THE ABCs of MUTUAL FUNDS: Everything Your Financial Consultant Really Doesn't Have Time to Explain Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The ABCs Of Mutual Funds: Everything Your Consultant Really Doesn't Have Time To Explain is a thorough sourcebook for company securities written in plain terms for the lay reader. The ABCs of Mutual Funds explains precisely how mutual funds, contractual plans, hedge funds, exchange traded funds, folios, unit investment trusts, and variable annuities work, as well as the differences between full service and discount dealers, the legal obligations of stockbrokers, and much more. An absolute "must-read" for anyone new to the investment industry, in an era when so called "free" seminars are really just padded commercials with the objective of soliciting securities sales. Recommended investment guidelines and selection criteria ensure that The ABCs of Mutual Funds pays for itself, as its tips, tricks, and techniques for avoiding costly mistakes are worth their weight in green.


Click Here to see more reviews about: THE ABCs of MUTUAL FUNDS: Everything Your Financial Consultant Really Doesn't Have Time to Explain

Everyone desires to control their financial destiny; but many feel overwhelmed, fearful, or uncertain how this can be accomplished. Lectures on personal finance are rarely offered; and when "free" presentations--called seminars--are promoted, they are far from an educational experience. The underlying objective is to solicit sales of securities for which the presenter, a financial advisor, receives a commission. However acquired, the investment company is the investment of choice for the individual investor. Therefore, in The ABCs of Mutual Funds, author Robert Anthony Chechile explains the different investment company securities: mutual funds, contractual plans, hedge funds, exchange traded funds, folios, unit investment trusts, and variable annuities.

Mr. Chechile discusses the securities industry: the differences between full service and discount securities dealers and the role and legal obligations of stockbrokers, as well as financial planners, and investment advisors. For those seeking financial control, he explains how to minimize risk with capital allocation and diversification guidelines; and presents conventional wisdom investment strategies that can avoid being caught in the fear-greed trap. Finally, Mr. Chechile recommends investment guidelines and selection criteria, and uses these to construct a hypothetical investment company portfolio, the future performance of which is then critiqued 7½ years later.

Click here for more information about THE ABCs of MUTUAL FUNDS: Everything Your Financial Consultant Really Doesn't Have Time to Explain

Read More...

Career Reboot: 24 Tips for Tough Times Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Yet again a highly practical, contemporary guide from John Lees - check it out.
John knows his stuff and his recommendations really work.
Enjoy!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Career Reboot: 24 Tips for Tough Times

How does anyone make sense of work and career choice in times as tough as this?
This book encourages you to break out of a rut and start to make things happen in your career. Packed with practical tips for rejuvenating your career, this book is a must for anyone striking out into a difficult job market after redundancy or simply looking for new opportunities in tough times.
This book is designed to help you get out of a hole if you're career-panicked, especially if you're coping with redundancy.Section 1 – Taking Stock checks your thinking before you throw yourself into job search mode.Section 2 – Planning Your Strategy gives you insights into the way the market works and the way recruiters and employers react to the different behaviours adopted by job seekers.Section 3 – Your Message To The Marketplace provides a series of checklists to show you how to sell yourself on paper, including the reason why so many CVs and cover letters fail, and Section 4 – Interview Secrets reveals how to make an impact in the final stages of the selection process.Finally Section 5 – Looking Forward provides some longer-term career strategies.

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Career Reboot: 24 Tips for Tough Times

Read More...

Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat (Agora Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I enjoy the occasional book on marketing and how to acheive success. The cover blurbs for "Ready, Aim, Fire" seemed promising as did some of the Amazon reviews. So I figured why not.
I can now answer the question "why not" in detail and at length.
First, the good news. Michael Masterson does a reasonably good job of distilling the advice offered in dozens of other books on advertising and marketing, from Napoleon Hill to Rosse Reeve's "Reality In Advertising". However, the solid advice gleaned from those classics is diluted with Masterson's endless preening and outright bragging.
The overall experience is not necessarily enjoyable or instructive, unless you are inspired by someone telling you, over and over and over again, of how successful and great he is.
A careful reading led me to become very suspicious of Michael Masterson and to do some quick research. Masterson claims to have had titles on the New York Times, Wall St. Journal and Amazon best seller lists. Indeed, on two occasions - and that means two distinct dates - Masterson was on the Wall St. Journal best seller list. This is not like being on that list week after week: it was twice for one time each. As for the New York Times, a Nexis search shows Michael Masterson appearing in the Times just once, with a comment in an article. No appearances on their best seller list. Amazon's best seller lists are very different and appearing on them is on meaningless. It is said that having 30 friends order a book at the same time will put you on their best sellers list for a little while at least.
More disturbing are Masterson's associations, one of which is Agora International, which publishes a number of investment newsletters which seem to be of the "we have a tip for you" variety. Agora was sued for fraud by the SEC at one point. This does not reflect directly on Masterson since he claims a nebulous role of "consultant" with them. It does, however, reflect on the company he keeps.
The company he keeps also includes AWAI, American Artists & Writers, Inc. Masterson doesn't say that he authored a product for them, a course on copywriting. Both AWAI and Masterson are the subject of literally hundreds of online complaints.
As I said, much of this book is borrowed and adapted. I don't have a problem with that since solid knowledge is intended to be passed on, as long as it is not plagarized in violation of copyright laws. But even here, Masterson leaves himself open to question. He attributes the concept of the "unique selling proposition" to a 1980 book called "Positioning". In fact, Rosser Reeves first put forth the expression and the concept in his 1961 "Reality In Advertising".
Would I recommend that someone read this book? Sort of. It is an adequate distillation of marketing advice from many reputable sources. To his credit, Masterson doesn't claim to be the original thinking here. On the other hand, Masterson's personal credibility is questionable and you really have to take what he says of his own success with a very large grain of salt. Personally I think there are better books in this area to be found.
Jerry

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat (Agora Series)

Whether you're thinking about starting a new business or growing an existing one, Ready, Fire, Aim has what you need to succeed in your entrepreneurial endeavors. In it, self-made multimillionaire and bestselling author Masterson shares the knowledge he has gained from creating and expanding numerous businesses and outlines a focused strategy for guiding a small business through the four stages of entrepreneurial growth. Along the way, Masterson teaches you the different skills needed in order to excel in this dynamic environment.

Get 32% OFF

Click here for more information about Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat (Agora Series)

Read More...

The Basic Guide to Pricing Your Craftwork: With Profitable Strategies for Recordkeeping, Cutting Material Costs, Time & Workplace Management, Plus Tax Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Mr. Dillehay's advice is aimed squarely at handcrafters, which means he's able to recommend courses of action that might be contrary to more general advice. For example, while it's common in many stores to price just under a dollar amount ($.99 or $.95 amounts), you don't want to do that with most handcrafted items. That sort of price can actually leave people thinking your goods are cheap and low-quality. Similarly, talking up the uniqueness of your methods or materials and raising your prices might increase your sales, even though common wisdom says that if sales are slow you should lower your prices.
Many beginning crafters are reluctant to put a decent price on their goods. They feel that they or their products aren't good enough, or that people won't be willing to pay that kind of price. They look at the price tag on the materials they used and think they shouldn't mark things up much beyond that. The problem is, there are many costs associated with crafting work that aren't taken into account by that, and you could find yourself losing money without even realizing it. Dillehay makes certain that you know how to take all of those invisible expenses into account when pricing your goods.
He goes on to talk about pricing for different markets. You might be able to price higher at a craft fair than through a store, for example. He even discusses wholesale pricing that allows you to sell to stores, catalogs, and other outlets while still making a profit. In fact, pretty much the only subject that seems conspicuously absent is any talk of selling online whatsoever.
Because so many factors affect the price of your goods, this book ends up doubling as a mini-guide on running a craft business (although you'll still want to delve more thoroughly into that as its own topic). It includes a variety of forms for inventories and so on.
Despite the absence of information regarding online pricing, methods and sales---which these days seems like a bit of a large oversight---there's so much valuable information in here that I highly recommend it to any crafter who'd like to make a profit on her wares.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Basic Guide to Pricing Your Craftwork: With Profitable Strategies for Recordkeeping, Cutting Material Costs, Time & Workplace Management, Plus Tax

One of the most often asked questions from craftpersons selling their work is "How much should I charge?" Whether you have been in business or just starting, this step-by-step guidebook will help you answer that question. You'll get: Ways to raise the perceived value of your work and charge moreBasic formulas for pricing craftwork, retail or wholesaleHow to use pricing strategies to increase salesHow to price one-of-a-kind piecesHow to know if you are really making a profitHow to keep records, with sample forms you can copyHow to get the most profit out of every hourLegal ways to cut your tax bills and boost your net incomeMore ways to boost your cash income than you ever imagined

Click here for more information about The Basic Guide to Pricing Your Craftwork: With Profitable Strategies for Recordkeeping, Cutting Material Costs, Time & Workplace Management, Plus Tax

Read More...

Financial Fitness: How to Budget Your Time, Your Money and Your Life Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am an avid reader and this is THE best resourse on personal finance that is out there. I have personally used Kevin's system to completley reduce my debt and find time for the wealth building tips.Kevin has a style that is humor filled along with a sensability that is clear. At first I was'nt sure if I would like the audio format, but he is soo easy to listen to that I found myself listening to it several times...and thats where the magic is! When you listen to it the 2 nd and 3 rd time it feels like you are being coached by a master. VERY effective!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Financial Fitness: How to Budget Your Time, Your Money and Your Life

Each person is responsible for his or her own--and his or her family's--security, comfort, and lifestyle. But is the good life affordable? This program--led by a financial expert--will give listeners a realistic four-step method for getting out of debt and moving toward their goals.

Click here for more information about Financial Fitness: How to Budget Your Time, Your Money and Your Life

Read More...

It's Show Time: How to Plan and Hold Successful Sales Meetings Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Extremely well written, based on a world of experinece in the high stakes arena of corporate meetings and presentations...the author has a no holds barred approach, often funny...a true insider's guide...his website, www.the writingworks.com, compliments the book with a newsletter for event and meeting planners.
Robert McCarty

Click Here to see more reviews about: It's Show Time: How to Plan and Hold Successful Sales Meetings

At last! A sales meeting survival guide that goes beyondpools, palm trees, and room rates to speak about the unspeakable:Holding bad meetings in beautiful rooms can be hazardous to yourcareer.

Click here for more information about It's Show Time: How to Plan and Hold Successful Sales Meetings

Read More...

The Life and Times of an Automation Professional: An Illustrated Guide Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This illustrated guide packs in cartoons both whimsical and pointed which reveal the life of an automation professional from office to pool. More than just a spoof on habits and ironies, each panel tells a story and offers a joke in the process: it'll make a fine gift for any engineer, offering delightful blends of cynicism, observation and real life along with its healthy dose of humor.
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Life and Times of an Automation Professional: An Illustrated Guide

Click here for more information about The Life and Times of an Automation Professional: An Illustrated Guide

Read More...

The Project Management Time Cycle: Time Cycle Module: From Concept To Feasibility. Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is an unique guide on Project Management giving a step by step build up methodology. of a Project from a one line requirement of a CEO. The first part of the Book is developing the project documentation from the concept. It is demonstrated in simple terms how to build up the initial project constraints and how to present them to the stakeholders. The next part of the book shows how to examine the feasibility of the project once the project basics are finalised. The book demonstrates each step in detail including why it is necessary and could be an useful reference guide or handbook for project managers like us to develop their core project documentation.
One important part of the book is that it demystifies the jargon involved in project management and lays them bare not only with detailed explanation but examples.
Some aspects of the book are only relevant to major projects. The author attempts to cover a very wide range from Retail, IT Services to Infrastructure Projects as well as incorporate futuristic techniques, some of which may not be part of one's daily project plan. . As a middle manager I would not be able to use some of the unique methods of treatment of risk, time and resources suggested by the book as I am not the key decision maker and our company would take a long time to adopt such futuristic techniques .

For me the utility of the book lies in the methodology. The detailed analysis of each step we take in a project with the reasons behind each of them is the key benefit to be derived from this book. I would use it as a reference manual while monitoring as well as planning future projects.


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Project Management Time Cycle: Time Cycle Module: From Concept To Feasibility.

The Book is focussed on the stakeholder's need for creating competative business with fewer resources using new tools & techniques. One such technique is Project Risk mitigation by predictive analytics by mapping andanalysing variance . ( called cloud computing for demand surveys) For detailed Risk analytics discussion (reference Pg 26 to 30 of the book ) referhttp://tinyurl.com/lzokqy andfor case studieshttp://bit.ly/LJofP and http://tinyurl.com/lnkv9hTCM uses step by step conventional Project Management Methods to ensure the implementation and fail safe deliverance of both the Business Process as well as Business Solution along with latest methods, like containerisation oftime and work. Digital Resource mapping classification, & mobilisation for both inventory as well as manpower are other such techniques used to great effect all of which will be treated in detailed through various media releases from time to time at half a dozen different forums.

Click here for more information about The Project Management Time Cycle: Time Cycle Module: From Concept To Feasibility.

Read More...

Shadows of Time Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book continues a conversation about myth that has passed through thinkers such as Joseph Campbell, James Joyce, and Olivier Messiaen. The force of these images, in the order they are viewed, offers a force that sums the force of the sun, the darkness, ancient man and technology into one cohesive piece, challenging the viewer to follow myth over time. This book is in refutation of the 'entertainment' mind of the 21st century, there are no spoon-fed ideas, but instead these images honor the reader by giving the starting points that will lead a critical and alive mind to run.....

Click Here to see more reviews about: Shadows of Time

Critically acclaimed photographs framed in a Marshall McLuhan context.

Click here for more information about Shadows of Time

Read More...

A Nice Time Being Had by All Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Peter Biddlecombe has carved out a niche writing silly, amusing travel essays about his business travels, seasoned with the occasional profound observation of why some countries are hives of prosperity while others are starving. He is not among the politically correct -- brace yourself for snide remarks about local customs. But at his best, he's amusing and informative. At his worst, he's just obnoxious.
This volume has an ex-Soviet theme to it, covering St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Chisinau. He also visits the three Guyanese capitals (Paramaribo, Cayenne, Georgetown), Luanda (one of his better, serious essays on Africa's challenges), Maputo, Victoria Falls, Gaberone (Botswanna being one of Africa's success stories), Tehran, Damascus, Phnom Penh, Luang Prabang (Laos), Caracas, St. John's (Antigua), and Ponce (Puerto Rico). That last one was the weakest of the batch -- endless puns on the word "Ponce" become tiresome very quickly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Nice Time Being Had by All

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about A Nice Time Being Had by All

Read More...

A Summer for a Lifetime: The Life and Times of George I. Purdy Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As George Purdy passed on recently it is worth bringing attention once again to this memoir. It is rare that a book ends too soon but that is the case with this tale. I assumed that there were many more tales to tell and would have been happy to keep reading.

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Summer for a Lifetime: The Life and Times of George I. Purdy

Click here for more information about A Summer for a Lifetime: The Life and Times of George I. Purdy

Read More...

Managing Projects in Organizations: How to Make the Best Use of Time, Techniques, and People Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book is a refreshing look at what is most important in achieving project success: people functioning in organizations. While it reviews key tools and techniques in a user-friendly fashion, its chief goal is to raise readers' awareness of the central role of people and organizations in delivering successful projects. What's more, it is an easy read, filled with practical examples of real world scenarios. It is particularly useful for knowledge workers in businesses like IT, finance, telecoms, R&D and training because it does not get bogged down in painfully detailed treatment of techniques that are marginally useful on real-world projects.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Managing Projects in Organizations: How to Make the Best Use of Time, Techniques, and People

In this third edition of Managing Projects in Organizations, J. Davidson Frame updates and expands on his classic book to provide an accessible introduction to the field of project management. Drawing on more than twenty-five years of consulting and training experience, Frame's most current edition of his landmark book includes a wealth of new topics, including:
Managing virtual teams
The evolving concept of the project manager's role
Comanaged project teams
The project office
Project portfolios
Web-based project management
International project management

Get 5% OFF

Click here for more information about Managing Projects in Organizations: How to Make the Best Use of Time, Techniques, and People

Read More...

Forecasting, Structural Time Series Models and the Kalman Filter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the book that I've been looking for on State Space approaches to Time Series. As I was reading it, I was struck by how well written it is. It really puts almost all of my recent reading (on any topic) to shame. It's like being around a master craftsman who communicates well and really understands his stuff: it's striking.
The only negative thing I can say about it is that he introduces a lot of notation that builds on previous notation and it's not always easy to figure out where they first use a notation if you somehow missed or skipped that section. Other than that, he has good proofs, yet also a great writing style and good examples that they revisit through the book.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Forecasting, Structural Time Series Models and the Kalman Filter

This book provides a synthesis of concepts and materials that ordinarily appear separately in time seriesand econometrics literature, presenting a comprehensive review of both theoretical and applied concepts. Perhaps the most novel feature of the book is its use of Kalman filtering together with econometric and time series methodology.From a technical point of view, state space models and the Kalman filter play a key role in the statistical treatment of structural time series models.This technique was originally developed in control engineering but is becoming increasingly important in economics and operations research. The book is primarily concerned with modeling economic and social time series and with addressing the special problems that the treatment of such series pose.

Get 16% OFF

Click here for more information about Forecasting, Structural Time Series Models and the Kalman Filter

Read More...

A Nation Transformed by Information: How Information Has Shaped the United States from Colonial Times to the Present Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book is a collection of essays on the movement of information, and how it has transformed the United States from its colonial beginnings to today. At the very beginning, the founders of the country subsidized the transportation of newspapers through the postal system; this allowed the free flow of information between cities and states, across the entire continent. As technology increased, it inevitably speeded and expanded the amount of information flowing throughout the country--from the railroad, through the telegraph, telephone, radio, motion pictures, television, and on into computers.
This book is an exciting history of information media. Though written by no less than seven contributors, it pulls together into seamless whole, almost as if written by one author. The depth of information is breathtaking, and the conclusions reached are fascinating. Indeed, I think that they admirably proved their contention that there was continuity in the development of information media, and I myself repeatedly saw history repeat itself through their narrative, right up to today.
This is a fascinating book, and one that I recommend without reservation.

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Nation Transformed by Information: How Information Has Shaped the United States from Colonial Times to the Present

Click here for more information about A Nation Transformed by Information: How Information Has Shaped the United States from Colonial Times to the Present

Read More...

Workplace Evolution, Common Sense for Uncommon Times Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)WORKPLACE EVOLUTION
Common Sense for Uncommon Times
Gayle A. Gregory"Once we drop from fear's influence, a world of new possibilities emerges."
"Acknowledging fear doesn't make us weak; it makes us strong when we turn and face it." Gayle has done a great job of describing fears as nothing more than universal myths. Once you understand how fear operates, you will be able to spot these limiting beliefs and replace them with positive, sustainable possibilities.
"Think what good we will do in our world with real-time inside information." Gayle states with clarity, "The quieter our minds become - the fewer fears and limiting beliefs - the greater the flow of ideas." This flow of ideas will open up new avenues for growth and awareness to create a more complete answer.
"Workplace Evolution" is a bridge to evolutionary positive choices that will assist individuals, groups, and organizations in the creation of a sustainable future at the individual and global level. The greatness expressed within these pages brings reality to a conscious level bigger than ourselves.
Gayle has done a fantastic job at assimilating the "here and now" in a little over a 100 pages. The chapters are short, easy to read and understand. Each chapter has actual factual data with real life stories along with mind stimulating questions to assist in your evolution!
When you pick up this book, understand that the world's future is in your hands!!!
Gayle A. Gregory receives Donley's Five Star W.O.W (Words of Wisdom) Award.Brian J. Donley
Author, The Original Psychology of Success


Click Here to see more reviews about: Workplace Evolution, Common Sense for Uncommon Times

As we hurtle towards the future at break neck speed, we need tools, success stories and best practices that make sense. Workplace Evolution offers priceless information and innovative ways to usher out unproductive workplace practices and embrace a view capable of harvesting everyone s potential. Gayle Gregory has captured the new rules of engagement for successful leadership in the 21st century.

Click here for more information about Workplace Evolution, Common Sense for Uncommon Times

Read More...

A Time Well Spent: A Biography of Jerome Brody Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A dear friend in the restaurant business recommended this book to me, and I was a bit skeptical not being an advid reader of books devoted to restaurant themes. However, I found the book delightfully surprising.
The behind the scenes story of the hardwork and hardship required by Jerome Brody to create such legendary dining establishments as The Grand Central Oyster Bar & Grill were insipiring and honest. Freundlich brilliantly wove personal antectodes through a buiness oriented biography, although more information on certain personal subjects (such as his children) would have been appreciated. However, today it seems so many writers include intimate personal information not necessarily wanted by readers, that the lack of graphic details gave me respect for Freundlich's decision to only include bits of personal information, therefore not divulgeing confidential information about famous acquaintances and friends such as Michael Ondaatje.
Overall, the book appealed to a wide range of audiences and dealt with everyday themes such as dealing with terrible inlaws, something many of us can relate to! I've recommended it to several friends as well as my mother who seems to be enjoying the book, and I'll be sure to pass it along to others.

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Time Well Spent: A Biography of Jerome Brody

Click here for more information about A Time Well Spent: A Biography of Jerome Brody

Read More...

Finish What You Start: 10 Surefire Ways to Deliver Your Projects On Time and On Budget Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a new project manager I bought this book for a couple of reasons. One the interesting title ("Finish What You Start" and the subtitle (10 Surefire ways...). However I was disappointed to find the book did not hammer away at either of these ideas in a systematic way that I was expecting.
There is some useful advice in the book. One that comes to mind is getting
tasks started simultaneously and the earlier the better whenever possible. I thought the book was padded a bit by the example projects that the author had worked on. I found them boring and a labor to get through. There is a nice summary of advice in the last chapter that is worth reading and re-reading. They might even be the "ten surefire ways" that the subtitle refers to.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Finish What You Start: 10 Surefire Ways to Deliver Your Projects On Time and On Budget

Click here for more information about Finish What You Start: 10 Surefire Ways to Deliver Your Projects On Time and On Budget

Read More...