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 Customer Reviews
Uninspiring, 22 Feb 2008
As someone keen to learn from entrepreneurs I didn't find this book useful; it is too brief and lacking in substance to be of any real use in that respect. I like Richard Branson and feel that he surely has much more insight to offer than is contained within this short book, so I will probably buy his full autobiography.
To coin an old cliché "short and sweet", 20 Jan 2008
Having not read Richard Branson's biog, I would have to assume that many of the stories of inspiration he uses have been well covered before. To me it was new material and added lots of insight into a great business mind.
A short book that I read in just two sittings. I only put it down the first time because I had to go to work! Best 'three quid' I have spent recently.
Get the full story!, 04 Jan 2008
I have read Richard Branson biography, Losing my Virginity only recently and so this book contains nothing new...too bad i bought this one. Although cheap it's not really worth the money i have to admit. Go for his book, Losing my Virginity and you will get your money's worth! I don't understand the marketing strategy, if they even had one with this one!
Quick read, shallow story ...., 05 Dec 2007
I'm reviewing this book, not the man. The book is so concise (big print, designed for emergent readers) that even though you get through it cover to cover in just two hours there is very little satisfaction to be had.
It's a collection of snippets. Those who composed it do not even do us the service of keeping it to a decent chronological flow. It leaps back and forth chapter by chapter.
In compressing so many deeds into so few pages, I was left with the perception that Richard Branson was very smug; I did this good deed, then I had this great adventure, then I set up and sold a big business for a large profit, then I brokered a hostage-saving deal with Saddam Hussein, then I persuaded Elton John to sing at Princess Diana's funeral. I am sure that he is not the smug man that this book might lead you to believe. I would guess that you'd be better served (and learn more) by reading a fuller story.
PS I had to laugh at the Scottish reviewer of this book who worked out that he'd gotten just two words to the penny! Laugh out Loud!!
Easy way to learn from the best, 12 Nov 2007
There's no debate about it- Sir Richard Branson is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time and a role model for so many.
Im a big believer that if you want to be like the best, you need to learn from the best. This book helps you do just that.
Great business and life concepts are easily explained. And at a bargain price- what more do you want?
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Customer Reviews
Uninspiring, 22 Feb 2008
As someone keen to learn from entrepreneurs I didn't find this book useful; it is too brief and lacking in substance to be of any real use in that respect. I like Richard Branson and feel that he surely has much more insight to offer than is contained within this short book, so I will probably buy his full autobiography.
To coin an old cliché "short and sweet", 20 Jan 2008
Having not read Richard Branson's biog, I would have to assume that many of the stories of inspiration he uses have been well covered before. To me it was new material and added lots of insight into a great business mind.
A short book that I read in just two sittings. I only put it down the first time because I had to go to work! Best 'three quid' I have spent recently.
Get the full story!, 04 Jan 2008
I have read Richard Branson biography, Losing my Virginity only recently and so this book contains nothing new...too bad i bought this one. Although cheap it's not really worth the money i have to admit. Go for his book, Losing my Virginity and you will get your money's worth! I don't understand the marketing strategy, if they even had one with this one!
Quick read, shallow story ...., 05 Dec 2007
I'm reviewing this book, not the man. The book is so concise (big print, designed for emergent readers) that even though you get through it cover to cover in just two hours there is very little satisfaction to be had.
It's a collection of snippets. Those who composed it do not even do us the service of keeping it to a decent chronological flow. It leaps back and forth chapter by chapter.
In compressing so many deeds into so few pages, I was left with the perception that Richard Branson was very smug; I did this good deed, then I had this great adventure, then I set up and sold a big business for a large profit, then I brokered a hostage-saving deal with Saddam Hussein, then I persuaded Elton John to sing at Princess Diana's funeral. I am sure that he is not the smug man that this book might lead you to believe. I would guess that you'd be better served (and learn more) by reading a fuller story.
PS I had to laugh at the Scottish reviewer of this book who worked out that he'd gotten just two words to the penny! Laugh out Loud!!
Easy way to learn from the best, 12 Nov 2007
There's no debate about it- Sir Richard Branson is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time and a role model for so many.
Im a big believer that if you want to be like the best, you need to learn from the best. This book helps you do just that.
Great business and life concepts are easily explained. And at a bargain price- what more do you want?
Don't buy used/ preowned copies of this book without checking first , 15 Oct 2008
The book provides an access code to complete a strengthsfinder assessment online.
Don't do what I did and buy a pre-owned copy, because the previous owner had already used the code, so I was unable to complete the assessment.
I had to buy a new copy to get a valid access code to use the online assessment tool.
Basically it's just an access code, 22 Aug 2008
The code inside enables you to take the test to discover your strengths. Once you have done the test, you get can download your profile as well as a description of the 34 strengths tested by the online questionnaire. This description of 34 strengths you can download is the same as the bulk of the book. Gallup would be better off to arrange for a paid inscription to their website and don't waste time on the book.
I'm sure there has been a lot of research in the making of the test but nothing reflects in the book. Gallup says the results aren't supposed to change a lot over a lifetime and it shouldn't be influenced by your current state of mind, fatigue or stress. But other then "trust us, we've used this tests thousands of times" they offer no proof of those claims.
It's a nice to have the 34 strengths handy but a more developed book would be better.
Eye-Opening, 31 Jul 2008
Strengths Finder 2.0 not only helped me to learn more about myself, but it gave me a greater understanding (and tolerance) of those around me. It is an interactive book that requires the reader to take a test that helps to reveal one's strengths. It can also be quite fun to partake of the test with family, friends and co-workers. Another interesting book is Personality Plus by Florence Littauer.
How To Keep Your Man: And Keep Him For Good
Real Life Dramas - Volume One: 1
Darren G. Burton
Great at describing your personality, with no useful advice about what to do with it, 28 Apr 2008
The online test is stunningly accurate and described me far better than I've managed to do myself. The strength finder however had no followup on this with little useful advice about what these traits would be suited to.
King Herod just opened a crèche, 12 Nov 2007
98% Inspiration and 2% Perspiration in the discovery and development of personal strengths must encourage all to uncover what they do best.
Most when asked, "Name four personal strengths you possess". Look at you as though you have just announced `King Herod just opened a crèche on the corner of their road'.
If you want to get ahead in life you should at least understand `what makes you tick' by revealing, even uncovering and discovering what your psychological drives are and how to build them daily, weekly and monthly so you strive to reach maximum enjoyment and satisfaction in all you do.
Tom Rath author offers the above solutions in Strength Finder 2.0. It provides a real return on investment and the WoW factor is sensational. It is `a must' for all seriously wanting to reach the Whitenburgh motto `least effort - maximum benefit' in every aspect of life.
Recommend a buy - bought four additional copies as presents for business friends and my family.
Michael J Whitenburgh
Psychoanalyst
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Customer Reviews
Uninspiring, 22 Feb 2008
As someone keen to learn from entrepreneurs I didn't find this book useful; it is too brief and lacking in substance to be of any real use in that respect. I like Richard Branson and feel that he surely has much more insight to offer than is contained within this short book, so I will probably buy his full autobiography.
To coin an old cliché "short and sweet", 20 Jan 2008
Having not read Richard Branson's biog, I would have to assume that many of the stories of inspiration he uses have been well covered before. To me it was new material and added lots of insight into a great business mind.
A short book that I read in just two sittings. I only put it down the first time because I had to go to work! Best 'three quid' I have spent recently.
Get the full story!, 04 Jan 2008
I have read Richard Branson biography, Losing my Virginity only recently and so this book contains nothing new...too bad i bought this one. Although cheap it's not really worth the money i have to admit. Go for his book, Losing my Virginity and you will get your money's worth! I don't understand the marketing strategy, if they even had one with this one!
Quick read, shallow story ...., 05 Dec 2007
I'm reviewing this book, not the man. The book is so concise (big print, designed for emergent readers) that even though you get through it cover to cover in just two hours there is very little satisfaction to be had.
It's a collection of snippets. Those who composed it do not even do us the service of keeping it to a decent chronological flow. It leaps back and forth chapter by chapter.
In compressing so many deeds into so few pages, I was left with the perception that Richard Branson was very smug; I did this good deed, then I had this great adventure, then I set up and sold a big business for a large profit, then I brokered a hostage-saving deal with Saddam Hussein, then I persuaded Elton John to sing at Princess Diana's funeral. I am sure that he is not the smug man that this book might lead you to believe. I would guess that you'd be better served (and learn more) by reading a fuller story.
PS I had to laugh at the Scottish reviewer of this book who worked out that he'd gotten just two words to the penny! Laugh out Loud!!
Easy way to learn from the best, 12 Nov 2007
There's no debate about it- Sir Richard Branson is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time and a role model for so many.
Im a big believer that if you want to be like the best, you need to learn from the best. This book helps you do just that.
Great business and life concepts are easily explained. And at a bargain price- what more do you want?
Don't buy used/ preowned copies of this book without checking first , 15 Oct 2008
The book provides an access code to complete a strengthsfinder assessment online.
Don't do what I did and buy a pre-owned copy, because the previous owner had already used the code, so I was unable to complete the assessment.
I had to buy a new copy to get a valid access code to use the online assessment tool.
Basically it's just an access code, 22 Aug 2008
The code inside enables you to take the test to discover your strengths. Once you have done the test, you get can download your profile as well as a description of the 34 strengths tested by the online questionnaire. This description of 34 strengths you can download is the same as the bulk of the book. Gallup would be better off to arrange for a paid inscription to their website and don't waste time on the book.
I'm sure there has been a lot of research in the making of the test but nothing reflects in the book. Gallup says the results aren't supposed to change a lot over a lifetime and it shouldn't be influenced by your current state of mind, fatigue or stress. But other then "trust us, we've used this tests thousands of times" they offer no proof of those claims.
It's a nice to have the 34 strengths handy but a more developed book would be better.
Eye-Opening, 31 Jul 2008
Strengths Finder 2.0 not only helped me to learn more about myself, but it gave me a greater understanding (and tolerance) of those around me. It is an interactive book that requires the reader to take a test that helps to reveal one's strengths. It can also be quite fun to partake of the test with family, friends and co-workers. Another interesting book is Personality Plus by Florence Littauer.
How To Keep Your Man: And Keep Him For Good
Real Life Dramas - Volume One: 1
Darren G. Burton
Great at describing your personality, with no useful advice about what to do with it, 28 Apr 2008
The online test is stunningly accurate and described me far better than I've managed to do myself. The strength finder however had no followup on this with little useful advice about what these traits would be suited to.
King Herod just opened a crèche, 12 Nov 2007
98% Inspiration and 2% Perspiration in the discovery and development of personal strengths must encourage all to uncover what they do best.
Most when asked, "Name four personal strengths you possess". Look at you as though you have just announced `King Herod just opened a crèche on the corner of their road'.
If you want to get ahead in life you should at least understand `what makes you tick' by revealing, even uncovering and discovering what your psychological drives are and how to build them daily, weekly and monthly so you strive to reach maximum enjoyment and satisfaction in all you do.
Tom Rath author offers the above solutions in Strength Finder 2.0. It provides a real return on investment and the WoW factor is sensational. It is `a must' for all seriously wanting to reach the Whitenburgh motto `least effort - maximum benefit' in every aspect of life.
Recommend a buy - bought four additional copies as presents for business friends and my family.
Michael J Whitenburgh
Psychoanalyst
A good book for vision and goals, 24 Nov 2008
This teaches you to focus your mind on what you want in life and not on what you don't want. The idea is that when you are focused exclusively on what you want you naturally gravitate toward that goal. There is a bit of the universal energy in it all however and it literally claims you can have anything at all - but I found it very good for motivation and focusing the mind on my goals. Another book which is good for focusing the mind on future life plans is the VISION `Life Diary 2009' . 'The Key' and this daily planner will help to motivate and inspire you towards what you want in life.
Author contradicts himself and 'The Secret', 10 Oct 2008
This book added nothing extra to the message that was in 'The Secret'.
Joe Vitale seems to contradict himself when he tells the reader not to focus on money. But watch 'The Secret' and listen to some of Joe Vitale's interviews and then listen to 'Bob Proctor' and 'Jack Canfield' And you will see a pattern; money money money.
Joe tells us in part three of 'The key' that we shouldn't focus on money, that money is worthless. Money is just paper with wonderful art on it. Yet Joe, Bob and Jack seem to worship this worthless material:
*Joe Vitale was broke and homeless a few years ago, he had no particular talents or dream career. Today Joe is rich because he found a way of making money by writing books about making money. Joe tells us in 'The key' not to focus on money, instead focus on passion and having fun.
Joe uses 'Richard Branson' and 'Donald Trump' as examples of two billionaires who are having fun doing what they love and not focusing on money.
Come on Joe is not writing and producing books and cds and seminars about making money to have fun, he is doing it to make money.
*Bob Proctor was in debt and miserable and had few qualifications and owed more money than he earned. Today Bob Proctor is a rich man telling people how to become rich themselves, with the help of Wallace D Wattles book 'The science of getting rich'. Listen to Bob Proctors interviews and all you'll here him talk about is money and becoming a millionaire.
*Jack Canfield defaced a $10 bill and added some zeros ($100,000) and stuck it on his ceiling and stared at it everymorning imagining that he had that money in his life. He claims he received over $80,000 within months. Now he is a very rich man travelling around the world.
The Chicken soup for the soul books are inspirational but Jack had a desire to make money first and foremost.
Joe's clearing methods were interesting at times and pure Psycho babble in places. I find it hard to take advise on how to clear mental and emotional problems from someone who has no visible qualifications and comes across as a used car salesman.
Joe used this book to promote his websites and other books. The book could have been shorter, Joe fills it with segments from his teleseminars and quotes from other authors or self help gurus. There is little substance.
I closed the book unfortunately missing the missing secret.
I got little from 'The Secret' and less from 'The Key'.
Padded or a cushion to save our fall ... you decide, 04 Oct 2008
I have not read any of the other books by this author, so to me it was all new stuff. I do get the feeling from other reviewers that the author could have tired a little harder, and perhaps was riding on the back of `The Secret'. I agree with one of the other reviews that goes on to detail our own desire and that, perhaps, it is this that makes us unhappy, due to it leaving us unsatisfied. The text herein gives exercises and tips on overcoming blocks that limit our feelings and beliefs. I am well on my way to reading through a lot of these `self help' books, and this one by Joe Vitale does seem at odds with itself at times. I guess as I go through more of this author's collection of books I will get the message he is sending out.
"Quick money" device, 26 Jul 2008
This books contains some useful insights.
Still, it is very clear that it is just meant to be a quick way of multiplying the sales channels of what the author has already said in other books; it comes so far as to partially consist of transcriptions of seminaries with much blabla and nothing that is not a repetition of what was already said.
Also not pleasing is the constant self advertising of the author and promotion of his other books, internet sites etc. A bit would still go if made with class and decency, but in my eyes this was not the case here.
All in all, I would not spend the money again for this book and do not consider it a good investment.
useful to a degree, 07 Jul 2008
I liked aspects of this book but in the end I found its central message too ego-based. It's clear that many of us put limits on ourselves and that it can be beneficial for us to transcend those limits, but that needs to be balanced by an awareness of how desire is part of the problem, and how we can actually find contentment by stopping wanting things like success and wealth. Desire makes us unhappy because it makes us dissatisfied. So to some degree, we need to overcome desire. For a more edifying read, try Making Time by Steve Taylor Making Time: Why Time Seems to Pass at Different Speeds and How to Control It, which shows how you can control and expand time by filling your life with new experience and by living in the present.
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Think and Grow Rich
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £2.84
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Customer Reviews
Uninspiring, 22 Feb 2008
As someone keen to learn from entrepreneurs I didn't find this book useful; it is too brief and lacking in substance to be of any real use in that respect. I like Richard Branson and feel that he surely has much more insight to offer than is contained within this short book, so I will probably buy his full autobiography.
To coin an old cliché "short and sweet", 20 Jan 2008
Having not read Richard Branson's biog, I would have to assume that many of the stories of inspiration he uses have been well covered before. To me it was new material and added lots of insight into a great business mind.
A short book that I read in just two sittings. I only put it down the first time because I had to go to work! Best 'three quid' I have spent recently.
Get the full story!, 04 Jan 2008
I have read Richard Branson biography, Losing my Virginity only recently and so this book contains nothing new...too bad i bought this one. Although cheap it's not really worth the money i have to admit. Go for his book, Losing my Virginity and you will get your money's worth! I don't understand the marketing strategy, if they even had one with this one!
Quick read, shallow story ...., 05 Dec 2007
I'm reviewing this book, not the man. The book is so concise (big print, designed for emergent readers) that even though you get through it cover to cover in just two hours there is very little satisfaction to be had.
It's a collection of snippets. Those who composed it do not even do us the service of keeping it to a decent chronological flow. It leaps back and forth chapter by chapter.
In compressing so many deeds into so few pages, I was left with the perception that Richard Branson was very smug; I did this good deed, then I had this great adventure, then I set up and sold a big business for a large profit, then I brokered a hostage-saving deal with Saddam Hussein, then I persuaded Elton John to sing at Princess Diana's funeral. I am sure that he is not the smug man that this book might lead you to believe. I would guess that you'd be better served (and learn more) by reading a fuller story.
PS I had to laugh at the Scottish reviewer of this book who worked out that he'd gotten just two words to the penny! Laugh out Loud!!
Easy way to learn from the best, 12 Nov 2007
There's no debate about it- Sir Richard Branson is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time and a role model for so many.
Im a big believer that if you want to be like the best, you need to learn from the best. This book helps you do just that.
Great business and life concepts are easily explained. And at a bargain price- what more do you want?
Don't buy used/ preowned copies of this book without checking first , 15 Oct 2008
The book provides an access code to complete a strengthsfinder assessment online.
Don't do what I did and buy a pre-owned copy, because the previous owner had already used the code, so I was unable to complete the assessment.
I had to buy a new copy to get a valid access code to use the online assessment tool.
Basically it's just an access code, 22 Aug 2008
The code inside enables you to take the test to discover your strengths. Once you have done the test, you get can download your profile as well as a description of the 34 strengths tested by the online questionnaire. This description of 34 strengths you can download is the same as the bulk of the book. Gallup would be better off to arrange for a paid inscription to their website and don't waste time on the book.
I'm sure there has been a lot of research in the making of the test but nothing reflects in the book. Gallup says the results aren't supposed to change a lot over a lifetime and it shouldn't be influenced by your current state of mind, fatigue or stress. But other then "trust us, we've used this tests thousands of times" they offer no proof of those claims.
It's a nice to have the 34 strengths handy but a more developed book would be better.
Eye-Opening, 31 Jul 2008
Strengths Finder 2.0 not only helped me to learn more about myself, but it gave me a greater understanding (and tolerance) of those around me. It is an interactive book that requires the reader to take a test that helps to reveal one's strengths. It can also be quite fun to partake of the test with family, friends and co-workers. Another interesting book is Personality Plus by Florence Littauer.
How To Keep Your Man: And Keep Him For Good
Real Life Dramas - Volume One: 1
Darren G. Burton
Great at describing your personality, with no useful advice about what to do with it, 28 Apr 2008
The online test is stunningly accurate and described me far better than I've managed to do myself. The strength finder however had no followup on this with little useful advice about what these traits would be suited to.
King Herod just opened a crèche, 12 Nov 2007
98% Inspiration and 2% Perspiration in the discovery and development of personal strengths must encourage all to uncover what they do best.
Most when asked, "Name four personal strengths you possess". Look at you as though you have just announced `King Herod just opened a crèche on the corner of their road'.
If you want to get ahead in life you should at least understand `what makes you tick' by revealing, even uncovering and discovering what your psychological drives are and how to build them daily, weekly and monthly so you strive to reach maximum enjoyment and satisfaction in all you do.
Tom Rath author offers the above solutions in Strength Finder 2.0. It provides a real return on investment and the WoW factor is sensational. It is `a must' for all seriously wanting to reach the Whitenburgh motto `least effort - maximum benefit' in every aspect of life.
Recommend a buy - bought four additional copies as presents for business friends and my family.
Michael J Whitenburgh
Psychoanalyst
A good book for vision and goals, 24 Nov 2008
This teaches you to focus your mind on what you want in life and not on what you don't want. The idea is that when you are focused exclusively on what you want you naturally gravitate toward that goal. There is a bit of the universal energy in it all however and it literally claims you can have anything at all - but I found it very good for motivation and focusing the mind on my goals. Another book which is good for focusing the mind on future life plans is the VISION `Life Diary 2009' . 'The Key' and this daily planner will help to motivate and inspire you towards what you want in life.
Author contradicts himself and 'The Secret', 10 Oct 2008
This book added nothing extra to the message that was in 'The Secret'.
Joe Vitale seems to contradict himself when he tells the reader not to focus on money. But watch 'The Secret' and listen to some of Joe Vitale's interviews and then listen to 'Bob Proctor' and 'Jack Canfield' And you will see a pattern; money money money.
Joe tells us in part three of 'The key' that we shouldn't focus on money, that money is worthless. Money is just paper with wonderful art on it. Yet Joe, Bob and Jack seem to worship this worthless material:
*Joe Vitale was broke and homeless a few years ago, he had no particular talents or dream career. Today Joe is rich because he found a way of making money by writing books about making money. Joe tells us in 'The key' not to focus on money, instead focus on passion and having fun.
Joe uses 'Richard Branson' and 'Donald Trump' as examples of two billionaires who are having fun doing what they love and not focusing on money.
Come on Joe is not writing and producing books and cds and seminars about making money to have fun, he is doing it to make money.
*Bob Proctor was in debt and miserable and had few qualifications and owed more money than he earned. Today Bob Proctor is a rich man telling people how to become rich themselves, with the help of Wallace D Wattles book 'The science of getting rich'. Listen to Bob Proctors interviews and all you'll here him talk about is money and becoming a millionaire.
*Jack Canfield defaced a $10 bill and added some zeros ($100,000) and stuck it on his ceiling and stared at it everymorning imagining that he had that money in his life. He claims he received over $80,000 within months. Now he is a very rich man travelling around the world.
The Chicken soup for the soul books are inspirational but Jack had a desire to make money first and foremost.
Joe's clearing methods were interesting at times and pure Psycho babble in places. I find it hard to take advise on how to clear mental and emotional problems from someone who has no visible qualifications and comes across as a used car salesman.
Joe used this book to promote his websites and other books. The book could have been shorter, Joe fills it with segments from his teleseminars and quotes from other authors or self help gurus. There is little substance.
I closed the book unfortunately missing the missing secret.
I got little from 'The Secret' and less from 'The Key'.
Padded or a cushion to save our fall ... you decide, 04 Oct 2008
I have not read any of the other books by this author, so to me it was all new stuff. I do get the feeling from other reviewers that the author could have tired a little harder, and perhaps was riding on the back of `The Secret'. I agree with one of the other reviews that goes on to detail our own desire and that, perhaps, it is this that makes us unhappy, due to it leaving us unsatisfied. The text herein gives exercises and tips on overcoming blocks that limit our feelings and beliefs. I am well on my way to reading through a lot of these `self help' books, and this one by Joe Vitale does seem at odds with itself at times. I guess as I go through more of this author's collection of books I will get the message he is sending out.
"Quick money" device, 26 Jul 2008
This books contains some useful insights.
Still, it is very clear that it is just meant to be a quick way of multiplying the sales channels of what the author has already said in other books; it comes so far as to partially consist of transcriptions of seminaries with much blabla and nothing that is not a repetition of what was already said.
Also not pleasing is the constant self advertising of the author and promotion of his other books, internet sites etc. A bit would still go if made with class and decency, but in my eyes this was not the case here.
All in all, I would not spend the money again for this book and do not consider it a good investment.
useful to a degree, 07 Jul 2008
I liked aspects of this book but in the end I found its central message too ego-based. It's clear that many of us put limits on ourselves and that it can be beneficial for us to transcend those limits, but that needs to be balanced by an awareness of how desire is part of the problem, and how we can actually find contentment by stopping wanting things like success and wealth. Desire makes us unhappy because it makes us dissatisfied. So to some degree, we need to overcome desire. For a more edifying read, try Making Time by Steve Taylor Making Time: Why Time Seems to Pass at Different Speeds and How to Control It, which shows how you can control and expand time by filling your life with new experience and by living in the present.
One Of The Originals In Our Times And The Best!, 24 Nov 2008
A classic work incorporating developmental principles from down the ages in a motivational and inspirational style. Many have come after and tried to emulate Napoleon Hill but, for me, his seminal work covering 13 very do-able principles is still the best.
a classic, 17 Aug 2008
Originally published in 1937. Napoleon Hill developed a simple 13 step formula to help you identify your goals, master the secrets of true and lasting success, obtain what you want in life, join the ranks of the super successful.
This book is easy to understand and gets you thinking about positive thinking in relation to greater wealth, with lots of examples of men and women and their stories of success.
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Customer Reviews
Uninspiring, 22 Feb 2008
As someone keen to learn from entrepreneurs I didn't find this book useful; it is too brief and lacking in substance to be of any real use in that respect. I like Richard Branson and feel that he surely has much more insight to offer than is contained within this short book, so I will probably buy his full autobiography.
To coin an old cliché "short and sweet", 20 Jan 2008
Having not read Richard Branson's biog, I would have to assume that many of the stories of inspiration he uses have been well covered before. To me it was new material and added lots of insight into a great business mind.
A short book that I read in just two sittings. I only put it down the first time because I had to go to work! Best 'three quid' I have spent recently.
Get the full story!, 04 Jan 2008
I have read Richard Branson biography, Losing my Virginity only recently and so this book contains nothing new...too bad i bought this one. Although cheap it's not really worth the money i have to admit. Go for his book, Losing my Virginity and you will get your money's worth! I don't understand the marketing strategy, if they even had one with this one!
Quick read, shallow story ...., 05 Dec 2007
I'm reviewing this book, not the man. The book is so concise (big print, designed for emergent readers) that even though you get through it cover to cover in just two hours there is very little satisfaction to be had.
It's a collection of snippets. Those who composed it do not even do us the service of keeping it to a decent chronological flow. It leaps back and forth chapter by chapter.
In compressing so many deeds into so few pages, I was left with the perception that Richard Branson was very smug; I did this good deed, then I had this great adventure, then I set up and sold a big business for a large profit, then I brokered a hostage-saving deal with Saddam Hussein, then I persuaded Elton John to sing at Princess Diana's funeral. I am sure that he is not the smug man that this book might lead you to believe. I would guess that you'd be better served (and learn more) by reading a fuller story.
PS I had to laugh at the Scottish reviewer of this book who worked out that he'd gotten just two words to the penny! Laugh out Loud!!
Easy way to learn from the best, 12 Nov 2007
There's no debate about it- Sir Richard Branson is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time and a role model for so many.
Im a big believer that if you want to be like the best, you need to learn from the best. This book helps you do just that.
Great business and life concepts are easily explained. And at a bargain price- what more do you want?
Don't buy used/ preowned copies of this book without checking first , 15 Oct 2008
The book provides an access code to complete a strengthsfinder assessment online.
Don't do what I did and buy a pre-owned copy, because the previous owner had already used the code, so I was unable to complete the assessment.
I had to buy a new copy to get a valid access code to use the online assessment tool.
Basically it's just an access code, 22 Aug 2008
The code inside enables you to take the test to discover your strengths. Once you have done the test, you get can download your profile as well as a description of the 34 strengths tested by the online questionnaire. This description of 34 strengths you can download is the same as the bulk of the book. Gallup would be better off to arrange for a paid inscription to their website and don't waste time on the book.
I'm sure there has been a lot of research in the making of the test but nothing reflects in the book. Gallup says the results aren't supposed to change a lot over a lifetime and it shouldn't be influenced by your current state of mind, fatigue or stress. But other then "trust us, we've used this tests thousands of times" they offer no proof of those claims.
It's a nice to have the 34 strengths handy but a more developed book would be better.
Eye-Opening, 31 Jul 2008
Strengths Finder 2.0 not only helped me to learn more about myself, but it gave me a greater understanding (and tolerance) of those around me. It is an interactive book that requires the reader to take a test that helps to reveal one's strengths. It can also be quite fun to partake of the test with family, friends and co-workers. Another interesting book is Personality Plus by Florence Littauer.
How To Keep Your Man: And Keep Him For Good
Real Life Dramas - Volume One: 1
Darren G. Burton
Great at describing your personality, with no useful advice about what to do with it, 28 Apr 2008
The online test is stunningly accurate and described me far better than I've managed to do myself. The strength finder however had no followup on this with little useful advice about what these traits would be suited to.
King Herod just opened a crèche, 12 Nov 2007
98% Inspiration and 2% Perspiration in the discovery and development of personal strengths must encourage all to uncover what they do best.
Most when asked, "Name four personal strengths you possess". Look at you as though you have just announced `King Herod just opened a crèche on the corner of their road'.
If you want to get ahead in life you should at least understand `what makes you tick' by revealing, even uncovering and discovering what your psychological drives are and how to build them daily, weekly and monthly so you strive to reach maximum enjoyment and satisfaction in all you do.
Tom Rath author offers the above solutions in Strength Finder 2.0. It provides a real return on investment and the WoW factor is sensational. It is `a must' for all seriously wanting to reach the Whitenburgh motto `least effort - maximum benefit' in every aspect of life.
Recommend a buy - bought four additional copies as presents for business friends and my family.
Michael J Whitenburgh
Psychoanalyst
A good book for vision and goals, 24 Nov 2008
This teaches you to focus your mind on what you want in life and not on what you don't want. The idea is that when you are focused exclusively on what you want you naturally gravitate toward that goal. There is a bit of the universal energy in it all however and it literally claims you can have anything at all - but I found it very good for motivation and focusing the mind on my goals. Another book which is good for focusing the mind on future life plans is the VISION `Life Diary 2009' . 'The Key' and this daily planner will help to motivate and inspire you towards what you want in life.
Author contradicts himself and 'The Secret', 10 Oct 2008
This book added nothing extra to the message that was in 'The Secret'.
Joe Vitale seems to contradict himself when he tells the reader not to focus on money. But watch 'The Secret' and listen to some of Joe Vitale's interviews and then listen to 'Bob Proctor' and 'Jack Canfield' And you will see a pattern; money money money.
Joe tells us in part three of 'The key' that we shouldn't focus on money, that money is worthless. Money is just paper with wonderful art on it. Yet Joe, Bob and Jack seem to worship this worthless material:
*Joe Vitale was broke and homeless a few years ago, he had no particular talents or dream career. Today Joe is rich because he found a way of making money by writing books about making money. Joe tells us in 'The key' not to focus on money, instead focus on passion and having fun.
Joe uses 'Richard Branson' and 'Donald Trump' as examples of two billionaires who are having fun doing what they love and not focusing on money.
Come on Joe is not writing and producing books and cds and seminars about making money to have fun, he is doing it to make money.
*Bob Proctor was in debt and miserable and had few qualifications and owed more money than he earned. Today Bob Proctor is a rich man telling people how to become rich themselves, with the help of Wallace D Wattles book 'The science of getting rich'. Listen to Bob Proctors interviews and all you'll here him talk about is money and becoming a millionaire.
*Jack Canfield defaced a $10 bill and added some zeros ($100,000) and stuck it on his ceiling and stared at it everymorning imagining that he had that money in his life. He claims he received over $80,000 within months. Now he is a very rich man travelling around the world.
The Chicken soup for the soul books are inspirational but Jack had a desire to make money first and foremost.
Joe's clearing methods were interesting at times and pure Psycho babble in places. I find it hard to take advise on how to clear mental and emotional problems from someone who has no visible qualifications and comes across as a used car salesman.
Joe used this book to promote his websites and other books. The book could have been shorter, Joe fills it with segments from his teleseminars and quotes from other authors or self help gurus. There is little substance.
I closed the book unfortunately missing the missing secret.
I got little from 'The Secret' and less from 'The Key'.
Padded or a cushion to save our fall ... you decide, 04 Oct 2008
I have not read any of the other books by this author, so to me it was all new stuff. I do get the feeling from other reviewers that the author could have tired a little harder, and perhaps was riding on the back of `The Secret'. I agree with one of the other reviews that goes on to detail our own desire and that, perhaps, it is this that makes us unhappy, due to it leaving us unsatisfied. The text herein gives exercises and tips on overcoming blocks that limit our feelings and beliefs. I am well on my way to reading through a lot of these `self help' books, and this one by Joe Vitale does seem at odds with itself at times. I guess as I go through more of this author's collection of books I will get the message he is sending out.
"Quick money" device, 26 Jul 2008
This books contains some useful insights.
Still, it is very clear that it is just meant to be a quick way of multiplying the sales channels of what the author has already said in other books; it comes so far as to partially consist of transcriptions of seminaries with much blabla and nothing that is not a repetition of what was already said.
Also not pleasing is the constant self advertising of the author and promotion of his other books, internet sites etc. A bit would still go if made with class and decency, but in my eyes this was not the case here.
All in all, I would not spend the money again for this book and do not consider it a good investment.
useful to a degree, 07 Jul 2008
I liked aspects of this book but in the end I found its central message too ego-based. It's clear that many of us put limits on ourselves and that it can be beneficial for us to transcend those limits, but that needs to be balanced by an awareness of how desire is part of the problem, and how we can actually find contentment by stopping wanting things like success and wealth. Desire makes us unhappy because it makes us dissatisfied. So to some degree, we need to overcome desire. For a more edifying read, try Making Time by Steve Taylor Making Time: Why Time Seems to Pass at Different Speeds and How to Control It, which shows how you can control and expand time by filling your life with new experience and by living in the present.
One Of The Originals In Our Times And The Best!, 24 Nov 2008
A classic work incorporating developmental principles from down the ages in a motivational and inspirational style. Many have come after and tried to emulate Napoleon Hill but, for me, his seminal work covering 13 very do-able principles is still the best.
a classic, 17 Aug 2008
Originally published in 1937. Napoleon Hill developed a simple 13 step formula to help you identify your goals, master the secrets of true and lasting success, obtain what you want in life, join the ranks of the super successful.
This book is easy to understand and gets you thinking about positive thinking in relation to greater wealth, with lots of examples of men and women and their stories of success.
Good background document, 29 Sep 2008
Forrester Research occupy a unique position. They have access to the internet's great thinkers through briefings that they have with all the leading web service companies: Yahoo!, Google, Facebook and everyone in between. On the other side they act as a marketing consultant to a number of main street brands.
Li and Bernoff have crystalised the lessons that Forrester Research learned walking both sides of the street in the Groundswell. The book does a good job of educating the average consumer on the so called web 2.0 services and how consumers interact with them. They also provide a helicopter view about how to approach incorporating social web techniques into their business.
The most valuable part of the book is the anecdotes and case studies (some of which are from Forrester Research clients) which brings the concepts that they talk about to life. Their Social Technographics model provides a framework for segmenting audiences based on their level of interaction with web properties and communities.
This is a "must read", 23 Sep 2008
Like the positive reviews above, I agree that this is a great book! I wouldn't agree with the reviewer who sites the case studies as banal - they are real world studies across a wide range of services so there's something for everyone, from those working in communications and media, through manufacturing and service delivery to health services and the public sector.
The writing style is clear, accessible and no-nonsense. I won't win any literary prises, but for this sort of book you wouldn't want anything else. One minor niggle was the formula used as the beginning of many chapters: "Fred is a (whatever) and here's his story..." - it grated a bit by the sixth or seventh time they used this device.
But that aside I can't fault it. It helps clarify one's thinking about what the social media groundswell is, and how to recognise its various manifestations, and it then goes on to give so0lid, practical suggestions for how you can adapt to and adopt the groundswell positively in your organisation.
As a companion to this I'd also recommend "Here Comes Everybody" by Clay Shirky.
Helpful Introduction to Engaging Customers through the Internet for Senior Executives, 19 Sep 2008
Groundswell is that rare combination in a business book: Simple concepts and detailed explanations of what to do and how to evaluate the results. I especially liked the case histories that measured the economics of customer engagement.
The authors draw on their experiences at Forrester Research to show how right and wrong you can go by listening to, speaking with, engaging, providing for, and cooperating with customers. They caution starting small and feeling your way. Otherwise, you may bite off more than you are able to absorb.
For smaller companies, you'll also find suggestions of lower-cost ways to use social technologies that you can afford. Naturally, the options are more diverse and expensive for larger companies. But if you are spending a lot of time on marketing research, advertising, and promotions, you will probably find social technologies a less expensive way to go. If you have major expenses for customer support, social technologies can eliminate a lot of those. In addition, social technologies can help you gain faster insight into defects. For the lean company, these approaches will also make a lot of sense.
I liked the book so much that I included several references to it in my weekly briefing to entrepreneurs who want to build major businesses.
If, on the other hand, you are doing a lot with private communities, help forums, executive blogs, and evaluating customer observations, you won't find this book to be advanced enough for you. It's more of a beginner's guide.
Social networks and Social Technologies, 16 Sep 2008
Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff argue a compelling, well-researched case backed up by relevant statistics about the growing importance of the so-called Social Media. They show how the rules of the game have changed and the new participatory nature of the 'Grounswell' means that enlisting clients' support through the means of forums, wikis and other online communities can make all the difference for a whole range of organizations.
A much needed and welcome addition to a field of growing relevance.
Ground fairly good but not groundswell, 09 Sep 2008
This book has one or two useful ideas: that when thinking about implementing a groundswell approach your thinking should be in the order POST (people, objectives strategy, technology) ie with technology last; the social technographics tool and/or approach.
None of the case-studies came up with any tremendous surprises and the lessons / conclusions are of the sort that would occur to a reasonably web literate person if you asked them to spend 30 mins jotting down what they thought a book on this topic would offer in that line.
To my mind the big test of any book is:- if I lost my copy would I fork out for another copy - for this book the answer's "no".
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Customer Reviews
Uninspiring, 22 Feb 2008
As someone keen to learn from entrepreneurs I didn't find this book useful; it is too brief and lacking in substance to be of any real use in that respect. I like Richard Branson and feel that he surely has much more insight to offer than is contained within this short book, so I will probably buy his full autobiography.
To coin an old cliché "short and sweet", 20 Jan 2008
Having not read Richard Branson's biog, I would have to assume that many of the stories of inspiration he uses have been well covered before. To me it was new material and added lots of insight into a great business mind.
A short book that I read in just two sittings. I only put it down the first time because I had to go to work! Best 'three quid' I have spent recently.
Get the full story!, 04 Jan 2008
I have read Richard Branson biography, Losing my Virginity only recently and so this book contains nothing new...too bad i bought this one. Although cheap it's not really worth the money i have to admit. Go for his book, Losing my Virginity and you will get your money's worth! I don't understand the marketing strategy, if they even had one with this one!
Quick read, shallow story ...., 05 Dec 2007
I'm reviewing this book, not the man. The book is so concise (big print, designed for emergent readers) that even though you get through it cover to cover in just two hours there is very little satisfaction to be had.
It's a collection of snippets. Those who composed it do not even do us the service of keeping it to a decent chronological flow. It leaps back and forth chapter by chapter.
In compressing so many deeds into so few pages, I was left with the perception that Richard Branson was very smug; I did this good deed, then I had this great adventure, then I set up and sold a big business for a large profit, then I brokered a hostage-saving deal with Saddam Hussein, then I persuaded Elton John to sing at Princess Diana's funeral. I am sure that he is not the smug man that this book might lead you to believe. I would guess that you'd be better served (and learn more) by reading a fuller story.
PS I had to laugh at the Scottish reviewer of this book who worked out that he'd gotten just two words to the penny! Laugh out Loud!!
Easy way to learn from the best, 12 Nov 2007
There's no debate about it- Sir Richard Branson is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time and a role model for so many.
Im a big believer that if you want to be like the best, you need to learn from the best. This book helps you do just that.
Great business and life concepts are easily explained. And at a bargain price- what more do you want?
Don't buy used/ preowned copies of this book without checking first , 15 Oct 2008
The book provides an access code to complete a strengthsfinder assessment online.
Don't do what I did and buy a pre-owned copy, because the previous owner had already used the code, so I was unable to complete the assessment.
I had to buy a new copy to get a valid access code to use the online assessment tool.
Basically it's just an access code, 22 Aug 2008
The code inside enables you to take the test to discover your strengths. Once you have done the test, you get can download your profile as well as a description of the 34 strengths tested by the online questionnaire. This description of 34 strengths you can download is the same as the bulk of the book. Gallup would be better off to arrange for a paid inscription to their website and don't waste time on the book.
I'm sure there has been a lot of research in the making of the test but nothing reflects in the book. Gallup says the results aren't supposed to change a lot over a lifetime and it shouldn't be influenced by your current state of mind, fatigue or stress. But other then "trust us, we've used this tests thousands of times" they offer no proof of those claims.
It's a nice to have the 34 strengths handy but a more developed book would be better.
Eye-Opening, 31 Jul 2008
Strengths Finder 2.0 not only helped me to learn more about myself, but it gave me a greater understanding (and tolerance) of those around me. It is an interactive book that requires the reader to take a test that helps to reveal one's strengths. It can also be quite fun to partake of the test with family, friends and co-workers. Another interesting book is Personality Plus by Florence Littauer.
How To Keep Your Man: And Keep Him For Good
Real Life Dramas - Volume One: 1
Darren G. Burton
Great at describing your personality, with no useful advice about what to do with it, 28 Apr 2008
The online test is stunningly accurate and described me far better than I've managed to do myself. The strength finder however had no followup on this with little useful advice about what these traits would be suited to.
King Herod just opened a crèche, 12 Nov 2007
98% Inspiration and 2% Perspiration in the discovery and development of personal strengths must encourage all to uncover what they do best.
Most when asked, "Name four personal strengths you possess". Look at you as though you have just announced `King Herod just opened a crèche on the corner of their road'.
If you want to get ahead in life you should at least understand `what makes you tick' by revealing, even uncovering and discovering what your psychological drives are and how to build them daily, weekly and monthly so you strive to reach maximum enjoyment and satisfaction in all you do.
Tom Rath author offers the above solutions in Strength Finder 2.0. It provides a real return on investment and the WoW factor is sensational. It is `a must' for all seriously wanting to reach the Whitenburgh motto `least effort - maximum benefit' in every aspect of life.
Recommend a buy - bought four additional copies as presents for business friends and my family.
Michael J Whitenburgh
Psychoanalyst
A good book for vision and goals, 24 Nov 2008
This teaches you to focus your mind on what you want in life and not on what you don't want. The idea is that when you are focused exclusively on what you want you naturally gravitate toward that goal. There is a bit of the universal energy in it all however and it literally claims you can have anything at all - but I found it very good for motivation and focusing the mind on my goals. Another book which is good for focusing the mind on future life plans is the VISION `Life Diary 2009' . 'The Key' and this daily planner will help to motivate and inspire you towards what you want in life.
Author contradicts himself and 'The Secret', 10 Oct 2008
This book added nothing extra to the message that was in 'The Secret'.
Joe Vitale seems to contradict himself when he tells the reader not to focus on money. But watch 'The Secret' and listen to some of Joe Vitale's interviews and then listen to 'Bob Proctor' and 'Jack Canfield' And you will see a pattern; money money money.
Joe tells us in part three of 'The key' that we shouldn't focus on money, that money is worthless. Money is just paper with wonderful art on it. Yet Joe, Bob and Jack seem to worship this worthless material:
*Joe Vitale was broke and homeless a few years ago, he had no particular talents or dream career. Today Joe is rich because he found a way of making money by writing books about making money. Joe tells us in 'The key' not to focus on money, instead focus on passion and having fun.
Joe uses 'Richard Branson' and 'Donald Trump' as examples of two billionaires who are having fun doing what they love and not focusing on money.
Come on Joe is not writing and producing books and cds and seminars about making money to have fun, he is doing it to make money.
*Bob Proctor was in debt and miserable and had few qualifications and owed more money than he earned. Today Bob Proctor is a rich man telling people how to become rich themselves, with the help of Wallace D Wattles book 'The science of getting rich'. Listen to Bob Proctors interviews and all you'll here him talk about is money and becoming a millionaire.
*Jack Canfield defaced a $10 bill and added some zeros ($100,000) and stuck it on his ceiling and stared at it everymorning imagining that he had that money in his life. He claims he received over $80,000 within months. Now he is a very rich man travelling around the world.
The Chicken soup for the soul books are inspirational but Jack had a desire to make money first and foremost.
Joe's clearing methods were interesting at times and pure Psycho babble in places. I find it hard to take advise on how to clear mental and emotional problems from someone who has no visible qualifications and comes across as a used car salesman.
Joe used this book to promote his websites and other books. The book could have been shorter, Joe fills it with segments from his teleseminars and quotes from other authors or self help gurus. There is little substance.
I closed the book unfortunately missing the missing secret.
I got little from 'The Secret' and less from 'The Key'.
Padded or a cushion to save our fall ... you decide, 04 Oct 2008
I have not read any of the other books by this author, so to me it was all new stuff. I do get the feeling from other reviewers that the author could have tired a little harder, and perhaps was riding on the back of `The Secret'. I agree with one of the other reviews that goes on to detail our own desire and that, perhaps, it is this that makes us unhappy, due to it leaving us unsatisfied. The text herein gives exercises and tips on overcoming blocks that limit our feelings and beliefs. I am well on my way to reading through a lot of these `self help' books, and this one by Joe Vitale does seem at odds with itself at times. I guess as I go through more of this author's collection of books I will get the message he is sending out.
"Quick money" device, 26 Jul 2008
This books contains some useful insights.
Still, it is very clear that it is just meant to be a quick way of multiplying the sales channels of what the author has already said in other books; it comes so far as to partially consist of transcriptions of seminaries with much blabla and nothing that is not a repetition of what was already said.
Also not pleasing is the constant self advertising of the author and promotion of his other books, internet sites etc. A bit would still go if made with class and decency, but in my eyes this was not the case here.
All in all, I would not spend the money again for this book and do not consider it a good investment.
useful to a degree, 07 Jul 2008
I liked aspects of this book but in the end I found its central message too ego-based. It's clear that many of us put limits on ourselves and that it can be beneficial for us to transcend those limits, but that needs to be balanced by an awareness of how desire is part of the problem, and how we can actually find contentment by stopping wanting things like success and wealth. Desire makes us unhappy because it makes us dissatisfied. So to some degree, we need to overcome desire. For a more edifying read, try Making Time by Steve Taylor Making Time: Why Time Seems to Pass at Different Speeds and How to Control It, which shows how you can control and expand time by filling your life with new experience and by living in the present.
One Of The Originals In Our Times And The Best!, 24 Nov 2008
A classic work incorporating developmental principles from down the ages in a motivational and inspirational style. Many have come after and tried to emulate Napoleon Hill but, for me, his seminal work covering 13 very do-able principles is still the best.
a classic, 17 Aug 2008
Originally published in 1937. Napoleon Hill developed a simple 13 step formula to help you identify your goals, master the secrets of true and lasting success, obtain what you want in life, join the ranks of the super successful.
This book is easy to understand and gets you thinking about positive thinking in relation to greater wealth, with lots of examples of men and women and their stories of success.
Good background document, 29 Sep 2008
Forrester Research occupy a unique position. They have access to the internet's great thinkers through briefings that they have with all the leading web service companies: Yahoo!, Google, Facebook and everyone in between. On the other side they act as a marketing consultant to a number of main street brands.
Li and Bernoff have crystalised the lessons that Forrester Research learned walking both sides of the street in the Groundswell. The book does a good job of educating the average consumer on the so called web 2.0 services and how consumers interact with them. They also provide a helicopter view about how to approach incorporating social web techniques into their business.
The most valuable part of the book is the anecdotes and case studies (some of which are from Forrester Research clients) which brings the concepts that they talk about to life. Their Social Technographics model provides a framework for segmenting audiences based on their level of interaction with web properties and communities.
This is a "must read", 23 Sep 2008
Like the positive reviews above, I agree that this is a great book! I wouldn't agree with the reviewer who sites the case studies as banal - they are real world studies across a wide range of services so there's something for everyone, from those working in communications and media, through manufacturing and service delivery to health services and the public sector.
The writing style is clear, accessible and no-nonsense. I won't win any literary prises, but for this sort of book you wouldn't want anything else. One minor niggle was the formula used as the beginning of many chapters: "Fred is a (whatever) and here's his story..." - it grated a bit by the sixth or seventh time they used this device.
But that aside I can't fault it. It helps clarify one's thinking about what the social media groundswell is, and how to recognise its various manifestations, and it then goes on to give so0lid, practical suggestions for how you can adapt to and adopt the groundswell positively in your organisation.
As a companion to this I'd also recommend "Here Comes Everybody" by Clay Shirky.
Helpful Introduction to Engaging Customers through the Internet for Senior Executives, 19 Sep 2008
Groundswell is that rare combination in a business book: Simple concepts and detailed explanations of what to do and how to evaluate the results. I especially liked the case histories that measured the economics of customer engagement.
The authors draw on their experiences at Forrester Research to show how right and wrong you can go by listening to, speaking with, engaging, providing for, and cooperating with customers. They caution starting small and feeling your way. Otherwise, you may bite off more than you are able to absorb.
For smaller companies, you'll also find suggestions of lower-cost ways to use social technologies that you can afford. Naturally, the options are more diverse and expensive for larger companies. But if you are spending a lot of time on marketing research, advertising, and promotions, you will probably find social technologies a less expensive way to go. If you have major expenses for customer support, social technologies can eliminate a lot of those. In addition, social technologies can help you gain faster insight into defects. For the lean company, these approaches will also make a lot of sense.
I liked the book so much that I included several references to it in my weekly briefing to entrepreneurs who want to build major businesses.
If, on the other hand, you are doing a lot with private communities, help forums, executive blogs, and evaluating customer observations, you won't find this book to be advanced enough for you. It's more of a beginner's guide.
Social networks and Social Technologies, 16 Sep 2008
Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff argue a compelling, well-researched case backed up by relevant statistics about the growing importance of the so-called Social Media. They show how the rules of the game have changed and the new participatory nature of the 'Grounswell' means that enlisting clients' support through the means of forums, wikis and other online communities can make all the difference for a whole range of organizations.
A much needed and welcome addition to a field of growing relevance.
Ground fairly good but not groundswell, 09 Sep 2008
This book has one or two useful ideas: that when thinking about implementing a groundswell approach your thinking should be in the order POST (people, objectives strategy, technology) ie with technology last; the social technographics tool and/or approach.
None of the case-studies came up with any tremendous surprises and the lessons / conclusions are of the sort that would occur to a reasonably web literate person if you asked them to spend 30 mins jotting down what they thought a book on this topic would offer in that line.
To my mind the big test of any book is:- if I lost my copy would I fork out for another copy - for this book the answer's "no".
Proven self-actualization techniques, 16 Jul 2008
One day, a student of Socrates asked his venerable teacher how to become wise. Socrates led the student to a nearby lake and the two entered the water. Then, he held the student's head under the surface as the frantic young man fought wildly. Finally, Socrates freed him. The young man gasped and gulped. Socrates watched calmly and said, "When you desire wisdom with the same intensity that you desire to breathe, then nothing will stop you from getting it." Brian Tracy uses this graphic anecdote to discuss the intensity of thought and feeling that should accompany the work of setting your goals, a potentially life-changing exercise. Every chapter of Tracy's well-written book contains counsel about achieving your dreams as well as practical advice on perfecting your life. Tracy uses plenty of illustrative examples, such as the Socrates story. He reviews many classic motivational tools and techniques. Some self-help authors lure people into wasting hard-earned time and money on books that don't motivate or inspire. However, getAbstract recommends Tracy as a genuine teacher with much to convey about using the power of your mind for personal growth. And if the message here echoes his other books, it is no less valuable for that.
Buy an A4 notepad & pen FIRST - Then GET this book!!, 05 Oct 2007
Once you discover a really good book that works well & easy for you, all you want to do is RAVE about it!! With this outstanding book from one of America's greats - Brian's Tracy, why not? It really "does exactly as it says on the label" (or front cover in this case.)
You only have to briefly scan all of the reviews below to see that this is a powerful book that works. His message in simple & obvious, but with this book Brian shows you why & how so many of us don't or can't succeed in our ambitions to be happy & successful, when it is the right of everyone to enjoy life to the full.
If you've read his other book "GOALS!" first, then don't despair. This book has exactly the same message but goes much deeper into the workings of how health, wealth, happiness & peace of mind can all be achieved, providing you with a dearth of inspiration & motivation to try it out instantly & get going straight way.
This book is a little larger & a little harder going than "Goals!", only in that the chapters aren't broken down into convenient sections where you can pause & take a breath/ Nonetheless, it is written in such an enthusiastic way that keeps you interested all the way.
This ought to be the very last book you buy on the subject, but before you read (& more importantly re-read) it, please make sure you have a fresh note-book (preferably A4) & pen to hand. The book is jam packed with all the essential information to kick you off in the right direction the minute you start reading.
If you've got this far already then you need this book, look no further, your intuition was right in looking here. You won't be disappointed. It's quite a long book but with a little perseverance, you too will be glad you bought & read it. Check out the Amazon sales ranking to see how high this book is valued by thousands of likeminded customers.
The Life Manual, 27 Jun 2007
I couldn't agree more with an earlier reviewer - Safe-Trade - I also own and have read countless Self Help titles on achievement, success and self-Development, and I can honestly say that this is the one book that covers all that you need to know in how to achieve what you want in life. No other book seems to come close - not even Tony Robbins. This book covers a lot of metaphysical stuff, of which I have found difficult to understand in other books, but this one explains the laws very clearly, and gives examples of them in use.
This is a quite a long book, but it covers pretty much everything that you need to know in getting and achieveing what you want in life - you could call it "The Life Manual"
I would strongly recommend this book, if you feel stuck in a rut in your life, whether at work or in your personal relationships and don't know what to do, this book will give you the clarity to move forward and achieve what you really want - as he rightly says -"You are responsible" for everything that happens to you!
I intend to read this book over and over again, until every little detail is ingrained in my mind. Enjoy!
all of brian's books in one, 27 Jan 2007
I've now read about 12 of Brian Tracy's books, and this is one of the best and most substantial.
Most of the material here is repeated in his later books, and this earlier work covers his strange ideas about metaphysics a bit more than the others.
However the three hundred or so pages are bursting with good ideas, mainly about taking responsibility, setting goals and making plans.
I've read this two or three times now, and it's up there with two other Brian Tracy favourites of mine, Goals and Create Your Own Future.
British readers should not let Brian's cheesy appearance put them off! These are the best self-help books ever in my opinion, far more concise than Anthony Robbins, and much less wishy-washy than Susan Jeffers.
This book is exceptional., 07 Nov 2006
This book is exceptional. Anyone who asks me to refer a good book to them, this book comes top of the list. I was reading reviews before I bought this book and found the reviews to be quite mixed, therefore I want this review to be clear and too the point. For me this book gave me results and the thought processes to push myself further then I had before. The most important sections in my opinion are those on goal setting, making decisions quickly & stretching yourself.
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Customer Reviews
Uninspiring, 22 Feb 2008
As someone keen to learn from entrepreneurs I didn't find this book useful; it is too brief and lacking in substance to be of any real use in that respect. I like Richard Branson and feel that he surely has much more insight to offer than is contained within this short book, so I will probably buy his full autobiography.
To coin an old cliché "short and sweet", 20 Jan 2008
Having not read Richard Branson's biog, I would have to assume that many of the stories of inspiration he uses have been well covered before. To me it was new material and added lots of insight into a great business mind.
A short book that I read in just two sittings. I only put it down the first time because I had to go to work! Best 'three quid' I have spent recently.
Get the full story!, 04 Jan 2008
I have read Richard Branson biography, Losing my Virginity only recently and so this book contains nothing new...too bad i bought this one. Although cheap it's not really worth the money i have to admit. Go for his book, Losing my Virginity and you will get your money's worth! I don't understand the marketing strategy, if they even had one with this one!
Quick read, shallow story ...., 05 Dec 2007
I'm reviewing this book, not the man. The book is so concise (big print, designed for emergent readers) that even though you get through it cover to cover in just two hours there is very little satisfaction to be had.
It's a collection of snippets. Those who composed it do not even do us the service of keeping it to a decent chronological flow. It leaps back and forth chapter by chapter.
In compressing so many deeds into so few pages, I was left with the perception that Richard Branson was very smug; I did this good deed, then I had this great adventure, then I set up and sold a big business for a large profit, then I brokered a hostage-saving deal with Saddam Hussein, then I persuaded Elton John to sing at Princess Diana's funeral. I am sure that he is not the smug man that this book might lead you to believe. I would guess that you'd be better served (and learn more) by reading a fuller story.
PS I had to laugh at the Scottish reviewer of this book who worked out that he'd gotten just two words to the penny! Laugh out Loud!!
Easy way to learn from the best, 12 Nov 2007
There's no debate about it- Sir Richard Branson is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time and a role model for so many.
Im a big believer that if you want to be like the best, you need to learn from the best. This book helps you do just that.
Great business and life concepts are easily explained. And at a bargain price- what more do you want?
Don't buy used/ preowned copies of this book without checking first , 15 Oct 2008
The book provides an access code to complete a strengthsfinder assessment online.
Don't do what I did and buy a pre-owned copy, because the previous owner had already used the code, so I was unable to complete the assessment.
I had to buy a new copy to get a valid access code to use the online assessment tool.
Basically it's just an access code, 22 Aug 2008
The code inside enables you to take the test to discover your strengths. Once you have done the test, you get can download your profile as well as a description of the 34 strengths tested by the online questionnaire. This description of 34 strengths you can download is the same as the bulk of the book. Gallup would be better off to arrange for a paid inscription to their website and don't waste time on the book.
I'm sure there has been a lot of research in the making of the test but nothing reflects in the book. Gallup says the results aren't supposed to change a lot over a lifetime and it shouldn't be influenced by your current state of mind, fatigue or stress. But other then "trust us, we've used this tests thousands of times" they offer no proof of those claims.
It's a nice to have the 34 strengths handy but a more developed book would be better.
Eye-Opening, 31 Jul 2008
Strengths Finder 2.0 not only helped me to learn more about myself, but it gave me a greater understanding (and tolerance) of those around me. It is an interactive book that requires the reader to take a test that helps to reveal one's strengths. It can also be quite fun to partake of the test with family, friends and co-workers. Another interesting book is Personality Plus by Florence Littauer.
How To Keep Your Man: And Keep Him For Good
Real Life Dramas - Volume One: 1
Darren G. Burton
Great at describing your personality, with no useful advice about what to do with it, 28 Apr 2008
The online test is stunningly accurate and described me far better than I've managed to do myself. The strength finder however had no followup on this with little useful advice about what these traits would be suited to.
King Herod just opened a crèche, 12 Nov 2007
98% Inspiration and 2% Perspiration in the discovery and development of personal strengths must encourage all to uncover what they do best.
Most when asked, "Name four personal strengths you possess". Look at you as though you have just announced `King Herod just opened a crèche on the corner of their road'.
If you want to get ahead in life you should at least understand `what makes you tick' by revealing, even uncovering and discovering what your psychological drives are and how to build them daily, weekly and monthly so you strive to reach maximum enjoyment and satisfaction in all you do.
Tom Rath author offers the above solutions in Strength Finder 2.0. It provides a real return on investment and the WoW factor is sensational. It is `a must' for all seriously wanting to reach the Whitenburgh motto `least effort - maximum benefit' in every aspect of life.
Recommend a buy - bought four additional copies as presents for business friends and my family.
Michael J Whitenburgh
Psychoanalyst
A good book for vision and goals, 24 Nov 2008
This teaches you to focus your mind on what you want in life and not on what you don't want. The idea is that when you are focused exclusively on what you want you naturally gravitate toward that goal. There is a bit of the universal energy in it all however and it literally claims you can have anything at all - but I found it very good for motivation and focusing the mind on my goals. Another book which is good for focusing the mind on future life plans is the VISION `Life Diary 2009' . 'The Key' and this daily planner will help to motivate and inspire you towards what you want in life.
Author contradicts himself and 'The Secret', 10 Oct 2008
This book added nothing extra to the message that was in 'The Secret'.
Joe Vitale seems to contradict himself when he tells the reader not to focus on money. But watch 'The Secret' and listen to some of Joe Vitale's interviews and then listen to 'Bob Proctor' and 'Jack Canfield' And you will see a pattern; money money money.
Joe tells us in part three of 'The key' that we shouldn't focus on money, that money is worthless. Money is just paper with wonderful art on it. Yet Joe, Bob and Jack seem to worship this worthless material:
*Joe Vitale was broke and homeless a few years ago, he had no particular talents or dream career. Today Joe is rich because he found a way of making money by writing books about making money. Joe tells us in 'The key' not to focus on money, instead focus on passion and having fun.
Joe uses 'Richard Branson' and 'Donald Trump' as examples of two billionaires who are having fun doing what they love and not focusing on money.
Come on Joe is not writing and producing books and cds and seminars about making money to have fun, he is doing it to make money.
*Bob Proctor was in debt and miserable and had few qualifications and owed more money than he earned. Today Bob Proctor is a rich man telling people how to become rich themselves, with the help of Wallace D Wattles book 'The science of getting rich'. Listen to Bob Proctors interviews and all you'll here him talk about is money and becoming a millionaire.
*Jack Canfield defaced a $10 bill and added some zeros ($100,000) and stuck it on his ceiling and stared at it everymorning imagining that he had that money in his life. He claims he received over $80,000 within months. Now he is a very rich man travelling around the world.
The Chicken soup for the soul books are inspirational but Jack had a desire to make money first and foremost.
Joe's clearing methods were interesting at times and pure Psycho babble in places. I find it hard to take advise on how to clear mental and emotional problems from someone who has no visible qualifications and comes across as a used car salesman.
Joe used this book to promote his websites and other books. The book could have been shorter, Joe fills it with segments from his teleseminars and quotes from other authors or self help gurus. There is little substance.
I closed the book unfortunately missing the missing secret.
I got little from 'The Secret' and less from 'The Key'.
Padded or a cushion to save our fall ... you decide, 04 Oct 2008
I have not read any of the other books by this author, so to me it was all new stuff. I do get the feeling from other reviewers that the author could have tired a little harder, and perhaps was riding on the back of `The Secret'. I agree with one of the other reviews that goes on to detail our own desire and that, perhaps, it is this that makes us unhappy, due to it leaving us unsatisfied. The text herein gives exercises and tips on overcoming blocks that limit our feelings and beliefs. I am well on my way to reading through a lot of these `self help' books, and this one by Joe Vitale does seem at odds with itself at times. I guess as I go through more of this author's collection of books I will get the message he is sending out.
"Quick money" device, 26 Jul 2008
This books contains some useful insights.
Still, it is very clear that it is just meant to be a quick way of multiplying the sales channels of what the author has already said in other books; it comes so far as to partially consist of transcriptions of seminaries with much blabla and nothing that is not a repetition of what was already said.
Also not pleasing is the constant self advertising of the author and promotion of his other books, internet sites etc. A bit would still go if made with class and decency, but in my eyes this was not the case here.
All in all, I would not spend the money again for this book and do not consider it a good investment.
useful to a degree, 07 Jul 2008
I liked aspects of this book but in the end I found its central message too ego-based. It's clear that many of us put limits on ourselves and that it can be beneficial for us to transcend those limits, but that needs to be balanced by an awareness of how desire is part of the problem, and how we can actually find contentment by stopping wanting things like success and wealth. Desire makes us unhappy because it makes us dissatisfied. So to some degree, we need to overcome desire. For a more edifying read, try Making Time by Steve Taylor Making Time: Why Time Seems to Pass at Different Speeds and How to Control It, which shows how you can control and expand time by filling your life with new experience and by living in the present.
One Of The Originals In Our Times And The Best!, 24 Nov 2008
A classic work incorporating developmental principles from down the ages in a motivational and inspirational style. Many have come after and tried to emulate Napoleon Hill but, for me, his seminal work covering 13 very do-able principles is still the best.
a classic, 17 Aug 2008
Originally published in 1937. Napoleon Hill developed a simple 13 step formula to help you identify your goals, master the secrets of true and lasting success, obtain what you want in life, join the ranks of the super successful.
This book is easy to understand and gets you thinking about positive thinking in relation to greater wealth, with lots of examples of men and women and their stories of success.
Good background document, 29 Sep 2008
Forrester Research occupy a unique position. They have access to the internet's great thinkers through briefings that they have with all the leading web service companies: Yahoo!, Google, Facebook and everyone in between. On the other side they act as a marketing consultant to a number of main street brands.
Li and Bernoff have crystalised the lessons that Forrester Research learned walking both sides of the street in the Groundswell. The book does a good job of educating the average consumer on the so called web 2.0 services and how consumers interact with them. They also provide a helicopter view about how to approach incorporating social web techniques into their business.
The most valuable part of the book is the anecdotes and case studies (some of which are from Forrester Research clients) which brings the concepts that they talk about to life. Their Social Technographics model provides a framework for segmenting audiences based on their level of interaction with web properties and communities.
This is a "must read", 23 Sep 2008
Like the positive reviews above, I agree that this is a great book! I wouldn't agree with the reviewer who sites the case studies as banal - they are real world studies across a wide range of services so there's something for everyone, from those working in communications and media, through manufacturing and service delivery to health services and the public sector.
The writing style is clear, accessible and no-nonsense. I won't win any literary prises, but for this sort of book you wouldn't want anything else. One minor niggle was the formula used as the beginning of many chapters: "Fred is a (whatever) and here's his story..." - it grated a bit by the sixth or seventh time they used this device.
But that aside I can't fault it. It helps clarify one's thinking about what the social media groundswell is, and how to recognise its various manifestations, and it then goes on to give so0lid, practical suggestions for how you can adapt to and adopt the groundswell positively in your organisation.
As a companion to this I'd also recommend "Here Comes Everybody" by Clay Shirky.
Helpful Introduction to Engaging Customers through the Internet for Senior Executives, 19 Sep 2008
Groundswell is that rare combination in a business book: Simple concepts and detailed explanations of what to do and how to evaluate the results. I especially liked the case histories that measured the economics of customer engagement.
The authors draw on their experiences at Forrester Research to show how right and wrong you can go by listening to, speaking with, engaging, providing for, and cooperating with customers. They caution starting small and feeling your way. Otherwise, you may bite off more than you are able to absorb.
For smaller companies, you'll also find suggestions of lower-cost ways to use social technologies that you can afford. Naturally, the options are more diverse and expensive for larger companies. But if you are spending a lot of time on marketing research, advertising, and promotions, you will probably find social technologies a less expensive way to go. If you have major expenses for customer support, social technologies can eliminate a lot of those. In addition, social technologies can help you gain faster insight into defects. For the lean company, these approaches will also make a lot of sense.
I liked the book so much that I included several references to it in my weekly briefing to entrepreneurs who want to build major businesses.
If, on the other hand, you are doing a lot with private communities, help forums, executive blogs, and evaluating customer observations, you won't find this book to be advanced enough for you. It's more of a beginner's guide.
Social networks and Social Technologies, 16 Sep 2008
Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff argue a compelling, well-researched case backed up by relevant statistics about the growing importance of the so-called Social Media. They show how the rules of the game have changed and the new participatory nature of the 'Grounswell' means that enlisting clients' support through the means of forums, wikis and other online communities can make all the difference for a whole range of organizations.
A much needed and welcome addition to a field of growing relevance.
Ground fairly good but not groundswell, 09 Sep 2008
This book has one or two useful ideas: that when thinking about implementing a groundswell approach your thinking should be in the order POST (people, objectives strategy, technology) ie with technology last; the social technographics tool and/or approach.
None of the case-studies came up with any tremendous surprises and the lessons / conclusions are of the sort that would occur to a reasonably web literate person if you asked them to spend 30 mins jotting down what they thought a book on this topic would offer in that line.
To my mind the big test of any book is:- if I lost my copy would I fork out for another copy - for this book the answer's "no".
Proven self-actualization techniques, 16 Jul 2008
One day, a student of Socrates asked his venerable teacher how to become wise. Socrates led the student to a nearby lake and the two entered the water. Then, he held the student's head under the surface as the frantic young man fought wildly. Finally, Socrates freed him. The young man gasped and gulped. Socrates watched calmly and said, "When you desire wisdom with the same intensity that you desire to breathe, then nothing will stop you from getting it." Brian Tracy uses this graphic anecdote to discuss the intensity of thought and feeling that should accompany the work of setting your goals, a potentially life-changing exercise. Every chapter of Tracy's well-written book contains counsel about achieving your dreams as well as practical advice on perfecting your life. Tracy uses plenty of illustrative examples, such as the Socrates story. He reviews many classic motivational tools and techniques. Some self-help authors lure people into wasting hard-earned time and money on books that don't motivate or inspire. However, getAbstract recommends Tracy as a genuine teacher with much to convey about using the power of your mind for personal growth. And if the message here echoes his other books, it is no less valuable for that.
Buy an A4 notepad & pen FIRST - Then GET this book!!, 05 Oct 2007
Once you discover a really good book that works well & easy for you, all you want to do is RAVE about it!! With this outstanding book from one of America's greats - Brian's Tracy, why not? It really "does exactly as it says on the label" (or front cover in this case.)
You only have to briefly scan all of the reviews below to see that this is a powerful book that works. His message in simple & obvious, but with this book Brian shows you why & how so many of us don't or can't succeed in our ambitions to be happy & successful, when it is the right of everyone to enjoy life to the full.
If you've read his other book "GOALS!" first, then don't despair. This book has exactly the same message but goes much deeper into the workings of how health, wealth, happiness & peace of mind can all be achieved, providing you with a dearth of inspiration & motivation to try it out instantly & get going straight way.
This book is a little larger & a little harder going than "Goals!", only in that the chapters aren't broken down into convenient sections where you can pause & take a breath/ Nonetheless, it is written in such an enthusiastic way that keeps you interested all the way.
This ought to be the very last book you buy on the subject, but before you read (& more importantly re-read) it, please make sure you have a fresh note-book (preferably A4) & pen to hand. The book is jam packed with all the essential information to kick you off in the right direction the minute you start reading.
If you've got this far already then you need this book, look no further, your intuition was right in looking here. You won't be disappointed. It's | | |