Business Books

If there ever was a time to read Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck, it's now. Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck: A Conversation About Income, Wealth, and the Steps in Between (Total Candor)is a clear and concise conversation about personal finance that empowers you to take charge of your finances with confidence. The chapter Take This Book and Use It! has become my indispensable resource as I get my financial act together. There are a lot of personal finance books on the market, but I found Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck to be the most effective for me.

Michael Rubin has provided and delivered an effective roadmap to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of personal financial security. Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck disperses uncommonly good sense in an interesting and easily understandable way. Bravo!

Have questions about money, finances, wealth (or the absence of it!!) This is the book you'll wish you read a long time ago. I went from not even knowing I didn't know, through to moving in an excellent direction in comparatively no time at all (especially considering the years it took me to get as far wrong as I was!!) The Authors use of conversational writing coupled with enough humor to keep us non-financial types interested is nothing short of amazing. This book is not only an easy read but also an excellent gift. Again, THANK YOU Mr. Rubin

I'm a 29 y/o -- I point that out because while I did not really take anything away from this book, someone 21/22 years old straight out of college may get a thing or two from it. It covers the basics of saving money, retirement plans, etc...

Having read both Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" and this book, I must highly recommend "Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck" to you.

It covers, in detail, many different aspects of personal finance (insurance, taxes, paychecks and 401(k) considerations, investing, debt, etc.) while maintaining a sense of humor throughout. Although "Total Money Makeover" does get one motivated to get out of debt, it does not supply the thorough education and background, which "Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck" does so well.

If you are looking for a basic/intermediate personal finance education- this is the book to start with. It is very practical and no-nonsense, without angrily clubbing you over the head with words like "stupid" and "idiotic" (as Mr. Ramsey likes to do in "Total Money Makeover"). Also, this book has a useful appendix with helpful websites and a glossary of terms.

A great read! Thank you Mr. Rubin!

This book is so funny!!! I bought it because I wanted something funny to read and try to find out what is in a man's head when he is getting ready for a date, getting engaged, etc. 2 Funny!! I'm sure that all the accounts in the book are right on for most bachelors today! I read this in one evening, then shared it with my Dad, my brother, my friends. I don't really know who has it now, but everybody wants to read it.

I really enjoyed this. It relates back to real-life situations many of us have seen. Lots of good chuckles, and some really good laughs. Highly recommended. Thanks, Larry.

I find it odd that the bulk of the high praise comes from the Seattle Washington area, but since the author is from the same area perhaps not that odd at all. It's good to support your friends but let us not skew the facts.
I thought what the hey I'll give it a read might get a laugh, it was readable, I snickered a time or two. I find it falls far short of 5 stars. I mean let's be real it's a nice short read with no real revolations. Pretty much part of the ebay 15 minutes of fame ride from the wedding dress auction.
Read it if you want it's mildly entertaining book I'd give it 2 1/2 stars at best, but out of kindness and the fact that Amazon doesn't have a 2 1/2 rating it gets 3.

Very fun book to read. Everyone will be able to relate to the things described, not just for bitter old men. Well written and worth your time and money. Easy and enjoyable to read.

Funny, hilarious, crazy!! Larry Star is great! Lessons we should all use in life! Thanks Larry for a great read and hilarious if not true lessons in dating and relationships!

This book is a wake up call to the Creative! It completely opened my eyes to the many things to think about and plan for when leaving your secure job, and going out on your own. Extremely well written, with a plethora of knowledge on the subject. A complete eye opener. A MUST HAVE for the Creative who is planning on going freelance, or starting their own business. Very informative and necessary to read in order to succeed on your own. Very exciting, I could barely put it down!

According to the author's website at http://www.creativebusiness.com/books.lasso The Business Side of Creativity addresses freelancing and the basics of pricing, selling, and running a SMALL design or marketing communications business. The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business focuses on the management of a MULTIPERSON organization. The website gives a summary on the various chapters of each book.

I started out excited about this book, then quickly realized much of what the author had to say was outdated at best, not the best advice on numerous occasions, but yet the book contained some valuable information. A bit stoneage as far as business marketing practices. One hundred pages on setting up your own studio/small business with personnel (No, thank you). If working as a freelancer in the graphics or copy arenas is your thing, its worth paying $20.00 to get something out of it.

This is such a comprehensive book. If you have any question about how to run a business, let alone a creative one, this book is the only one you'll need.

I'm starting a sole-proprietor (one-person) freelance design business and I have found this book to be extremely helpful. It manages to be realistic about what to expect while also providing encouragement that if you prepare well and work smart, you have the opportunity to reach your financial goals. The book has made me consider contracts carefully and has given me valuable suggestions (for example, setting up standards such as "I can't accept jobs for which I can bill less than 8 hours' work"), thinking about what kinds of clients I want to attract in my business, and so on. It has important points to consider if you are locating your business outside a large metropolitan area. I recommend it for anyone who is starting out - or considering starting out - on a solo creative business.

Truly, this is 'CIO Wisdom' - set down by CIOs and IT managers who deal day-to-day with information technology in perhaps the most challenging environment - Silicon Valley itself. As a 42-year veteran of the IT industry, I think this is the first time I've seen so much down-to-earth, practical and useful IT guidance in one place. The chapters are clearly and well-written. The authors get right down to the meat of the subject and provide practical suggestions for improving IT delivery.

If the book has a weakness, it is that there is so much specific information here that it will likely take multiple readings to glean all of it.

I think this book should be required reading for all CIOs ... and if you really want to start something, get a copy for everyone on your IT staff!

As someone who frequently works with CIOs, I found this book to be excellent. One can read it cover to cover, or easily pick a topic and read the appropriate chapter. Since each chapter is essentially a standalone work produced by a CIO it is easy to flip to a particular issue, and gain insight.

Topics range from some of the more mundane, technical aspects of the CIO position, and further the old "business vs. tech" stereotypes, but other chapters such as "The First 90 Days" and the more strategy-oriented chapters are quite good.

Aside from the relatively minor "'the business' is evil" stuff, the book is marred by poor production. There are several spelling and grammatical errors, and the graphics are inconsistent and some of poor quality. The great content is mildly hindered by what appears to be poor editing and a rush job by the publisher.

Patrick Gray, author of Breakthrough IT: Supercharging Organizational Value Through Technology

I only got to read a few chapters before someone else in the office wanted to read the book. But I can say that the introduction, both generally about the CIO job, and the brief overview of each CIO who contributed, was very good. And the chapters from the different CIOs are valuable for the varied individual perspectives.

If you're not in IT management, probably not a very exciting book. But if you are, it gives you guidance from the varied real experiences of a lot of CIOs--people that you probably wouldn't hear from any other way.

The seventeen articles in this compendium represents contemporary and topical subjects, each written by a seasoned CIO. I was as impressed with the selection of articles as I was with the content because each topic is foremost on the minds of CIOs and senior IT managers today.

Among the articles I especially like are:

- The First 90 Days, by Mark Egan, which contains actionable plans that will get the new CIO (or other senior IT executive) quickly moving in the right direction.

- IT Organization, by Guy de Meester, in particular the challenges of centralization vs. decentraliztion, and organizational models in general. If this area is your focus I highly recommend additional reading: "Decentralization: Fantasies, Failings, and Fundamentals" (ISBN 0964163535) and "RoadMap: How to understand, diagnose, and fix your organization" (ISBN 0964163527), both of which go into great detail and provide an exceptionally effective approach.

- Governance, by Danny Maco, which is conspicuously missing in organizations large and small - or is often done incorrectly if done at all.

- Budgeting, by Bob Denis, Maureen Vavra, John Dick ... you'd think IT has this basic function under control, but sadly not. Read this article for excellent advice.

- The Metrics of IT: Management by Measurement, by Shel Waggener and Steve Zoppi. One of my favorite topics, and this team provides outstanding advice and keen insights.

Other articles are as well written, and span topics from architecture to strategic planning. Taken as a whole, this is a sourcebook that is filled with both knowledge and experience, and should be on the desk of every CIO, seasoned and new. I also recommend visiting the site that supports this book (paste the ASIN number, B0001EHNFK, into the search box for all products on this page). The site contains additional articles, news and other books in this series that CIOs, IT managers at all levels, and subject matter experts will find useful.

As a CIO I though CIO Wisdom hits the nail on the head on many of the challenges and issues facing today's CIO's. Sound and practical advice from those actually performing in the job was quite refreshing to the theoretical approach found in many other books on this topic. I only wish that many of my customers (business line leaders and executives) would read this book to better understand the value of IT can bring to our organization.

My only critique is that some of the concepts discussed in the book where not fully flushed out when the author was talking about solutions. Of course there have been entire books written on some of the topics covered in CIO wisdom.

I was particularly impressed by the Communications, Governance, Marketing and the Business Intelligence chapters.

Everything worked just like it should, used books shipped when they were supposed to in good condition.

A must by for new business owners! Practical teaching with easy to apply techniques. Existing businesses who've let their customer service fall by the wayside could also greatly benefit and be inspired to change.

We do training for companies in a service industry and use this book as part of our program. It has revolutionized the way we look at customer loyalty. The concepts in this book will help you identify and keep the right kind of customers

This book belongs on every company's bookshelf. Why? Because the business world is seduced by the promise of customer conquests when, in fact, customer loyalty is the real ticket to success. This book is chocked full of proven, easy-to-execute sales, marketing and customer care strategies. Its content should be (and is!) used as continual training for companies looking to attract and keep high-value customers.
Pat McMahan
Indianapolis, Indiana

This text is required for my Master of Science in Quality Assurance course. This text gives a very good overview of the essentials of developing and maintaining customer loyalty. It differentiates customer satisfaction and customer loyalty well. I think that everyone will find this a worthwhile purchase.

In the classic Defending the Undefendable, Austrian School economist Dr. Walter Block makes both moral and utilitarian cases for completely laissez-faire capitalism -- no exceptions! The premise of the book is, if freedom to choose can be defended and even celebrated when it comes to the prostitute, the pimp, the drug user, and other social pariahs, then certainly that same freedom should be afforded to everyone else. These supposedly "undefendable" figures, Dr. Block shows, are not only "defendable" but actually heroic.

For example, the drug dealer: He is only providing a product that is in demand to a customer who demands it. It isn't the drugs themselves that promote crime, says Block (with supporting evidence included), but the high cost of the drugs -- and that high cost is a direct result of the drugs' prohibition. To the extent that the drug dealer braves the dangers of the black market to supply drugs to willing customers, he is putting downward pressure on the substances' prices, thereby reducing the likelihood of drug-related crimes against people and property. In this sense, the drug dealer is not only not a bad guy, but indeed a hero.

Libertarians are already very familiar with arguments (moral and utilitarian) for the legalization of drugs and prostitution. But what about blackmailers, slanderers, and libelers? Block takes up their cause. My favorite chapter features Block's analysis of "crooked" cops actually being superior to "honest" cops. After all, the crooked cop gives non-violent "criminals" (i.e. drug dealers, drug users, prostitutes, johns, etc.) the choice of paying a bribe or going to jail, while the honest cop gives them no such choice and instead kidnaps and confines them for their non-crimes. The crooked cop might park his car in an alley and go to sleep on the clock -- wasting taxpayer money, to be sure -- but not as much as the cop who actually "does his job" destroying liberty and property.

Another interesting thing about the book is how the public dialogue has changed since Defending was first published in 1976. For example, while America has drifted even deeper into socialism in the past 32 years, today's statists are not so brazen as to make arguments against the very existence of the profit system! But Block felt compelled to write a chapter defending the profiteer, as well as chapters defending the advertiser and the middle-man.

One final thought on this great book: I never cease being amazed at how thoroughly statism has been ingrained on my mind through the public schooling system, etc. For example, even as a staunch libertarian, I always supported the idea that you couldn't yell "fire" in a public theater -- this is where laws against "free speech" were sensible, right? Well, obviously, there's no need for such laws: "free speech" does not exist on private property, and the theater owner has every reason and right to make a rule against yelling "fire" -- there's no need for a government law. Duh! Block devoted an entire chapter to this concept, and it was ink and paper well spent.

Dr. Block's work, Defending the Undefendable, is an outstanding introduction to basic economics; and an ideal gift for contrarians, curmudgeons and coots of all types. In simple, easy to understand chapters, Dr. Block lays out the case for legalization of a some things, such as prostitution and drugs. In other chapters, he goes on to argue that drug sales and "price gouging" should not only be legal, they are morally praiseworthy. Students of ethical philosophy may also be interested in the manner in which Dr. Block defends many long vilified practices. Two things, unfortunately, keep me from giving this book a full five stars. Although a minor defect, and difficult to avoid in a book of this type, the book can be a little uneven from chapter to chapter. Secondly, the book feels somewhat dated at points - for example, the chapter on the importer, while a subject of great controversy at the time the book was written, has since been overtaken by events, at least insofar as contemporary relevance goes. An updated edition, tackling more contemporary issues (the health insurance shirker, for example) could make the book even more approachable.

Walter Block, or "Doc Block", as I like to call him, provides a solid and refreshing application of the most basic laws of freedom to areas previously avoided by those who claim to support it. What Block does that makes this book unique is exactly what he purports to do in the description. He teaches the lessons of liberty by analyzing the actions of those who are supposedly less worthy of defense. And he does it with a flair that makes the book not just entertaining, but also thought-provoking. Whoever thought an analysis of liberty could be entertaining! Maybe more importantly, the lessons that Doc Block provides for one scapegoat flow smoothly and inexorably to the next. In fact, that's the real treasure of these analyses. The lesson(s) for each new "rogue" is exactly the same as it was for the last one, even though it might initially seem like the cases are vastly different. Lucky for us slow-learners, Block teaches the same lesson over and over again. By the time you hear it applied to such a wide spectrum of (ostensibly) illicit activity, you begin to "get it" relative to not only why freedom is so vital, but why it must be treasured, for all, even the scapegoats.

This book should be required reading for anyone looking to understand what liberty is actually all about.

Block's book is a classic, and nobody can call himself a libertarian if he hasn't read it. It exudes the best in Walter Block's defense of liberty, namely his personal enthusiasm. Apparently Block wrote this while working on his doctoral dissertation, and would "reward" himself for slogging through the necessary evil (i.e. dissertations) by writing a chapter for Defending; it really shows.

I don't agree with all of Block's chapters. In particular, I didn't agree with his analysis of the counterfeiter, and (much to my shock) you can apparently order my critique on Amazon itself.

Having said that, I still consider it essential for every libertarian to read his book. Even if you don't agree with his conclusions, you will definitely see things in a new light. E.g. I still don't consider a litterbug heroic by any stretch, but Block's treatment made me see that littering is only a "social problem" on government property. People probably wouldn't even have the word "litter" if everything were privately owned.

What a fantastic way to illustrate libertarian views, by picking "scumbags" and showing that there is more than meets the eye.

Some 30 years after its original release, Defending the Undefendable is in many ways as fresh and topical as any current book. It follows a collection of society's villains and attempts to explain, in both economic and ethical senses, why these people are really heroes.

In many cases, Dr. Block makes a seemingly airtight case. I found myself disagreeing on a few counts but that only made for a more enjoyable read. After all, who wants to read nothing but what they can unquestioningly agree with?

Defending's cover makes a lofty promise... "Something to Offend Everyone". Honestly, I'd imagined that so long after it's release, this was an unreasonable promise to make, and that much of the controversy of the book would have been dulled with age. But I can report that truly, the book's ability to offend is very much in tact. In my case it was the author's outright hostility to private charity and his attempt to present the social darwinist argument against it (something I was already familiar with) as "undeniable" proof that private charity is harmful.

Still, irrespective of its ability to offend (and in some cases because of it), it's still something I can highly recommend. It is, simply put, a classic work of libertarian philosophy... and a too often ignored one at that.

I've given this book to many young people and it has opened their eyes to the world. It changed them at least a little for the better. It made them aware that they have choices. It is written with a youthful heroism that encourages one to try to be more than ordinary.

This has been one of the few books I've ever read that has truly changed the way I think about life. It isn't just a list of awesome jobs, internships and opportunities around the world, but it's a way of living. The working world can wait! Why act like your 35 when your only 22? You've spent 16 years of your life being educated the way they want. Now spend a few years of freedom and independence to learn about the world your way. See the world, see the people in it. Money and material things can wait; they can never replace experiences, memories or relationships.

This book talks about all that. It gives you hundreds of very specific ideas on jobs, finding jobs/opportunities and how to make ends meet. The whole book is mingled with personal accounts from people who actually went out into the world and lived an amazing life. I work in a news room for my college newspaper, and half of the staff is seniors. I've left the book in the office, and everyone of them reads it and tells me how great it is. Best $10 I've ever spent!

I have just started to read this book, and I knew in the first few pages that it was a worthwhile purchase. The author does a great job of motivating the reader to take a less-traveled path, and continues to flood you with ideas and information that are sure to make you hungry for adventure. I have also found that the author is a very entertaining writer, and goes through points and information with a sense of humor and excitement - much like what we would expect from the twenty-something adventure-seeker she says she is.

Overall, I am enjoying the book thoroughly. I find it to be extremely informative, motivating, and well organized. Even the book itself is very nice physically, with a very attractive layout, smooth heavy pages, crisp bold fonts, and a perfect medium size.

Highly recommended!!!

I can't believe there is a book like this. It's so much against what corporate America ingrains into you, that of life being all about the rat race. I'm still doing what I want, experiencing the world, and having experiences I could never have in the US, in my 30's still. I see no reason to stop and surrender to the boring "real world" in America.

I've been traveling the world and doing what I want for the past 5 years now, before finally settling here in the Philippines. Although I'm poor, not accruing any social security or pensions, not following any real career path, etc. I'm happy. And that's the most important thing. I don't believe in getting a serious job unless it's something I love, just because society says so. The purpose of life is to enjoy it, and if you're not enjoying it with enriching experiences, then you are wasting your life in my book, even if you're making good money in a good job.

I have recommended this book to all my email group and list. It gives a whole new dimension on life and offers an alternative that the educational establishment in America never tells you about.

I've created my own website describing the joyous benefits unknown to most Americans of being abroad long term. It's called Happier Abroad at http://www.happierabroad.com. It helps inspire people to pursue international living, dating and traveling, and cultivate an awareness of the positive benefits overseas unknown to most Americans, who instead are living in fear and isolation perpetuated by the US media and culture which tells them that there is nothing good outside the US and that you are empty inside and need to work and consume to fill that emptiness. It's a soulless life lacking connectedness with others and inner life.

Check it out. It'll give you a whole new dimension on life.

Thanks for reading this review.

Sincerely,
Winston

The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One Learning new things is great but going straight from classroom to career choice just leaves out too many interesting experiences. Delaying the Real World is perfect if you want some stops in between, especially if you prefer variety and combination to choosing just one thing.

It makes logical sense, when it comes to niche businesses that the key to success is to be first, best, or different. Still, the learning curve for the first in a particular niche is usually very high. Those that follow tend to have an easier go. Being best is wonderful but keeping up with the competition is demanding. Finally, being different allows your business to stand apart from the rest. However, your degree of success will depend entirely upon how well your products or services suit the clients you serve.

Starting a new niche business can sound extremely attractive. Most people assume that if they create a product that those who need it will magically flock to them. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

First, Best or Different specifically looks at niche planning and marketing. Like any business endeavor, planning is often the difference between success and failure. It can't be stressed enough, it is imperative that you not only know what you are getting into when you start your company but also the needs of your customers. Gimmicks will only get you so far, if you have nothing of real value to sell your company will soon go bust.

First, Best or Different is an absolutely excellent book. I first read this book just over a year ago and its helpful insights continue to help me develop great marketing ideas of my own. The topics that are covered are vast and the knowledge provided is in depth but not overwhelming. The structure of the book and short chapters allow for the book to be quickly read and for its knowledge to be passed on quickly. This book is an asset to the thought process of any business person and should be an essential tool in the toolbox of all marketers, from professionals to students. In summary, BUY THIS BOOK! It will make you a better business person.

John Bradley Jackson is the real deal. I've implemented his advice and created a successful niche product. I'll never look at marketing the same way again.

Whether you are an entrepreneur of a small company or an intrapreneur in a big corporation, this book will add value to your pursuits. It provides an extensive coverage of the field of marketing--from the fundamental paradigms to the author's experiences as a marketer.

What I like most about the book is it stays current, especially within the realm of the internet. John's book will be able to elevate or even recreate some of the ideas you currently have.

used as course material in a marketing course, this book has continued my education with the ever changing market today, as i constantly find new ways to apply the learnings into my job as a marketing coordinator.
if you are looking into understanding the complex minds of today's information savvy customers, this book is definitely worth the time to read.
its written in a very direct and easy to read format that most should be able just pick up, and read any specific part that applies to whatever the occasion calls for.

At first look these 4 filters seem self explanatory; however, this book examines and clarifies them. Once you have read it, read it again and take notes. This may turn out to be the most valuable book in your financial library.

If you would like to emulate Buffett/Munger and increase your net worth, use these 4 filters with the increased understanding that you will glean from this book.

Labitan takes some highly ambiguous guidelines that Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger use when selecting investments:

1. Know the business
2. Durable competitive advantage
3. Able and trustworthy management
4. Margin of safety

and puts it all together in a way that just makes sense. Labitan nailed it with this book. He gets it!

A must read for any individual investor with a stock portfolio or a business-owner looking to make an acquisition.

I really enjoy reading this book. It has great insight into how Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger think about their investments. Mr Labitan has really done well explaining the four important factors of investments.

Wow, this author really hit it on the nail. The book takes a difficult subject and breaks it down into an understandable and practical perspective. It is one thing to know what successful investors put their money into, it is another thing to know why. One day I will be happily surprised when I move strong into a stock and learn someone like Mr. Buffet happen to follow as well.

This is an excellent book for potential as well as seasoned investors. The author provides a succint and dependable method of investing. By following the four filters, enunciated by the author, readers will gain confidence in investing and success in investment. Perhaps, the best investment is this book.

Very good information. Gives the reader a step by step process of getting clients without insulting intelligence.

I own a small business and I am looking to find more clients. This book is a must have for anyone who wants to offer services to businesses. I have already found this book to informative, simple to understand, and it has given me new skills to market my business without all the expense. Although I haven't done this for 28 days, I already have some leads on new clients just by doing some of the steps mentioned. Any one who offers a service related business should read this book. Truly a lifesaver!
Thanks

This book demystified marketing for me. I read other marketing books, but could not then commit to one course of action. In plain language, C. J. Hayden helps you to pinpoint where to focus your energy. Then she helps you to develop a step-by-step plan based on your needs.

If you are looking for a book about how to write a great sales letter, this is not it. If you are looking for a way to develop a low-maintenance business development plan, buy this book. You can spend as little or as much time as you want on this program. She explains how to get the ball rolling, and reminds you that development can be an ongoing activity.

Thesis: With this 28-day marketing program, you will locate, land, and keep new clients in greater numbers than you've probably ever dreamed possible. It includes steps that are easy to follow and practical for professionals and consultants.

Structure: A 28-day program described in ten chapters spread over three sections: The Setup, The System, and The Strategies.

Here are some sections I found especially valuable:

What Really Works? Effective Marketing Strategies (Ch. 1; pp. 5-21)
C.J. delivers a great lead-in that primes the reader with sound and specific information about what to consider. She speaks to the "hows" and "whys" behind marketing. Graphics such as the one on page nine ("Marketing strategies for the service business") make the material easily accessible to reader, helping break down any possible barriers of intimidation.

You're Ready...Let's Go! Putting the System into Action (Ch. 6; pp. 85-127)
This chapter leads the reader through the entire 28-day process with excellent details and tools (such as the worksheet on page 89) to help track progress. It's the culmination of the previous two chapters that discuss building your own system from a menu of tried-and-true marketing ingredients. C.J. tells you (1) what marketing ingredients to choose from, (2) how to choose what's best for your situation, and (3) specifically how to put the plan in action.

Following Up: When You Have Plenty of Numbers But You're Not Calling (Ch. 8, pp. 171-184)
This chapter is one of four in the third and final section: The Strategies. These four chapters help the reader focus on practical solutions for common problems encountered during the 28-day program and beyond. Chapter Eight focuses on breaking down barriers that cause inaction. It provides practical solutions to help the reader actually follow through on acquired leads.

It's easy to get overwhelmed with business and self-help books because authors provide a wealth of suggestions and no clear path. This is where Hayden's book stands out. She breaks everything down from the six marketing strategies and setting up measurable goals to selecting ten doable activities.

The book also includes two worksheets that work with the program for easier reviewing and tracking progress. While you can follow the program alone, she recommends having support from someone other than family. It could be a coach or a colleague in the industry.

The organized and methodical program guides you through each step. Reading the how doesn't take long and the program begins mid-way through the book. The latter half of the book describes the activities you can do while following the 28-day program. So you won't get overwhelmed at the thought of "too many pages to read."

I worked on it as soon as I started reading the book. Having this guide took a lot of pressure off of me as I know exactly what to do once I'd put my plan together. Not many business books have urged me to take action and this one succeeded. I know that after a month of following this process, I'll see positive results.

While the book sounds simple, and it is — it takes work to make it happen. Instead of taking the long route and learning from trial-and-error, Hayden provides you with a direct route so you do the activities and don't worry about overdoing it.

Some people may not like strict rules. The book isn't like that. It's okay to adjust the plan so you do six or seven activities instead of ten. It helps you figure out where you're stuck in the marketing process and provides the tools for working past it. The book is over five years old and its contents are as relevant today as when it first came out. I can say with certainty that anyone who follows the plan will get great results.