Enterprise Books

I once heard another VC described Dermot thus: "Dermot's an oxymoron because he's both a highly successful venture capitalist and he's a good person." Dermot's advice is for the person who likes to plan for success in advance.

Based on his success, Dermot has packaged into this book his sage advice for entrepreneurs needing to raise venture capital. Dermot's advice, is less about "How to raise venture funding for the business you've created" than it is about, "How to create your business such so you'll be able to raise venture funding," a subtle but key difference. Dermot talks about organizing the business around fundable "stepping stones," each a "proof point" that a VC will require.

For those just starting a business and wanting to plan the entire funding process in advance, the price of Dermot's book will be the best investment you can make.

Des Pieri [...]

This is a must for every VC aspiree. I have pointed every student who has aspired to join the venture capital industry to this book, and they both cover the depth of the technical knowledge required and also the scope of industrial sectors. There is nothing better for this price. 99 Inside Secrets on Startup Finance (Gingko Publishing House Guide e-books, Volume 4)

There is one word for this book and its contents - Brilliant.

The book thoroughly covers the forward movement in start up and how to move towards proper funding. It helps entrepreneurs think through the tough decisions that face them - and gives solid advice and ideas by showing working examples and outcomes. By clearly describing the motivations around each party involved in funding situations and seeing how those motivations can change at each stage of the game - this book gives the reader tools that any serious start up needs. I recommend this book 150% - It has been a solid guide in the steps I have taken and are continuing to make in my start-up.

Mr. Berkery deserves a standing ovation for the serious depth and thinking placed into this volume and provided to the entrepreneurial world!

I haven't finished it reading yet, but I learned more about business in the first thirty pages than I've learned in the rest of my entire life.

This book is built to give entrepreneurs the view of people who have money and vice versa. It covers presentations, milestones, business plans, and stock options.

I had never understood what preferred stock meant until I got this book.

It's very readable and not pretentious at all, even though it's talking about people giving you millions and millions of dollars. It's also focused on the point that without venture capital and people starting businesses, the economy just doesn't work.

Excellent book, I'm very happy with my purchase. It's also written very recently and takes into account a lot of other companies' recent experiences.

If you want to start a business that requires some capital and don't know much about business, this is the book you want.

I did, so I bought five books. I will review them from worst to best.

"Finding an Angel Investor In a Day," by The Planning Shop (2007), told me nothing I didn't know, and I didn't know anything about business plans or angel investors. The title is ludicrous and the advice is obvious, e.g., "Your business plan should be concise, compelling, and irresistible to investors." 1 star.

"The ABC's of Writing Winning Business Plans," by Garrett Sutton (2005), walks you through writing business plans for a lawn mowing business and buying a pizza restaurant. If your business is more complicated, this is not the book for you. 1 star.

"The Ernst & Young Business Plan Guide," by Brian Ford, Jay Boorstein, and Patrick Pruitt (2007), is a good book but hardly inspiring or insightful. If you follow this book your business plan will be competent but won't grab investors. 3 stars.

"Angel Financing for Entrepreneurs," by Susan Preston (2007). This book doesn't explain how to write a business plan, but it explains how to make a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation to investors -- a presentation that will grab investors. For example, one question is "How is your product or technology scalable?" I also learned some of the financials that angel investors look for, such as what IRR is expected. This book helped and inspired me to write an excellent presentation, that became the basis for my business plan. 5 stars.

"Raising Venture Capital for the Serious Entrepreneur," by Dermot Berkery (2008). This is a textbook for a business school course about venture capital. This book is full of insights. Every few pages new ideas would compel me to go to my computer and add stuff or rewrite my business plan, for example, Berkery emphasizes the need for clear milestones. Preston mentioned milestones but didn't make it clear why they are so important. The financials that were briefly presented in Preston's book are thoroughly presented in Berkery's book, for example, what gross margin investors look for (80% or more) and why they need such extremely profitable products or services. Plus you learn the jargon or key phrases of venture capitalists, e.g., "a large but well signaled market," the importance of "market power" and an effective "route to customers." I feel that my business plan now speaks to investors in their language, with the numbers they are looking for. 5 stars.

I have always enjoyed Kaira's fun and out of the box writing style and it is so enjoyable to read a book about business that is fun! I have just been learning recently that success has so much to do with going for what you want while maintaining a balanced happy life. But first you have to know what it is that you really want! Thank you for a step by step guide to discovering how to get the most out of life by creating a business that reflects who we really are.

RYI provides indepth insight about branding yourself and your business--and how to do it right--for people who are new to entrepreneurship or marketing, or who can't afford to hire an agency or others to help. It also offers spot-on advice for navigating the business world as it exists today and as it will be in the future: the importance of being able to ask for help and giving back. Both are often overlooked but they are integral parts of the Real You process!

should buy this book. I am in the midst of reading it now and there is so much helpful information, real-life examples, and exercises to help you figure out who you are and what your goals are. Although the book is aimed at entrepreneurs, it is truly a book anyone in the world of business can use to implement changes in your professional life. I have read other books about how to become professionally successful and they all always start off with takin out the emotion or becoming someone else.

Kaira puts it simply, woman are emotional and intuitive, USE IT! I am in the restaurant business, a business that is hard on women, and I have always been told that I get too emotionally involved in the aspects of the business. Thank you Kaira for making me see that there was nothing wrong w/ that. In fact, it is what has always made me a good employee and hopefully a good restaurateur.

This will be one of those books that I will LOAN (I am never getting rid of this one) to any female friend of mine who is having trouble at work or who is interested in starting their own business. KUDOS!

"The key to having a rewarding business is having one that speaks to your inner strengths, bolsters your passions, and engages your heart." ~ pg. 7

If you have just started a business or want to redefine your business, reading this book will give you new ideas and help you to pursue a path to success. Throughout the book there are fun case studies to prove that success is possible and real. The inspiring stories guide the way and Kaira Sturdivant Rouda's wisdom gained from experience helps you to formulate a business plan. "Real You Incorporated" could change your life and motivate you in the direction of your dreams. As you read this book you can take notes to record your own ideas about your business.

I liked the handy guide to typical snarks (people that don't have your best interest at heart) and the ideas about avoiding culture vultures. Kaira Sturdivant Rouda explores many possibilities and has some especially wise advice about hiring employees, or letting them go whichever is best for your company. She encourages entrepreneurs to hire people who understand the heart of your business and won't drag the company down with a number of destructive tactics.

Some of the helpful tips in this book include one about setting up a Facebook profile and getting your website name registered early in the game. Each chapter also includes a section on books and magazines you will want to read. This book will also help you to:

Create a vision statement
Follow your instincts
Create a marketing plan
Define your passions
Design your office

Is it time for a change? Are you tired of having to act like a man to get ahead in business? This book shows the way to a new path that will lead to the fulfillment of your dreams. I can highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering a new business venture or to anyone who wants to revamp their business plan in order to be even more successful.

"For your brand to be successful, you've got to have an online presence." ~ pg. 101

~The Rebecca Review

I liked this book. It's written by a woman for women and explains how women can have it all: kids and a successful career. And a successful career is one where the woman is in the driver's seat owning and/or operating her own company. It's very difficult (or impossible) to have kids, raise kids, and hold down a well-paying job where you collect a W-2. Something has to give in that mix since holding down a well-paying job usually does not allow for child-rearing time.

Women who want to create their own work world so they can earn significant compensation but also be able to rear their children must go the entrepreneur route. They have to start their own company or companies. And the author, who has gone this route and been successful at it, has written the instant book to share rules and lessons she has followed on her journey.

The author says there are 8 essentials women entrepreneurs must concern themselves with if they are to create a successful business where both the woman and her company thrive:

1. You
2. Your passions
3. Your brand
4. Your company name
5. Your positioning
6. Your culture
7. Your customers
8. Your gifts

The book is broken into two parts: (1) Find the company in you, and (2) Make the company successful by developing a competitive advantage within it. The first part is comprised of 3 chapters and nine "Life Lessons." The second part is comprised of 5 chapters and fifteen "Life Lessons." I found the grouping of three life lessons per chapter to be a good way to organize the book. As I read these life lessons I felt like I was re-reading parts of Jack Canfield's "The Success Principles" (ISBN: 0060594896) that I read a few years ago.

Countless times within the book I was presented with the following:

>>Questions to think about
>>Action steps
>>A real story
>>Recommended readings

I loved the real stories. And each one included a diagram of the featured entrepreneur and her company regarding the "8 essentials." Women who read this book would have role models and some sort of mentor in each of these real stories.

But even though I liked the book a lot, I did not love it. There is no mention of the need for doing investigation and research in order to write a business plan. There is no mention of the need for a business plan. The instant book focuses too much on the woman entrepreneur and creating a brand, and not enough on the real world and creating a viable business that has a neat brand. A new business can be innovative, but it still has to fit into the market in which it plans to earn revenues.

If this book had devoted a chapter to business plans and how important they are for success in starting a business, then I would give this book a 5-star rating. But it didn't. The book is really good regarding what it covers. But since I found the book to be a startup guide for women entrepreneurs it came up a little short on the content I felt it should have included. 4 stars!

PS. Look at the Search Inside material Amazon offers for this book in order to examine the Table of Contents. You will be able to see the titles to the 8 chapters and also the 24 Life Lessons mentioned.

Snow Moon Rising is an intimate glimpse of the seasons of Mischka Gallo's life. From her happy childhood, in spite of social injustice and bigotry against the Roma people (derogatorily referred to as Gypsies), Mischka maintains her innocence through her mid-teens. Only later does reality harden her. She displays a zest for life and heroic strength, believing that, "Everyone should feel the love, enjoy the exhilaration life afforded... [O]ver time she came to realize that each soul needs its own private place and solitude to nourish both joy and pain" (p. 2). It is this optimism that allows Snow Moon Rising to inspire us, rather than let us be defeated by the malice Mischka faces.

Many fictional stories are based on the atrocities of Hitler during World War II, but Lori L. Lake uses an uncommon perspective, telling the story from the Roma and German point of view, and then adding a refreshing twist. Without gratuitous sex or violence, Lake succeeds in writing an emotionally charged, action-packed, and authentic story. Her tight, crisp narrative flows seamlessly as Mishka, at eighty, recounts her life's experiences to her fifteen-year-old grandson, Tobar. As the events unfold, it's easy to imagine her world. Mischka says to Tobar, "I don't want to end your childhood with sad stories, but remember, after darkness there is always light. Just like after the moon disappears, the sun always rises" (p. 5). Throughout Lake's novel, the theme that resonates most isn't the bleakness you might expect, but rather, is hopeful.

The relationship between Mischka and Pauline Stanek (Pippi), as friends and lovers, spans seventy-one years. Pippi is the sister of a wounded AWOL German soldier, Emil. The Roma clan adopted Emil when Mischka was a child, and he became a beloved cousin of Mischka. It is through Emil, that Mischka and Pippi meet for the first time. The connection and kinship they feel is immediate. The two young girls make a vow to remain friends, forever bonded by heart, spirit, and soul. It seems theirs was an unlikely union, considering that homosexuality was considered a sin and punishable by death and both women end up on opposite sides during the war. Pippi knew Hitler to be the madman that he was, but what choice did she have when the Third Reich summoned her and ordered her to serve at a labor camp? One wonders how many unwilling German guards and soldiers were as much a victim of the war as the prisoners.

Snow Moon Rising is a page-turner because Lake carefully balances the storyline, choosing only the scenes that move the plot along. The immediacy and transparency, as the story unfolds, allows the reader to engage both emotions and intellect. The reader not only understands the horrid situation--but also feels deeply along with Mischka, her people, and Pippi as well. The narrative summaries don't lecture, but rather convey feelings, making the scenes compelling. This reviewer imagines what it must have been like in Mischka's camp: the sounds, the smells, the tastes. Even though written in English, you feel like they are speaking a foreign language, without having to sift through a lot of cumbersome dialect. The Roma and German phrases add to the story and set the tone for readers who are fluent in any language.

One would think it depressing to be Mischka in those days. A Roma woman was like chattel without civil rights; however, to watch Mischka before she was forced into marriage, and later, thrown into a concentration camp, she was the light in a dark world. She maintained her dignity in the face of inhumane treatment as her means to fight the enemy. The way Lake captures the heart of this admirable woman is the reason Snow Moon Rising reminds this reviewer of a photograph. Mischka thinks, "Memories surfaced, and pictures rose up from hidden recesses, not in the sepia tones she so often remembered, but stark, bright, vital, and as colorful as modern photographs" (p. 5). This is a fair description of how Lake tells, and shows, Mischka's story with clear and vivid detail, which remain bright despite her often dismal surroundings.

With an impressive bibliography at the back of the book, Lake's extensive research is rewarded by the vivid and heart-rending account of what life was like for the Roma "Gypsies" during WWII. Snow Moon Rising is easily Lori Lake's most accomplished work to date. The novel has already won the Alice B. Reader's Appreciation Award 2007 and is nominated for numerous other accolades. Fans of fiction containing historical truth will cherish this novel, and it would be a fine addition to any library.

Popular lesbian author Lori L. Lake has always been the consummate craftsperson, but she comes of age in this haunting, terrifying and ultimately splendid novel of the persecution of the Roma people in Nazi Europe. Although the protagonist, Mischka Gallo and Pippi Stanek share a love that lasts for decades, this is not your typical lesbian romance. Lake has her eyes set this time on a higher plane, and she realizes it in one of those rare lgbt novels that deserves the label, "literature," and that will have you alternately shivering in fear, crying with the pain of the oppressed which she so vividly captures, and laughing with delight at Mischka's indomitable spirit. Solidly researched, with come-to-life characters and the sort of detail that says, "You are there," this is the kind of writing that transcends labels.

Victor J. Banis, Author of COME THIS WAY

Lori Lake has a gift. It's not so much about constructing sentences that call attention to the writer. No, Lake pretty much vanishes behind her prose. And that's a good thing, especially in this compelling historical love story that spans two World Wars and the horrors of the Nazi "work" camps. Lake creates two indelible women, Mischka and Pippi, who, from the very beginning of the book, creep into your heart and stay there, making Snow Moon Rising nearly impossible to put down. It's obvious Lake has great love for her characters and the magic she works is that she transfers that love to you, her reader. Lake has written a moving story that transcends genre and touches our hearts and minds with a very universal message about the persistance of love and human connection, even in the face of terrifying odds.

This is not the most tightly written novel you'll buy, but it has a big heart and I, for one, take my hat off to any lesbian author who's willing to write more than a cheesy romance. I won't describe the plot , since other reviewers have already done that, but I will just say that I felt very drawn into this story. It's quite a long one and should be read over a few days so that there is time to take in the full detail. But Ms. Lake writes with great feeling about the plight of the "Gypsies" during World War II. I was really touched by the enduring love of Pippa and Mischka and the honest account of their history with all the fascinating insights into the Roma culture. People often forget this was a whole population that also fell victim to the Nazis. This book is not a romance. It's a rare exception amongst the books normally published for lesbian readers, a strong story about human struggle and right and wrong. There are fancier books out there set in this terrible period of history, but most of them do not have lesbian characters. This one does and it is well worth your time to read.

Mischka Gallo was born with a vivid spirit--and that's a good thing. Her life is anything but easy--first growing up among the Roma in a traveling caravan in Poland and Germany, then marrying an abusive man, being sent to a 'work camp,' and finally coming to America with little more than her name. Mischka's spirit refuses to be cowed by circumstance or by man. She meets the love of her life at a young age but it takes many years for her to accept that this love is beyond anything she's familiar with.

Pauline "Pippi" Stanek is a meek woman on the outside, but a fighter inside. She first meets Mischka when her brother marries into the Roma clan. Though Pippi is a few years older, the two become instant friends. Due to Mischka's vagabond life and Pippi's more traditional one, they don't see one another often, but when they do, their friendship remains intact.

The story is told through a series of remembrances and begins with an elderly Mischka talking to her grandson about his name, Tobar, and about the importance of family and tradition.

Mischka's life is not an easy one. The Roma are looked down upon, feared, and in some cases despised, but held true to their traditions and to one another. This is the heritage Mischka wants young Tobar to understand, and in the telling, she reveals much about her own beliefs. Mischka tells about her own youth, remembers her marriage and her family, and doesn't gloss over her difficulties. She embodies the idea that one can triumph over any adversity.

Pippi and Mischka's most poignant meeting is at the work camp. Pippi is 'drafted' into service as a supervisor because she is an exceptional seamstress, while her childhood friend Mischka is a prisoner. Mischka and the other women she befriends here find subtle ways to survive.

The title comes from the Roma way of naming the months. The Snow Moon rises in November--a time for rituals to banish negativity. Snow Moon Rising is a love story, but not your typical love story.

Armchair Interviews says: A story where hope, sense of family and love shine through.

I couldn't put it down! Jo is open and honest about the challenges she has faced and is facing in life. She shows by her story that we can cling to our Father,trust Him, and choose to live joyfully no matter what life throws at us. I recommend this book to anyone who is facing anything they don't understand or don't feel they can handle, from physical challenges to relationship challenges, and beyond. Jo will encourage and inspire you, and give you the courage to trust God in the midst of your own difficult times. I am getting more copies to give to those I know who need real-life encouragement.

My oldest memory of Jo still brings a warm smile to my face. She sat gracefully in front of the small group of women, who didn't want to break for the summer like the rest of the women's Bible study group had. She read with passion from her prayer journal. I closed my eyes and smiled, privileged to hear the prayers from Jo's heart to her Abba. (Jo loves to call God by that endearing name, best translated as Daddy.) This sweet memory, which is now more than 10 years old, was renewed when I read Soar Unafraid. In fact, reading the vulnerable prayers Jo recorded over the years was my favorite part of Soar Unafraid. No one can conjure up a relationship with God like that. It's built over years and years of intimacy and dependency. You and I are invited to develop that same deep relationship with God, simply by reading Jo's precious prayers. Even if you don't have MS, have never been through a divorce, and haven't suffered through childhood abuse, Jo's amazing story will touch the secret places of your heart. Read Soar Unafraid. You will fall in love with Jo and her precious Abba.

Shawna Marie Bryant, Speaker, Author, Worship Leader
www.shawnamarie.com

I picked up this book, planning to read a few pages before I went to sleep. Two hours later, I had to make myself put it down! What a testimony to God's love, grace, and mercy. On every page, Jo reminds us that regardless of where life takes us, God has a specific plan for us. I just pray I'll be as faithful as she has been when the hard times come.

Jo has written a book that will encourage you not to be a casuality in this world. You will find encouragement because Jo is real, her struggles are real and her God is real. With compassion, honesty and forgiveness Jo tells her story.

Many years ago, I met Jo at a church retreat where she was an inspirational speaker and shared her love of the Lord through her singing. I was impressed with her deep faith and obrious joy in spite of the painful trials she had endured. There were times through the years that I wondered how she was and when I, myself was diagnosed with MS, two years ago, my curiosity about how she was grew. A good friend, living in the same county as Jo, clipped a newspaper article about Jo, thinking it might be of interest to me. I was so surprised and delighted to know that Jo had written a book. I promptly ordered it and read it. It was as I knew it would be-filled with honesty, love, pain and joy. Jo is able to capture with words raw emotions that both captivate and encourage the reader. Thank you Jo for being the example to all of us of what it means to "soar unafraid."
Paula Boyd, Lemon Grove CA

Great book, very informative and thought-provoking. In this book Jon Fisher presents a simple, logical formula for creating a business. As a recent college graduate and aspiring entrepreneur, I'm already using the knowledge from Strategic Entrepreneurism in my work for a small business. The book has ignited many thoughts in my head as to the direction and purpose of our company's strategy. It's a beneficial learning tool because I can actively speak with the founders about the presented ideas. For anyone who aspires to be an entrepreneur, Strategic Entrepreneurism is a must read.

There is a familiar phrase "no one ever got fired for buying IBM" that suggests products or services selected from a well know vendor are the safest. "Strategic Entrepreneurism: Shattering the Start-Up Entrepreneurial Myths" reads like a buying guide for established businesses looking to achieve success beyond the well established products and services offered by the same vendors as their competition. The points the author makes, especially in Chapter 7 starting on page 99, surrounding how to partner with customers outlines a success strategy for both the entrepreneurial startup company as well as the strategic customer. The strategic customer is in the unique position to have a business problem or solution solved in an extremely customized way that no big name vendor can do with mature and well established products and services and thus leap ahead of the competition.

I had the unique opportunity to be a strategic customer of one of Jon's businesses mentioned in the text and I can personally and professionally attest to the groundbreaking entrepreneurial themes outline in this exceedingly well written book.

Without question, it is a must read for budding entrepreneurs as other reviewers have consistently identified. In addition, it is a must read for business decision makers that need to stay ahead of the competition with customized solutions that strategic entrepreneurs can deliver and established vendors cannot.

There's a lot of advice out there, but which is the right kind to heed? "Strategic Entrepreneurism: Shattering the Start-Up Entrepreneurial Myths" seeks to dispel the myths that society has laid out for the aspiring businessman who's just getting started in the game. Laying out strategies for business men trying to cut through the jungle and climb the mountain that is start up, Fisher offers much sound advice, making "Strategic Entrepreneurism" a must for business people just starting up.

The message of the book is very clean and it is radically different from many other books by famous authors 'how to build a great company'. This books tells you how to stop deluding yourself and start doing real business from the very inception of your idea and business. This book is very practical, you'll find no Total World Domination slogans inside. So if you have a choice of only two books to buy and read before starting your company then is should be this one and Founders at Work: Stories of Startups' Early Days (Recipes: a Problem-Solution Ap). They even share the same serious drawback: a hardcover :-)

Being an inventor/entrepreneur is not only creating a new product/service for the marketplace, but also involves devising a new business model to commercialize on that effort. Since most start-ups have visions of grandeur, you must follow your own path to get the attention of the business community. Most of the time you work in a vacuum, wondering if any of it makes sense. However, after reading Strategic Entrepreneurism, I felt I was reading the official rules or bible on how to proceed. Jon Fisher outlines and defines the steps, procedures and potential outcome on how to present yourself to the marketplace and what to do when a potential suitor comes along. The book give perspective on methods, opportunities for small businesses and insight on what a larger company would get out of the acquisition. Additionally, the idea of strategic customers, when done correctly provides not only revenue, but makes your company so much more valuable. In the current uncertainty of the business environment, this book provides concrete alternatives to commercialize on your entrepreneurial dreams.

Brett Stern, president
Beer Chips®

We really enjoyed this book. We read it out loud and I was repeatedly reminded that we needed to "read the book tonight!" I especially liked that Rufus sews saddlebags. I enjoy any opportunity to show that tasks can be completed by either males or females. The issue of ethnicity was also nicely addressed, something I wasn't expecting, and a pleasant surprise.

However, my original interest in the book was to read something enjoyable that taught a little bit of finances. The book did this very well for the first half or maybe even three quarters of the story. After that, there was definitely a turning point where I felt the information was rushed and I could tell even my 9 year old noticed because of the types of questions he was asking.

So, my recommendation is parents be prepared to discuss price competition, stock certificates and income tax requirements. One should plan on reading a little slower towards the end of the story. Despite the speedy pace of the end chapters, this is still one of the best stories I've read to spur a child's interest in entrepreneurship.

As others have covered the plot synopsis, I will not repeat it.

I am 40 years old, and read this book as a child. I had completely forgotten about it, but all of a sudden the fond recollection of it popped into my head recently. As my own chldren are now 11, 9 and 7 years old I thought it would be worth checking out again.

All of my children loved it. My 11 year old read it on his own in about two days, and then my 9 year old and I took turns reading it aloud.

While all the reviewers have mentioned the positive message about race relations, another positive message to me was the idea that even children can really accomplish something besides just sitting in school all day. Most of the adventure books we read involve wizards or fairies or talking animals, and while these are tons of fun they never give kids the sense that these stories relate directly to the lives they are leading.

While the idea of kids opening up a factory and driving big companies out of business is of course a bit unrealistic, the fact is that kids really can go into "business" in smaller ways. My daughter (the 7 year old) is already organizing a yard sale of her baby stuff for when the weather warms up.

I highly recommend this book.

I picked up the book, The Toothpaste Millionaire, and couldn't put it down. This book is pure genius. It's fast moving. But beware, it ends in suspense. I wish there was a sequel!

This is the best book ever , I could'nt stop reading it .
I even asked the librarian if I could buy it . Wow this book
is awsome . Read it!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did not find the book as fascinating as all the foregoing reviewers (and I have read hundreds of juvenile books of this reading level), but I can imagine grade 3-6 students rating it more highly--and that is what counts. It can even be a read-aloud for the teacher of grades 3 or 4. I would place it in my classroom library, but it is not a book I could enthusiastically introduce.

The suspense was mild, the climax almost predictable. Nevertheless, the author has an attractive, casual style; the vocabulary is simple; and the story flows easily. But it does have that Bank Street Reader feel, which is what it used to be--like some basal/reading text for grades 3-5.

One attractive aspect of the book is that it does not ignore race or ethnicity, and integrates them in a positive, refreshing manner.

The "Reader's Guide" (test questions) at the end of the book turned me off; it made me feel uncomfortable--I hope teachers won't use it. I think a children's book should be enjoyed for sheer pleasure.

I found this book to rehash information found in many other sources. It covers a wide range of topics, but none in sufficient detail. A good overview of the topics; for detailed information look elsewhere.

I have a nice little library of books that would put a small library to shame, but I find myself connected to a few much like the kid with his favorite teddy bear. Well, this book is like that teddy bear. I carry it 2 miles each day to and from work. Any good book is invaluable to a job/certification. This is one of them!

I read the entire book over the last few weeks and found that is was very helpful in giving me a better understanding of networking. I learned a lot about the basics and a ton about the advanced aspects of NT networking. I found out about how to use key NT tools and the book was a great resource.

I don't usually take the time to come back and comment on a book unless it's very bad. In this case the book is way better than I've come to expect from most NT books. There were so many extra topics in the book that I don't think I've seen elsewhere. Important registry setting are listed and explained but not ALL of them (with no explaination) just what is important. I liked the IP Management section and DNS overview. The capacity planning section that somebody else here mentioned was excellent and the tuning and troubleshooting chapter had a great section on problem resolution. It covers a very wide range of topics relating to NT and networking and does it very well.

-Tom

This book, along with Tony Northrup's Windows NT Plumbing, will put you a step above your other NT peers. Both of these books go into the nitty gritty details of how NT REALLY works in the real world and how best to deploy and configure it.

Both are excellent primers on networking and TCP/IP as well as NT specifics. Highly recommended.

This book is a must have for everyone, new breeder, old breeder and puppy owner! Very easy to read, straight to the point you can have this book read in as little as 2 hours and is a wealth of information on starting your puppies out right, using socialization and many trick and such you can use to make sure puppies have the very best start!

This is one of the best, easy to read and understand books about puppy deveepment that I have ever read. Go for it, worth every penny

very useful and important little book. I had to buy a second copy after giving mine to the vet at the local dog shelter, hoping she would understand why puppies shouldn't be isolated, what and when the fear periods are, and much more important information for a dog's first months, that will change your life and his/her's, all scientifically backed-up. Anyone who owns a puppy or a dog, looking to understand their companion,must this book, which I also loved and enjoyed.

We have bought a lot of books regarding puppies and training, and we still got a lot of information out of this book. It's a whole lot of useful information in a short book.

An outstanding book! Pat Hastings, ably assisted by co-author Erin Ann Rouse, once again shows her astonishing depth of knowledge about dogs gleaned from her years as a dog breeder, professional handler, and dog show judge. A worthy follow-on to her seminars and acclaimed video, The Puppy Puzzle, this book clearly delineates the stages of puppyhood and outlines the interactions that a puppy's human should be providing throughout each stage. I liked this book so much that I bought more to give to every new "parent" for my recent litter of eight puppies.

I love Build-a-Bear and retail management...so of course I loved this book. But I think anyone who has an interest in bussiness would find this interesting. It is well written and a fast paced read. Plus...the cover is eye catching and fun and makes you want to pick it up everytime you pass it on the nightstand or coffee table! A great book and a great company!

This is a great book that gives good ideas about starting up your own business. However, it makes it sound as you need way too much money to start so a bit disappointed that is not as easy as I thought. I guess many people would be able to start a business with more than a million dollars. I believe she had to ask investors for more than four million.

As a huge fan of Build-a-Bear, I picked up the book to learn more about the company. I have a daughter who is in the target market of Build-a-Bear and I have spent many enjoyable hours in the stores. I have always found their marketing to be amazing and wanted to understand more about the company. The book does talk a lot about Build-a-Bear, but it also gives a wealth of marketing and customer service ideas that could be used by any company. The book appears to be written for entrepreneurs, but the marketing and customer service ideas could be used by any size company, that has an entrepreneurial spirit. I really enjoyed how Maxine shows how many well-known companies are using the ideas from the book.

The Bear Necessities of Business was an inspiration. It re-enforced one should always believe you are capable of success when you make the decision to go out on your own and develop your business. There was a tremendous amount of information on how to be a good boss and to inspire your employees to work for the success of your company. I will definitely use the information from Maxine Clark to make a success of my own new business.

I very much enjoyed finding this book in the bookstore a few days ago, and then reading it yesterday morning. It was an easy read, and it was jam packed full of information. It is really three books in one. The first book is the story of Maxine Clark, a short round energetic woman originally from Florida who went to the University of Georgia majoring in journalism. When she graduated she started a career in retail that she continues at today. And what a career! She now makes St. Louis her home with her husband who is also an entrepreneur. She has no children, but her business is basically kids. I think she can be a great role model for many women out there.

The second book is a PR plug for her company: Build-A-Bear Workshop. I had never heard of it before I picked up this book. But while I was at one of my local Malls yesterday (Quakerbridge in Lawrence, NJ) I noticed in the mall directory one of her franchised stores exists there. Naturally I visited the store and the book had greater meaning to me at once. The company was started in 1997 probably as an LLC. And I suspect in 2000 when it was converted to a corporation that is when it did its initial IPO. But that is just a guess. The philosophy behind the company seems to me to be a mix of Starbucks Coffee Shops and the Disney Retail Stores. Quite a combination, and it is proving to be a successful approach to entertainment retail in Mall environments.

The third book is a words-of-wisdom tome on how to vision, plan, implement, and work a business from scratch. It talks about the importance of reinventing traditional products or services from the ground up and then put your own unique spin on them. The author says she sells a brand experience, not a product. But she does move products - and lots of them. She also says that planning and self-reflection are the key to creating a business. And she says she took almost a year to research and write her masterpiece of a business plan she used to start Build-A-Bear Workshops.

The overall book is divided into seven parts:

1. Getting Started
2. Being a Great Boss
3. Connecting with Your Customers
4. Creating an Incredible Experience
5. Using Essential Marketing Strategies
6. Growing Your Business
7. Giving Back

My favorite part of the book was the first: Getting Started. Part 3 was pretty good. And I very much liked parts 5 and 6. I thought at page 64 "marketing tools and strategies" should have been included in the list there. But all in all this is a wonderful book and an important addition to what is available for entrepreneurs to read and study when thinking about getting involved in starting their own business. 5 stars!

The title to this book says it all. It really is the Best IT Sales and Martketing book ever. NUFF SAID!!!!

YOU NEED TO BUY THIS BOOK if you want to turn your IT Business into a profitable one.

I cant wait for Ericks next book, hopefully he wont keep us waiting too long :-)

At a recent VAR meeting I attended, several successful IT services CEOs were asked what one thing they did to build a stable successful business. Every single one of them said marketing was the key to their business' success.

Most small IT services firms don't market. That's why they stay small. If you want to grow a consistent services business, buy this book and start marketing now. You will recoup several times this book's cost with your first marketing campaign.

Received this book at approximately 10:30am read the first few pages and cancelled my schedule for the day (first time I've done that in 13+ years in business) to read it from cover to cover in one sitting - and then again before the weekend was out just to ensure and assure I had gotten as much as I could before starting out on this amazing adventure. - Two (2) suggestions for you the reader of this review: 1) buy this book today - you would not be reading this review if your were not considering it - just do it. You will NOT be dissapointed. 2) Do Not skimp on the shipping you will kick yourself for every day you wasted!

This book is jam-packed with valuable insight to assist IT VAR's in selling and marketing to Small Business. It is required reading for my company's sales and marketing staff. I highly recommend it to anyone whether new to the business or an old veteran.

I am a business owner interested in the Managed Services market space. I have read so much about Managed services but have not found a step by step guide on how to implement the managed services business plan or sell those services to clients. What I needed were step by step guides on both the topics. I was introduced to Erick's books by another associate. This book and "The Guide to a Successful Managed Services Practice" by Erick were exactly what I was looking for. Erick is not just a subject matter expert in Managed Services but has practiced and implemented his teachings and recommendations. He explains several key concepts and best practices on Managed Services, Deliverables, Pricing, How to identify clients, sell, support and maintain the services and build a long term win-win relationship with the clients. The coverage on How to Hire and Train your sales staff is worth its weight in gold. Included along with these 2 books are several forms, analysis tools and documents which make the sales process a whole lot easier with predictable results. These are the bibles for my managed services business and I refer them frequently. If you are serious about building a profitable managed services business, you must have these books.