Economic-Life Books

Much like the author, I have all of the standard business and management books in my collection. The Simple Truth summarizes the relevant principles of them all in a concise and well-organized fashion. It is very easy to read and provides some excellent food for thought (pardon the pun). I'm in the IT business and I find the Simple Truth is just as applicable for technology as it is for hospitality. This book is now the most referenced title in my collection. Great job Alex!

Relevant,easy to read, insightful and thought provoking. Great writing style. I've already seen results in my business.

I've read or listened to many books Covey, Robbins, Rohn, and many others. "The Simple Truth" really sums them all up in a nice package that's an easy read. It gives you so many thoughts and inspirations on how you can improve your own business, and the quotes break the monotony. These Authors have wrote it just like the title "Simple". I've now come up with simple idea's that I think really matter to my staff and customers most and put it to work. I recommend to "Let the Simple Truth Set You Free" to grow your business. Thanks from a Customer Relations Manager.

This is a great book no matter what business you are in. It makes you think about the things you do every day in a new light. Stories like the waiter who saw the client's view by sitting at a table remind the reader that things are not always what they appear.
In the post dot com age, it is nice to see a back to basics business cook book by two gentlemen who certainly know their way around the commerce kitchen.

"Small Business, Big Life: Five Steps To Creating A Great Life With Your Own Small Business" by financial and business expert Louis Barajas is an articulate, 'reader friendly', step-by-step, how-to manual for aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to establish a business enterprise, building a viable business, and still have a robust and satisfying personal life. The key to it all is the creation and maintenance of a proper 'mind-set' based on the four basic principles of Truth, Responsibility, Awareness, and Courage. "Small Business, Big Life" explains how to identify values and priorities and then fashion them into a kind of 'life blueprint'. Barajas reveals the components for creating a successful business include doing what you love, doing what your good at, and being profitable with what you do. The importance of systems for orderly, manageable growth are stressed, as is creating access to good attorneys, bankers, accountants, insurance agents, and vendors. If you are thinking about launching a small business, regardless of the products or services it will entail, then you need to give Louis Barajas a careful and considered reading!

I enjoyed reading this book. It was well-written, and easy to follow. It explains that a small business does not have to be about ego and/or money. But instead a small business can be about having more control and quality of life. In a way, this book made me think of another book I am going to review tonight: How to Run a Business Like a Girl (ISBN: 1593374550). I liked that book, too.

This book is comprised of 11 chapters:

1. Why Start a Business?
2. Truth
3. Responsibility
4. Awareness
5. Courage
6. Your Life Blueprint - The purpose of your business is to give you more life.
7. Your Vision - The source of leadership.
8. Your Business Blueprint - Your business is your business, not your product or service.
9. Your Business Systems - Make it easy to build success.
10. Your Team - The bigger the dream, the better the team needed.
11. Conclusion - Living the dash

Chapters 2 to 5 the author calls the "Four Cornerstones of Personal Success." Chapters 6 to 10 are referred to as "The Five Steps to Build a Small Business, Big Life."

The book is more philosophical than it is practical. But I think any wanta-be entrepreneur should give it a read. When starting a small business a person needs to be somewhat philosophical so the practical things that need to be done and get done will in fact get done.

I would have liked the book better if chapters 2 though 5 had been left out. And I would have enjoyed seeing chapters 6 through 10 more developed. I suppose I say this because I like reading business books, and not a mixture of business and "something else."

This book comes across as a business coaching book. It is equally applicable for people starting a business as it is for people who are in need of improving their business. Much of what is included here can be found in the various titles written by Bradley Sugars. My favorite of Sugars' books is Instant Systems (ISBN: 0071466703) which covers a bunch of what is covered in chapters 6 to 10 here. 5 stars!

After many years searching for a book that offers guidance in creating a successful business without compromising family values, I finally found it. I'm a business owner with minor children that hardly know me yet they are the most important part of my life. I have spent countless hours building my business to provide a comfortable living for them but I have failed as a father. After reading Small Business, Big Life, I realized my business was running my life instead of me running my business. I already started creating my life blueprint and the business blueprint and I have to admit that it's been a long time since I been as excited for my business as I am right now. For the first time in many years I will be taking some time off to go to my kid's basketball games. Thank you Mr. Barajas for this magical book.

Small Business, Big Life is a must read for all small business owners. Louis Barajas takes a step back and gives us practical knowledge about establishing and running a business.

The book emphazises that the purpose of a business is to give us more life, not to be consumed by it. Oftentimes, however, we neglect and forget this pressing issue until we have health, marital or emotional problems. Mr. Barajas explains, in a step-by-step process, how to avoid this inevitable pitfall.

Being that I am a business student with aspirations of establishing my own business, I wish that the curriculum would incorporate and emphazise this theory. I loved reading this book because it is inspirational, practical and helpful.

I came to SMART EMOTIONS with a mind completely uncluttered by any
previous knowledge of Emotional Intelligence. Learning and practicing
the techniques, exercises and stratagems, and successfully applying
them under his gentle guidance, has inspired in me a desire to know
more about the why's and what's of the field. I come back to the book
again and again to discover more of the scientific and practical
research. The findings constantly reinforce my own deeply sensed but
often undefined and unsupported convictions about the connection
between feelings and behavior. The passages about the power of the
heart-more powerful than the brain!-to influence events in and around
me are astounding.

I find myself saying "A-ha!" and "Why haven't I put this to work in my
daily life before now?" Perhaps I needed the sensitive, understanding
and impressively knowledgeable guidance of a master of the techniques.
And, the reassurance of the rock-solid, valid scientific basis that
underlies the techniques. All this I found in SMART EMOTIONS.

Whether you are a busy business person or a busier-than-busy housewife,
parent, caretaker or street cleaner, I highly recommend that you just
open the cover of this book and skim through the opening pages and then
learn and practice the techniques. You'll be glad you did.

My first reaction, upon reading SMART EMOTIONS was "Wow!" Now I need to tell you why. First, such a practical resource is needed for our businesses, our schools and hospitals and our families. We require more emotionally intelligent people and organizations who can demonstrate the agility needed for the pace of change and the resilience to thrive in its disruptiveness. Secondly, the information and techniques provided here will help us make the changes we want to make to succeed in our personal and professional lives.

Why would we pick up SMART EMOTIONS? We all want to focus and think more clearly, make better decisions, improve our performance and productivity and enhance our creativity. We want to strengthen our relationships through more effective communication, collaboration and conflict resolution. We want to be stronger coaches and team players. To do all this, we need to be healthier and more balanced mentally, physically and emotionally. The link between personal emotional wellbeing and business success is well proven.

SMART EMOTIONS is for leaders, managers, consultants, teachers, coaches and parents...because fundamental skills and abilities underlie all these roles. SMART EMOTIONS is also for individuals, personally and professionally, and for teams and organization...for anyone trying to make a difference in their work and family lives.

What's in this book? One can learn about the science underlying resilient, agile performance and learning. The "it" of EQ is fully defined. And applications and results from clients demonstrate the positive outcomes available to all who want to invest time and practice. Emotional Competence - applied EQ - is explored. Helpful, easily learned, immediately applicable techniques and processes help people build, strengthen and apply the EQ competencies. One learns and applies while reading this self-study guide.

What sets SMART EMOTIONS apart? The author has written as he talks...a compliment for someone named repeatedly as the top presenter at a major U.S. conference. He shows respect for the reader's time by including only what's core in strengthening individual EQ competencies. Organizational resilience and agility starts with emotionally smart individuals. And, as Goleman says, "it's contagious!" He also makes it easy for readers to navigate and focus on what they most need. (Mager would approve!) Most importantly, this resource helps people and teams bridge the "know-do gap" with which my clients frequently struggle. As one of them said, "it's really about 'being and doing better.'"

Most of us are so busy working, raising families, and paying bills that we never find the time to learn how to reduce our stress. This book reviews the science of using our hearts to find balance. After practicing the techniques, you will see a HUGE difference in the way you approach solving problems, making decisions, and dealing with the relationships in your life. You will see the difference in the decisions you make using only your mind versus the ones you make using BOTH your mind and your heart! Try it!

Byron Stock's book Smart Emotions is a great way to really learn about and use emotional intelligence tools. He teaches the reader to recognize how our emotions and the way we react to them impact, not only ourselves, but other people. We can learn to manage our own emotions and reactions and, therefore, have better interaction and impact on others. This really does help to smooth the way in our personal and business encounters. As an educator and parent I appreciate that he doesn't just talk about EI but actually tells how to utilize it. The Table of Contents made it easy to see his organization at a glance and to pick and choose which areas I wanted to zero in on. The book was right on track by allowing me to control the amount of time and effort I had available. I was able to utilize those times I only had 10 minutes to spare to learn and practice the methods and I could also pick it up and spend more time giving it a more thorough study. His techniques work! I highly recommend this as a valuable read.

Muy interesante. Estudio ameno y enriquecedor sobre las opciones en la toma de decisiones que importan. Lleno de citas para la meditación y una gran lectura para la reflexión.

This book is great in many ways, I can pick it up at anytime and start at any point and get
inspiration for various circumstances. I highly recommend this book.

This is a great book for both your business and personal life - very inspiring and motivating. It really makes you think about how you are currently interacting with other people in your life and how even small changes can make a big difference. I also loved the quotes sprinkled throughout the book.

Dobbins' book is a warm, moving and thought provoking argument for a different way of being, not just at work, but in life. His honesty and humanity, coupled with his practical insights into the business world come together in an entirely unique and terrific book. A must read for anyone who wants to make a difference in life or at work.

Mr. Fluker provides some excellent Stewardship advice for "church folk" and everyday living. I have had the opportunity to see him do this in the Sarasota, Fl community with a local theater troupe. Utilizing these principles, he is taking them to new financial and managerial heights.

What I found in this delightful, informative book by Michael Fluker is a life management plan! Though it is a book to help you plan finances it goes so far beyond that. Using Christian values, Mr. Fluker takes you on a journey that will also help you find your inner talents and strengths and use them to your advantage. It is a very informative and easy to understand book. A must read for anyone!

In "The Stewardship Model" author Michael Fluker takes a close look at three types of stewardship - time, personal and financial. For each of these types he breaks down the analysis to four types of stewards loosely based on the biblical parable of the wise steward. The four categories of stewards in his book are the Good Steward, the Efficient Steward, the Effective Steward, and the Lazy Steward. With this framework in mind he develops the "Stewardship Model", a basic non-technical model that anyone can follow to improve their personal management of time and finances. The bulk of the book is dedicated to money, debt, savings, and investments. In this section you will find no complex money theories or advanced economics, just simple straightforward basic financial advice. This is the kind of stuff that everyone should have been taught in school, but with a decidedly Christian slant. "The Stewardship Model" is a recommended read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone I know, Christian believer or not. It's an excellent financial handbook for young adults as well as adults who want to learn how to better manage the money they have and increase it to get the things they want. This book helped me to admit I was a "consumer" and encouraged me to develop a stronger "producer" viewpoint of my money. I'm on the road to financial recovery and it was easier than I thought.

Why are some people successful in business and in life and others never quite seem to reach their goals? How is it that some people can withstand traumatic situations and seem to thrive while other individuals seem to have all the opportunities and still can't reach their aspirations. What is the key to achievement: education, luck, or something else?

Suite Success is written by Liza Siegel, Ph. D., the psychologist for The Apprentice and Survivor. Siegel has interviewed thousands of individuals wishing to be cast members for these reality shows in hopes of finding that one quality that makes a person successful whether they win on the show or not. Suite Success is the result.

I found this book fascinating. I had always wondered how individuals even within the same family could differ so in the ability to reach their dreams. We all have difficulties, failures, and setbacks but the secret to coming out of these tragedies is actually quite simple- it's all in the attitude. Self reliant people look at success and failure in completely different ways. Such people see negative situations as temporary challenges that need to be addressed and positive outcomes as the result of their hard work and diligence.

Suite Success contains lots of examples using participants from The Apprentice that will be particularly enlightening for fans. Nonetheless, those who have never watched the show will find this work just as useful and interesting. Maybe they'll even feel the desire to start watching the show.

Oh no, another "self-help" book. What could be different about this one that makes it a "must read?" The short answer to that is that the research in this book is based on a tremendous sampling of individuals. In fact, the case studies cited by Dr. Siegel are only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. For every contestant who appears on the television show, there are thousands, maybe tens of thousands, who don't pass the preliminary psychological testing. This means that Dr. Siegel's data is drawn from a much larger pool than is at first apparent. As anyone who has taken psychological statistics knows, the bigger the data pool that a researcher can draw from, the more reliable the results that are produced. But the biggest data pool in the world would be useless in the hands of an untalented interpreter. This is not the case with this book. Dr. Siegel is not only able to draw out the often subtle information contained in the data, she is also able to present her findings in a clear and intelligible manner that is perfectly understandable to the average reader. Moreover, Dr. Siegel fleshes out the bare bones of the data with interesting stories about the participants in the television show that appeals to the tabloid addict in all of us, and then lays out a clear program for adapting her findings to the lives of average individuals like you and me. All in all, this is an impressive book that has very broad applicability to many peoples' situation and is certainly not just for business people alone.

Suite Success is an easy read and does a great job of explaining the softer side of leadership. There are not many books out there about optimisim or resiliance and this one does an excellent job of tying those features to leadership and is supported by scientific study as apposed to just observation. It has some great tools anybody can use to help them improve thier outlook on life and I cannot recommend it enough!

I hope you get as much out of this as I have.

I have had the opportunity to know Liza Siegel personally from inside the CBS show,
Survivor. Suite Success is a beautiful expression of Liza's authenticity, precision, and dedication to her work. She is one of the most genuinely warm people on the planet. She's walks her talk and writes about it with an eye for feeding the souls of everyone interested in succeeding. Secondly, I am a corporate executive and corporate coach. Reading Suite Success was a breath of fresh air. Liza illustrates repeatedly the power of optimism, resilence, and creativity in the world of business.
While the cast of Apprentice is uniquely A type personalities, they are also the cream of the crop of a casting process that seeks only the finest from the entire country.
This book authenicates what the best do to succeed. Finally, I am an author of inspirational and motivational books for business and life. Liza brings to the boardroom of life, a plethoria of examples and coaching tips for success. This will be required reading for my leadership seminars. Dr. Scout Cloud Lee, Author and Motivational Speaker

This is a great book, though the title is an understatement. More than surviving information overload, it's about conquering information overload--learning how to use information to maximize your life without becoming a slave to technology. Kevin Miller has a technique for just about everything, from managing email to surfing the internet (he shows you which search engine to use for what purpose) to organizing your office to prioritizing your day...and, subsequently, your life. I found the second chapter, "Selecting Your Key Information Areas" most helpful; through a simple five question survey I was able to define and refine my list of professional and personal priorities--and I was able to pinpoint which areas need pruning. Also helpful is chapter four, "How To Turn Information Into Results," which shows how to put information to work by focusing on action steps related to each meeting and each project. Though there are hundreds of tips and practical pointers in this book, "Surviving Information Overload" is a quick and easy read. What's more, Kevin's foreword gives you permission to skip some sections and skim others. "You don't have to finish this book. Read only as much as you find helpful," he says. Actually, being able to skip and skim is a sign you're getting the hang of Miller's method--there's no point in trying to sort information you have no use for. For me, however, I read the whole thing.

Good introdcution to a subject which is almost always overlooked. The examples are interesting and you can apply to everyday life. A practical approach.

Working in a publishing company, the author, Kevin Miller surely knows about information overload. And his book proves he has figured out how to cope with it. What to save,skip, read or file are constant challenges in my small business world. This book gives me a framework and great tips. Practical stuff. Worth picking up--and saving!

I am not by nature a person who likes to organize information and papers and processes, but I have to do it in order to be productive. This book makes it painless for the organizationally challenged. Kevin obviously knows his stuff and likes to be simple in his advice. Anyone who is either an organizational fanatic or a helpless "where did I put that?" will enjoy and benefit from this book.

This book reviews all the major issues related to job stress and gives very practical, concrete ways to cope. Anyone who experiences job stress could benefit from the knowledge and advise contained in these pages. I highly recommend it!

I have always felt a lot of stress in my job and could never feel that I was very calm at work. Dr. Arden provides numerous tips on how to cope beginning with yourself and then your job environment to help alleviate stress. I have used some of his tips and have now felt more relaxed at work.

This book helped me learn to deal with the stress of multi-tasking. As a teacher I have to deal with parents, administrators, as well as students without being overwhelmed This book gave great hints about how to cope with it all.

This straightforward book helps readers understand the overwhelming feelings associated with anxiety and the working environment. It has more helpful coping strategies than most books of its kind on the market. The book contains a wide range of topics: causes of anxiety, coping with attacks, nutrition, psychological approaches, relaxation, holistic and pharmaceutical treatments. The short chapters make it agreeable to busy schedules. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a positive change in his or her life.

"Take This Book to Work" is a great read, not only for young professionals, but for those who may need a reminder that women can (and do) conquer the workplace woes. The book is written in a fun format that is easy to read. Chapters are marked clearly which makes for a quick reference guide when a question arises. I flipped directly to the chapter "How To Ask Smart Questions During an Interview to Help You Land the Job" before my interview with a successful PR firm. Not only did I feel more confident, but I got the internship!

As a career consultant, I will refer clients to this book. I find male clients have questions similar to females and it is important to avoid categorizing a workplace challenge as "women only."

That said, this book fills a need among today's workers. Those who are completely new to a situation will benefit by following the guidelines. You could do worse!

But it's important to realize that when it comes to career strategy, we rarely have simple answers. You're taking a risk regardless of what you do and almost any strategy can backfire. No guarantees!

I particularly like the section on interviewing for information. Few books spell out the differences between new and experienced career changers. As these authors say, senior executives rarely go out on "interviews for information." They're more likely to have coffee or drinks and talk. And at the senior level, you're more of an equal. You may be able to help the person you're meeting -- or you will someday.

We have some areas of disagreement. But as I remind my own clients, every advisor or consultant will be fallible. We all make mistakes and nobody's right all the time. Here are 3 areas where I take a different slant on career change and job search:

(1) When you are job hunting, the authors suggest calling to ask if your resume was received, and then using the opportunity to sell yourself. I say that strategy can pay off handsomely but can also backfire. I wouldn't encourage clients to try to sell themselves to Human Resources. HR typically acts as a gatekeeper: they're only interested in ways to say no.
If you reach the hiring manager you're more likely to win with this strategy.

(2)You need to relocate for personal reasons and your company has a branch in your destination city. The authors suggest you mention your personal reasons ("My mother has cancer") with the request. I encourage my own clients to avoid disclosing personal details. Let's get real: you never know when this information will be distorted and/or used against you. You give up a lot of power when your company knows you aren't marketable because you won't move.

(3) When searching for a mentor, remember the rules change if you approach self-employed professionals. It's not uncommon for mentors to pay for advice and guidance. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between mentors and coaches.

On another note, the authors encourage readers to join Toastmasters or take a public speaking ocurse to gain confidence. Your experience will vary a great deal depending on the club or class. For advice on telephone negotiation and one-to-one meetings, I would recommend hiring a coach or consultant.

The book has gotten rave reviews from famous names. The back cover includes endorsements by Kelly Ripa, Robin Roberts and Barbara Corcoran, all admirable women. I'd like to hear from more in-the-trenches career consultants and recent career changers and job seekers, both men and women.

Tory and Robyn, working women around the world thank you for this invaluable book!

Too often, women do not get what they want from work - simply because they are afraid to ask. "Take This Book To Work" gives us the language and confidence to ask for what we need and deserve. Advising women on how to speak up and take control, this wonderful book covers everything from successful networking, office etiquette, and personal fulfillment. Next time I want to ask for something at work, whether it be a raise or time off, I will be consulting this helpful manual!

A collaboration of two talented and professional writers, this book brings a unique approach to women in the working world. It is the ultimate guidebook to an overall successful career strategy and all of the little bumps along the way. Covering a large range of topics, the authors truly address the needs of women in business of all industries. This book is for women who are just starting their careers, women who are stuck in their careers, and women who just want to continue to maximize their careers to achieve more both personally and professionally. A fantastic resource that is not to be missed! Do "take this book to work"!

This is a must read for those of you who are struggling to find extra hours a day. Tall Order! helped me better organize my business and personal life so that I had "free time" everyday. This book definitely helped lower my daily stress level at work by being better prepared for business challenges.

A must-read for business execs to soccer-moms who need help getting and staying focused! A fast read with great tips and a step-by-step approach to identifying and reaching your goals.

Great Read! "Tall Order" provides clarity to defining our priorities in order to achieve our personal and professional goals. A must for anyone hitting the wall or who wants to go to the next level!

Especially for those who haven't figured out the importance of hiring a business coach, this is a great summary of how to streamline your effectiveness to work smarter and not harder. Honoree explains how to exponentially increase your success by laying out the steps needed to make it happen. She believes in shunning those people who do not support your success and eliminating the "tolerations" of day-to-day life that drain your time. Great ideas that I implement on a regular basis!