Business Books

Pamela Yatsko's New Shanghai is one of those "must read" books about China. Yatsko did much of the research for this book while living and working in China. She lived in Shanghai from 1995 to 1998, while serving as the Eastern Economic Review's first Shanghai correspondent and bureau chief since 1949. Following this assignment, she worked for the Economist Group as managing editor of Hong Kong's Business China--a job which allowed her to return to Shanghai frequently.

Yatsko's experiences writing about China's economy led her to explore the many facades she discovered pervading contemporary China. According to the author, while the exteriors of many facets of Shanghai look glitzy and modern, the interiors often tell a vastly different story. The book is divided into key aspects of the city's revival: real estate, the budding world of high finance, growing socio-economic disparity, the return of the multinational firms and their expats, vice, the future of state-owned businesses and their employees, and the status of the arts.

Summarizing Yatsko's conclusions would spoil a juicy read. So, suffice it to say that she uncovers the ways in which expectations for the city have often not been realistic and means by which the future lies in the ability of reality to catch up with these expectations. Considering the industrial and cultural wasteland the city became between 1949 and 1979, Shanghai truly has undergone an amazing renaissance. Will it become the New York City of Asia? Should it? The author gives us pause for many such thoughts. I lived in Shanghai from 2005-2007, and this book clarified many aspects of the "new China" for me.

The book is well-researched and sheds insights on both the city's achievements and her challenges for the future. All of the key elements making up this brave new city are helpfully placed within their historical context. New Shanghai makes essential reading for anyone who seeks to put modern Shanghai life into perspective.

Fun Fact: On the inside book jacket, you'll find a review by one of Shanghai's own literary celebrities, Lynn (Ling) Pan. She was also interviewed by the author for this book.

As a Shanghainese who is sick of the feverish optimism about China nowadays, I was deeply skeptical when I first opened this book. It turned out to be the best book on China I have seen so far. The book, especially its second chapter on the financial market, is full of coolheaded analysis and down-to-the-ground reliable facts. Sometimes, it even shames me for not knowing Shanghai as well as this foreigner does. I recommend the book as a very reliable source of information for those interested in Shanghai and as a book to keep some authentic memory of Shanghai for those overseas Shanghaineses.

Yatko's book far exceeded my expectations. Well argued, carefully thought out and with an excellent thesis. It is easy for old Shanghai residents (such as myself) to revel in an Old Shanghai nostalgia that has long ceased to exist. Yatsko highlights and illustrates many points that we overlooked, ignored or never knew in the first place. Valuable reading for anyone planning to do business in China or simply interested in this great city.

I worked in business in Shanghai during 1995-98 and continue to travel there often. I have yet to come across a more interesting or useful book about Shanghai's metamorphosis and the changes taking place in urban China in general. Although Shanghai and China are fast moving targets, the book provides a spot-on snapshot of the issues facing Shanghai at the millennium and has helped me make sense of this fascinating yet perplexing city. The author really captures the successes and failures of fin de siecle Shanghai well. Also, there's lots of anecdote to make the book a lively read-the chapter on vice is particularly fun. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in understanding what's beneath Shanghai's glittering surface.

I found "New Shanghai" not long ago as I was preparing to visit Shanghai after six years in the states, and was attracted to it immediately. Having lived in Shanghai most of my life, I have to say that the author knows about Shanghai better than I do. I'm only familiar with the life of my like, but the book has a broad coverage, from the upper class to the cultural underdogs. In particular, I liked to read Yatsko's interviews with various people, which added a sense of reality.

Yatsko has captured Shanghai's fastest socio-economic changes since it lost the luster as the most prosperous city in the Far East early last century. With her solid knowledge of economics and first-hand experience, the stories are credible and the analysis is insightful. Whereas "old Shanghai" has aroused most scholarly interest due to its relation to modernity, Yatsko's depiction of Shanghai's rebirth in the 1990s also offers a unique hindsight on its past.

Although I wish I could have read this wonderful book earlier, it's not so late in the sense that I now know more interesting places

I love Gordon Korman's books. They are clean, fun and thrillingly funny. This, however is one of my favorites. I especially recommend it for all my neices and nephews who are just getting into reading. I still read it about once every year or so. Trust me and buy the thing, you won't regret it

Gordon Korman has delivered to us an astounding amount of unforgettable books which I will reread forever, I Want to Go Home!, Who is Bugs Potter?, and the Bruno and Boots series really do stick in your mind after you read them, they are classics. However, No Coins, Please, falls of short of the line I've expected him to meet. First of all, the counsellors are unbearable dull. Even though we spend much more time with them than with the counsellors in "I Want to Go Home!" they are much more boring and predictable than even the minor counsellors in "I Want to Go Home!". Similarly, the other children just aren't as interesting or noteworthy. The humour isn't really there, and as for the schemes, well, the extra prank Korman put on his website as a joke is more noteworthy.

So what's my point? If you want to read a great Korman book, get a MacDonald Hall book, I Want to Go Home, or Who is Bugs Potter?, and leave this one until you don't have any left.

I first read this book years ago when I was a kid and totally fell in love with it. I remember having to take care not to read it in public because I kept laughing too loudly! I have since read it many times and still enjoy it just as much, even as an adult. Gordon Korman creates a world and characters so real that you wish his books were ten times as long.

The story is about Artie Geller an 11 year with a very special talent - he is the world's best entrepreneur. He joins five other 11 year olds and tour counsellors Rob and Dennis on a road trip from Canada to Los Angeles. Along the way he comes up with numerous highly successful (and highly hilarious) money making schemes and before long has his whole tour bus (the "Ambulance") is involved. The characters are so likeable and the adventures so much fun, you'll wish there really was a "juniortours" and that you could go along on the ride!

In my honest opinion Gordon Korman's "No Coins, Please", "I want to Go Home", "Don't Care High", "Semester in the life of a Garbage Bag" and the two "Bugs Potter" books are MUST reads for anyone (young or old, boy or girl) who loves a good laugh and a book you can't put down. The Bruno and Boots series are also definitely worth a read if you can get hold of them.

I highly recommend "No Coins, Please" - you will not regret buying it!

This book was a favorite of mine while growing up. I first read it in grade school and continued to read through middle school and high school. It's one of the childhood books I've kept as an adult!

The "Ambulance" gang is great -- going from city to city ... a summer camp on wheels! Artie, the main character, is a true shyster, but you absolutely love him.

As a kid, I was intrigued by and a bit envious of the Canadian kid who could sell people attack jelly, open a club called the "Pretzel" in Denver and still manage to elude the FBI.

Get a copy of this book -- you won't be disappointed!

I first read this book years ago when I was a kid and totally fell in love with it. I remember having to take care not to read it in public because I kept laughing too loudly! I have since read it many times and still enjoy it just as much, even as an adult. Gordon Korman creates a world and characters so real that you wish his books were ten times as long.

The story is about Artie Geller an 11 year with a very special talent - he is the world's best entrepreneur. He joins five other 11 year olds and tour counsellors Rob and Dennis on a road trip from Canada to Los Angeles. Along the way he comes up with numerous highly successful (and highly hilarious) money making schemes and before long has his whole tour bus (the "Ambulance") involved. The characters are so likeable and the adventures so much fun, you'll wish there really was a "juniortours" and that you could go along on the ride!

In my honest opinion Gordon Korman's "No Coins, Please", "I want to Go Home", "Don't Care High", "Semester in the life of a Garbage Bag" and the two "Bugs Potter" books are MUST reads for anyone (young or old, boy or girl) who loves a good laugh and a book you can't put down. The Bruno and Boots series are also definitely worth a read if you can get hold of them.

I highly recommend "No Coins, Please" - you will not regret buying it!

If you or a woman you know needs to understand how to move forward through the dynamics of change and career, Now What Do I Do is the right place to start.

I recommend Chapter 10, devoted to working for yourself and starting your own business, to my interior redesign students. Good business basics and ideas, worthy of frequent review.

Too often the older woman is passed over in the competitive workforce or senses age discrimination. This upbeat, positive book helps that woman oversome self-made issues and attitudes of others that may be out there working against her goal of self-staining or career enhancing employment. Written in an easy-to-read style, this book makes the experience positive by giving guidelines, exercises, and wonderful recommendations. We all need our own thirty-second commercial.

This book is primarily written for the women who are experiencing mid-life choices.
The author leads the reader through many self-evaluation lists on how you are doing at mid-life and what direction you want to go in the next phase of your life. There are self-assessments that help you decide if you prefer a job, start a business, go back to school or become a volunteer.
Ms. Cannon provides resource lists for finding or creating a support group to help you with your decision. There are also resource lists for company directories, non-traditional jobs, volunteer organizations, non-profit groups, as well as a section on how to start your own business.
"What Do I Do Now?" is a well-written, thoughtful, informative book full of ideas and information that can guide women, who are looking for a change, in their life the direction they need to go. Dr. Cannon's book is a must read for all women.

Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (10/06)

Today we look at employment differently than our parents did. We change jobs more often and know we'll work longer before retirement. Jan Cannon, president of her own career counseling firm, smashes the concept that career changes must be made prior to mid-life. In fact she helps her readers embrace changes after forty, and even fifty. She focuses on women of this age group because this population has been previously ignored by career planners. "Now What Do I Do?" is for people considering changing jobs or those who have to. It is even helpful to those who want to start their own business or just want to do volunteer work. "The right job...is one that meets psychological, emotional, and financial needs as much as one that uses your skills."

The author goes through the mechanics required in searching for work, but also helps readers get to know themselves, their skills and their preferences. The book reads quickly, but it is also a workbook full of assessments which allow the reader to ponder their attributes and desires so they don't settle for the first available job, but instead find where they are meant to be. Rather than being too late to realize our dreams, "Mid-life is a time for exploration and self-expression, not resignation." Being closer to mid-life than my twenties, I find this very reassuring!

I especially liked the "Exploring the Want Ads" exercise. Previously I only circled the jobs I knew I could get. But the author suggests circling anything that interests you, whether you are qualified or not, because you're not looking for a specific job in this case, but what interests you, and therefore motivates you. This exercise includes other steps to make it as valuable as possible.

Jan Cannon suggests many types of support tools, one of which is your own "Success Team." This is a group of people you select who will support you during your job search. We have support groups for everything else, why not job hunting? Lastly the resource section overflows with websites, books and associations to benefit your search.

Even if you don't think you want a change, read "Now What Do I Do?" It will give you the confidence to step out of the box. After all, there's plenty of time left.

"Now What Do I Do?" is an easy to read guide for those looking for a fresh start. The book's primary audience is middle-aged women who have decided to reenter the workforce or to take a new direction in their careers. It walks the reader through many hands-on exercises, all the options for work (working for someone, working for yourself, or volunteering), and is sensitive about the subject of how to manage ageism (age discrimination).

While I am not part of the book's intended audience, I, as a young woman, found the book very useful. It is rich in advice, resources, and thorough exercises that would help anyone uncover her skills, interests, and passions. The handful of comments about age were the only few points in the book that I did not find immediately relevant.

Several of the exercises (e.g., writing a future autobiography) and ideas (e.g., importance of networking, thinking positively, creating a support group for change) were not new in that I've come across them in other books, but this is advantageous because Cannon compiles a comprehensive set of exercises in one easy to access reference.

The bottom-line of Cannon's book is that we have to do our homework in preparing for a life transition. She hits this point so hard with all her assignments that at times, the book feels a little overwhelming and preachy. It would have been nice if she balanced out some assignments and advice with more stories or alternative approaches. She shares some very inspiring anecdotes about herself, famous people, and her clients, which left me thirsty for more.

I also think the book would flow better had she brought some of her finishing points to the beginning of the book because I found myself "getting sidetracked" already during the initial chapters. However, all the information is there to help one get started, and she who takes full advantage of Cannon's book no doubt will enjoy much success in her new career.

The career coach who has "Now What Do I Do?" on his/her shelf also has a great library of materials to help clients find their direction. Members of women's professional organizations (e.g., Society of Women Engineers) can benefit in particular because they can tap into their membership pool to buddy up with someone or create the much-needed "success team" as they embark in a new direction or into the world of work for the first time in a while.

I highly recommend this book. Before I read this book I was really struggling with the direction I wanted to go in life. Even though I have a master's degree in my profession, I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue in my profession. I've read a few books on career planning and I've taken a few assessment tests. While I found a few gold nuggets here and there, I just didn't have the clarity and assurance I was looking for. I read passion and purpose and it really helped me. Also, I contacted Marlys Hanson and she walked me through each step and helped me understand why I was struggling with my current position and she helped me see what I need to look for in my next position. The money and time I spent reading this book and being counseled by Marlys was one of the best investments I've ever made.

Before I completed the SIMA analysis presented in this book, I was ready to change employers, and even careers. However, I did not know what I wanted. The SIMA model is an excellent tool because it helps you identify how you are motivated to work, what you are motivated to work with, and what kind of results you are motivated to achieve. All of this is based on a careful analysis of your lifetime accomplishments - thus, your motivations are based on evidence from what you've actually done, not what you *think* you're interested in (e.g., if given multiple choice answers in the standard personality test).

I went through the book myself first and then contacted Marlys to help me "fill-in-the blanks". Marlys was very prompt in responding and turned around a full assessment within one week. The result is that I now understand why I didn't enjoy my previous jobs, and most importantly, I know what I need in my current job to derive satisfaction and enjoyment from my work. Now, I can clearly articulate my career and life goals because I know what my strengths are, and I will build upon them to achieve the greatest success. I look forward to being much happier and excited about my work as well!

Amazing insight contrary to most popular opinion. The exercise is an investment in time that pays off hundreds of fold. Better yet, the author is more than willing to take the exercise to the next level to really bring it all to life. One of the best investments I've made in years - in time and dollars!

I have spent many years as a psychologist counseling clients who lack a sense of fulfillment and meaning in their lives. I therefore read this book, and underwent the SIMA process, with great interest. I found that it was the most accurate, powerful, and comprehensive instrument that I have encountered to understand one's motivated abilities. I highly recommed this book to anyone serious about reaching their potential doing work that they enjoy.

Are you having a hard time deciding what you want to be when you grow up? Are you 43 and still wondering? Or maybe you're 53 and considering your second career. For those of us who have ever had such thoughts, Marlys Hanson's "Passion and Purpose" is the solution.

In this excellent work you will learn about Motivated Abilities, and why you should work to your strengths more than always trying to improve your weaknesses. You will understand why you are particularly good at some activities, and perhaps a bit less so at others.

After you have read the book, help with understanding your Motivated Abilities is available from Marlys' company, Marlys Hanson and Associates. While the book teaches the method of doing this analysis oneself, the experience of Marlys and her team will help you learn even more about yourself for a modest additional cost.

I wish I had found Marlys sooner, but am thrilled that I found her at all.

This book is a guide to decision making for solving business and personal problems. Basically, it is what you always knew but were to lazy to implement.

One of the best parts is the numerous quotes sprinkled throughout the chapters. One that caught my attention was by Lou Holtz, "When all is said and done, more is said than done!" Pretty good coming from a football coach.

Usually this type of book is based solely on analytical thought. It was a nice touch for the author to go for a holistic approach - both right and left brains functions. It allows for intuition and subconscious involvement, so you are not denying yourself full power in the process.

Chuck Clayton's writing style is conversational and easy to read, so much so that I hardly realized I was learning something until I had finished reading it! The hand drawn cartoons are another stress free way to ease yourself into clearer modes of thought. Oftentimes the shortfall of books attempting to create thought about thinking is that they are dry, thick, and dull. This is not one of those books! A great buy for anyone who is just starting out in the world and could use some gentle nudges in the right direction.

This book offers great advice to guide decision making, critical thinking, organization, goal setting, and time management. It is well laid out and well written.

Clayton offers real life examples to demonstrate his points in a way that can provide value to a wide range of readers. If you want to organize a busy household, plan a family vacation, or create a personal budget, this book will help you. If you are looking to take your life in a new direction, tackle a new career, or become a more effective communicator, this book has a lot to offer you, as well.

The Re-Discovery of COMMON SENSE is a timely book that will serve readers well during this time of tremendous change and adjustment that will affect so many.

I have read several of Mr. Clayton's books, and I think this is the best. This book is an introductory book to critical thinking and can be read by just about any age group. It can be used to introduce someone to the practices of critical thinking, or, as for myself, a wonderful refresher course that could be read over a weekend. Mr. Clayton has also provided an excellent summary and worksheets in the appendix that make the book an easy reference when I want to apply critical thinking to a new idea. I also signed up on his website to get regular updates through a newsletter. I believe after reading this book, people should look into DeBono's 6 hats thinking methods and collective intelligence methods as a comparison to group think. Overall, a very good book and great resrouce.

I am a friend of Jan Dynes the author of the novel Refraction, she recommended that I get this book for my daughter who was floundering about, aimless and uninspired her Senior year of high school. Something in this book triggered her to engage in her studies and bring a D average up to a B plus in 6 weeks. Next thing I knew she was writing colleges for applications and then got accepted at Cal Tech. Before this book I would have bet on her being a drop-out. I highly suggest all high school and college students read this book! It works miracles.

Although this may seem like an outdated text, these principles are as pertinent today as when the author wrote it. You need to reflect on how they apply to today's business climate and your own personal situation. I always enjoy reading WC Stones works due to his sincerity and enthusiastic style.

The Success System That Never Fails is the golden key to a glittering future and I wanted it in my collection.

I highly recommend the AUDIO MP3 version of Success System That Never Fails The Success System That Never Fails

It's a good book, but I mainly wanted the audio-book that came with it. It is a very poor recording, with the narrator seeming as if he thinks he is on a stage and feels the need to project. I felt as if I was being yelled at and was unable to listen to the recording for more than a few minutes.

When I was about 14 years old my dad a self made successful real estate broker in Inkster Michigan insisted I read this book. This book has been etched in my mind ever since. 43 years later, I've found an original copy of this book to give to my dad as a gift. That's how important this book is. If you do a you tube video search you can hear Stone in his own words give you the first 8 segments of the book. After hearing him, I know you'll want to buy this book. I like this book because 1) he gives you practical, useful stories of how he developed a success system which never failed for him in business. He gives concrete ideas on what to say and do to develop a success system. The most important thing you will take from this book is a perspective and behaviorally specific tips on how to become successful. What this book shows you is the key to your own wealth: you will learn that you need to track all of your activities, behaviors and goals and do a critical analysis, and apply that which works in every step of your processes. What you will discover combined with the principles he's sharing, is your own success system which never fails. Sometimes we forget when involved in our daily activities is the necessity to look at what works and discard what doesn't. We need to fine tune our approach to tasks and develop systems which can be duplicated over and over again. If you're one of those type of people who yearn to understand how "self help" works and how it can be applied in "your" life then this book is for you. There is no fluff; at the time Stone wrote this book I think people were less enamored with manipulation and more focused on helping people.

Marilyn's book is not just for Brazen Hussies, though it helps if you are one! GREAT marketing book for anyone in business. I would highly recommend it. She gives examples and real life situations to help you with your marketing. I would highly recommend this book.
Michelle Dunn

Don't be deterred by the title and subtitle, nor by the sometimes overheated diction. (Initially, I was.) This book provides an abundance of practical strategies, tactics, and suggestions which can be of invaluable assistance to males as well as to females, to corporate marketing executives as well as to entrepreneurs. Without apologies, Ross has an in-your-face style. She wastes neither her time nor her reader's in getting to the point, nailing it, and then moving on to another point.

She organizes the material within six Parts:

I. Empowering Marketing Maneuvers

II. Illuminating Publicity Techniques for Femme Fatales and Grande Dames

Note: As I previously suggested, ignore the overheated diction.

III. "Out of the Box" Thinking -- Nontraditional Marketing

IV. Mission Possible -- Unstoppable Direct Marketing

V. Maximize Your Strengths -- More Gutsy Strategies for Wonder Women

NOTE: See previous "Note."

VI. Sources & Resources Packed With More Power Than a Protein Bar

She also includes a "Recommended Reading" section. Because other excellent books have been published since 2000, I presume to suggest several at the conclusion of this review.

Ross obviously favors a tone and diction in her writing which could perhaps (just perhaps) distract some readers from the fundamentally sound material she provides. She may seem playful at time but she is nonetheless quite serious about the importance of combining prudent speed with relentless determination to achieve what Jim Collins calls a BEHAG: a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. Only in recent years have women somehow overcome formidable barriers to achieve success in the business world, most of which were installed and then sustained by men. Today, at least 80% (and probably more) of the growth our nation's GNP has been achieved by companies with 20 or fewer employees and a substantial majority of those companies are owned by women.

This book will be of substantial benefit to those women but also to other women who need both encouragement and guidance, either to join the ranks of company owners or to expedite the progress of their careers within other organizations. I am also convinced that this book will be of substantial benefit to other entrepreneurs, male or female, who also need such encouragement and guidance. I urge those who share my high regard for this book to check out the Customer Reviews of the works identified by Ross in the "Recommended Reading" section.

Here are other works which should also be seriously considered: Beemer's Predatory Marketing, Catalyst's Advancing Women in Business, Jennings and Haughton's It's Not the Big That Eat the Small...It Is the Fast That Eat the Slow, Glaser and Smalley's Swim with the Dolphins, Kawasaki's Selling the Dream, Landrum's Profiles of Female Genius, Morgan's Eating the Big Fish, Breaking the Glass Ceiling co-edited by Morrison, White, and Van Elsor, Swiss's Women Breaking Through, Taylor and Archer's Up Against the Wal-Marts, and Wymard's Conversations with Uncommon Women. Amazon.com features Customer Reviews of these works also.

Great book. I never write reviews, but it was so good I was compelled to write this. Great ideas, not too advanced, not too simplistic.

This book is a gold mine of useful strategies and resources. While it ia targeted at women, as a man I find it packed with ways to market more effectively. I find the web resources cited very useful. I recommend this book to all marketers who want to penetrate their markets more deeply and more profitably.

Absolutely necessary book for anyone who wants to market and promote their product. This book was soooo helpful to me that I recommend it to everyone I come across who is wishing to find fabulous websites, helpful hints and tips to save time and money, and absolutely necessary ideas for marketing. There just isn't another book as complete, except maybe Marilyn's other title, "The Complete Guide to Book Publishing"

Millions of employees walk out of staff meetings every day muttering, "What a bunch of garbage" or "I can't believe we wasted an hour on that." Then they return to their desks, and to the harsh reality of having too much work to do and not enough time. Bill Jensen's dead-on-target observations about the typical workplace will have you nodding in agreement. His irreverent approach is entertaining and informative. He explains the differences between meaningful work and all the pointless "baloney" that inevitably comes your way. More importantly, the author offers terrific suggestions for how to deal with oppressive bosses, insensitive co-workers and institutional silliness. getAbstract recommends Jensen's fun book if you want an entirely new perspective on your work.

This is a must read for anyone who uses a computer for their work. The book suggests the reader skip to the summary in the back and save even more time by not reading the book - great idea. Since what Bill Jensen has to say can be said in so few words because he know what he wants to say, how he feels about it and what he wants the read to do.
Read it or at least the summary; then just hand it to a co-worked, family member or anyone you just want to help out.
I have deleted more e-mails without opening them then ever in my life. Since I read this book it has handed back hours a day to me that I was wasting on work and e-mails.

Bill Jensen's ideas and tactics have crystallized my ability to be effective. I read "The Simplicity Survival Handbook" before reading Jensen's original "Simplicity", and for me, "Simplicity" is superior because (1) it explains the rationale behind Jensen's ideas and (2) offers invaluable guidance on effective presentations. "The Simplicity Survival Handbook" 's examples were not as helpful to me as the initial wisdom and suggestions in "Simplicity". Read them both!

What I like about this biz book:

1) Its fun and challenging "If your boss doesn't get it, and has a high likelihood of never getting it... time to say "goodbye". Pretty simple right?

2) Attitude of "You don't have to be a victim of corporate crap"... reminds me of a refrain I have heard from my husband when he talks about his day job "They can't even run their own life, I will be damned it they run mine"

3) Respect yourself more. Your time is valuable. Push back.

4) The complexity starts from within. From within my own company, within myself.

The How To Section(s)
Email
Scan incoming subject and author, if not relevant hit "delete"
Scan email for 1) action to take 2) deadline date.

In sending messages use the 3"x5" space constaint.

If it is simplier it is more likely to be done. Make it easy.

Remember the key: what do you want them to know, feel and do!

Presentations:
Turn the one point you want people to know into a question. Provoke conversations. Give everyone handouts. Use of Stories is a good thing.
1 hour presentation = 20 slides MAX!

Meetings Big Idea!! When you agree to chair a meeting approachit as if you have just been handed a portion of someones life. Because you have. Run a meeting like one that you wish you had been invited for.

Helpful hints 1) get only the important people 2) get the right people 3) define what success looks like 4) Mentally see the successful meeting 5) Put the objective of the meeting up front
6) Be passionate about the people and reason of the meeting.

With a title like this, Jensen's book should be flying off the shelf. I know it caught my eye when I first saw it. We all want to "do" less and "accomplish" more and there are some excellent ideas in this book to help you do just that.

Nothing in this book is easy, though. Someone as inclined to follow the rules like myself will find it difficult, if not impossible, to implement the more demanding recommendations. This is a shame, as these people are those who would probably benefit the most.

Even if you don't think of yourself as a rabble-rouser, you should still read this book and take heart that there are some possible methods of extracting yourself from business situations that leave you feeling busy, but not very productive. There are ways of escaping the bureaucracy and yet keep your job.

The cutest, yet still effective, idea in the book is the "Less-O-Meter" associated with each chapter. These graphical gauges give you an "at a glance" reading on how much Courage you will need to put this tip in place, how difficult it can be and the possible yield to your productivity and happiness.

You may be ready to take on your whole company and engage in full-scale "pushback", but implementing even one idea from this book could do a world of good for you, your job and your career, while helping your company, as well.

The authors of, "The Success Principles for Teens" could have titled their book, "The Success Principles for ALL."

I came across their book by accident and after reading several passages, I added it to my collection of books. The authors have done an excellent job in putting across the theme of, `...taking full responsibility for everything you do, think, and say. The book doesn't tell you how to live your life. It does provide the reader with instructions on how to achieve a better and happier YOU. According to the authors, "This book contains what [they] call the timeless `ingredients of success.' Just like there's a recipe for your favorite dish, there is a recipe for achievement too."

Their book consists of twenty chapters. At the end of every chapter the authors include a "My-to do-List." An example of the list after the first chapter is as follows:

1.The Kids on the Block"Realize that the person in charge of my life is ME. I am accountable for the quality of my life.

2.Search for the facts and look at things as they are, so I can improve them. Then create a new vision by seeing things as I'd like them to be.

3.Eliminate my excuses because (a) no one wants to hear them and (b) all they do is slow me down.

4.Acknowledge that blaming stems from denial and doesn't accomplish anything because no matter how much I blame things outside of myself, blaming won't change me or my circumstances.

5.Realize that I can change anything and everything simply by doing or thinking something different. Understand that it's not what happens to me; it's how I respond that matters. And how I respond is completely up to me.

6.When I ask myself a different question, I will trigger a different response, which will, in turn, create a different outcome.

7.Remember that results don't lie. The easiest and fastest way to find out if something isn't working is to pay attention to the outcome I am currently getting. [based on the equation E + R = O; Event + Response = Outcome]

8.Pay attention to alerts or signals that I get from other people or my intuition. These are often signs that can help me prevent unwanted consequences later on.

9.Keep in mind that I have everything I need to get the results I want."

The contents of the book are challenging, fast and easy reading. Best of all, however, once you start reading you don't want to stop, or put the book down. The reader, more often than not, will say, "I never thought of it that way." Or, "That really makes sense."

The contents, even though, directed to Teens, can definitely be helpful to adults as well. It is never too late to learn and practice how to take full responsibility of one's life in order to be more successful and happy. As the authors say in one of their many side, and inspiring notes "Surround yourself with the best, and you'll achieve more than the rest." The last chapter's side note states: "Nobody can prevent you from choosing to be exceptional."

I strongly recommend, "The Success Principles for Teens" to all Teens having a difficult time in life. To adults, and to the young at heart who feel they have missed something in their lives. "The Success Principles for Teens" is also excellent reading for Social Workers, parents, teachers, school administrators, to the clergy, and in particular, to everyone who wants to improve the quality of life.

This is a must read for teens and young adults.I bought it for my 17 year old and I wish I would have had it for my other children when they were teens.

Success Principles for Teens is the result of Kent Healy's partnership with Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Healy, teen entrepreneur turned twenty-three year old author and motivational speaker, lends his youthful voice to this inspiring book.

"I learned that the only way you are going to get anywhere in life is to work hard at it. Whether you're a musician, a writer, an athlete, or a businessman, there is no getting around it. If you do, you will win - if you don't, you won't" This quote by Bruce Jenner, Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon captures the essence of this extraordinary compilation of success principles.

Encouragement abounds for teens desiring improved grades and healthy relationships with peers and parents. The first step is for young people to take responsibility for their own lives.

Chapters build on one another: goal-setting and facing fears, rejection and feedback, track small successes and focus on the prize. Main principles are gathered at the conclusion of each chapter with a to-do list. The book is a comprehensive and practical resource presented in a teen-friendly format.

"I take rejection as someone blowing a bugle in my ear to wake me up and get going, rather than retreat." Quotes like this one by Sylvester Stallone in addition to others successful and well-known people appear every few pages. Stories by teenagers who have overcome obstacles to attain their best are interspersed with true stories by both authors.

This book must find its way into every junior high and high school library. As an adult, I was inspired after reading through this book. I shared some of the stories with my teenagers and strongly encouraged them to read it also. It contains the spark necessary to launch today's youth into fulfilling adult lives.

Armchair Interviews says: Inspiring message for teens and adults/parents alike.

This book tells you everything you need to be successful or at least better your life. I'm a teen myself and I just read the book. Already I feel more motivated to strive for the life that I want. Before reading this, I had no ideas of what I wanted to get out of life or what I even really wanted to do with my time here on Earth. I've recommended the adult version of this book to my single mother because I beleive in the authors ability to help people better themselve and acheive their dreams. Every high-school student should read this book, or even read it at earlier ages.

Mr. Canfield and Mr. Healy have created a wonderful, much-needed tool for teens. Adults will benefit as well.

In my work with teenagers as an ADHD Coach/Consultant I recommend "The Success Principles for Teens: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be".

It is a very positive book that gives hope to teens that may be experiencing challenges in their life.

My three favorite principles are Principle 1: Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life, Principle 13: Ask! Ask! Ask! and Principle 19: Give Your Best to Be Your Best.

Thank you!

My husband has always wanted us to be debt free. I never thought we could and still enjoy life. After 3 months, we have already paid off 3 of our credit cards and cancelled them. We are more careful with our spending now, and we are finding cheaper ways to have fun (while we are getting out of debt)! Excellent reference!

My husband and I LOVE this system! We are giving Dave's CD's for all graduation and wedding gifts. If you are looking for peace and freedom- this is your key!

If you have any form of debt, buy this book!!! It will open the door for the rest of the Dave Ramsey books. They all educate you on how to navigate the financial market and build peace of mind for you and your family.

I've listen to Dave on the radio for months and decided to get the whole truth. This is enjoyable to listen to--Dave actually does the narrating. It walks you through step by step. Highly recommended

Dave Ramsey presents a plan to get out of debt and build wealth in such a simple, logical (and entertaining) way that I can't imagine anyone forsaking his advice. My husband and I listened to his audio book while driving from Indiana to Tennessee this past weekend. From the moment the audio book ended we started planning with excitement how to reach our goals using TMMO. In fact, we would stop the CD to discuss then pick back up. We're finally both on the same page regarding our finances, which for many married couples is difficult to achieve. I believe listening to the audio book together was the best approach. If you read his book and get all fired up, then it may be frustrating while you wait for your spouse to read it -- IF they read it.

The only thing I found just a little annoying was his introduction. I'm sure his inflections were meant to translate into simple animation, but it came across as slightly immature to me. He works his way out of that, though. I also found myself wanting him to "get on with the meat of the plan already" instead of spending so much time in the intro. But be patient because the meat of it does come and it's prime!