The guide to independence

Mike Johnson's Smarter Consulting guide tells it like it is. Very good advice on both the practical and the emotional journey to professional independence. The author speaks from experience - both his own and those of his many friends and professional colleagues - which makes this"manual" so credible and useful.

UNSUITABLE for UK Quickbooks

This book DOES NOT support the UK edition of QuickBooks, a fact which vendors in the UK should make clear. Never mind the spelling, grammar and humour, some of the software differs between the different legal and tax jurisdictions.

Rapid and concise leadership skills development

A very good jargon free introduction to the subject of leadership. The author brings both common sense and intuition into play when explaining the fundamentals of self-leadership and leading groups of others. A very interesting and understandable book.

guide to organisation design

This book talks about organisation design, but it is actually about far more than that. As one would expect, organisation design impacts other areas than just the structure of an organisation and Naomi covers all the bases. This isn't just a must-have book for OD specialists, but I would suggest that any manager who is thinking about a re-organisation would do well to read this carefully.<br /><br />It starts by talking about just what organisation design is, why it is important and how it links into the business. The most important of which - it seems to me - is that there must be a compelling reason or business case for undertaking a re-organisation. The design must then be driven by the strategy of the business bearing the whole system in mind, not just focusing on a part of it.<br /><br />Next she focuses on different models, approaches and designs with some excellent tables listing designs in use, their benefits and their limitations. I particularly liked a list of questions you could use to help you choose a model, approach and/or design.<br /><br />The book has practical information, but also nice case studies of when a particular approach or model had been used in well known organisations and a warts-and-all story telling you what actually happened.<br />

Business as Performance Art. Yes!

As co-author of the cluetrain manifesto (www.cluetrain.com), I'm often asked by companies how they can implement the ideas we talk about. This book is a great place to start. Unfortunately, the listing here leaves out the subtitle:"Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage." That's what got to me. Acknowledging the role of serious play in serious commerce is long overdue, but The Experience Economy makes up for lost time. While most business books are little more than literary Sominex, this one will stretch your head in new dimensions. Even if you disagree with bits, it'll wake you, shake you, make you think.

At first, I was put off by the notion of the Internet as"the greatest force for commoditization known to man." This is only true when the net is seen as an extension of the broadcast model: think TV. But that's the wrong approach, as the authors later make clear:"Cyberspace is a great place for such experiences, but many businesses still don't get it. They're heading into the commoditization trap, trying to figure out how to better sell their company's goods and services over the World Wide Web, when in fact most individuals surf the Net for the experience itself."

E-commerce as performance art, I love it! So step right up, boys and girls, and get your ticket to the Pine & Gilmore Masque. The show's just about to begin!

A great help

This book is perfect if you're not sure if this is the right move for you.<br />I bought this book with every intention of it being my first step to setting up a cattery business.<br />I'm so glad I got it - I now see that this isn't the future for me.<br />

On to a winner

This is one of those books that you find yourself referring back to time and time again. It's full of great practical advice and as someone starting my own business has been an absolute godsend for inspiration. I like to think I'm a great"ideas" person but there's plenty of ideas - both practical and creative that I would never have come up with. This has helped me set myself apart from my competition and stay one step ahead of the game. <br /><br />The case study examples throughout the book are relevant to the tips and offer an insight into the way the tips have helped others starting and running their business. Topics in the book are far ranging - from how to find more time to ways to ways to network to boost growth. <br /><br />I have read and reread this book. As my business develops and grows I've be delving into the chapters that are relevant. All in all I found this a great book to keep me business focussed and on the right track - from a practical and inspirational point of view. <br /><br />

Simply superb

By far the best book I have read on the subject of bid preparation. Comprehensive and focussed material throughout. Expensive in camparison to others, but worth every penny.

Dip in for sound advice

I am currently teaching a mentoring course and I have found this book invaluable. Its easy to read format has given me many ideas, and has helped me to improve my performance at the same time. It is broken down into easy to read sections, and like all the dummies books is clearly laid out. It contains a wealth of information, but does not have to be read from start to finish, allowing you to start to learn more about coaching and mentoring at your point of need. I find myself dipping in and out of it, and I never fail to find another useful nugget to help me along the way. I am a fan of the dummies series and this one more than met my expectations

Far too basic..

As the title suggests. This book is far too basic for anyone other than a complete beginner who does not have internet access. Highly disappointed that I paid for this item.

EXCELLENT FOR MANAGEMENT STUDENTS. Useful for revision.

I began to read the first page and found it very difficult to put the book down. HAMEL AND PRAHALAD go into great depth about the WHY! OF A SITUATION> THIS BOOK HELPED ME ACHIEVE AN EXCELLENT GRADE IN MY MANAGement exams of May 2000. THERE IS PHILOSOPHY BEHIND BUSINESS WHich has laid dormant for many years but HAMEL AND PRAHALAD HAVE RESEArched their work and have given us a gift of a catalyst for learning and applying more knowledge into our world of Making a success of our goals.

Genuinely less gassy guide to entrepreneurship

I must be one of the first buyers of this book - ordered it as soon as it appeared on amazon! I have come to admire this genuine, modest and down to earth Lord - Karan Bilimoria for what appears to be a genuine success story of an Indian, who came to Englad 26 years ago for studies and by now has won the hearts and minds of the curry loving Brits with the brand that is COBRA!<br /><br />While it is written in a business biography language, the book is less preachy than some of the other similar books. <br /><br />It is a matter of time before COBRA stpes out of the Indian restaurants and becomes a regular beer in your local pub. <br /><br />I highly recommend this book!

A worthwhile addition to your business ideas bookshelf

What do you do when the founder of a $1.25m turnover business tells you that 'being in business is truly an experiential adventure in holistic self-education'? You listen. Carefully. This isn't your average"how-to" business book. (Maine states it's a 'how-can' book). What we have here, couched in the gentle, flowery phrases of New Age terminology, is a Woman with A Mission, bound and determined to transform consumer culture - and making a very convincing case for so doing. Beginning with the concept of 'business as a garden' and using examples from her own business and those of successful others in the herbal bodycare industry, Maine evidences a strong belief in the Unverse as Provider, in the style of 'Field of Dreams'. Despite its poetical atmosphere, the book contains much good, solid reference material in the 'Important Lessons' of business owners. Take the Biz Quiz, to find out if you are fortune 500 material or a wealthy philanthropist in the making. From formulating a business plan through developing products that sell - and marketing them successfully - to maintaining and sustaining your growing business, along with some upbeat hopes for the future, Maine talks of delegating, risk-taking and planning for success alongside generosity, tithing and turning competitiors into comrades. Amazingly, it fits into a very neat little package. The average MBA might have conniptions at the phraseology, but the basic structural information is all there to help you get started profitably in your business.

The most important book I ever read

Mark H.McCormack combines his huge experience in the world of business over many years and essentially a commonsense approach. Through his experience he provides a catalyst for the reader to consider how this thinking can be applied to his/ her business situation and aims.

This is a must read for anyone who wants to be successful in business.

Mike Tarrier, CEO, JAFFE Associates Europe(Business Development Consultants)

Its ok.

This book will help people going into this type of business, however it is a little boring. Good for know-how but poor on keeping the reader reading it. I never read it through. I can only imagine someone reading it if they were just beginning to run a guest house. But not a good read for someone just interested in the business.