Economic-Life Books

Janice Reals Ellig is one of the most well regarded career experts in the industry, and this book provides sensible, practical and actionable advice for anyone wishing to take control of their career. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to find out how to take advantage of opportunites, navigate out of difficult situations and work toward career objectives.

"Be the CEO of your career", recommends Janice Reals Ellig in her book Driving the Career Highway. Co-authored with Bill Morin, Janice presents a thoughtful, logical, down to earth approach to managing your career. Indeed, by the time you finish this book, you will managing your life as she also addresses the issue of work-life balance. Throughout the book, Janice and Bill include exercises to assist. Rather than leaving the reader to pick out the points to address, they include charts and tables for completion so that no area is left without contemplation. I had the opportunity to meet Janice recently and told her then that I wish such a book had existed when I was 20. For readers considering this book, I recommend it heartily and again express the same sentiments: if only I had read it at the start of my career!

Organizations have changed, and as a result so have careers. This is a valuable road map of the new career highways.

This book is a terrific, well-organized resource that engages and allows you look at your career with a fresh perspective. The charts and self-exams fuel true contemplation, reflection and scrutiny of your career achievements and disappointments. Janice Reals Ellig and William Morin outline current conditions that can help or impede your progress and provide ideas and solutions on how to achieve your career goals, all in an easy, enjoyable format. I highly recommend this book to anyone contemplating a career move or contemplating why not to make a career move.

I give this book a AAA rating. It is a much needed book for the challenges of moving up the corporate ladder in the 21 Century. Working hard is necessary but not sufficient to continuous progress. Read it and enhance your possibilities - amazing that situation you find yourself in is more universal than you thought. Better yet, there are solutions. Consider it your career GPS.

The authors of this book demonstrate a deep understanding of the negative role and impact on econmic growth that results from speculation in national and international currencies,stocks,and other financial assets.This book is especially strong in chapters 13 and 14 where they discuss macroeconomics and the effects of worldwide speculative activity.The Nobel Prize winning chemist,Fredrick Soddy,whose 1930's book " Wealth,Virtual Wealth,and Debt ", demonstrated an excellent understanding of the dangers of speculative finance,is given his due along with Keynes(pp.256-257),who had always understood the severe negative impacts speculative finance can have on both economic growth and income distribution.

The intellectual rigor of the authors suffers on pp.224-225 when they discuss Adam Smith's Invisible Hand .It is simply not the case that Smith took the view(micro economic decision making in the aggregate always leads to an optimal macro economic outcome )foisted on him.Smith himself was well aware of the great dangers of speculation(see Smith's extensive discussions on pp.290-340 of the Wealth of Nations[1776,Modern Library(Cannan)edition] and the need to prevent it from occurring in the first place ,as well as the negative consequences of the Invisible Hand process that could only be overcome by government action(see pp.734-741 on the necessity for the government to provide universal education supplied for free for those unable to pay).

Book recomendations, index, glossary, macroeconomics, microeconomics, a very didactic book made for anyone interested in the subject or people already familiar with economics. The first day I read 100 pages non-stop. Different from some other books on the theme, this is not a book to build anyones consciousness(and definitely not eco-economics for dummies)but a realistic transdisciplinary outlook on the subject.

Bring ecological economics to every day life will be the greatest defy of this century. The autor writes brillantly how we can, now, change our economic view and achieve sustainable development. Every student must read this book...

Here at last is a book that sees ecological economics not as a branch of economics or a school of economics but as a broader and deeper system of ideas that includes the sound elements of conventional economics. Herman Daly, the Grand Old Man of the steady state economy, and Joshua Farley, his able younger follower, have produced a comprehensive and very readable synthesis. Traditional economists see natural resources as a subsystem of the world economy. This book presents the economy as a subsystem of the global ecosystem. The effect is like that of climbing a tall tower and seeing that a familiar city was all along part of an island whose fields and forests are in danger of disappearing under the advancing suburbs. The authors have not shied away from including controversial ideas, and there are some that I do not agree with, but that just adds to the stimulation. Not only have I adopted this as the textbook for a course in ecological economics, but I would like to see it read by all economists. This is not a specialist branch of economics; it is the only kind of economics appropriate to the new century.

And I'm not just saying that because I like ecological economics. Before this I used to hate even the idea of textbooks...mostly the fault of high school I guess, but also many college courses. In fact that is the reason why I hesitated to buy this book, but I'm glad I did. This is the only textbook I have been able to read straight through (though slowly and critically) and maintain my focus, interest, and energy. It's very well written and organized, and it's honest and upfront, highlighting debates and differences in opinions, as well as their implications. It is even entertaining on a fairly regular basis.

No prior knowledge of economics or natural sciences is necessary, though of course having some helps to make it an easier read. The 2nd edition should take care of some of the minor typos and other editing mistakes. I have seen no serious flaws in the book.

If you
1) Have an open mind
2) Respect solid, provocative arguments that challenge the status-quo
3) Are interested in the nature of the relationship between humans and our environment, economics, ecology, sustainability, social justice, or democracy
4) Have tried a standard econ. course and was frustrated by the hordes of inane and offensive or otherwise false assumptions, contradictions and overall lack of scholarly rigor
You will probably enjoy this book.

I also suggest getting the companion workbook, especially if you are
1) A student (of any age, shape or form)
2) Interested particularly in the fields of environmental policy/management, economics, or ecological economics or
3) Interested in the education system and education reform.

It has valuable supplemental information as well as suggestions on how to advance your knowledge and possibly put you into a career path. The pedagogical philosophy espoused in the book is great from my perspective--a student frustrated with the hypocrisies and contradictions of academia and our current education system. Farley makes it clear that fundamental education reform is necessary in order to advance democracy and for us to continue to develop into our greatest human potentials.

I have read many business books that discuss how to have a good career. None reveal the best way to get ahead as well as this book. Sure, performance is key and so is working hard. But that will not get you to the top. The image you project as well as the exposure to the right people are even more important. Most people do not realize this. I wish I had this book at the start of my career right out of college. I have givent this book to one of my closest friends who kept getting let go from his job every time there was a cut back. 7 years later, he still has the same job and it is the most responsible job he ever had. This book is invaluable for knowing how the business game is really played.

Harvey Coleman's words in this book are good for a life time! I've heard him speak and read the book multiple times! Great insites!

In my last position I made this mandatory reading for everyone on my management team. In my view, this book is one of the most enjoyable and enlightening pieces of business literature on the market. The information is laid out in a very clear and concise fashion that anybody should be able to follow. Amazing how the formal educational system always misses out on this level of information.....

Refreshingly candid, Harvey J. Coleman's, 'Empowering Yourself...' has the courage to outline the true course of upward mobility.

My 17 year old son's teacher gave this book to him to read. My son shouted about how he wanted to be a level 6 and his life goals have changed. I was so surprised to see my son act this way because he is very shy laid back person with no sense of direction. Within a few weeks my son order two items off an auction website and created his own business. It was like he was a new person on a mission. I asked him about the book and researched it, then ordered it myself.

What do you know! I too was changed for the better. I am very interested it striving for the top more than ever. I do see things differently now on all levels. This book has really changed my life and I enjoyed every page. I have loaned it out many times and was informed by others they can't believe no one have told them about this book.

If you want to really know about life levels, and understand the HUMAN race more, this book is for you. When you first read it you think it is all about business, however you will learn it is really about life. If you want to play this game of life or not you are stuck in it and you may as well understand how to win.

Journal Of Financial Service Professionals May 2000 Issue

Bookshelf

Selected Summaries

Life Insurance Boot Camp Buyer's Guide - Second Edition 2000

Designed as a buyer's guide, this volume provides basic financial information to combat the uncertainties of dying too soon, living too long, and becoming sick or injured. The volume is divided into eight parts: life insurance basics, life insurance considerations, life insurance term types, life insurance non-term types, life insurance accessories, life insurance ledger statement terminology, and the need for present-value living money.

Topics discussed include life, disability, and long-term care health insurance; income and estate taxes; retirement planning; investment principles; and the time value of money basics.

This volume should be of interest to anyone interested in making reasonable, comprehensive financial planning decisions for all the stages of life.

Your Money - A Consumer Digest Inc. Publication April/May 2000 Issue

Who Really Needs Life Insurance?

"It's a very emotional issue and a very subjective one," says William Brownlie, a retired chartered life-insurance underwriter who now advises consumers and author of Life Insurance Boot Camp Buyer's Guide.

Life Insurance Boot Camp is basic training for the life insurance industry. Aimed at consumers of life insurance, this 330 page paperback (also in a diskette Word 97 version) will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about life insurance, and then some. From what to look for in a company or agent to the calculations for the internal rate of return of a whole life policy, this manual covers all.

William Brownlie is a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War and a career life insurance agent now retired from actively selling life insurance. He holds the CLU, ChFC, CIP, LIA designations. His other works include "Life Insurance: Its Rate of Return", and "The Life Insurance Buyer's Guide". He is also a former member of the Million Dollar Round Table, a group of life insurance sales achievers.

The book is divided into nine parts: Life Insurance Basics, Life Insurance Considerations, Term, Non-Term, Riders, Who Should Pay the Premium, Ledger Statements, Claim Procedure, and a Life Insurance IQ Test.

The material in the book is suitable for beginners to life insurance experts, although the internal rate of return discussion do get a bit complicated. The author is obviously an expert in this area.

Each chapter ends with the author's subjective opinion on the topic at hand, and leaves the reader with the impression of being gently guided along the education process.

If you could purchase one book on the topic of life insurance, this one should be near the top of your list.

An excellent primer for the middle income market long forgotten by the life insurance industry - because they have taken Plato's advice by developing "philosopher kings" as agents to serve those earning high six figure incomes.

This guidebook excels in describing the "return" of a whole life policy. The author is an expert in evaluating the internal rates of return (what buyers are getting for their money measured in terms of compound interest) for term and non-term life insurance.

This was an easy read for such powerful, life changing and attitude adjusting information. I would recommend this book to anyone who is married, has a job, has friends, has parents, drives a car. This, of course includes everyone.

This was an inspirational and enlightening book. The idea that we all have egos is not novel but the way in which you are prompted to think about dealing with one's ego is unique and easy to adapt to whatever situation you may be in. The techniques can be utilized in any personal, business, or happenstance situation. I think this is a must read for anyone with a boss!!

The Little Book on Big Ego: A Guide to Manage and Control the Egomaniacs in Your Life Excellent! Very helpful and useful book to use at work, at home and almost in any life situation. Must read for all! Highly recommend it!

A must read for managers or people in businesses that deal with "Big Ego" types. I am already noticing changes as a result of this book and my new approach to big ego's. Don't miss out!

This book is a great primer for handling difficult people, which is a large percentage of time for anyone working, whether co-workers in a large company or customers/vendors/employeees in a small company. Practical approaches to dealing with problems and turning them into your advantage. Reminds me of One Minute Manager in its simplicity yet practicality. Quick read, yet I got several ideas that affect my business immediately.

We as a society must change our own thoughts. Each change we make in ourselves will make the world a better place. I found the book easy to read and inspiring. It should be required reading for all.

This story is inspirational as an illustration of what is possible when a seed of goodness meets a little water, a lot of courage, constant hard work and the luck that occurs naturally when you open the way with a Yes! to life attitude. Recommended reading for anyone who is an idealist, a broken hearted idealist, or a realist who would like to be part of creating abundant life, beauty and hope in a crappy, crazy world. This book is an oasis.

Bill Strickland illustrates how he succeeded.

Imagine.

Don't fantasize, dream.

I don't remember how I found out about Bill Strickland's book but I think it was a recommendation by one of my favorite bloggers.

Well, let me tell you - this guy truly turned the tables around and gave new meaning to achieving the impossible.

The book made me laugh, smile and cry at unexpected times. Bill is a legend in his own right and I highly recommend his book. It's a joy to read and in fact, I liked it so much I read it twice in one week.

A strong buy recommendation.

If you have found yourself far enough down a path of curiosity to be reading a review of this book, waste no more time, and buy it or borrow it now. Bill Strickland is an artist extraordinaire, and his medium is life. Yes, Frank Ross, a high school ceramics teacher, turned a desperate street kid into an inspired and aspiring student by introducing him to pottery, which gave him direction and a dream. But the unrelenting pursuit of his passions, and the commitment and creative energy he has used to fuel that dream have woven a moving story of such power, emotion, and soaring success as to place him in the rarified air of any of the great artists of our time.

He shows how focusing on a life based on responsibility and passion can bring real purpose and help "understand what genuine success really means". And if this guy is anything, he is successful. Wow. The list of accolades he has compiled is stunning. How about honorary doctorates from ten separate universities? When you read the story of the creation and history of his Manchester Bidwell Corp., you start to see why. Youth and adults with little to hope for, denied their dreams, often unemployed and financially desperate are finding hope here, growing award-winning orchids in the inner-city, discovering possibilities in a world-class arts center and learning the soul of jazz through the Grammy Award winning MCG jazz program, to mention just a few of his accomplishments. Bill's recipe for a gourmet life is on display daily in the classrooms of Pittsburgh's Manchester Craftsmen's Guild and in the centers he is starting to replicate around the country and the world. He is showing people how to build meaningful lives, and it works.

This is anything but your garden-variety "however-many-steps-to-success" book which litter library shelves in countless business and self-help sections. Nor does Strickland ever assume the posture of spiritual teacher here, instead steadfastly remaining the most down-to-earth soul, humbly questioning how it is that he would end up being honored in the same venue as the Dalai Lama, for instance. Still, without him ever mentioning it, Spirit flows throughout this book, and the scope of truth and revelation contained within is considerable.

I wept several times while reading Bill's story. I could barely put it down. I haven't reviewed a book since high school, but I had to write something about this one. Get a copy, put on some jazz, sit back and let Bill show you how "the simplest experiences can add richness to our lives and open the door to outrageous possibilities". You owe it yourself (and your world).

There are tons of lessons in this book for everybody who wants to be successful in life, not just business. Marcia Steele's writing style makes this book an easy read. I've actually read parts of it several times. It's full of great examples, advice and anecdotes. I really like the way she summarizes each chapter in just 3-5 bullets. If you read only the bullets, you'd still get a lot out of it, but read the whole book - it's worth it. Marcia reminds us what's so great about America and why immigrants are such positive influencers on our society. This book isn't just about Marcia's perspective as an immigrant(she's from Jamaica). She backs up her thoughts with statistics, studies and solid real-life examples. It's easy to see why Marcia has "made it in America!"

Marcia Steele does a fantastic job exploring the components of success in 'Making It In America.' This book uses comprehendible ideas backed by real life stories to define specific concepts anyone can use to create their own personal success.

This book will motivate you to rethink your own priorities and inspire you to create your own goals for success so that you can 'Make It In America.'

This book is an excellent source of information for the experienced and inexperienced alike. It provides invaluable tips and techniques to help initiate, revitalize or expand your current career path. The information imparted in the book is based on a foundation of sound logic, and no matter what stage you are in your life or career, you will be reminded and refreshed by the book's clear, common-sense guidance to moving forth. Kudos to author Marcia Steele for using her talent and wit to help us to remember the things that really count!

'Making it in America' is required reading for employees and employers alike. As the COO and VP of a fast-paced service organization the examples and lessons discussed are right on target - and right on time. Using immigrants as examples, Steele shows you how to shatter all of the preconceived barriers and obstacles that stop most people from excelling. I am recommending this book to everyone I talk with - read it!

Ms. Steele writes an inspiring book teeming with ideas for becoming successful. Not just for immigrants, Making it in America is for all of us who value self improvement and love business. This book is easy to read and comprises short chapters, each with a summary.

I just finished "Making Time, Making Money", and thought it was awesome! I found great ideas and inspiration, and took tons of notes. It may have been written in 1982, but is still very relevant for today.

Everything Rita does is first class and simply awesome! Amazon... you ought to ask Rita about her newest addition of "Making Time, Making Money in Network Marketing". The tapes are brand new and they are fabulous!

Rita gave a speech on time management at a home economics convention in Kansas City when I was a college senior at Kansas State University. I can't tell you how many times I've turned to her book, Making Time, Making Money, to get her advice on a topic in my life. Delegation is a huge issue that she shared. I've always wondered what happened to her wanted MORE of her work. It was a pleasure to find this site today!!

Several yours ago i saw the tail end of a commercial that changed my life in about 30 seconds. i would like to know if anyone has or knows how i could get the audio books. please let me know any info you may have....thx dave

I would like to find a copy of Rita's audio tape, "What goes around comes around" which I had until recently. It's missing & I would love to source another (or similar) tape. It was recorded at a corporate rally in the States after her book was published. Wonderful themes & inspiration. Very easy, entertaining listening as I drive. I miss having it around! Will also consider obtaining the book, given the great reviews. If anyone can help, please contact via my Australian Email. Kind regards Cherry Cole

This book has shown me that average everyday people and people with amazing abilities can live their dreams. This is something i wish to achieve within myself. By reading this book and hearing how their passion bursting out within, I see the possiblities of a different life unfolding. Cheri Lutton lives what she preaches, thus making the book genuine and true.
I encourage anyone who fear living their dreams to read this book. You will find that living your truth is not so scary after all, and that many people around are doing jumping off that cliff with joy and inspiration.

WOW! I had such an incredable experience reading this book! There are times when I am feeling a little down or I am in some need of inspiration, and re-reading some of this book helps me to get back what I am lacking at times...courage and inspiration.

You cannot help but feel Cheri's constant enthusiasm. She seemlessly weaves together countless inspirational stories from all walks of life. Cheri has demonstrated a true gift to touch each and every one of her readers in a variety of ways by sharing with us the lives of relatively few.

For anyone that feels they are not as blessed as others then this book will change their mind. We are all courageous in our own way and Cheri helps us understand this by writing about famous people alongside unfamous people. Placing them side by side and admiring all of them for their perserverance, faith and courage. We tend to honor heroes for great big things like scoring the winning touchdown or winning the presidency, but we can also honor the single mother who struggles to feed her family or the person who pursues a dream through tough adversity. Put down that negative newspaper and pick up this book! It will help spread some goodness in this current climate of fear we have in the world today.

This book should be required reading for everyone! I loved the book so much I just ordered a copy for my mother. There are not enough words to properly explain the way this book leaves you feeling!!

Do you feel isolated and judged at work, simply for being who you are? Then you may well be a Mustang Sally, insists journalist Fawn Germer ("Hard Won Wisdom"). Mustang Sallys (from the song) don't go along to get along, says Germer, which means great rewards, but also great trouble - especially in business, where women have little leeway as outspoken leaders.

Peppered with interviews from some 75 different women like Hillary Rodham Clinton, Erin Brockovich and Eve Ensler ("The Vagina Monologues"), Germer offers advice on being true to yourself, fighting for what matters, getting what you want and daring to make mistakes. While Germer suggests little in the way of self-examination, she will definitely reassure courageous yet criticized women who refuse to kiss up in order to move up.

If these stories of women who made a difference despite all odds don't inspire you to achieve to your fullest potential, it's doubtfull that anything else can. The spectrum of women chosen is a testament to diversity. This would make a great holiday gift for anyone and everyone.

I just discovered Fawn Germer's books thanks to a friend who saw her speak in D.C. last year. What great advice for someone who is struggling career-wise. I am in a situation where I am unwilling to compromise my beliefs in order to fit in to a work environment where I am not respected or valued. To read this book and hear what ultra-successful women have gone through in order to just be themselves has given me hope and renewed energy. I am presenting "Mustang Sallies" to my reading group next month and I feel confident thirteen other women are going to find strength in Fawn's writings.

I highly recommend this book to any and all career women who have felt undervalued and conflicted about their careers.

This book will have a permanent place on my nightstand so I will find a little calm before going to sleep. Finally. FINALLY! Someone has explained all of my self-doubts and shown a way around them. This is a powerful book that I am giving as gifts to every one of my friends. It's required reading for any woman who has ever felt judged or criticized by others when she was absolutely in the right.

I was given this book as a gift from a friend who said, "Now you'll understand what's going on with your life, Diane. You're a mustang. That's not a negative." When I read Fawn Germer's Mustang Sallies, I knew what she meant. I've always felt misunderstood and underappreciated. Now I realize I am what Germer calls a "trailblazer." I've never been one to go along to get along, and I don't kiss up to move up. That's hurt me in the past, but Mustang Sallies is filled with strategies to make me succeed without selling out. I love this book. (...) It's phenomenal.