An engaging book that brings new relevance to the old proverb ?Give and you shall receive?
"The Go-Giver" tells the story of an ambitious youn... read full description
"The Go-Giver" tells the story of an ambitious youn... read full description
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Feb 18, 2009
Linda
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just finished reading what is now one of my all-time favorite books.
The title of the book is The Go-Giver, written by Bob Burg and John David Mann. This parable about a salesman named Joe, who wants to succeed in a big way, realizes that he is not doing as well as he wishes. In a moment of desperation, he asks a colleague for the name of a man who he thinks may help him.
When Joe meets with the man, nicknamed The Chairman, he is in for a big surprise. Over the course of a wee More...
The title of the book is The Go-Giver, written by Bob Burg and John David Mann. This parable about a salesman named Joe, who wants to succeed in a big way, realizes that he is not doing as well as he wishes. In a moment of desperation, he asks a colleague for the name of a man who he thinks may help him.
When Joe meets with the man, nicknamed The Chairman, he is in for a big surprise. Over the course of a wee More...
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Feb 26, 2011
Jen
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Never in a million years could I picture myself reading AND enjoying a self-help business-related book that my Australian co-worker would call "how very typically American." But I did. I read The Go-Giver. And I liked it.
It seems I have always had a semi-jaded mindset when it came to business and for-profits; at least, for the duration of my working career so far. How can I not when I've seen my share of businesspeople who only care about what they can get from you and how th More...
It seems I have always had a semi-jaded mindset when it came to business and for-profits; at least, for the duration of my working career so far. How can I not when I've seen my share of businesspeople who only care about what they can get from you and how th More...
Dec 11, 2009
Monica
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If I had the money, I'd buy a copy of this book and send it to every person I know, wrapped in gold foil paper. This isn't just a business book. It applies whether you're a volunteer, in a romantic relationship, or with your coworkers.
I just used one idea in the book that helped me work through a conflict that has been around for three years and that I thought couldn't be resolved. I tried the idea as almost a last ditch effort and with little hope that it would work. I am surprised More...
I just used one idea in the book that helped me work through a conflict that has been around for three years and that I thought couldn't be resolved. I tried the idea as almost a last ditch effort and with little hope that it would work. I am surprised More...
Nov 30, 2010
Judith
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I loved the Go-Giver. It is a really short and simple book and there is an interesting story line. For me the main thing that came up for me when I read this book was that the value that is added is me. I am slowly beginning to recognise all the little things about me that I have hid for so long are the things that I have to share. I also liked the way that the authors challenge the reader to try to apply each of the laws that very same day and so I read this book over 1 week and I saved the
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Feb 02, 2012
Carrie
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How can a book that shares the "Five Laws of STRATOSPHERIC SUCCESS", not be good?!
I think the subtitle of this book is misleading. I found this book to be just as pertinent to life pratices, as I did business endeavors. This is a very enjoyable read with great characters.
I think the subtitle of this book is misleading. I found this book to be just as pertinent to life pratices, as I did business endeavors. This is a very enjoyable read with great characters.
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Sep 23, 2011
Jim
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A quick-read "parable" that offers "five rules for stratospheric success." In a nutshell, the way to win is not by focusing on what YOU want, but by putting the needs of others (customers, colleagues, loved ones) ahead of your own. Make it your goal to serve others and, in proportion to the amount of service you deliver, and the number of people you manage to serve through your efforts, you will be rewarded -- financially, emotionally & spiritually. While the Law of Attractio
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Nov 16, 2010
Kat
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"My inboxes are bulging at the seams (yes, that’s ‘inboxes’ – plural). I suppose that I should be used to dealing with information overload by now, but for some reason, the sound of another new email arriving still manages to make me cringe. But this newest arrival came from my mom, and what better reason to take a break from what you’re doing then to read a message from mom?
She sent me an email with a free book chapter attached to it. The email talked about how this book could he More...
She sent me an email with a free book chapter attached to it. The email talked about how this book could he More...
Jan 25, 2011
Dani
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"Most people just laugh when they hear that the secret to success is giving... Then again, most people are nowhere near as successful as they wish they were." This is a little book I was asked to read for work. I'm not so much on reading for work because it cuts into my reading for pleasure time... but this was a quick read and a nice little reminder of principles we should all already know... but usually need to be reminded of... constantly. Nothing new you haven't heard before...
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May 11, 2010
Tracie
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I suppose there are those who will feel this book is trite, easy or "feel-good". And it is a couple of those things. It is an easy book to read--a nice and fairly short story. And it is somewhat feel good, although I'm sure many readers felt a few pangs here and there as they recognized themselves on the page.
However, as with most books that are about who we are, individually and fundamentally, the challenge is the practice.
My recommendation is read the More...
However, as with most books that are about who we are, individually and fundamentally, the challenge is the practice.
My recommendation is read the More...
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Feb 12, 2010
Jennifer
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This is an interesting but pretty typical little business book written as a parable. It breaks down how to be successful into five little rules. It aligns pretty well with how I see the world and does a good job of summarizing things in simple terms. At only ~130 pages it is worth a quick read.
It would probably be a good thing for something like a business offsite to help certain types of individuals understand the value of giving. If I ran a company and had a lot of headstrong, arrog More...
It would probably be a good thing for something like a business offsite to help certain types of individuals understand the value of giving. If I ran a company and had a lot of headstrong, arrog More...
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Nov 26, 2009
Annie
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The Go-Giver is a fantastic book! It's a short business parable; very insightful, very easy and entertaining read. It's all about switching from a "go-getter" attitude to a "go-giver" attitude and why in business the latter is so much more beneficial. I completely agreed with the philosophy the book espouses and enjoyed the way it was revealed. It's also very simple - the philosophy of the book comes down to 6 straight forward and simple "laws of success".
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Aug 07, 2011
Short, enjoyable, with warm fuzzies. You can finish this book in one sitting. Similarly short in length as "Who Moved My Cheese?", it's a fable tale with and upbeat and positive message of "giving". You follow a character Joe through a week of lunch dates with a mentor that shows him the 5 Laws of Stratospheric Success. The book deploys an interesting set characters, fun success stories, a constant set of mysteries to solve that keep your attention, and wraps up nicely as a s
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Jan 07, 2012
Omar
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The Go-Giver as the authors tell, revolves around the story of a young professional (Joe) who is striving for success. Joe is ambitious, however lately it seems like his hard work and efforts are not paying off in terms of results. Following a disappointing quarter - in terms of sales results - he inadvertently seeks the mentorship of "The Chairman".
Joe then embarks on a learning journey by meeting "Go-Givers" - friends of "The Chairman". Through these in More...
Joe then embarks on a learning journey by meeting "Go-Givers" - friends of "The Chairman". Through these in More...
Dec 30, 2009
Christy
rated it:
* Appearances can be deceiving
* It never hurts to be kind to people
1) The Law of Value
*Everyone likes to be appreciated
* Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
2) The Law of Compensation
* Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them
*Your income is directly proportional to how many lives you touch
*Sometimes you look foolish, even feel foolish, but you d More...
* It never hurts to be kind to people
1) The Law of Value
*Everyone likes to be appreciated
* Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
2) The Law of Compensation
* Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them
*Your income is directly proportional to how many lives you touch
*Sometimes you look foolish, even feel foolish, but you d More...
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Mar 10, 2009
Joseph
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Obviously this wasn't a book for entertainment but for education. The points made were good and in the realm of common sense. The people involved have a habit of believing that the world has the wrong idea about everything and these people have all the answers. The events that lead to success were all to fanciful. I feel it caters to the naive, someone who feels that they have been lied to and now found the way. It gives a light of hope to whomever wishes to believe that they have the wrong idea
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Jan 21, 2012
Robert
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A book very much in the vein of the E-Myth by Michael Gerber. An easy to read and short book that takes a narrative approach to getting its message across. This would certainly broaden its appeal but may leave some people wanting more 'meat', however in many cases the simplest solution is generally the best.
It provides five basic tenants that should become part of ones life whether in business or personal the same rules can be applied. It won't take you long to read this book and perha More...
It provides five basic tenants that should become part of ones life whether in business or personal the same rules can be applied. It won't take you long to read this book and perha More...
Apr 25, 2008
Tami
rated it:
If you want to succeed in life, you have to understand the true definition of success. Money is great. Power is wonderful. However, chasing these things assures that you will always be doing so. There will always be someone richer, smarter, and more successful that you have to keep up with. True happiness and real success requires thinking a little differently.
The Go-Giver is the story of an average Joe who’s a real go-getter. He’s always out to prove himself, always chasing down th More...
The Go-Giver is the story of an average Joe who’s a real go-getter. He’s always out to prove himself, always chasing down th More...
Feb 15, 2011
Shawn
rated it:
The audiobook version of this small but amazing book is a wonderful addition to having the book as well. Reading or listening to this story more than once will provide you the inspiration to not only be better at what you do, but yo help improve your personal life as well. When I first read this book I immediately bought 4 copies and gave them as gifts to everyone in my office. Knowing, understanding, and living the ideas brought forth by this little amazing book will help anyone live a more ama
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Feb 02, 2012
Andy
rated it:
At a young age, my mother taught me the value of "paying it forward". Everything always comes full circle, but that's not why we do good things for others. We do good things for others because it's a rewarding experience.
The Go-Giver takes this mentality of positive karma and applies it to the world of business. It's a brilliantly written narrative that should be standard reading for business students and professionals alike. It's a short book, too, so it's worth re-reading t
The Go-Giver takes this mentality of positive karma and applies it to the world of business. It's a brilliantly written narrative that should be standard reading for business students and professionals alike. It's a short book, too, so it's worth re-reading t
Sep 27, 2011
Ruth
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Nice little book. Really easy read, and has some ideas that sound fantastic. If the methods put forth in the book were honestly proven, effective business strategies I would give the book 5 stars, but as it is a fictitious story of how to be successful, I have a hard time buying in. Again, I love the idea of the methods in the book, and it is a pleasant book to read. I guess I was just hoping for something with more concrete principles rather than just nice ideas.
Jan 03, 2012
Lisa
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Quick read, nice concept about the golden rule in business and life. Kindness first, retooled into a business format- but in this story the nice guy wins. I love this idea, only problem, I have been the nice guy all my life and so far I am still unemployed and poor. But I have to agree that by being nice, I like who I am and I find that everyone around me has something to offer. Isn't that the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Oct 04, 2011
Rolando
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I am not much of a fan of fable type stories. It feels to me that the author does not have much faith in my ability to glean the lesson from each chapter when sentences are italicized and the "lesson" is repeated. If it is your intention to teach a lesson don't wrap it in a contrived story. With that being said, the lessons in this book are actually good and helpful. The story is forced disjointed and Pollyanna.
Jan 11, 2009
Mauricio
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Wow, amazing book, It really change the way I think and improve my life. I like the author's approach as much as you give as much as your value is. It's not about money that make you rich or wealthy, It's how much value can you offer to others, It's a beautiful concept I'm applying in my life.
Very fast to read and create a cascade positive impact in communities and/or teams, this is a must read !
Very fast to read and create a cascade positive impact in communities and/or teams, this is a must read !
Dec 09, 2008
Kirsten "Kay"
rated it:
Simply amazing! Thanks Virg for the recommendation!!
We often forget how powerful giving can be. This book emphasizes success through giving. The mantra that struck me the most is: survive, save, and serve. We do what we can to meet our needs of survival, we put away excess for our future, and we need to make sure that what we do impacts other people's lives in a positive way. Words to live by...
We often forget how powerful giving can be. This book emphasizes success through giving. The mantra that struck me the most is: survive, save, and serve. We do what we can to meet our needs of survival, we put away excess for our future, and we need to make sure that what we do impacts other people's lives in a positive way. Words to live by...
Oct 24, 2011
Bill
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This book is a cute parable about a guy who is trying to figure out how to become a rockstar salesperson. He meets a variety of characters who lead him on a journey of self discovery and enlightenment. The story itself is pretty simplistic and at points a little too cute, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The basic message is that you have to give to get...a worthwhile message and a very worthwhile book.
Dec 26, 2010
Jerry
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Super fast read, and really useful reminder of how even in business - especially in business - the more you give from the heart, the more you receive in return. Kind of all about not worrying about "win/win, winning, or strategy" and being a generous, kind, compassionate human being. I've heard about this book and am encourage that it is so poopular with corporate business-folk!
Aug 22, 2011
Lou
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A great book that should be in everyone's library. Like "The One Minute Manager", "Who Moved My Cheese", and "The Present", this book uses a simple storytelling approach to explain important ideas that can impact anyone in any business. In this case, the basic message is:
People and businesses should focus on how much they can give instead of how much they can get.
People and businesses should focus on how much they can give instead of how much they can get.
May 03, 2011
Mandy
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The ideas are so simple, and stem from the way I think people used to behave. I loved reading this book, am letting it sink in for a week and then am going to read over it again before reading the next one :)
I already use some of these ideas in my small and hopefully growing business and they work. It's the way people should treat others too.
I already use some of these ideas in my small and hopefully growing business and they work. It's the way people should treat others too.
Jun 27, 2011
Eric
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This is a great quick read. Only like 130 or so pages written in a fable/story format to teach five business/life principals for having a successful fulfilled life. I really liked this little book and would highly recommend it to anybody looking to build a business of any kind.
I am going to review this book again before I head out tomorrow morning with the objective of memorizing the five principles it teaches. Really applicable and meaningful rules to operate by. I hope you go out More...
I am going to review this book again before I head out tomorrow morning with the objective of memorizing the five principles it teaches. Really applicable and meaningful rules to operate by. I hope you go out More...
Oct 14, 2010
Obadah
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Awesome book. It speaks for itself and teaches a great lesson. The point of this book is relayed through a story. The general perspective on success, achievement and how to get there are completely changed. A book that is very enjoyable to read, easy to read, keeps you wanting to turn the page and beneficial all at the same time. Read it.
