Careers Books

This book was a great choice to get for our employees to share. It covers a variety of situations and workplaces and answered many common business etiquette questions that have arisen.

This book is a must read for anyone graduating from school and headed into business. It gives outstanding advice on everything from cell phone etiquette, e-mail etiquette, cubicle farm etiquette, table manners, the interview process, thank you's, etc. It's a good read, and an outstanding reference book to have in one's library.

Ever have that 1 question on 'how to' conduct yourself in a business situation? This book has the answers and the guidance on 'what to do.' Even the most experienced professional comes across a business situation question ... it's nice to have the answer before the situation occurs!

This is wonderful book explaining what etiquette is really about. One will learn everything -- from how to dress, table manners, office setup, how to print business cards to how to prepare resume. I would recommend to everyone to read it regardless if they are working or not. While I do not agree with some of the rules regarding "who pays for lunch" - I would say that this is a book everyone should read and understand because it will improve their interactions with others.

Covered all of the bases in today's professional enviornment

After reading BASEBALL STRATEGIES and knowing it's available as a valuable reference, I'm looking forward to referring to it during the playoffs and World Series. BASEBALL STRATEGIES provides insight into the finer points of the game. It provides the rationale for the strategies used, and the decisions made regarding all of the individual match-ups in countless offensive situations that make baseball such a "complex simple game".

Besides baseball fans, the book is obviously written for coaches and players who want to develop their understanding of the game and improve their ability to react and anticipate in any given situation. Contributors to the book are successful college coaches who, as life-long students of the game, have brought their own experiences and perspectives to this well-written, informative book of offensive and defensive strategies and tactics. Pitching is also explained, from fielding the position to developing mental toughness to developing a plan for getting the batter out.

This book contains a wealth of information for "students of the game". If you play, coach, or just enjoy watching, BASEBALL STRATEGIES can provide valuable information for many seasons to come. There are so many pearls of wisdom, it should be guaranteed to improve the quality of play and understanding of everyone who reads it.

Tim Smith

Bought for my husband. Reports this is an excellent book for the strategy of the game.

I highly recommend this book to any coaches that want to take their game to the next level. The one thing that this book does is break down every aspect of the game and gives you many, many ideas on how to implement the strategies explained.

I have been coaching baseball for 7 years at the high school level and have attended many baseball coaches clinics throughout the United States. I have learned many things at these clinics.

The beauty of this book is that it something that you can continue to reference back to again and again. This book has definitely aided to my players development. From defensive strategies to times to use the run game, this game covers it all.

I have also loaned this book out to other coaches and they have enjoyed it also.

If you are looking to take your coaching to the next level, I highly recommend this book.

for any manager or employer who has to manage, motivate and compensate staff. Most employees complain that they do not get enough feedback from their boss, good OR bad, so they just muddle on.

Use the phrases in "How to Say It" to give constructive suggestions and reinforce good behaviors. This takes you WAY beyond tired formulas like "catch them doing something right," and instead gives them positive guidence. Start getting the best out of YOUR people and order this book TODAY.

This book is not just about how to say but also how to get prepared in a professional way to get your employees evaluated. This book is helping step by step to do a better job in telling people how we feel about their job performance.

Need to write an employee review? Then this is the book for you! >From the template employee performance reviews to the ready to use phrases for employee performance reviews, this book will show you how to compile a review that is both constructive and likely to fall on receptive ears.

I enjoyed the examples of employee reviews from the chapter "Performance Review Tales of Triumph and Terror." I also enjoyed the "Bonus Superlative Phrases" at the end of each phrase category. These are amusing phrases for the employee whose performance is fabulous.

I recommend the first half of this book for anyone who needs to learn how to give a performance review of an employee (it's full of how-to's) and I recommend the second half of this book for anyone who is looking for sample phrases for performance feedback. And if you're looking for additional inspiration/guidance, the author has a free list of employee review phrases on her website at [...]

Having recently redeveloped and launched our Performance Management Program, the title of this book really caught my interest. It has been my experience that the best designed Perforance Management Program falls short of its intended goal unless it is well communicated to the recipients. Meryl's book offers an extensive selection of phrases and terms for every level of interaction. This book is be a MUST READ for every new supervisor and an excellent CONVERSATION ENHANCER for the seasoned ones. I would highly recommend this be kept in the top drawer of anyone who has the occassion to discuss performance with an employee!

This book could not have come at a better time. I was dreading the thought of writing my performance reviews until I read this book. It gave me insight into the importance of the process as well as some key phrases to use to make the writing of the review simple. I could not believe how smooth the review process was this year as a result. I wrote my reviews with confidence and it took me half the time it normally takes! I passed it along to my managers and colleagues I was so impressed. Great job ladies on making a potentially tired subject alive and refreshing again!

Bought it as a present, and decided to read it first to get an idea of what Baby Phat brand is like. After reading the first chapter, it made me want to throw it out the window! This lady is very full of herself, and it's a bad read! DON'T BUY IT!!!

Real life is the best classroom of all. Fabulosity is fabulous! Madonna was the real deal girl power (forget the Spice Girls) and now Kimora Lee Simmons is showing a whole new generation of women how to play the cards life dealt you with finesse and attitude. This is an autobiographical how to with no apologies about how Kimora created her life. Diva she is but brainy and beautiful too!

I am a twenty-seven year old aspiring entrepreneur. I read "self-help" and autobiographical books related to the subject for inspiration. I knew about Babyphat and Kimora Lee Simmons but never really considered myself a fan. I watched a few episodes of her reality show and became more interested in Kimora. Consequently, I researched her book. The reviews were on each end of the spectrum and not many readers were in between. It was love it or hate it. That intrigued me even more and I decided that I must read the book and draw my own conclusion. I went to Barnes and Noble and grabbed the paperback off the shelf, flipped to the introduction and read the first page. It told of a time, prior to her success in business, where she took out her checkbook, wrote herself a check for a million dollars and tucked it in a box with her most prized possessions. Her intro was about the fact that you have to dream big before anything grand can happen in your life. I was hooked. So hooked that I put the paperback back on the shelf and ordered a hardback copy from Amazon.com and I am so glad that I did. I was reminded of a lot of good principles to apply to business and life in general. I also developed a more accurate perception of Kimora and have come to respect her moreso as a business woman. Read as many reviews of this book as you choose but the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself is read the book...gather your own opinion.

Really impressed with the thoroughness of this book. A little redundant in parts but well written and informative. I don't know how some of the reviewers didn't get something from this book! I felt inspired to just be me, whatever that may be and tough cookies to those who don't like it. I have plans to use what I've learned to start my own company (small and from home) and found great information on how to do that. More power to Kimora!

Well, first off, I had always been captivated by Kimora, and figured if anyone knows about being fabulous and could teach us a thing or two, it would be her. But right off after a couple chapters through the book, I felt vibes that it was more about her trying to clearly promote a certain image of herself, one apart from Russell, that she wants us all to have...carefully monitoring her words and repeatedly pounding an image of having "already made it big" in her teenage years way before her marriage to him. She spent so much time ranting and referring back to this great and extensive "50k-a year European modeling career" she supposedly had through high school, where she learned how to keep financial records conduct business, handle grown up problems,etc...Not too believable really, epecially when the age she repeatedly refers to is 13. Then looking at the provided photos in the book, I found it very curious that there was only 1 of her(pre-Russell Simmons) modeling years, a United Colors of Benneton ad, where she looks like an average pug-nosed teenager. So I Googled about 50 pages of Images for her and still found NOTHING of any modeling photos of her in that supposed successful modeling decade before-Russell that she continually touts. It became clearer and clearer that her REAL OBJECTIVE for writing the book was to convince everyone that she had "made it" way before her husband came into her life. (which I dont think anyone really cares about). I'm sure she was beautiful and fabby when they met, and Russell married her and elevated her into his monied life...so what? Now, I am interested and intrigued in the opulence of the rich & famous like anyone else, and I love to hear the anecdotes of the successsful, but Kimora just doesnt appear to really have any real depth from life's lessons, in that she went from being basically a teenager to marrying Russell, and at the writing of this book, where she is in her mid 30's, she still seems rather immature and self absorbed. Its easier to be beautiful and fabby with lots of money, and obviously any of her hardships were always easily overcome with their money. She doesnt portray that there was any real blood sweat and tears involved in anything she presented about her life, thus there was really nothing to teach or inspire us. Russell would probably have given us something with much more redeeming value if HE wrote the book!
With the Baby Phat business, I'm sure she certainly must have gone through the guts of up-starting a business, but once again, the obstacles hurdled and the resolutions she implemented took MONEY to get through, (which she had, and which she did successfully), and so I dont think inspires in that regard either. I would have been more satisfied with the time I spent reading the book hearing about how money can solve alot of problems and how fun it is for a girl. There ARE some profound, inspiring quotes that she includes from OTHER celebrities, like: "The thing women have yet to learn is no one gives you power, you just take it"(Roseanne Barr). These made me want to read books by THOSE people.
I think this book is best suited for early 20-somethings, who need to get a glimpse of how to present a certain image, and possibly maximize their potential opportunities in the business world, or if you just want to become more intrigued by Kimora's self-promotion. Not really for a more matured (not talking 'old' here)audience that is already comfortable in their own skin, but are just looking for inspiration for an "image makeover" out of the soccer-mom lifestyle.
Overall, I came away feeling that Kimora was highly calculative and probably thinks most of her readers were easy to manipulate and that she either didnt care about giving us much, or that she is rather shallow, having lacked experience and maturity to offer us much.

This has been a real eye opening book. This book has helped me to organize my accounting system in more stream line manner. I have put a plan together ot implement more of the systems into my business. This book is a must for anyone getting in or already in the construction business. It explains so many aspects of the business that no one tells you about.

Good solid guide that is informational and to the point, and not overly wordy.

This is a must read for anyone considering going into the construction business. As somebody who was in the business for almost 20 years, I wish this book was around when I first started. It covers all the bases and offers good advice on where to obtain the necessary items you'll need to get up and going.

Although some of the content does not apply directly to Ausralian construction this book has given me a much better understanding of some key business components, in fact it has delivered more than i expected and helped me to focus on systems that i need to implement. It has also made me aware of the fact that some of my priorities needed to be re-aranged. I believe that this book will help my company keep up with the massive growth phase we are currently experiencing.
David Gration. Director, Home Morph. Pty Ltd.

This is a great book for start up and existing construction companies alike. It explains many aspects of the business and how things should be done to ensure profitability and longevity. It has helped my company tremendously.

Jim Paulin
Rubicon Construction
Lincoln Park, MI

I started re-reading this lately. It was my first coaching book and like many others, Thomas Leonard was the first to introduce me to coaching. These strategies are good across the board for business and life coaching. It's a great reference tool to this day. A good addition to any coaching library.

I first bought this book three years ago at a Coaching Tour stop in Denver. The late Thomas Leonard signed my copy, making it a treasure in more ways than one.

The primary way it is a treasure is that it is exceptionally useful both as a personal growth tool and also as a book to work through with the folks who I am privileged to coach. The writing is conversational and not filled with jargon.

It is destined to be a classic, even moreso with the untimely, way to early death of the author.

I have been presenting business & personal development workshops since 1987 focusing primarily on small business women and families. I only found Thomas Leonard because my girlfriend Nancy spoke so highly of him. Looked him up, purchased the book and realized I have used the many strategies he suggested for the workshops I conduct. I believe this book is the ONE that should be on every person list to purchase and apply. He offers step by step proven, simple practices to move your life forward and manage your living. This is the road map to peace, happiness, abundance and more!

If you can get through the first chapter on "selfishness," this book really does have a lot to offer. Using charged words like "become incredibly selfish" and absolutes like "tolerate nothing" was an integral part of Leonard's in-your-face, we-don't-have-time-for-you-not-to-get-this style. So many of us in the professional coaching industry have been touched by Leonard. We owe him a big debt of gratitude for making the profession of "coaching" the big opportunity it is for us today. This book is a good legacy to the man, as well as to what he thought was important for us to understand in our lives and in the lives of our clients.

Most of us know the things in life that are preventing us from reaching our true potential. Then again, some of us simply don't care. However, after reading this highly informative book, I discovered that there are a few areas in life that required attention - absurdly simple areas, such as basics for caring for one and one's home and possessions. It astonishes how a dirty car, a non-existent filing system and a messy cloths closet can have such a negative affect on one's life. Thomas Leonard brings these apparently non-important basics to your attention and coaches in a friendly manner, gently instructing us to do something about it.

The text offers 28 strategies in 28 chapters, including numerous tests that help you to reflect on your current state or condition, and simple step-by-step guidelines to change your current condition for the better. The key notion in his strategy is to make oneself more attractive by living a fulfilling life. Rather than `strive' and `hard sell' your way to success, his method is more along the lines of taking the path of least resistance - that by being aware and sensitive to oneself and one's environment, you create an attitude of mind where living and success becomes almost effortless. His method more or less has a Zen quality to it - surrendering to the Tao and moving through life in a natural way. In other words, by attaining clarity of mind, one is more in a position to recognize opportunities when they present themselves, and because we have become more ourselves and in-flow with our environment, good things will happen. Put in other terms; remove the physical and emotional clutter in your life, thereby creating the space for success to occur.

It is impossible for a single self-help book to be the answer for everybody. Though Leonard has an approachable method covering general areas that most of us experience and have trouble with from time to time. If anything, it could well bring your attention to areas that you thought were under control and moving smoothly and are not. This book is worth having a look at...

Is your question, "After reading this book, will I be able to start and run a successful business doing decorative painting"?

My opinion? This book follows through on what it promises! The focus here is learning how to start a business in Faux Painting/ Murals, and make money in the Decorative Arts Trade. This book gives facts, and proven successful business practices and technique, needed by Right Brainers, Artists, and those blessed with Creative Genius. If you need some help with how to go from being a hobby artist, to making real money with your talent, Rebecca has written your instruction manual. This book will save you time, money, and a ton of first time business owner headaches!

Rebecca's book (manual), puts Art and Business together in an easy to read format. It can springboard the Artist/ budding Business-Person into starting a viable business with their artwork.

I found this book easy to understand, well written, clear, and to the point. It will appeal to Artists who want to take their Art to the next level; start a business, market your art, and make money selling it! Don't we all want to do what we love and have the money follow? This book can make it happen for you!

I have been painting murals and doing faux finishing, decorative paint, etc. for 11 years myself, and this is the first book that isn't laden with pretty pictures...it has the nuts and bolts of a business. When I started out professionally in this business I was 19 and had no idea how to run a successful business. Sure, I could paint anything I was asked, but that's not how you become a success, alone. Understanding the labor and customer service skills required, the marketing techniques and time management, those are the pitfalls of many artists, like myself. I learned the game as I went, but I made many mistakes. Reading this book gave me some clarity on my own business issues, and gave me some insight on how to tackle them. Most of us looking into purchasing this book are talented artists of some sort, usually people like us aren't the type to run a business too well, until you learn the ropes. Ever heard of a starving artist? WIth this book you will no longer be one!

The first thing I learned from this book is that I'm NOT ready to start my own faux/mural painting business!! This book is chuck full of information from someone that has been there. The author really explains scenarios well, and prepares you for, from what I can tell, every situation. In the back of the book she provides sample forms, and check lists, etc. I really feel that this is a true gift for anyone interested in this field. Even people that have been doing it for a few years might get some good tips here. Great job!

I bought this book for my brother who is an artist and he loves the book.

I read and re-read this book then handed it over to my sales and marketing manager. A MUST for a faux business owner.

This book contained some great ideas and information for starting your own business. Very helpful, would definitely recommend.

I enjoyed this book and its simplicity, however, found it was a little out of date.

OK for a how to book. It does not give real world experience.

Very informative. It was a quick read, and gave lots of ideas for places to go for more information. Some of the links listed in the book are out of date, but considering how fast information changes on the web, I'm not surprised. A much better value than many of the other consultant books out there, and an excellent starting point for anyone considering this field.

The book goes in great detail of every aspect( financial work,alliances with certain business, all the little odds and ends for your business ) of starting the business, really really informative if you are serious of starting your shop or service.