Reinventing The American Dream by Frank Islam, George Muñoz & Ed Crego - Book Review

Renewing the American Dream

A Citizens Guide

By: Frank Islam, George Muñoz, Ed Crego

Published: June 15, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 326 pages
ISBN-10: 0615349773
ISBN-13: 978-0615349770
Publisher: IMC Publishing









"2010 - 2019 will be the decisive decade. The decisions we make and the actions we take in this decade will determine the future of America and the American Dream for all of us", write societal and economic thinkers Frank Islam, George Muñoz, and Ed Crego in their provocative and visionary book Renewing the American Dream: A Citizens Guide. The authors challenge the standard ways of thinking about government, business, the economy, and the role of the nation's citizens, and describe their revolutionary concept of problem solving that envisions America as a shared venture enterprise.



Frank Islam (photo left), George Muñoz, and Ed Crego present a collaborative vision of a future America where government, business, community based groups, and non-profit organizations work together to renew America and revive the fading American Dream. The authors point out that the decline in the vibrancy of America did not begin with the 2008 economic downturn. They present evidence that the need to re-energize the country began long before that time frame. Indeed, the authors consider the decline to be the result of an enemy from within the United States itself. They view the 2008 - 2009 events as the end result of events that have been unraveling the American Dream over many years. The authors demonstrate that the distortion of the American Dream by Americans themselves, whether in government, business, or the average person on the street, contributed to the current crisis facing the entire country.



George Muñoz (photo left), Ed Crego, and Frank Islam show the reader an America that has become a nation of deficits. The deficits are not only the well known budget and trade deficits, but also what they call a civic deficit. Cynicism and skepticism have replaced civic responsibility and involvement in the social and political process. The authors point to a debtor nation where business and consumers have become over leveraged with credit obligations. The end result of indebtedness, in a slowing economy, is a reduced middle class and increased levels of impoverished citizens. The authors also see a divided nation, where politics is strongly polarized and discussion of real solutions is lacking. To counter these deficits, the authors provide a workable and effective Renewal Framework that forms a structural foundation for their proposal of what they call Enterprise USA. The proposal is guided by the experience of the authors as businesspeople.



Ed Crego (photo left), Frank Islam, and George Muñoz maintain that instead of ideology and bickering over policies and programs, the basis of Enterprise USA is a combination of facts, analysis based on hard evidence, and rational decision making. The journey to revitalize the American Dream cannot be just the province of the politicians, lobbyists, and special interests. There must be participation from the citizens, business, community organizations, and the non-profit sector. The civic involvement of the citizenry is a cornerstone of the renewal concept and a firm belief of all of the authors. They make a call to all people to become informed, involved, independent, and interested in the real issues that affect the entire nation. The key to the success of the Enterprise USA initiative is everyone working together toward the common goal of reviving and reinventing the American Dream for the twenty-first century.

For me, the power of the book is how Frank Islam, George Muñoz, and Ed Crego present their case for the renewal of the American Dream in a way that includes involvement, cooperation, and teamwork from business, government, not for profit groups, community based organizations, and the everyday citizen. The authors share a plan of action that transcends the usual partisan disputes and gridlock that handcuffs the making of policy to lobbyists and special interests. The Enterprise USA proposal is not just another government program or special interest bonanza, but includes strong input from every person in America. It is a strong example of a public-private partnership, where ideology, selfish interests,and preferential treatment are set aside for the betterment of the economy as a whole. The authors set out the overall goals well, and then share the steps necessary to put the initiative into action, including techniques for preventing it being hijacked or co-opted by special interests, lobbyists, and partisan politicians.

I highly recommend the daring and revolutionary book Renewing the American Dream: A Citizens Guide by Frank Islam, George Muñoz, and Ed Crego, to anyone seeking a workable and non-partisan solution to America's economic decline and for the rapidly decaying American Dream. This book is timely and a results oriented antidote to the usual nostrums and half truths that substitute for ideas. In place of conflict, the proffered framework is based on listening, understanding, and working together for the benefit of all people.

Read the important and idea packed book Renewing the American Dream: A Citizens Guide by Frank Islam, George Muñoz, and Ed Crego, and get involved in the revitalization of the American Dream and the rebuilding of the middle class. This book is a clarion call for citizen participation in that renewal process. The future is simply too important to leave to the special interests, lobbyists, and those who fail to see beyond the shortest of short term personal gain. The twenty-first century presents an opportunity for reinventing the American Dream. This book provides one way of starting on that critical road to recovery.

Tags: Renewing the American Dream: A Citizens Guide, Frank Islam, George Muñoz, Ed Crego, citizen responsibility and participation, economics book reviews.

Get Rid of the Performance Review! by Samuel A. Culbert with Lawrence Rout - Book review

Get Rid of the Performance Review!

How Companies Can Stop Intimidating, Start Managing--and Focus on What Really Matters

By Samuel A. Culbert, Lawrence Rout

Published: April 14, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 256 pages
ISBN-10: 044655605X
ISBN-13: 978-0446556057
Publisher: Business Plus










"It's time to finally put the performance review out of its misery", write Professor of Management at UCLA Anderson School of Management, Samuel A.Culbert and editor at the Wall Street Journal, Lawrence Rout, in their passionate and very compelling book Get Rid of the Performance Review! How Companies Can Stop Intimidating, Start Managing--and Focus on What Really Matters. The authors describe how the ubiquitous performance review is not only out of date in the modern corporation, but that the standard performance review does more harm than good for the organization, the supervisor, and the employee.

Samuel A. Culbert and Lawrence Rout pull no punches as they describe the performance review as simply a tool of fear and intimidation. These strong words are backed up by the open knowledge among employees that the practice doesn't even produce much information of real value. Calling the performance review both wasteful and cruel, the authors go beyond the usual complaint that the review process destroys teamwork and employee morale. They describe the system as one of an abuse of power and one that leads to coercion and outright employee intimidation. The authors make a powerful plea for this outdated and counterproductive company ritual to be eliminated entirely from every manager's playbook. As the authors see it, the review system doesn't motivate employees, or engage them as peak performers, as commonly thought by review supporters. Instead, they present a picture where employees live in terror of a bad review, and fear making mistakes or taking good risks that would benefit the organization. Any errors would find their way on to the review, ruining that employee's career.



Samuel A. Culbert (photo left) and Lawrence Rout consider the performance review to be arbitrary in the decision making process about an employee's true contribution. The appraisal system also leads to abuses, favoritism, and very biased results, based on the whim of the supervisor. A lack of standardization leads to widely varying performance reports, that work against any claims of review objectivity. Because most executives were reared in the system where performance reviews are widespread, write the authors, those same managers and company leaders know of no other alternative. Samuel A. Culbert and Lawrence Rout recommend jettisoning the performance review entirely. In its place they offer the concept of the performance preview. This approach, according to the authors, provides the objective information, incentive, and motivation that is simply impossible with the standard issue performance review. Based on the premise of trust and teamwork, the preview method includes both the manager and the employee in the process before the work takes place. The employee contribution to the preview holds that person accountable in a way that can't happen with the existing system.

For me, the power of the book is how Samuel A. Culbert and Lawrence Rout present an impassioned case for ending the long standing system of performance reviews. The authors build a solid case for the failure of the review process to deliver on any of its promises. Instead, the authors demonstrate that the entire performance review concept is so fatally flawed, that it must be replaced before it causes even more damage in the workplace. They guide the reader through the existing system, with its emphasis on the negative, and its morale and team destroying insidiousness.

The proposal for a radically new method of employee evaluation, the performance preview, is offered as a viable and effective alternative. Because the preview is collaborative, and receives input from both the supervisor and the employee, the staff member is much more likely to achieve the goals. The shared preview also keeps the employee accountable for the results, unlike the regular performance review. Even the timing for the preview is the opposite of the review. The preview is proactive and looks to the future, while the review can only view the employee through a very flawed rear view mirror. The preview focuses on the right things, and will achieve greater and more objective results.

I highly recommend the revolutionary and organizational evaluation transforming book Get Rid of the Performance Review! How Companies Can Stop Intimidating, Start Managing--and Focus on What Really Matters by Samuel A. Culbert and Lawrence Rout, to anyone seeking a workable and effective alternative to the standard issue performance review. The authors advise business people to scrap the review appraisal process entirely, and replace it with the more team building, collaborative, and morale boosting performance preview.

Read the straight talking, no nonsense book Get Rid of the Performance Review! How Companies Can Stop Intimidating, Start Managing--and Focus on What Really Matters by Samuel A. Culbert and Lawrence Rout, and change your organization from the reactive, team destroying use of the outmoded performance review, to the cooperative and employee engaging approach of the performance preview. Your more effective and productive employees will place your company ahead of your competitors, and at the forefront of your industry.

Tags: Get Rid of the Performance Review! How Companies Can Stop Intimidating, Start Managing--and Focus on What Really Matters, Samuel A. Culbert, Lawrence Rout, performance previews, business book reviews.

Teresa Morrow: Online Book Promotion & Marketing For Authors - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



Book marketing and promotions expert, and founder of Key Business Partners, Teresa Morrow shares her insider secrets for getting your books sold. she describes how to use the internet and social media to build a platform, make connections with readers, and sell more books. She describes the audience relationship building power of blogs and their importance for authors. She demonstrates how to use social media, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to create more relationships with an even wider readership. She also points out how to use an online book tour to reach out to bloggers and their readership. Learn as well why it's critical to begin promotion and marketing of a book long before it is even written or published.

Teresa Morrow is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Thursday, October 7, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Book marketing and promotions expert, and founder of Key Business Partners, Teresa Morrow shares her insider secrets for getting your books sold. You Will Learn:

* Why authors must start their marketing efforts before the book is completed

* Why creating a marketing plan for the book is critical for success

* How to use blogs and social media to establish relationships with readers

* How a virtual blog tour can help kick start a book launch for added sales



Teresa Morrow (photo left) combines her three passions: writing, reading and networking in her business, Key Business Partners, LLC. She manages book promotion campaigns for authors, coaches, speakers and writers. She is on the Florida Board of Advisors with Women in eCommerce and an Editor at Large at WE Magazine for Women ™.

Teresa is passionate about helping people spread their message to others and she is available for 20 minute free consultation. She also contributes a weekly blog series called “Social Media Book List” at Successful-Blog.com and monthly post titled TGIF Book Marketing at Book Buzzr.com.

You can contact Teresa via email at keybusinesspartners@gmail.com or visit her website at Key Business Partners.

Listen live on Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with book marketing and promotions expert, and founder of Key Business Partners, Teresa Morrow shares her insider secrets for getting your books sold. she describes how to use the internet and social media to build a platform, make connections with readers, and sell more books. She describes the audience relationship building power of blogs and their importance for authors. She demonstrates how to use social media, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to create more relationships with an even wider readership. She also points out how to use an online book tour to reach out to bloggers and their readership. Learn as well why it's critical to begin promotion and marketing of a book long before it is even written or published on Blog Business Success Radio.

Tags: Online Book Promotion and Marketing For Authors, Teresa Morrow, creative book marketing techniques, Blog Business Success, Blog Talk Radio.

The Stress Effect by Henry L. Thompson - Book review

The Stress Effect

Why Smart Leaders Make Dumb Decisions--And What to Do About It

By: Henry L. (Dick) Thompson, Ph.D

Published: May 3, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 336pp
ISBN-13: 9780470589038
ISBN-10: 0470589035
Publisher: Jossey-Bass







"Why do seasoned leaders with proven track records sometimes suddenly begin making really bad decisions - or no decision at all?", writes internationally recognized consultant, educator, speaker, and founder of High Performing Systems, Inc., Henry L. Thompson in his insightful and groundbreaking book The Stress Effect: Why Smart Leaders Make Dumb Decisions--And What to Do About It. The author presents the compelling case that stress is the real culprit that causes otherwise astute and experienced leaders to make very bad decisions, or to freeze up and find themselves unable to make any decisions at all.

Henry Thompson brings forth the startling revelation that stress can not only cause short circuiting of the brain's decision making process, but can also reduce the ability to receive and process information. With stress as the root cause of bad leadership decisions, even the best and most highly respected leaders are subject to its negative impact. In today's high pressure work environments, where fewer people are forced to perform multiple tasks and still achieve superior results, the overall level of stress rises within the organization. Compounding the problem is the information saturation that overwhelms even the most dedicated executives. Information overload, according to a landmark study cited by the author, causes inferior decision making results than lower amounts of data and choice options. The end result of high pressure business cultures, swimming in information, is weaker overall leadership decision making. That problem has an adverse effect on the leadership, the employees, the customers, and the entire organization.



Henry L. (Dick) Thompson (photo left) recognizes that the problem of stress induced decision making quality is common to business and political leaders. Stress causes problems in any organization, and is not limited to the private sector, or to certain industries. The stress related leadership problem is a universal phenomenon in our society. At one time, according to the author, it was thought that improving emotional intelligence would reduce the impact of stress. Henry Thompson points out that stress levels, if high enough, will impair emotional intelligence skills and the entire cognitive thought process. Stress is at epidemic proportions in every type of organization, and leadership decision acumen is suffering a crisis as a result. In response to this exploding management issue, Henry Thompson describes how to manage stress in a peak performance environment. His recommendations provide leaders with the stress coping and management tools to alleviate the stress related factors that cause cognitive breakdown.

For me, the power of the book is how Henry L. (Dick) Thompson acknowledges the danger of leadership stress on the ability to make sound decisions in high pressure environments. By addressing the issue head on, and understanding how and why stress causes decision making errors, the author provides a service to stressed leaders in both the public and private sectors. The solution, as shared by the author is threefold. He prescribes how to develop a stress resilient system based on improving stress management capability, enhanced cognitive resilience, and stress resilient emotional intelligence. Taken together, these skills can be learned and utilized effectively by leaders in even the most stress filled conditions. The author backs up his recommendations and ideas for stress management with the latest in cutting edge brain and cognitive research. By following the step by step program outlined in the book, leaders can enhance their ability to cope with stress, to overcome its debilitating force, and reach good decisions.

I highly recommend the essential leadership book The Stress Effect: Why Smart Leaders Make Dumb Decisions--And What to Do About It by Henry L. Thompson, to any leaders and managers who are seeking to manage their stress levels in high pressure workplaces. In this era of downsizing and reduced workforces, coupled with ever greater demands for results, this book is timely and of critical importance for today's leaders.

Read the game changing and leadership transforming book The Stress Effect: Why Smart Leaders Make Dumb Decisions--And What to Do About It by Henry L. Thompson, and put the power of a stress resilient system to work for you and your company's leaders. In today's high pressure and very competitive business environment, your leaders can't afford to make bad decisions, or fail to make any decision, whether on an important matter or in a crisis. Your company's very existence may depend on it.

Tags: The Stress Effect: Why Smart Leaders Make Dumb Decisions--And What to Do About It, Henry L. Thompson, leadership stress management techniques, business book reviews.

Liz Goodgold: Red Fire Branding - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



Marketing and branding expert, speaker, Chief Nuancer and CEO of The Nuancing Group, and author of the idea packed and memorable brand building book Red Fire Branding: Creating a hot personal brand so that customers choose you!, Liz Goodgold, shares what she considers the most important secret in branding. People must remember you in order to do business with you. Your success, in today's highly competitive business world and economy, you must create a sizzling hot brand, and an unforgettable you. Liz shares proven tips and ideas to present your brand consistently and always with memorable flair. You will learn how businesses from entrepreneurs to large corporations can create a brand image that attracts and keeps customers. Your brand is important and Liz shows you how to make it smoking hot and you memorable to your clients and customers.

Liz Goodgold is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Tuesday, October 5, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Marketing and branding expert, speaker, Chief Nuancer and CEO of The Nuancing Group, and author of the idea packed and memorable brand building book Red Fire Branding: Creating a hot personal brand so that customers choose you!, Liz Goodgold, shares what she considers the most important secret in branding. You will learn:

* Why people must remember you to do business with you

* Why it's important to create a strong, memorable personal brand

* How to develop a brand that people will recall instantly

* How branding has worked so successfully for celebrities and business people



Liz Goodgold (photo left) is the author, senior media correspondent, and feisty red head you have seen on CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS and in The New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. Many recognize her from her columns in Entrepreneur magazine reaching over 1 million each month.

Liz is a true American success story. Her own humble beginnings, unstoppable perseverance, and potent professional content make her a charming, funny and motivating force.

Despite early challenges, Liz started working for Arco Oil as a lobbyist and by the time she was 18, she was taking such luminaries as Bob Dole and Henry Waxman to lunch!

She now boasts 25 years of experience in every area of marketing, naming, branding, advertising and new media.

Liz’s early successes came when she had a chance to prove herself with the industry giants Quaker Oats, Macmillan Publishing and Times Mirror.

She took her first campaign for Times Mirror from infancy to a $9 million revenue stream.

In less than six months at Quaker Oats, she turned what was at the time, their little known Natural Cereal into the exclusive granola in more than 1500 Baskin-Robbins and TCBY stores.

Liz Goodgold has a world renowned reputation for developing winning names, taglines, and branding strategies, with guaranteed flawless recall, for companies such as Univision, AMN HealthCare, and Proflowers.com.

Liz even caught the eye of Simon Cowell ….Liz was hoping it was for her killer legs……. but no, he was interested in capturing her smart wit and on camera acumen for one of his shows, American Inventor.

Look for her to be back in front of the camera soon!

My book review of Red Fire Branding by Liz Goodgold.

Listen live on Tuesday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with marketing and branding expert, speaker, Chief Nuancer and CEO of The Nuancing Group, and author of the idea packed and memorable brand building book Red Fire Branding: Creating a hot personal brand so that customers choose you!, Liz Goodgold, as she shares what she considers the most important secret in branding. People must remember you in order to do business with you. Your success, in today's highly competitive business world and economy, you must create a sizzling hot brand, and an unforgettable you. Liz shares proven tips and ideas to present your brand consistently and always with memorable flair. You will learn how businesses from entrepreneurs to large corporations can create a brand image that attracts and keeps customers. Your brand is important and Liz shows you how to make it smoking hot and you memorable to your clients and customers on Blog Business Success Radio.

Tags: Red Fire Branding: Creating a hot personal brand so that customers choose you!, Liz Goodgold, innovative personal branding techniques, Blog Business Success, Blog Talk Radio.

Red Fire Branding by Liz Goodgold - Book review

Red Fire Branding

Creating a hot personal brand so that customers choose you!

By: Liz Goodgold

Published: March 2010
Format: Hardcover, 236 pages
ISBN: 978-1-60005-173-9
Publisher: Happy About







"In today's cluttered, competitive world, you must create an indelible image that sizzles in order to be remembered and rewarded", writes speaker, marketer, branding expert, and Cheif Nuance and CEO of The Nuancing Group, Liz Goodgold in her idea packed and personal brand building book Red Fire Branding: Creating a hot personal brand so that customers choose you!. The author shares a cornucopia of proven and effective techniques for building a memorable brand that has staying power and a positive impact on its customers.

Liz Goodgold recognizes that self-promotion and developing a personal brand is a full time job for any business person. She also points out that in the hyper-competitive, disposable society of today that a memorable brand is critical to survival. If the brand isn't visible, and recalled instantly in a client's memory, that brand simply won't last. A lack of visibility, and a brand that few remember or care about, will lead only to business failure. A great product or service is no longer enough. There are many other suitable options available. In the modern marketplace, brand and personal image are intertwined, and to build excitement, then a fire must be started to set the brand ablaze in the marketing skies.



Liz Goodgold (photo left) understands that creating a memorable brand also involves a large amount of planning and execution. The author makes certain that people don't believe that developing a mind grabbing brand is easy and automatic. Liz Goodgold does point out, however, that the course to building a strong brand image is a logical one, and includes several proven and effective steps on that journey. She wisely reminds business people that branding is much more than the company logo, website, and slogan. While these are important elements of a brand image, they are the essence of a brand. A brand can be created and nurtured, but that effort only gets a company part of the way to recognition and top of mind remembrance. A brander must give up the control of the perception of the brand to the customers, prospects, and general public. They decide whether the brand is worth considering and remembering for them as customers. What the business person says about the brand is not relevant to the public perception. To counter that perception problem, Liz Goodgold shares the tools to tilt the scales of perception in the brander's direction.

For me, the power of the book is how Liz Goodgold emphasizes the the importance of a memorable brand on the one hand, and provides the tools to create a red hot brand on the other. The book is a step by step course in building a smoking hot brand that people will remember and return to again and again. The key to that branding is the person who the customer recalls when a need arises for a product or a service. The brand is as much or more about people and perceptions than it is about products and services. In the same sense as Marshall McLuhan suggested, perception is reality, and with brands that axiom is doubly true. Liz Goodgold bolsters her case for brand building with many examples of successful sports and entertainment celebrities, as well as business people. All of the people mentioned created a memorable personal brand, and were not afraid to change it to suit different public tastes. A nice added feature of the book are the "words of Liz-dom", in the form of brief ideas that summarize or add to the content of each chapter. Overall, no aspect of personal branding is overlooked, making this book a valuable resource for anyone developing a personal brand.

I highly recommend the well presented and comprehensive book Red Fire Branding: Creating a hot personal brand so that customers choose you! by Liz Goodgold, to anyone seeking to create and enhance their own personal brand. The advice in the book works well for a one person business or a large corporate enterprise. The personal branding concepts in the book will also serve managers well in their careers as they add a memorable aspect to their image within a company.

Read the brand transformational book Red Fire Branding: Creating a hot personal brand so that customers choose you! by Liz Goodgold, and build that red hot brand that will sere itself into the memories of your current and prospective customers. Your business will grow, along with your reputation, as you apply the recommendations shared in this handy and enjoyable book.

Tags: Red Fire Branding: Creating a hot personal brand so that customers choose you!, Liz Goodgold, innovative personal branding techniques, business book reviews.

Bury My Heart At Conference Room B by Stan Slap - Book review

Bury My Heart at Conference Room B

The Unbeatable Impact of Truly Committed Managers

By: Stan Slap

Published: August 12, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1591843243
ISBN-13: 978-1591843245
Publisher: Portfolio/Penguin












"A manager's emotional commitment is the ultimate trigger for their discretionary effort, worth more than financial, intellectual and physical commitment combined", writes consultant and performance specialist Stan Slap in his brilliant and landmark book Bury My Heart at Conference Room B: The Unbeatable Impact of Truly Committed Managers. The author demonstrates how much of management theory is of little value, in achieving the full commitment of managers to a company, unless the company works for the manager as well.

Stan Slap moves beyond the usual idea that having a rewarding job is sufficient for managerial success. The author takes personal and career fulfillment to another level. He achieves this transcendence by speaking to the manager directly. Instead of writing the usual how to management book, Stan Slap recognizes that there is untapped potential within every manager, and that without full reciprocal commitment from the organization, that complete managerial commitment will also be missing. Of course, engaging the massive power of emotional commitment on the part of managers is usually overlooked by companies, despite its value to building a more productive and profitable organization. Peak performing managers are the backbone of any organization, and any company that increases the number and output of their top performers has an unmatched competitive advantage in the marketplace.



Stan Slap (photo left) understands that managers who are engaged and fully committed to the organization are not the average executive. At the same time, the author points out that companies who redefine managerial success will be the winners in the market place. The examples of businesses and leaders profiled in the book are those who are tough competitors, and who share a desire to change the world. Most companies and managers share a mutual misunderstanding of their respective roles and desires. Companies who want high achieving managers all too often create roadblocks that prevent managers from becoming fully committed and reaching their full potential. Managers who want the most out of their jobs also stop themselves from achieving that overall job satisfaction as well. This cross purposes behavior robs both the manager and the organization of the very best performance and results possible, leaving the company and the managers frustrated and unfulfilled. To that end, this book is a manifesto to reinvent life work balance, by helping managers achieve greatness at work, as well as a value filled life at home.

For me, the power of the book is how Stan Slap takes the leap into mainly uncharted management territory that most business people are afraid to make with their managers. The author provides examples of managers and companies who have made the step into aligning the values and goals of the managers with those of the company itself. Instead of the goals being in direct opposition, the synchronization of aspirations benefits the employees and the business. The problem for non-aligning companies is managers are expected to dispense with what makes them human, and become a different person at work. That forced duality is draining and eventually soul destroying for the manager. It is also counterproductive for the organization, and is not sustainable as the best people will simply leave their jobs and go elsewhere. The book contains important interviews with managers expressing their deep desire to feel connected with their jobs and with the company. Instead, the organization places obstacles in the way of engagement, forcing near alienation on the part of managers. This is not healthy for the employees, and destructive for the company itself.

I highly recommend the seminal and must read book Bury My Heart at Conference Room B: The Unbeatable Impact of Truly Committed Managers by Stan Slap, to any organizational leader who is serious about re-engaging the company managers and reaffirming their commitment to the company. When the business goals and the human aspirations are working in the same direction, this harmonious relationship helps everyone to succeed as never before.

Read the important and insightful book Bury My Heart at Conference Room B: The Unbeatable Impact of Truly Committed Managers by Stan Slap, and begin the transformation from a traditional organizational model, to one of two way commitment between leaders and managers. The managers and the company will benefit in ways never before imagined, while achieving personal fulfillment and enhanced company profitability.

Tags: Bury My Heart at Conference Room B: The Unbeatable Impact of Truly Committed Managers, Stan Slap, innovative organizational management, business book reviews.

SNAP Selling by Jill Konrath - Book review

SNAP Selling

Speed Up Sales and Win More Business with Today's Frazzled Customers

By: Jill Konrath

Published: May 27, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1591843308
ISBN-13: 978-1591843306
Publisher: Portfolio/Penguin











"We're on the cusp of a new age in selling. It's time to create new basics and go of the old ones", writes sales strategist and keynote speaker Jill Konrath in her revolutionary and very relevant book SNAP Selling: Speed Up Sales and Win More Business with Today's Frazzled Customers. The author describes how in today's business environment, people are tuning out traditional sales presentations. In their place, Jill Konrath offers an alternative concept where sales representatives become guides to improving businesses and people's hectic lives.

Jill Konrath recognizes that the sales tactics of the past are no longer effective in today's fast paced business climate. In today's economy, buyers are seeking real solutions that will boost their bottom line, and make their extremely busy schedules much easier to handle. With less money, fewer resources, not as many people, and heavier personal workloads, the last thing a customer wants is to be sold to by a traditional salesperson. A sales representative must be relevant, useful, and real resource who will improve the business, its products and services, and its overall profitability. These overwhelmed and busy customers suffer from what Jill Konrath calls Frazzled Customer Syndrome. People with that condition simply tune out sales presentations, calls, and visits that create a demand on their time. As a result, well worn sales techniques are not only ineffective, but more likely counterproductive, resulting in the loss of customers and any potential sales.



Jill Konrath (photo left) understands that the old ways of selling simply do not work any longer. In their place, she shares a sales method that is not only much more effective, but also is less stressful for both the sales representative and the customer. The system that Jill Konrath offers to salespeople is her SNAP principle. The rules of SNAP are:

* Keep it Simple
* Be iNvaluable
* Always Align
* Raise Priorities

These straightforward concepts will gain more appointments and cause much less consternation on the part of time constrained customers. The obstacles usually faced by practitioners of outmoded sales tactics will be removed by this credible and business enhancing approach. Instead of roadblocks, the SNAP sales staff will be welcomed as reliable and helpful resources, whose goals are in alignment with those of the customer. The result is more sales for the representative, fewer problems and less hassle for the customer, and greater profits for everyone.

For me, the power of the book is how Jill Konrath provides a set of effective sales rules that are suited to today's highly competitive sales climate. The SNAP principles shared by the author are also more compatible with the needs of the overwhelmed buyer of today. Faced with time constraints, additional responsibilities due to fewer resources and reduced budgets, the modern buyer is seeking an easier way to make purchases. The SNAP salesperson who is in tune with the motivations and objectives of the Frazzled Customer Syndrome afflicted buyer, will make more appointments, close more sales, and retain long term customers.

Jill Konrath guides the sales rep through the entire SNAP processand only explains in detail how the concepts work. Perhaps more importantly, the author demonstrates why the rules work where other sales tactics fail, due to the new sales climate. Not only are the old techniques less effective than in the past, they are now more likely to alienate current and prospective customers than to make any sales. Jill Konrath shows the reader how to become a trusted business improvement specialist, rather than an old school sales rep. The transformation in thought and action will be noticed by both the customers and by the salespeople themselves.

I highly recommend the very insightful and must read book SNAP Selling: Speed Up Sales and Win More Business with Today's Frazzled Customers by Jill Konrath, to any salesperson or sales manager who is serious about changing their mindset to one of SNAP selling from the outdated techniques of the past. This book provides not only the tools for utilizing the SNAP principles effectively, but the author also demonstrates why these rules are crucial in today's challenging sales environment.

Read the timely and essential book SNAP Selling: Speed Up Sales and Win More Business with Today's Frazzled Customers by Jill Konrath, and put the power of the SNAP concepts to work for you and your customers. The old sales ways aren't working any longer, and this book gives you the tools to succeed in this and any sales climate.

Tags: SNAP Selling: Speed Up Sales and Win More Business with Today's Frazzled Customers, Jill Konrath, innovative sales techniques, business book reviews.

Lucy Rosen: Fast Track Networking - Author interview

President of SmartMarketing Solutions Group Inc., Lucy Rosen, co-author with award winning journalist Claudia Gryvatz Copquin, of the very practical and highly effective book Fast Track Networking: Turning Conversations Into Contacts, was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions about the book and networking.

Lucy Rosen shares the tools necessary for becoming a successful networker, by helping other people connect with new contacts, and demonstrates how the entire circle returns to the person making the introduction.

Thanks to Lucy Rosen for her time, and for her interesting and informative responses to the questions. They are greatly appreciated.

What was the background to writing this book Fast Track Networking?

Lucy Rosen: Over 25 years of observing people in networking situations, attending every networking event and get-together I could possibly go to, starting and running over a dozen chapters of Women on The Fast Track, actively participating "Walking My Talk" when it came to what I believe networking is all about.

Why do so many otherwise astute business people do so badly at networking?

Lucy Rosen: I think there are a couple reasons- the first being that a lot of astute business people think that networking and sales go hand in hand, when in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. They approach a new potential "networking source" perhaps thinking "What can this person do for me/give me/be for me", etc... when the thought should be " What can I do for this person to assist them in connecting with people they should meet- what can I offer them", etc...

The second reason (I think) is that people tend to stay within their comfort zone and when they meet someone for the first (or second time) unless they open their minds to the possibility there may be something there- often times they write someone off before they even have an opportunity to explore possibilities. (Kinda the "hey, no reason to know this person..." attitude.

The third reason, (and these are top three, there are many more) is that a lot of people in a networking situation aren't clear as to what they want. They don't have a plan, they don't know why they are networking other than to get more business, and that is not helpful if you are on the other end. The more clear you can be about what you want, the easier it is going to be for someone to help you fulfill your wants!



Lucy Rosen (photo left)

You suggest creating a networking plan. What is a networking plan and how does it work?

Lucy Rosen: Hmmm... If you read the book you find out! A networking plan is a written plan outlining your goals for networking. Why do you want to network? Who do you want to network with? What do you have to offer? Where are you going to go? How often and for how long? How will you measure if what you are doing is working? It's a mini-plan designed to keep you on track so you aren't going to every event you hear about without having some idea of what you are doing there!

How can a person find the right place for networking?

Lucy Rosen: That all depends on what type of networking you like. I don't like large/unfocused events. I prefer small groups of people. I'm much more comfortable running a networking meeting rather than sitting in one. You have to know what makes you comfortable and then go out and find a group that fits your needs. If there isn't a group for you, you could start one!

You write that good networkers do their homework prior to attending networking events. What do you mean by that?

Lucy Rosen: A good networker is going to have some idea of who is attending the event- in what industry-at what level (C-Level, owners, new business owners) so they can determine if spending the $25- $50 is worth their time/effort to go. Who is going to be in the room and are you going to be a good fit in that room?

How can a person leverage their already existing personal network the right way?

Lucy Rosen: By actively staying in touch.

How can a person nurture and help their own personal network succeed for mutual success?

Lucy Rosen: By thinking of others- all the time. By making it your business to represent your personal network every day- all the time.

Many people will say they are naturally shy. How can this perceived problem be overcome successfully?

Lucy Rosen: Start with one or two people- people that know you- if they know you, they are going to know that you are shy. Let them start networking on your behalf, but don't stop going out and meeting new people. The more you go out, the more comfortable you will be. I often tell people that if you go to an event and act as the host/hostess- it gives you another reason to be there- gives you a sense of purpose... This often alleviates those shy feelings, because you are there to be sure everyone else gets their needs met and you don't have time to think about the fact that you are shy or feeling out of place.



Claudia Gryvatz Copquin (photo left) Co-author of the book

How should a person approach a potential contact, and how long should the conversation last?

Lucy Rosen: At a networking event, everyone is at the same dance, so it makes sense to walk up, extend your hand , shake their hand- introduce yourself and say hello. The conversation should last no more than 5-7 minutes-- enough time to ask for a business card, see if there is a "click"- and determine if there is a reason for a follow-up meeting.

How can a person avoid those problem people who appear at every networking event?

Lucy Rosen: Be sure you introduce them to others! Immediately!

How important is it to give help to others, rather than always just asking for something?

Lucy Rosen: If you aren't actively giving- you aren't networking and you will soon be branded as a "taker" and not as a "giver"- and certainly not a networker!

How does effective networking affect your business and personal brand?

Lucy Rosen: If you are known in your business community as the "Go-To" person... the person that knows everyone and knows what they do, what they need, who they are, etc... you become an invaluable resource for just about everyone. Who wouldn't want to be an invaluable resource for just about everyone? That would be a pretty nice personal brand to have!

What is the first step a person should take toward becoming a fast track networker?

Lucy Rosen: The right answer is : read Fast Track Networking: Turning Conversations Into Contacts.... Another right answer would be- to recognize what you have to give- all the people you know, all the jobs you've had, the community involvement you are a part of, and start sharing your information, your resources, your ideas, your inspiration-- with everyone and anyone you meet!

What is next for Lucy Rosen?

Lucy Rosen: To go into a second printing of Fast Track Networking.

To speak all over the country- especially to younger audiences about the importance of building their personal and professional network and how to maintain this network as they go out into the world of business...

To be asked to write another book- "Fast Track Business Success".

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My book review of Fast Track Networking: Turning Conversations Into Contacts by Lucy Rosen and Claudia Gryvatz Copquin.

Tags: Fast Track Networking: Turning Conversations Into Contacts, Lucy Rosen, Claudia Gryvatz Copquin, establishing business relationships, business author interviews.

Fast Track Networking by Lucy Rosen & Claudia Gryvatz Copquin - Book review

Fast Track Networking

Turning Conversations Into Contacts

By: Lucy Rosen,Claudia Gryvatz Copquin

Published: June 20, 2010
Format: Paperback, 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1601631219
ISBN-13: 978-1-60163-121-3
Publisher: Career Press






"Good networkers share their contacts altruistically", write President of SmartMarketing Solutions Group Inc, Lucy Rosen and award winning journalist Claudia Gryvatz Copquin, in their very practical and highly effective book Fast Track Networking: Turning Conversations Into Contacts. The authors share the tools necessary for becoming a successful networker, by helping other people connect with new contacts, and demonstrate how the entire circle returns to the person making the introduction.



Lucy Rosen (photo left) and Claudia Gryvatz Copquin provide a friendly, collaborative concept for initiating and nurturing valuable connections. Instead of the often used hyper-competitive model of networking, Lucy Rosen and Claudia Gryvatz Copquin chart a fresh course to making contacts with others on a more personal scale. The writers take the seemingly unusual approach of comparing networking to dating. As Lucy Rosen and Claudia Gryvatz Copquin write, not all dates work out and not all people are receptive as network contacts. Mingling and meeting as many new people as possible, while making introductions, will eventually lead to networking success. One of the principles that the authors share is the value of matchmaking contacts for other people. When seeking the best contacts for oneself and for others, it is best to not get discouraged, as the ideal connection might very well be the very next person met at an event.



Claudia Gryvatz Copquin (photo left) and Lucy Rosen guide their readers through the often intimidating and occasionally perplexing world of networking with east and good humor. They suggest the anxiety easing technique moving slowly and starting by meeting a small group of people, and sharing a few contacts with other people. The advice of setting small, realistic, and achievable networking goals is a useful one as it creates a guideline for the would be networker to follow. With a course of action, time table, and a reasonable number of contacts to meet, success can be achieved by everyone. That reaching of goals then leads to ever larger and more ambitious networking goals as a person's circle of close and casual contacts grows ever larger. Once some individual networking goals are surpassed, a person is then given the means by the authors to create larger networking groups to benefit ever larger numbers of people.

For me, the power of the book is how Lucy Rosen and Claudia Gryvatz Copquin transform the often frightening and bewildering world of networking into a happy and productive experience for everyone. Through their step by step process, anyone can start with almost no contacts at all, and soon become an experienced networker who is comfortable meeting people anywhere. The system for fast track networking is designed for meeting people and making contacts. The very idea that networking is about selling is removed from the equation entirely.The emphasis is placed correctly on meeting people, engaging them by listening, and developing long term relationships.

The fast track idea is also about helping others achieve their goals, make acquaintances, and find success. The book contains a valuable chapter on utilizing the power of networking to find a job, giving the book timely value in today's competitive job market. The authors don't ignore online networking, and how social media sites have transformed relationship building in ways not even imagined even a few years ago. At the same time, the authors share ideas for establishing networking groups, and for helping others meet the right people, through sharing of contacts.

I highly recommend the wonderful guide book Fast Track Networking: Turning Conversations Into Contacts by Lucy Rosen and Claudia Gryvatz Copquin, and learn how to become a skilled and helpful networker without the often accompanying stress and frustration factors. This book teaches how to become effective at networking regardless of the event. The book is especially good for women who may be trying to meet potential contacts for the very first time. The authors remove the intimidation aspect of networking that all too often prevents women from developing the best contacts.

Read the valuable and always interesting book Fast Track Networking: Turning Conversations Into Contacts by Lucy Rosen and Claudia Gryvatz Copquin, and discover for yourself that networking doesn't have to be a chore and full of disappointments. The authors turn the entire process of making contacts into an enjoyable experience where the benefits of networking are shared with others. The overall tone of the book as one of engaging people, starting conversations, and developing trusted contacts and associates helps both the novice and experienced networkers become sought after contacts and matchmakers themselves.

Tags: Fast Track Networking: Turning Conversations Into Contacts, Lucy Rosen, Claudia Gryvatz Copquin, establishing business relationships, business book reviews.