Business Books

I recommend Terez's 22 Keys for all business professionals. Terez uses practical examples to bring forth important points to the reader. (Humor included!) The book has a human touch as voices of hundreds of folks from all walks of work life reach out as they share their experiences.

You will walk away with practical examples and useful advice.

Without question, the work at the American Red Cross, where I work everyday, is MEANINGFUL! Meaningful work, though, is inclusive.....ALL jobs...volunteer and paid are meaningful and have great value. Tom Terez's 22 Keys To a Meaningful Workplace is a powerful reminder of how hard we must work to keep talented people engaged...even at the American Red Cross!

It is great reading, provides helpful skill building and is a great reference for the keys to being delighted at work!

22 Keys is much more than an interesting book about building a meaningful workplace. It is a practical guide for creating the kind of environment we all wish for. While many books talk about how "nice" it is to have meaning at work, this book has practical excercises for transforming the workforce to one that both improves productivity and retains the best employees. You don't just read the book and put it away, but actually use it to make tangible improvements. Tom's research was fascinating, and he writes in in a style everyone will appreciate. Thanks for all the actual ideas that have made a difference Tom!

22 Keys To Creating A Meaningful Workplace has changed the way our company does business. Period. These simple, common sense keys open the door to a new level of committment, service and pride for our team. We've been so pleased with the results in our workplace, we have featured the book in our company newsletter, which is distributed to over 11,000 professionals in Canada. Simplicity is the key to action and change!

This book was a delightful surprise. I expected to read yet another business book directed solely toward owners, executives, and managers. This specialized audience will gain quite a lot from this book, but so will "ordinary employees." 22 Keys is an Everyman's book, written in a tone that encourages focused initiative by all sorts of readers. Not only does this approach add value to the book, it makes it much more salable in bulk to companies interested in changing their work environment.

Corporate culture has been defined as "what it feels like to work here." Terez has captured what people are looking for in today's work environment in his exploration of what it takes to create a meaningful workplace. Before going any further, it's important to list the 22 Keys. As you read this list, pause at each one and think about how it relates to your personal situation. Purpose, Direction, Relevance, Validation, Respect, Equality, Informality, Flexibility, Ownership, Challenge, Invention, Support, Personal Development, Dialogue, Relationship Building, Service, Acknowledgement, Oneness, Self-Identity, Fit, Balance, and Worth.

Each key is presented in a chapter heavily seasoned with vignettes that hold the reader's attention. Not all the stories have happy endings, making this book even more valuable. It's not a quick-and-easy-guide-to-Nirvana, but is a realistic presentation. Questions challenge the reader's thinking and, hopefully, stimulate behavior. Actions by others are described to build a sense of confidence that the reader can also do these things and make a difference.

The book has a number of features that increase its readability and usefulness. Reality checks at the end of each chapter focus the reader's attention. Did you get the message? Quotations, liberally sprinkled throughout the book, stimulate thought. I felt the author could have done with a few less quotes, but that's a very minor issue. One of the pages I turned down (there were many) marks a quote by Albert Einstein: "Not everything that can be counted counts, but not everything that counts can be counted." When we're all looking to measure our performance, yet at the same time achieve life-work balance, the quote is meaningful. Ah! Meaningful. The objective of the book: well-achieved. The action plans will help you get started to make a difference in your organization.

This book will be around for a while. It fits comfortably with what needs to be done in the world of work-in the private sector, in government, in non-profits, in education. If it isn't on your shelf yet, now is the time to get a copy, read it, and share it. I read the hardcover edition.

If you want to become a professional photographer or already are a working photographer, this is the book you should buy first!

As a 15 year professional photographer I have learned things in this book that have made me thousands of dollars this year just by changing the way I invoice clients. And between this book, John's website, and blogs I hope to continue to make thousands more than I used to. I didnt know who John Harrington was until he came to a local Advertising Photographers of America seminar. I didnt buy the book initially, but I wish I had. Those wasted months cost me money.

Don't pass this up, add it to your cart now!

There's a lot more to earning a living with your photography than simply creating a great image. John's a successful pro and his advice is very thorough, very professional and based upon actual experience. Highly recommended!

I am always a little suspicious of reviews of books, since so many of them are made by friends of the author, but this book is definitely a "must read" for any photographer that is serious about making it in this business, regardless of what sector you are interested in. It definitely is an eye opener on some subjects, and makes you aware of things you never thought of, on others. Regardless of whether you are a working pro now, or thinking about it, buy this book, period! This book pretty much covers it all from a business standpoint. I'm glad I choose this one over all of the others.

I read John's excellent book on business twice and then met him at the ASMP seminar in LA. This is not a how-to take good photos book rather a how-to negotiate effectively and stay in business and MAKE MONEY!
I have applied all his techniques and can promise it increased my income! I learned to price on usage and value.
Highly recommended to professional photographers and starting out photographers that would like to learn the business side of photography.
Jason
www.wallisphoto.com

If you're looking for a behind-the-scenes view at what it takes to be a truly successful commercial photographer, this book offers about the best picture you're going to get. I don't think John leaves one stone unturned in detailing all the facets of the business. Here is a sampling of some of the topics covered:

- Tactical decision making and serving the overall strategy
- Importance of proper equipment
- Being prepared for the unexpected
- Working with employees, contractors, interns, and apprentices
- Pricing and licensing your work to stay in business
- A real cost-of-doing-business approach with a photography-tailored CODB calculator
- Proper bookkeeping and accounting
- All types of insurance needed, and the importance of a COI (certificate of insurance)
- Everything about legal issues including copyright registration, infringements, and contract breaches
- All types of contracts and negotiations with real-life examples, and when to say "no"
- Why you need an accountant and an attorney, and what to ask them
- Great methods for dealing with slow and non-paying clients
- The power of email and professional writing along with the use of proper signatures
- Great advice on proper storage archiving, redundancy, security, and the importance of backing up both onsite and offsite in this new digital age

John also offers ample recommended reading at the end of each chapter, and sites excellent references from other sources throughout the book. There's no question John has been around the block multiple times in this industry. Some of the stories he tells are invaluable lessons and give real insights into the rapport of the business. The book is also up to date with discussions on the new and various methods of tapping into that extra stock revenue using the latest stock portals such as Digital Railroad and PhotoShelter. Through all of this, John does not lose sight of the importance of the human aspect, covering everything from the proper care and feeding of your clients to ongoing education, networking, charity, and giving back. And in case you are wondering, he explains how it is possible to do what you love and still have time for your loved ones.

In summary, a fantastic book, and one that will have a lasting impact on both your business and your personal life. Thanks John for paying it forward.

GREAT book! Puts a different spin on personal growth that is very understandable and yet fun to read. Everyone should read this one.

Save your money, buy a Hallmark Card or a bag of fortune cookies, either of which will dig as deep as this book.

Frank has the style to teach you how to move forward with your dreams step by step. It is a wonderful compliment to his first endeavors in Stack the Logs. Thank you Frank for sharing your insights.

I love the surfing terms in Frank Lunn's book, "Carpe Aqualis! Seize the Wave." Two chapters in particular -- "Your Competition is Not Other Surfers, Its Only You" and "Go Big or Go Home! To Be Great, You Have to be Willing to Wipe Out!" -- are gems.

This book is about your personal success journey. It's both fun and serious at the same time. Frank's surfing skills will revolutionize your business and personal life. Read it today and get ready for your big wave. It's coming.

Barbara Keddy, President, www.BeGreatMarketing.com

Frank Lunn, a very successful young man in every way has written a wonderful book in Carpe Aqualis! It is an excellent, strategy- and information-packed book on riding the waves to success. And, Frank is living proof that it works.I met Frank at a private infopreneur's meeting in Philadelphia late last year and he gave me a copy of his book. I was completely engaged by this young man and father who has lived every word he's written, achieved remarkable success and maintains a wonderfully warm, presence for every person he meets. I enjoyed him so much that I invited him to be an Associate on my team at Your Spiritual Home and he accepted!It's an excellent book and I highly recommend you buy it. Give it to young people just starting out and shortcut their journeys to success as well!

Citrix MetaFrame XP: Advanced Technical Design Guide, Second Edition was a decent general read. In depth technical detail seemed to be lacking and was replaced by repetitive best practice lectures. However, I enjoyed the authors side comments and general personality that was interwoven into the reading. Overall the book is informative and well written.

We had 2 other books on Citrix Metaframe but the books didn't give us much detail so we started looking for a better resource. I found this book and recommended it to my Network Adminsitrator. I thought I won't get much from it because I don't work with Citrix everyday but when time permits, I read the book and 70% of the time I got the answers from this book.

Not a book for beginners. This is written for engineers and people who already have a good grasp of the basics of Terminal Servers and Citrix. No "how to" install in this book, but rather how to design, implement, identify and resolve your own problems, with a lot of real-life examples.

The style of the book (way it is written) makes a pleasant change from the usual technical books, as it addresses you like you know what you're talking about. You will come out with a clear understading of the issues you're facing and how to resolve them.

This book is self-published, which makes it all the more remarkable.

The book covers up to Windows 2000 and Mataframe XP FR2. I'm keen to see when the next edition comes out, and hpoefully it will concentrate on Windows 2003 + Metaframe 3.0

I had a real tough time searching the Internet and all other places to get some real stuff on Citrix and my search ended with "this" book by "Brain" Madden.

Citrix will notice a sizeable improvement in their sales if they include this book with their product. Everything is explained clearly with visuals and no filler material.

One of the best Tech Books to hit the market in recent times.

In my opinion, this book is the ONLY interesting published book about Citrix until now. I have read most of the available books about Citrix and Terminal Services and this is the only one I would buy again.

If you are a Citrix Certified Administrator, you will find this book very helpful. Personally speaking, I prefer it to most of the Citrix official documentation.

Take into account that it is a book for people who already has a deep knowledge about Citrix. It is not a guide for begginers. It gives you hints to improve your own Citrix project methodology.

Amazon guys, let me suggest this, please: If you are looking for a step-by-step begginers guide, have a look at Methodology in a Box (freely available at http://www.dabcc.com)

Finally, a way to beat your caffeine addiction! Creative Advertising. For aspiring and seasoned creatives alike, Creative Advertising is fuel for great ideas. The Kickstart Catalogue is an invaluable resource for getting the creative juices a'flowin. My work noticeably improved after reading this book. I could go on and on, but I don't want to waste your time. Instead of reading this, you should be reading this book. You will not be sorry.

When you first lay your hands on this book you will realize this book is something special with its elegant appearance. The book speaks directly to two audiences creatives and professionals on the acct mgt/client side. The author chooses over 20 different styles that an ad can use to effectively communicate.

For example before and after is a technique has been used countless times and requires diverse imagery that dramatizes the benefit to the consumer yet intrigues them to look at ad. This book has 7 full color ads and explanations that demonstrate how to effectively use this technique.

You will find the examples are from across the globe using brands from all verticals. Although you can pick up a lot from reading cover to cover, anyone can enjoy viewing the ads in this book as a critiquing exercise.

Huge book. Lots of tips. Color photos. Interviews with the pros. An overall great guide to team creativity.

This book has become one of my favorite books in my library. Extremely creative ideas and large, colorful photos. I am very pleased to have this book.

I expected this book would contain some cool ads and lots of boring text about advertising. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is actually full of awesome examples of ads, pretty much from cover to cover.

It also contains a good How To guide to help eliminate 'art directors block', based on methods used by the creators of the ads featured throughout this book.

A very good buy with lots of pages of 'wow'.

The DNA of Successful Leaders takes readers through a personality profile and the diagnosis of the results, which, based on the title, probably isn't surprising. Personality profiles aren't what you like to read in your leisure time, nor are books about them. I felt the same way about personality profiles, until I picked up this book.

The DNA of Successful Leaders is what I would call the "real-life personality profile." Mr. Tate's philosophy is simple - you were born to lead and influence others for the better, but your leadership will only be effective if it is true to who you are.

The information in this book is invaluable, and is a must read for everybody to use in business and in life. It encourages readers to be authentically themselves, and to allow others to be the same. As a Coach, this insight alone made me cheer!

I have never seen a "personality" profile that is so insightful and provides such practical application. I have found it to be very helpful to me at a business level as well as a personal level. As a doctor it has helped me to have insight to my patients and understanding how to communicate certain concepts to them more effectively. In my personal life it has given me a lot of new insights to my friends and loved ones. A must read!!

An incredible insight to understanding yourself and how you relate to others. Tate's book shows how easy it is to adapt, relate, and influence others while all along being true to yourself, associates, clients, and friends. A "must read" no matter your occupation!

You'd be a fool not to read this book. Mr. Tate- what a difference you have made in my company!! A month ago, one of our most valued employees resigned. Since reading this book, I have been working on all of our relationships within our company in order to improve communications and cooperation. When she quit, we were devastated. Knowing she was a pure 'red' I re-read the chapter on reds and worked to understand how a "blue" should work with her. After a deep conversation following literally exactly the words of Mr. Tate, our employee reconsidered her position and rejoined our company with a completely renewed outlook on her job and the company. Mr. Tate, you single-handedly saved our company. I appreciate everything you shared in this book. It has been the most relevant and practical guide for my business. Thank you!

I got this book for Christmas and honestly, I'd have prefered socks. I don't mind personality quizzes. I, like most educated people, find them droll and amusing, a light-hearted folly, something to do on a rainy day in lieu of sudoku. This book, though, is such a heaping pile of psycho-babble and business-speak it made me want to grind glass into my eyeballs. Why? It's basically a rehash of The Hartman Personality Test, popularly called "The Color Code," reworded just enough to avoid litigation. (Mr. Tate was, after all, a lawyer in a previous incarnation.) In addition, there is absolutely no bibliography or evidence of any actual research, meaning that Tate, with his aforementioned law degree, has about as much academic sanction to write a book about psychology as I do. Third, Tate makes no attempt to hide his deeply held Republican and rightist views, painting Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush in blindingly favorable light and maligning such former Democratic leaders as Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. Finally, he claims to apply his "methodology" to the Beatles, claiming that each one had one of the four colors in his test, attributing their massive popularity to that alone. No Troy, they just played great music.

If you're a banal mid-level managerial type whose anonymously boring career is stuck in a rut and who buys into the "I'm Okay, You're Okay" malarkey pop culture continues to force feed the masses, than this might just be the book for you. If you're a thinking human being with a personality more complex than a coloring book, look elsewhere.

This book is about breaking through into a world where you don't accept number two status but you focus every element of your business into being the best of your own category.

Don't accept that this book is just for marketing executives, it should be read by everyone in business to comprehend how crucial it is to change your way of thinking. The entire book is summed up on page 264, where there is a clear four stage process outlined visually. The book is full of stories to illuminate Morgan's theories and outlines 'think tank' processes in order for your business no matter how big or small to 'break with your immediate past' and forge a new way of doing things.

Brilliant book that changed the way I approached business and marketing. I'd not have the drive and success without it.

This book did great things for my understanding of a challenger brands greatest strengths and strategies. Not to turn this into a forum, I have a few questions though: Does anyone know more about Adam Morgan? Did he work for TBWA? Any other agencies? What was his discipline? Any info would help.

I don't know how to explain the insightful ideas I have taken from this book.

I have read tens of books on branding and how to gain a competitive advantage, yet none were as ground breaking as "Eating the Big Fish".

While others will tell you "what" marketing approaches they used...this one explains the "why".

I got my copy almost free using a coupon from UnderTag.com

Author Adam Morgan went hunting for the second most successful brands. He sought commonalities among them to develop guidelines for those who are challenging the number one brands in their fields. In other words, if you are coming into the battle in the number two slot, here's your strategy for winning the marketing wars. Morgan is very adept at breaking things down into precise action steps. Witty and engaging, he offers a detailed analysis of the current consumer attitude about brands plus strategies you can use to market your second or third rank brand. We recommend this compilation of competitive ideas to those who want to boost their "Challenger" brands.

I own (oooooh) probably between 80 and 100 books on marketing, some are obligatory read for my masters in marketing, some are handpicked in stores and on amazon and I stand by the title of my review. What can you take out from this book: YOU CAN compete with big brands, there are attitudes and ways of running your business that can knock down the goliath in your industry, and this book explains how, giving numerous examples from various industries. Only negative, if I can call it that, is author's writing style, which was rather hard for me, but then again, I am croatian, so it could be my english, not mr Morgan's :). A MUST!! have.

Get rich schemes are out of control today. Beyond the schemes, many people seem to use the lottery their own personal retirement plan.

This is not a get rich quick book, but a common sense guide to becoming wealthy over time. Told though thoughts of a "wealthy barber," this book goes back to basics to teach wise saving and investing techniques. It also reinforces ideas that many have learned over time.

There are several powerful concepts to investing in the book. One of the most important concepts is: Pay yourself first. Although simple, it has profound implications on becoming financially secure.

Another powerful concept is how to invest wisely. The Wealthy Barber talks about the good and bad sides of stock market investing, real estate investing and more. The book also exposes some of the wasteful ways of spending money such as buying cash value life insurance as opposed buying term insurance and investing the difference.

I found the book refreshing and insightful. Great for the beginner as well as advanced investor, these ideas should never go out of fashion. I try to apply many of these principles in my own life and encourage others interested in doing the same.

Overall, this is an excellent book to re-discover common sense and learn the basics of saving, investing, patience, and the magic of time to become wealthy. Highly recommended!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I really liked this book. I read it as part of a workshop for school. The author made the subject matter easy to understand for everyone, and in a format that was fairly enjoyable. It made me see the importance of good planning.

Pros:
-covers a broad range of topics
-gives great financial tips
-reads like a novel
-concise and quick to read
-is easy to understand
-inspires you to start your planning right away

Con:
-could have written a little more about a couple of the topics

The bad news first: The author had a great idea of putting sound financial advice in a novel format. The characters are boring and one dimensional save for the fact that they are sports fans. The dialogue is forced and fast, but for the purpose of getting to the lessons where the dialogue is disruptive at times.

The good news: If you can forge through the pages of banter and witticisms you will find some things that you'll be glad you found such as a proxy [check it out] and some things about investing and insurance.

The outcome: This story takes place in Michigan, which is also the state who's company's representatives (AmWay, now Quixtar, Inc.) launched a major dealing in the distribution of this book. It appealed to their wide client/distributor base and sent its sales into the stratosphere.

My son picked this book up many years ago. Both he & I read it. It made an imprint on my life, as well as his. I am financially independent & semi retired at age 57.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't know anything about money. It is really easy to understand and doesn't skip over the basics. If you know the basics you may not find it an interesting read.

A story presented in comic book form that follows an ordinary Joe (named Gray)in uniting his company's division to make changes before the division is eliminated. Tremendous wisdom presented in thinking about others viewpoints and dealing with sensitive (ie aggressive) egos in getting things done. Humorous and engaging -it's a great way to introduce those who are entering the work world or the world weary who have forgotten the subtleties it takes to motivate others. Questionaires and questions, specific recommendations about what you can do to help with sales or cost savings.

"I never really wanted to be a PM but the company recognized my efforts in supporting Widgets XYZ and therefore they decided to promote me by becoming a PM!!" I am sure most of u ended up like that. Well I certainly did. I will tell you that this job is not easy and especially if u are not an IT background PM, u r in trouble!

This book believe it or not I used to read in between trips to Italy before I took this new job I am in. Forget PMI (well don't forget but ...) this book will give you're the instant PM Adernialin u need and it will also manage your expectations of how things should happen. It ahs a people side in this book which most other techs books fail to see. It was allot of fun to read. I have been 12 months on the job now and I think I like it now!

This is the first business book I've read that teach you great lessons about how to succeed in business and in your career in a humoristic manner.

It references stuff like the 8 commandments for selling people on your ideas, and the 7 Deadly Workplace Sins and how to overcome them.

This is definitely a must read book.

I approached this book with an attitude of "I know this content already," "I could have written this book". . . . But a few pages into the book, I realized I was learning.

The content is surprisingly complete. When skimming the Table of Contents, the topics did not seem comprehensive. But after reading this book, the important things were covered; including sensitive areas that are usually not discussed.

I appreciate that much of the content is in comic strip format. I know, I know, this doesn't sound good. But I have so many books that I've started and stopped because I don't have time to read it all. So it's very gratifying to get through the content of the book in one evening.

In summary, I learned some important stuff from this book and know that I can return to this book for reminders and details. Five stars!

Gray matters is disappointing in many respects. First, the cartooning is crude and not up to standards set by syndicated strips. Second, there's not a single laugh in the whole book -- this is no Dilbert. Third, the advice is common sense to the point of being patronizing -- it features such brilliant insights as "listen to people." Wow, who'd ever think of doing that? Finally, several character actions are highly unethical and could get you in hot water if you did the same, such as breaking into a co-worker's computer, or moonlighting without your boss's knowledge at a customer company strictly to get inside information. You want to talk lawsuit? Read "The Dilbert Principle" instead -- its insights are hilarious and telling.

When I got Matt s book in at my office, I could not put it down. Matt has it broken down and very easy to understand on how to implement managed services in your business. Matt has made me rethink about how to go about doing business in my IT consulting firm. If you want to shorten the path to managed services this is your guide. I got his second book and I cant wait to devour that one.
Great Job Matt! Look forward to anything you put out! Anything!

Alex Rodriguez
Director of Business Development
On Time Technology Solutions, Inc.

Matt has put together the perfect guide for someone who is starting out learning the sales process effectively. Most providing technical services didn't set out to become sales people, but need to become ones in order for their businesses to grow. Matt lays out an entire sales process, designed exactly to teach a solution based sales process, including learning to overcome objections and how to manage the basics of sales.

Matt lays out how to be a good sales person, doing something "for" your customer rather than "to" your customer, helping non-sales people become effective sellers in a way that fits perfectly with their needs and personalities. Selling is something you need to know how to do, and Matt can teach you how to do it. Worth every penny.

This book is an exciting read for any IT professional providing break fix or already doing some type of managed services. It's always comforting knowing the issues that we face are the same as others in the industry and this book does highlight the advantages of an alternateive managed services model - it provides ideas and solutions. It will definitely be a future point of reference in our business. The book was also well summarised and easy to read. Highly recommended.

A Guide to SELLING Managed Services - faster, easier & for greater profit
After reading this book, you will get an idea of the successful way to capitalize on the idea of Managed Services. More importantly, you will have a concept of presenting the professional manner needed to position your business for success. Matt has a great way of communicating very basic business concepts that everyone should know to be successful. The book is written very well for a fast read which equates to quicker implementation. Don't delay, buy this book.

If you are new to the industry or have been in it for over 20 years like me, you know that you need to do all that you can to understand what does and doesn't work for others. To those new to the business he offers a real road map for success. To those who have been doing this for years, he presents some very compelling reasons to re-think the way you do business. I can't say I agree with everything Matt has put forth here, but I will say he has produced a very well written and organized guide to all the critical components of a well run managed services business. It helped me to clarify my position on all the issues he presented.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in staying in the IT services business over the next five years.