Guy Ralfe & Himanshu Jhamb: #PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



Project managers Guy Ralfe of Starr Specialty Coatings and Himanshu Jhamb of Atypon, co-founders of Active Garage, and authors of the practical and to the point book #PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet: 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights on Managing Projects, share their advice on successful project management. The authors provide tips to jump start your thinking on project management. They examine project management from the point of view of the manager, the boss, the team, and the customer to ensure that all stakeholders' requirements are met. Learn the important skills needed for achieving great results on time and within budget.

Guy Ralfe and Himanshu Jhamb are my internet radio show guests on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Thursday, September 23, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Project managers Guy Ralfe of Starr Specialty Coatings and Himanshu Jhamb of Atypon, co-founder of Active Garage, and authors of the practical and to the point book #PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet: 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights on Managing Projects, share their advice on successful project management. You will learn:

* What you as a project managers wished you knew

* What your bosses wished project managers knew

* What your project teams wished project managers knew

* What your customers wished project managers knew



Guy Ralfe (photo left) has worked on global projects for over a decade. At Starr Specialty Coatings, Guy manages project delivery.

He is an active contributor on ActiveGarage.com, a web portal he co-founded to address the fundamental concerns of business.

He can be followed on Twitter at @gralfe









Himanshu Jhamb (photo left) thrives on challenges in Software Project Management and has successfully led global teams in industries ranging from Telecommunications to eCommerce.

Himanshu is Senior Project Manager for Atypon Systems and co-founder of Active Garage, where he frequently writes about Projects and Project Management.

He can be followed on Twitter at @himjhamb

My book review of #PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet: 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights on Managing Projects by Guy Ralfe and Himanshu Jhamb.

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 project managers Guy Ralfe of Starr Specialty Coatings and Himanshu Jhamb of Atypon, co-founders of Active Garage, and authors of the practical and to the point book #PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet: 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights on Managing Projects, as they share their advice on successful project management. The authors provide tips to jump start your thinking on project management. They examine project management from the point of view of the manager, the boss, the team, and the customer to ensure that all stakeholders' requirements are met. Learn the important skills needed for achieving great results on time and within budget on Blog Business Success Radio.

Tags: #PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet: 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights on Managing Projects, Guy Ralfe, Himanshu Jhamb, enhanced project management skills, Blog Business Success, Blog Talk Radio.

#PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet by Guy Ralfe & Himanshu Jhamb - Book review

#PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet

140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights on Managing Projects

By: Guy Ralfe, Himanshu Jhamb

Published: May 5, 2010
Format: Paperback, 108 pages
ISBN-10: 1616990082
ISBN-13: 978-1616990084
Publisher: THINKaha












"Well...we are telling you the things we wish we knew as a Project Manager then...now!", write experienced project managers Guy Ralfe and Himanshu Jhamb, in their practical and to the point book #PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet: 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights on Managing Projects. The authors share their thoughts on improving project management in brief lessons that serve as starting points for developing and enhancing skills.



Guy Ralfe (photo left) and Himanshu Jhamb share their wisdom for managing projects successfully. They cover the following areas:

* What project managers wished they knew
* What bosses wished project managers knew
* What project teams wished project managers knew
* What customers wished project managers knew

With the project management advice presented by the authors, a manager not only discovers what skills are important, but what questions should be asked. Those questions are important for the manager to understand the goals, cost estimate, time constraints, and team requirements of a project. The book contains a treasure trove of ideas for the project manager to formulate a more effective plan of action that will achieve superior results.



Himanshu Jhamb (photo left) and Guy Ralfe understand that a project manager faces pressure from different stakeholders. While the overall objective may be a successful completion of the project, there will be different input and levels of support from those same interested parties. The expectations of results and cost from the point view of the client may not coincide with the resources available to the project manager and the team. At the same time, the manager's employer may be faced with difficult choices as to the allocation of resources. Selling the team's plans, time line, cost structure, and objectives require the manager to sell the idea to the employer. The client's interests must be kept in mind, and the manager will be faced with keeping the client's wishes, and even interference, in check. The book contains valuable advice for balancing the needs and desires of each of the stakeholders, and how the project manager can achieve success despite the pressures from the various parties.

For me, the power of the book is how Guy Ralfe and Himanshu Jhamb present complex managerial advice in a succinct and easy to read format. The entire book can be read from cover to cover in about an hour, but the wisdom and concepts shared by the authors lead to many hours of contemplation. The ideas are not strictly how to tactics, but more in the style of creative thinking stimulation tools. The short tweet like points serve the double duty of sharing wisdom, while providing a jumping off point for further discussion and ideas generation.

The book is one of those great keep handy ones, that can be referred to at a glance to stimulate new ways of examining a problem. Whether the project manager needs advice on working with the boss, the team, or the client, the authors share concepts that can be put into action immediately. Those same concepts can also be built upon over time, modified to fit changing circumstances, and rewritten as dynamic challenges to existing modes of work and project management culture.

I highly recommend the concise and easy to read book #PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet: 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights on Managing Projects by Himanshu Jhamb and Guy Ralfe to any any project managers seeking a short but intensive course into improving their existing project management skills. While deceptively simple in format, the book will transform the way a manager approaches and thinks about project management and its various stakeholders.

Read the helpful and idea packed book #PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet: 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights on Managing Projects by Guy Ralfe and Himanshu Jhamb, and become the successful and results achieving project manager of your dreams. Your employer, your immediate boss, your team members, and your customers will appreciate it.

Tags: #PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tweet: 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights on Managing Projects, Guy Ralfe, Himanshu Jhamb, enhanced project management skills, business book reviews.

Business Etiquette, Third Edition by Anne Marie Sabath - Book review

Business Etiquette, Third Edition

101 Ways to Conduct Business With Charm & Savvy

By: Ann Marie Sabath

Published: March 20, 2010
Format: Paperback, 192 pages
ISBN-10: 1601631200
ISBN-13: 978-1-60163-120-6
Publisher: Career Press








"Conducting business with charm and savvy means making an effort to learn more about others than you share about yourself", writes President of leading protocol and etiquette firm At Ease Inc., Ann Marie Sabath in her very practical and thought provoking book Business Etiquette, Third Edition: 101 Ways to Conduct Business With Charm & Savvy. The author shares the secret that good etiquette is based on making the other person with whom you are interacting feel as if they were the most important person in the world.

Ann Marie Sabath understands that people prefer to spend time, and conduct business, with people who make them feel great about themselves. This deceptively simple concept is the basis for the author's assertion,, that interest in and concern for others, forms the reason for good etiquette. While Ann Marie Sabath provides 101 techniques for good behavior and the proper action to take in certain circumstances, the solutions all return to the book's main thesis. By showing genuine concern and respect for the other person, the natural thing to do is almost always the proper thing as well. Since there are so many techniques presented in the book, the author guides the reader through the learning process buy taking small steps on the larger journey to understanding and practicing good etiquette in every business situation.



Ann Marie Sabath (photo left) describes her approach to good business etiquette as showing respect for others and making them feel good about themselves. The author also shares 101 techniques covering every business occasion to ensure that other receive that proper respect. To learn and internalize the lessons, Ann Marie Sabath shares the following small steps process:

* Put others at ease by showing more confidence and poise in business settings

* Handle moments of hesitation with with a style that leaves your contacts glad you were there

* Negotiate more "win-win" outcomes

The various chapters of the book provide the step by step details for achieving and practicing good business manners and etiquette for every occasion.


For me, the power of the book is how Ann Marie Sabath not only describes the techniques of proper business etiquette, but also shares why manners are so important. The author recognizes that simply learning the rote protocols is not enough if a person has no real understanding of why these actions are so important. The learning and utilizing of the concepts taught in the book put the other person at ease and make them feel important. To show good manners is to show the other person that one cares about them. The etiquette leads to deeper personal relationships based on knowing, liking, and trusting the other person. With these richer relationships, there is better understanding of the business issues, of common goals, and increased likelihood of more financially rewarding results for all parties concerned. On the more educational side of the book, Ann Marie Sabath not only shares the appropriate actions, but summarizes them at the end of each chapter to facilitate easier learning. Overall, this book is an excellent course in the hows and whys of good business etiquette.

I highly recommend the very readable and informative book Business Etiquette, Third Edition: 101 Ways to Conduct Business With Charm & Savvy by Ann Marie Sabath, to any business person who seeks to improve their own business manners, confidence and poise. The result of reading this book is better and fuller relationships with clients, colleagues, vendors, and customers both within and outside of the workplace.

Read the wonderful primer Business Etiquette, Third Edition: 101 Ways to Conduct Business With Charm & Savvy by Ann Marie Sabath, and discover the power and importance of proper manners and good etiquette in any situation, whether on business or outside of the office. This book will transform anyone from ordinary to someone who has genuine concern for others.

Tags: Business Etiquette, Third Edition: 101 Ways to Conduct Business With Charm & Savvy, Ann Marie Sabath, learning etiquette and protocol skills, business book reviews.

Lizandra Vega: The Image Of Success - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



Certified Image Coach, recruiter, Co-founder and managing Partner of Perennial Resources International PRI, and author of the The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want, Lizandra Vega, shares secrets to presenting a successful image. Whether seeking a new job, interviewing, or selling to a new client, image is important. Learn tips for enhancing your personal style, etiquette, and body language. Discover how to choose the right suit for you and your body type. At the same time, Lizandra Vega will guide you past the pitfalls that image mistakes can create. Learn how to make a good first impression and land the job you really want.

Lizandra Vega is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Tuesday, September 21, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Certified Image Coach, recruiter, Co-founder and managing Partner of Perennial Resources International PRI, and author of the The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want, Lizandra Vega, shares secrets to presenting a successful image. You will learn:

* Why it's critical to present a successful image in today's job market

* How to makeover your appearance to give that great first impression

* How to improve your behavior to back up that first impression

* How to hone your communication skills both in person and online



Lizandra Vega's (photo left) life story has been one of self-discovery and growth, and her new book—The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land The Job You Want—is in essence a testament to her own personal evolution. It was through her own experience that she realized that attention to the ABC’s—Appearance, Behavior, and, Communication— is integral to portraying oneself as the consummate professional.

Ms. Vega grew up in the Bronx; an only and first-generation child of immigrant parents from Puerto Rico, attended Wesleyan University, and advanced in the business world by dint of hard work, talent, and giving the utmost attention to presenting a polished and professional image.

Upon graduating from college in the early 1990’s, she was accepted as a company member of the Spanish Repertory Theatre in New York City. She then worked for several years at a major recruitment firm, where she earned a reputation for quickly spotting corporate talent. In 2003, Ms. Vega co-founded Perennial Resources International, a full-service, boutique-staffing firm based in Manhattan. As the company’s managing partner, she serves an elite roster of clients and has successfully coached thousands of job candidates on everything from career development, to résumé writing and wardrobe planning, to interview techniques and business etiquette. She is recognized as one of the most respected recruiters in the New York staffing arena.

Ms. Vega enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Image Consulting Certification Program to further hone her ability to enhance the personal attributes of her clients. She is a certified image consultant and a past board member of the New York/Tri State Chapter of the Association of Image Consultants International.

Lizandra Vega currently resides in Westchester County, New York, with her husband and two children.

Lizandra Vega blogs at The Image of Success Blog.

My book review of The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want by Lizandra Vega.

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 Certified Image Coach, recruiter, Co-founder and managing Partner of Perennial Resources International PRI, and author of the The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want, Lizandra Vega, as she shares secrets to presenting a successful image. Whether seeking a new job, interviewing, or selling to a new client, image is important. Learn tips for enhancing your personal style, etiquette, and body language. Discover how to choose the right suit for you and your body type. At the same time, Lizandra Vega will guide you past the pitfalls that image mistakes can create. Learn how to make a good first impression and land the job you really want on Blog Business Success Radio.

Tags: The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want, Lizandra Vega, job hunting and interviewing skills, Blog Business Success, Blog Talk Radio.

Industrial Pioneers: Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Tranformation of America, 1840-1902 by Patrick Brown - Book review

Industrial Pioneers

Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Transformation of America, 1840-1902

By: Patrick Brown

Published: June 10, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 142 pages
ISBN-10: 0982256558
ISBN-13: 978-0982256558
Publisher: Tribute Books





"During the nineteenth century Scranton served as the face of a rising America, and a hub of technology and innovation", writes teacher and native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Patrick Brown in his insightful and engaging history book Industrial Pioneers: Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Transformation of America, 1840-1902. The author describes, with honesty and authenticity, the rise of Scranton, Pennsylvania to industrial leadership and the attempts of its residents to keep pace with the rapid transformation of American industry, social values, and culture.

Patrick Brown begins his analysis of Scranton's history in the early growth period of the community between 1940 and 1860. During that developmental phase, the author describes what he calls the village blacksmith ideology. That outlook on life was egalitarian, and craftspeople derived pride and respect from the dignity of their work. With the onset of the Civil War, and its aftermath, America began a process of unprecedented expansion of industry. The author points out that accompanying this rapid industrialization were the conflict between labor and capital. At the same time, labor was divided by ethnicity. The people of Scranton retained their pre-industrial ideology of the independent crafts person, and of the dignity of the laborer and of the work itself. This worldview became incompatible with the transition from independent producers to large scale industrialization. The author writes well about the rising conflict between labor and capital, and the early attempts at unionization and collective bargaining.




Patrick Brown (photo left) recognizes that the village blacksmith ideology prevented the internalization of a working class identity. The attempts to reconcile the aspirations of worker and industry failed despite the efforts of labor leaders in Scranton. The nineteenth century capitalist ideal and the rising power of organized labor was inconceivable to the mindset of the residents of Scranton. The rapid changes in the industrial economy and the disrespect shown to the workers by mine and industry owners was discordant with the pre-industrial view that labor deserved respect and dignity. That failure to evolve their views of themselves, and of the changed value of labor in a capitalist society had serious repercussions for the workers of Scranton. The latter nineteenth century in Scranton saw some very violent strikes and employer crackdowns, as the community felt a loss of their ideological moorings. The end of the century saw labor demand higher wages and attempts by capital to divide workers on ethnic grounds and of movement of industry to unorganized areas.

For me, the power of the book is how Patrick Brown presents a clear and well documented history of the social, cultural and economic history of nineteenth century Scranton, Pennsylvania. The author follows the history of the city from the beginnings of industrialization through the development of the capitalist and organized labor. The crux of the author's thesis, that the inability of the people to adapt or change their pre-industrial world view of work and labor, is compelling as a study of slow social change in the face of rapid industrial and economic change. For the author, the older ideologies were insufficient to meet the challenges presented by the rise of big industry and big labor. There are lessons for today's society as well. With the change of the economy to a post-industrial model, the worldviews and ideologies of the industrial age - precisely the ones that the residents of Scranton were unable to grasp - are insufficient for our own future. in that sense, the book draws upon the experiences of the past as a cautionary tale for those who seek to perpetuate outdated mindsets. Those who are unable to change and adapt will fail to meet the challenges of the new economic order, and fall by the wayside of history.

I highly recommend the intriguing and timely history book Industrial Pioneers: Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Transformation of America, 1840-1902 by Patrick Brown, to anyone seeking a history book that speaks to today's issues of economic and social change in an engaging and personal way. The struggles of the people pf Scranton evoke our deepest understanding as they felt overwhelmed by economic and cultural forces that were in almost direct opposition to their own long held beliefs. We can empathize with the people who tried to see the changing world through their outdated ideological lenses. Their views of labor and work as having dignity and deserving of respect are commendable and ones with which anyone can identify. That worldview failed in the face of the advances of industrial capitalism and organized labor movements.

Read the well written and balanced chronicle Industrial Pioneers: Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Transformation of America, 1840-1902 by Patrick Brown, and discover how an inability to change can spell economic and cultural disaster for a community unable to grasp the implications of resisting change. Even change that may be seen as dangerous and harmful must be understood and met with a suitable worldview that addresses the threat and potential results of that change. Failure to meet the challenge of economic and social change can end in disaster for those who can't or won't understand the new order.

Tags: Industrial Pioneers: Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Transformation of America, 1840-1902, Patrick Brown, economic, cultural, and social change, business history book reviews.

The Image of Success by Lizandra Vega - Book review

The Image of Success

Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want

By: Lizandra Vega

Published: May 19, 2010
Format: Paperback, 264 pages
ISBN-10: 0814414540
ISBN-13: 978-0814414545
Publisher: AMACOM









"Balancing the components of your image is an attainable and cost-effective way to gain a competitive edge while seeking a job", writes respected recruiter, career development and image coach, and Co-founder and Managing Partner of Perennial Resources International (PRI), Lizandra Vega in her results oriented personal image transforming book The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want. The author shares proven techniques to enhance your personal image with flair, including appearance, behavior, and communication.

Lizandra recognizes that each person is person is different, and provides advice that will emphasize a person's style strengths while removing and correcting the weaknesses. The author begins her advice with a discussion of the various elements of appearance. Lizandra Vega provides valuable advice and assistance in selecting that ideal interview suit that fits each man or woman's body type individual style. She also shares tips on choosing the often overlooked factors of shirt and accessory selection. For the author, these details can make or break a job applicant. Along with the clothing makeover advice, the author points out the critical importance of proper grooming and personal hygiene.



Lizandra Vega (photo left) understands that appearance alone is not enough to ensure that a job applicant gets offered employment. The author demonstrates the importance of good posture, making and keeping good eye contact, having a strong confident handshake. She also points to the critical element of a positive, can do attitude. Lizandra Vega describes how a person's body language and their words may not be in harmony, and how to reconcile them. She also shares valuable pointers on negotiating the best compensation and benefit packages. At the same time, Lizandra Vega shares her thoughts on the often forgotten area of communications. Practical advice for networking joins tips on writing better cover letters, resumes, and thank you notes. With so much of modern communication taking place online, the author provides a very good chapter on etiquette on the internet.

For me, the power of the book is how Lizandra Vega provides a holistic approach to creating an image of success for job seekers. The advice draws together the importance of the right clothing and accessories, with the unspoken message conveyed by one's behavior, and the value of learning and practicing strong communication skills. With today's employers seeking a well rounded individual, and the competition for available positions so intense, this book can mean the difference between being hired and being passed over for another applicant. The complete examination of all aspects of a job seeker's image sets this book apart from other interview advice books. The integrated aspect of the advice works for everyone seeking a new job, regardless of age and employment experience. For many long time employees, facing a job interview for the first time in many years, are provided with a reassessment and updating of their image. For first time interviewees, the information in the book may be their first success image advice, especially if they are not aware of their own critical first impression.

I highly recommend the comprehensive and information packed book The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want by Lizandra Vega, to men and women of any age, who are seeking new employment opportunities in today's economy. The tips and advice are presented in an engaging and often humorous manner, helping the readers to laugh at their own foibles, and in updating and improving them.

Read the practical and timely book The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want by Lizandra Vega, and make that great first impression, ace the interview, and get offered the position you really want. If your success image is a bit tattered and tarnished, this book can indeed change your life for the better.

Tags: The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want, Lizandra Vega, job hunting and interviewing skills, business book reviews.

Wander Woman by Marcia Reynolds - Book review

Wander Woman

How High-Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction

By: Marcia Reynolds

Published: June 2010
Format: Paperback, 240 pages
ISBN-13: 9781605093512
ISBN-10: 1605093513
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers








"Women still face inequities in the workplace and difficulties juggling responsibilities. Yet something has changed in the women themselves, the way they approach life, the way they work, the way they relentlessly show up even when they aren't sure what they are fighting for", writes Master Certified Coach and PsyD, organizational psychologist, and executive coach Marcia Reynolds in her insightful and revolutionary book Wander Woman: How High-Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction. The author describes the difficulty of high performing women to find contentment and a sense of purpose, and proposes a transformation from restlessness to a life of meaning shared with other women.

Marcia Reynolds goes far beyond the usual women's self help and career guide books, and delves into the root causes of women's loss of direction in the modern corporation. Instead of working to change the organization, women have instead focused on personal change and seeking of balance. Faced with glass ceilings and sidetracked career paths, women have opted to move to different jobs either within the same company, or another one entirely. Another frequent choice for these frustrated, high achieving women has been entrepreneurship. Marcia Reynolds calls these women seeking meaning "wander women", traveling a lonely road to find purpose in their lives beyond the usual bromides of balance and simplistic steps to internal bliss. The author proposes both a personal transformation for women, but also connecting with and sharing experiences and purpose with other "wander women" as well.



Marcia Reynolds (photo left) begins the book with a self assessment for women, as they determine how much different they are from previous generations of women. With the exercises and checklists, a woman can discover how much of the "wander woman" archetype she possesses, and how much it influences her life choices. The guide helps women to live with and embrace this wandering tendency as part of the transformational process. Understanding where a woman is now, and how much she is influenced by her perfectionist tendencies, help her to break free from those former constraints. By following the exercises and vision routines presented in the book, a woman can begin the journey toward her true purpose. Once a woman understands her inner direction, she is then able to navigate her way through the corporate lattice with clear plans and intention. Women are then encouraged by the author to reach out to and connect with other "wander women" for support and sharing of purpose and direction.

For me, the power of the book is how Marcia Reynolds helps women shift their awareness and consider a world of other possibilities in their lives and careers. The book is revolutionary in its approach to why women feel so discontented and restless. In place of the usual cliches, the author presents interview based research with real women, and combines that survey analysis with the latest psychological breakthroughs. The result is a solid thesis into the cause of women's lack of connectedness, and a program of transformational exercises for women to find their inner purpose. Along with the powerful introspective assessment and exercises, Marcia Reynolds offers assistance and advice for connecting with other "wander women". Through those connections, women can help one another break free of their perfectionism, and make the successful transition to their true selves. With this book as a guide, women can become contented and achieve inner peace and purpose.

I highly recommend the groundbreaking and essential book Wander Woman: How High-Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction by Marcia Reynolds, to any woman who feels a loss of contentedness, and has become a "wander woman", seeking her own purpose in a world where high achieving women are unable to achieve happiness and personal fulfillment. When a woman achieves her own personal awareness of purpose, there is no turning back to what was. Her transformation will be permanent and her personal growth will continue to build upon that transformation in the future as well.

Read the soon to be recognized as classic book Wander Woman: How High-Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction by Marcia Reynolds, and transform yourself as a woman seeking purpose to one of contentment and direction. Say goodbye to a life as a "wander woman" and discover your true path in life.

Tags: Wander Woman: How High-Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction, Marcia Reynolds, women seeking life purpose, business book reviews.

Bootstrap Leadership by Steve Arneson - Book review

Bootstrap Leadership

50 Ways to Break Out, Take Charge and Move Up

By: Steve Arneson

Published: May 10, 2010
Format: Paperback, 192 pages
ISBN-10: 1605093459
ISBN-13: 978-1605093451
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers







"The world is becoming more complicated every day, and we are becoming increasingly reliant on one key ingredient, at all levels of business and society, to help us make sense of the complexities. That critical factor is leadership", by thought leader, coach, and President of Arneson Leadership Consulting, Steve Arneson in his effective and insightful book Bootstrap Leadership 50 Ways to Break Out, Take Charge and Move Up. The author answers his central question of how a person can become a better leader with fifty how-to techniques for developing latent and already existing leadership skills.

Steve Arneson begins his quest to improving leadership skills by having the leader take a personal assessment. The check list of skills is not simply a self evaluation, but also an open and honest solicitation of how others view the leader's current skills. Armed with this feedback, the leader is prepared to make improvements where skills are lacking or can use some enhancement. The author stresses that leaders must be open to addressing their weaknesses and be open to improvement. Steve Arneson does a fine job of preparing leaders for self improvement, and for sharing the essential skills required of a successful leader. More importantly, the author doesn't stop the leadership abilities at the office door. The leader is encouraged to continue personal growth beyond the business or employment level to become more globally aware.



Steve Arneson (photo left) recognizes that for the leaders of tomorrow, simply understanding the company or its industry won't be enough in the ever more globalized economy. As a result, a leader must continue to learn and grow as a person and a global citizen. The author describes the opportunities for leaders to grow through embracing diversity, creativity, innovation, and the inspiration of others. Steve Arneson encourages further personal growth for leaders by having them step out of their comfort zones. By learning new skills outside of the familiar, a leader is more prepared to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and provide enriched inspiration to followers. Most importantly, the author reminds leaders that the most important people are the team, and the development of the next generation of leaders. Without this critical leadership skill and achievement, a leader won't be a success. With that consideration in mind, Steve Arneson provides wisdom for the leader to inspire and create new and effective leaders for the future.

For me the power of the book is how Steve Arneson not only shares fifty ideas for becoming a more effective leader, but also demonstrates why improved leadership is essential for the individual, the team, and the organization. Not only does the author help build the personal and organizational leadership portfolio, but also encourages the exploration of global curiosity. Stepping outside of the confines of local thinking and one's own zone of comfort, takes a leader to entirely new level of leadership skills and inspiration. Along with the very practical and readily applicable concepts for improving leadership skills, the author inspires the leader to ever more lifelong learning and development. As an added bonus, each chapter of the book contains a quick refresher summary to further encourage the leader to continue to reassess new and existing skills over a lifetime.

I highly recommend the leadership skills building guide Bootstrap Leadership 50 Ways to Break Out, Take Charge and Move Up by Steve Aneson, to anyone serious about not only becoming a more successful and effective leader, but who also understands the importance of developing a new generation of future leaders. This book is a text book for lifelong personal growth, and can be read over and over again to learn new abilities, and to reinforce existing leadership strengths and overcome those troubling weak points.

Read the hands on how-to book Bootstrap Leadership 50 Ways to Break Out, Take Charge and Move Up by Steve Arneson, and become the superior leader able to inspire others to greatness. This engaging book is a valuable addition to any leader's book shelf, and is certain to become dog eared from continued references over the years.

Tags: Bootstrap Leadership 50 Ways to Break Out, Take Charge and Move Up, Steve Arneson, leadership skills, business book reviews.

John Levy: Get Out Of The Way - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



Management consultant and author of the enlightening and practical book Get Out of the Way: How to Manage Development of Timely, Innovative and Relevant Products, John Levy, describes how to manage, develop, and innovate new new and timely products. He shares proven techniques to unleash the creativity in your organization. He demonstrates how project management and engineers at high technology firms can become even more innovative through application of some real world wisdom. Discover practical advice that eases the innovation process from idea conception to product release. John Levy shows us how to get out of the way of the creators and innovators, and how to facilitate an avalanche of new ideas and products.

John Levy is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Thursday, September 16, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Management consultant and author of the enlightening and practical book Get Out of the Way: How to Manage Development of Timely, Innovative and Relevant Products, John Levy, describes how to manage, develop, and innovate new new and timely products. You will learn:

* Why high technologists and engineers often fail as project managers

* How to lead and coach innovative product development teams successfully

* Why innovative and timely products gain market share and are more competitive

* Why innovative products build customer loyalty and profits



John Levy (photo left) is the owner of John Levy Consulting and is a management consultant who helps product development and IT organizations get consistent, predictable, and innovative results.

John has over thirty years of experience in the computer and software industry, including engineering management positions with Quantum, Apple Computer, Tandem Computers, and Digital Equipment. He earned a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University and holds engineering degrees from Cornell and Caltech.

My book review of Get Out of the Way: How to Manage Development of Timely, Innovative and Relevant Products by John Levy.

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 management consultant and author of the enlightening and practical book Get Out of the Way: How to Manage Development of Timely, Innovative and Relevant Products, John Levy, as he describes how to manage, develop, and innovate new new and timely products. He shares proven techniques to unleash the creativity in your organization. He demonstrates how project management and engineers at high technology firms can become even more innovative through application of some real world wisdom. Discover practical advice that eases the innovation process from idea conception to product release. John Levy shows us how to get out of the way of the creators and innovators, and how to facilitate an avalanche of new ideas and products on Blog Business Success Radio.

Tags: Get Out of the Way: How to Manage Development of Timely, Innovative and Relevant Products, John Levy, innovative project management, Blog Business Success, Blog Talk Radio.

Get Out of the Way by John Levy - Book review

Get Out of the Way

How to Manage Development of Timely, Innovative and Relevant Products

By: John Levy

Published: May 19, 2010
Format: Paperback, 154 pages
ISBN-10: 1600051758
ISBN-13: 978-1600051753
Publisher: Happy About






"Great technology and outstanding processes are not enough to make great products", writes management consultant John Levy in his enlightening and practical book Get Out of the Way: How to Manage Development of Timely, Innovative and Relevant Products. The author describes how management of people is critical to success in product development, product competitiveness, and customer service.

John Levy, as a high technology expert himself, understands how managers with an engineering or technology background often lack the people management skills for leading and coaching individuals and teams. With experience in solving deterministic problems, high tech people bring extensive technical problem solving skills to their management roles. Unfortunately, these skills fail the manager when organizing and leading teams. To alleviate this problem, John levy offers practical advice to managers, from a technical background, how to get out of the way. Becoming more people focused, and letting go of technical leadership, creates more effective managers while helping teams become more innovative and effective. For the author, the result is more timely, competitive, and profitable products that better serve the needs of the customers.



John Levy (photo left) recognizes the learning curve required for managers with a technological background, and provides real world advice to help them develop into great team leaders. The author stresses leadership by trusting the people on the team do their job with a minimum of interference in their creative process. |The author presents an outcomes based goal for the new manager. They include:

* Developing timely products that are more competitive
* Creating innovative products that gain market share
* Designing relevant products that make customers loyal

For me, the power of the book is how John Levy provides straight forward, relevant concepts for transforming a manager into an effective team leader and coach. While the emphasis of the book is for managers emerging from high technology or engineering backgrounds, the approach to trusting people and getting out of their way is applicable for any manager. Through the use of stories and real world examples, John Levy demonstrates how the very skills and biases that made a technical person effective, will work against the project manager when leading a team. Those very biases will cause a manager to get into the way of the team, reducing its effectiveness as innovators. This book provides a hands on guide for managers to go against their problem solving tendencies and become great team leaders and coaches.

I highly recommend the insightful and very user friendly book Get Out of the Way: How to Manage Development of Timely, Innovative and Relevant Products by John Levy, to any manager whether from a technical or engineering background seeking to make a smooth and effective transition from team member to trust based manager. The resulting transformation need need not be difficult as John Levy illustrates, but one that is liberating for the manager and the team. By following the author's advice, a manager and the project team will become a creative force for timely products that compete successfully and build customer loyalty.

Read the approachable and engaging book Get Out of the Way: How to Manage Development of Timely, Innovative and Relevant Products by John Levy, and become a superior project manager, who stays out of the way of creative teams, and facilitates unlimited innovation. The competition will be left behind as a result.

Tags: Get Out of the Way: How to Manage Development of Timely, Innovative and Relevant Products, John Levy, innovative project management, business book reviews.