Full disclosure - I was given a free copy of this book by the author
If you have never gotten into the self improvement/financial independence movement...moreFull disclosure - I was given a free copy of this book by the author
If you have never gotten into the self improvement/financial independence movement then there is plenty of worthwhile material for you to mull over here. If however you have already started down this path then some of what you read here may seem repetitive. This is not due to the author it simply due to the fact that success comes down to a few things done correctly.
Perhaps my disappointment with what I find here is the fact that it doesn't seem to provide a call to action or a provide a plan of how to get started. It certainly lays out the benefits and what you should be achieving but honestly, if I was starting out down this path I'd really like to know what I can do to make a difference. I'd like to see a list of steps indicating/suggesting what I should be doing next. It is all well and good to have dreams but for them to be achieve you need concrete steps on how to get there.
Most of the books in this genre are really good on the big picture stuff but I think we need some more nitty gritty here. If the concepts are too broad they are likely to mis-interpreted leading to disappointment with the investment made reading these sorts of books.
So I think the concepts and the thoughts in this book are great but I would have liked to have seen some more real world meat on what I can here and now to move me on the path to my dreams.(less)
The secret of getting what you want is all about negotiation. The better negotiator you are the better chances you have at a positive outcome. Some pe...moreThe secret of getting what you want is all about negotiation. The better negotiator you are the better chances you have at a positive outcome. Some people seem to be born with the ability to negotiate but that doesn't mean that others can learn the skills that will improve their abilities. This book is thus an excellent resources for those who want to under the practicalities and winning strategies behind successful negotiation.
For those who are not born negotiators I think that it will take a few readings of this book to implement all the strategies covered. To improve any skill takes practice and this book gives you the guidance on the techniques to practice. Conversely, the book will also help you understand when these techniques are being implemented by opponents, which again will certainly give you a leg up.
The book is easy to read, comprehensive and most important enjoyable. If you want to improve your negotiating skills with practical tips and strategies then this book is certainly worthwhile. However, given the breath of material covered it is probably something that you are going to need to keep studying to assimilate all the techniques outlined by the author.(less)
I found this good to be a much deeper look at happiness that I thought it would be. The author examines the happiness condition from a number of diffe...moreI found this good to be a much deeper look at happiness that I thought it would be. The author examines the happiness condition from a number of different aspects and delves into the realms of psychology and philosophy searching for answers.
The book is well written and easy to read but I also found it very engaging on an intellectual level. It provides a level of analysis that really makes you think and goes beyond the normal 'self help' style book. The author covers a lot of ground but does so in a very logical and well set out manner.
I think the power of the book is that even though it covers some deep intellectual ground it can be read and understood by anyone. I really got a lot from this book and would recommend it to anyone.(less)
As with most of Drucker's work a very concise book that gets quickly to the heart of the matter. It is a great guide on the process that needs to be t...moreAs with most of Drucker's work a very concise book that gets quickly to the heart of the matter. It is a great guide on the process that needs to be taken to become more effective. Although aimed at the executive much of the information in the book could be applied to others.
The books teaches that effectiveness is something that can be learned and the techniques in the book greatly assist in making that possible. Although now perhaps a bit dated the book is still a very worthwhile read for anyone who is looking to improve the way they god about their tasks.
In summary, another great book from Peter Drucker and a recommended read for anyone in business or seeking to improve their productivity.(less)
This book provides some very stimulating insights into how human being go about the process of thinking and how the brain functions. It helps you unde...moreThis book provides some very stimulating insights into how human being go about the process of thinking and how the brain functions. It helps you understand why things like Artificial Inteliigence are no where near matching the marvel that is the human brain.
To get the most of this book you will need to sit down and concentrate because there is plenty in here to digest. It is not something I'd call bed time reading. If you are interested in learning how the human brain functions and what makes it do what it does then this book is for you.
Personally, it has changed the way that I look at many things about brain functions. I also reckon it is going to help me better understand my own brain and get more from it. In short, a really worthwhile read.(less)
Most people probably think that innovation and entrepreneurship is something that happens by chance or by magic. Reading this book by Peter Drucker sh...moreMost people probably think that innovation and entrepreneurship is something that happens by chance or by magic. Reading this book by Peter Drucker should dispel this notion totally. Not only is innovation and entrepreneurship something that can be measured but it is something that can be learned.
The book initially provides definitions of what innovation and entrepreneurship is, what the different types and aspects of each are and where they are most likely to occur. Drucker then continues on with an analysis of how these factors can be fostered within any business.
This is great book if you are looking to improve you business as it provides concrete analysis and steps you can take to encourage and promote innovation and entrepreneurship in your business. (less)
If you are a small business owner then none of what this book covers comes as any great surprise. In essence keep costs down, continue to innovate and...moreIf you are a small business owner then none of what this book covers comes as any great surprise. In essence keep costs down, continue to innovate and succeed through small increments. Such ideas are clearly novel to many larger businesses these days who have lost the reason for their existence. That is, to serve the customer.
That said this book is still a worthwhile read for many simply because it is mentioned in so many places these days. It does provided some benefit, even for small businesses already doing what it extolls. However, I would not rate it as a 'must read' as I believe there are many other business books out there that are much more beneficial, especially to the smaller operator.
So in summary, you should certainly add this book to your 'to read' list. However, if you are already a successful small business then you are probably already doing what the book talks about. If however, you are part of a large organisation that has become stagnant and 'lost its way' then you certainly read this book to understand that small is beautiful!(less)
If you want read a book that challenges the way that you perceive the world then this book has to be recommended. Nassim Taleb has a unique perspectiv...moreIf you want read a book that challenges the way that you perceive the world then this book has to be recommended. Nassim Taleb has a unique perspective on the world that should make most people sit up, take notice and ask why.
It is also probably a book that needs to be read more than once to really extract the essence of the ideas simply because they are so different from the main stream. The books is well written and easy to read but can invoke challenging thought at times.
We live in a world where we seek to manage the expected and routine however Taleb masterfully demonstrates that the unexpected and unpredictable are what really has the greatest impact on our lives. From financial markets to careers the unpredictable and unexpected are major influencers of the outcome yet we not only tend to overlook their impact and ignore then all together. This book provides you with a unique insight into this hidden world which is almost always right in front of us.
If you want a book that will challenge the way that think about the world around you, then this is one of those books.(less)
There is nothing really earth shattering in this book, since it has all been said before and in essence is really common sense. However, I did like so...moreThere is nothing really earth shattering in this book, since it has all been said before and in essence is really common sense. However, I did like some of the unique ways the books presents some topics. One that caught my interest was the fact that you can't move away from something, you must move towards it. Thus, it is hard to try and move away from something you are but it easy to move towards something you want to be.
I would still recommend this book if you are looking at improving your productivity as I think it gives a very good grounding on a wide range of topics that would be of benefit to all who read it. The book isn't too long or too involved but does require you attention and contemplation to extract the most from it.
All in all a very interesting read and I would recommend it to all interested in improving their productivity(less)
Full disclosure, I was provided with a free review copy by the author.
This is a great book that every small IT services business should read. It highl...moreFull disclosure, I was provided with a free review copy by the author.
This is a great book that every small IT services business should read. It highlights the things that in my experience IT businesses should be focusing on. It is not a long book and that makes is perfect for the 'time poor' IT services business. Some may say that the chapters are too short or not done in enough depth but in my experience for the audience that the book is aimed it works extremely well.
The author acknowledges that most businesses in this space grow via referral and that is one of the major points of neglect by many small IT businesses. Like or not, social media is here to stay and the author highlight the leveraging of tools like Linkedin for growing your network. Smart businesses understand the leverage that social networking can bring and the information provided here should only hone these skills.
Much of the information in here is spot on however in my experience the target market are not always able to craft engaging blog articles and successfully stand up in front of audiences and make an impact. That does not mean that they shouldn't try what the book outlines and find what works for them. There are plenty of options illustrated and if you only implement one in your business then I'm sure you'll discover the benefits. This will hopefully in turn lead you to try additional suggestions from the book.
One criticism of the book I have is that it doesn't speak about the importance of metrics. Yes, you can do everything it outlines but how do you know it is actually working? How do you know email newsletters are having a greater impact than say blogs. Metrics will help you understand what works and what doesn't. It will provide your business with important information on exactly what return on investment you are receiving. This however in no way detracts from the value of what is presented.
So in summary I would highly recommend this book to any small IT provider who is struggling with growing and marketing their business. My research independent of this book indicates all of the topics are spot on for what needs to be done in this increasingly competitive field. The book is easy to read and hold your attention throughout. It is short enough for even the most time poor business owner to read yet full of some great marketing insight that if implemented will bring return to the business.
In short? A highly recommended read for any small to medium IT business owner.(less)
I thought that this book would just be another 'selp-help' style tomb that showed you how stupid you were because you didn't understand the basic rule...moreI thought that this book would just be another 'selp-help' style tomb that showed you how stupid you were because you didn't understand the basic rules of the universe, but to my surprise I was wrong.
The book actually involves creating a workable 'to do' process that can be uase in all areas of your life. The solution is simple but requires a mapping of the workflow of things that need doing as they come. The process then moves from accumulation of these items to actually dealing with them.
Now, although not a revolutionary process there was plenty of ideas and encouragement that I took away from the book. You can't necessarily implement everything the book deals with but for me, there are some real nuggets of gold that I can being to implement immediately. There are also plenty of things that I'm going to have to go away and have a think about as I need to implement them in the manner which I currently operate.
I wouldn't recommend this book as light entertainment or something to read before you go to bed, it requires too much involvment for that. However, if you are serious about improving your productivity and examining the way that you actually do things then this book is worth a read.(less)
One of the books that really changed the way that I run my business. Gerber has been able to point out the most important things to make a business ru...moreOne of the books that really changed the way that I run my business. Gerber has been able to point out the most important things to make a business run like the owner imagined rather that it overwhemling them and simply becoming a job.(less)
Some of the content in this book is rather dated now and this in many ways detracts from the overall message. In many cases you would have to apprecia...moreSome of the content in this book is rather dated now and this in many ways detracts from the overall message. In many cases you would have to appreciate the companies and situations that the authors are speaking about when they provide illustrations of point. Unfortunately, in many cases the world and the businesses of which they speaks have moved on.
That aside, the book does provide many insights into the 'laws of marketing' that are still very valid today. This is certainly a book that would need to be read a few time to really obtain the most value from but that isn't hard as the book is short and easy to read. The reader needs to potentially stip away the current business examples provided and find the rule application in today's business environment. There is little doubt that the application and relevance does apply it just requires the reader to spen some time thinking about the core concepts put forward.
If you are in business and want to better understand some of the basics of 'real worl marketing' then this book is certainly worth a read. However, its dated examples certainly detract from the impact of the book unfortunately.(less)
I was a little disappointed in this book I must admit. I found that it perhaps did not go into the all the aspects I was interested in. I also found t...moreI was a little disappointed in this book I must admit. I found that it perhaps did not go into the all the aspects I was interested in. I also found that since there were so many theories that the authors use of constant analogies tended to confuse rather than clarify the situation.
However, the book and the topic is still very interesting. I also think that you need to have a grasp of mathematics and physics to get the most from the book. There is however plenty to interest those who want to know more about network theory and how it is evident is so many aspects of our world these days.
This is not a book you can simply read before you go to sleep each night. You need to allocate some time and really spend time understanding what the author is trying to get across if you want to get the most from this book.(less)
This is great book for anyone contemplating starting a business or anyone running a small business. Where the book really shines is in the fact that i...moreThis is great book for anyone contemplating starting a business or anyone running a small business. Where the book really shines is in the fact that it focuses on micro-businesses (i.e. the very small ones).
The book is perhaps more on the motivational side than something like the 4 Hour Work Week but in many ways I found it as inspirational. I found the book chock of really great ideas and through provoking stories about what can work even with such small businesses. I would certainly put this book up as something that small business people should read and do so on a regular basis.
Its content is modern and easy to read. It is more focused perhaps on providing inspiration for the micro-business and demonstrating that you don't have to be big to be successful. It will leave you will plenty of ideas and suggest that you can take into your own business but it is not really focused on creating processes to achieve this. That is something you will have to find elsewhere.
When you are a micro-business the world appears to be very intimidating in a big pond that we call the economy. However, reading this book should inspire these same micro-businesses that they can not only survive and compete but also succeed. It will hopefully provide them with a range of suggestions that they can implement themselves and greatly improve their chances of success. Most importantly, it demonstrates that the greatest capital that is required is simply imagination and the determination to succeed.
For anyone running their own business, this is highly recommended read.(less)
This is an excellent read. It isn't filled with much technical speak and is written in a very easy to read manner. The flow of the book is also very g...moreThis is an excellent read. It isn't filled with much technical speak and is written in a very easy to read manner. The flow of the book is also very good.
I found this book far more enjoyable than 'Sync' which I found hard to follow at times, even though both books deal with similiar subject material. Barabasi has created something here that anyone can read and understand.
In summary the book looks at network theory and the discoveries that have been made recently that change the manner in which we consider all sorts of networks are constructed. Barabasi shows how networks like the Web are created based on link popularity and how the Web is not a random place at all as most people believe. He also explains why only 40% or so of the Web is actually indexed by search engines and even though the Web is a great place to post your information the chances are that it makes not difference if it is there or not unless it is linked. His notion of scale networks and hub is extremely compelling and interesting.
If you are interested in networking in nature or man made then this book is for you. It is extremely well written, easy to understand yet totally engaging. Highly recommended.(less)
If morality is the way we would like to think the world works, then economics is the way that it actually does - probably best summaries this book.
Fre...moreIf morality is the way we would like to think the world works, then economics is the way that it actually does - probably best summaries this book.
Freakonomics takes a look at the real reasons that things in the real world happen, what causes them, why they happen and how you can determine when they happen. This leads to very unusual results such as why school teachers are like sumo wrestlers (you gotta read the book to find out why).
The book is basically a study of incentives. What motivates people to do things. If you can understand this then you are extremely well place to take advantage of it. A good example is probably the fear that we are running out of oil. Economics dictates that if that is the case then the prices rises to suit demand and people discover an incentive to to use oil and search for alternatives. As simply as it seems economics provides reasons for why we do things, it is all about incentives.
The book is an easy read and very informative. It provides a number of examples in areas that you would never think are correlated. I found the book extremely though provoking in its application of economics to the everyday world. It helped me understand that there are simple factors that drive most of our modern day world.(less)
Having many options does not always lead to making the best and most effective choices. In a world now swamped with possibilities are they really maki...moreHaving many options does not always lead to making the best and most effective choices. In a world now swamped with possibilities are they really making our lives better? This book provides great insight into how more choice may effectively be causing paralysis and more importantly how to deal with it.
What I really liked about the book was its delving to the human psyche to understand how we are affected by choice. The many examples of making choice in the sight of overwhelming options demonstrate how too many options can in many way inhibit us from making beneficial rational choices.
The book is easy to read but I found it took a little while to get me really hooked. It is book that certainly holds you interest and makes you sit up and say 'now that's interesting'. At the end of the day it is book that will make you think and question how you are presented with options. I think, importantly, it will make you more aware of how you go about making choice in the face of overwhelming options and importantly arm you with the knowledge to make intelligent rather than default choices.
For those that want to understand the process of human decision making and how external factors affect this then this book is a recommended read. Even if you are simply interested in how people tick and why they do the things they do then, likewise, I think this book will peak your interest.(less)
This certainly is not a book I would recommend ad bed time reading as it as it can be a tough read at times. Another negative is the fact the author c...moreThis certainly is not a book I would recommend ad bed time reading as it as it can be a tough read at times. Another negative is the fact the author certainly rants a lot about the problems of existing statistical analysis. Given that this is indeed the crux of the book it become a little repeatitive constantly throughout the book.
That said this book has sound really mind blowing comcepts that will challenge the way you think about probablities and how we have be lulled into the feeling that we can understand teh future if we look at the trends of the past. We have become fooled by averages and the idea or normal (or Guassian) distributions, when in fact the world as we know is nothing like this.
It is clear that Nassim is unqiue individual in his practical approach to understanding the randomness of this world I certainly recommend this a book to read if you want to have you existing concepts challenged but be warned it can be hard going and repeatitive at times but in the end well worth the read.
If you are open to the challenge of looking at things completely differently then read this book.(less)
I would highly recommend this book not only for serial procrastinators but for anyone interested in improving their productivity. It provides you with...moreI would highly recommend this book not only for serial procrastinators but for anyone interested in improving their productivity. It provides you with some excellent methods of getting started on that project you just can't seem to get off the ground. So don't think this book is just for those who can't get things done it is also for those who do tto much and everything in between.
Once of the concepts that I found really novel was the idea of a 'reverse calendar'. Here you firstly schedule all the fun and leisure activities you desire. Then and only then do you make your 'work' fit around this. This firstly avoids the guilt of feeling that you are depriving yourself to get 'work' done and it also moves 'work' from the centre of you life to allow you to focus on the things you want to do.
For this and many other reasons this book is a worthwhile investment of your time. It is short and well written. It sticks to the point well and makes its case very strongly. I'm sure this is a book you can read over and over again and get something out of everytime.
For those looking to get the most from their time and overcome 'project' inertia' this book is for you.(less)
Like the E-myth revisited from Michael Gerber this book is a must read for anyone running their own business. The big advantage of this book over the...moreLike the E-myth revisited from Michael Gerber this book is a must read for anyone running their own business. The big advantage of this book over the E-myth revisited is that it is more concise.
This books takes the best bits from the E-myth revisited and condenses them into an easy to read, thought provoking way of looking at a business. In essence, most people in small business spend all their time doing the work, rather than building systems that allow other people to do the work for them. As a result they struggle to achieve the success and happiness that they desire.
If you want a quick introduction to the methodology that is the E-myth then this is a great start. It will start you thinking about working on your business rather than in it.(less)
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