Careers Books

People fear walking into a room and starting a conversation. They don't know how to begin.....Jeanne Martinent ABCs for beginning conversations really makes you start thinking about opening lines with someone. Best of all, they are simple.

Jeanne provides very helpful ideas about how to break away from someone at a networking event. Breaking away is something people fear for they do not want the other person to believe they are being rude. She describes in detail techniques that she has tested herself. Practical information for anyone.

Kathy Condon, Author of the book "It Doesn't Hurt to Ask: It is all about communication."

This book contains many useful tips for women. Men, however, could never get away with most of the ideas such as the conversation starters. What might seem cute or playful when done by a woman, will come across as stupid if done by a man. If you are a man, avoid this book or risk people saying "is that guy for real?" behind your back.

I started reading this book just prior to my sister's wedding. I thought that by reading this book I might gain some insight into mingling tips, and somehow ease my unease in crowds. The book did help, and I am glad I read it.

I spend so much time on my own, mostly reading, that I have become lousy in communication skills with crowds, even with people who are somewhat close to me. I just don't know how to behave with others. When in the midst of a crowd, should I just be quiet and reserved, or loud and a party animal? Either way, I usually end up making a fool of myself. The main problem is that I just don't know how to be myself in crowds!

The main tip I can give you is this: Be yourself at all times! If you are the quiet type, then just be quiet. Don't force yourself to be loud. Always remember this: you are not out to impress anybody. If people don't like you for the way you are, tough for them!

There are some nice tips in this book, but I personally don't agree with them all, for they just don't work for me. You will have to adapt to the tips that you are most comfortable with, and toss away the ones that don't work for you.

If you are the shy one, and at a loss with words, the author recommends you picture a famous person by your side. For example, if you are a fan of George Clooney, then picture him as your buddy who is by your side at the party. This should make it easier for you to mingle with people.

The author says that it is okay to lie, as long as they are white lies. I tried this before, but it always got me in trouble. Just be yourself is the golden rule. If everyone has traveled around the world, but you alone have never left your state, don't pretend or lie about having traveled. There is nothing wrong in having never left your state, and you should not be ashamed of it. Instead, take this opportunity to learn more about the different countries of the world, for one day, this information will prove useful during your first trip abroad! So instead of lying, learn! Being ignorant about a subject is not a sin. Wanting to learn is bliss.

The author gives some useful tips of how to get out of embarrassing situations. For example, what do you do if you show up in a suit in an all black tie party? In such a situation, the author says it is okay to lie, and make up a story. If this should happen to me, I think I would just leave the party before anyone notices me instead of lying or making up a story. If a situation does not make you comfortable, don't stick around. Don't be someone other than who you are. Don't put up an act!

In this book you'll also learn some useful tips about basic entrance maneuvers, opening lines, tools and rules for continuing the conversation, bailing out of a conversation, and handling unusual situations. You'll find those chapters extremely useful.

Is internet chatting mingling? According to the author, it is not! Many people nowadays spend many hours behind their computers chatting with mostly complete strangers. This is unhealthy at best! Go out and meet real people, not electronic (zeroes and ones) people.

Read the book, and good luck!

I am a friendly, professional, outgoing person, who isn't shy around friends, but put me in a room full of people I have never met before, and like so many others, I become a complete -- "Minglephobe"!

I freeze up and immediately take physical inventory of all possible exits while the mind is grasping to retrieve all possible excuses that might be believable enough to give me the reprieve I need to make a quick and stealthy exit. Okay, okay, I'm not that bad, but those thoughts do run through my mind.

I've also recently realized that I get completely tongue tied with opening lines anytime I approach someone new and want to start a conversation.

I have purchased several books to help overcome this "phobia" and this by far, is the best of all the books.

I would highly recommend "The Art of Mingling." Even if you don't want to become an expert on mingling, this author provides some really wonderful insight, suggestions and methods for approaching strangers, some great conversation starters, tips on how to approach groups of people, and even how to get out of a conversation that is not going well.

I don't understand how the reviewer that said he was trying to improve his social skills found no value to this book. My girlfriend, who is one of those super-friendly people that can make friends with a room full of strangers in 15 minutes-flat also read and loved this book. She said it had some wonderful tips and she can't wait to try out some of the advice.

I think "The Art of Mingling" is an invaluable tool, and I would recommend this book to anyone that really wants some real-world, applicable solutions for making new friends.

This has some good advice but this also has some advice that I would consider to be very rude and antisocial. She said in the book that it is ok to LIE and spill food on people you do not like. What? That is awful advice!

I would not suggest you read or buy this book for that reason. People who don't know any better may not be able to understand that the author is a bit on the eccentric side and doesn't have any real degree in sociology or interpersonal communication; therefore you need to be very critical of her advice.

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.

Every book on sales uses the core principles that Frank Bettger laid out in this classic manual in 1947. These principles remain an effective part of the repertoire of most successful sales professionals. Bettger shows his belief in Dale Carnegie's putting-people-first tactics with his inspiring language, skilled storytelling and bedrock principles. While some of his syntax, especially the gender-specific pronoun use, is dated and the dollar amounts are small compared to today's figures, getAbstract suggests that every salesperson should read and master this basic, practical guide.

My initial contact with Bettger's wisdom was some 27 years ago through an audiotape version of his book. Now, I've been reacquainted with the man through his book. What a timeless nugget of wisdom! This book,in its virtuous compactness, has turned out to be The BEST book from which I've learned much that is priceless in effective communications (sales). In fact, it is so priceless to me that it has become a constant companion, occupying an enviable corner of my briefcase. I recommend this book very, very highly to any serious-minded sales/communications apprentice, anywhere, anytime. Read, re-read, internalize, practice, and watch the positive results materialize, inexorably!! Things (generations, perceptions and culture) may change, yet there appears to be a constant theme and thread common to them all. This book, in my opinion, transcends those boundaries...

This is a classic book on fundamental sales techniques that remains sound after 60 years and dozens of printings. Yes, some of the pronouns are out of date (he assumes that all the sales professionals are men and all the secretaries are women - or that there are even secretaries - and so forth) and the dollar amounts given are made largely irrelevant by the inexorable power of inflation. However, the principles Frank Bettger laid down in 1947 will still work for any sales person working today.

Bettger is closely associated with his mentor, Dale Carnegie and his compelling use of language and story will remind you of the sound of the self-help books of that era. He provides 35 short chapters divided into six parts.

In part 1 Bettger wants you to learn to act with enthusiasm. Even if you don't feel it now, if you learn to act with energy and enthusiasm, you will soon feel it and it will become the fuel of your success. He also talks about the power of making calls. You can't sell until you get in front of people and you need to call a few people to get the appointment (he calls them interviews). Soon you will have a ratio of calls-sales-close that you can study and make more efficient. Bettger also wants you to get over fear and hesitation in talking with people you don't know by taking a public speaking course - one where you actually get to speak a lot and learn from supportive and constructive criticism. He also wants you to plan you schedule by the week so you know what you are doing and then execute the plan. He also tells you to record what you did and what came of it. There are examples planning sheets. However, you can find great day planners nowadays from many different companies.

Part 2 takes you though his sales method. Basically, he shows you ways of finding out what a person wants and providing it for them. Bettger shows you how to find what your client's "vulnerable spots" are. That is, what his motivators and needs are. You also need to learn how to connect with people. One way is to learn and use their name, find out about their hobbies, their family, and so forth. Write it all down and refer to it before you go to see the client so you can ask about his interests and show a personal interest in him. Bettger also takes you through his steps in the sales process, how to overcome objections, why you should ask why to get past the stated objection to the real objection.

Part 3 is all about confidence. You need to be confident in yourself and nothing is more important to that than your personal integrity and honesty. You also need the confidence of your clients, and Bettger shows you how to earn that by being honest, using testimonials, a professional appearance, and a courteous demeanor.

Part 4 discusses the importance of getting people to WANT to do business with you. He advises you to identify young people with talent and to encourage and help them in their career. You are going to be in business for a long time and helping develop these young people will help connect them to you as they rise. He wants you to smile, remember names (and tells you how), warns you against talking your way out of a sale, and how to approach what he calls "big men" - what we might call C-level executives.

Part 5 takes you through the mechanics of the sales process and how it begins before the sale. He is totally committed to selling by appointment, how to get "secretaries" (gatekeepers) on your side, why you must prepare for each sales presentation and why you must right down what went well and what went poorly immediately after you leave. You also learn why you should let the customer work your demo, getting leads from new customers, rules for closing the sale, and why you must show up with a prepared order or contract where all the person needs to do is sign the order. Assume the sale!

Part 6 talks about the powerful learning experience you get from failure. You must never let setbacks cause you to give up or quit. He uses Benjamin Franklin's method for moral perfection as a model for perfecting your sales process and then talks to you about why you need to get to work now and how fleeting time really is.

Excellent book for anyone in sales, considering a sales career, or managing salespeople.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

John C. Maxwell's book, Developing the Leader Within You, will no doubt become a classic. Maxwell's approaches to leadership are easy to understand and put into daily practice. This book is the starting-gate for any person desiring to lead and is also essential for the well-seasoned leader because of the concrete principles.

We hear so much about the dog-eat-dog world and it is refreshing to be reminded that we are called to become something greater. This book will alter your mindset, challenge your faith, and prod you to serve others while building a strong team.

The book was in great condition and arrived super fast. I would order from this seller again and again! The contents in the book are great!

This book makes you think the way we should each day. eye opener and enlightening.

Written by Lynnette Haygood because I was unable to list review under my own account. I found John Maxwell's book "Developing the Leader Within You" a very helpful tool for anyone interested in developing personal leadership skills or trying to bring out the leaders in their employees. Being new to the studying of leadership roles I found Maxwell's concept of everything rises and falls on leadership to be extremely true. I personally feel that this book is going to be a great tool in my future success in the business world. I have always considered myself to be a leader, in every position that I have been in I have always been considered a "go to" person, but always struggled with obtaining that management position. I am currently struggling with the next step in my career as a college student that has years of experience in the same field with the same position. Throughout my reading of Maxwell's book I started to learn valuable lesson in the difference between leaders and managers. I have been able to evaluate more clearly the types of managers that I have had, and have came to the conclusion that I have not had many leaders in my life who have been able to assist me with growing my own leadership abilities. I really enjoyed the way that Maxwell was able to clearly relate his knowledge and experience to real life situations that allowed me to grasp his concepts much easier. I especially could relate to the analogy that he gave in regards to the Sandhill cranes and their distinct leadership qualities and how they rotate leadership, and choose leaders who are able to handle the turbulence and how they all support the leader by honking in affirmation. After reading this book I am particularly excited to take my turn as the leader instead of constantly "honking in affirmation". Great book!

The leadership principles from John Maxwell are timeless and always work to bring greater insight and rapid change for people who want to rise to a new level of leading others. I wore out my cassette tape player listening to Dr. Maxwell's leadership resources, (at least :15 minutes a day for years), because I realized they were so practical and useful to 'move to the front of the line' as a stronger leader in my personal and professional life. If you want to grow stronger as a leader, John Maxwell can take you there faster than you ever thought possible. Listening to John personally coach you, (he always does his own audio presentations), with enthusiasm and power in his voice will encourage, equip and empower you to achieve greater success.

This is a great little busy book for kids. So many things to look at on all the pages, it will keep their imagination going. I have always liked Richard Scarry books and this is another great one of his.

We love Richard Scarry and bought this book for Christmas. i was always so disappointed that it was only 6 pages long -. I just realized today (1 day past the return date) that it is supposed to be 24 pages long and we have a defective book. ***IF YOU ORDER THIS FROM AMAZON BEWARE THAT IT MAY ALSO BE A DEFECTIVE AND SHORT BOOK!!****

Do you think it might be a good idea to hire painters named Drippy and Sticky?

Well, In Richard Scarry's fun-filled book A Day at the Fire Station, that's just what happened and much more! Toddlers and young readers will love this story about mishaps galore.

This classic children's book is chock full of laughs and action, with illustrations that offer lots for the imagination.

Recommended!

My son (2 years old) loves this book. It's great for teaching new words and getting him to search the drawings for new things. The pages are chaotic, but that's part of the fun. It's a very silly story, and it makes for wonderful reading time. We look forward to adding more books like this to our collection.
It is a paperback, so you might want to check how gently your kid might or might not treat the book.

My children love all his book... A must for a child's iibrary

This book was very informative for photographers hoping to sell some of their work. I would recommend it highly

While there's lots of marketing help here, listings for the religious markets are not all inclusive. Hence for one who already is familiar with that field, I didn't pick up much new. Maybe other fields are better covered.

Great resource for any photographer who would desire to sell their work. Opened my eyes to a new avenue of income potential. Nice layout that makes since to the reader.

This book provides valuable information that helps you get your photo published.

Submission requirements, direct access to photo editors, etc. are very beneficial to the reader.

The whole format of this book needs to be updated, maybe include a cd with direct links to website for sections like stock & galleries. More info & participants need to be listed. Personally this book might of had value once but now I can't seem to find any valuable info or leads in it. If it doesn't get a complete redesign any future year will have no value either.

To pass the test: Bonds, Regulations, Accounts, and a few minor others, but definitely in that series. But ultimately a series of questions, a pocket of information.

An easy-to-understand review of the key test areas for Series 7 stockbrokers' exam. Very helpful for our trainees at http://www.superinvestor.net who are starting a career as a financial advisor and value investor.

After failing test after test, i bought this for my sister and she really likes it.

Hasn't taken the test yet, but she thinks this will greatly help her chances.

This book is a great supplement to be used with other, more detailed study materials. I used it along with the STC materials. Read it once before you really start studying, and once again the week before the test. Good luck..you'll need it!

If you take this book for what it is, it can be a great tool. Don't think that this book is an all inclusive study manual for the Series 7. Only use it to supplement your other study materials. If you are getting to a point in your studies where you are starting to have trouble "seeing the forest through the trees", this is for you. This book helped me to take a step back for a second and really grasp the big picture of things. This book is not nearly detailed enough to be your stand alone study material, but is a very clear, simplistic overview of all the topics tested on the Series 7. Also, there are only two practices tests included with the CD. In my opinion, that is not nearly enough to help prepare for the test.

This is an amazing book with anecdootes and resources for anyone looking for an encore to their life's adventure. I recommend this to everyone and appreciatethe focus and passion. It is a perfect complimant for Three Cups of Tea!!!

As a career counselor for individuals in the second half of life, I found Encore to be an excellent resource for seekers as well as those of us guiding the next generation of "non-retirees". Freedman aptly describes the frustrations that this pioneering group faces as they attempt to identify their next endeavor and find or create an appropriate match in the marketplace. I hope that Freeman's comprehensive work is recognized by policy-makers, funders and employers who will support the evolution of encore careers and the generation of individuals who will serve in them.

Tabloid-style headlines have infected even mainstream magazines and newspapers in recent years. Articles about the coming "Social Security Disaster" vie for attention next to those on industry's inability to overcome the "Loss Of Baby Boomer Talent" or even fears that "Baby Boomers Will Retire Into Poverty." And these are not all the ravings of radio talk show hosts trying to build audience share. Experts like the Federal Reserve's Ben Bernanke and Alan Greenspan have aired similar views on occasion.

Now comes author and social entrepreneur Marc Freedman to suggest that such doom and gloom are not necessary. In his new book Encore, Freedman insists that demography is not destiny. Sub-titled Finding Work That Matters In The Second Half Of Life, this excellent volume describes a number of alternative futures that could benefit us all. Freedman argues that actions we take today could simultaneously improve the national economy, strengthen our society, and improve the lot of aging Boomers throughout the land:
. For the sake of the economy, he asks that Boomers choose to - and be allowed to - remain productive;
. For the sake of society in general, he encourages Boomers to continue sharing their talents and experience; and
. For the sake of individual Boomers, he recommends changes that will allow them to remain gainfully employed, self-sustaining, and engaged in meaningful roles.

Today individual choices are often limited either to: a) 30 years of mind-numbing TV, golf and shuffleboard in the "Golden Years;" or b) greeting bargain-seekers as glorified doormen in the "Wal-Mart Years." While such retail sector bridge jobs might provide needed sustenance, they do little to maintain self-esteem or to benefit society in general. Freedman shows many ways in which tomorrow could be better than today, through a series of individual portraits of new American pioneers. As he describes them, "Instead of the freedom from work, they are searching for the freedom to work; instead of saving for a 'secure retirement,' they are underwriting an encore career."

So what could Boomers do in Freedman's bold new world? As he shows in his examples, they could:
. Stay on in their current roles instead of retiring, perhaps with more varied schedules or lesser work demands;
. Turn to helping professions such as teaching or nursing, which desperately need staff in many parts of the country;
. Learn and grow into entirely new careers, either in new interest areas or simply in response to changes in the economy; or
. Take on social entrepreneuring activities, much as Freedman has himself, in order to improve the world around us.

He also suggests ways in which today's rules about retirement could be modified, in order to help everyone involved. For example, retirees may now earn additional Social Security benefits by working from age 65 to age 68, but gain nothing more by continuing past that point. Further, they are discouraged from doing so by being forced to pay into Social Security even when they could be receiving payments from it. Similarly, employers are forced to provide equal benefits for all, even if some could be covered by Medicare. Changes to each of these policies, among others, could encourage both employers and employees to rethink today's typical forced-retirement scenarios.

Those facing medical or other issues should certainly be protected by the same options and benefits available today. Others, however, might value the opportunity to continue as productive citizens. Many, in fact, will have no choice but what Freedman calls "the practical necessity of extending working lives" - there's certainly more than a few grains of truth in all of those stories about Boomers not being financially ready to retire. Even those who do have adequate funds might not want to be set out to pasture, however. Leading-edge Boomers today, as a group, are healthier than any such age cohort which has come before them. They are likely to remain physically and mentally able to be productive for ten, twenty or even more years into the future.

Marc Freedman, by the way, does put his own energy where his mouth is. As founder and CEO of San Francisco's Civic Ventures, he has helped establish new activities including the Experience Corps, the Next Chapter, the Lead With Experience Campaign, and the Purpose Prize. You can learn more about these and other new ideas at his website, www.civicventures.org.

His book is a clearly-written and exciting vision of an alternative future that we can begin building today. Buy it now and start own encore career!

Society may never see another demographic group like the baby boom generation - people born between 1946 and 1964. During the 1950s, their great numbers dramatically changed everything, from manufacturing and construction to education and health care. The boomers' idealism and social activism branded the 1960s and 1970s. In subsequent decades, baby boomers changed the workplace and all other areas of life. Now, as this generation enters its retirement years, it is shaking things up again. Unlike previous seniors, boomers are not content to trudge quietly off the stage. Instead, many are choosing second careers in public service. In the process, boomers are redefining not only retirement but also work. Marc Freedman discusses this phenomenon and what it means for society by presenting profiles of baby boomers who took up second, service-oriented careers when they reached retirement age. Their stories are inspiring. getAbstract recommends this book to professionals in their late 50s and beyond who want to put their hard-won expertise to work on behalf of others.

With people living longer and having the opportunity to remain in the workforce longer, this is a book that needed to be written. Americans have more options than ever upon reaching retirement age. We can continue to work, we can retire, we can travel, etc. The author, Freedman, spells out in delicious detail those choices, and the result of whatever one we choose.

The book makes a point that others have made, but perhaps spells it out more directly. That point being that you may live longer, and be healthier, than your grandparents, and even your parents. Thus you had best be prepared, financially, mentally and emotionally.

I found the book to be a rather fast read and always interesting. I'd go so far as to say it's the best book about the second half of life I've read. The FUNNIEST book on the subject is Martha Bolton's "Race You To The Fountain of Youth." Hysterical. Race You to the Fountain of Youth: I'm Not Dead Yet (But parts of me are going fast)

I think Freedman's book about the second half of life is worth reading for anyone approaching retirement age. You have important decisions to make. Make then wisely or possibly pay for them later.

You will certainly gain something significant from this book if you have an open mind. It has truly and profoundly changed my life in incredibly positive ways, and with instant results. I am definitely going to share ideas from this book with the class I teach on overcoming self-doubt and increasing self-confidence and compassion. I thank Shakti for sharing these illuminating ideas.

Although I certainly haven't yet mastered the techniques, I now have tools that I can use to cultivate peace of mind, compassion, and inner happiness.

Recently I picked up my copy of Creative Visualization and noted that I had written four big goals in March 2003 onto pages in the back of the book. By October 2004, I realized that three of the four goals were already complete and the fourth is still ongoing. I was so impressed with this that I have written two more big goals into the back of the book and I will order her Creative Visualization Workbook to enhance this experience. I don't know how it works, nor, according to Gawain, do we have to know -- just let the Universe manifest the details ... and it does. Easy to read; easy to understand. Shakti Gawain teaches, like the Buddha, with an "open hand" and no "secrets" held back.

The author shows you how to use creative visualization to change your life. This tool shows you how to use your imagination, meditation to create the life you choose. An easy to read book, the author gives you exercises to achieve your desires. This book written in 2002 is a very hot topic today. A favorite book of mine Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbookalso embraces all these tools for the purpose also of living the secret (law of attraction) everyday.

Shakti Gawain was the original bearer of the big SECRET! I loved her book when it first came out, and I still love it, often referring to it whenever I need to get back on track, be it creative endeavors or simply when things go askew in the course of everyday life. A timeless gem.

Sally Shields, www.TheDILRules.com

I was given this book about fifteen years ago. Little did I know that it would change my life. Reading Shakti Gawain's words opened something between myself and a Higher Source. Creative Visualizations is responsible for my enlightenment to come to me, which has enabled me to put my own book out, The Spoken Words of Spirit: Lessons From The Other Side. If it wasn't for my introduction to Gawain's book, and being taught how to see or communicate with Spirit, I don't think my life would have transformed to such a positive path.

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 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.

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 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.

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.