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Category: Business

Review: Bold by Shaun Smith & Andy Milligan

[ 2 ] April 28, 2012

Reviewed by Poppy Johnson

Bold: How to Be Brave in Business and Win by Shaun Smith and Andy Milligan highlights successful companies from various industries. This is very valuable information for anyone interested in leadership or management at any company. Leaders tend to have the same personality traits in common, such as being tenacious or persevering when there is little hope of success. Leaders also need to learn from the mistakes of others, and that information is priceless especially when a manager is able to learn a new strategy from someone else’s blunders.

Bold also showcases the company leaders themselves as they express their strategies in first person accounts in each chapter. Some of companies featured in the book are : Virgin Galactic, Oz, AirAsia X, Chilli Beans, Zappos.com, Burberry, the Geek Squad and others. The book features pull outs, color photos, bold headings and informative subheadings along with theories and models. It is fun to read and each chapter discusses a different leadership strategy.

For example, let’s look at the Geek Squad. Some of us have seen the black and white cars (with the same coloring as police vehicles) with the “Geek Squad” logo painted on the side. Robert Stephens started the Geek Squad for Best Buy in 1994 with $200.00. The service offers technical support for at home computer users, and the technicians come to your home to resolve PC issues on the spot. Stephens had an idea of global domination and he has been quite successful. The Geek Squad is now also available in UK, and although the company is rapidly growing, the founder remains humble and still does training for new recruits.

The Geek Squad tests and stretches the employees by making them navigate around town to learn the lay out of the cities they will be working in and around. The word of mouth marketing and referrals are the primary source of capturing new business. The squad members are recruited for the technical talent that they bring to the organization and for their ability to solve the clients’ problems.

Besides being an awesome company to work for, the employees of all levels are appreciated for their efforts in many different ways by the managers. There is even a Geek Squad City at the repair facility center with a make-pretend Mayor and 700 employers with spiffy uniforms. Even though a customer will never see this repair team, they are dressed in synch, have a professional attitude and this translates to their superior attention to quality.

I enjoyed reading the back story to the success of the company because most people who see organizational success assume it is easy. These ideas took time to develop and time to perfect – then over years they turned into the gross money-making success stories that we know about today.

Bold is a type of anthology of success stories told by the leaders themselves. It is a valuable book for anyone interested in management, leadership or becoming an entrepreneur.

Rating: ★★★★★ 

After a decade of working in several NYC law departments and teaching, Poppy decided she enjoyed writing full-time. She currently works as a freelance writing consultant, and lives with her husband and sons on the East Coast.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Kogan Page. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: Developing Your Presentation Skills by Theo Theobald

[ 1 ] April 4, 2012

Reviewed by Poppy Johnson

Everyone will need to make a presentation at some time in their lives. Whether it is a formal business speech or an informal toast at a friend’s wedding, knowing how to make a speech is a valuable skill to have in any situation.

Develop Your Presentation Skills by Theo Theobald is part of the Creating Success series. The chapters cover the development of topics, the use of humor and tools like PowerPoint, as well as offering templates and content for a speech, and tips for managing your nervousness and the audience (including question and answer sessions, and when those question should be allowed to be asked). There are helpful activities for the reader to try, and summaries of what to do for each stage of developing a presentation. These tips apply to most formal professional presentations made in the context of a work scenario, but the strategies would also apply to any situation where speaking in public is required.

In the chapter on finding your inner voice, Theobald focuses on a research study (the Mehrabian study) which showed that over half of the speaker’s ability to impact an audience is derived from her non-verbal cues or body language. This means that your voice as well as your action needs to portray a confident spirit. How do people become confident when required to speak in public? Pre-recording your voice and making preparations ahead of time are the two obvious stand-bys to answer the confidence question. In that respect, much of the advice given in the book is standard fare for anyone interested in finding out how to speak in public or prepare the next speech.

Rating: ★★★★★ 

After a decade of working in several NYC law departments and teaching, Poppy decided she enjoyed writing full-time. She currently works as a freelance writing consultant, and lives with her husband and sons on the East Coast.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Kogan Page. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: Branded Beauty by Mark Tungate

[ 5 ] January 18, 2012

Reviewed by Shannon Hopkins

Many women put a considerable amount of thought into the cosmetic products they buy: questions of color, consistency, and ability to diminish signs of aging/promote a clearer complexion/help achieve an individual ideal of beauty ricochet through the brain while a woman stands in the beauty aisle and decides between Cover Girl and Rimmel, L’Oreal and Maybelline.

What they don’t consider, however, is the evolution of cosmetics and the marketing strategies that have insinuated beauty products into our everyday lives. Why did names like Chanel, Estee Lauder and Max Factor enter the public vocabulary, and how have they continued to thrive? In Branded Beauty, Mark Tungate acts as more than a beauty biographer; rather, he uses his expertise as a brand communicator to shed light on a multi-billion dollar industry in which many of us participate, but few of us truly understand.

How has marketing changed the way we look?

Tungate presents the truth and rumor behind the most famous names in cosmetics, not to judge but instead to lay a foundation for understanding the marketing strategies that catapulted them to the center of our consciousness. Moreover, he gives a well-rounded history of cosmetic use that explains how women and men have viewed cosmetics as an indicator of status and wealth, and a weapon against aging, for several thousand years. He underscores the historical belief that pale skin, light hair and wide eyes are the definition of beauty, and how modern cosmetic brands have shifted their marketing to include other races and cultures while, paradoxically, still promoting this increasingly outdated ideal.

Tungate organizes a wealth of information in short, manageable chapters, written for the casual reader interested in beauty, marketing, or both. There is a handy list of “Beauty Tips” at the end of every chapter that summarizes the topics he has covered, which also makes this a reasonable selection for guided reading in any marketing course or reading group.

Branded Beauty is part primer on the evolution of the cosmetics industry and part industry case study, in which the company profiles highlight the elements of successful real-life marketing strategies. Students of marketing can easily apply Tungate’s lessons on creating, implementing, and understanding a marketing strategy to any brand or industry – or to help them define their own brand.

I highly recommend this book for anybody who wants a comprehensive example of marketing in action, as well as for the everyday cosmetics consumer interested in the fascinating history behind the products she buys.

Rating: ★★★★★ 

Shannon lives in Cleveland, Ohio with her fianc é and a room full of books that she peruses when she isn’t trolling Apartment Therapy for new decorating ideas. In her free time she enjoys maintaining her blog, The Writer’s Closet, planning her wedding, and baking tasty gluten-free treats.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Kogan Page. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: Pawnonomics by Stephen Krupnik

[ 5 ] January 15, 2012

Reviewed by Poppy Johnson

Pawnonomics by Steve Krupnik is a refreshing and fun read. It highlights a chronological history of pawnbroking and discusses what the industry is really all about. Most people have an idea what pawnbroking entails and their perceptions are usually wrong! Pawnbrokers provide a significant service to the community. They are picky and selective on the types of merchandise they choose to accept. And there are many good deals to be had if people get over the stereotypes and go into the stores to check out the merchandise available for sale.

Pawnbroking and lending money date back to before biblical times. As an industry, pawnbroking offers an opportunity for low end borrowers to get the money they require, hence providing an important service. Pawnbrokers are money changers, and they exist in most countries around the world. They are even in areas where they are otherwise unexpected – there are upscale pawnbrokers who loan upwards of tens of thousands of dollars when the collateral justifies it. Pawnbrokers state their fees and terms up front and the contracts are always on a basis that the customer can “take it or leave it” at any time.

Pawnonomics makes several points that the reader may find hard to argue with. Pawnbrokers are known to charge usurious fees, but are they any different than the blatantly unfair fees charged by credit card companies? Aren’t pawnbrokers more at risk that the person who takes the loan will never return to claim an item that can quickly lose its value in an ever changing economic market?

The book uses pictures and charts (some full color) to shed light on the industry and will ultimately change a person’s mind about the legitimacy of pawnbroking.

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

After a decade of working in several NYC law departments and teaching, Poppy decided she enjoyed writing full-time. She currently works as a freelance writing consultant, and lives with her husband and sons on the East Coast.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Lissy Peace & Associates. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Rich Kiyosaki & Sharon Lechter

[ 5 ] October 20, 2011

Guest Review by Amy Young

Rich Dad Poor Dad is a financial self-help book written by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. Basically, the authors try to get the reader to gain financial independence through investments, real estate, owning a business, and using finance protection tactics. The book is written in a set of parables and is based on Kiyosaki’s life experiences.

Kiyosaki says things at times that the reader may not want to hear, but the strategies and tactics he used to become rich have worked for him as well as many other wealthy people. Kiyosaki says at one point that a house is not an asset. This statement made me a little skeptical because I’ve always thought of real estate as an asset that can increase in value and is, therefore, a good investment. After thinking about his explanation, I realized that a house is more of an asset to the banks, real estate agencies, insurance companies, and local government agencies who charge taxes on the home. When a person buys a large house, it is supposed to be a symbol of wealth, when in reality that person is paying the bank a substantial amount during their 30 year mortgage.

I was so pleased to see that Kiyosaki discouraged debt connected to anything other than investments like real estate and stocks. There are so many people in this country who use their credit cards to pay for things they can’t afford (like dining out, clothing, and other non-essential items). Going into debt is a slippery slope, and some consumers need a wakeup call, like this book, to avoid or defeat poor spending habits.

For the most part, people either love this book, or they hate it. The topics covered and the opinions made by the authors could be debatable. Rich Dad Poor Dad has taken hits of criticism for years, and will continue to do so because of the controversial statements made by Kiyosaki. John T. Reed is a very open critic of this book and Kiyosaki’s money strategies. He has even said that this book holds “some of the dumbest financial advice… [he has] ever read.”

As for me, all of the comments have really opened my eyes to some of the financial problems people have in this country. I was taught at a very young age how to work hard, save money, and lead a successful life, but I was not prepared for some of the harsh facts of reality. With the help of this book, I also learned how to take responsibility for my life.

I believe there is a reason why Rich Dad Poor Dad was on the best seller list for years and continues to be a popular book today. This true story shows everyone, even the most financially unstable, that there is hope for a successful financial future.

Rating: 4/5

Amy Young is the author of articles relating to business, marketing, and help with personal finance.

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Review: Keep the Change by Steve Dublanica

[ 8 ] October 12, 2011

Reviewed by Jill Elizabeth

Don’t you love it when you learn something and are vastly entertained at the same time? I certainly do, and Steve Dublanica’s latest – Keep the Change – is my new favorite exemplar of this. The book, a follow-up to his 2008 hit Waiter Rant, is a fascinating exploration of the service industry and tipping. Read it – you’ll love it and I guarantee you will never look at a waiter, taxi driver, valet, or any other service worker the same way again…

The book opens with a trip to Vegas to learn about stripper tipping – and it only gets better from there. And just to cover this right up front, he does it in an entirely non- skeevy way, even though much of the tipping does border on – if not downright enter – some potentially skeeve-worthy territory. Because yes, his exploration of “personal services” tipping includes how to compensate strippers, prostitutes, dominatrixes (or is it dominatrices? who knows?), and phone sex operators for their time, as well as the more conventional waiters, bellhops, concierges, and cab drivers.

The history of tipping is oddly fascinating, as is the compensatory schemata for all the various service-providing professionals covered in the book. In fact, the information on how all these different jobs pay (or more accurately fail to pay) their practitioners is almost more interesting than the information on how we, the consuming public, are supposed to tip them. I was quite surprised to learn how many ridiculous ways employers screw service personnel out of minimum wage (and sometimes even out of the tips they actually manage to earn) – and once I had read through them all, I found myself a lot more sympathetic as far as tipping is concerned…

Dublanica’s writing style is conversational and extremely engaging. He pulls you right along with him on his tip-exploring adventures, and I dare you to not find him to be a fun companion.

Rating: 5/5

A former corporate attorney and government relations/health policy executive, Jill-Elizabeth walked away from that world (well, skipped actually) and toward a more literary life (equally challenging, but infinitely more enjoyable). If you enjoyed this review, please visit her at Jill-Elizabeth.com, the official home of All Things Jill-Elizabeth – that is, all of the teehees, musings, rants, book reviews, writing exercises, and witticisms of her burgeoning writing career.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Ecco. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: 60 Miles from Salt Water by Bill Minot

[ 4 ] September 18, 2011

Reviewed by Joanne Lakomski

60 Miles from Salt Water introduced me to Bob Lane, author Bill Minot’s main character. Bob is a successful investor living the life of wealth and privilege, beachside in Malibu. He is in a deepening relationship with Joanna down the beach and in occasional contact with friends with whom he went through school: Billy and Jimmy. They are both on the East Coast and successful in their careers. Hockey had been their shared sport in prep school and then college.

Bob is a happy man – until he has visits from the FBI and calls from the IRS. Something is amiss in his golden world.

At 186 pages, 60 Miles from Salt Water is a very fast read. The author’s reliance upon the reader to fill in the blanks of his characters and details of the story allows its brevity. Using my assumptions about the wealthy elite, I colored in the sketches the author provides around prep school friendships that last for years, the trust engendered as the ‘haves’ generate money together, and the risks the innocent have of getting sucked in by the power elite. I felt as though I participated in the creation of the story!

The author’s depiction of Bob seems to me to be the fantasy life of a successful heterosexual American man. Bob awakens and steps outside his Malibu house and swims in the ocean. Bob has well-developed pecs and abs, lots of money, a sexually- adventurous, smart, and beautiful girlfriend (not pressuring him for commitment), and a stunning and capable female assistant who shares work-related information with him by talking dirty:

“He loved her early morning reports. Always accurate, on target, and filthy. Just what the doctor ordered.”

I really liked the title of this book. I found the sub-heading to be more pertinent to the story line: A Tale of Wall Street Lies, Lust and Redemption. I read about the lies and the lust – I missed the redemption. Redemption might have helped me care about the characters. Instead, they just seemed a bit embarrassed that they were stupid. I wonder, is this an accurate portrayal of those who are working on Wall Street?

I hope not.

Rating: 1.5/5

Joanne is an organization development and human resources professional with a business background living in Ohio. She has lived in Europe, Africa (including her Peace Corps service in South Africa), and arround the United States. She loves to plays volleyball, read, write, and has a cat named Ender.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Newman Communications. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: How to Write a Business Plan by Mike McKeever

[ 4 ] August 23, 2011

Reviewed by Jodi Horsley

How to Write a Business Plan is an amazing book, chuck full of great information – if you are an entrepreneur looking to start up a business. This book will definitely help you put your thoughts on paper in a well-organized manner.

How to Write a Business Plan will help you take a project that can be overwhelming and show you how to make it much more manageable through the steps that are laid out for you. The task of writing a business plan can be quite daunting, but this book lays out each step in such a detailed, manageable manner – it allows even the novice to feel comfortable in what they are creating.

There are so many significant reasons to put a business plan in place, as pointed out in the beginning of this book. Not only is writing a business plan required if you are looking to get funded by a lender, it will also help you determine if your business even has a chance for success. Having a business plan will also improve your odds for success; I’m not aware of anyone starting a business who wants to see it fail.

How to Write a Business Plan goes above and beyond the essentials on how to write a great business plan. It also covers topics such as choosing the right business and if you really want to own a business, as well as, creating marketing and personnel plans. Also included is an entire section on keeping your business on the path of success.

The sections on creating a profit and loss forecast and creating a cash flow forecast and capital spending plan are especially helpful, specifically if you find creating these types of plans to be overwhelming! How to Write a Business Plan will not only walk you through the process, but will also help you gain an understanding of small business financials.

I highly recommend this book to any entrepreneur who is starting a business. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a successful business but does not yet have a business plan in place, or is looking for funding in order to expand. Even if your business does not require funding, How to Write a Business Plan will allow you to put your ideas down on paper and help determine the success of your business.

Rating: 5/5

Jodi lives in the western suburbs of Illinois with her husband, her elementary school daughter, and preschool boy/girl twins. She is an avid reader and loves losing herself in a good book. She has a Master’s in Information Technology and has been a WAHM mom for 4 years now.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by NOLO. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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