Book Description
What does it take to turn ideas into action? What are the elements of a perfect pitch? How do you win the war for talent? How do you establish a brand without bucks? These are some of the issues everyone faces when starting or revitalizing any undertaking, and Guy Kawasaki, former marketing maven of Apple Computer, provides the answers.
The Art of the Start will give you the essential steps to launch great products, services, and companies—whether you are dreaming of starting the next Microsoft or a not-for-profit that's going to change the world. It also shows managers how to unleash entrepreneurial thinking at established companies, helping them foster the pluck and creativity that their businesses need to stay ahead of the pack. Kawasaki provides readers with GIST—Great Ideas for Starting Things—including his field-tested insider's techniques for bootstrapping, branding, networking, recruiting, pitching, rainmaking, and, most important in this fickle consumer climate, building buzz.
At Apple, Kawasaki helped turn ordinary customers into fanatics. As founder and CEO of Garage Technology Ventures, he has tested his iconoclastic ideas on real- world start- ups. And as an irrepressible columnist for Forbes, he has honed his best thinking about The Art of the Start.
Customer Reviews:
The Art of the start.......2007-10-06
This book is great for getting anything started. Very easy to read and to the point. Anyone can use this book to start anything. Details to look for. I also liked that I could read the first chapter on line before purchasing it.
Great check-list for anyone starting a company........2007-09-07
A great checklist and lots of advice for anyone thinking of starting a company.
Nothing revolutionary, perhaps nothing you wouldn't have thought of yourself, but there is great value in having a well thought-out, complete, list like this.
Only 4 stars because the book seems biased towards venture-funded companies.
The Art of Living.......2007-08-30
Written like he was delivering a speech, Guy Kawasaki has made this an enjoyable and interesting read. All the time I was turning the pages, I kept feeling that much of what he wrote applied to life, and not just starting a business. When I got to the final chapter, "The Art of Being a Mensch", I discovered why I had gotten that feeling - much of Kawasaki's business approach emanates from his way of being in life. Read it for thoughts on how to live; read it for its humor, read it for advice - but do read it! Dennis DeWilde, Author of The Performance Connection.
Great book for starting anything important in life........2007-08-23
This book was so easy to read, and just made sense. If you looking to start anything in life that you have not done before, read this book, it will help a lot.
Great Start.......2007-08-11
If you are planning to start up, don't think again. Just read this book, close your eyes, and..... jump. This one is just as good as Eightstorm: 8-Step Brainstorming for Innovative Managers.
Book Description
In the grand scheme of things, money's not that important. It's important only to the extent that it allows you to enjoy what's important to you. And not worrying about your finances is critical to having a life that excites you, nurtures those you love, and fulfills your highest aspirations. If you want to make smart choices about money, based on what is important to you--your core values--this book is for you.
This informative and well-written book will help you build a financial strategy, starting with your own unique values--what is truly important to you. By defining these unique values, you can create a plan that not only looks good on paper, but spurs you to follow through and achieve your goals. Values-Based Financial Planning: The Art of Creating and Inspiring Financial Strategy will help you realize what's important to you, align your financial choices with the great life you want, and become inspired to do whatever it takes to have that life.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book "Must Read".......2007-10-07
I have been investing over 18 years with a this concept. Love it, It pays, I sitting on a very nice nest egg. Trust, your values are the key to successful plan. I have many friends that think they can do this by themselves and are broke. All the trades online will take you down the drain. I have seen it. The book is on target. It is a quick read, to the point. After reading this one read the book Elephant in the Room.
My advice to you is...........2007-07-30
If you are an Advisor, read the book for the good of your clients. If you are a client, read the book for your benefit and the benefit for your Advisor. The main focus is on personal values, but the issue of the Client-Advisor relationship is explored as well. You may be a nightmare Advisor, or you may be a nightmare Client. Find out, and if so, fix it!
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due.......2006-06-16
As a financial professional who strives daily to help my clients make smart choices about their money, I am impressed by Bill's personalized approach to helping people take control of their lives by showing them ways to create and implement a viable foundation for their ideal financial future. There are many approaches of course, perhaps infinite, to planning wisely for your future. No one method or process is perfect. However, if you're truly serious about taking financial control over your future, whether you invest for yourself or work with a competent professional, then seek ideas and methods that are focused on helping YOU fulfill what's important to you in life. Bill's work talks directly about doing this and in beneficial ways that can help you make real progress towards achieving your lifetime goals and fulfilling your values.
Solid and broad-picture financial book for investors.......2005-05-26
Bachrach does a great job at helping investors identify their own personality type and recognize what is really important to them in investing. You wont find stock tips in this book but you will find the tools needed to create an overall roadmap and financial plan to help you meet your true root financial goals. This is the important part. One of my favorite points that Mr. Bachrach makes, one that I emphasize with people I advise is that there are certain things you can't hire someone to do for you: spending time with your family, exercise, travel etc. There are some things you can delegate- financial planning is one of them. Bill Bachrach also has a healthy and objective view about advice for investors who are not sure if they want to use the services of an advisor.
If you want the book with the hot trading tip of the day to add to your 500 book collection of investing books, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for an overall strategy to help meet your financial goals then this book is recommended.
Live your life following what's most important- Your Values.......2004-03-01
Bill Bachrach's book can help all investors, young and old, to reach all their financial goals so they can live the best possible life. Because everyone is different, that best life will be different for everyone.
Even the "do-it-yourself" investor can make better decisions by understanding that investing is not about getting the highest returns all the time, because no one can do that, but, it is about getting the returns they need to reach their financial goals without taking undue risks.
"Collaborators", those who like to get ideas from, and bounce ideas off, an investment salesperson, can make better decisions about where to invest their money.
Finally, "Delagators", those who want to spend their time on those things that are more important than money, such as their health, their important relationships, and their career or retirement, can have a way to find a "Trusted Advisor" who will help them reach their financial goals by preparing a proper investment, tax, and estate plan and coach them to implement the plan.
Inside, the reader will find a blank "Financial Road Map" to complete at home, or, with their advisor. There is also a valuable comparison of a "Trusted Advisor" and a "Salesperson" to help in the selection of someone to help implement the plan.
Bill Bachrach has developed this approach over the last fifteen years. Bill has been recognized as one of the most influencial people in the financial services industry in the U.S.A. He has coached hundreds of advisors in North America and around the world in his process. His stated goal is to help change the financial services industry to become more client oriented.
Book Description
Learn about today's hottest new risk management tools
One of the hottest areas of finance today, alternative risk transfer, or ART, refers to the use of various insurance products to manage market, credit, operational, legal, environmental, and other forms of risk. As the capital and insurance markets continue to converge, the number and complexity of new risk-defraying insurance products available to corporations, brokerages, money managers and other financial professionals will continue to grow. Expert Christopher L. Culp uses case studies of recent ART transactions used by risk managers to put the field into perspective for financial professionals and to acquaint them with the various types of risk control products now available. In addition he explores, in-depth, the links between ART, derivatives and bank-arranged risk financing, and he explains the key differences between classic insurance products and financial guarantees, risk financing, bundled layering, and other ART forms.
Customer Reviews:
For Useless Academics.......2004-04-03
If you are a practicioner, skip this book. Even academics will find this rehash (and outright clone) of better material a waste of time.
Packed with Knowledge!.......2002-11-12
Finance professional and professor Christopher L. Culp tells all, that is, all about alternate risk transfer (ART) products. Culp discusses corporate finance in detail, covering different types of capital. He sets out the risk control and capital structure functions of various classical and alternative risk transfer steps, such as derivatives targeted at market and credit risk, asset divestiture, insurance and reinsurance. Don't even go here if you aren't already familiar with (or studying) the sophisticated basics of finance, since this is highly technical reading, including numerous formulas, charts and graphs describing financial theories and processes. But if you are an expert, we from getAbstract congratulate you on finding your way to Culp, who aimed his book at the already-savvy: corporate treasurers, financial officers and those who participate in capital markets and the reinsurance industry.
Amazon.com
To "sell short" on Wall Street, an investor finds overpriced stocks and then deals them before actually buying them. Regularly falling in and out of favor, the discipline remains one of the financial market's highest-risks but most profitable practices. The Art of Short Selling by Kathryn Staley, an expert in the field, uses examples and instructions to show how it can be done successfully--while cautioning that it "is not for the faint of heart."
Book Description
A one-of-a-kind book that shows you how to cash in on the latest investing trendâshort selling
"The Art of Short Selling is the best description of this difficult technique."âJohn Train, Train, Thomas, Smith Investment Counsel, and author of The New Money Masters
"Kathryn Staley has done a masterful job explaining the highly specialized art of short selling. Her approach to telling the true stories of famous investment 'scams' will keep the reader spellbound, while teaching the investor many crucial lessons."âDavid W. Tice, Portfolio Manager, Prudent Bear Fund
"Selling short is still a misunderstood discipline, but even the most raging bull needs to know this valuable technique to master the ever-changing markets."âJim Rogers, author, Investment Biker
On the investment playing field, there is perhaps no game more exciting than short selling. With the right moves, it can yield high returns; one misstep, however, can have disastrous consequences. Despite the risk, a growing number of players are anteing up, sparked in part by success stories such as that of George Soros and the billions he netted by short selling the British pound. In The Art of Short Selling, Kathryn Staley, an expert in the field, examines the essentials of this important investment vehicle, providing a comprehensive game plan with which you can effectively playâand winâthe short selling game.
Whether used as a means of hedging bets, decreasing the volatility of total returns, or improving returns, short selling must be handled with careâand with the right know-how. As Staley points out, "Short selling is not for the faint of heart. If a stock moves against the position holder, the effect on a portfolio and net worth can be devastating. Investors need to understand the impact on their accounts as well as the consequences of getting bought in before they indulge in short selling." The Art of Short Selling guides youâclearly and conciselyâthrough the ins and outs of this high-risk, high-stakes game.
The firstâand most importantâmove in selling short is to identify flaws in a business before its share prices drop. To help you tackle this key step, Staley shows you how to evaluate company financial statements and balance sheets, make sense of return ratios, detect inconsistencies in inventory, and analyze the statement of cash flows. Through real-world examples that illustrate the shorting of bubble, high multiple growth, and theme stocks, you'll proceed step by step through the complete process and learn to carry out all the essentials for a successful short sell, including quantifying the risk factor and orchestrating correct timing, as well as implementing advanced valuation techniques to execute the sell/buy.
Packed with landmark, cutting-edge examples, up-to-the-minute guidelines, and pertinent regulations, The Art of Short Selling is a timely and comprehensive reference that arms you with the necessary tools to make a prepared and confident entrance onto the short selling playing field.
Customer Reviews:
Dated and uninformative.......2006-08-16
This book will not be useful to most readers. Staley touts shorting-hedge-fund managers and similar folk who can hire investigators and who can delegate maniacally-intensive accounting & financials research. This book also suffers from being highly specific in detailing financial irregularities of companies forgotten in light of the stupendous failures of Worldcom, Enron etc. Finally, if you actually want to short securities, don't expect this book to help you.
Go Long This Book.......2006-01-27
Chapter Six of Kathryn F. Staley's excellent book is titled, "If You Can't Read It, Short It." In it she explains something called iceberg phenomena: "If you find five or six serious questions in financial statements, you can be sure that there are many more you cannot see." She's dead right.
My analysis is to go long this well-written (but very poorly proofread) introduction to the specialized realm of shorting equities. Ms Staley has chosen a style well-suited to the non-expert, rather breezily taking the reader through the balance sheet shenanigans, distribution channel stuffing and other tricks CEOs and corporate directors use to puff up share price and get option grants into the money before taking the next Gulfsteam outta Dodge.
The book is chock-full of entertaining examples of games CEOs and their pliant Boards try to play with shareholders' money. Don't let Ms Staley's light-hearted style fool you. This is very serious business, and she's got years of success in the trenches to bolster her credibility as a writer on this topic.
Reading The Art of Short Selling also reminds even experienced practitioners of financial statement analysis that a 1OK is often an attempt to put a wedding dress on a dog in order to pretty it up for the next financing. I feel obliged to point out that this review is being written during earnings season, and it never ceases to amaze one when supposedly objective analysts are heard on conference calls being cheerleaders for company managements obviously in need of good thrashing.
Kathryn Staley is not unknown to the community of financial analysts. She was profiled as being among the most innovative of analysts in a recent issue of CFA Magazine. To understand the nature of the book she has written, it will be helpful to share two of her quotes from that article:
"...a company's prospectus clearly showed the problems that would ensue with the business plan. It was revelatory for me to find such specific, honest information in the SEC-filed documents about what was going on with a company in both the risk factor section and 'Certain Transactions.'"
"Short sellers think differently from normal brokerage house stock analysts. They work the same numbers but take a different view, a jaundiced view, of growth and the patterns that emerge."
With its focus on the fundamentals of a stock, the business of a company and the manner it which it reports financial results, The Art of Short Selling is not a book on technical analysis (tea-leaf ~ oh, pardon me ~ chart reading), and thus those who have complained that it's not should have their reviews appropriately discounted by potential purchasers.
This is a book for people who want to dig line-by-line through SEC filings to come up with nuggets of knowledge that can be spun into gold ~ if one is willing to risk capital. And, ultimately, it is all about the degree of risk exposure one is willing to assume. Short selling is not for the risk-averse.
Kathryn F. Staley's, The Art of Short Selling, is the best introduction to this iconoclastic field of equities investing. I reiterate, go long this book.
One criticism: this book is hideously proofread and copy-edited. There are dozens of ludicrous spelling errors and inconsistancies. In example, abbreviations aren't uniform throughout the text. There are other errors of this kind. To not make corrections in future editions discounts the future value of the knowledge between the covers. Thus, four stars, not five.
Focus on fundamentals.......2005-06-03
Anecdotes and successful short stories rule this book. If you are a technical trader you will be disappointed since 'The Art of Short Selling' choses which stocks to short based on (primarily) the financials.
I was rather disappointed because it took until alomst the last chapter before the 'meat' of how to pick stocks for shorting was discussed. Even then it only briefly discusses which aspects of the financial statements one should look out for.
If you do not understand how to read a balance sheet, statement of cash flow etc, you are better off understanding those before reading this.
However, the various examples given are insightful and would suggest to me that what has happened in the past will inevitably happen again in the future. There are profits to be made! You'd just have to know where to look.
A Skeptics guide to Fundamental Analysis.......2003-04-26
I came across this book years ago in a bookstore, browsed through it, and put it away. Being caught up in the study of technical analysis at the time, I clearly wasn't ready at the time to find value (pun intended) in Staley's fundamental approach to the market. This time, however, I'm listening to her.
With a bit more experience, I can appreciate 3 of the many lessons _The Art of Short Selling_ teaches:
1) Fundamentals drive market action...eventually
2) It is often a costly mistake to short a stock simply because it apepars overvalued. A catalyst of some sort is needed to encourage massive selling.
3) Markets can ignore negative fundamentals for significantly extended periods of time--giving the astute trader ample time to sell at a profit, or even turn and sell short. Positive fundamentals are more rapidly incorporated into stock prices, but significant inefficiencies still exist on both sides of the market--long and short.
The author uses case histories of significant corporate failures from the 80's and early 90's in light of the publicly available info at that time, which clearly demonstrated the inivetable fall of Wall Street's institutional favorites.
Numerous fundamental techniques are discussed, such as tracking changes in inventory and receivables, as well as tricks companies play to make revenues and earnings appear better than they are.
Also interesting--a high short interest ratio in a stock is often a significant sign of potential trouble in a company. Do not let those analysts lead you to believe a high short interest ratio is always bullish. Check the fundamentals and make your own call.
Qualitative factors are also discussed, with specific examples on how a close reading of public financial data on one company would have lead you to a profitable short sale of another. This occurs frequently in the finance and insurance industries.
This book is especially important, because every book I've seen teaches which stocks to BUY on a fundamental basis. No book ever mentions what fundamental factors suggest you SELL. Even if you never sell short, this is profitable info.
Being a student of technical analysis, what struck me is the insight those skeptical shorts had about the companies mentioned. Clearly, they knew the eventual outcome in each specific instance.
Yet, despite being right, most of these guys lost millions by going strictly by fundamentals. Those who survived incorporated additional (ie. technical) factors, such as relative strength or momentum. As Keynes stated, "The market can remain irrational much longer than you can remain solvent."
It is clear to me that using both fundamental and technical analysis is the most efficient path to market profits.
disappointing,it is not helpful for short selling at all........2002-09-21
This book is'nt introductuction and rationale to the technical approach.
Product Description
In real estate markets all around the country, real estate flippers have discovered that a small down payment, a little paint, some cleaning, and some time can net them tens (even hundreds) of thousands of dollars in profits, possibly tax-free. Small upgrades to the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas, and the ugly house they bought for $200,000 in June can be sold for $300,000 in October. Real estate investing has created more millionaires than any other investment vehicle in this country. Real estate flipping refers to the practice of finding a property that is for saleusually priced below-marketand then selling it soon after it is bought for a quick profit. Finally theres a comprehensive, no-nonsense book that teaches you everything you need to build wealth through flipping properties quickly, legally, and ethically. You dont need great credit, a real estate license, or large sums of capital or experience to get started. There has never been a better time to invest in real estate than today. This new book offers first-time and returning real estate investors tactics for making a fortune. Even if you have little or no money, you can find success in real estate investing by flipping. Flipping properties can be a part-time or full-time business for anybody. You will learn all of the paperwork involved in real estate transactions, including deeds, mortgages, contracts, notes, and titles; new FHA regulations; how to begin investing with little or no cash; locate opportunities; work with real estate agents; increase curb appeal; locate the financing you need; and most importantly, purchase properties for pennies on the dollar and prepare them for a quick sale. The book is loaded with case studies and success storiesfrom real people. You will uncover secrets that expert real estate investors use every day. This comprehensive resource contains a wealth of modern tips and strategies for getting started in this very lucrative area of real estate investing.
Customer Reviews:
Great for beginners.......2007-08-15
This book touches on all the subjects for beginners to learn about flipping. I got a LOT out of it. Basically, you need a lot of help, and a lot of people around you, and if you get that, you have a good chance of succeeding. Good luck with financing tho...it's very tough right now. You really need money to make a go at flipping houses!
Great Resource! A must read for anyone interested in Flipping houses........2007-04-09
Sebastian Howell explains the art of flipping houses in easy to understand and honest tone. She uses this book to lay out step by step all the things to consider and how to go through the whole process of flipping a house from, "Is this something I might want to do" to Depositing the money in the bank. Not only does she cover the whole process from beginning to end, but she covers all the options available to you at each stage. In doing this she covers the pro's and con's for each option and which people they would be best for and which people should choose another option at that particular stage.
I've read several other books trying to research if flipping is something I could do on the side. Howell puts flipping into perspective for those wanting to do it as their full time job as well as those not quite ready to give up their 9 to 5 jobs. Overall this is a very informative book and a definite resource for those just starting and those who are trying to make the decision... "To flip or not to flip?"
reasonable good.......2007-03-14
I just bought serveral similar books here. I would say this is the good book worth to reading. The good point is that it does tell something you may not know about flipping, not just giving you some basic ideas.
All you need to know to get started!.......2007-03-13
You've seen all the shows on television that shows the audience how easy people make money flipping houses. But, I'm sure that you've wondered, just like I have, just how possible is it? Well, Sebastian Howell has laid it all out in black and white. The author has described the process in universal terms, meaning you could apply her principles to any geographical area.
This book is easy to understand and deals in both the basics and the more complex material. It starts off with simple explanations and moves on to understanding the market and the business of making money through buying and selling houses. It gives clear definitions of the legal terms and the jargon that you'll come across in the industry. The author also clearly explains the various people you will associate with and their roles on your team. I really appreciated the examples used in the book. They help to clarify the material. The section covered on financing is comprehensive and understandable with tips to pulling it altogether.
One the most beneficial sections in the book is a complete list of what to look for in a `flippable' house. She gives clear instructions of what to take note of, what can work and what might cause some problems. Once you've found the ideal property, she leads you through the negotiating process. She deals with renovating properties and then moves the reader onto the selling process. The added bonus to the book is the comprehensive index at the back.
Well written, interesting, and fun to read........2007-01-09
Fast Real Estate Profits in Any Market by Sebastian Howell
This is an extremely well written and interesting book. One reason I found it credible is that it gives lots of warnings to be cautious, yet details how success in the real estate business is possible. So it's balanced. Another positive comment is that the book explains terms well, so that a complete novice knows what's going on. It's thorough, but never becomes tedious. The book explains that flipping is not only a means to an income, but is very satisfying on other levels. Restoring an old house is a creative endeavour, and providing buyers with a home they love is richly rewarding on an emotional level.
The way this book is written appeals to me and is in sync with my learning style. It's very linear, and discusses the process of flipping step-by-step. It explains clearly the pitfalls you may encounter along the way, and how to address them.
The book includes sample documents, and a comprehensive glossary.
I really can't find a reason to give this book fewer than five stars out of five. I have never even considered a career in real estate, let alone flipping, but I found the book very interesting.
Book Description
The #1 New York Times bestselling authors of the blockbuster Rich Dad Poor Dad series reveal their groundbreaking financial advice to teens. This special just-for-teens edition based on Rich Dad Poor Dad builds a foundation of self-confidence from which readers can realize their dreams of financial security in an increasingly challenging and unreliable job market. Teen-friendly advice, examples, sidebars, and straight talk will supplement all of Rich Dad's core advice: Work to learn, not to earn. Don't say 'I can't afford it'-instead, say 'How can I afford it?' And, don't work for money-make money work for you! No matter how confident or 'good in school' readers consider themselves to be, RICH DAD POOR DAD FOR TEENS makes financial intelligence available to all young people with its streamlined structure, clean design, and accessible voice. Here's a book that teaches teens what they don't learn in school-and what many of their parents have yet to learn.
Download Description
As Robert Kiyosaki writes in Rich Dad, Poor Dad, the poor and the middle class work for their money, but the rich make money work for them. Now this phenomenally popular financial philosophy is explained in a style that's perfect for teenagers. Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens distills the principles of cash flow, assets and liabilities, saving and investing money, and how to find opportunities to "create money" by presenting these points in a voice and format geared toward younger readers. Best of all, Rich Dad's advice is accessible to all teens, no matter how "smart" or confident they feel about money. Parents and teachers seeking creative, accessible ways to teach "financial intelligence" to teens will also find this book a useful tool. More than ever, teens and parents are realizing that it's never too early to become financially literate, and this book gives them a means to get started.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book, but nothing too profound..........2007-09-28
I really enjoyed Rich Dad, Poor Dad (the original) and since I'm 17, I thought I'd read this book because it might be easier to understand and more applicable to me. It is that and really got me started thinking about my financial future etc... But most of his insight I had already read in Rich Dad, Poor Dad, but if you're a teen or pre-teen this is a good book to read if you want to get ideas on what you can do now to get a head start. The information is a little simplistic and vague, however, and I am now going to start reading Robert Kiyosaki's other books for adults. Most of the stuff he covered in this book I already knew or heard before to some extent, so no new info here, but it is a great read for teens that don't think about financial matters AT ALL, or for kids. If anything, it'll get you thinking. Great book! I recommend using a notebook to take notes during your reading of the book; it really helps!
Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens.......2007-08-31
My 12yr. old duaghter is really enjoying reading this book. As a businessperson and her father, I'm amazed at some of the questions that she's asking me due to reading the book. Well worth it!!
Our Eleven Year Old Loves This Book.......2007-08-09
Our son was already entreprenuerially minded,having started a car wash business when he was 9, but this book really galvanized him to think responsibly about money in a way that really excites him.
He has read it several times over, and we love that the book also offers reinforcement of what we already teach at home, concepts such as your life is greatly influenced by the company you keep and the thoughts you think.
Many adults will do well to read this.......2007-07-31
I read this and have bought copies to give to friends with teens - I wish this had been available when I was a teen and someone had the foresight to give it to me or my parents...
It is the same great material from Rich Dad Poor Dad in simplified format with some teen oriented exercises and journaling. Highly recommended to everyone age 13 and older. Also highly recommend the "Getting out of the Rat Race" which is a comic book format for younger people and also a great introduction to the material for all.
Buy this book and give it away! (Pay it forward)
Could Be Better.......2007-05-01
I am a teenager who had previously heard of his book for adults under the same name. I bought the teen one because it looked like it would be simpler and I felt I would learn better with the exercises. But I feel it was too simplistic and I wonder if I would have been better off getting the book for adults.
It is still useful but maybe what I was looking for was more information. This stuff felt too general talking about assets versus liabilities or good debt versus bad debt. Since I am still interested in the subject matter I will not give up.
I might try one of his adult books before I give up completely.
Book Description
Bulls, bears, and the price of shares-the daily tallies of the stock market are on everyone's mind. The contemporary investor usually measures ownership via a confirmation blip on the computer screen; nevertheless, since the eighteenth century, stock certificates have visually charted the evolution of American industry. Now highly collectible, these documents are the ultimate melding of art and commerce, and The Art of the Market 200 years' worth of stocks on their artistic rather than their financial merits.
In the days before advertising and annual reports, the stock certificate projected a company's image of quality to the world through artwork and embellishments that epitomized the times-from the bold engravings of locomotives stamped on the shares of nineteenth-century railroad tycoons, to the sleek Art Deco styling from the early automobile era, to the graphic images for today's high-tech media giants. The Art of the Market presents more than 200 certificates that collectively render America's social and economic history through wars and peace, panics and prosperity. Each certificate is fully analyzed in artistic terms, while the lively text offers a compelling historic background on the capitalist mosaic.
Customer Reviews:
A great coffee table book.......2000-07-18
This book is an excellent reminder of a time when stocks meant more; when stock was something tangible you held vice keystrokes gone in the blink of an eye or memory stored on your computer. In the era of online trading, art such as this is sorely missed. The commentary is not particularly deep, however the art and the history is, for lack of a better word, neat. I think this book is well suited for the coffee table and a nice reminder of how things were "back then."
Great business history.......2000-05-12
I received this book as a gift, and was struck at first by its amazing "look"--it has top-notch graphics. The individual stock certificates are remarkable, and the book's authors make these images come to life as symbols of American business. The engraving of the certificates is treated as a vanishing art form, and this collection offers a reminder of just what is being lost as the market becomes more and more "virtual." At a time when more Americans own stock than ever before--and almost none of them, as the authors point out, have ever seen a stock certificate--this book represents nothing less than a hidden history of an American institution. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the stock market, but also to anyone interested in the history of American business and its influence on our culture.
Fantastic book for scripophily!.......2000-04-23
Wonderfully illustrated book showing the true definition of financial art. Beautiful full-color illustrations of stock certificates. Best part of the book is the price. Very affordable (a bargain for the art!)
A book where research of companies is at a minimum.......1999-12-26
I received this book for Christmas and just spent ten minutes laughing at the history of Xerox. The authors called the company's beginnings as the Harold company, then changed its name to the Harold Xerox Company. The original company's name was the Haloid Company, not the Harold Company. In my ten minutes of reading there was 4 more errors of company names or historical facts of the stock certificates. I did not read the "history" portion but feel if the authors can't get the histories of Xerox, Exxon, Playboy, Admiral, etc correct, why bother....The stock certificates are admirable, though
Customer Reviews:
Good Idea, Could Have Been a Magazine Article.......2007-05-13
I am a financial planner and am aware that Bacharach's book is often recommended to sales professionals in the financial services industry. I think the basic idea of the book - values-based selling - is one that works and is to be commended to sales people in the business. However, I thought the book never went much beyond the basic idea. To me, it was a "fluff" read. The ideas that one needs to take from the book could have been summed in a ten page magazine article, making the book, at $35, not much of a value. I recommend Nick Murray's "The Excellent Investment Adviser" and Neil Rachman's "SPIN Selling" as more valuable additions to one's bookshelf.
Outstanding Book, but only for the right people.......2004-08-28
In all honesty I never write reviews, but the the negative ones that I read prompted me to do this. The fact is those who commented negatively on the book read it but never attempted to implement the process. Being an investment representative, IN A BANK, I have to say that this process does work, and it is not merely asking clients what is important about money to them.
Who this book is NOT for:
People who only want to sell investments
People who enjoy a commission based business
People who only care about their clients investments, not their values
Who this book IS for:
People who want to get beyond the superficial sales approach
People who want to transition to fee based planning
People who want to help clients achieve their financial goals
Why the negative comments are flat out wrong:
One reviewer makes the comment that you don't need the book, just sit down with your clients and "make the decisions you would make for yourself." Obviously this reader hardly made it into the 4th chapter of the book. The entire book is dedicated to the fact that your job as a planner is to come to an intimate understanding of what is important to your client, NOT what is important to you. So making the decisions you would make for yourself has no place in professional financial planning.
Another reader commented that he was taught in his first week of securities training to ask what is important about money to his clients. Again, the reviewer is off topic. This book is not about killer closes, or finding your clients hot buttons like most security training emphasizes. Instead, it describes a logical, repeatable method for building trust with your clients. It does not teach quick sell techniques.
Lastly, the reviewer who says it won't work in the banking industry is wrong. I am a retail based financial consultant IN A BANK, and have used this method countless times to procure and retain quality clients.
Closing remarks:
This book and it's contents are not magical. Reading it will not make you money, will not give you more time off, will not make you a better financial planner, better investment rep or better insurance sales person.
Only by implementing the ideas in the book, exactly as described, will you get any result. So if you want to get away from being a salesperson, and become a trusted advisor, buy this book. If you are looking for some good, quick sell techniques, look elsewhere.
Buy books from Zig Zigler to learn to sell, buy this Book to become a trusted financial advisor.
Only for the best of the best financial professionals.......2004-03-12
If you are a financial professional and have not read this book, you are missing out! The author emphasizes the importance of trust, and how understanding a person's values system can make a world of difference. One could almost say that these ideas originated from Dr. Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highely Effective People". The main difference is that, Values-Based Selling is specifically for financial advisors. There are people who read all kinds of books on "selling" and make excuses for why it didn't work out. To those who implemented the ideas in Values Based Selling and didn't see results or gave up: with all due respect, you didn't follow what was intended to be done in this book or you just were not meant to be a trusted advisor. This is not a system for making great salespeople, it is for those who are, or aspire to become true financial advisors and understand what financial planning really is. The author leaves out rapport building/small talk intentionally since the process is about building trust by LISTENING to "their" story, not by telling "ours".
Good for planning, not so good for transactions.......2003-12-25
I invested in the mastery system which includes this system.
I wish I had read it at my prior company where the emphasis is
on financial planning. The values provide the "why" and therefore the motivation to complete the plan.
I now work in a bank and tried using this with not good effect.
Transaction time is much shorter. I'm now revisiting "Trust Based Selling" by Kerry Johnson and subliminal selling technqiues that more appropriately fit the banking environment.
Bacharach ignores the whole concept of rapport and goes for the close as a way to screen out people. That's great if you have an endless supply of qualified referrals to work from. Also his book assumes people want planning when many times they already have a planner or just want to do a transaction.
I'm finding both Tom Hopkins books and Kerry Johnson's a much better fit for what I do and also have bought "Socratic Selling" which I believe provides real value to the client.
Essential to any financial professional!!!.......2002-11-06
I've just recieved this book and it has already changed the way I view myself as a financial professional and the way I view my clients... Check it out for yourself, it'll run you around... but its worth millions!!!!!!!!!
Book Description
Bob Strong's practical, applied approach, and his ability to explain the intuition underlying the math, makes this text the first truly accessible, yet comprehensive, derivatives book.
Customer Reviews:
Derivatives by Robert A. Strong.......2007-07-29
This is a really good book for those who have no background in equity derivatives. It explains in a very concise and understandable layman's terms. Thank goodness for this book. It was recommended from my class instructor.
Poorly Written especially for a beginner.......2006-07-21
I am using this book for a financial derivatives class and it is very poorly written especially for someone new to derivatives.
** The book does not have complete definitions, explanations on topics or clear examples:
I have had to buy a couple of other books to understand some of the concepts he talks about. Either he will just define and let you figure out on your own why a trader might use that particular strategy or give you some information but no example of how it would work in real life.
** He jumps all over the place:
I found it difficult to understand some of the concepts as either he would abruptly stop talking on a topic and start on something else or mix things which I feel do not make a whole lot of sense. My classmates feel that he just collected a lot of material from other books or online and chopped and slashed the material till he reached some size. (maybe his publisher/editor told him there is a word limit ;) ).
** The questions in the back of the chapter are either not clear or not easily solvable(cannot be answered from the material in the chapter or deriving it from the material in the chapter)
I have had to spent time at CBOE, wikipedia and other websites to understand what he talking about and to answer the questions. (Had to do it for class)
After reading 6 chapters and spending countless hours trying to answer the questions at the end of the chapters, I feel that I have not gained anything from this book other than a list of topics to search google on.
Just to clarify, I am used to books on complex topics (3rd Masters) but have not seen a more confusing book.
Book Description
An accessible guide to portfolio-enhancing asset management in bull or bear markets
Asset allocation is a crucial and continually popular topic among investors of all types. The Art of Asset Allocation is a practical, hands-on guide that shows finance professionals and individual investors how to achieve an asset balance designed to thrive in a wide range of financial market environments. David Darst, author of the highly acclaimed The Complete Bond Book, provides a comprehensive framework for using asset allocation principles in bull, bear, or non-trending markets. This complete asset allocation guide contains:
- Differences between tactical and strategic asset allocation--and the advantages of each
- Effective tools for determining asset allocation strategies
- Asset class descriptions and historical risk and return statistics for all major asset classes
- Rebalancing guidelines
- Investor behavior analysis
- Practical financial worksheets, charts, and other illustrative tools
- An annotated guide to traditional and Internet-based information sources
Customer Reviews:
Eminently readable and extremely useful and user friendly........2006-01-17
This is the premier primer on asset allocation. David Darst takes a truly complex issue facing every investor and breaks the whole into easily digestible parts. One finishes the book feeling confident and competent. The worksheets are illuminating, the charts are clear, the text is articulate, interesting and comforting. Anyone who is afraid of the daunting task of investing in this complex world of derivatives and ETFs and hedge funds will find this book a clear map of how to proceed in small steps to create a portfolio which is geared towards one's own risk parameters and return requirements.
Too little, too much.......2005-11-10
This is a good 50 page book concisely wrapped in 375 pages. The author obviously uses most of the material in lectures/workshops, as the graphics are powerpoint and each page seems to require a list of i), ii), iii), etc. Some material on asset classes is good but it takes a lot of plowing to find those gems. I agree the author seems more intent on coaxing you to use an advisor, like himself, and to try and time the market (oh if only we could.) For an average investor, as I consider myself, I think a book like "Asset Dedication" by Huxley and Burns makes far more sense and better reading.
For Those Who Care About Money..........2005-04-14
There are generally two audiences who read financial books and publications: Financial practioners and the rest of the population who is interested in money & investing. It is quite rare and, in my opinion, undesirable for a finance book to try to speak to both audiences simultaneously.
Darst works for a premier financial firm that specializes in helping those who are already rich get richer. It stands to reason then that his analysis, stemming from his professional expertise, would be at a high level from the gate.
I give this book 5 stars and reccomend that only financial practioners or investors who already possess a high level of understanding attempt to read it. The author states at the beginning of the book that investors with little capital (who are at the beginning of the wealth accumulation cycle) keep it simple. You do not need this book if you have less than $100,000 of investable assets. That is not to say that you shouldn't read it in preparation for future financial success. The asset allocation methods in this book are designed to grow/protect/diversify an already significant pool of funds.
For those who have prospered financially, consulting a financial advisor is really the only prudent course of action. But, like anything else in life - Chance favors the prepared mind.
Okay, but for the individual investor there are better books.......2004-12-06
This book reads a little too much like a textbook. If I was a financial advisor, I would probably see more value in it. I preferred William Bernstein's "Intelligent Asset Allocator" to this book. Bernstein talks more directly to the small investor.
Insightful!.......2004-03-01
Decades of research by scholars and financial practitioners have generally supported the reasonable counsel "don't put all your eggs in one basket." But it is one thing to advise investors to diversify, and another to show them how. Author David M. Darst outlines a systematic approach to parceling out your savings among different investment assets. There's a science to asset allocation, though its principles are not immediately apparent. Darst treats these precepts with admirable thoroughness in a book that is, mostly, accessible to an educated layperson. But brew some strong coffee. Readers lacking a business or finance background may find the theoretical discussion difficult and tedious, particularly given the deliberate style. However this 2003 book follows one of the most dramatic periods in stock market history, the 1990s, when even sophisticated market watchers wondered if the sound financial principles cited here still applied. The ensuing bear market made it clear that the laws of risk and return had not yet been repealed. In this atmosphere, We welcome this solid explanation of risk and return.
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