Viral Loop: A Book Review

July 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Viral Loop CoverIf you’re like me and you’re into Internet Marketing, Social Media or anything related to that, I highly recommend the book Viral Loop by Adam Penenberg.

There is a lot of buzz out there about things going “viral” and everyone wants a piece of the action. If you’re looking for a how-to book on creating Viral Campaigns, this is not the book you want. However, this book is full of fascinating case studies on how other items have gone viral.

To give you an idea of what’s covered in this really great read, here’s a sampling of the some of the case studies you’ll find in it:

Netscape and Firefox
eBay
Hot or Not
PayPal

Intrigued yet? I figured you were. Adam has a straightforward way of telling a story but also giving you some analytical insights as to why the Viral Loop occurs. This book will give you lots of ideas for your own business as well as some valuable insights into how consumers think when it comes to items like that. Perfect for people you know who are in business or obsessed with the internet (like me).

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Steven Kenworthy Poetry: A Review

January 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I’m a bit obsessed with addicted to involved on Facebook and I’ve had the opportunity to catch up with some old friends from high school along the way. Recently, I logged in and saw a note from an old friend of mine, Steven Kenworthy about some of his writings. I was blown away. Steven was always the creative type and he’s always had an insightful soul. So, while reading up on some of Steven’s writings I realized he’s published a couple of poetry books. So I ordered them and I wanted to share them with you (and p.s. I don’t think he knows I’m doing this so hopefully it’s a nice surprise for him).

It takes quite a bit for me to sit down and read a poetry book. My attention span these days has been spotty (it happens when you have two kids ages 6 and 4) but I was enraptured by Steven’s writings. His book electronic Vietnam (Amazon link) has an

eclectic feel to it, each poem practically a saga in its own right, even if it is only a few lines long. Two of my favorites in this book include “i follow you” and “Pleasestay Bay.” Although I will admit that I’m a big fan of “let’s order takeout note” as well.

The second book I got is called youtv, lions & 811dreams (Amazon link) and it is equally sensational. This book’s poetry pieces are much longer than electronic Vietnam, but they are equally beautiful. I love the poems “Janet” and “& drive” andSteve has a way of writing that draws you in and holds you captive until you absolutely need a break. Each word has been carefully chosen and there is no question in my mind that Steven is a phenomenal writer.

These books are beautiful and powerful and the more you get into them, the more you will want to read. Keep on the lookout for Steven as I’m sure he’s just getting started. And Steven, for what it’s worth, I’m very proud of you!

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This is Not How I Thought it Would Be: A Book Review

October 31, 2009 By 1 Comment

I was sent This is Not How I Thought it Would Be: Remodeling Motherhood to Get the Lives We Want Today by Kristin Maschka. (Sidenote: I LOVE getting books in the mail. It’s just like Christmas!) I was actually in the middle of another book but picked this one up on a whim and read the first page. Every word was something that I could identify with. So I kept reading. And reading. And, well, you get the idea.

Kristin Maschka has written a book about her struggles as a new mother and figuring out what her role was supposed to be. She struggled (just as I did) to feel at ease being predominantly focused on being a mom. She traded in a corporate job to stay home with her daughter but felt that the work at home was being unevenly divided. She had a hard time dealing with her new identity and with the guilt of those feelings on top of that.

Boy can I relate.

I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t over the moon with my new role and daily duties and I didn’t know why I kept fighting with my husband. The never ending guilt and frustration plagued me every day. And it plagued Kristin too. So she wrote a book about how to make it better.

Kristin talked a lot about Mind Maps and how they affect our perceptions on things. Here are a few:

  • Moms who work are selfish
  • Moms who stay home are not cultured or intelligent
  • Moms should be the primary caregiver because they’re naturally better at it
  • Dads who work shouldn’t have to do any of the house work duties when the moms stay home

I’ll admit it; I struggled with this book. Clearly, I have very defined Mind Maps that dictate my perceptions in this arena. But it’s made me stop and think. I won’t give too much away but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your new role as a mother or know someone who is, grab this book. It’s written in a thought-provoking way to make you evaluate how you truly view motherhood and gives you tools to change things if you decide you need to.

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If you Give a Mom a Martini: A Book Review

October 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I truly believe this is something that all moms struggle with: finding 10 minutes to yourself to just be you. I definitely have my methods. Here are just a few:

    • I like to leave super early for appointments so I can sit in the car in the parking lot with a book
    • I get up fairly early to start the day quietly
    • I like to go to business seminars and meetings for the alone time in the car
    • I hire a babysitter once a week to give myself some peace

While these all work pretty well for me, I’m always looking for new ways to get that time I need to be able to function as a mom and as a woman. I’ve even been known to lock myself in my room to fold laundry.

This is the purpose of If You Give a Mom a Martini: creative ways to find some alone time and things to do when you actually get it. One of my favorites was to get the real estate section of the paper and find the most expensive home on the page then fantasize what it would be like to live there.

Granted, I wasn’t in to every suggestion they gave, but the book overall was very entertaining and allowed me to have several minutes to myself as I read over the suggestions. This is a great book for new moms or moms of young children who need an imagination booster (and maybe a babysitter).

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Four Seasons – The Story of a Business Philosophy: A Book Review

August 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I’ve written before about brands and how impactful they (see my review on Married to the Brand). Brands are powerful. Brands are what we conjur in our minds when we hear something like Coca-Cola, Calvin Klein and Carnival. It’s the immediate impression we get when we order our favorite coffee, stop by our favorite clothing store or splurge on that chocolate that we love more than life itself.

Now think luxury. What do you imagine when you think of pure luxury? How does a brand become synonymous with something as wonderfully romantic as luxury?

Without a doubt, one of the first brands I think of when I hear the phrase “luxury hotel” is Four Seasons. I have had the pleasure of staying at a Four Seasons before and it is pure luxury. But how did it get to that point?

Mr. Isadore Sharp, the founder of Four Seasons has written a book about the branding process of his hotels called Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy. I’ll be honest, I had no idea what he had to go through to get the brand where it is today. I also had no clue what kind of a pioneer he was. Things that I completely take for granted in any hotel like comfortable beds and shampoo in the rooms was started by Mr. Sharp and the Four Seasons. Surprised? So was I.

The personal story of Isadore Sharp was also fascinating. I had very little knowledge about the man behind the brand so to learn of his family life and his altruistic side was heart warming and endearing. Not only is he a brilliant entrepreneur, but he is a kind man who wants his employees to be happy and successful. Just reading this list of Isadore Sharp quotes makes you want to work for someone like him.

The entire book is extremely well written and engaging. You can tell he poured his heart into his brand and wants everyone to love Four Seasons as much as he does. I highly recommend it for entrepreneurs and business professionals as well as those who just enjoy a good biography.

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The Momnificent Life: A Book Review

August 10, 2009 By 1 Comment

It seems these days that every mom is looking for balance. I know exactly what balance is. It’s that thing that I pass as I swing from one extreme to another.

And there are tons of books out there about “balanced living” and especially “balanced living for moms.” I admit it. I’ve picked up a few (no, really, just a few!) here and there along the way, but I’ll be honest. None of them ever really got my attention and said “yes! this is the answer you’ve been looking for.”

So when I got the opportunity to review The Momnificent Life, I was skeptical. Most of the books I’ve read had the exact same premise: prioritize, slow down, take care of yourself and set boundaries. Practical? Yes. Motivational? Sometimes. Am I still doing it? No.

I found myself asking why. And while reading this book, I figured it out. The books I had been reading were primarily reactive. Feeling stressed? Calm down. Feeling tired? Live healthier. Ah, yes. Why didn’t I think of that?

I’m a positive blogger, so I prefer to be proactive rather than reactive. Yes, these processes and “tricks” will help me live a more peaceful life, but how can it impact others? Cue The Momnificent Life.

This book is all about being more positive (through a variety of self-awareness exercises and practical applications for daily life) and therefore make a great impact on the world around you. And it covers everything. Seriously. Everything. From financial issues and job satisfaction to dealing with past issues from your life and eliminating clutter from your physical, mental and emotional worlds.

It’s my blog in a book. I loved it.

If you’re looking for a book that will truly help you (and more than a self-help book that only looks at you and not the world around you), pick this one. Lori is a fantastic and engaging writer who really knows what it takes to live a full, healthy and non-crazed life.

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Mrs. Perfect: A Book Review

July 28, 2009 By 1 Comment

So, last time I told you about Odd Mom Out and how much I loved it. You ready for another dose of Jane Porter goodness? Good, because that’s what you are about to get.

Remember the premise of the last book? How Marta never wanted to fit in and there was the “perfect” mom (Taylor Young) who seemed to make Marta feel inferior and infuriated all at the same time? Well they’re both back but this time, Taylor is the focus and Marta is a side-player.

In the book, Mrs. Perfect, Taylor Young looks like she has it all together. And, as far as she knows, she does. Then her husband bursts her bubble with a life-changing secret. Suddenly, Taylor’s life as she knows it comes tumbling down and she finds herself struggling to figure out what to do next.

With the same wit as Odd Mom Out, Jane Porter has crafted another “unputdownable” book. With aching clarity, Jane has woven a tale about redefining yourself once everything you know changes.

This is the perfect follow up to Odd Mom Out. It’s a great, easy read with characters that are easy to identify with on every page. Your girlfriends will love this book as a gift.

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Odd Mom Out: A Book Review

July 15, 2009 By 2 Comments

So first things first. I must apologize for my hiatus as of late. It’s been hectic to say the absolute least! But I’m back. The good news for you? While I’ve been blogging less, I’ve been reading more. Which means tons of reviews are heading your way.

So without further ado, here is the first review. It’s about a book called Odd Mom Out by Jane Porter. I cannot tell you how much I LOVED this book. From the title to the characters to the premise, I identified with this book on so many levels.

Marta is a single by mom (by choice) who loves to ride motorcycles, has sworn off men, has her own business and prefers combat boots to sundresses. She’s my kind of lady. Her daughter Eva desperately wants to become popular and sets out on a mission to make her mom “normal” so that she can fit in better with her classmates in an affluent Seattle-area school.  And that’s just the beginning. Throw in a mystery man who Marta can’t help but be attracted to, a “perfect” mom who appears to be on a mission to make Marta feel inferior and Marta’s mom who suffers from alzheimers and you have a multi-layered “unput-downable” book.

I read through this book so fast I couldn’t believe it was over when I finished. In fact, I loved it so much that I jumped right into the next book that Jane wrote (and you’ll hear about that one soon too). This book is perfect for your girlfriends who like a well-written “chick” book or for yourself on those lazy days where you can dive into a fast read. Highly recommend it!

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Married to the Brand – A Book Review

June 1, 2009 By 1 Comment

I was turned on to the book Married to the Brand by my dear friend Jen. She said it is one of her business bibles. Now that’s some high praise, right? Well, it only made sense that I had to check it out ASAP. I ordered it that day and I couldn’t wait to start reading it once it arrived.

The premise of this book is simple.  There are times when certain individuals bond with a particular brand / company / product and they absolutely refuse to use or buy anything else. I can relate. I rarely use anything but RSVP pens from Pentel. There is nothing like Old Navy jeans for me. And a Caramel Macchiato from anywhere but Starbucks? It’s just not the same.

But how did that happen? How did I get attached to certain brands and not others? Why, in a world full of imitations (many of which as just as good as the full priced brand) am I hooked on certain products or services to the point where nothing else is good enough? It’s simple. I’ve married the brand.

Married to the Brand is based on countless hours of studying consumers and market insights to find the keys to creating that marriage. It’s not easy. Oh sure, it’s simple in concept, but the market place is not predictable. So how does it happen? This book outlines simple plans of action to potentially entice consumers into marrying your brand. But here’s the thing: the entire time I was reading this book, I didn’t feel like I was getting suggestions on how to create the perfect atmosphere for a brand marriage. It’s more like “don’t let anything get in the way and possibly prevent a brand marriage” type of a book. You can quite possibly do absolutely everything right, but the marriage still doesn’t happen. That’s just the nature of attracting consumers sometimes. But maybe that’s just me.

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The Celebrity Experience – A Book Review

May 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Welcome to 10 Days of Business Book Reviews, a power series of sorts. This should be a lot of fun especially for people like me who enjoy the following:

Books that make you think
Books that provide powerful case studies
Books that offer straightforward guidance and are structured in a “how to” fashion
Books that appeal to your entrepreneurial spirit

The first book up for review is called The Celebrity Experience. This book is all about a topic that is near and dear to my heart: Customer Service. But really, it’s more than that. It’s about going above and beyond for your customers.

Call it what you want: customer service, client attention, patron appreciation… it doesn’t matter. What does matter is how your customer base perceives the way that you treat them. It’s true. And 99% of your customers LOVE it when you go above and beyond for them. (Let’s face it; about 1% of your customers will never be happy no matter what you do.)

This book by Donna Cutting (who told me about this book on Twitter several months ago) is fantastic. The case studies are outstanding and intelligently placed within the context of the book. The tips are simple and well thought out and the concept behind the whole book is completely relevant to almost every type of business out there. Regardless of whether your entire business is online or if you have a brick and mortar establishment, you can take the concepts of this book and apply them to how you handle and work with your clients. Not to mention the fact that I really want to stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort after reading what they do for guests.

I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it to anyone who has a business, is in management, or is interested in making a revolution in their workplace.

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