Careers Books

This is a very good book for middle and high school age kids. It gives them a direction and a way to plan how they live and interact with other teens and adults. I'd also recommend getting the companion workbook The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Workbook [[ASIN:1929494173 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Workbook. It helps cement the concepts covered in the book

I discovered this book by accident. I found the 365 days version with excerpts and jokingly said to my Mum that I should get it. She was serious that I should and bought it for me. I was intrigued...

That quite possibly changed by life (not dramatically mind you but kept me on the right track). It took me ages to find the full version, but I bought (it wasn't cheap!) and read it straight away (and was a bit rude considering I was staying at someones house as a guest and hid in my room for hours reading!).

It was the first "self help" book I have read and I'd say the best. It is SO easy to read and has lots of pictures and things so it's not just pages and pages of writing.

I have read this book many times and even though I haven't read it for a year or so I can still remember half of the 7 habits and some of my Personal Mission Statement I wrote.
But anyway, the book is great, easy to read and the stuff makes sense, really quickly - you don't have to sit and think about it for ages, you get it straight away - and you WILL remember it.
I haven't even bothered reading his father's book - I've seen it in stores and been put off by the pages full of writing.

Give this book a go - even if it is the only "self Help" book you EVER read it won't disappoint you (I have found others just don't match up).
Give it to your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews or even your adult relatives and friends. Apart from the references to school aduts can still get a lot out of it!

ENJOY!

I read this book before I gave it to my thirteen year old son. Because I was told that if gave great insight on the the way that some teenagers think as they go through growing pains. It also was helpful to my child to see that there was someone else who had similar issues and experiences. This book also gave detailed characteristics that a negagtive/unsuccessful teen would have and the positive characteristics that a successful teen should posses. I recommed this book to every parent and there teens to use as a steping stone for opening the means of communication into character building.

Claudette

Like many of the reviewers on here, I too was one of the unfortunate teens who had this book thrust upon them in high school. I was always a negativist at heart, so I am naturally critical of self-help programs and feel-good books like this one. But since I was going through a rough patch in my life, I decided to give it an honest chance. Plus, it was given to us at no charge, which I did appreciate.

Unfortunately, this book is only helpful to one of two different types of teens, neither category of which I happened to fall into. First are the type of individuals who are already happy-go-lucky, self-confident, and have already fully developed a sense of identity. Teens who are depressed, have a bad family situation, have financial troubles, or have issues with self-image should forget this book even exists. The second type of rare teenage breed who might actually benefit from this book is the one who has the dedication and the energy to uproot his or her entire life in order to live it according to Sean Covey's strict specifications.

Personally, I found the book to be so overly enthusiastic that it actually sickened me. Covey seems to assume every teenager is of the same mold. He doesn't account for some very important variables which often contribute to teenage stress and hardship (i.e., moving to a new location, domestic violence, the death of a loved one, mental illness, etc.) and the issues he does address are often glossed over in a goofy, unrealistic manner. It's plain to see that Covey, despite his "I-used-to-be-just-like-you" attitude, didn't have too many problems growing up. Perhaps he should have let someone more qualified write this book.

Even the people who might enjoy this text will be turned off by its blatant profiteering. There are copious references to a companion planner that you are supposed to buy, as if all other day planners are somehow incompatible.

My advice for troubled teens: burn this book and keep listening to angry music and playing violent video games. It is far more therapeutic than reading "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens".

I cringe every time I see this book. I was forced to teach it to a 9th grade advisory class and we all hated every painful minute of it (despite my "give it a chance" attitude--I really did try!). It's a very boring read to begin with, and is filled with unrealistic advice. The worst one I can remember is that he says something along the lines of "success comes from you, not from who you know, the latter of which is a common belief and downfall of many". EXCUSE ME? Are you going to tell me that YOUR success (Sean) has NOTHING to do with your dad's? Come the (insert expletive here) on!
Teens need guidance that empathizes with them, tells them how to deal with realistic situations, rather than preach at them and tell them that scheduling their lives will make all the difference.
Please, schools across the country, stop forcing this on our students. This is not the solution to our so-called 'troubled youths'--this book does NOT speak to them (read other reviews here if you don't believe me!)

I have listend to the 3 disc set and now listening to the unabridged set. Do not waste your time and money on the 3 disc set for an initial training. The unabridged set has more information and examples and well worth the extra $. The 3 disc would be good for a reminder, but not for the initial training.

This is not a listen once, quick fix, instant success miracle audio series. However, it contains great information and "Habits" that, if you can integrate into your life, will vastly improve your effectiveness as a human being. I have listened to this set only a couple of times...I plan on hearing it again, and again, and again. You should do the same.

If you are looking for what my opinion is (because, of course, this morning you woke up and the first thing you thought was... what is the opinion of Alana Renfro?) the best motivational CDs out there- then stop your Amazon search and purchase the UNABRIDGED Audio Program of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Working on the creative side of agencies, corporate businesses and boutique clients, you discover that many creative people do not know how to prioritize what is truly important vs. urgent, begin with the end in mind, or follow-through on set commitments with a trustworthy set of principles and ethics. After all, advertising and marketing can be known for the opposite! Just youtube "ad agency spoof", like "The Truth in Ad Sales" video from the UK or "Truth in Advertising".

My husband is in finances, I am in the creative industry, yet we both are incredibly inspired by this series of CDs. It is applicable to anyone in any industry- you just basically need the interest to better yourself, your business or your personal life. I had read the book previously, my husband had not, yet we both have these CDs in our cars as we drive to and from work and are able to not only learn from Mr. Covey's calming and informative audio, but implement the practices into our personal and professional lives. Also being parents, we've found his insights into families, mission statements, the power of thought and his personal family examples hugely helpful for our children and our perspectives.

As a professional, a wife, a mother, and simply someone who has a drive to better myself and succeed, these Unabridged CDs have changed my life. My husband and I both use the planners, but most importantly- the Unabridged Audio Program of 13 CDs I highly recommend.

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is the most famous title of Stephen R. Covey, a professor of Brigham Young University where he taught prior to the publication of this best-selling work. The audio version became the first non-fiction audio-book in U.S. publishing history to sell more than one million copies. Covey holds a BS degree in Business Administration from University of Utah in Salt Lake City, an MBA from Harvard University, and a Doctorate of Religious Education (DRE) in Mormon Church History and Doctrine from Brigham Young University. He also holds membership of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity.

This audio program is mainly about the time management (chapters 1, 2, 3, 7) and interpersonal relationships (chapters 4, 5, 6). The time-management books like "Getting Things Done" by David Allen and "Time Drive" by Gleb Arkhangelsky frequently overlook the importance of interpersonal relationships in the time management.

Many of the ideas and much of the language of "The 7 Habits..." recast the content of the classic 1966 Peter F. Drucker book "The Effective Executive", wherein Drucker wrote: "Effectiveness, in other words, is a habit", and which includes a chapter called "First Things First".

Covey consistently opposes "quick-fix" solutions to life or business problems and insists that changes in paradigm or mindset to align with natural principles provide the "true" source of solutions. The author points out, for example, that the paradigm that produces short-term results in business inevitably leads to an inability to produce results for the long term. He calls this "killing the golden goose". Covey advocates balancing short- and long-term productive capacities as the most effective mindset for the businessperson.

While this is good, it was so wordy with quite a bit of monotone so it was difficult to stay with the audio. I would try the abridged version next time.

I couldn't find much practical advice in this book. Megan actually suggests people show up late to work and meetings. How is that good advice for anyone let alone a fresh college grad? Megan mentions researching hundreds of books on the subject but the majority of her suggestions come short of really addressing anything at all. It appears as if she lost interest in the middle of her research but published the book anyway.

Megan painfully dances around subjects while dispersing very little practical advice. Her writing is laced with vocabulary that would be hard to grasp for a typical entrant to the job market (unless perhaps they work in the publishing business like her).

It could be that Silicon Valley culture is different(which is where I work and reside) from New York publishing scene but this book was a colossal waste of time for me, which is ironic given the book's title.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to make a Downtown Women's Club event at Barnes & Noble to hear Megan Hustad speak on her new book, How To Be Useful. Hustad is a soft-spoken veteran of the book publishing world, and extremely nimble with her words. Despite the interference of the cafe machinery, Hustad read a few excerpts and explained the process of writing a retrospective of 100 years of Success Literature.

Now that I've finished this book (and already re-read a few sections), I place this at the very top of my list of recommended Success books. I have a certain amount of envy that Hustad thought of the project first, but really she does a fantastic job in surveying a long list of advice books and distilling the essence of each down to its most useful principles. Through interviews with contemporary colleagues and research on her fellow Success authors, she deftly equips the reader with a range of situations for practical application of the proffered career advancement methods.

Hustad's writing is at once intelligent, and easily digested. She adds a certain amount of fine dry wit to her work, as well as an icing of footnotes to flush out certain points. Any book she has gone over is helpfully included in the bibliography, for further reading, although this might be extraneous.

My personal favorite chapters are "2 - Dodging the Great Failure Army" and "8 - Self-Deprecation." In Chapter 2, we are introduced to Orison Swett Marden's ideas on being relentlessly cheerful and kind to everyone, from the CEO to the concierge. The idea is not new (Marden wrote in the early part of the 20th century), but the various applications of how to apply this optimism to career development is wonderfully explained. Marden's idea of the "Law of Attraction," the idea that people are drawn to the positive, is similar to the heart of "The Secret," but must less mystical. By applying pleasantries to our office mates, carefully and not gratuitously, one cultivates an air of camaraderie, and leaves the door open for others to follow suit. Chapter 2 is full of examples of how to deploy this cheerful method, as well as misguided attempts to avoid.

Chapter 8 covers the art of self-deprecation, which I think should be mandatory reading for new people in the office, particularly those guilty of over-sharing. Hustad here examines the rags-to-riches story, and how overcoming obstacles endears oneself to those around one, but conversely, stories about common problems can pile up and backfire on the teller. It's one thing to talk about overcoming a poor financial situation by winning a full scholarship to college, but another thing entirely to tell about one's embarrassing behavior while drunk last night on the way home from happy hour. As I was reading this chapter, I could feel myself cringe as I remembered telling self-deprecating stories that probably did more to decrease public opinion of myself rather that create a sense of "we've all been there" endearment.

I would highly recommend this book to career services offices, high school guidance offices, and any other place that prepares new graduates for the workforce. I'd add that this would make an excellent read for anyone who struggles with social interactions or anxieties, because of its easy to follow pedagogy on interpersonal communications. Even though it is written with career success in mind, the advice is extraordinarily useful in many situations from networking events to parties.

This book is chock full of hilarious office bloopers, so it took me a little while to stop cackling from schadenfreude and realize just how many thoughtful lessons about human behavoir I was learning, and how many practical tips I would be taking away to apply to my daily work life. I loved the chapter on the difference between good networking and the kind that's just a sleazy waste of time. Even though I've been in the workplace for twelve years I learned a lot from this book.

I DON'T work in a cubicle and I DON'T hate my job (lucky me!) but still found this book incredibly useful. It gave me a lot of insight into how people (particularly bosses) view others in a business setting. Reading this book made me aware of some mistakes I have made in the way I interact at work, and I think it has prevented me from making more. Hustad writes well and her tone is friendly, so this is a quick read. But there is also a lot of good information in it, so I plan on returning to this book regularly. It's definitely a book worth owning.

Megan Hustad has read the greatest "success" literature of the 20th century so that you don't have to. In "How to Be Useful," she presents some of the best insights from Dale Carnegie and crew along with her own anecdotes. While Hustad's own stories are often from her own profession (publishing), her extensive research into the literature of success and its authors' lives is exhaustive and entertaining. The footnotes are occasionally off the mark, however, and detract from what is otherwise a quick read. Also, "How to Be Useful" largely ignores the changing American workplace: most white collar workers don't stay in a job for more than 3-5 years, so it's unlikely that anyone will rise in the corporate ranks from the mailroom to the boardroom as Dale Carnegie did. Still, if more recent graduates (and some seasoned office workers) read this book, work--and life--might just be a little more tolerable for everyone involved.

This recording is ok. I had not heard Pema speak before and she does have an engaging speakers voice. I was disappointed however as I did not realize this recording is mostly about interpreting verses from Shantideva's writings. I wanted more practical advice (from a buddhist perspective) on how to deal with anger. I don't believe this recording provided that. Would I buy it again knowing what I know now? No, there is not a lot of substance to it.

Good practical advice that allows you to get to know yourself. This CD helps you to practice spiritual principles in our daily lives. Loved it!

This is an advisory not a review. The content of these three CD's is excellent. When Pema speaks there is a continual popping-clicking sound which is not present when Robert Walker the reader speaks. This indicates to me a defect in the original recording, perhaps in her attached microphone. I'm surprised these weren't picked up by the sound technicians and the noises eliminated during the recording. These odd sounds exist through the entire recording and for me were disconcerting.
Listening to Pema speak I was getting annoyed by the strange crackling sounds when I realized she was discussing "bourgeois suffering"--those minor things that irritate all of us, traffic jams, rude people, not getting your correct seat in an airplane, etc. I laughed and finished all three CD's, crackling sounds and all. If odd noises like this bother you, be forewarned.

The entire book is wonderful -- after reading so many works (and listening to some talks) by noted teachers and other Buddhist practitioners about this or that element of the philosophy/faith, it's refreshing to just hear someone talk. That is, rather than innundating a lay listening like myself with this or that concept in Sanskrit or Pali and using confusing allegories that made perfect sense when they were related several thousand years ago, listening to the wonderful words of Pema Chodron is so nice.
Above all other teachers, she talks to me -- and the many thousands of others who listen to hear -- as if she were a friend. She tells me about her own experiences and then makes fun of herself and so I don't feel like she's someone above me, someone to work at trying to be. She just seems to be someone who is further along the same path I'm walking down.
The only reason that I have any problem with this audio book is that the idea of Shenpa in the book was still a little unclear to me after I had finished it. Although now I know that Shenpa is a bit ephemeral; this was never explained, clearly at least, in the book.

Pema Chodron explains the Buddhist philosophy in this as well as her many other CDs in a clear, relevant manner with just the right touch of humor relating to the human condition. She has mastered the philosophy, yet her modesty lets the listener know that she has been where we listeners often are. Easier to absorb than reading, for me, and a lot more fun. A great way to clear the mind at night when trying to get negative thoughts out of my head and helpful to prepare for sleep. I actually fall asleep with the headphones on and hope that perhaps my subconscious is learning her explanations of various instructions. Super for the novice or the more advanced student.

This book provides excellent advice that is laid out logically, and is easy to understand and implement. A few simple changes can improve how your interact with your spouse.

I use this book in working with couples planning to marry or when couples struggle, and they ALWAYS find answers. Gottman's style is respectable and accessible for "everyman," while still maintaining heady content for professionals. I recommend it for couples looking to learn better fighting styles and communication patterns, for pastors and professionals who work with couples in trouble, and for people trying to set the rules before they actually play the game. Great text!

John Gottman is a respected expert on relationships who has done extensive research with married couples over the past two decades to determine why couples stay together or part. Although Gottman's book is about marriage, it also has some excellent insights for understanding some of the important dynamics of long-term courting relationships. The book provides many exercises, quizzes, techniques and tips to understand and improve courting relationships.

Gottman notes that his years of research show that a lasting marriage results from a couple's ability to resolve the conflicts that are inevitable in any relationship. He also notes that there are three different styles of conflict resolution that healthy couples usually adopt. They are: the validating marriage (couples compromise and calmly work out their problems attempting to satisfy both people), the conflict-avoiding marriage (couples agree to disagree and rarely confront issues head on), and the volatile marriage (couples conflict often and the results are passionate disputes).

John Gottman also discusses what he calls "The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse." These are the dangerous ways of interacting that sabotage attempts to communicate. They are criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling.

Well written and informative, Gottman's research has uncovered some worthwhile and thought provoking ideas on long-term relationships. Understanding these concepts can be helpful when trying to understand oneself and when exploring long-term compatibility with a companion.

I found many useful concepts throughout the book. Overall a powerful work on strenthening relationships!

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

This book was recommended by our Marriage Counselor. We went through counseling 5 years ago, and have had a wonderful marriage ever since. This book (at least ideas from it), helped tremendously... but you have to read it together, open up your mind to all ideas, take it to heart, and be willing to change.

An excellent book for couples wanting to learn how to proceed in bettering their relationship without the assistance of a professional. Although using the book with the assistance of a professional seems to have better outcomes.

Great and easy read. What I got out of this is that you should focus on the present and be conscious of your day. As the title suggest you can change your life by changing your thoughts, positive thoughts. This so reminds me of my favorite book on this subject,Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook.

Sounds like it. This is the teachings of Tao Te Ching. Well written but if you prefer a simpler approach I would recommend The Secret and even better because it shows you how,Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook. This is the same premise changing your thoughts can change your life as in The Law of Attraction.

Dr. Dyer has a knack of learning new directions and sharing them with others. This is a great book.

A life changing book for sure. We study one verse for one day or however many days it takes to fully grasp the message of that verse and its accompanying essay. We got this book to help us after my husband got laid off from his job. It helped us to see and use the source of our lives to get through this challenging time. My husband starts his new job tomorrow! This book was a wonderful tool and a huge comfort all along the way and will continue to be so for the rest of our lives. Thank you Wayne Dyer.

As a long term student of Taoism, I was somewhat skeptical about an author like Dyer (who I thought of as a very Western self-help oriented writer) giving the Tao te Ching a meaningful reading and discussion. I am happy to say I was very wrong to be skeptical. Dyer writes with an eloquence and erudition that is balanced and accessible without "dumbing down" the subject or insulting his readers.


The essays are best read one at a time and digested, somewhat like other day by day spiritual treatises like A Course in Miracles or the Daily Word or any other where you are meant to reflect and apply the ideas as the day goes on. Following this method was the best way I found to gain the benefit from meditating on them.

Dyer's book works well for someone who knows the Tao te Ching on some level and wants a new way to meditate upon its treasures. The book would work equally as well for someone who doesn't know the Tao te Ching, I would think, as he illuminates certain points which would assist a newer reader into garnering the meaning from the sometimes elusive language this ancient text uses.

The only issue I really have with Dyer's book is the product description which emphasizes Lao tzu as the author and that he came before Christ. For one, I think it is still a matter of scholarly contention as to who the author or authors of the Tao te Ching are. Also, using Lao Tzu or the Tao te Ching's earlier place in history compared to Christ is unnecessary. Its validity stands on its own merit and the comparison was a bit un-Tao-like I thought.

I would not recommend this book as the only study of the Tao te Ching or Taoism, but certainly would recommend it as an adjunct to additional readings on the subject. It's a volume to come back to more than once.

This book has a date on each page for each day. Each day contains a thought or message that is thought provoking and introspective. Reading this book does give you a sense of calming and reassurance. The small size is great so you can take it with you on the go. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Gentle reminders that compell me to STAY PRESENT. Hope abounds!

I just started this book, and I find the quotes, insights, and meditations to be absolutely on target. It is a must for anyone struggling with esteem issues. Buy one for everyone you know who could use the motivation, strength, and compelling insights to improve themselves, their lives, and their well-being!

a little voice of reason when your feeling blue or need encouragement. I have recommended this book many times over and have given it as a gift many times.

THIS LITTLE BOOK HAS BEEN A SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT AT EVERY TURN, ONE OF MY MOST CHERISHED DEVOTIONALS.

As a fashion design student, I was given this book before attending school by a friend. I read it all in one day and really appreciated all the information in it. But, I will say that I understood most of the business end of the information because I had already taken a college level business class.

The information in this book is very general and I would say it is excellent for someone who is thinking about going into the fashion industry and wants a realistic view of the process. Reading it before attending classes will give you a head start to understanding key concepts that will be covered.

If you already have a degree, I agree with one of the other reviewers, I wouldn't buy it.

This extremely well written book is enough to put you off even thinking of venturing into starting your own fashion label!! It is very well researched and obviously written by someone who is EXTREMELY conversant with the notoriously fickle and difficult fashion industry.I have worked in fashion at the design level as a patternmaker for well over 30 years and Mary Gelhar has put together a very informative manual.
It is exactly as it is, no matter what country you live in.
Take note anyone attempting to start your own label!!!

This is a great book for those interesting in the fashion business. I am not a designer, but I am a marketing consultant to several fashion designers. This book has helped me, help my clients.

This is an excellent tutorial IF you already have a basic background in the fashion industry, otherwise, you might not understand certain information predicated on the assumption of a knowledge base.

I would most certainly recommend it for anyone thinking of starting their own business in the fashion industry. It will skillfully guide you through the land mines of the fashion landscape and prevent you from getting a leg blown off!

Clear, concise and thorough. Lots of 'white space' on every page prevents the reader from being overwhelmed and sublimimally infers that starting your own business IS simple enough that you absolutely can succeed!

Just do your due diligence with Mary. Good luck!

I am not a fashion designer, but when I bought this book, I was starting my own fashion business and this book was exactly what I needed to help me along. For someone just starting out in the fashion business, this book explains everything you need to know from what kind of company to set up, setting up a business plans and legal issues to production and PR. This is a great, well rounded guide that is easily set up so it is very easy to understand and read. This is a must have for anyone who wants to get into the business of fashion

This is an easy to follow guide that really does help if you are looking to help yourself better coexist with people in the work place.

It was a very stressful time in my life. I was dealing with hopeless beauracracies on the phone, a new boss that seemed to have just gotten out of the military and an ex-husband that, surprise, surprise, was still doing the same, make me crazy, behaviors 10 years into the divorce as when I was married to him. I didn't like the way these people were acting, but even more I didn't like the way I was behaving around them. I was getting so frustrated on the phone, I was either to mad to be effective or I would hang up in frustration. I didn't even know how to deal with a boss who micromanaged when I wasn't even used to having a manager at all. As for the ex-husband, well, I was the one left completely frustrated by my encounters, I'm sure he never gave them another thought.

This book shows you the 10 types of people you can't stand. It shows you the 4 things that motivates each of them and it shows you how to handle them and you. It is not some easy you fix them book. It is definitely you who has to change and sometimes you will have to gag as you say certain things or choke on the words you are holding back. But, it will work and has worked for me. By showing you what motivates people, it shows you how to solve your problems with them. It shows how to deal with them in person or on the phone. It also shows you what may be the most shocking to you and that's what to do when you behave like one of the 10 people you can't stand. Thereby, helping you to understand what motivates you to act a certain way at times and then helping you see a better way to handle those situations. I found that most people are more than just 1 type of person. It's very eye-opening and it not only helped me deal with frustrating phone calls, confusing bosses, the same-o, same-o ex-husband, but was also extremely helpful in dealing with the behaviors you can't stand in your children and other relatives.

It has made all the difference in how I interact with people. I am no longer the one that is frustrated. feeling hopeless, seething with anger or, more importantly, not solving my problems. Additionally, I work in a call center and the book had the added benefit of giving me better skills at handling people that are upset when they call in and I, though very sympathetic, am not able to offer them the solution to their problems that they want. When you have those frustrated callers that you would like to help and you know that normally you may have left them feeling like you didn't care, they give you skills to make the person calling in feel like you really do care and that you are listening and doing what you can to help.

If you are willing to be the one to change, you will actually be able to handle all the people you can't stand after reading this book. Very few books are life changing, but I can't tell you how thankful I am that this is one of them.

I really enjoyed this book. The crux of it is that you are dealing with bad or difficult behaviour, not necessarily bad people. If you understand what drives the behaviour you can be more successful in dealing with it. It is also a good guide on what NOT to do. AND the book is not a weighty tome that drones on and on to prove a simple point ... it is nice and to the point. I was a IT consultant for 10 years working with many different global coporate companiess, and now run my own business employing 15 people. I can recognise each and every behaviour type. I have tries lots of these strategies for dealing with these behaviours (successful and unsuccessful) and a lot of this advice rings so very true.

This is like a small handbook/manual to refer to after you've read a more in depth book on the subject. I wouldn't even call it a book, it's not very long at all.
It's not a bad read but if you have never read anything about "difficult people" before you'll find a LOT lacking. I think maybe it'll be good to refer to if you need reminders of the things you've learned.

A more comprehensive book on the subject which i have read and like a lot is called Coping with difficult people by Robert M. Bramson.

This is the executive summary 64 pages. NOT the one reviewed below that is out of print. I checked it out of the library and found it very good, but wanted to finish it in detail on a long business trip. Was very disappointed when I saw a small flimsy pamphlet like book, not the good one. Amazon need to make this clearer to people. Watch the buy 3 get one free promos - there is a reason those books are sitting.

I actually checked this book out at the library and ended up loving it so much I plan to purchase it from Amazaon. I own a small business and am always searching for a new perspective on anything regarding business so I thought I would see what the Donald had to say about it.

I appreciate his direct approach and the book was always entertaining. Yes, he was born into money but the man has guts and has experienced his fair share of low points in his business endeavors. He has a lot of passion for what he does and although his advice is simple, "common sense" it is still informative- if you are willing to apply your knowledge. It's a book I will refer to often, even if it's just to keep my confidence levels high and build my momentum. I recommend it.

Very Strong & Encouraging read. A step towards the business side of life...Very informative, promotes a strong attitude for setting new goals and acheiving them.

Somebody should 'Think Big' and kick The Donald
[Trump's] A*S! Any New Jersey Generals fans left
out there that I can have do it? As usual, it's
very slim in anything but bragging and full of
b.s. about his 'USFL Experience'. Yawn!

Firstly, I have a confession to make. I am not a billionaire!!

Now that makes this review kind of merky because who is to question a billionaire right? I must admit when I was 2/3 finish with this book I was already to give it 4 stars. I guess you're thinking so what changed? Well after doing away with the adage that because Mr. Trump is a billionaire that this book, "must be", the gospel and I "must" follow. I realized that I have an opinion of my own. I think the begginning of the book, the quiz, absolutely sucks and is definetly not for every one. ALthough, I "passed", the quiz I felt like it was a bogus one with assumptions that everyone has a spouse and other rediculous Q & A. What was funny is once your finish with the quiz you see the answers then Donald says," If you didn't pass the quiz read the book and you should be certain to pass,lol. Aside from that alot of the book is regurgitaded repeating many of the same points over and over. I think the chapter on momentum and keep your eye on the ball are really the same. However, the authors decided to break them up to stretch the book out. Also, the book is not like other reads in that Donald trys to give real world approach to business. His style of business is not my style. People who work 18 hour days and no time for other things have convinced themselves that what they do makes them happy. I hate to break it to you but business is business and know matter how much you may love your work it is a job(besides who says, when I grow up I wanna be a real estate developer). I think I will take Tim Feriss advice over Donald and Bill on this one. Another thing I had a problem with is the, "buy the best of things in life" even if you don't have it!! Assuming you will recoup it from your business clients after they see how, "rich" you look. There got to be a better way. I'd hate to see somebody lose everything taking such a gamble. I would rather take the, "millionaire next door" approach to business here.

Aside from all my complaints about this book there is nothing wrong with reading it. The inspiration of "thinking big" may just be the inspiration you need to help you be on your way. If you could use a little inspiration and a, "rah rah" moment then pick this book up from your local library and enjoy it. In fairness to Bill Zanker I liked his anecdotes they worked for him and they was nice to read and also Donald had some interesting things that are great reminders of being a business titan. For instance, when he says there's no win win in business. Donald Trump frankness is refreshing and that is what I like about this book. Although, I don't agree with some things, overall this book is an OK read. Why not snatch it up from your library? It won't cost you nothing to decide your self.

This is an awesome book! Donald Trump's passion and "take no-nonsense attitude" is refreshing and inspiring. His passion explodes off the pages as he shares his insight on having a successful life. I love how Donald shares his experiences - both the "failures" and "successes". He sees failures as opportunities to learn what doesn't work and how success will follow when you continue to "Think Big" regardless of whether the circumstances are in your preferences. Reading this book comes at a perfect time in my life, as I work at a Bank and have just recently been promoted to an Analyst position. It is now time to write this year's objectives for the next phase of my career. The next promotion will be to an Associate, and I feel so inspired by Donald's book - that anything is possible when I "Think Big".

Authors Ariel & Shya Kane strongly echo Donald Trump's keys to success in their books, Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation, How To Create a Magical Relationship, and Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment. After reading these books by Ariel & Shya Kane, I quickly climbed the corporate ladder from Admin. Assistant, to Loan Service Admin., to Analyst - in just four years. As I approached my job with excellence, I have found satisfaction in all areas in my life. If you find Donald Trump's book as inspiring as I did, check out the Kanes and discover that life becomes easy when you live in the moment, and success is a wonderful by-product.