Sales Books

Without a doubt, this is the best book I have ever read. It is immensely entertaining and informative. Robert Massie's descriptions and detailed portrayals provide a clear picture of Peter's life and times. Even though I read this book a decade ago, the scenes and stories still seem almost as real to me as personnel experiences. Peter's employment as a shipwright in Holland, his torturing of mutinous soldiers and dental patients, and wars raged against the Finns and Tartars still bring vivid images to my mind.

As noted in all previous reviews, this is a facinating book on Peter and Russian history.

However, it is a powerful book on organization skill. How do you bring in new cultures/learnings to an established environment. How do you manage your executives and the staff.

Was able to learn much.

There is much to digest, as it is long and has hundreds of characters. But a worthy work.

I regret that I am unable to find the NBC mini-series for purchase, As I have heard that it is just as well done.

I teach history and have read a lot of books. This is the best history book I have ever read. Massie does such an amazing job at bringing the reading into the age. Peter was a fascinating man. Massie makes you understand what made him also great.

Massie's work of Russian history is one of the fines biographies I have ever read. It keeps interest start to finish. It never gets boring at all, and that is important since the book is over 800 pages! Massie delves into the experience that made the man who is Tsar Peter The Great, yet at no time does it ever let down. It is exciting, readable, and very human. I enjoy Massie's book, and I intend to read more of his works

In short, I am an amateur historian of Russian history and found this biography to be very detailed, thoroughly researched biograaphy while at the same time reading as a top notch novel. I can't recommend it more. If you are interested in the man, this transitional period in Russian history or are after a great read, you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!

Overall, I would say it is a good book for non-sales people to buy. Joe points out many things to think about and makes many good suggestions.

Two things bother me about the book:

- It has numerous typos and grammatical errors. Sometimes I've had to re-read sections to understand what he meant to say.

- There are several contradictions. One example is on page 25. He says: "If they don't return your call, wait two days before calling back." But then 2 sentences later says that you should leave a voice mail stating: "If I don't hear back from you by the end of the day, I'll try back before I leave the office."

Personally, I don't want to buy from a sales person that doesn't do what they say they are going to do, so this is a really poor suggestion and really poor customer service (especially if the person you are calling really does want to talk to you)!

This is a no B.S. book on what it takes to sell by phone.
Whether you're setting appointments or closing the deal by phone it really doesn't matter. This is a hard hitting book.
I like the authors no nonsense approach to selling. They're either a high probability prospect or not.
The book teaches you how to get in and out of calls quickly and find the buyers today. The best on phone sales I've ever read.

Joe Catal has done a great job at debunking some of the myths entailing telemarketing. In his book, aptly named, "Telesales Tips From The Trenches: Secrets Of a Street-Smart Salesman." he provides a no holds barred approach to picking up that infamous phone!

Here's a little secret you may not know. Telemarketing doesn't suck; it's the pending feeling of rejection that sucks! As a new insurance agent you should expect to be rejected a minimum of 100 times a week, and that's if you're doing real well.

I'm a naturally motivated type of guy. You tell me something negative and I'm immediately thinking how I can turn it into a positive. Joe takes a similar approach to how he handles himself on the phone by:

"Averaging 100+ calls per day since 1985 and hearing over 350,000 No's."

Throughout the book Joe provides real life stories (my favorite) and examples about how to write an effective opening; answer objections without sounding superfluous or ignorant; techniques to find hot leads and steal accounts (another one of my favorites), while laying a strong foundation by asking the right question and ASKING for the order when the time is right.

His thoughts about time management and techniques to increase the effectiveness of listening were entertaining and insightful.

"The customer should be talking 75% of the time...NEVER interrupt a person while they're talking."

Raise your hand if you've ever interrupted another person when they were in the middle of talking. Did you feel that awkward moment where you both wait about 2 seconds and speak at the same time? Next time, keep the mouth shut and if you do happen to interrupt, count to 5 in your head.

The material in his book does come off very strong, but I've noticed an increased level of confidence and control after implementing some of this strategies.

In conclusion, some of the material is not worth reading if you cannot control the pricing of your products, nor negotiate said product. However, I do give this book 5 stars and highly recommend you pick up a copy, grab a highlighter and implement some of the material IMMEDIATELY!

I was skeptical about this book, even after I read the reveiws... I went ahead and bought it and I was very pleased with the results. It should be a handbook for anyone doing telesales (Inbound and Outbound). Good for Business owners, who call clients and potential clients (He focuses on that as well). Also great for sales reps who want to increase sales. My sales increased dramatically and my calls were more productive. I think it could even prove effective for sales reps who are not on the phone.

He even goes over how to answer the phone, what to say when someone is out to lunch, and how to get past gatekeepers when making outgoing calls.
It's an easy read, almost a page-turner and interesting too. I want to memorize it and anyone in sales/marketing should... Even a seasoned salesperson.

Don't buy another book about telesales until you have read this one. Trust, it is the only one you will need.

A few things struck me about this book.

1. It teaches you when to say "No" to suspects. I learned from it to be more discerning with whom I am talking. This book tells you how to determine, in minimum of time, if you are talking to someone who can buy from you (even if the other party won't admit that he's not interested or that he doesn't have the authority to buy). Like they say on Wall Street: "fill or kill".

2. It gives you tips to help you establish your authority early in the call. How to deal with various brushoffs (more or less graciously).... When it's better to be direct, or even blunt... It's not just one style of selling, but rather a mix of hard- and soft-sell techniques that can be adapted to the situation.

3. It gives you specific expressions to use. Short sentences that sound natural and go past the initial indifference and suspicion of people... I'm studying it to learn how to keep the flow of conversation so that it doesn't seem contrived, and how to go from one idea to another in a natural way so that I don't sound like a telemarketer.

4. There's indeed no filler. Just lots of ideas about prospecting, presentation and closing. Some may not apply to your work, but you can extract the priciples. I've read this book two times and I open it almost every day. You must read it - now!

This is truly a "chick-book" and I love it! My favorite book of all time! Be sure and read "Star", the sequel to Butterfly.

I read this book a few years back and lost it. But now that I found it again its still exciting and more intresting than before

I should start off by mentioning that I'm a fantasy and science fiction sort of person. With few exceptions (such as To Kill a Mockingbird), not much else gets my attention, and Butterfly was not a novel I would have picked for myself. However, my wife being dyslexic, asked me to read it to her. That was about 6 years ago, and about halfway through, we got disorganized and I never finished. But it was on my mind ever since: how did that novel end? I ran across it on Amazon, and ordered a copy for, as I thought, my wife. However, it turned out that she already finished it on her own. Alas! But not a problem, I really wanted to get to that ending on my own. It's one of those books hard to put down.

Butterfly is a revenge story, yes, but it's placed in a radical feminist context. Danny is the principle antagonist, but he is only epresentative of an overallpatriarchal system that is hostile and subjegating toward women. The theme arises over and over, involving, to varying degrees, nearly every female character in the book. Also woven throughout the pages are the radical feminist themes of sexual segregation and sexual liberation, presented in what I consider the proper manner of denouncing the patriarchal system without denouncing individual men. The fates of the individual women reflect just as individually on how a male-dominated society has impacted them. Also interesting is the concept of power, how Danny sees it as coming from control and the Beverly, the protagonist, exceeds him by acquiring it through cooperation.

The characters seem real in both motive and reaction. There are two elements of a plot that I adore: interweaving several subplots so that they come together seamlessly at the end, and sudden twists and turns. This novel has both. It is compelling and absorbing.

** POSSIBLE SPOILER **

The ending is resolved completely and deeply satisfying.

My wife, though she did finish it years ago, plans to read it again. I don't blame her. I surely will someday myself. This is one of those books that stand out.

There is so much more packed into this book than the cover or the back synopsis infer. I found this to be a book about human relationships, humanity, society and inspiration. I have no idea why it seems to be classified as a romance. I loved this book and found so much inside all the pages that would be very worthwhile insight into human psyche and would be a great read for men as well as women. It is so much more than a fluff book, beach read or guilty pleasure.
I can't remember where I heard about this book, but it was just recently and can't imagine why I just heard about it since it was originally published some time ago. I absolutely loved it this book and can't wait to read Stars and Private Entrance. I wasn't able to find any of these three at any used book stores but of course found them here on Amazon. This one was worth every penny, is a keeper and will stand the test of time. I honestly don't know what "tag" this would fall into. Maybe I hadn't noticed it before since it doesn't easily go into a category, IMHO.

This book is something that I have read over and over again. I first read it well over 10 years ago. I came across it again at a garage sale not too long ago and re-read it. It was just as good, I have since passed it along to all of my girlfriends who all loved it as well. Do not hesitate to get this. Just make sure you pass it along!

Excellent book for anybody who cares to actually learn. I have personally benefited a lot in my customer relations and making new customers after reading this book.

This book is one I am using everyday since I read it to develop my skills to approach a prospect, present a product in a way that adds value to the person purchasing it and close the sale tactfully. I recommend this book for anyone wanting to enjoy sales and improve their conversion rate.

Are you kidding me! This book changed my life! Follow the simple methods that Frank Bettger used and see your sales go through the roof. He doesn't know the phrase "Keep it simple stupid" this book was written way before that...but he is the original "simple" method king! Don't waste a minute, order now. Imagine all you have to do is listen to your customer and ask them why...who would have ever thought selling was this easy!
2 thumbs up Mr. Bettger...2 elated thumbs up!

You may never have heard of Frank Bettger (prounced Betch-er)but thousands of sales professionals attribute their success to reading his book, "How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling."

Bettger gives practical timeless advice on improving your salesmanship. Simple things like listen more than you speak, continue your education, act with integrity, think of your customers needs more than your own may sound old fashioned, but they still work wonders.

I read Bettger every year and I never fail to pick up something new and valuable.

Highest Recommendation!

Cheers!

How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling

I have read this book over 15 times in the past 10 years, because it is the BEST book on selling that I've ever read. It is common sense and real world in its approach. It has been in print since 1947, and that speaks volumes.

I've had this book through two marriages, three children, seven states, and way too many relocations. I've given it as gifts and cherished it as a gift to myself. I'm buying it again as I lost my original. This is the only Yoga book I know of that actually coaches and coaxes you through easy-to-follow directions. I have DVDs on Yoga, but this is where I always return for quickly gaining form and flexibility. BTW: I'm 58.

I first used a copy of this book way back when Richard Hittleman had a PBS program on yoga. I've returned to this book on and off ever since.

The yoga practice he teaches here is:

1) easy to do for anyone, regardless of fitness level or age.
2) presented in simple, daily, DO-able sequences.
3) nicely illustrated with photographs that show exactly how to do the postures.
4) supplemented with daily "yogic wisdom" that teaches what yoga practice can do for you.
5) finished with practice routines that you can use, well, forever.

In short, this is one of the best beginner yoga books out there. One that you'll use for a lifetime.

I became acquainted with Richard Hittleman through his PBS program, "Yoga for Health." As a young adult, I used to watch this show on a regular basis. Imagine how pleased I was to find a book based on the same type of exercises which were on this particular program.
This is the third time I have purchased this book. The first copy fell apart after many years of use. The second was a gift to a friend and this last one is for my husband and myself.
As you can see I am very partial to this book. I like the fact that there is the 28 day plan which you can do at your own pace and a schedule you can follow after you have completed this plan, which incorporates all the exercises you have previously learned. I have seen other yoga books, but this is my favorite because it stresses the importance of yoga being "concerned with the health and beauty of the organism as a unified whole," rather than just self-improvement for the body.

I bought this book years ago and I loved it then! I wanted to buy one for a friend who wanted to renew her excerise habits. I highly recommend this book. It takes you step by step for 28 days. It's a good way to begin.

This is an excellent beginner's introduction to yoga. I hadn't practiced yoga for over 20 years and was very out of shape, but I was able to pick it up again fairly rapidly and make quick progress. I highly recommend this book regardless of your current fitness level.

I read this book to my daughter from the time she was one; she is now six. Now she gets a thrill out of reading it herself. My son is two years old; he is also eager for story time, and it is also one of his first picks. The kids love exploring the illustrations, and each time noticing something new. As a mother, I enjoyed reading this book to my children. It is wonderful, charming and memorable.

If you like Good Night Moon, you will love this as well. I told my husband that when are girls are too big for bedtime stories, I will want him to read me these two books at bedtime. They are so soothing. My girls both love looking at the details of the pictures. This is a classic.

Illustrates animals going to bed! I love books that show everyone is going to sleep!

What a wonderful story! The rhyming text is a pleasure to read, and the book progresses from day to night, making it a perfect bedtime story. I've read it so many times to my five year old twins that we now know it by heart. Get it!!!

My son loves to read books, but this one does not keep his attention. He likes Goodnight Moon, the Boyton Books, and others, but this doesn't keep his interest. I do like that it shows various animals and their noises.

This is a great book by two no-nonsense experts in their fields.I just received the book this morning and am already well advanced in my first read :first immediate effect is a great boost to my morale because I feel my game-plan is good and when I use the book I will have an even better one.Not living in North America does not matter : I live in Japan and have already checked that most tips can be adapted to my circumstances by looking up the internet for local equivalents (a site for faxing e-mails for example).Maybe the most agressive techniques need to be localised but the strategy and the suggested execution are world-class.Highly recommended.
Vincent Dabosville, hunting for a CFO position.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R36AF0PQJCZ40B

I have been looking for a new job for roughly 1 year now. I have tons of expeirence in my field but have no luck in getting a interview let alone getting a job. I originally signed up to receive the first 3 chapters for no charge from signing up at his web site. I have put some of his techniques in use and have gotten a few interviews and 2 job offers so far.

Guerilla Marketing for Job Hunter's stand's out in the thousands of books that you can get in help with a new job. This book gives you ideas to have the edge over every other job seeker out their. In today's tough economy this needs to be done.

i'm not usually one to review books, but this book definitely helped me in my job search... i had been searching for a job in ny for 2.5 months with minimal responses from companies... once i started revamping my cover letters and refocusing my search, i got 8 calls from companies, interviewed well thru 3 final rounds, and so far i'm at 2 offers, working on the 3rd. just try it! fyi - there are a few extreme tactics/suggestions in the book... i didn't follow them, but it gave me an idea on how i could get creative in my own way... totally worth it!

Catchy title ... I'm interested in most anything Jay Levinson authors or co-authors, and he and David Perry put together some very helpful tips.

Just to whet your appetite for the contents ... David points out the skills that won't be 'outsourced,' -- a word we're all familiar with as a cause for much job loss. They are:

- leadership skills,
- project management skills,
- people skills,
- communication skills, and
- sales skills.

And, he's identified jobs he believes won't (or cannot) be outsourced ... jobs in

- energy,
- preventative health care,
- security,
- the military,
- government,
- insurance,
- consumer financial services,
- agriculture, and
- biotech/pharma.

And, he talks about skills employers buy:

- leadership skills
- communication skills
- a bias toward action
- passion for the work
- and a cultural compatibility.

He goes into more detail with more examples of what employers value (e.g., the creation of intellectual wealth, high energy, enduring performance, etc.), and whether or not you agree with this, you'll find what he says to be thought-provoking.

The Value-Based Resume
Although you would expect a review of typical job-hunting venues and tactics -- networking, targeted marketing, newspaper classifieds, job boards, newsgroups, executive search firms, headhunters, temp agencies, friend, neighbors, associates, self-promotion techniques, the use of electronic job alerts, and the use of personal Web sites and/or Blogs, creating a Linked In account ... the use of company information sources and competitive intelligence sources ... and the push to get a clear sense of your goals and transferrable, marketable, relevant skills ... what stood out for me are the examples of 'value-based' resumes. You can do an Internet search with the keywords "value-based resume" and find some fair examples. Just taking the time, after seeing David's examples, to put one together for myself allowed me to rethink how I present myself and what contributions I am making.

In the value-based resume (business values), you focus on your accomplishments or contributions to:

1) increased revenues/profit, or
2) cost savings (direct or indirect), or
3) improved productivity (aka, increased efficiencies).

You might think a values-based focus is a stretch for you and your position, but I recommend you do your best to find something for one of those three. If you can't, you might rethink how you are contributing to the firm today, so you can strengthen your chances of keeping your job tomorrow. These are the three basic values business leaders consider in making changes to improve their companies, and you need to show your contribution or risk layoff. David provides some useful resume examples to help you along.

In addition, I found myself easily writing the more pointed cover letters (as David illustrates in the book), ones that mention my contributions in these value areas and as they relate to the targeted organization that I researched. I have felt more confident, more powerful, and more connected to the purpose of the job opportunity I've pursued, since I know more clearly what I can contribute to the firm, and I've given them what they need to make an objective decision. Obviously, there are other factors to hiring -- or not hiring, or delayed hiring, such as a change of mind due to business downturn, employee referral provided a needed replacement, etc. -- that affect the outcome, but I've felt confident that I've presented myself in the best light, in the meantime.

The other benefit of knowing in detail what you have contributed in any of those three business value areas comes in your face-to-face interviews; you have examples and stories to illustrate your contributions. That make for a more useful and convincing interview. David guides us in the creation of our own storybook(s) that illustrate how we rose to the challenge of a relevant job situation, that we can lead under pressure, can execute a strategy in response, and can be both a team leader and a team captain, as needed.

David also offers and explains in detail 13 (interesting) creative ways to find a job, which are worth considering, such as writing an email chain letter, calling your targeted firm's HR person to get the name of the screening firm they use, writing a case study of the targeted firm within its current industry situation, preparing a competitive analysis of the firm, etc.

If all that I've outlined doesn't stir your interest in getting a hold of this book, I don't know what will ... or perhaps you are independently wealthy and don't need a job.

This is hands down the most helpful parenting book I have read. It will not only help you understand why you may have experienced rivalry with your own siblings, it will help you prevent these same issues from injuring your own childrens' bonds. The authors use support group participants' real-life examples to discuss how we, as parents, unknowingly label our children (He's our athlete, she's our artist, etc.), create unfair comparisons (Your sister ate all of her vegetables, your brother made an "A", etc.), become the referee in disputes rather than facilitating problem-solving, and many more. Unlike many other parenting books available, this will leave you with specific guidelines and ideas that you can actually use and receive immediate results.

I have two daughters who used to get along quite well. But since the summer, their acceptable level of sibling rivalry has escalated to a very uncomfortable level. We were desperate to "nip it in the bud" before things really got out of hand. This book is already doing the trick - and it only arrived in the post yesterday! I practically devoured the book as soon as I took it out of the package!

My husband gave me the task of reading up on things, because I'm a very fast and focused reader, and we needed the help a.s.a.p! I finished the book today, and have started reading it again to take notes and make summaries to keep on hand. I have already put some of the lessons into practice and notice the difference already. For example, arguments are easily diffused because feelings are validated. I've also stopped "positive comparison", after I read, with horror, the potential harm it can do.

This book may be a bit of a shock for parents who are used to saying, "because I said so!" or who use physical punishment. However, for us, it is another step forward in the journey of being the liberal parents we consider ourselves to be.

This book not only helped me with my relationship with my kids...it helped me understand some of the issues between my siblings & me & my parents while growing up. Must read if you have children!

Sibling Rivalry is an area that we as parents must address early on. This book is very helpful, but I think the best book that deals with helping all kids get along with each other is Bully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying. Through scripts, activities, routines parents learn to teach children how wonderful it is to respect and get along with each other. This is a must-read for any parent with 2 kids or children about to start school... so empowering for children.It goes so far beyond bullying.

With a toddler and a newborn it's hard to find time to read anything. This book was such an easy read. The cartoons are a great help because it's simple. I borrowed this from the library but owning one is a must so that I can refer back to it whenever I need to.

Over all I'd give the material a 3, but if you like this guy's stuff then this is the purchase for you.

The Hitchhiker's Series is wonderful and quirky. The Main Character, Arthur Dent, is swept up in events beyond his control when the Earth is destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass. Accompanied on his journey across the galaxy by assorted friends, or at least traveling companions, Arthur learns to take things in stride, the importance of a good cup of tea and to NEVER go anywhere without his towel.
Douglas Adams was a true visionary. To me sci-fi books about space travel were always a bit too clean and perfect, think "Federation." Adams, however, has created a bizarre and often ridiculous universe where literally anything can happen. This series is one I have read several times and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys comedy, sci-fi, or fantasy. In a world of writers, Douglas Adams will be sorely missed by his fans.

The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide contains all 6 of the stories, or rather, 5 complete novels and one story...You'll love this book. This edition also comes with a sweet padded leatherbound cover and a bookmark.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND IF YOU LIKE TO LAUGH!!!!

I first read the first book: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, several years ago. Once the movie came out I once again picked up this series. This book is wonderfully funny. I have discussed these books with most of my family. Just from my recounts of the books, everyone from my 14 year old brother to my 87 year old grandmother asked for my copy of this binding. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to laugh.

Physically, as I'm sure you've all read, it is in a leather (probably pseudo-leather) binding. The sides of the paper are golden. There is a page holder which has frayed quite a bit from very little use. Obviously, it was designed to look like a Bible, possibly adding to the humor or representing a Bible-esque theme to the ultimate collection of the Hitchhiker's Guide.

Beautiful Book! The binding and high quality of the paper and printing would have made Douglas proud... this is the way you should remember this extraordinary and hillarious set of books. I bought two copies for my daughter and myself. I'll be ordering more for Christmas presents - what a great gift for all of my slightly crazy friends.

Buy this and you will not be sorry.

This is a great book for kids, even young ones around 2.5 years old. It's an engaging story and my son loves the part where the man wakes up to find his hats gone, and looks up and sees all the monkeys wearing the hats! He asks me to read it everynight, and remembers the phrase "caps for sale."

I loved this book as a child and I love sharing it with my children.

Years ago, a unique peddler stood out from other salespeople because he carried all his goods on top of his head. He neatly stacked a bunch of gray, brown, blue, and red caps in a single pile and carefully balanced them on his head as he walked through town, calling "Caps! Caps for Sale! Fifty cents a cap!" But alas, on this particular day, no one purchases a cap. With no money to buy lunch, the peddler opts for a walk and a nap in the countryside instead. His troubles multiply when he wakes up to the sight of a group of playful monkeys in the treetop, each wearing one of his caps for sale. How will he get the caps back?

This classic story, reissued in a new hardcover edition, does not grow old with its humor, ingenuity, and charm. Underlying the story is an important set of economics concepts related to buyers and sellers in the goods market. If the demand for caps had been a little stronger, the peddler may have been able to avoid this whole predicament, but therein lies the book's merriment. Caps for Sale gets top marks for delivering a story with substantive content that children will enjoy and remember.

This is one of the few books I remember my elementary school librarian reading to us during my childhood. I loved the story of the multi colored caps balancing on the peddler's head as he walked through town yelling "caps for sale!" Then to find that as he napped, his caps disappeared. Looking around for them post-nap, he discovers a band of monkeys in the tree wearing them. He tries to get the caps back but each time he yells at the monkeys, they just ape his actions. Finally they throw the caps down and he continues on his way selling his multi-colored caps. I highly recommend this book for all children. My daughter is 2, almost 3, and she also LOVES this story. She finds the monkeys funny - especially how I imitate their actions.

This makes the top ten list out of all the great picture books we read to our kids when they were young. I never tired of reading it. So simple, symmetric, even musical. The story? How does the peddler get the monkeys to give back all the caps they've stolen from him and carried up into the tree? Okay, I'm the publisher of One Monkey Books, so call me biased. But try this one on your three or five or year old, and really get into singing, "Caps for sale! Caps for sale! Fifty cents a cap!" It's been around for ages already, and this book will still be there when your kids are having kids. Nutty to Meet You! Dr. Peanut Book #1