Services Books

Why someone didn't think of this 100 years ago, I'll never know. Before making a 5-7 figure investment in your home, you'll never spend [your money]wisely.

I became addicted to the 1st edition of this guide book last Christmas. A temperature check of interior design and architecture, and an unrivaled resource for the more mundane (however talented) window washers and plumbers -- The Franklin Report offered good sport and hard information. So I was pleasantly surprised to find a brand spanking new NYC edition has hit the stands. The most noticeable difference this year is that the understated almost medical-journal like cover has been replaced by an equally elegant yet more consumer friendly facade. I liken it to the new twenty-dollar bills. Inside, the book is about a hundred pages longer, including an index that makes a name-search a million times easier. To my delight, every entry has been rewritten and customer comments expanded. And while the design establishment pantheon hasn?t been rewritten, every category in the report offers some great new finds to choose from. Looks like I picked the wrong year to stop studying up on designers!

Thanks!

This first rate book not only provides authoritative guidance on household services, it also provides very practical and informative advise on how to deal with the service providers and scope out the jobs involved. To have a rating for all relevant aspects of a renovation/price, quality and reliability, makes this effort very instructive.

This is truly a welcome compendium for New York City dwellers.

I have often wondered why this guide did not exist. You select a restaurant, you have a guide, you select a hotel, you have a guide -- you select an electrician and you end up with the guy with the biggest ad in the Yellow Pages. By definition, the guy with the biggest ad also is probably the most expensive -- he needs to work at least two jobs a day to pay his Yellow Pages bill.

This book finally give the consumer a leg up -- separates the pros from the inept. The research is top rate -- who does all this leg work? Certainly will become the bible -- now if only they will do a guide for my summer house locale. . .

Once you discover this book, you wonder how you ever lived without it. It fills a real need for any homeowner or renter who will ever need to find a professional to fix up their home or just to fix (repair, clean, install, redo) something in it. I got my Franklin Report a few weeks ago and already have answered a desperate friend's cry for help about who to call to get a dining room chair fixed in time for a Christmas dinner. The book is surprisingly entertaining, and has an informative section for each specialty that helps in choosing a service provider and negotiating the work agreement. It also has that all-important but very hard-to-find information about pricing.

Every home should have a copy. I'm giving it to my friends for Christmas this year. I know they will thank me!

Until search engines get a heck of a lot more intelligent than they are now, the best source for web site recommendations is from human beings. Particularly humans passionate about their subject matter. Judy and Gloria won't waste your time with a bazillion irrelevant links. They know their subject matter, and they know a good site when they see one. They're also a stitch. Or perhaps two stitches. Buy this book!

In addition to extremely helpful tips throughout, this little book is jammed-packed with great sites that are nicely arranged. No more wasting time with a search engine for me! I give it two thumbs way up!

Judy and Gloria have done it again! They've boiled down all the obfuscations of the net into discussions that quilters will enjoy. They offer their picks for the best Web sites to find free patterns, free quilting how-tos, and even free stuff for doll-makers. It would be hard to find this kind of stuff with a searcher. The net information in this book is completely different from what's in their Quilter's Computer Companion. That's a good book too, but this is more updated and complete. This is a very easy book to read, learn from and enjoy.

This book is a valuable resource for quilters at all levels of computer knowledge. It explains away a lot of the "mysteries" of why your computer acts the way it does and points you in various directions to research out your own particular interests. Written in an easy conversational tone, it imparts a lot of information without talking down or over your head.

Every quilter should own this book. Thanks Judy and Gloria for putting together such a wonderful book. Keep up the good work!!

I"m not usually a big reader of corporate how-to type books. They're dry, they all have the same jargon, they all say the same thing, and they're all awash in their own self-importance. This book, however, is different. Heisler and Baldino-Jones have done a great job of taking a concept and making it "real", writing an engaging story around a way that they have developed to bring the usually disparate worlds of sales and service under the same umbrella. They really understand how to make that process work, and provide many examples from their own work as a guide to make this type of integration work in your organization as well. And, in a nice bonus, very little jargon - it's all written in a way that is easily understood and not dry and bland. Definitely recommended.

This is truly a great book and a must read for business leaders in all industries. Mark and Suzanne are not talking about a new fad; I believe converting from CellMates to SoulMates is critical to the survival of companies who have not figured it out.

Having gone through the process of getting sales and operations on the same team and having seen the benefits of the change prior to being introduced to Mark and Suzanne, I highly recommend embarking on the change process. That said, this book will be of great assistance, and may even be the difference between success and failure.

Every company is different and requires its' own plan and leadership. This is not a "cook book" where you pour in some ingredients and bake it for one hour and everything comes out just the way you want it. Instead, this is a guide book or a map that helps you decide where you want to go and then points you in the right direction. You have to supply the thought processes for your company, your politics, etc. It will allow you to gain an understanding of the need for as well as the process you must go through in order to be successful.

The examples in this book are numerous and extremely helpful in understanding the why as well as the how to.

It is not rocket science but it is tough work. As the book points out, the benefits are huge but there are dangers and hardships to consider as well. This book will help you identify those areas and avoid the pitfalls.

Heisler and Jones have created a practical and realistic approach to one of the more vexing problems that occur as companies interface. Their method is based on sound psychological priciples that have been successfully applied to other areas of human interaction. The clarity and conciseness of their writng makes this a very readable book.

In every aspect of business I have been in, sales and service are forever at odds. Each blames the other for overselling or underdelivering without ever realizing that for any organization to be successful, each must not only understand the other but work together to ensure company success.

Suzanne Jones and Mark Heisler not only have lived in the trenches but have also come up with a "roadmap" to fix this age old problem.

Their thoughtful insight and practical solutions will work for businesses of any size and dimension. This book is MUST reading for all businesses and their team members.

Making sales and service work well together is huge undertaking that has to be done for a company to work. This book is a great tool to showing you how to do that! It's well written showing the symptoms of your problems and how to devise solutions. Heisler and Jones demonstrate their incredible experience and know-how to help you improve your profits by getting your company to work!

Book is in pretty good condition with slightly bent edges as is nearly every used book. The spin is not damaged and all of the pages are intact. Nothing is highlighted in the book.

Martini is the answer! No matter who you are, if you're studying the human body- Martini is your new best friend. I ran across Martini in Chiropractic school per a professor's recommendation. From then on it was just short of a love affair with Dr. Martini (or his work at least). Unbelievably well laid out and basically thorough. Bravo Dr. Martini! It is a miracle work if you want to read it to gain a SOLID foundation before you attempt more advanced (both) anatomy AND physiology courses and books. Bravo Bravo Bravo!

I ordered this textbook for my daughter for Christmas. It arriveed at my doorstep within 6 days of putting the order online! It was in great shape, exactly what I wanted, and short turnaround time! I will definitely order from this company again. They were great!

This is a good book for college anatomy and physiology. It is very thorough and descriptive. Goes in depth into nervous, muscular, skeletal and endocrine systems to name a few. I also recommend Key Facts of Anatomy and Physiology isbn;0971999694. This last book shows you what's important to study for. Both books highly recommended.

I have to say, I used the 5th edition of this book and know that the 6th is better as I worked with another student who had the 6th edition. EVERYbody who wants to know, particulary physiology, should have this book for reference. The anatomy is also excellent particular the discussions on vascular and the venous / arterial systems and the nervous system discussions are clear!. I reference this book all the time.

This is one of the most useful books for small businesses that I have ever read. It gives practical advice on how to start and grow a business and can be applied to almost any business. Once you read it you will find the advice to be logical and well organized. It gives you a step by step procedure for improvement that anyone can follow.

Getting Clients and Keeping Clients for Your Service Business: A 30 Day Step by Step Plan for Building Your Business by M. D. Weems gives you exactly what the title promises. I can see that if you follow all the steps in this book your business should defiantly improve.

The book starts with the very basics of how to name your business, create a logo and a brand for yourself and your business and goes on to show you how to become an expert in your field, how to network and advertise your business effectively. The procedures in this book will help you not only get and retain clients but it also teaches you how to determine who will be your very best clients and how to keep and gain more of these VIP clients. Also covered are topics such as how to maintain good customer relations, how to keep your staff happy, how to organize the various aspects of your business and the business of getting and keeping happy VIP clients.

Roger Yocom - Rocket Scientist

Starting a business, particularly with today's current economic picture, can be a daunting task. Some new business owners know there are customers out there, but may not know just how to bring them in and retain them.

The book Getting Clients and Keeping Clients for Your Service Business takes a systematic approach to what business owners should be doing and new owners need to do for their business to not just thrive, but also survive.

The author explains tasks and processes simply, plus peppers the book with information from experienced business owners who have taken a start-up business and grown it exponentially. There are a multitude of business examples offered throughout the book that are relevant to each chapter, helping the reader grasp business theories and ideas necessary for success today. The book also helps a business owner understand how to be successful not just from his or her viewpoint, but from the needs and demands of the customers.

From the preliminary steps of branding a business and developing an identity through logos, Web sites and more, to crafting a position statement, networking and marketing, this book covers in painless detail the seemingly overwhelming chores a potential business owner must tackle when launching a business--and how to do so successfully.

Readers also are treated to a section in the book that's invaluable for when the business launches and customers come flooding through the doors. They'll learn about the basics of customer service, employee relations, advertising and handling the glut of information gleaned about customers and the business as it grows. Finally, an assortment of exercises is recommended in this book for business owners to test drive as they navigate the waters of success in the service industry.

Any business owner considering starting a business or who is just getting started should pick up a copy of Getting Clients and Keeping Clients for Your Service Business to make sure he or she is on the right track down a successful career path.

M.D. Weems' GETTING CLIENTS AND KEEPING CLIENTS FOR YOUR SERVICE BUSINESS offers a 30-day step-by-step program for building a business, from understanding target markets and niches to attracting new clients while keeping existing customers satisfied. From professional memberships that pay off to traditional and non-traditional marketing approaches, GETTING CLIENTS AND KEEPING CLIENTS FOR YOUR SERVICE BUSINESS is an essential guide.

This manual has a clear concise delivery method. It explains key business principles in a manner that all readers can understand and directly implement in there business plans. Many business owners do not view in full perspective the impact of the owner to client relationship and its direct effect on their financial margins.

Getting Clients And Keeping Clients For Your Service Business engages its audience and motivates an immediate step forward in preparation for success, emphasizing client relations, company image, business preparation, financial planning secrets and much more.

This book is a necessity for the beginning entrepreneur as well as the seasoned CEO.

A Five Star book!
Getting Clients & Keeping Clients, by M.D. Weems, is an exceptionally clear and illuminating book that I would recommend for any business, or salesman. I would give it six stars if I could!
It teaches you how to provide the kind of service and value that keeps clients coming back for more. This book gives you specific instructions on how to identify the needs of your clients, build a better business,and make the most of your appointments.

The book helps you create a vision for your business, implement long term plans, and gives you strategies for networking and building your referral base. It provides a troubleshooting guide, and follow up suggestions aimed at providing better service for your clients.

Especially helpful are the detailed plans on advertising your business, and getting the best bang for your advertising dollar. The expert knowledge about radio, television, print work, and newspapers will benefit any business-even businesses that have been in business for many years.

Goblin Market, a verse fairy tale that was first published in 1862, is a rather fascinating piece of masterful poetry. It tells a wonderfully sensuous tale that has inspired a myriad of interpretations. I've spent more time reading about Goblin Market than I did actually reading it - savoring it, rather, for it really calls for a much more personal treatment than a mere reading. This pre-Raphaelite work harbors latent eroticism that echoes with both renunciation and desire. Thus, some term it a work of repressed Victorian eroticism and grin knowingly (and leeringly) as they recount the fact that Goblin Market was quite a popular children's fairy tale in its day. Christine Rossetti was herself a recluse along the lines of Emily Dickinson, allowing her heart to sing freely even as she kept herself separated from any possible objects of her latent desires.

In the poem, one sister gives in to the temptation of the forbidden fruit offered by the dark goblins forever lurking in the twilight to seduce their victims to a first taste of their exotic wares. The desire to obtain more of the passion fruit overtakes her young life, yet the goblins appear to her no more; as a result, she begins to waste away near to death. At this point, her sister, who sensibly avoided temptation, willingly seeks to bargain with the goblins, only to have them force their juicy wares upon her. The fruity residue is enough, however, to revive her sister. The act of salvation is obviously the juiciest part of the story on a number of levels - such a sensual act between sisters, with lines such as "Hug me, kiss me, suck my juices" and "Eat me, drink me, love me," cries out for interpretation of all kinds - and those quick to criticize the hypocritical prudishness of Victorian society have a veritable field day with it.

Some say this is not a poem for children's ears? Balderdash. Like any masterful work of poetry, Goblin Market can be read and interpreted on many levels. Children will delight in its lyrical rhyming patterns, its allusions to wee goblins hawking the most delicious of fruits, and interpret the salvation of the tempted sister in comparatively innocent terms. I say leave the interpretations to the adults. And what interpretations there are of this lengthy poem. Some see in it a recreation of the genesis story, a story of sacrifice and redemption, a tale of lesbian yearning, a declaration of the power of sisterhood, a commentary on women as commodities in market society, evidence of sexual molestation by Rossetti's father, etc. There's no limit to the interpretations put forth about what is, on the surface, an engaging fairy tale set to verse.

This is a fascinating work of lyrical poetry that can be read fairly quickly yet will sustain your interest through multiple readings, all sorts of fascinating research into analysis and interpretation, and just plain wonderment. As sensual as it is beautiful, Goblin Market is probably one of the most fascinating and insightful products of Victorian literature.

I wonder if the good folk at the end of the 19th century when this poem was originally published were just too obtuse to understand the gist of Rossetti's work; if so, we have an innocent artifact that has evolved into something erotic because of our twentieth century sensibilities (we have dirtier minds than our compatriots from the past).

Don't let the word "erotica" scare you away. This is not a blatantly sexual work in its language; it is not a "dirty" book. Just understand that despite what anyone else says or writes, this is about as unambiguously EROTIC as you can get. With phrasing like "Eat me, drink me, love me; Laura, make much of me; For your sake I have braved the glen; And had to do with goblin merchant men."

Since the original work is now in the public domain, if you want to read the full text online just do a search using most standard search engines with the terms "Christina Rossetti Goblin Market" and you should turn up a number of links to the actual poems, go read it, and decide for yourself about it.

This makes a wonderful gift for people you are very close too. However, it is also a very personal poem, and if given inappropriately could actually scare someone away!

Noted Italian/English poetess of the 1800's Christina Rossetti's imagination catching poetry has stood the test of time, being still loved and studied today. Because of its title, Goblin Market sometimes gets put into a juvenile category, but this is a poem for mature readers. This moral tale depicts the epic struggle between bad and good. The goblin's onslaught on virtue immediately engages the reader's inner ear and heart. This poem is really gripping reading. Goblin Market is often considered Christina Rossetti's best poem. This re-issue, replete with noted illustrator Arthor Rackham's beautifully eerie drawings, is a book worth owning.

A children tale for adults. It's a light and thoughtful reading. The story of two sisters and lewd goblin men. Innocence, temptation and emotions all together. This inspiring story has wonderful work of Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

This tale is not about sexuality but about redemption and the need to help others. Read deep into the story to find the meaning that Rossetti intended.

This book is a must read for anyone in any profession. I couldn't put the book down and I don't even play golf. The Reiss Brothers make an awesome analogy by showing how the game of golf relates to learning new strategies for building networks and improving communications, not only in one's professional life but personal life as well. The book is honest, insightful and enjoyable to read. It gets down to the basic psychology for a successful business. Jennifer Amlen, LCSW

I just started golfing and i love this book! It was easy to read and I think it will be helpful in every aspect of my life for a long time to come!
Sam Leibowitz

I am not a golfer, so I was a tough sell on this book. But its content transcends golf as a sport or even as an ideal. The strategies, insights and ideas are practical, usable, honest, and not limited to any industry. Really good stuff.

The book gives you a terrific prespective on the value of customer service and understanding the potential sales leverage in a positive feedback loop. You don't have to be a golfer to like this book!

This is a book that has simplified the complex ideas of best business practices. By breaking down the parallel principles of golf, The Reiss brothers have given us digestible thoughts and actions we can apply every day in almost any line of work. I will suggest all my colleagues read this and encourage all staff members to do the same.

Hi, everyone. I'm the author of The Hangman's Knot. I'd like you to know that "remaindered" copies of the book (those with a small mark along one end of the pages) probably have a faulty index. A press run of these was released by mistake. If buying a used copy, please check that the index entries send you to the right page. Thanks to those who have bought the book, and special thanks to those reviewed it or sent thoughtful questions and responses to my website!

Eliza Steelwater writes clearly, consisely and not without humour on a subject that most people choose not to think about, providing us with the historical context which allows us to understand how Europe and America came to be divided on whether legal execution is the most appropriate action to be taken as a response to a serious crime. As Ms Steelwater confirms, execution has never been proved to be a deterrent. More worringly it is a punishment which is almost exclusively meted out to minorities and to the poorest in society. As the history of legal execution and lynchings in the US unfolds the case against the death sentence is strengthened. However, this is not the main purpose of the book, rather that we understand the context for and the discrepancies in applying the death sentence in the USA. Whether you are interested in history or in social justice, this book is an excellent read that will keep you thinking long after you have finished turning the pages.

This book is well researched so that the reader can have a high level of confidence in the facts presented. You can be assured that the facts are startling and shocking. The book points out that half of the prisoners in the world are in the prisons and jails of the USA. It just gets worse from there. There are too many errors and too much lack of justice in our justice system.

John Lamb killed one person and was executed for his crime. Sammy "The Bull" Gravano killed 19 persons and was given a soft sentance. In the USA there are about 22,000 homicides each year and only about 300 defendants are advanced to death row. They are almost all poor, have bad attorneys and are 99% male. Getting the death penalty is kind of a backwards lottery. If everything goes wrong, much of it out of the defendants control, such as your lawyer falling asleep in the courthouse, eyewitnesses lying (very common occurance), being born poor and being born the wrong gender, then the defendant may very well end up on death row. In order to "win" this horrific backwards lottery it helps to be on trial in Texas which has the most executions of any State. The law in texas is so punitive toward the defendant that at least one person was executed after he was found to be innocent by new evidence not allowed to be even considered due to an arbitrary 30 day time limit on bringing in new evidence.

Excellent book, but not a book that is easy to read. Facing our country's history in this area makes us look at our past and often gives a different slant on what we have accepted as history. The information in the book is so well researched and documented. The author does not rely on personal opinion to make her points, but cites numerous sources. She presents evidence and allows the reader to form their own opinion. Anyone with an interest in history and the social conscience of America would find this a worthwhile read.

This book's importance reaches beyond the debate over the death penalty as it demonstrates and explains the relationship between power, money and punishment in America. It is a fascinating story, representing years of research by one of the best and most original minds in the country. Dr. Steelwater's examples brilliantly illustrate communities' and the State's involvement with capital punishment within the context of the contemporary events that shaped American attitudes toward community vigilantism and State supported and regulated legal execution. From the frontier experience to industrial labor unrest, from the racial violence of the Deep South to the mayhem of Western boom towns (and much more), violent historical events have shaped our attitudes about the need for and right of the community and the State to take life as retribution and/or deterrent. The Hangman's Knot is immensely readable with a bibliographic essay for each chapter. It should be included in the library of anyone who has an opinion about capital punishment. American history, social theory and economic geography are elegantly merged in this deeply intelligent and humane book.

Kids love dogs, no doubt. But I do doubt that most kids know anything about this facet of the dog world -- what a guide dog does, how it's trained, how a stranger should interact with it, the special relationship between guide dog and owner. I admit that I didn't know much about these things before I read Finke's book.

Her tone is warm, friendly and educational. The illustrations are beautifully done with a warmth that echoes the author's voice. It's a refreshing take on the dog-as-hero book, of which there are many, and of which too few are as truly unique as this one.

Hanni and Beth Safe & Sound is a children's picturebook about the daily life of seeing eye dog Hanni and her owner. Based on the real-life experience of author, Hanni and Beth Safe and Sound is a wonderful introduction for young people to the rules in how to treat a seeing eye dog; for example, a dog is working when its harness is on, and a working dog should not be petted or distracted. Told from Hanni's point of view, and beautifully illustrated by professional artist Anthony Alex LeTourneau, Hanni and Beth Safe & Sound is enthusiastically recommended for children's library collections.

My son, 7 yrs, got this book for Christmas and he simply loves it. The subject matter is different and interesting and it has created an opportunity for us to talk about all kinds of things (and people) we never thought about. Plus it is fun and sweet! I've already ordered a copy as a birthday present for a friend of his. I could give this book to every child I know. It's well written and illustrated and fun for parents to read (and learn from) as well.

Hanni and Beth: Safe and Sound by Beth Finke is a delightful book about a Seeing Eye dog and her owner, the author, as told by the dog. In warm and straightforward language children (as well as adults) learn about the training, daily responsibilities, and activities of service animals for the blind. Many people don't know it is not okay to pet a working dog.

This book is a must for any houshold with children so that they may grow in knowledge of working dogs and the challenges of people who depend on them to function more independently. The richly colored illustrations by Anthony Alex Letourneau create an inviting atmosphere to share the story with young children; and as the children grow, they will return to enjoy it again and again.

Review of Hanni and Beth Safe and Sound

Hanni and Beth Safe & Sound is a splendid story of friendship, loyalty, and courage.
Hanni, a Seeing Eye dog, recounts her day as a companion to Beth. Author Beth Finke's blindness occurred in adulthood as a result of diabetes.

Faithful animal stories are not unique. What makes Hanni's story special is the determination and confidence that both characters exhibit as a result of this special relationship. "Blind trust," a cliché that totally describes this relationship, is apparent on each page. Whether Hanni and Beth are dodging garbage cans or traffic, Beth knows that Hanni will do her best to keep them safe.

Anthony Letourneau's illustrations are so life-like that as soon as my students saw the cover of the book they knew immediately it was a book about Beth and Hanni. Beth visited our school last year for an assembly and told her story. The students couldn't wait for her book to come out and were thrilled to see the final copy.

The students were amazed that Beth could lead such a normal life despite her blindness. I think tales where adults are vulnerable (not bumbling fools) help children relate to their own vulnerability in the world. Certainly, if Beth can make it with Hanni's help and her own tenacity, then they can make it too.

Hurray Hanni! Bravo Beth! Thank you for showing us anything is possible.

I have perused many books about magnet therapy and found this one to be the best. Unlike other books on the market covering this topic, "Healing Magnets" explains the complicated science behind magnetic healing clearly and concisely. I appreciated the comprehensive documentation and practical applications for a therapy that has worked for me but remained a mystery as to why until I read this book. I encourage anyone who is using magnets now or is wondering if they should for health reasons, to get this book and use it.

My patients often ask me questions about magnet therapy. This book answered all my questions and then some. I recommend it both to my patients and colleagues who want a clear explanation and well-documented resource.

Sherry Kahn has written a very readable, thorough and informative book on a complex subject. As a fellow medical writer who has authored a book on the perils of electromagnetic pollution and our ever-increasing ambient radiofrequency exposures, I often get questions from people who are confused about how magnets can be used therapeutically if EMFs are supposed to be dangerous. Ms. Kahn sorts through these, and many other questions well, giving the reader a comprehensive understanding. Although caution is warranted with very strong magnetic fields (such as those used in MRI diagnostics), the human anatomy has been found to be fantastically responsive to low-level steady-state magnetic fields. The problems arise in energy fields with the introduction of artificial characteristics not found in nature -- alternating current, digital pulsing, unusual wave forms, and exposure strengths unlike anything we've encountered before in our evolutionary history. We -- and all other species -- have evolved within the protective cradle of the earth's own steady-state magnetic fields. How arrogant to assume it wouldn't be an important factor in our well-being, or that abnormal inbalance wouldn't adversely impact our health. Although energy medicine is considered ancient knowledge in eastern cultures, it is only now coming to the foreground in western medine. But energetic healing modalities can be quite powerful. People should not use strong magnets willy-nilly or without guidance. That's where Ms. Kahn's book comes in. No one considering magnets should be without it. For a slim volume, it packs a lot of punch.

If you're going to buy one book on magnetic therapy, this is the one. It is very clear and makes the science easy to understand. It is also very well organized so that you can find out what is known about the use of magnets for various conditions. I found the buying and treatment guidelines particularly useful.

If you want to quickly get your arms around magnet therapy, read this book. Having first used magnets a few years back, I knew they worked - but I didn't know how or why. There was very little accessible information on the topic then, and I ended giving up on understanding why I was having such great results. This book does a fantastic job of explaining the hows and whys in language I can easily understand. So many people say there's not much evidence that magnet therapy works. Maybe not yet in the US, but this book summarizes studies from around that world that prove that it helps a far wider range of conditions than I ever imagined.

It's comprehensive, well-researched and easy to understand. Two thumbs up!