] recommend this book to executives, managers, trainers and management consultants, as well as to employees, who will find helpful ideas for exercising greater self-management.

I just finished reading "it." WOW! I don't know what to say except that you must read it. This book messed me up in the best possible way. It is going to take me some time to digest it, but I know that it will require me to do some serious soul-searching and make significant adjustments in my life.

I want "it." I want to see people's lives impacted forever by Jesus Christ, His love and power. I want to do whatever it takes to see that happen where I serve.

IT is a life changing book that reveals the mystery of churches that feel 'alive'. It's an incredible look into the heart of ministry.

I have a handful of leaders that double as personal role models. Craig Groeschel is one of them. I love the way he leads. I love the way he speaks. And I love the way he writes!

This book hits the bulls-eye!

It is so hard to define "it". But Craig does such a great job of making the intangible more tangible. I found myself nodding as I read the book. No, not sleeping. Nodding in agreement. Sort of like--"I've always thought that but never known how to say that."

A must-read for leaders. It'll stretch your mind and sharpen your focus.

Thanks Craig!

Craig's book impacted my life and ministry. I was thoroughly challenged, and as Craig said in his book, "I was greatly disturbed." This book is a must read for every leader and Christ-follower.

I highly recommend Craig's new book. If we are honest, we all want "it". This book will challenge, encourage and provide great opportunities for all church leaders to get with "it". The stories are great and it makes for a great and very entertaining read.

Kevin Sheehan has simplified the great qualities of important leaders and placed them in an entertaining text. A gift which I have passed on to my dearest friends, this book is both inspirational and educational. My highest recommendation.

Poignant, powerful stories. Beautifully written with a distinctive and important design. This book's not to be missed--by you, your friends, your business colleagues. Bravo!

Within his book A Leader Becomes A Leader, Kevin Sheehan delightfully illustrates the essence of true leadership. He poignantly definies a diverse group of past and present leaders; while exploring their life events and characteristics of greatness. Encourage your friends, family and coworkers to read this motivational book!

The author does a phenomenal job of breaking the topic down into small manageable and inspiring readings; also covers a great cross-section of leaders and the characteristics that made them successful. I ordered a dozen copies as executive and motivational gifts.

J. Kevin Sheehan presents a celebration of what's possible in his biographical snapshots of great leaders. By focusing on the unique character traits of outstanding leaders the author transforms the mysteries of leadership into something very real. He answers the question "what made them great?" in an extremely concise and inspirational style. Great as a corporate gift or graduation present. My children have used it for school projects and I have found inspiration for my own business. No home or school library should be without this most valuable tool.

This book goes beyond the surface to the mind of successful entrepreneurs, which is refreshing. The ballooning analogy to strategic decision making is very interesting and amusing. The real life stories of many successful entrepreneurs and particularly their reflecting back to the past successes is fascinating on the one hand and confusing on the other. One would like to ask what guide this book provides to persons without successful story in the past. Despite some unanswered questions, overall, the book is very readable, interesting, and rewarding.Learning to Think Strategically (New Frontiers in Learning)

The author denies this is a "How-To" book, but if read with the same care that went into writing this learned volume, it is just that. She combines historical overviews with theory and practical advice. I would think this is required reading for anyone in business (and, one hopes, by government policy planners).

Julia Sloan models the very concepts she espouses in her brilliantly written and just-in-time book. What sets her work apart is that she not only reminds us of the imperative for critical thinking particularly within the competitive global business environment, but she offers the strategies needed to develop these new skills in today's complex world. Sloan does this by demonstrating the practical application of classical adult learning theory. Sloan's insight and wonderfully engaging style makes this work a pleasure to read. This is a valuable addition to my own library, and a book I will certainly recommend to others.

Dr. Linda Dale Bloomberg
Adjunct Faculty, Adult and Organizational Learning
Teachers College, Columbia University
Co-author "Completing Your Qualitative Dissertation: A Roadmap From Beginning to End" (Sage, 2007)
August 1, 2007

Julia Sloan has produced a powerful, insightful and clearly written book that will become a benchmark in reframing our understanding of strategic thinking and decision making. In this timely work, Sloan effectively moves the reader from linear and traditional notions of planning and decision
making to the kind of critical thinking needed to gain competitive advantage in todayÂ's world. Sloan demonstrates how thinking strategically can be learned in a systematic way and she does this brilliantly by applying sound theory to real practice. Her work is at the same time innovative and down-to-earth as she guides the reader to the key attributes required in learning how to think strategically.
Dr. Marie Volpe
Adjunct Professor
Adult and Organization Learning
Teachers College, Columbia University

This is an exceptional book! Essential reading for every global business person.The author is clear,succinct and right on the mark with the differentiation between strategic thinking and strategic planning. The first half of the book is informative and the second half is insightful and challenging. Sloan raises questions that should be at the forefront of every strategic discussion: what and how are we investing in developing strategic thinkers? This book is candid, thorough and original. The author makes a convincing and sobering case for plain, hard work when it comes to learning to think strategically -- a welcome and honest assessment of what is necessary to compete on a global scale -- no simple short cuts. This is an outstanding leadership book and should be read by every serious executive. Bravo!

I read this book in about two days and have already started applying much of the suggestions given. I liked how Ed organizes his advice by the cost and ease of applying his recommendations. Most are free, ie, vacuuming your refrigerator coils, some are low-cost buying organic cotton, few are big ticket like getting solar panels. Most are just equal trade-offs such as buying energy efficient light bulbs instead of incandescents. I was able to put many into effect right away and some are on the back burner for when I need to replace things I already have. There is even a checklist at the back which allows you to monitor your changes to compare your gas bills, electric bills etc., which I will really like to see. Overall, the book is an easy-read; no-pressure, just great advice that is easy to apply.

Ed Begley Jr. really walks the walk! I really like the way he sets up the book. He tells you how to do the easy things and the more expensive things too. There is something everyone can do and Yes, everything does make a difference. It will save your energy bill, and help to save our planet.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It is a basic guide and a start at being a better person for the earth. It gave me some great ideas to use for myself.

"Living Like Ed" contains product information and company names. I am trying to figure out how to run an air conditioner without paying the electric company. I think a wind turbine and a dc to ac converter will do the trick better than solar panels because the wind blows even when the sun does not shine. If I get this to work, I'll write another review for this book.
Barbara

The book arrived in great condition and in a timely manner. I would recommend this book to everyone who wishes to make a difference.