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Book Reviews |
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In a world where the magazine rules. Many of the best lessons are still in books. Below is a reference list of books that have had impact on our lives. Please note that a book has different values to different people in reference to the point in their lives that they make the journey. The list is also a great reference for individuals that may have heard a speaking engagements (or consulting) and are interested in learning more about the topics discussed |
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Alliances |
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• Years past the decision to form alliances were primarily used as a last ditch effort to save a corporation. Today Alliances are more a tool of management. Corporations now use partnerships for all sorts of reasons such as reaching markets, entering industries, surviving under market changes, global issues etc. The value in the concepts taught is that management now has a practical means of working through the complexities of deciding on the type of alliances, managing human resources, getting company 1st string participation as well knowing expectations. In a world where a company might not get a second chance...make sure you know where your headed up front. Buy it!
• With so few books written on partnerships and alliances, there were high expectations that this book would offer great information. Don't judge a book by it's cover nor the comments on Amazon. Ed has some great ideas about alliances and does broaden ones thinking about the process however, the book is poorly written, ideas are presented often without direction, and the writing style is amateurish. In most cases the how to is missing or relegated to a list that's incomplete and trite. The author also frequently self promotes himself with references to who he knows and that he is a professional speaker. In almost every case it adds no value to the reader. The 3 stars is a reflection of what can be extrapolated while at the same time offering fair warning of what you're purchasing.
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Biography/Autobiography/Company Story |
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• Jim Clark is the only person in the world to have built 3 companies each valued over $1 billion. The story behind the man from his creation of Silicon Graphics, Netscape, Healtheon and now myCFO. See how our current world was created based upon a mans dream to sail.
• Some autobiographies are insightful and some are just plain interesting. This book was the definitely interesting. Interesting to hear how the band became a brand along with the escapades of the band members. From my perspective it appeared Gene was pretty honest with his readers as to his motivations and what he's been through during his lifetime. A few lessons are within the pages however this is not going to be a book that sheds the light on how you to can become one of the worlds most popular and profitable bands.
• I'd like to say, "Buy this book.", but for those interested in learning how to be like Jack this book will not fulfill the dream. Running close to 450 pages this book is about Jack Welch and his story including every single person he has worked with over the years. Granted he has shown that giving credit to others is important, but the book goes over board. Often he would comment "I" bought the company missing his own point. As for being like Jack, he does show his passion, vision, motivation, for building the firm the problem is duplication. Should a person looking to build a firm be arrogant, and often unwilling to listen to others advice....well yes, but the how's are missing. One great area that should be read is about what employees to keep and when to discard. If you have the time, speed read or are willing to really wait for the nuggets, purchase the book. If your looking for management principles, even he recommends Drucker.
• If you thought that McDonald's was the largest hamburger company in the world think again. Ray Kroc's partner never believed in the dream so he created one of the largest single real-estate empires in the world. Visit the story of how Ray Kroc build his empire.
• Fantastic book, all 700 pages of it. The author takes the reader from Fords beginning through the process of building the first car onward thorough the Edsel and Lee Iaccoa. A book that includes the history of Fords association with Hitler to his life's battles. This book is currently out of print however Amazon has some used books on sale.
• The story of American Express is a story of change and determination. Starting from its package carrier business it has come to be known as AMEX a world financial superpower. The book is currently out of print however Amazon has some used books on sale. |
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Creativity |
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• Looking to see the word with different color glasses. Originally published in 1983, this book has been updated to fit 2000 issues. Another one of those books that helps you question more about the world around you. Good read to keep you questioning.
• Mark's love of writing, and his desire to help others problem solve are married into one book that explains the process of "private writing" Through simple examples and suggestions on direction he opens the doors to new options that may not have been apparent without using this technique. A solid book with dividends that, if utilized, are exciting. However, like any tool, it needs to be used. A fast read with long term possibilities.
• Excellent book on Leonardo "thinking". Meaning, you may learn how to think creatively as if to be a scientist, painter, sculptor. If your the type of person that reads a book and does not do the exercises you will lose out big time. If you intend on doing ALL the exercises, dig a hole in the side of the nearest mountain and you and Rip Van Winkle will meet in a few decades. Could open a few windows into your imagination. One last thought, Leonardo did not write the book!!! It's an authors interpretation of Leonardo's (like I know Da Vinci personally) thoughts and style. Gelb make a great us of the name as marketing tool for his title.
Other books.............
• Creativity and Innovation for Managers by Brian Clegg. Butterworth-Heinemann. 1999.
• Liberating Everyday Genius: A Revolutionary Guide for Identifying and Mastering Your Exceptional Gifts by Mary-Elaine Jacobsen. Ballantine. 1999.
• Rousing Creativity: Think New Now! by Floyd Hurt. Crisp Publications. 1999.
• Tinkertoys: A Handbook of Business Creativity by Michael Michalko. Ten Speed Press. 1991. * Sparks of Genius: The Thirteen Thinking Tools of the World's Most Creative People by Robert Scott Root-Bernstein, Michele Root-Bernstein. Houghton Mifflin. 1999.
• Use Both Sides of Your Brain by Tony Buzan. Dutton. 1991.
• Think Out of the Box by Mike Vance, Diane Deacon. Career Press. 1997.
• Cracking Creativity: The Secrets of Creative Genius by Michael Michalko. Ten Speed Press. 1998.
• A Kick in the Seat of the Pants: Using Your Explorer, Artist, Judge & Warrior to be More Creative by Roger Von Oech. HarperTrade. 1986
• De Bono's Thinking Course by Edward de Bono. Facts on File. 1994.
• Breakthrough Thinking: The Seven Principles of Creative Problem Solving by Gerald Nader, Shozo Habino. Prima Communication. 1996. |
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E-Commerce |
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* This edition is the 2nd edition. In the first edition Shannon takes one thorough the basics of using e-mail as a took to market to customers. Having a strategy that fits one's objectives the book explains everything from signature files to autoresponders and how to keep you name in front of perspective and current customers. |
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Economics |
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* What an incredible book written by an individual that is completely wired differently than everyone else. He see's what you and I don't see and explains his concepts in a way that is completely different that one might expect. If there was one thing that one may take out of the book it's that one needs to ask different questions to get different answers. Pick this one up. Even just for fun. |
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