Wonderful Education for any Business Mind
344527
If you're building a team or educating employees, this is the absolute guide to explaining the language of promoting and marketing with a purpose. Do not hesitate to watch Simon's TED Talks video on this topic. Absolutely amazing!
1785067
Every business student studies Corporate Strategy at one point or another.  There are a huge number of books, articles, and prayers associated with this subject.  Some classes become so complex that students sink from the weight of detail.  Other classes are so superficial that the student walks away with what amounts to one of those tiny Swiss Army Knives with a blade, scissors, nail file, toothpick, and tweezers.  Good luck with that!

If you are one of those that wants to get a handle on Corporate Strategy in a clear and usable way, this terrific book is for you.  Bruce Greenwald teaches a very popular course on the subject at the Columbia Business School and offers this book to business practitioners and students alike.  My own view is that he has given us a real gift.  It isn't that I reject Porter, in fact I am a huge fan, but this gives us another approach to the subject and its complexities.

The book has 18 well organized chapters.  If you have had a course on strategy you will recognize the topics and the progression.  However, this book handles these topics in such insightful ways that you will find yourself nodding your head and seeing something familiar but for the first time.  By that I mean, you will see something you already know with fresh and deeper insight so that it becomes new and more useful to you.

I also like the way Greewald (and Judd Kahn) use the examples from the business world.  They aren't the typical b-school studies written to teach some key points.  Sure, the stories provided here are used to illustrate specific points, but their real world complexities are shown and the ups and downs of the companies (see the story on Compaq, for example) are frankly shown.  I enjoy that because too many books use the state of companies near the date of their publication to illustrate good or bad companies and managers.  In fact, all companies have their ups and downs.  Yes, bad executive management can destroy a company, but a company can have a great CEO and a good strategy and still have something go against them that puts real pressure on the company and its model.

The authors also use charts, tables, and graphs very effectively to make their points more clear rather than as eye candy.  Too many texts insist on more graphics than necessary to hold the interest of students.  For me, those books are cluttered.  Here, the graphics add to the information we get from the text.

I think this is a book every business person will want on their shelf and will refer to again and again.  The stories will stick in your memory and serve as exemplars or cautionary tales (or both).

Recommended!

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI
1229590
Wow - If I knew about this book when I was in Business School, I could have saved so much money and learn so much more! Love this book. Anyone who is in the financial service/investment banking should take a look at this book.
2904909
This book will undoubtedly appeal to the business reader; but it is also, and perhaps more importantly, a wonderful guide to understanding the process of human interaction.
The Humorous Bazooka is the weapon of choice in too many of our daily engagements. I was struck with the insights that Mr. Sebell's anecdotes reveal not only about the way business innovation is blown up from within, but how the metaphors translate so smoothly when applied to personal interactions.
There are many levels of learning within these pages cleverly woven into a big smile.
3487692
I was compelled to buy the Brain Audit after reading a few articles on marketing written by Sean D'Souza. His writing style is terrific.  The book is educational, entertaining and extremely well thought out. Even though I have read it several times, I am still finding new little nuggets that I didn't get in previous readings.

As a career coach, I teach the Brain Audit principles to my career transition clients who need to effectively brand themselves and market their skills and knowledge to the right target audience. CareerLifeHarmony(dot)com

Sean's advice and direction have also been invaluable for my own marketing and business building.

Do buy this book.  It is well worth the investment of time and money for anyone that has a product or service to promote.
1640758
I came across this book in a bookstore in SF and just picked it up instinctively. Then I started reading it during holidays and could not put it down before I came to the end (at which point I was ready to read it all over again). What makes this book so special? It gives you relevant practical advise on how to set up a business, what to think of, how to find customers, financiers etc. This advise is written in a no nonsense, clear & concise way without having to revert to complex 'business babble'. It will tell that you should think of your customer at all times rather than to suggest 'to capture the notion of customer attention' which is something that I really hate. Also, it includes questions around your business idea, your potential clients, what you are trying to achieve etc. that help you find out what exactly you are trying to do (I had all these things in my mind but it's extremely helpful to write them down). Apart from the very practical usefulness this book gives you the feeling that you can do it too, that you don't have to be a rockefeller-minded person or an Einstein to set up a business of your choice. Afraid of doing a business plan? So was I but then I looked at the questions and the example plan and within a day I managed to come up with a one-page plan which I will further develop over time. Hence, if you are thinking of doing something on your own, read this book, you will not be disappointed!!
3909847
This book is not just for people who are designing online courses.
I think this book should be required reading for anyone who wants to run a business. Period. This is foundational stuff people. It gets to the heart of what we should be doing to serve our clients and how to treat them like thinking and feeling humans instead of statistics or sales goals.

The author does a great job of linking the study of what actually helps people learn successfully and apply what they are learning, to how to build all that goodness into the experience you are giving them. Then you can actually create a program or course or training that people are excited about and cant wait to do.

Plus there are activities! I love activities. I have already started applying this stuff. Also, if you are freaked out by scary words like metrics and data, she totally keeps it simple and explains everything in easy terms.

I felt like there was a good balance of inspiring you to focus on your customers experience and engagement while showing you how to track that experience and use the information to keep improving so you can be successful.
458619
I got this book for an entrepreneurship class. I was expecting the typical business school stuff, but this book was something else! I loved how Komisar manages to educate us about the business world while at the same time being engaging our attention. His advice on the whole life plan is invaluable.
1790379
I've been running my own business for approximately two years now. Because there is always so much to learn, I've attended MANY business courses, seminars and workshops in my local area.  Fortunately, several weeks ago, a business associate recommended that I take some time to read a book called "Book Yourself Solid."

After two long years of taking all these business courses, not one class even comes close to what I've learned from reading "Book Yourself Solid.  I can't say enough about an author that is trying to teach us something and shares examples.  THANK YOU MICHAEL FOR GIVING US EXAMPLES!

I am extremely impressed with just how step-by-step and detailed Michael Port is at helping us define the purpose of our business, finding the ideal customer/client and then helping us determine the most profitable strategies for marketing to our clients.

If you own a business, this book is a must read!  I have actually formed a book club with several other business owners in my area.  Thank you Michael for inspiring us all, but more importantly, for sharing your knowledge.  We've all heard the expression keep it simple stupid (KISS). I can't imagine one person being able to walk away after reading this book that doesn't get it.

I have recommended this book to some many people now, I've lost count. One things for certain, I will continue to recommend it to as many people possible.
1089929
The books true strength comes from the specific examples and instruction. Mike has a great way of explaining his concepts in a way that's so easy to relate to. And thank goodness for it, because a lot of the analogies are NASA and science related. But for some reason, business concepts have never been so easy - or so interesting - to understand. He also uses lots of examples that aren't socialmediaexaminer.com, which I really appreciated, because I got to learn a lot about other businesses, too.

One thing I love about this book is that it's NOT about how he launched his blog and business. It's about how the reader can launch theirs. And Stelzner really does take you from start to finish.

I also love that he includes actual examples of a case study, an expert interview, contrarian article and a review, so that we can follow the examples and do it right ourselves. This is so helpful for those who are trying to do similar articles. (such as this one.)
There are so many how-to's in this book that it was hard to choose just a few, but I chose these because these are the ones I think people need the most. Here are my favorite things about the book (and I bookmarked a LOT of it):

- The "How To Create Your Vision" section - step by step instructions on creating what you want and the measureable goals to get you there by STARTING WITH THE END RESULT and working backwards. (awesome)
- Great examples on how to use outside experts for content, including how to approach them
- Specific things to put on your website to actively engage other people
- The EXACT components of how-to articles and how to write them (I've always wondered if I was doing it right)
- How to create a report based on a survey (another thing I was hoping to do correctly)
- How to create an editorial guide
- How to run a micro event, like a teleseminar series, and what you need to have
- How and when to use marketing, and when NOT to

This book is absolutely a must-have for anyone who is trying to not just LAUNCH a business but keep the momentum going for a while. The information in here is truly invaluable, and I'm a little overwhelmed by the generosity of the author by the price of the book....because I've taken thousand-dollar business courses with similar information.

Go. Buy. Now!
342920
I regularly read business books. Most books are on mindset. Thus, they don't tell me anything useful because I believe every wealthy person has a different mindset and you can read about mindsets all day long and still be stuck in the same place. Those types of books gave me no actionable steps to take. This one is one of the best business books on how to decide if what you are doing is viable for making money that is available to purchase at a reasonable price. Tip: the acquisition and application of marketable knowledge will make you rich."  You don' need a guru or to attend expensive seminars. Find the information you need in books, on Youtube, at inexpensive seminars taught by practitioners, not professional speakers or salespersons whose goal is to empty your wallet, not fill it. Also, it is not about you, it is about solving a problem in the marketplace. Find something people want to buy, market it appropriately, and the right people will find you. There is a lot of good information here, especially in the second half of the book. This book is a worthwhile investment in your education.
4808186
I originally purchased the book in print, and was able to glean some basic understanding of the wisdom that Nate was trying to share with the public. After reading the book quickly on my Kindle I Pad reader, I am starting to develop a deeper understanding of what I must do to benefit from the principles Nate covers in his book. This book is written for any level of business professional who has a sincere desire to learn and grow their business from a spiritual and financial perspective, and Nate clearly outlines the plan necessary for one to grow their business from day one. The stories and personal narratives help deepen the understanding of the discussed concepts, and I am excited about the future opportunity to interact with Nate and future application of the espoused principles through coaching and the seminars that Nate discuss in the book. Truly worth the investment for the comprehensive knowledge shared from a career built learning about financial opportunity in America. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us Nate. I highly recommend reading this book to all business students and business owners.
4122132
I know I've read a good book when it ends up full of highlights and I'm taking notes at nearly the same pace I'm reading. The author did a fantasic job of including all the aspects and providing the detail necessary to set your actions in motion. From a business standpoint it answers all the questions on how to you where you stand and what you need to do; how to evaluate your business before and after you start. Although I consider myself above average when it comes to business management and finances, I have very little experience with selling handmade items and this book put it together for me and offered more than expected.

It is truly a step by step guide to not only pricing products, but getting a full understanding of business costs and how to be profitable now and in the future. It is well worth the price and in my eyes the author has proven himself as an expert in selling handmade items and running a business. That's certainly adding value to his products, as he teaches, because I actually feel this book is under priced! My advice is get it now!

This book was quality work; a few typos here and there but no more than any other book I've read. It was well written, organized, and flowed from one section to the next, which really aided in fully understanding the material so your mind can work through the necessary steps easily. The author is either very talented at writing or put a lot of work into the book (or both) and it shows.

I'm eagerly looking foward to purchasing another of his books even though I have so much to do after reading this one (and will refer to it constantly). I just feel after learning so much here, and feeling so motivated, that I can only benefit from reading the next.
940573
This is one of the best books I have read on how our expectations and conventional wisdom differ from reality.  It is full of examples of how our mind works and how we can be easily tricked, both by ourselves and by others who understand how the mind operates.

An example is given on page 155 in which we learn about the mistakes we all make when comparing things one against another.  This explains the reasoning and science behind such disparate things like pricing strategies, the order in which a Realtor will show houses and why doctors prescribe one medication over another.

The book is full of examples like this.  Every chapter brings new and exciting insights that will teach you more about yourself and how you make decisions and find your own happiness.  The insights provided in the book can be used in business as well.  I wish I had written this but more importantly, I wish I could fully take advantage of and implement the ideas and insights I got from this book.
4466018
I am thoroughly enjoying reading the TPE. MM offers valuable information on helping my new business grow. I have read many, many business related books over the years, including many much more expensive textbooks while getting my MBA, and nothing compares to this entertaining read with very applicable information. I also was happy to find that it's not filled with case studies from the same old Fortune 500 companies, nor ones that include just 20 year old internet phenoms, but from fellow entrepreneurs, the special class of TPE'ers that I could relate to, real people with a dream and a passion! Thanks MM for bringing their stories to life, your story to life, and in such an entertaining way......I am definitely never going to be left sitting on the pot w/o a plan moving forward!
1314354
I don't work in management, (I'm a solopreneur) but I found this book very useful. I loved the strategies for finding Vision, Values, etc. Very applicable for businesses of any size. The music metaphor running throughout seemed very fresh to me. A terrific business book that's not cookie-cutter. Awesome!
1513822
The guy indeed knows his stuff. I think it should be required reading for any business student. It makes too much sense.