Advice on careers and achieving success Books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisPart memoir, part guide to life, and all incredibly funny,How to Succeed in Business without Really Cryingis a book by a woman-and for women-who are driven, determined, and definitely not afraid to lean in. Carol Leifer is lucky to have had a long career in comedy, from 1970s stand-up to behind the scenes atSeinfeldto Academy Awards writer and beyond-but she knows better than anyone that success is more than luck. With hilarious anecdotes drawing from her tenure atSaturday Night Live, her work cocreatingThe Ellen Show, and her enduring friendships with fellow comedians like Larry David, Leifer presents tried-and-true tips and tricks for getting ahead, finding your way, and opening doors-even if you have to use a sledgehammer.Trade Review“...how can you not love a book that offers useful life lessons under chapter headings like 'So I Stole Soda From Aaron Spelling’?”—New York Times Book Review“Part Lean In, part Saturday Night Live, Carol Leifer serves up some side-splitting work and life advice in How to Succeed in Business without Really Crying.”—Ladies Home Journal“…a brisk, level-headed tome that skips self-aggrandizing and goes straight to the real-world wisdom.”—TheSpitTake.com “In this witty, well-written book, Leifer anecdotally explores her own career in comedy while explaining the pitfalls of adulthood.”—Edge “Who needs a life coach when you have Carol Leifer?”—AfterEllen.com“...a smart...and entertaining memoir...”—Tampa Bay Times “Equal parts memoir and showbiz staying power guidebook, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying highlights Leifer’s straight-forward advice, which applies to anyone in any profession who wants to maintain genuine, civil ties with his or her peers.”—Florida Times-Union“An amusing, amiable read.”—Kirkus Reviews “A remarkable memoir that’s packed with anecdotes, advice and humor, all while maintaining a high level of dignity and self-awareness.”—Steve Martin “The only thing more impressive than Carol’s success is how she has retained and polished all the lessons she’s learned along the way. And the fact that she has decided to throw them your way for just a few bucks is such a ridiculously good opportunity for you, I can hardly believe it! If you don’t buy this right now you’ve got to be a total schmuck.”—Jerry Seinfeld “When I was 17, I read a profile of Carol Leifer. Since then, I wanted to be her. I still want to be her.”—Sarah Silverman “They don’t make people funnier or more clever than Carol Leifer. She’s insightful, big-hearted, and a brilliant writer.”—J. J. Abrams “Carol’s about to lay it all out for you, so pay attention, baby.”—Whoopi Goldberg “The best memoir of the year (not written by the victim of a horrible crime).”—Judd Apatow “Listen up to every word, because if Carol can’t help you, nobody can.”—Jimmy Kimmel “Carol has seen it all and done it all—and lucky for us, she was taking notes.”—Bill Maher “Carol Leifer is funny, really funny.”—Chris Rock “To survive in life, you need a major trust fund and/or a sugar daddy. Carol has neither, but she’s still managed to come out way ahead. Here’s how she did it, and how you can, too.”—Joan Rivers “Funny and sage. A great read. I even loved the parts that weren’t about me.”—Paul Reiser “Carol’s gift is that she sees ordinary, everyday things in a very funny way. She’s made other comics say, Why didn’t I think of that?”—Jay Leno “I was sad when I finished this book. I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t want it to end, or because I’m just sad in general.”—Larry David “Carol is relentless, and an entrepreneur to the core. Read this book and learn! I have no doubt she will corner you if you don’t!”—Mark Cuban “I’ve been in the comedy business for 30 years and thought I’d seen and heard it all…until I read Carol’s book! It’s witty, classy, and filled with real-life advice gleaned from her years of getting laughs and enjoying success.”—Caroline Hirsch, founder of the legendary New York comedy club Carolines

Read more less

Book Synopsis John Templeton believes that his financial accomplishments are directly related to his strong convictions. Now he shares the secrets of his phenomenal success in twenty-one principles that provide readers with solid guidelines for prosperity and happiness. Templeton maintains that the common denominator connecting successful people with successful enterprises is a devotion to ethical and spiritual principles. He emphasizes the “laws of life”—truthfulness, perseverance, thrift, enthusiasm, humility, and altruism—that can help everyone discover and develop their individual abilities. A Giniger Book formerly published by Harper & Row in 1987

Read more less

Book Synopsis According to Peter L. Benson, the capacity to generate vision is among life's most beautiful and unheralded gifts. To him, a vision is more than just a goal, more than just a dream of what could be—it is a summons, a pull towards the future, an inspired call to make real that which should be. In Vision: Awakening Your Potential to Create a Better World, Benson takes readers on an uplifting exploration of this powerful concept. Starting with examples of great visionary moments in history, such as the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, he crafts a working definition of "vision" and what it means to be visionary. He proceeds by profiling the personalities behind some of the great visions that have shaped our world, covering a diverse set of individuals ranging from presidents who pulled the country through tough times to children whose efforts helped put an end to child labor. Throughout, Benson shares personal insights on his own "big picture" vision and offers instructive questions and exercises that will help reflective readers craft their own visions. This little book of practical inspiration makes it clear that vision is a necessary ingredient of meaningful change. Readers will appreciate Benson's warm and personal approach as well as his interactive approach, which will help anyone come to understand his or her own social and spiritual potential. Vision will be useful to those seeking to find their place and purpose in the world, whether they are new graduates, professionals, parents, or retirees.

Read more less

Book Synopsis “If young adults could be guided in the right direction for a life journey of meaning and purpose, we would be grooming the leaders of tomorrow for a better world. This book is the perfect guide.” —Deepak Chopra, MD, FACP, founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing What am I going to do for the rest of my life? This question is familiar for young people at a turning point—whether it’s facing the end of high school, college, graduate school, or just a dead-end job. Maybe they have the degree they want but don’t know where to start their job search. Perhaps they’re still choosing a major and, given the range—from “Biochemistry” to “Adventure Education”—are lost in the options. Maybe they’re facing a mountain of debt but don’t want to get locked into a job they hate. While other books might advise writing resumes or preparing for interviews, they only go so far. Young people want more than just another job—they want a life, and a meaningful one at that. Enter The Big Picture. Created by the leading authority on self-help research and reviewed by over six hundred college students, Dr. Christine B. Whelan’s The Big Picture offers a guide to discovering one’s talents, dreams, and desires that can lead one to a fulfilling career but fulfilling life. It guides young people to take a step back and look at the “big picture” of who they are, what they want, and why they’re here. Through quizzes and questionnaires which college students have vetted, Whelan guides the reader through “big picture” questions like, What are my talents—and how can I use those to help others and create meaning? How have my life experiences shaped who I am and what I can give? What do I value—and how can I be happy while being true to those values? Although there are endless books on finding a job, this is the first book that presents research-based and tested material to help young people answer the question, What will I do with my life? The Big Picture provides the resources needed to find—and live—a purposeful life. An excellent gift for a graduate or a guide for yourself. Trade Review “Finding work with purpose is trending these days. I spend most of my time thinking about those who want it in their encore careers, but it’s exactly what young people want, and they don’t want to wait to find it. They are determined to grab it from the start of their working lives. Which is why I’m so jazzed about University of Wisconsin professor Christine Whelan’s new book, The Big Picture: A Guide to Finding Your Purpose in Life. It’s the perfect gift for a new graduate—or for any young person stuck on the slow-moving escalator of the early working years.” —Marci Alboher, Midcentury Modern, May 26, 2016 “Unique, original, data-driven, exceptionally well written, organized, and presented, The Big Picture: A Guide to Finding Your Purpose in Life is very highly recommended for community and academic library collections.” —Susan Bethany, The Midwest Book Review, June 2016 "If young adults could be guided in the right direction for a life journey of meaning and purpose, we would be grooming the leaders of tomorrow for a better world. This book is the perfect guide." —Deepak Chopra, MD, FACP, founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing "For those entering adulthood, the purpose is fundamental to health, happiness, and creative work. Christine's guidebook is the finest map of the territory today and an inspiring picture of what purposeful living can be all about—if we dare! Read this book to experience your life in a whole new way!" —Richard Leider, international bestselling author of The Power of Purpose, Life Reimagined, Work Reimagined, and Repacking Your Bags. “The Big Picture is a researched, accessible, and practical guide that has everything young people need to figure out what to do with their lives.” —Pepper Schwartz, PhD, professor of sociology at the University of Washington and author of Finding your Perfect Match “The Big Picture is very relevant and valuable for our youth—and I’m glad to see this initiative. Exercises like these can have a transformative impact on young adults. Indeed, purpose is an area where we all benefit from deeper reflection.” —Hitendra Wadhwa, professor, Columbia Business School “Whelan’s book is a must-read for those asking “what next?” in college and beyond. Building off her popular classes at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Human Ecology, The Big Picture is a step-by-step guide for identifying what matters to you and how to make your mark in the world.” —Soyeon Shim, PhD, dean of the School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison “This book isn’t for the, “I think I’ll read, scratch my beard, and think” set. It’s for doers. It’s for people who want to live fulfilled, purposeful lives. Christine Whelan gives us a book grounded in science and philosophy. It’s interactive. It’s fun. Most important, it’s wise. I loved it.” —Victor J. Strecher, PhD, MPH, professor and director for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, University of Michigan School of Public Health “The Big Picture is the ideal small-steps guide for young adults to reimagine their lives and seek purpose from the start. As the foremost expert in effective self-improvement, Christine Whelan offers a book that spans the generations.” —Emilio Pardo, president, Life Reimagined “Rarely have pages in a book felt as comfortable and trustworthy as an old friend, but The Big Picture accomplishes that and more. Across the lifespan, understanding and implementing purpose in our lives is critical but can be daunting . . . not now! The journey to understanding your purpose now and beyond has been broken down into doable exercises and fun steps guaranteed to be a trip worth taking.” —Janet Taylor, MD, MPH Psychiatrist “No college grad should be without this priceless wisdom. The leading expert on self-help is your guide through interactive exercises, tested advice, and powerful tools to clarify your purpose and navigate the next steps. The Big Picture is a research-based, fun way to get past uncertainty, doubt, or nagging from your parents so you can be your best self now.” —Rich Feller, PhD, past president, National Career Development Association “They say laughter is the best medicine, but I disagree. The real key to lifelong health and happiness is purpose. As a physician, I have seen the power of purpose play out in the lives of people of all ages. As the father of five, I know that helping young people understand what matters most is essential to their enjoyment of all that life has to offer. I’d happily prescribe this book to anyone interested in exploring meaning in their lives. Christine Whelan doesn’t preach — she guides. Take this workbook on your journey as you ask what matters and how to make it happen.” —Bill Thomas, MD, founder of the Age of Disruption World Tour “Research shows that having a purpose in life is linked to better health and better sleep — so why wait?” —Eric Kim, PhD, Harvard School of Public Health “Christine Whelan’s The Big Picture should be read and experienced by every high school and college student and recommended by every parent, teacher, and mentor. At a time when so many young people are struggling to find their life’s path and purpose, this wise, warm, and witty book will help to light their way forward.” —John J. DiIulio Jr., Frederic Fox Leadership Professor, University of Pennsylvania Table of ContentsPreface / ix Acknowledgments / xv Chapter 1: Preproduction: The Time Is Now / 3 Chapter 2: The Experiment That Could Change Your Life / 17 Part One: Character Development Chapter 3: Carpe Diem / 27 Chapter 4: Identify Your Talents, Strengths, and Skills / 43 Chapter 5: Lose the Shoulds, Find the Values / 65 Part Two: Vision, Purpose, . . . and . . . Action! Chapter 6: Passions in Action / 87 Chapter 7: A Vision for Change / 101 Chapter 8: Building Your Purpose / 115 Chapter 9: Committed to Purpose / 131 Part Three: Bringing Purpose to Life Chapter 10: Plot Twists / 151 Chapter 11: Your Supporting Cast / 185 Chapter 12: Postproduction / 203 Appendix A: Survey Responses / 215 Appendix B: Blank Movie Reels / 221 References and Recommended Reading / 229 About the Author / 233

Read more less

Book Synopsis In an increasingly competitive world market, how does the United States rank? Many Americans are worried about the economic state of their nation, especially now that countries like China are becoming ever more economically powerful. What does America need to both stabilize and energize its economy? Entrepreneurship, Steve Mariotti claims, is vital. An Entrepreneur’s Manifesto is Mariotti’s rallying cry for the world to recognize the potential that business creation holds for the individual and the economy. Mariotti explores how entrepreneurship affects schools and prisons, developed cities and isolated villages, brick-and-mortar stores, and internet-based businesses. He takes a hard look at the research on entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurship, government policy, and the social and cultural attributes most likely to foster successful business creation, incorporating his discussions with some of the best minds on the question of entrepreneurship. Mariotti also examines how the rise of the Internet and Web-based innovations like crowdfunding have both changed—and not changed—the fundamentals of promoting those who take the ultimate gamble of going into business for themselves. As the author of several leading textbooks on the subject and founder of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a global nonprofit organization that has educated more than 500,000 students and trained more than 5,000 teachers in 50 countries, Mariotti is both an experienced and reliable leader in what he calls the entrepreneurial revolution. Mariotti frequently writes for the Huffington Post and has been recruited by the State Department to discuss his ideas on youth entrepreneurship in Cambodia and other developing countries seeking to escape the shackles of centrally planned economic policies. Neither a dry recitation of academic theory nor a scattered collection of feel-good stories, An Entrepreneur’s Manifesto builds on Mariotti’s unique perspective to offer a critique that is both inspiring and practical. Riveting stories complement enlightening real-world perspectives, making the work relatable and inspiring. “There is no more revolutionary act,” Mariotti says, “than starting a business.” Trade Review“Written in an accessible, smoothly flowing style, The Entrepreneur’s Manifesto is a vitally important book to read and share if we are to change the ever-widening gap between the one percent and the rest of us.” —Mirah Riben, The Huffington Post “An Entrepreneur’s Manifesto beautifully illustrates the mandate to nourish and develop an entrepreneurial mindset for a new entrepreneurial generation, empowering individuals by tapping into their passion.” —Diana Davis Spencer, chairman and president of the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation “In the next few decades, billions of young people will enter the global workforce. There are not jobs waiting for most of them, especially those who are low-income. I believe that entrepreneurship education is the best solution, and this book explains why!” —Michael Simmons, cofounder of Empact, Forbes columnist, and author of The Student Success Manifesto: How to Create a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity “One walks away from this book with a sense of urgency to ensure that entrepreneurial education becomes a mainstay in the halls of all schools and places of education.” —Rabbi Yehoshua Werde, director of Crown Heights Young Entrepreneurs“Through story, experience, and data, Mariotti makes it clear that entrepreneurship is the way to both reinvigorate our economy and redirect men and women away from legacies of incarceration and desperation and towards a promising, self-created career.” —Catherine Hoke, founder and CEO of Defy Ventures “With An Entrepreneur’s Manifesto, Steve Mariotti further enhances his reputation as a change agent. This powerful book can transform thinking, lives, and entire communities.” —Sheila Rule, cofounder of the Think Outside the Cell Foundation; former senior editor, New York Times “Entrepreneurship is the only real way for people to escape poverty. The prestige of a successful business builds incredible self-respect that also benefits society as a whole. Even business initiatives that are not successful still bring solid life experiences and serve as a base for subsequent efforts. Steve Mariotti’s latest book brings it all together. I highly recommend everyone read the book and join the ‘revolution.’” —Gary Voight, CEO of CorasWorks “The light of entrepreneurship is a guide to freedom and hope for young people from all corners of the earth, from all walks of life. An Entrepreneur’s Manifesto is the twenty-first-century economic blueprint we’ve been waiting for.” —Joseph Robinson, author of Think Outside the Cell: An Entrepreneur’s Guide for the Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated “An Entrepreneur’s Manifesto is destined to be a classic for my generation. Steve Mariotti has not only had a huge impact in causing entrepreneurship education to be taken seriously, but he has inspired countless individuals, including myself, to make an impact in that field. The significance of the insights he shares in this book cannot be overstated.” —Sheena Lindhal, CEO and cofounder of Empact “What is the larger purpose, not just for your business, but for you as a business person? In the case of Mariotti, his business, Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), is promoting business opportunities for all, especially at-risk youth who might otherwise not have considered entrepreneurship. When you read Mariotti’s excitement about entrepreneurship and the importance of entrepreneurial access for everyone, you can’t help but look more expansively about what role you can play to make as much of a difference.” —Caroline Ceniza-Levine, ForbesTable of ContentsPreface / ix Chapter 1: Entrepreneurship Can Be Taught—to Anyone / 3 Chapter 2: Nurturing the Entrepreneurial Mind-Set / 25 Chapter 3: Who Are the World’s Entrepreneurs? / 51 Chapter 4: Should Governments Help Promote Entrepreneurship? / 77 Chapter 5: A Teaching Revolution / 103 Chapter 6: The Digital Revolution: Technology Levels the Global Playing Field / 123 Chapter 7: On the Cusp: A Financing Revolution / 139 Chapter 8: A Prison Revolution: Desperately Needed / 167 Chapter 9: The Social Enterprise Revolution: Entrepreneurs Solving Social Problems / 187 Chapter 10: An Entrepreneur’s Manifesto / 211 Acknowledgments / 229 Index / 233

Read more less