I like "Dragons' Den" and I like reading bios and books about how to improve oneself ... this book had it all.

I could definitely hear Arlene's voice in this book. The focus is about persuading people to do what you want, whether that is in a business setting or in your personal life. Not surprising, because it is Arlene's voice, it's not a hard sell.

To her, the basis of persuasion is made up of authenticity, honesty and reciprocity. If you don't believe in yourself, how can you persuade others t More...

I started reading this book, selected for me by the bookmobile staffer, out of curiosity, not expecting to like it well enough to finish it. It was fairly padded with white space and repetition, so I put it down and moved on to other books. A day or so before the bookmobile was to return I picked it up again and found that it became more interesting and finally, encouraging on a personal level. Aimed at prospective and struggling entrepreneurs, the encouragement she imparts serves the rest of us More...

This was an easy, pleasant read. I really admire Arlene. She is an excellent role model for professional women (and men!) and I was happy to hear more about her personal story here. The book was part memoir, part self-help, and part business guide. I learned a lot of useful things, and think I read "Persuasion" at a good time in my life. I will remember plenty of her nuggets of advice as I move forward in my career, especially what she had to say about persuading yourself that you're ready and a More...

An excerpt from one of our Girl Guides book club reviewers:

"When I initially received Persuasion by Arlene Dickinson to review I thought, oh, how fortuitous, I work in Marketing, the first book I get to review is written about the art of persuasion. But, Dickinson describes how becoming a good persuader is relevant to everyone. “It’s a social skill that’s useful in all kinds of situations where you need to persuade people to give you a chance, help you out and see the world your way.”" -- Theres More...

I watched Dragon’s Den and I took a liking to Arlene Dickinson. She is genuine and it radiates from her. She doesn’t put on an act and try to sell herself to the public. Instead, she is authentic. When I heard that she wrote a book I went to my local library and picked it up. She is someone young people, like myself, should learn from.

“Persuasion” is filled with lessons Arlene has learned in her life and the rules she upholds in business. The whole book is centered on the importance of relation More...

I just finished reading this book and enjoyed it. Persuasion is billed as a biography however I found it to be a cross between a non-fiction business book and biography. Arlene does a wonderful job at getting her point across without making the subject seem boring. It was a result of reading Persuasion that cemented my resolve to say no about some fund-raising initiative at my daughter's school. Definitely not a how to book, but worth the read if you want to be more convincing in your interactio More...

While I didn't really learn much that is new in this book, it is well put together and left me thinking about some other people who should read it. I'd really recommend this book for anyone, but particularly a young woman who is starting out in her career. I believe she would learn some very helpful techniques around being effective both at work and at home. There was a nice blend between the personal life of the author and time-tested ways of working with other people.

The booked rocked. Within the first chapter I had already received insight and good advice. I always liked her on "Dragon's Den", but I enjoy watching the show even more since I get where she is coming from. I say this book is a must-read for everyone. It is not about sales or debates, though they certainly factor into the premise. It's about finding the best "you" and showing that to the world.

I managed to find a copy of Persuasion at my local library, although, I'm going to have to find the cash to buy it--I know I'll be re-reading it any time I'm faced with difficult decisions or uncertainty in my career or even personal life.

Maybe saying that this book has been a pretty life changing read might sound like an overstatement, but it's not far from the truth.
I can really identify with Arlene Dickinson's story, and I find my self nodding along the whole time I'm reading. Her story is More...

Easy read in her kind voice that emphasizes being real and honest with others. Most importantly, caring about the success of all partners in all interactions is a good reminder. Equally, she reminded us that luck does sometimes intervene to drive success as it did in her case.

This was a great read by Canadian marketing guru, Arlene Dickinson. While weaving her own stories as examples on how to persuade others she teaches you things that make a lot of sense and are sure to stick. Of course it is important to find out what the other person needs and to listen to them when you are trying to persuade them to do business with you. It seems so obvious now!

A very readable book on marketing, life, and more.

This book is very easy to read, and well laid out.....lots of common sense but at the same time, much of it is only apparent after you read it- for young business people it would be a great read......

Arlene Dickinson gives straight shoot from the hip advice on how to persuade people in business and in life. Her personal stories of her struggles as a single mother to four young children are inspiring.

I admire Arlene Dickinson for her success and her self motivation; however this book did nothing for me. I was so craving an historical account of the day to day trials of her making it to where she is currently; how she managed to do that being a single mom; the how to's of her business operations. I didn't receive any if this; thus feel utterly unsatisfied.

Great book! Some very small yet crucial life lesson you can learn from this amazing VC.

This book offers extremely sound and logical advice for both business and real life. The voice is warm, accessible and totally authentic, without any pretense.

SUCH A GOOD BOOK! this woman is brilliant... however she repeats her point a lot.

Arlene writes clear. It's an excellent read. Most of her advise is not only applicable in business but in any aspect of our lives.

Inspiring because it was well written.

Arlene stuck to her points about creating a story, building an emotional connection and sticking to the main points.

The table of content is a great reference. The key words is used to remind readers about the content of each chapter.

Everyone working in public institutions should read this one.

a quick read with practical views on building relationships.

If you like Dragon's Den, you need to read this book.

The perspective and experiences that Arlene portrays in her book make it very readable and 'authentic'. She instills confidence and persistence to the reader throughout the book. I had a positive perception of her before reading her book, and that has most sincerely been reinforced.

Couldn't finish the whole thing... Only got to the first 100 pages. I guess it just isn't my kind of book!

I found the book eminently readable. While there was nothing particularly new it has been mostly, not entirely, but mostly relevant to my life and business.
I would that Dickinson seems to be somebody I would like if we would ever meet.

I enjoyed reading this. I have watched Arlene on Dragon's Den and have been impressed with her approach to the "pitchers". This book gives a good understanding of how she approaches business and life.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit! I found it has good advice - mostly for professional situations, but also for personal/social/familial ones.

She tells it like it is in a true KISS fashion. Great read!

Interesting Read....