Category: business

business, self improvement

The Toll Booth

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: John Feloni
Publisher: Kallisti Publishing
Genre: Business / Self-improvement
ISBN: 978-1-7359792-5-0
Pages: 116
Price: $14.00

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A young man timidly approaches the office of Mr. Robert Campbell, the chairman and president of his multinational employer. He has just received the company’s newsletter which asks the employees to commit to the company’s goals. But it also encourages them to dream big dreams. This young man has finally realized that he wants to pursue his own big dreams that don’t have anything to do with the company, and he’s come to Mr. Campbell for advice.

Mr. Campbell immediately senses something different in this young man, and drops everything on his agenda to speak with him. He offers an old notebook that has been filled with 40 days of journal entries, written by an anonymous toll booth operator. The young man reads sections of the entries and he and Mr. Campbell discuss what is written.

I won’t give away the spoiler on who the author of the notebook is, although most readers will probably guess it for themselves. But this notebook shows how this toll booth operator’s thoughts and feeling progress over the 40 days, as he begins to find clarity about his life and its direction. Mr. Campbell takes on the role of mentor as he explains this process to the young man.

Following our dreams when they run counter to what we’ve been raised to believe is the right way to live is downright scary. Fears of failure loom large and we need all the support we can get – both spiritual and the folks around us. The Toll Booth offers wisdom on how to tackle these challenges, believing in our own success. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

business, self improvement

The Covenant Secret

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: John Feloni
Publisher: Kallisti Publishing
Genre: Business
ISBN: 978-0-99-702549-1
Pages: 128
Price: $14.00

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Bill Rand is desperate. His start-up company needs cash quickly and he’s determined to chase after it, no matter what it takes – even if it means alienating his whole team in the process. Finally, his business partner recommends he meet with Tom Crawford for some advice. She knows something needs to change before there’s a mutiny at the company.

Tom runs a successful company, so Bill figures he can learn from him. If nothing else, he thinks he’ll find out how to raise cash quickly. After all, Tom needs cash to run his own company and has to have some good ideas on how to get it. But Tom’s approach is not quite what Bill expects. In fact, Tom seems to value people more than money.

Over the course of a few days, Tom shares his wisdom with Bill. Using the idea of a covenant secret, Tom explains how to create a trusting relationship with customers and employees. And this relationship, when properly cultivated, will lead to a successful business model.

The Covenant Secret is an enjoyable and quick read that imparts some really great advice. Although this short fable is written from a business perspective, the seven principles of this secret would also work in other relationships, including family and friendships. I highly recommend it.

business

A Minute to Think

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Juliet Funt
Publisher: Harper Business
Genre: Business
ISBN: 978-0062970251
Pages: 288
Price: $29.99

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Is it possible to reclaim creativity, conquer busyness, and do your best work – at work? Sounds too good to be true? A Minute to Think can show you show.

First, we need to address the problem – what is really causing our busyness? Next, we take a stragetic pause, conquer the thieves of time, learn to simplify, and unhook from the culture of now. Finally, we need to overhaul our email practices, elevate communication and work together with our teammates.

Throughout this book, author Juliet Funk provides examples and strategies on how to put these practices in place, reminding us that we can be more effective in our work once we eliminate the minutiae that distracts us. With a little more space to think, we will find the creativity that makes us even better at our jobs.

I highly recommend A Minute to Think for all business people who feel like they can never meet all the demands of their busy jobs.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

business

Iron-Sharpened Leadership

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: John L. Gronski
Publisher: Fidelis Publishing
Genre: Business
ISBN: 978-1-7358-5636-0
Pages: 296
Price: $17.00

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John L. Gronski is a U.S. Army Retired Major General. He has faced situations where his decisions were crucial for the preparation and survival of his team, and he knows how to lead effectively. In Iron-Sharpened Leadership, he shares his military experience and demonstrates how to use it in a civilian setting.

Gronski believes there are three things that define a leader – character, competence, and resilience. Focusing on his years in the military, he provides examples of how he handled situations and worked with the people around him. Leadership is critical when lives are at stake, but it’s just as important in the work force, and his advice would be helpful for any manager.

Iron-Sharpened Leadership is well-written and inspiring for anyone who wants to be a great leader. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

business

Becoming Generation Flux

Bergers Book Reviews

Becoming Generation Flux
Author: Miles Anthony Smith, MBA
Publisher: Kompelling Publishing
Genre: Business
ISBN: 978-0-9884053-3-2
Pages: 188
Price: $16.95

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Those who cling to traditional employment models are struggling to survive in our current economic climate. Today’s generation doesn’t have the luxury of linking up with a solid employer and working up through the ranks over the next few decades until retirement. Instead, they may have to switch jobs every two or three years in order to generate a better income.

Becoming Generation Flux addresses the challenges faced in finding meaningful and financially rewarding employment. This guide tackles difficult topics such as whether or not to go to college, how to find and keep a job, and how to know when it’s time to leave. And it offers tips on how to handle living on a reduced income during those times of transition between jobs.

As the economy demands specific skills for open-ended positions, today’s worker will need to learn to adapt to those new needs or risk becoming obsolete. This book provides an interesting and informative overview of what to expect and how to cope in this new global workplace.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

business

Not in the Club

Bergers Book Reviews

Not in the Club
Author: Janet Pucino
Publisher: Deep Canyon Media
Genre: Business
ISBN: 978-0-9859027-1-1
Pages: 171
Price: $24.99

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Some women have been able to break through the glass ceiling and rise to top management positions. But the majority face hurdles that men usually don’t have to deal with. “Club” behaviors favor men while excluding women. How does a woman recognize she’s dealing with The Club, and how can she learn to thrive anyway?

Janet Pucino has served as a top IT executive and has seen the effects of Club mentality on an organization. In Not in the Club, she addresses the problems women face and how to deal with them effectively. From acceptance to confrontation to simply leaving the company, women have choices in how they react to The Club.

Women have a disadvantage in climbing the corporate ladder. While not every woman wants to find herself in the corner office, she should have the same opportunity and respect for her skills that men have. Not in the Club addresses the effects of gender inequality in the office, and is a must-read for all business executives.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

business, crafts

How to Price Crafts and Things You Make to Sell

Bergers Book Reviews

How to Price Crafts
Author: James Dillehay
Publisher: Warm Snow Publishers
Genre: Small Business / Arts & Crafts
ISBN: 978-0-9710684-7-6
Pages: 132
Price: $12.95

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Being profitable in a small arts & crafts business is not a matter of luck. There is a system to pricing merchandise to encourage people to buy your crafts. While covering your own cost to produce the item is important, there are other factors involved in making sure you get the best price for your merchandise.

James Dillehay is a craft artist, gallery owner, and author of nine respected finance books on this subject. In this book, he offers suggestions for an arts & crafts business owner to be successful. Topics such as studying the market and pricing your items appropriately, increasing perceived value, determining the cost per unit and your target profit margin, where to sell your merchandise, how to buy your supplies more cheaply, and working more efficiently are all covered in depth.

As an accountant, I reviewed the financial calculations and strategies closely, and Dillehay is accurate in his advice. However, in the realm of taxes, I would advise caution and the guidance of a tax professional, before implementing some of the suggestions offered. How to Price Crafts and Things You Make to Sell is a wealth of information that can ensure your small business is successful and profitable.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

business, self improvement

The Skinny on Direct Sales

Bergers Book Reviews

The Skinny on Direct Sales
Author: Jim Randel
Publisher: Rand Media
Genre: Self-improvement / Business
ISBN: 978-0-9824390-9-8
Pages: 126
Price: $14.95

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Have you ever considered a career in direct sales? Many people sign up for a sales program without giving any thought about what is involved. They simply expect to go out and start selling. But without adequate preparation, they are doomed to fail.

Jim Randel knows quite a bit about the important steps you will need to take, and he has put together a simple guide to your first 100 days. This no-nonsense book shows how Beth, a stick-figure character, goes into direct sales. Through her experiences and Randel’s commentary, this comic-book style guide leads you through the setup process of your new business.

When early sales aren’t as good as anticipated, many people give up. But with The Skinny on Direct Sales, anyone can be successful in direct sales. I highly recommend this helpful guide.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

business

The Skinny on Networking

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Jim Randel
Publisher: Rand Media
Genre: Business
ISBN: 978-0-9844418-1-5
Pages: 156
Price: $14.95

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“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” But how do you get to know the people who can assist you when you need it most? Our inner circle of acquaintances – friends and family – can occasionally help. But it’s best to broaden our network and increase the likelihood of being able to call on just the person who can address our need.

In The Skinny on Networking, Jim Randel shows us the power of having a large network, and how to go about creating it. He discusses the concept of “connectors” – those who seem to know just about everyone. Social capital is explored, and why it’s not always a good idea to ask for big vs. little favors. And Randel shares his thoughts on how best to use the internet through social media and blogs.

For many folks, networking is difficult, but Randel encourages us to work on this important skill every day. A network that grows organically takes effort, but it’s well worth it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

business, self improvement

The Skinny on the Art of Persuasion

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Jim Randel
Publisher: Rand Media
Genre: Self-improvement / Business
ISBN: 978-0-9824390-0-5
Pages: 168
Price: $14.95

Author’s website
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In order to succeed in business, it’s helpful to be able to persuade others to follow your way of thinking. This skill can be utilized in sales, but it’s also useful in dealing with people on a day to day basis.

Although it may seem as if the best salesmen are born with the ability to convince people to buy, this skill is actually something anyone can learn. All you need to do is follow the steps Jim Randel has laid out for us in The Skinny on the Art of Persuasion. Persuasion is not the same thing as manipulation, so Randel also reminds us that integrity is key – people will know when they’re not being treated respectfully.

Skinny books are mini-courses presented in a power-point format with stick figures and brief insights on each concept. A bibliography of further reading is provided for those who want to dig deeper. Read a Skinny in an hour, and gain a wealth of information. I highly recommend this series.

Reviewer: Alice Berger