Book Description
From train and rail pass skills to strategies for visiting open-air folk museums, who else but Rick Steves can teach travelers the skills they really need when traveling through Europe? Learn how to deal with all of the small details of planning a trip to Europe with Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door 2007.
America's number one authority on travel to Europe, Rick Steves has done the legwork, discovered the secrets, and made the mistakes — so travelers don't have to. Completely revised and updated, Rick's time-tested recommendations for safe and enjoyable travel in Europe have been used by millions of Americans in search of their own unique European travel experience. Rick's travel tips include:
• Sticking to a budget
• Smart packing
• Planning ahead for visiting major sites
• Personal safety
• Avoiding tourist traps
• Finding Europe's "back door" attractions.
Smart advice is also offered on everything from social etiquette to booking a hotel and ordering food. Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door 2007 is an essential item on any European traveler's checklist.
Customer Reviews:
A must have.......2007-09-12
Europe is very different from being in the U.S. Rick Steves offers so much helpful advice on how to blend in and not stand out as a tourist from the USA. I found his advice particularly helpful (and alarming) when it came to tips to avoid being a victim of crime, such as pickpocking, etc. If one is traveling to Europe, you owe it to yourself and those in the countries where you are traveling, to try and communicate effectively, therefore, minimizing stress.
POSSIBLY THE BEST OF THE LOT.......2007-06-27
An excellent resource.
Rick Steves has finished setting up his publishing business and is back on the beat scoping out Europe for you. [BRAVO!]
Combine this book with: Party Europe, Second Edition (Now This Is Life) and give them a read BEFORE your departure and you will be doing yourself and your travel party a great service.
One caveat: the Party Europe book does not cover areas outside the most popular tourist destinations [but by inference it does provide what one may want to look for in those locales].
This is the book that inspires me . . ........2007-06-11
to travel to Europe. I stumbled on it by accident in a bookstore, and couldn't put it down. This book doesn't cover the practical stuff, like where to stay or eat, but how to act, what to expect, how to enjoy.
Europe Through the Back is more about Rick's Ego.......2007-06-08
I thought I would glean some great insight about little known treasures found off the typical tourist routes along with some great restaurants and shopping. Instead the book was primarily about London (not Europe) and no 'insider' tips. Rick's barely veiled 'blame America' feelings are tiresome and more important are not accurate or necessary. I've traveled all over the world including much of Europe and have had wonderful experiences. France and Germany just voted in pro-American governments. Rick needs to get out more!
Europe here I come!.......2007-05-22
Unbelievable book! The best yet to help you travel through Europe inexpensively.
Book Description
-All you need to know about choosing, repairing, replacing and installing doors and windows.
Customer Reviews:
Only one thing kept it from being 5 stars.......2004-01-27
I had to tear out an old, rotting window that had an old rotting air conditioner wedged into it. My fiancee and I decided to install a wider window in it's place. Oh oh. That meant tearing out the stucco exterior and plaster interior to do so! I didn't want to spend 1000 bucks (or more) to hire someone to do it and install a new window. I've never done any work like this before, and I didn't know where to begin. So I looked into getting Home Depot to do it, but they would only replace existing windows with the exact same size window for a fee of 250 dollars on top of the price of the window. So that wasn't going to work for us. I needed help! So I found this book on Amazon and decided to check it out at Home Depot, since they had the same book but for a little more.
Well, since it was the only book that seemed to cover everything I needed to know, and I was running out of time, I decided to purchase it and put in the order for the window. Well, the window came and I got right at work at demolishing the old window and extending the opening for the new one.
This book was GREAT! Although the book is only 300 pages, it gives you a good overview of what you need to do to get your project done. Once I started figuring out exactly what I needed to do, I could use this book as a reference on what to do to accomplish it. You see, this book does not really give you an "idiots guide" how to... it will not explain the little detail, like how to plaster a wall or how to miter cut trim for your window or door. You need to use it as a reference book and an overview of your project. You MUST read the book through and figure out what steps you need to take. For example, for me... I had to:
1) Tear out the old window (without destroying the wall completely)
2) Extend the opening (which means I need to know how to cut/remove stucco on the outside and plaster on the inside)
3) Reframe the new opening to support the ceiling and new window (which also gives you ways to support the ceiling if you intend to mess around with the studs in the wall that hold up the ceiling)
4) Install the window (different types of windows have different types of ways to install)
5) Fix the stucco outside and plaster inside (this is where I am now)
6) Add trim on the outside and trim on the inside (I've already read what I need to do this and have gotten the materials to finish it)
And you know what, this book gave me great examples on how to do ALL that. BUT, I had to jump around the book to read the sections that applied to me. Remember, this book only gives you a great overview of your project. That is the ONLY reason why I gave it 4 stars. I'd like to give it 4.5. This book is very very good at giving me the information I needed and had GREAT pictures and examples. JUST MAKE SURE YOU READ THE WHOLE BOOK FIRST (skim through sections you don't need to know, but maybe look at them anyway because you may learn something useful), and then read the sections again that apply to you! If you need more details, find another suppliment book for that task. Know what you need to do first before you start any major project.
And you know what, I probably saved myself $1000 doing it myself. This book more than paid for itself.
Excellent Book........2003-08-14
Not only did it cover step by step on all doors and windows. It covered garage doors and openers. It discussed installing locks. And there was even a section on if your window won't open you do this to fix it type of stuff. Also, if you are putting in a bay window, there is a section on how to roof it. I had been looking for a help book like this for a long time. It does not bog you down in highly technical stuff.
Average customer rating:
- Sad story, lovely main character
- The woman who walked into doors
- Ambivelent
- "He gave me a choice--right or left. I chose left, and he broke the little finger on my left hand."
- The slow realization
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The Woman Who Walked into Doors
Roddy Doyle
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
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Binding: Paperback
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Paula Spencer
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Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
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The Barrytown Trilogy
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A Star Called Henry (The Last Roundup)
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Heartburn
ASIN: 0140255125 |
Amazon.com
Roddy Doyle follows Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, winner of the Booker Prize, and The Commitments with another remarkable book that readers will find funny, sexy, and sad. He takes an unflinching look at the life of Paula Spencer as she struggles to regain her dignity after marriage to an abusive husband and a worsening drinking problem. Capturing both her vulnerability and her strength, Doyle gives Paula a voice that is real and unforgettable.
Customer Reviews:
Sad story, lovely main character.......2007-09-23
I would recommend this book to a friend. It is not a happy story, but the main character is immensely likable, and her story is interesting and worth reading. I liked Paula Spencer. She's funny, insightful, vulnerable and charming. She is also flawed, which makes her seem very real to me. It was hard to read this book though, because the shadow of her tragedy creeps across every page. Doyle waits until the final chapters to tell us, though, about Paula's battering at the hands of a man she loves, her "shattered" husband, Charlo. The title tells us what we do and do not want to know, so I think it's fine that Doyle waits until the end to reveal it all.
This book is written in the first person, and as an American the Irish vernacular was initially difficult for me, but Paula's inner dialogue is well written, and very enjoyable. I think I might have picked up a few Irish colloquialisms.
Kudos to Roddy Doyle! He has created a wonderful, likable, character in Paula Spencer.
The woman who walked into doors.......2007-09-02
I read that Roddy Doyle was J K Rowling's favorite author. His fiction was too real and depressing. Plus it was hard to follow as he jumped from the past to present day often.
Ambivelent .......2007-08-06
I think my main problem with this book was the language. I found all the cursing distracting, and made the flow of the book choppy. I gave it three stars because if you take all the cursing out of the book, it was quite good.
Doyle did an excellent job in describing the life of a physically abused wife, I was completely drawn into her life from page one.
"He gave me a choice--right or left. I chose left, and he broke the little finger on my left hand.".......2007-04-30
Written in 1996, this "prequel" to 2007's Paula Spencer, tells of Paula's life from her teen years to her passionate relationship with Charlo Spencer. Part of a family of robbers, Charlo is an exciting man who makes her feel alive and gives her a sense of selfhood. Booker Prize-winner Doyle crafts a dramatic first-person narrative told by Paula, who leaves her rigid home and unsympathetic father to marry Charlo, a man her father disapproves of. Their passionate relationship and remarkable sense of communication vanish when Paula becomes pregnant with the first of their four children. Gradually, Paula finds solace in alcohol, as Charlo becomes an absentee husband and father and eventually a philandering wife-abuser.
Paula begins her story in the present, with Charlo's death--shot by the police after he has murdered a woman during a robbery--then develops the story through her reminiscences about both the good and the bad times. As she relives her courtship and early marriage and explores her early past and her more recent past,, she also tells us about her present battle with alcohol. She regrets that Nicola, her teenage daughter is responsible for the family on many occasions, since Paula works nights cleaning offices and then returns home wanting only to tell Jack a bedtime story and then abandon herself to drink.
As the story of her abuse evolves, the reader is privy to Paula's innermost conflicts. Though she knows that "I lost all my friends--and most of my teeth," she also bemoans the fact that "he beat me brainless and I felt guilty." The tendency of abuse victims to blame themselves, especially when their love has been as great as that of Paula and Charlo, explains Paula's comment that "for seventeen years I was brainwashed and brain dead." She knows that she has made her children suffer, not only because of her abuse but because of her alcoholism, but she has been powerless to change until in one violent moment, she sends Charlo out of the house and determines to live her life on her own.
Doyle's ability to structure a novel such as this one, which moves from immediate present into recent and then distant past, providing important information about character in the process, brings this dramatic novel to life. His trademark humor is subdued here in favor of the ironies of Paula's life. This is a far more serious novel than the Barrytown Trilogy--more in keeping with the Booker Prize-winning _Paddy Clark, Ha, Ha, Ha_, an equally sad story of a deteriorating marriage from the point of view of a ten-year-old boy. This poignant novel is ultimately a celebration of the human spirit as Paula determines to take control of her life and to provide a family for her children. n Mary Whipple
The slow realization.......2007-04-28
Paula Spencer in Roddy Doyle's "The Woman Who Walked Into Doors" spends much of the book telling the story of her life, initiated by the death of her estranged husband. There is a profoundness to her sadness recalling the courtship she had with Charlo and the life they lived as a couple and as parents. She slowly realizes why her life came about as it has (single, alcoholic, poor), why Charlo's life ended the way it did. Paula spent her life making excuses for why Charlo did the things he did, always letting herself be convinced that Charlo truly loved her despite the horrible beating he inflicted on the the mother of his children. Not until she is able to stand up and take matters into her own hands does her life begin to straighten out.
Doyle's writing is sinply magnificent. Writing from the perspective of this alcoholic high-school dropout, he keeps her words as would be expected from someone of her educational background. The way he is able to write from a woman's perspective is remarkable. Paula's struggle with her alcoholism seems very real and probably all too familiar to those who have decided they can quit drinking any time they want.
While this book is not one to read if you expect to have a bit of light reading, it is time well spent.
Book Description
When a loved one dies, most of us assume the door to communication with that person has closed, and all we are left with are memories. Yet, in this profoundly inspiring book, Jeffrey A. Wands, rising star of the medium world, offers a different perception, one that suggests that a unique if not incredible form of contact has opened.
Another Door Opens takes readers on a dramatic tour of the beyond that will change them forever. Writing in his trademark conversational style, Jeffrey A. Wands gives us an entirely new definition of death and, most interestingly, the opportunities it presents. By recounting real-life stories of those who've used Wands' psychic ability to reach their loved ones in the beyond, this book offers intense and unforgettable examples of how the wisdom of the dead has helped change and enrich the lives of the living. The result is a book that shows readers how to keep the door open to those who've passed through to the other side -- and how to use that connection to open doors in their own experiences.
In his unique voice Jeffrey A. Wands delivers an awe inspiring and deeply moving reading experience and brings new insights to our continuing relation-ship with those in the world of spirit.
Customer Reviews:
Insightful reading.......2007-09-27
I've enjoyed reading both of Jeffrey's books. There is a sincerity and honesty that is presented in earnest for critics and colleagues alike. I have seen Jeffrey in person, on television and listened to his radio shows for many years..., IMO, his accuracy in retrieving information is unrivaled in all but the fewest of psychic circles.
BOR-RING.......2007-09-26
I've hung-out with this guy. He is about as psychic as my cat is. Not very bright... repeats the same limited vocabulary over and over. Don't waste your time or money. He has NO more knowledge about any of this than You do.
Great Read.......2007-08-31
The narration by Jeffrey Wands in this book is so flowing and smooth. It's as if you are sitting along side and he is talking to you. He explains many questions about who he is and how his abilities work. I recommend this book if you have any interest at all in the spirit world and how the spirits work.
Helped me Tremendously!.......2007-08-20
I really enjoyed this book immensely. I have had much death in my life and this book has helped me to look at these deaths in another light. Thanks.
Book.......2007-05-07
I did'nt care for this book. I felt like the author was trying to hard to convince readers that he has psychic abilites.
Average customer rating:
- So FUNNY it makes being bad look good!
- Jen Lancaster's world
- HILARIOUS!
- HILARIOUS
- If you don't get the humor, I'm sorry no one can help you!
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Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me?
Jen Lancaster
Manufacturer: NAL Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office
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There's a (Slight) Chance I Might Be Going to Hell: A Novel of Sewer Pipes, Pageant Queens, and Big Trouble
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I Love Everybody (and Other Atrocious Lies): True Tales of a Loudmouth Girl
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We Thought You Would Be Prettier: True Tales of the Dorkiest Girl Alive
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ASIN: 0451221257 |
Book Description
Jen Lancaster hates to burst your happy little bubble, but life in the big city isn't all it's cracked up to be. Contrary to what you see on TV and in the movies, most urbanites aren't party-hopping in slinky dresses and strappy stilettos. But lucky for us, Lancaster knows how to make the life of the lower crust mercilessly funny and infinitely entertaining.
Whether she's reporting rude neighbors to Homeland Security, harboring a crush on her grocery store clerk, or fighting-and losing-the Battle of the Stairmaster- Lancaster explores how silly, strange, and not-so-fabulous real city living can be. And if anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss her big, fat, pink, puffy down parka.
Customer Reviews:
So FUNNY it makes being bad look good!.......2007-10-03
Jen takes on temp jobs while waiting for her advance check from selling her first book. To fill the extra hours, she has written a hilarious memoir about her ordinary life experiences. Cross her and you may be the lucky recipient of one of her crafty letters that you wouldn't believe someone would have the nerve to write. (And what a great tool for releasing anger) If your one of her stay at home friends, you may be on the recieving end of funny daily scoops that rival a soap opera drama, and much more interesting by far. -The thing is you never read any e-mails from them, so their lives must be dreadfully boring in comparison.
I've never had a book make me laugh out loud (even in public) like this one did! This girl has lightning quick wit and humor. Actually, reading this made me feel a little more sane. (Thanks Jen:) I thought I had an overactive mind, she's definately got me beat, and her thoughts are way funnier than mine could ever be! Her behavior and mouth are so excusable because she's just hilarious. She really does make being bad look good.
This is a keeper. When I'm feeling low and needing a good laugh, I'll be reaching for this. Reading this will make passing the time (in line or Dr's office or anywhere) much more pleasant. Just know that it is very likely to make you bust out laughing in front of everyone!
Jen Lancaster's world.......2007-09-27
Bitter is the New Black, Jen's first book, was wonderful. This second book is great, but I feel it falls a little short of the fullness of BINB. Not as much of an actual story line, just tons of funny scenarios and banter - which are all great, but I'm not as anxious to find out what happens next (when does Jen find a job, how will they survive the next month, etc). It definitely still keeps me chuckling page after page though. Since there is not much drama in this book, I am enjoying getting to know Fletch a little more.
HILARIOUS!.......2007-09-10
I couldn't put this down, it is so funny! I was laughing and chuckling so hard that I even annoyed my husband (who is not nearly as patient as Jen's husband, Fletch). She writes what the rest of us are thinking, but are now too politically correct to say out loud. Awesome. I check www.Jennsylvania.com every morning in my little cube farm for a chuckle. I can't wait for the next one.
HILARIOUS.......2007-09-06
I loved bitter and didn't know how the author, Jen Lancaster, could create anything funnier and then I read this! While reading it I was reminded of the first time I saw wedding crashers. The whole time I am thinking I have to go back and reread this because there are sooo many funny things going on here! This is a great read and a great gift for friends!!
If you don't get the humor, I'm sorry no one can help you!.......2007-09-03
I loved Jen Lancaster's first book and this follow up was even more brilliant and funny than the first. She is a caustic bitchy broad with a keen ability to throw in enough self deprection to let you know she doesn't take herself to seriously. If you cannot appreciate the humor I'm afraid no one can help you. The only bad part for me was that it had to end. I cannot wait to read the project she is currently working on. I know it will be a great escape just like this one.
Book Description
Summer jobbers, college grads, and anyone trying to reinvigorate or redirect a stalled career needs a short-term job adventure. Whether river guiding in Alaska, restoring a medieval castle in the south of France, or creating a successful organic farm, THE BACK DOOR GUIDE TO SHORT-TERM JOB ADVENTURES offers a comprehensive list of life-enriching experiences. From internships to seasonal work to volunteer jobs and adventures abroad, this best-of-the-best guide from short-term job expert Michael Landes contains more than 1, 000 opportunities to work, play, learn, help, create, experience, and grow worldwide. In this new, handy-sized fourth edition, Landes has extensively updated the listings to provide the most current information and added new listings for internships, seasonal work, volunteer opportunities, and overseas jobs.
Customer Reviews:
Great for college students or people figuring out what they want to do.......2007-05-15
What a great book! You could literally live your life with this book going from one volunteer opportunity to another. The book is basically a list of short terms jobs ranging from camps to dude ranches to museums. It tells you if they pay you anything, if they feed you, if they board you, how long the job is for, and it gives descriptions and contact info. This is an excellent all in one resources for jobs in the US so quit the desk job and travel around volunteering for a living. This will inspire you to do it!
Just Do It!.......2007-01-16
Excellent resource for the pure pleasure of doing something different. If you have the time, resources and an adventurous spirit, just go out and buy this book and then just do it!
ditto.......2006-07-10
"pretty good book. Wish there were more photos and that the photos were in color. Also I would have liked a few more animal short term job adventures. I noticed the book focused a lot on students and US locations but did include a section on global jobs and adventures abroad. loved how the book offered a good variety of jobs for all types of people with website and other critical info on each job!"
Definitely not what I expected.......2006-05-27
I guess the title is phrased badly; I assumed that this book was about internships abroad, summer jobs abroad, etc, but it is about internships, summer jobs, seasonal work, and volunteer vacations in the United States, as well as "transitions" (whatever that means) abroad. And this book is not really a guide, in that it doesn't really give a lot of advice about different jobs and different fields. It is more a listing, like an address book of the most interesting companies (in the author's opinion) offering short-term work, with a very shallow description of the job and its hiring preferences. The only part that was really a guide was the bizarre information on finding yourself and journaling and exploring your passions. Apparently other people found this really great, but I got a little sick of inspirational quotes and follow-your-dreams sidebars; there are plenty of career-advice and self-help books offering this information. Luckily, I borrowed this book from the library, which is where it should stay. If you're looking for short-term opportunities in the United States, go to the library, look through this book, and take down the contact information for the companies you're interested in.
The Big Book of Fun.......2006-04-21
This book changed my life. It has led me into many adventures and helped me meet some of my closest friends. It is a book of possibilities and an opportunity to dream and create a unique life.
In addition, I love how easy it is to navigate.
A must have.
Book Description
"As usual, Tom Stanley hits the nail squarely on the head. No one better illuminates the 'who, where, and how' of the affluent market in America."-J. Arthur Urcioli, Chairman and Chief Executive, Merrill Lynch, Business and Financial Services, Inc. "This book is the best guide to success that I've seen."-Mary B. Lehman, Managing Director, Banker's Trust Company, The Private Bank.
Customer Reviews:
Very Illuminating.......2004-01-16
I never realized how easy it is to network with the high profile people. Like anythingelse, it can be learned.
Networking With The Affluent is a must read for all entrepeneurs, sales and business people. This is the book that your most successful competitors are reading, using and applying.
Especially good for people in financial services.......2004-01-16
I work for one of the big 3 insurance companies and getting to know the affluent and working their nests is critical to my success.
In Networking with the Affluent, Dr. Stanley shows how to get into this market and offer quality financial products and services. To serve the affluent and others in their network.
You won't find any tricky techniques. But you will find some powerful ideas on how to substantially increase your production.
I have recommended this book to dozens of people over the years. And I can tell by their productivity if they have actually read it.
Get this book. It's great.
Excellent book to penetrate the affluent market.......2004-01-16
Dr Stanley goes over and above the call of duty with this great work. Networking With The Affluent will show you how to penetrate the affluent market...network with it's members and key players within their group.
This book will create relationships that many have heretofore, been unable to penetrate.
Great book by Dr. Stanley.
A very under-rated book! Where are the readers?.......2004-01-16
I cannot believe that there is not at least three pages of reviews for this great book.Being able to link up with "Mr/Mrs High Credibility" is so essential to successand this is the only book that shows the why, who, where and how.Severall years ago I joined toastmasters and as a result was invited to join other organizations as well. I have to admit that I was [initially] very uncomfortable sitting with some of the top CEO's, Board Members and social elite of my city. This book was recommended to me then and I have never looked back.As a result, I have been able to increase my client base, penetrate the affluent market and network with their associates.As I said in the heading, I cannot believe that there are not more reviews here. Perhaps readers are hoping to keep this their secret. I know that when I first heard about this book, I was hoping that none of my competitors would find out about it.I also recommend Dr. Stanley's excellent "Selling To The Affluent" and "The Winners Circle" by Robert Shook.
Some good advice on how to be useful to the affluent.......2002-07-19
If you need to rub elbows with the affluent, who better to learn from than the man who made a career of studying the wealthy? Thomas Stanley, bestselling author of "The Millionaire Next Door," teaches us the networking methods of individuals who cater to the rich in "Networking With The Affluent And Their Advisors."
Stanley writes: "...always remember that you will succeed in marketing if you focus on the needs of your targets." What are the needs of the affluent? Stanley focuses upon eight valuable services that individuals can provide to the affluent.
According to Stanley, the "Eight Faces of Networking" are:
* Being A Talent Scout
* Being A Revenue Enhancer
* Being An Advocate (to your clients' industries)
* Being A Mentor
* Being A Publicist
* Being A Family Advisor
* Being A Purchasing Agent
* Being A Loan Broker
Noticeably missing from Stanley's list is walking poodles. What sort of pets do the rich have anyway? Are they largely cat people or dog people? Or do they tend to avoid pets altogether due to the cost of caring for the furry little fellows? Stanley is silent on the issue.
But, I guess offering to walk a potential client's poodle wouldn't enhance the image of a serious business professional anyway. So, we'll let Stanley off the hook on this point of omission. Each of his other networking suggestions would tend to enhance a businessperson's reputation as a savvy businessperson with the client.
Being a talent scout means providing your network with information about reliable suppliers and people who might be able to provide valuable services. For example, Stanley notes that the majority of the wealthy are business owners, so they are constantly looking for sources of supply for their businesses.
Suppose the fat cat you want to do business with owns a bakery chain. If you've focused your attention upon the food industry, you might just know a good supplier of doilies. That information will come in handy when fat cat laments the lack of reliable doily suppliers. By asking fat cat about his most important goals and concerns, you learn how you can be of service to him.
Of course, if the doily supplier delivers deformed doilies, you might lose the goodwill of the fat cat. Stanley tells us to only endorse people who provide quality services and products, otherwise we compromise the value of our personal network.
Stanley says that it's often wisest to focus upon networking within a few industries because positive word-of-mouth flows more rapidly through inter-industry communication than through intra-industry communication. We learn that one of the best places to learn about an industry are the industry's trade publications and associations.
So, while you're browsing through "Gingersnap Today," in addition to learning about the industry, you'll learn about the movers and shakers of the baking industry. More people to add to your potential food network.
What do most bakers really care about? In fact, what do most wealthy people care about? Dough, of course! Business owners, especially, are always looking to grow their revenue. So, if you enhance a business owner's revenue, you will become a valuable member of his or her network.
Would doily supplier dare drop doing business with you in favor of your competition if you are providing many referrals and enhancing his doily revenue? Especially, if other people providing the same core service don't enhance his revenue at all?
Stanley gives us the example of a financial advisor who was talking with the wealthy owner of a welding company. Rather than focusing upon the financial advisor's "me, me, me" interest of getting as much money under his grubby management paw as possible, the advisor focused upon his potential client's real concerns and priorities.
Upon meeting the wealthy welder, the financial advisor immediately said that he had several clients who owned oil rigs which needed welding services. He put the welder in contact with the oil riggers. The welder received much business and opened a multimillion dollar account with the financial advisor.
Of course, savvy networking is sometimes derogatorily referred to as "The Old Boy's Network," where members only tend to do business with other members. But, everyone has the opportunity to create their own network. Building networks is an equal opportunity endeavor. Unfortunately, sometimes, people have network envy.
Also, notice that financial advisors and others offering core services to the wealthy tend to benefit most from such networking. This is especially true if the basic service provided is largely undifferentiated, as it typically is with accounting services or financial advising, for example.
Stanley argues that the core service provided clients must be worthwhile to secure and retain business. But, core services being equal, the provider who excels at revenue enhancement will probably win.
While revenue enhancement is crucial, maybe, top dog's greatest concern is building his new home. He's a successful doctor who hates negotiating and doesn't have the time for it. But, it so happens that you know the building contracting business and are a strong negotiator. By acting as a purchasing agent for members of your network, you can save members money. And, as they say, a penny saved is a penny earned.
Stanley relates the story of a successful CPA who saved his wealthy client about [money] on the purchase of a new home. When the successful doctor told Mr. CPA about his new home plans along with its 15% builder's fee and extra fees and commissions here and there, Mr. CPA offered to negotiate the final purchase on behalf of his client. Knowing construction, Mr. CPA knew that a 10% builder's fee was fair. But, the commission, paid to the builder, on the sale of the lot, owned by the builder, had to go.
Saving members of your network money on expensive purchases is one more way to benefit them.
Overall, if you provide a service to wealthy individuals and you wish to increase the value of your networking skills, you might find this book useful.
Peter Hupalo, Author of "Thinking Like An Entrepreneur" and "Becoming An Investor."
Amazon.com
Three uniquely targeted guides by Thomas J. Stanley--bestselling author of The Millionaire Next Door--have been released in paperback for those specializing in sales to the wealthy. In Marketing to the Affluent, Stanley defines the moneyed population and outlines the traits it takes to reach them. In Selling to the Affluent, Stanley discusses the true needs of the well-to-do and ways to effectively meet those needs. And in Networking with the Affluent, he explains how to reach this elite audience by securing word-of-mouth endorsements from their peers.
Book Description
"Dr, Stanley's prospecting techniques saved me thousands of hours of tedious work normally given to cold calls and mailer leads."-Ken Catanella, Senior Vice President, Shearson Lehman Hutton. "This is a must-read book for anyone involved with strategic planning for businesses serving the affluent."-Seth Poppel, Vice President, Director of Corporate Planning, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
Customer Reviews:
Great info from a top marketer!.......2005-09-30
If you want to know the real truth about marketing to the affluent, and especially want to hear about creative networkers, this is THE book for you!!!
Only relevant to a select few.......2005-08-06
This book would be great to those marketing financial services. Example after example is spent determining how to market securities and finding out about how to find them. Unfortunately, if you are in any other line of business, there will be precious little for you to take away with this book. It was a waste of my money, but again, if you are selling financial products go for it.
Mark
Succesfully marketing to the rich........2005-04-06
This book is a "how to" guide to establishing a solid marketing strategy in an affluent market. A great read that provides a clear indication of who has the money, what they spend it on and what you can do to get it.
A must have.......2004-03-10
As a strong believer in the concept that there are defined qualities that produce given results I was further impressed with this book. When you consider other books covering the millionaire subject such as the Instant Millionaire or the Millionaire Brain, you can start drawing up your own set of criteria that define this important segment along with the parameters that will allow you to reach out and conduct business with this important market.
Outstanding Book, First of its kind.......2003-02-11
Dr. Thomas Stanley has become a big name since his book "The Millionaire Next Door" but some of his have been tracking his work since his days as Georgia State Professor.
This was his breakthrough work. Lots of original research and tremendous insights.
I work as a financial consultant to people who receive personal injury awards and found Dr. Stanley's writing extremely valuable.
Anyone who works with high producers or who wants to be a high income producer should own this book.
Don McNay...
Book Description
* Features hundreds of detailed illustrations from actual period millwork catalogs.
* Demonstrates how to properly specify millwork.
* Include a glossary of key terms.
Customer Reviews:
The ideal book for the intended audience.......2007-07-21
This books was exactly what I was looking for. I do work on Victorian houses and this book puts everything in perspective. I can now tell what woodwork belongs in what house and not guess anymore. I can explain to customers what they have or had in their house and give a brief history behind their mill work. After reading this book you will be able to act as an authority on restoration work. When giving bids or discussing potential jobs with a client I can speak confidently and sell my services much more effectively. If you work on old houses the knowledge you will gain in this book will set you apart from the average modern day carpenter. The price is small compared to the education you will get from this book. If you love Victorian woodwork as I do, this book is a must have. It would take 20 other carefully selected books and numerous hours of research to arrive at the same depth of understanding of historic mill work as this book gives you in one long afternoon of reading. This author saved me a lot of time and confusion by producing such a book; my personal thanks!
Highly informative reference.......2005-10-17
Reading other reviews, I'm not sure why we have the overall impression that highly specialized references such as this should be bargain basement priced - the costs of writing and producing a book such as this are not inconsiderable, so I feel compelled to defend the author and publisher in that respect.
That being said, I'm perhaps the ideal customer for this book in that my home - former military quarters - was built in 1910 and re-fitted by the military at least twice during its life. Trying to figure out what is original and what is retrofitted is very challenging and this book provides an excellent guide for my purposes.
If you want pure gratification from a text with lots of color pictures you should know this is not a coffee table book, likewise, it is not a catalog. Nevertheless, I think the serious restoration-minded reader will be very satisfied, as I am.
A Little Disappointing.......2005-06-28
Like several other reviewers, I found the book to be overpriced. The book provided neither extensive and in depth narrative history NOR extensive patterns. ...and I don't believe there was one color photograph to be found. Don't buy it until you've had it in your hands.
From the author.......2005-03-07
As you try and make a decision about this book I wanted to give an explanation as the author. I noticed the reviews above and wanted to clarify the purpose of the book. I don't want you to spend $70 dollars on a book that doesn't help.
First, if you are looking for an old millwork catalog, this may not be your book. I wrote this book for architects trying to specify the correct doors, windows and moldings for historic buildings. I wrote this book for homeowners trying to figure out the millwork in their home and the subtle differences that take place during each architectural period. I wrote this book for contractors trying to restore an historic building with the proper details.
1870-1940 is a unique 70 year period in which there are numerous architectural changes that effect the moldings and millwork details of a building.
This book was written to help clarify how historic millwork was produced, who the major players were, how architectual and stylistic differences revealed themselves in the moldings and millwork of the home. I have broken out chapters by topic like windows or doors and then traced the changes in these products from 1870 to 1940. Hopefully, by reading this book you will be able to easily distinguish; a Victorian 5 panel door from an Arts and Crafts 2 panel, understand when colonades were popular and how they change, identify a Queen Anne sash, and recognize Victorian millwork from others.
I hope this helps you get a clear picture of what you are buying.
Thanks
Brent Hull
PS. I had to rate the book in order to submit this review.
Over Priced & Better References.......2004-02-09
This book is quite overpriced relative to similar books. Better titles are available from Dover (Universal Millwork Catalog), Lee Valley (Home Interiors of the 1920s), Linden Publishing (Modern Practical Joinery), Fredionia (Modern Carpentry) that cover the information and provide more information at about 1/3 to 1/4 the price for each book. It looks like that many examples are out of these books commonly available. Furthermore, this book has relatively few examples for each catagory. Before you spend the money on this book, check it out from your library or have them get it through interlibrary loan along with the other books mentioned.
Book Description
Finally, ideas for successful ways to go to bat, or battle, against those inconsiderate, unruly, unusual, or downright obnoxious neighbors. In this hands-on guide you'll find ways to cope with problems through apartment walls or over back fences, among owners or renters. Whether the situation calls for a friendly negotiation or an all-out war, "Outwitting the Neighbors" is the source to call on.
Customer Reviews:
Why you should NOT buy this book..........2004-07-12
I give credit for the catchy title! But I seriously have issues with neighbors and this book does nothing to help solve those issues. You will get a fluff of stories upon stories about how others have it bad. Then the solution for noisy neighbors will be to buy a set of earplugs and turn up your tv. I couldn't believe the book recommended that if the noise from neighbors comes from a teenager/college kid holding a house party -- to pay that kid to not have parties there. That's promoting extorsion and it's bribery. Do you really think once you start paying a kid not to have parties at his house, he/she won't ask for more money?! This book is STUPID, STUPID, STUPID unless you just love reading about how others have it more worst off -- like the senior citizen who kills his neighbors because they wouldn't allow him to have any nights rest with all the noise they made.
I didn't want to buy this book.......2000-04-11
but I had to do something, my neighbors are so noisy... This book was really interesting and covered many problem areas, and there were stories about people with neighbor problems that sounded worse than mine! The focus was both on the problems and solutions, and many of the solutions were very good and also creative. I would highly recommend this book for anyone with neighbors.
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