market-economics

Most helpful marketing book I ever read. It had information I never knew I needed in a brief,descriptive format that I put to use while finishing the book. The reference materials were also very helpful.

"Brand Aid" is the most comprehensive of all the materials that I've read on brand management. It is packed with resources to gain understanding in what branding is and how it can be implemented to benefit an organization. The case studies are engaging and relatable, and the checklists are thought provoking. The succinct content in each chapter makes this book an invaluable reference tool.

Even the most basic branding concepts in the early chapters were insightful and deepened my belief in the importance of building strong relationships with customers and employees.

My organization began a branding initiative earlier this year. I now wish I had read "Brand Aid" before we started. This book should become required reading for all business leaders responsible for driving the growth of their organizations.

Thomas J. Miller
Product Marketing, Director
Newport Corporation, Inc.

Of all the books I've read on marketing and branding, this one is the shining star! I'll also go out on a limb and assert that it's one of the best books I've seen published by AMACOM. With those superlatives in place, let's look at the book.

The challenge of market positioning, business-to-consumer and business-to-business, has intensified. Buyers' minds have become crowded-no, cluttered-with a bombardment of messages urging them to select one product or service over another. Organizations that desire to positively influence people about their offerings must be concerned about brand. And "organizations" encompasses more than just manufacturers, retailers, and other for-profits. Not-for-profits, schools, civic groups, causes, and even individuals need to pay more attention to developing, enhancing, and defending their brands.

This high-content book is written for beginners as well as those who think they know at least something about what they're doing. In chapter after chapter, "Brand Aid" delivers critical knowledge that is both educational and though-provoking. The chapters conclude with sets of questions to help readers measure just how well they're doing...and what needs to be done. No matter how good you think you are, you will find reinforcement and unsettling feelings for work to be done in each of these check-off lists. "Did You Know" inset boxes throughout the book provide interesting facts, case studies, and other material to effectively supplement the primary text. The three appendices deliver even more knowledge...and challenging questions.

As I read this book, I felt like I was taking a college course-maybe a graduate course-in branding. I found myself wanting to talk with the professor to explore even further than the depth I was experiencing. The style of the book is quite engaging and will certainly hold the interest of people in the field. I'd recommend it as well for business owners and executives who may not be directly involved with branding; indirectly, you are a part of the process, and gleaning the messages and insights in this book will enable you to serve as a much more effective leader.

The comprehensive index and the book's website make "Brand Aid" even more useful. A glimpse of the cover and acknowledgement of what comes immediately to mind will stimulate your thinking, then turning the pages will start you on an exciting adventure. You'll be motivated to take action from practically every chapter, so get ready for an application-oriented reading experience. Great as a read-through and as a reference book.

I really do like this book. The clarity of thought demonstrated in this book to explain and convert a reader to drive to Customer Success is compelling. I now understand the vast differences between customer service and customer success. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it. I have a definite advantage over my competitors and I plan to have all of our office heads read this book and teach it to our staff!

There is so much every-day useful knowledge packed into this quick read book. I just couldn't put it down. By applying Barry Farah's principles of business relationships now, I know that my business will survive when the economy isn't as prosperous. Since I read Customer Success I feel have an advantage over my competitors. I have seen immediate results by the positive comments I have received from my clients.

Is there a "six-star" category? To compare Farah's theories and apparent practice to the "customer service" I typically receive seems unfair to Mr. Farah and this landmark work. I am glad that Farah renamed the concept and hope that this term will catch on. This primer on serving customers with a constant eye toward helping them succeed is critical to anyone operating a business that has customers! After reading this book, I recently threw out most of my business books full of well-worn sermons on reacting to customers' needs. I have tried many of Farah's strategies, and found that they work! I heartily endorse this book for anyone in any business of any type.

Contrary to conventional belief, the authors propose that roots of a financial crisis lie in microeconomic rather than macroeconomic factors. Their evidence is convincing.

This is a good book for anyone who wants to know why the past financial crises happened and how to cope with them from both the public and the private perspectives. The authors also present the "ten warning signs of a financial crisis" based on macroeconomic data that can be used as a guideline to predict a crisis in certain economy. But the problem is they cannot predict when it will happen.

The authors' objective to "offer some unique perspectives, case examples, and practical solutions, and an actionable, strategic blueprint that our clients can tailor to meet their specific needs" is well presented.

If you have no other book on financial crisis management, you must have this one.

The authors succinctly and clearly explain why economies in crisis do not behave the way economies normally do. They then identify key weaknesses in the financial sectors of crisis economies, and explain why they occur.

The book then goes on to provide a thorough and clear exposition on how crisis economies can be turned around, and what needs to be done, both politically and financially.

At this point the book turns to consider bank restructuring (a very specialised subject) and recovery of NPL portfolios in crisis economies. It concludes with recommendations for strengthening the international financial system to limit early economic collapse and prevent international financial contagion.

I really like this book, both as a guide for students, and a "how to" for CEO's and the financial sector. It is brilliantly clear and practical.

If you want to protect yourself and your organisation from financial crisis, or understand what happens when the economy you're operating in suffers collapse, get this book.

If you are interested in financial crises in emerging markets, or have to manage a company during one, you will learn from this book.

Two features make the book unique in the financial-crisis literature. First is real-world experience. While the authors are up on their economic theory, the book's real contribution is the fruit of years of practice. From poring over the innards of banks' loan books to working out a national re-structuring plan, these guys have actually done it, and done it in multiple nations. Until now, the theoretical works of academia and the IMF/World Bank have had the field pretty much to themselves. This book is a refreshing break, and a vital complement.

Second is that the book speaks not just to policymakers, but to the private sector. There's plenty of advice out there for central bankers and finance ministers for crisis-management; there hasn't been anything for corporate executives and bankers. This book fills that void. If I were a CEO managing during a crisis, I'd want this book on my nighttable.

This is a much needed study. The author looks at two groups -- African-Americans and Korean immigrants -- in the same business and offers important insights into why they have different outcomes in business development. One of the best treatments of the topic I have seen. Silverman goes beyond the typical stereotypes about minority business people, and explains how institutional arrangements impact groups differently. One of the best contemporary discussions of internal colonialism out there.

This book breaks new ground. It develops theory in this area while remaining readable and accessable to all readers. It is a must read for policy makers and others interested in designing urban economic development strategies that work. Recommendations for asset based approaches are natural extensions from this work, and the additional consideration of racism as a barrier to full participation in the economy expands the study's impact. As the author masterfully tells us in the introduction, "the invisible hand of the market cannot conceal color."

This is the most balanced treatment of this topic I have seen in a long time. The author escapes many of the pitfalls of earlier studies. He avoids the easy outs of social pathology explanations for racial and ethnic strife, and he offers a compelling view of the plight of minority (Black and Korean) entrepreneurs that takes broader structures into consideration. Superb.

I read this book right after ploughing through Mankiw's economics textbooks, and must say that "Economic Literacy" is an excellent book for illiterates on the subject of economics. There is no abstract and counter-intuitive math, and De Rooy covers most of the subjects found in the econ textbook that I read. One of the best aspects of this book is that the author will clarify econ concepts by giving simple, concrete examples of how said concepts work. Another usefull aspect of this book is that subtitles are in question form (Is inflation always linked to economic growth? Do wage rates influence employment? How does the Fed keep the banking system healthy?), allowing one to use the book as a quick reference if necessary. Overall, I think this is an excellent book as a standalone if one wants to learn about economics in general, knowledgeable terms. For the econ student, it may be helpful as an aid when the going gets rough (though, generally, study groups and visiting hours are much more effective...depending)

This book is a great intro to the fundamentals of economics. TDr Rooy has lucidly in a simple question answer format described a myriad of topics that make sense to the causal reader.

Chapters 5,6,7 were so much fun that I could hardly put the book down. Mind u that I never really did any course work in Economics, I am a computer science graduate.

I really loved the book. I thoroughly recommend it to an economics novice.

If you know nothing about economics, this is the best book to start with. It's easy to read and contains many real life examples. Having studied Economics in university, I still find this book fascinating due to its simplicity. A must have!

This book, Exporting: A Manager's Guide to the World Market presents the view from a truly universal perspective while making it practical for all businessmen and women involved in the global marketplace. Dr. Nelson has the gift of making sense out of a very complex subject. He treats each chapter in a simple, understandable prose and presents contemporary examples of the governmental documentation required in intenational trade transactions. The business aspect of exporting is summed-up in the strategies of his 'wealth exchange bridge." The manner in which this book is presented offers not only how one should export, but includes the usual missing link-tricks of the trade. These tricks of the trade or tribal knowledge is the cornerstone to Success internationally. Dr. Nelson delivers a captivating one-two punch in hs book's organization. In summary, the most important aspects of the export procss are captured in thirteen simple easy to understand chapters packed with a powefull punch of needed advice and information including six appendices' of invaluable content. It is important reading for the new to export, or students of international business alike. I truly recommend this book and all in the series for anyone thinking of entering the global marketplace today!

This book is aimed at everyone involved in international trade. Particularly useful to managers with small and medium sized manufacturing and service companies growing toward new international challenges. Shows the "do it yourself" approach as well as best intermediary help.

This presentation is by the expert in international trade and should be the first source for practioners or beginners. It covers the subject of exporting from A to Z with lots of tips.

There are so many ways to make money in real estate! Since my first flipper property, which I made $8000.00 after reading "Flipping Properties" I have pocketed 7 figures and acquired 7 units - with no prior real estate experience! Bill Bronchick illustrates and delivers, step-by-step techniques, in an user friendly manner! "Financing Secrets" will forever change the way you buy and sell real estate.

Well, Bill Bronchick has done it again. Following his excellent resource Flipping Properties, he's taken the complex subject of creative real estate financing and broken it down into it's component parts and explained each one clearly and concisely in simple language anyone can understand. In the section What to Expect from this Book he says, "This book will show you how to finance properties with as little cash as possible, while maintaining minimum risk and maximum profit." And he does.

Covering such subjects as loans, mortgages, foreclosure, and working with lenders, he gives you the background you need for the later subjects of creative financing, hard and private money, getting involved in partnerships and equity sharing and the more creative subjects of lease options and owner financing.

While the book is geared primarily toward real estate investors, it is an excellent guide for any person considering buying a new home or considering doing some kind of creative financing with an investor or other buyer on a house they already own.
After reading it cover to cover (an easy task) every real estate investor should then add it to their library as a useful reference for many financing situations that may come up in this business.

I recommend this book. If you are just getting started or have a lot of experience... this book will help you. Full of great ideas and solid information to help the creative real estate investor.

Byron Walker
Full Time Investor

Book is great for those who want to know how bond trading really works, especially for those just starting out. Good for both salespeople and traders. However, the book is a decade old and has little on ETS and other recent developments. It also has many, many errors which are irritating, thus the 4/5. I should hope that these points are addressed in a second edition. It is otherwise well-written.

Ms.Ray focuses on providing a clear conceptual framework for understanding fixed income concepts. The approach is highly intuitive and reader-friendly. A must for anyone trying to get to grips with the concepts of duration, BPV, vols, forwards, etc....

The Bond Market, by Christina Ray was one of the first books I read about fixed income securities that really explained how trading really is in the real world. I am happy to find another copy on ADC. This was used as a text in a class in Grad. school and I lost the book. Highly recommended.

Few Asian companies have been successful in developing international brands. It is now a sophisticated process that puts together and sustains a complex mixture of local and international attributes and values , something that is tangible.Its interesting how Temporal have chosen the different products ( over 20 )from leading Asian and Western brands to show good examples of how companies have used the fundamentals of branding to achieve global success. He has provided illustrative examples, techniques , exercises and invaluable advice for any company in Asia regardless of size that strives for more than being just another local household name.

One of the ways to achieve sustainable growth in any market is a recognisable brand name. While many Western companies have successfully developed international brands, Asian companies have been slow to follow suit. How is it that Asia, a region that has such high brand appreciation, produces so few international brands of its own?

In this groundbreaking book, Asia's leading brand architect addresses this unusual situation, explains the fundamentals of branding and shows how companies can use them to achieve outstanding performance. Containing over 20 case studies of leading Asian and Western brands, this book is packed with illustrative examples, advice and exercises.

Branding in Asia is an invaluable book that is a must for anyone responsible for business growth in the 21st century.

Dr Paul Temporal is Asia's leading expert on brand creation, development and management, having lived in the region for over 14 years. He has worked with leading companies and governments, and is well known his results-oriented and hands-on approach. He is the author of Corporate Charisma.

My expectations were mainly about redressing the balance on geographical origins of brand case studies. Our literature suffers from being far too US centric. This imbalance is unfortunate for several reasons including: - living in the US for the last 2 years has taught me how atypical the US consumer is of any other I have met in 25 countries that I have worked - from the oldest brand models (which assumed brands were advertising led) to the newest ebrand models, there's huge share of voice reflecting the culture of corporate America and the case theories of its business schools. These powerful systems shouldn't be unquestioningly exported as being de facto paradigms for local organisational excellence or social value.

My expectations were exceeded because this book - unlike most on the brand which start with chapters on advertising and marketing communications - opens up from the very beginning on the leadership importance of branding. Here we are on pages 1-2: "Strong brands endure many challenges. This is becoming increasingly relevant in an era of unprecedented change, upheaval and uncertainty. This change is strategic, unlike the incremental change of more predictable times, and therefore requires a strategic response. Brand building is exactly such a response. If successful, it can be the strongest weapon in a company's armory and the best guarantee of corporate survival. The challenge that lies ahead is that of change management.

And by page 4, we're invited to join in a cataloguing of worldwide changes to marketing: -the breakdown of market boundaries -globalization and the development of global brands -increasing market fragmentation -product diversity and shorter life cycles -greater customer sophistication -digital business -economic instability and market volatility

So this book flies, and yet at the same time when you read it you will continually pick up useful advice whether your brain is looking for practical or academic stimulation. For example, the book closes with an appendix of very worthwhile brand exercises, and it resonates with case studies, 24 in all. Each case study ends with a summary of that brand's strengths.

This book will be good for you whether this is the first one you read on branding, or as in my case the twenty first, including two of my own. For example, I learnt a lot from Temporal's consistently strong advice on brand values and the way they shape corporate personality on its outside and inside.

If you're looking for specific methods for trading or investing you'll be disappointed. Most of his advice reads like a collection of conventional investing wisdom, with his own bent. It's almost like a theory of investing and he doesn't give specific techniques or examples. More "Look to do this or that". Much of it is vague. Lists over 20 indicators to look at, suggestions on what to look for, but there are no examples or charts. It reads like a general overview of his investing philisophy or a primer. You won't come away with any new techniques. The main theme is don't buy and hold, there are times to go short and look at the big picture.

He does touch on cycle theory and Elliot wave briefly. He list many sentiment and breadth indicators to look at or calculate. Some can be gotten through data services, others you have to calculate by hand from data from sources like Barrons. I was expecting a lot more from someone with his reputation. There was no solid material here.

The book was very straight forward and very interesting,. I have found alot of the information was true.

I just finished ready this book for the second time. I had ordered it prior to release on the basis of Harry Schultz's reputation, alone. This book is worth ten times it's cost. If you are committed to wealth creation, if you are willing to do the work and are open to other's opinions, then read this book. Harry does not preach the merits of technical analysis; he presents the history of market action, correlates it to technical indicators and lets the reader accept or disregard the evidence. He also challenges the "Ameri-central" view of geopolitical and geoeconomic events and activity, and further challenges the reader to seek the most accurate information on which to base decisions. Lastly, he's a fluid and entertaining writer. The book is filled with relevant quotations from Dow, Churchill and Emerson.