Review of The Eye for Innovation: Recognizing Possibilities and Managing the Creative Enterprise (Hardcover)

Excellent book if you lived in the 70's and 80's. Slow and boring. A blast from the past. The coverjacket design describes the book to a T: A plain white bread book...

Product Description
Innovation is synonymous with problem solving, and the basic elements of innovation apply to any business, says Robert M. Price in this essential guide for managers of organizations large or small. Distilling a set of practical principles from his forty years of experience as a pioneer in the computer industry, the author shows that innovation can be learned and practiced by everyone, that it can offer solutions to everyday problems as well as high-profile ones, and that it provides opportunities to solve business problems while meeting a variety of human needs.

Former CEO of Control Data, Price weaves the history of this uniquely innovative company with fresh thinking about innovation itself-what it means to the people in an organization, the products, and the processes. He avoids simplistic prescriptions and clearly explains seven fundamental principles of innovation beginning with "innovators are made, not born." He illustrates these principles with fascinating real-life examples. His book offers both the practical tools and the inspiration to everyone with an interest in effective management practice and in building organizations that creatively and continuously respond to ever-changing social and market needs.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Eye for Innovation: Recognizing Possibilities and Managing the Creative Enterprise (Hardcover)

Review of Sales Proposals Kit for Dummies (Paperback)

Sales Proposals Kit for Dummies is not only effective, it is an excellent read.So many books on sales techniques are so dry and virtually unreadable, but Mr. Kantin's witty style and real world examples of proposal design have had an impact on the quality of my proposals and my philosophy of sales in general.I found the proposal RATER particularly useful, as it pinpointed the areas that I needed too focus on in my proposals.My only regret is that Mr. Kantin did not write this book three

years ago. It would have saved me a lot of pain and rejection.Since I've read the book, only a few weeks ago, I'm three for three.This book is a must read for anybody who writes more than the occasional proposal.

Product Description
Sales Proposals Kit For Dummies is a unique and valuable reference that helps sales professionals create winning sales proposals that close the deal -- in simple, step-by-step terms and with real-life examples.

This friendly kit explains in clear language and simple steps how to integrate the sales and proposal processes. It provides a proven structure and guidelines for writing winning proposals. And it includes a tool for evaluating proposal quality from the buyer's viewpoint. Plus, you'll find examples of proposals in several different sectors.

From the Back Cover
"Will increase your chances of winning the 'big one.'" Bob Heckman, CEO, Navigate Consulting "Full of tips, tricks, and tools every sales pro must have!" Bill Byron Concevitch, Sr. VP, Mentergy, Inc.

Includes step-by-step instructions to help you write winning sales proposals!

Salespeople - listen up! Want a surefire way to write winning sales proposals that'll wake 'em up, seal the deal, and keep 'em comin' back for more? Let expert Bob Kantin share his savvy advice on everything from getting into your buyer's head to actually presenting a fabulous proposal. You'll come out a winner every time! all this on the CD-ROM Valuable forms and materials, including: A great tool to rate your proposal A proposal model Sample product proposals Sample service proposals A customer questionnaire System requirements: PC running Windows 95 or later, Windows NT 4 or later; Power Macintosh running System 7.6 or later. See the About the CD Appendix for details and complete system requirements.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sales Proposals Kit for Dummies (Paperback)

Review of Betting It All: The Entrepreneurs of Technology (Paperback)

After reading Founders at Work by Jessica Livingston, I dived into an older book by Michael Malone. It has the same concept, i.e. interviews of 16 famous technology entrepreneurs. And it is worth reading.

I loved it so much I put a post on my blog, www.startup-book.com and here are again some quotes form the book that I hope will convince otehr people to become readers:

Larry Ellison about uncertainty:

"When everyone said a relational database would never be commercially viable, the reckless guy said "maybe everyone's wrong - maybe I will take a chance with my career and with my cash." It's not a rational process."

Larry Ellison again about entrepreneurs: "I saw outside managers brought into a lot of companies who then made things dramatically worse. I think I was the best person for the job, I knew the company better than anyone else. I knew the technology, the products and the markets. My heroes are people who do not follow convention. It's difficult to innovate when you are like anybody else."

T. J. Rodgers about Silicon Valley: "One of the things that Silicon Valley successful is companies think just about wanting to succeed. It is also a meritocracy. What makes us so special and different is no Java code or biotechnology, it is that we're truly capitalists. About Europe and Japan: We're moving at light speed relative to the Japanese, who probably still have a committee working on the problem and the Europeans, who are trying to work it out politically. "

Tom Siebel about luck: "If you look at the core of many success stories, it's not great visionaries, not great technology, not great entrepreneurs, it's pretty bright people who found themselves in the right place at the right time and managed not to foul up the opportunity."

Gordon Moore about Silicon Valley. "I really measure the thing that's become Silicon Valley from Shockley in 1956. There were earlier technology companies - Hewlett Packard and Varian - but they were more like established companies on the East Coast. Shockley introduced some instability in the system. "

If you want to learn more, read it...

Product Description
"I realized I was willing to die for Java."
-- KIM POLESE, MARIMBA

"I was the opposite of a party animal.I had this thing where if I was signed up for a [college] class, I wouldn't go to the class, ever."
-- BILL GATES, MICROSOFT

"I don't know what made me decide that my life should always be about making love standing up in a hammock, but this is the way that my life has worked out."
-- JERRY SANDERS, ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES

Beyond the media hype and mystique, the high-tech entrepreneurs of our time are just as human as the rest of us-even though they carefully guard their words and maintain their corporate images, making it almost impossible to get a real glimpse of the people behind the legends. Now, Betting It All takes you inside the minds of sixteen of the most famous industry titans-Scott McNealy, Bob Metcalfe, Carol Bartz, Philippe Kahn, and more-through a series of intimate and remarkably candid interviews.You'll be the fly on the wall as these business leaders explore memories from childhood, their dreams, their inspirations, and their unwavering ambition to achieve their goals-no matter the risks involved.

From the Inside Flap
From garages and kitchen tables across America, courageous men and women have built the great technology companies that define modern life.Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Steve Wozniak-the names are as familiar as movie stars; their every move captures headlines and their decisions affect the lives of millions.

But behind the well-crafted personae these men and women present to the world, what are they really like?What makes them tick?What enabled them to make, often in a few short years, the leap from everyday person to industry titan?What drives them to stay at the top?What keeps them from walking away with their riches to a long and easy life?

Betting It All has the revealing answers.Based on the popular PBS series, and containing added material never shown, this book takes a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the lives of sixteen legendary American entrepreneurs. It offers new insights into the hearts and minds of Gates, Ellison, Wozniak, Gordon Moore of Intel, Carol Bartz of Autodesk, Tom Siebel of Siebel Systems, T. J. Rodgers of Cypress Semiconductor, and others.In intimate interviews, Michael S. Malone, Editor at Large of Forbes ASAP magazine and long-time Silicon Valley chronicler, strips away the myth and exposes the human side of business, digging deep to find the individual beneath the entrepreneur.

You'll hear, in their own words, how these brave people weathered their personal tragedies and savored their triumphs . . . why they take such daring risks . . . and how their deep levels of commitment drove them to reach such lofty goals.You'll be there as:

• Candice Carpenter, cofounder and Chairman of iVillage.com, talks about being a survivor, how living in the mountains prepared her for the Internet, and how sisterhood is now the focus of her life
• Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Computer Inc., tells how a particular book in sixth grade set him on his life's path and led him into the world of computers
• Larry Ellison, founder, Chairman, and CEO of Oracle Corporation, revisits old wounds from childhood, which sparked his relentless ambition and his need to live out the dreams of his youth

Provocative, personal, and, above all, inspirational, Betting It All reveals surprising and compelling details about each industry giant with every turn of the page.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Betting It All: The Entrepreneurs of Technology (Paperback)

Review of The Art of Great Training Delivery: Strategies, Tools, and Tactics (The Skilled Trainer) (Paperback)

First is the collection of information. In order to proceed with any kind of training some information needs to be determined before you can even decide that training is needed. And if it is, what kind of training. Perhaps this is product training for the sales people. Perhaps it is time management. Perhaps the problem being addressed doesn't call for more training but some kind of change in the work flow, the people, or the computer system.

Second is the analysis of the collected information. This may be summaries, complete with charts and tables; this may find something so obvious that you will wonder how it was missed. The end of this phase is to present to the management requesting the study to determine what, if any training is needed.

Finally is the development of a training plan. The author presents a ten part plan that begins with Issue Definition, andends with an evaluation of the results of the training. These steps have been defined over many years and are a proven approach.

A CD is supplied with the book that includes forms, checklists and other tools that are referenced in the book itself.



Click Here to see more reviews about: The Art of Great Training Delivery: Strategies, Tools, and Tactics (The Skilled Trainer) (Paperback)

Review of E-Tailing [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

"E-Tailing" is a great book for any business owner who wants to have a better understanding of electronic commerce. I have had a web site for three years, but now have a new understanding of the elements thatcreate a stronger online presence. Bernadette Tiernan has successfullymanaged to address e-tailing in an easy-to-understand and comprehensivemanner. I have specialized in business planning for many years and wouldadvise every business teacher and student, and business owner tofamiliarize themselves with and utilize the concepts presented in"E-Tailing". Kudos for doing a great job of addressing adifficult subject.

Product Description
Provides instruction on how to incorporate e-commerce into your business plan with a detailed approach, offer customers optimal service and minimal risk, implement techniques unique to Internet business, and learn from the failures and successes of many well known companies.

Click Here to see more reviews about: E-Tailing [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Review of The Accelerating Organization: Embracing the Human Face of Change (Hardcover)

I have always been interested in culture and human aspects of the firm. This book was highly recommended by my teacher on strategic management as his favorite on change management. It's an easy read on the human aspectsof change and is helped by a novel structure in the book (each subsectionof the chapter reads like an individual chapter, which assists the droppingand picking up). It's no nonsense. Anyone who liked 'The Fifth Discipline',will much appreciate this as well. I hope to read more of this typematerial.

Product Description
Peter Scott-Morgan, author of the best-selling, The Unwritten Rules of the Game, and his colleagues at Arthur D. Little have discovered that Fortune 500 companies are currently spending twice their profits on change initiatives; yet they are only satisfied with half the results.The obvious question is How can we stop this?

The paradigm-shifting answer, based on a six year study of Fortune 500 companies, is: concentrate on maximizing stability within a changing environment--don't fixate on change.This book explains how by developing the six competencies needed to achieve dynamic stability--the management stabilizers of strategy, tactics, operations, and the enabling stabilizers of teamwork, quality, and communication--companies can avoid being swamped by the disruption of unending turbulence.

From the Back Cover
An entirely fresh approach to managing in a changing world It's a fast=moving, cyber-linked, overcommunicated world out there these days. Change seems to happen much more rapidly and with far less predictability. It's no wonder the store shelves are crammed with books for beleaguered managers who are desperately trying to navigate through this torrent of change. This one is different from the rest. Here is a book that shows you how to turn your organization into one that continually meets the challenges of change, in a business world strewn with the survivors of yesterday's fads. The Accelerating Organization features the cutting-edge, experience-tested principles being taught by Arthur D. Little and Innovation Associates. It's not another take on reengineering nor a rewarmed learning organization tome. It's the best of both methods--and a whole lot more. Learn how you can: refocus strategic goals and galvanize for never-ending change; Get to know your organization's unwritten rules and use them to gain leverage; Change policies and structures simultaneously, while avoiding performance disruption; Make your people the agents of change, not its victims; Instill a continuous learning mindset aimed at sustaining high performance. Accessible and practical, this whole new approach to managing in an ever-changing world provides you with the knowledge and tools to ensure that your organization is flexible, nimble, and ready to handle whatever might come next.--.--.be it a minor tremor or a seismic shift.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Accelerating Organization: Embracing the Human Face of Change (Hardcover)

Review of Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (With CD-ROM) (Paperback)

OK this book makes you feel like incorporating is as easy as bying the book ...

But it is way too vague, and omits to tell you what you get yourself into !

After reading this book, I incorporated and for additional info I bought Nolo's How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation in California by Anthony Mancuso (or How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation if you don't live in california) and I got really scared.
This nonprofit kit is really for dummies, it doesn't even talk about applying for state tax exemption which is as important as federal tax exemption, or your responsibilities and duties as a director or officer.

I would really advise you to buy Nolo's book (nolo.com). The author is much more responsible, he clearly tells you that you should prepare your bylaws, your federal and state tax exemption application BEFORE submitting you articles of incorporation ...

Plus, this nonprofit kit for dummies is making some huge mistakes! It tells you that the Board of Directors is composed of the president, vice president, secretary and CFO ... which is totally untrue, they are officers
The board of directors is composed of guess what ... directors.

Product Description
The Nonprofit Kit For Dummies is the only comprehensive guide of its kind at a reasonable. This is a nuts-and-bolts guide for real people -- nonprofessional managers and volunteers who hope to start a nonprofit but don't know where to begin or who already run one but are struggling with a multitude of decisions and tasks -- real-life issues like staffing, budgeting, fundraising, tax reports, and facilities.

From the Back Cover
"A nonprofit almanac, dictionary, atlas, and field guide all rolled into one!" Jan Masaoka, CompassPoint Nonprofit Services "This book will help you ask - and answer - all the right questions." Putnam Barber, The Internet Nonprofit Center

Your nuts-and-bolts guide to running a successful nonprofit

Nonprofit novices, loosen up! Let two seasoned pros help you fulfill your dreams of starting and running a successful nonprofit. From savvy advice on incorporating and managing your nonprofit to nifty tips on raising money and getting great P.R., this essential guide will soon become your best friend. Grab it and have fun! all this on the CD-ROM Valuable forms and materials, including: Legal forms Presentation templates Annual IRS reporting forms GrantWriter Pro demo and evaluation version of eBase PC running Windows 95 or later, Windows NT 4 or later; Power Macintosh running System 7.6 or later. See the About the CD Appendix for details and complete system requirements.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (With CD-ROM) (Paperback)

Review of Complaint Management: The Heart of CRM (Hardcover)

In the past few decades the Services Industry has advanced long way - in a direction from product services to a customer centric business environments.
Although the quantitative and qualitative importance of services - as well as its spectrum of offerings - has grown quite considerably,the thrust of activity still seems solely to center around itsoperational tasks and processes. Bernd Stauss' and Wolfgang Seidel's revolutionary Complaint Managent model represents an impressive progress in our understanding of what services organisations must do to become outstanding and exemplary leaders in the roles ofservices providers and services innovators.
I have read the book entirely page by page, each chapter creatingmore desire and curiosty to read the next one.
Today the aspects of complaint managementare used probably in hundreds ofbusiness facilities around the world, yet there is to my knowledge no other book or public documentation providing such a holistic introduction and a guidance to everyone in services management, to enable the creation of a powerful blue print for services organisations.

Walter Duschek, Speaker of the Supervisory Board Spirit/21 AG, VP AFSMI

Product Description
Every company strives for increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. But without effective complaint management, it's only a matter of time before the seemingly sweet company-client relationship may turn sour. Drawing from their extensive experience in customer service (both from academic research and practical business perspectives), Stauss and Seidel deliver thorough coverage of complaint management, from helping readers understand why customers complain to illustrating how to handle customer complaints to effectively measuring and analyzing complaints. Complaint Management is an excellent resource for marketing professionals in customer support, technical support, and marketing management, as well as executives, department managers, and any employee who has direct contact with complaining customers.

About the Author
Professor Bern Stauss holds the first German chair for services management at the Business School of Ingolstadt of the Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt.Currently, his research deals with aspects of services marketing, service quality, quality management in the service industry, management of internal services, customer retention, complaint management, regain management, and electronic services.Stauss has written and edited several books, and he has also written more than 140 articles, which were published in books and journals like Managing Service Quality, International Journal of Service Industry Management, Journal of Services Marketing, Journal of Service Research and European Journal of Marketing.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Complaint Management: The Heart of CRM (Hardcover)

Review of Treasurer's & Controller's Desk Book (Hardcover)

As a new controller that is basically needing to create the job as I go along, I am finding this book to be very helpful. It contains practical information that applies specificallly to the controller's position that is is difficult to find in other sources. One example of this is theinformation on a records retention policy. I wasn't able to find anyinformation elsewhere. This book not only provided me with information, butalso told me where to look for more information. Reading this book is likehaving a mentor available to me.

Product Description
Now back in a completely revised edition (including thelatest tax law changes), Treasurer's and Controller's Desk Bookis the only guide to the activities of the financial officer orcontroller's job that's based on the Financial Executive's Institute'saccepted industry standards.

This massive reference supplies more than 100 tools--checklists,forms, and procedures--that streamline the treasurer's or controller'sjob. It outlines all the responsibilities--from banking and financialarrangements to records retention and audits. New to this edition:

* The role of the financial officer in today's "information" economy
* Financial analysis that includes benchmarking, market penetration, and even customer perception
* Taking advantage of Internet technology
* Effective techniques for e-purchasing
* Financing using IPOs
* Online treasury workstations, and more.

About the Author
Daniel L. Gotthilf (Ridgefield, CT) is a former treasurer,controller, and a director of Savin Corporation. He is presently acertified public accountant with his own practice.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Treasurer's & Controller's Desk Book (Hardcover)

Review of Getting Started in Computer Consulting (Paperback)

I didn't buy this book through Amazon, but I loved it so much that I hadto review it.

A very practical book that was written with lots ofexamples by a very experienced person.I found it extreemly useful insetting up my own database consulting business.it contains things suchas:

How to price your time, how to choose your client, how to ensure thatyour client has confidence in you, pitfalls to avoid when building yourbusiness etc.

Excelent!

Product Description
Written by an expert who has helped thousands of people nationwide find success as computer consultants, this is your complete guide to starting and managing a thriving computer and network consulting practice. From start-up costs to contract negotiation, from taxes to pricing and marketing, you get concise, straightforward advice and guidance on all the critical issues involved. And throughout the text you'll find candid accounts from seasoned computer consultants who share invaluable insights into all aspects of the business. You'll learn how to:

• Assess your strengths and zero in on your market niche
• Use proven, affordable marketing and sales techniques
• Decide when you need a broker and find one you can work with
• Set fees and negotiate contracts to your best advantage
• Bid on government contracts--and win
• Manage your time and workload for optimum satisfaction
• Choose and win the clients you want to work with
• Use the Internet to build your success

From the Back Cover
"

Written by an expert who has helped thousands of people nationwide find success as computer consultants, this is your complete guide to starting and managing a thriving computer and network consulting practice. From start-up costs to contract negotiation, from taxes to pricing and marketing, you get concise, straightforward advice and guidance on all the critical issues involved. And throughout the text you'll find candid accounts from seasoned computer consultants who share invaluable insights into all aspects of the business. You'll learn how to: Assess your strengths and zero in on your market niche Use proven, affordable marketing and sales techniquesDecide when you need a broker and find one you can work withSet fees and negotiate contracts to your best advantageBid on government contracts--and winManage your time and workload for optimum satisfactionChoose and win the clients you want to work withUse the Internet to build your success

Click Here to see more reviews about: Getting Started in Computer Consulting (Paperback)

Review of Corporate Management, Governance, and Ethics Best Practices (Hardcover)

Professor Vallabhaneni's latest offering is a comprehensive yet concise guide to the very best in best practices in enterprise management. This book is the logical follow on to Vallabhaneni's pioneering leadership in founding the Association of Professionals in Business Management (APBM) and the Certified Business Manager (CBM) professional designation. Clear and well organized, Corporate Management, Governance, and Ethics Best Practices is an absolute must read for every business executive and management student.

Product Description
All the best practices a manager and an executive need-in a one-stop, comprehensive reference

Praise for Corporate Management, Governance, and Ethics Best Practices

"If you want a comprehensive compendium of best practices in corporate governance, risk management, ethical values, quality, process management, credible financial reporting, and related issues like the SOX Act all in one place spanning both breadth and depth, Vallabhaneni's book is the source of insightful thoughts as a reference manual. A must-read and a should-own for all institutions and libraries around the globe; I am pleased I read it and use it in my classes."
-Professor Bala V. Balachandran, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

"Mr. Vallabhaneni has an excellent grasp of corporate governance principles. In particular, he shows how these principles can mitigate a broad range of corporate risks."
-Steven M. Bragg, author of Accounting Best Practices and Inventory Best Practices

"Professor Vallabhaneni provides an excellent analysis of the corporate governance landscape. His discussion and categorization of risks confronting an organization will be very helpful to boards of directors."
-Frederick D. Lipman, President of the Association of Audit Committee Members, Inc. and Partner, Blank Rome LLP

Representing a single and collective voice for the entire business management profession, Corporate Management, Governance, and Ethics Best Practices provides a cohesive framework for organization-wide implementation of the best practices used by today's leading companies and is an authoritative source on best practices covering all functions of a business corporation, including governance and ethics.

From the Inside Flap

Corporate Management, Governance, and Ethics Best Practices

Best practices are the processes, practices, and systems identified in public and private organizations that performed exceptionally well and are widely recognized as improving an organization's performance and efficiency in specific areas. Successfully identifying and applying best practices can improve business processes and increase organizational effectiveness. Based on author S. Rao Vallabhaneni's decades of management experience, Corporate Management, Governance, and Ethics Best Practices provides a one-stop, comprehensive reference guide to the best-of-the-best practices for corporate business practitioners and government employees worldwide.

Because every company's resources and budget is different, Corporate Management, Governance, and Ethics Best Practices takes a "big picture" approach, allowing managers and executives to tailor each practice based on organization-specific resource availability as well as management strategies and priorities. Each self-contained chapter begins with an over-view of the topic, a presentation of man- agement's roles and responsibilities, a dis-cussion of core topics, and ends with applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, and principles.

When implemented properly, these best practices help organizations:

• Increase product sales and service revenues

• Achieve cost, production, and service efficiencies

• Increase effective utilization of financial and nonfinancial resources

• Improve organizational, operational, technical, and financial performance

• Increase the quality of products and services in the marketplace

• Increase market share, profits, and returns

• Adhere to ethical principles and values and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards

• Enjoy a competitive edge in the industry

• Enhance the firm's posture of social responsibility

Within this trove of proven winning strategies, best-in-class employees working for world-class organizations will find a wellspring of information to help them think differently, act radically, discover their own best-of-breed solutions, and implement best practices to prosper and grow their organizations' business continuously and successfully.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Corporate Management, Governance, and Ethics Best Practices (Hardcover)

Review of Branding in Asia: The Creation, Development, and Management of Asian Brands for the Global Market (Paperback)

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

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

And by page4, we're invited to join in a cataloguing of worldwide changes tomarketing: -the breakdown of market boundaries -globalization and thedevelopment of global brands -increasing market fragmentation -productdiversity and shorter life cycles -greater customer sophistication -digitalbusiness -economic instability and market volatility

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

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

Product Description
"Paul Temporal shows how the fundamental principles of brand building are transferable to the Asian environment. A diverse collection of Asian caselets should convince us that the 21st century will see the emergence of more Asian regional and global megabrands." Professor John A Quelch Dean London Business School "Branding in Asia addresses an unusual situation in Asia - how is it that a region which has such high brand appreciation, produces few international brands of its own? The author's analysis of actual case studies, ranging from powerful global brands to local companies, illustrates his points clearly. This, coupled with a sensitive understanding of the cultural differences in the region makes it an excellent reference for everyone working with brands." Felix Herrnberger President BMW Asia Pte Ltd "Paul Temporal succinctly dissects the often mystical qualities that make up a successful brand. Too often Western insights, models and case studies are applied arbitrarily across the globe, it is so refreshing to see branding tackled from a purely Asian perspective. An invaluable reference book and eminently readable, the step-by-step style and volume of relevant cases and examples makes this a must have for any manager in Asia looking to embark on creating his own regional or global brand." Ray Dempsey Area manager McCann-Erickson South East Asia

Click Here to see more reviews about: Branding in Asia: The Creation, Development, and Management of Asian Brands for the Global Market (Paperback)

Review of Beyond Teams: Building the Collaborative Organization (Collaborative Work Systems Series) (Paperback)

"Beyond Teams" is an excellent reference for anyone interested in charting or changing results in their collaborative networks.From the standpoint of anyone involved in Organizational Behavior/Organizational Development, from manager, practitioner, academic, consultant or team member, this book provides many useful insights and has the feel of actual fieldwork used in its writing.The book is laid out in such a manner that it can be applied in any given situation.The ten guiding principles are structured and repeated in various collaborative work settings consistently.This allows the reader to apply the principles in their unique setting. The ten guiding principles are then explained for each general situation with a short description given for when the principles are not working and, more importantly, when they are working.Too often in this field books are written from a purely academic viewpoint or "this is how you fix it" approach.This book is different in that you can sense the fieldwork in the research and you see how things are supposed to work as well as when they are not working.This gives the reader the option of working on a group's deficiencies while complementing their achievements.This book is a "must have" for anyone interested in improving team communications.

Product Description
"Finally, a book that goes beyond the 'how-to' of team building and answers the critical question, 'How do I create a collaborative organization that reaps the harvest of long-term investment in teams?' The 'ten principles of collaborative organizations' outlined in this book are invaluable."
- Seth McCutcheon, CEO, Domicile Design Group LLC

The flagship book for the new Collaborative Work Systems Series, Beyond Teams provides an overview of this growing field, defines the basic principles, and points the direction toward a series of books. You'll find a framework designed to help you understand the potential and the means of achieving it throughout the key functions of business.

From the Back Cover
"Working together effectively- collaborating- is the key to competitive advantage. This book will help any manager understand what to do (and what not to do) to support collaboration in their organization."
- Susan G. Cohen. senior research scientist, Center for Effective Organizations, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California

"Finally, a book that goes beyond the 'how-to' of team building and answers the critical question, 'How do I create a collaborative organization that reaps the harvest of long-term investment in teams?' The 'ten principles of collaborative organizations' outlined in this book are invaluable."
- Seth McCutcheon, CEO, Domicile Design Group LLC

"Building on their research on team collaboration, the authors catapult us to the next level- the collaborative organization. The authors show how collaboration is deliberately created, versus relying on luck. Imagine having an entire organization with the characteristics of a high-performing work team!"
- Jack Zenter, vice chairman, Provant

"The authors have done a great service in helping us shift our focus from thinking in terms of 'teams' to thinking in terms of 'collaboration.' This broader perspective can help us achieve our goal of optimizing synergy, without being constrained by the rules of teams."
- James (Jim) C. Joiner, program director, program and project management, University of Texas at Dallas

"A practical, business-focused guide to create successful teaming and increased collaboration for business in the 21st century."
- Dallen O. Miner, organization development, Intel Corporation

"A must-read for managers, CEOs and consultants who want to sustain the Collaborative Advantage."
- John M. Gilberti, vice president, First American Real Estate Tax Service

Click Here to see more reviews about: Beyond Teams: Building the Collaborative Organization (Collaborative Work Systems Series) (Paperback)

Review of Powerful Project Leadership (Paperback)

Wayne Strider's book provides words for and recognizable characteristics of many common project problems.Powerful Project Leadership gives project managers of every experience level tools and road signs that enable them to recognize and address looming project issues before they become major events.

Communications and leadership challenges are explained in common language for easy recognition.

The book is an excellent read.I recognized a few pending issues with one of my projects on my first pass through the book.

I believe that this book is a "MUST HAVE" for any well-stocked project management library.

Product Description
Have you ever worked on a project that ran into serious snags? Or a project that was canceled after significant time and expense? Or one that delivered an acceptable result, yet the people involved would have rather jumped off a cliff than work together again?

How many of these situations were caused, at least in part, by people problems? In Powerful Project Leadership you'll find innovative approaches to working with people that enable everyone (including you!) to do their best project work. This book will help you acquire a new toolkit for project success. You will find yourself drawing from it often!

Powerful Project Leadership provides:
* An interactive approach - exercises guide the reader in becoming a powerful project leader.
* Real-life examples that show the reader how to develop and exercise powerful leadership skills
* An effective approach for project managers in identifying and addressing the root causes of problems faced during most work on projects
* A solid integration of hard and soft skills

Use Powerful Project Leadership as a resource to:
* Learn how to pay attention to early signs that something is going wrong on your project
* Develop practical approaches to stubborn, intractable, and utterly predictable problems on projects
* Improve the vital flow of information by addressing human problems and misunderstandings
* Encourage change at a deep level - within the individual, on the project, and within the organization

Click Here to see more reviews about: Powerful Project Leadership (Paperback)

Review of Relationship Marketing: Successful Strategies For The Age Of The Customer (Paperback)

This 1991 book focuses on technology marketing, but it is relevant to general marketing today. In some respects, McKenna was a marketing prophet, since he was an early proponent of experience-based marketing, interactivity, connectivity and creativity.He sees marketing as a means of building relationships and credibility through a four-part process:

1. Use word of mouth, primarily through face-to-face meetings.
2. Develop the infrastructure (rank influencers in your industry and cultivate relationships)
3. Form strategic relationships with the 10% who influence the other 90%..
4. Sell to the right customers.

Here are some of my other take-aways from Relationship Marketing:

* Shift from monologue to dialogue.
* Concentrate on substance before image.
* Be wary of secondary marketing research reports.
* In the information age, image advertising won't work.
* Know that the line between products and services is blurring
* Personality and image are always changing.
* Perpetual adaptation makes a product successful.
* Marketing is a process, not a set of tactics.
* Marketing is qualitative, not quantitative.
* Marketing is everyone's job.

McKenna also has a distinctive approach to positioning. Unlike Trout and Ries, he sees positioning as a blend of technology, price, applications, quality, service, distribution channels, target audience, specific customers, and alliances. In other words, positioning is who you are, not what you want people to believe you are. He also sees positioning as changing and dynamic.

When you look at the world of blogs and social media, this counsel makes more sense than ever. I also think McKenna was on the mark with his expanded understanding of positioning and focus on relationships as the focal point of marketing.

I'm very glad I read this book in the late 90s.It has helped me become a better marketer. Her are other books to consider:

Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind, 20th Anniversary Edition
The Experience Economy: Work Is Theater & Every Business a Stage
Inside the Tornado: Strategies for Developing, Leveraging, and Surviving Hypergrowth Markets (Collins Business Essentials)
The Cluetrain Manifesto: The End of Business as Usual

Product Description
The bestselling author of The Regis Touch expands on his previous work to focus on building crucial relationships that help a company dominate--and own--the market in this age of the customer. Includes stories, insights, and advice to give readers an edge in today's fiercely competitive climate.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Relationship Marketing: Successful Strategies For The Age Of The Customer (Paperback)

Review of Systems Architecting of Organizations: Why Eagles Can't Swim (Systems Engineering Series) (Hardcover)

Systems architecting has been shown in two earlier books not only to exist but to be key to successful systems and product lines. Fellow executives asked for a comparable book addressing organizations as systems, which theyclearly are, and especially for applicable insights for dealing with thenonquantifiable issues confronting both executives and professionals in adrastically changed international and technological world. Goodorganizations were failing, disappearing, being merged, consolidating orexpanding, succeeding or failing -- for reasons they couldn't fathom.Thebook shows what,why, how, and when, folowed by insights on how to deal withthem. It represents the technical management experience of seven, nowretired, chief executives representing 15 major organizations, public andprivate, military and commercial. To the author's, publisher's andassociates' knowledge it is as unprecedented as the dilemmas now faced byexecutives and professionals today.

Product Description
The most difficult questions facing organizations today do not have scientifically or mathematically provable solutions. Many answers that do exist depend upon time and circumstance. Systems Architecting of Organizations: Why Eagles Can't Swim tackles a very difficult dilemma: how do even highly respected organizations maintain their vaunted excellence, accommodate the new world of global communications, transportation, economics and multinational security, and still survive against stiff competition already in place? As they are finding out, depending upon the circumstances, the demands of excellence on the one hand, and of change on the other, can be cruelly irreconcilable. This book does not just describe business strengths and weaknesses. First, it identifies potential weaknesses, then offers guidelines and insights to address them. Its approach is architectural and heuristic. Second, this book is about maintaining success in a dynamic world, not about achieving it in a static one; few are clear on what to do and not to do in the face of major change. Systems Architecting of Organizations: Why Eagles Can't Swim helps professionals gain new perspectives when reviewing their own organizations and to see problems and opportunities previously not apparent. Features

Click Here to see more reviews about: Systems Architecting of Organizations: Why Eagles Can't Swim (Systems Engineering Series) (Hardcover)

Review of The Professional Services Firm Bible (Hardcover)

If you operate or work at a professional services firm, this book is invaluable. After reading the review by Steve Powers in the Dallas Morning News, my interest peaked. The book touches every aspect of operating a midsize firm-from sales management and business development to writing proposals and recruiting. There is also a great CD-ROM that features diagrams, spreadsheets, checklists, and other useful resources. It is a very useful reference tool for beginners and pros alike!

Product Description
THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRM BIBLE

A comprehensive guide to every aspect of firm operation:

• Governance
  
• Organizational structure
  
• Compensation
  
• Sales management
  
• Marketing and advertising
  
• Business development
  
• Contract negotiations
  
• Intellectual property
  
• Writing proposals
  
• Strategic partnering
  
• Quality assurance
  
• Training and professional development
  
• Recruiting and retention
  
• Project management
  
• Risk management
  
• Finance and accounting
  
• Purchasing and procurement
  
• Vendor management
  
• Information technology
  
• Legal issues
  
• Office management
  

From the Inside Flap
The Professional Services Firm Bible is a comprehensive, sophisticated guide to every aspect of operating all types of mid-sized professional services firms-from law and accounting firms to consulting, real estate offices, and marketing companies. Focused primarily on growing firms with several to hundreds of professionals, it presents a wealth of expert advice for firm partners and managers who want to dramatically improve their business and keep their clients and professional staff happy.

Each chapter is written by a well-known expert practitioner who shares his or her knowledge, experience, and personal stories, providing a wide range of perspectives on a specific topic area. Together, these different voices present a complete set of best practices for modern firms, as well as practical, real-world solutions for every vital function-from sales and marketing to operations to human resources to staff management.

Focused on what it takes to successfully grow a small to mid-sized firm, readers will find field-tested advice on such important topics as:

• Building a sales approach that meets the needs of a growing firm
  
• Designing marketing, sales, and businessdevelopment strategies that really work
  
• Expanding firm business through the development of new product offerings and strategic partnerships
  
• Creating an optimal partnership and organization structure
  
• Managing and developing professional staff
  
• Accurately auditing and measuring the firm's performance and developing meaningful improvement plans
  
• Growing and leveraging firm assets and resources
  
• Designing the ideal information system for the firm
  
• Effective management of functional areas, including HR, finance, and accounting
  

Most important, readers will find specific policies for building a management and decision-making structure that ensures accountability and efficiency, as well as a wealth of management tactics specifically designed for small to mid-sized firms. Best practices offer invaluable help for back-office functions such as accounting, legal, and IT, while the accompanying CD-ROM includes diagrams, spreadsheets, checklists, and other useful tools. With expert guidance on every facet of professional services firm operation, The Professional Services Firm Bible is the one resource no firm can do without.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Professional Services Firm Bible (Hardcover)

Review of Business Plans to Game Plans: A Practical System for Turning Strategies into Action (Paperback)

I found the worksheets alone in this book worth the price. When you follow the step-by-step instructions, the worksheets cull out only the data youneed.With all the extraneous data out of the way, it's easy to pinpointcritical problems that you might miss otherwise.And it makes developingkey indicators and reports easier as well.I think any CEO who wants tokeep the company's accounting and human resource managers on top of thingsat all times should give them this book tomorrow...if not sooner.

Product Description
"This book does something important: it takes abstract information and puts it in language and worksheets that make sense. This gives everyone-- including top managers-- a complete description of how a company's performing. And there's no better tool for improving performance than understanding."
-- Jack Stack, author of The Great Game of Business

"Know what is vital to the success of your business, enhance skills for confident prediction, and avert crisis management. This book offers all that for the price of lunch."
-- James C. Collins, Chairman Emeritus, Sizzler International, Inc.

"Most small business-related books approach the implementation of business plans and strategic planning in a very traditional fashion. This one is different. It illustrates how to realistically turn a business plan into an action plan. But it does not stop there. The author discusses the most current methods of managing a business, e.g., total quality management techniques, not in textbook style but in practical, everyday language. Her style of 'instruction' is nothing short of excellent. This readable, practical work is useful for all levels."
-- Fred Andrews, Springfield Community Technical College in Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries

"This 'how-to' workbook for small businesses shows how to develop and communicate a vision and how to empower people so they can make the vision a reality."
-- Arizona Business Gazette

Transform your business plan into an action plan

This new revised edition elaborates on the six critical principles of running a small business that helped guide King to success:

• Set standards and give your employees the tools to meet your goals
• Lead by example
• Look to the long term-the very long term
• Find the important details and focus on them
• Watch for variances from expected results
• Face reality when you look at your company and take action

King breaks down complex concepts into simple and effective action plans, helping you profit from her extensive experience and avoid common mistakes. With more than fifty worksheets and exercises to guide your implementation, Business Plans to Game Plans helps you turn your vision into a thriving business equipped to weather any market.

From the Inside Flap
"This book does something important: it takes abstractinformation and puts it in language and worksheets that make sense.This gives everyone - including top managers - a complete descriptionof how a company's performing.And there's no better tool forimproving performance than understanding." - Jack Stack, author of TheGreat Game of Business--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Business Plans to Game Plans: A Practical System for Turning Strategies into Action (Paperback)

Review of Achieving Business Value From Technology (Hardcover)

Achieving Business Value from Technology was an insightful and interesting book to read.It gave a lot of information pertaining to implementation information technology systems.This book is really good for someone who is in the information technology field, or who is looking to gain knowledge and expertise in this area.In particular, I believe this book is good for someone who has a working knowledge of information technology system, but is looking to gain an edge as to the strategies that should be used when implementing this type of system.

I felt that this book is going to be hard to read by someone who has little or no knowledge or experience in the information technology industry.On occasion, this book used large and sophositicated IT jargon that a college student such as myself had a hard time following.However, for someone who already has experience in the IT profession, this would be no problem at all.In particular, I feel this book is great for anyone who works for an enterprise that is considering implementing a new IT system, such as ERP.This book walks the reader through step by step as to how to be most effective in implementing a new system.In particular, the book is also very helpful because it discusses the ways in which an IT investment project should also be measured to determine the successfulness of the project.This book is helpful for those in large and small enterprises alike.It gives suggestions and examples of organziations of all sizes.

Overall, I felt that this book was a great read for anyone interested in implementing a new IT system because it helped set parameters for implementation as well as gave advice to help maximize the value from any IT investment projects.

Product Description
PRAISE FOR ACHIEVING BUSINESS VALUE FROM TECHNOLOGY

"Clearly, IT investments have never before played such a critical part in business growth. The book addresses the weakness existing in most management systems involving the lack of a systematic process to realize the economic benefits of the IT investment and provides a clear A-Z methodology for business to bridge this gap. This book is clearly written for all levels and backgrounds in business management and is a must-do for those whose business involves IT, is considering IT, or would like to significantly tailor IT investments for their economic advantage."
-Professor Richard P. Wool, University of Delaware
President and CEO, Cara Plastics Inc.

"Tony Murphy addresses the difficult question of the value of IT investments head on. He translates an elegant theory into effective practice. The case studies in the book effectively reinforce his key messages."
-Dr. Dermot Moynihan
Senior Vice President, World Wide Chemical Development, GlaxoSmithKline

"This book is the answer to most CIOs' need for a well-structured, pragmatic, and easily implemented set of tools and practices designed to answer the universal problem of managing and measuring IT's contribution to the business. Tony Murphy's unique blend of practical experience, industry best practice, and excellent communication skills provides the reader with a valuable-and highly readable-guide on how best to achieve that elusive objective of reliably realizing the business benefits of IT investments."
-Michael Rice
Group Director of IT, Kerry Group plc

"At Oxfam we are one year into a three-year IT strategy based on the principles Tony Murphy lays out in this book, and there is a real, positive difference in how IT is perceived, and in its real strategic position within the organization. If you have ever wondered just how you can gain strategic alignment for your IT function, and then how to make the practical link to IT investment for the organization, Tony has provided a framework that joins them both."
-Simon Jennings
Head of Information Systems, Oxfam GB

From the Inside Flap
Achieving Business Value from Technology offers the expert guidance, real-world advice, and practical methodology managers need to ensure that their dollars aren't wasted on IT disasters. It shows them how to assess projects in real time and decide whether to alter, abandon, or continue them with a clear understanding of likely impact on the business.

With the increasing importance of technology in a business world redefined by globalization, high-octane competition, and the shift from mass production to mass customization, it's more important than ever that your IT dollars are well spent in pursuit of efficiency, adaptability, and market mobility. Knowing which initiatives offer real business value can be the competitive advantage your business needs to thrive. Simply put, no matter what your business is, IT is your business.

Achieving Business Value from Technology offers proven techniques, methodologies, governance mechanisms, and best practice guidelines to guarantee your money is transforming your current IT setup from potential value to real value. The approach offered in this book-and developed by the experts in Gartner's Consulting and Measurement practices-has been proven to help managers make the right IT decisions every time.

Author Tony Murphy outlines a systematic process managers can use to identify, track, and realize benefits and value from their IT investments. This methodology helps management bridge the traditional gap between the business and IT sides of the organization and incorporates IT value metrics into conventional management reporting systems.

Managers will learn to monitor opportunities, risks, and impediments at all stages of the investment cycle and rest assured that the money they invest in IT will bring long-lasting and measurable benefits to the organization.

The author also provides guidelines for undertaking post-implementation benefit audits and IT sourcing, as well as tips and techniques for optimizing asset management and minimizing ongoing total cost of ownership.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Achieving Business Value From Technology (Hardcover)

Review of Selling Your Business For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)) (Paperback)

This is an outstanding and informative book that maps out how to sell a business wisely.I absolutely loved it and am so glad it was available.It made sense out of the whole process.I highly recommend it.

Product Description
A hands-on tool for conducting the successful, profitable sale of a business

As business owners gray, trends have shown that they start thinking of cashing out. Selling Your Business For Dummies gives readers expert tips on every aspect of selling a business, from establishing a realistic value to putting their business on the market to closing the deal. It helps them create sound exit plans, find and qualify, find and qualify a buyer, conduct a sale negotiation, and successfully transition the business to a new owner. The accompanying CD is packed with useful questionnaires, worksheets, and forms for prospective sellers, as well as a blueprint for customizing and assembling information into business sale presentation materials sale presentation materials --including snapshots of revenue and profit history, financial condition, market conditions, brand value, competitive arena, growth potential, confidentiality agreements, and other information that supports the sale price.

From the Back Cover

Get your business into sale-ready shape and conduct a successful, profitable negotiation

Want to sell your business? This hands-on guide gives you expert tips on every step of the process, from establishing a realistic value and putting your business on the market to finding qualified buyers and closing the deal. You'll see how to get the highest possible price and successfully transition your business to the new owner.

• Get ready to close up shop - determine your readiness to sell, explore your sale options, and assemble a team of pros to help

• Package your business for a sale - compile financial records, update your business and marketing plans, and prepare your sale memorandum

• Navigate the sale process - launch your advertising strategy, screen prospective buyers, negotiate offers, and make counter-offers

• Do your homework, or due diligence - prepare all paperwork, assess your buyer's finances and reputation, structure the financial and tax issues, and protect your personal interests

• Shake hands and pass the baton - make closing arrangements, understand key closing forms, announce the sale, and support the new owner

Open the book and find:

• Tips for pricing and presenting your business

• Advice for targeting and evaluating potential buyers

• Ways to craft a powerful sales pitch

• Keys for improving your business prior to sale

• Approaches for financing your sale

• Ten deal-killers to avoid

• Business marketplace trends and truths

Click Here to see more reviews about: Selling Your Business For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)) (Paperback)