Club Reviews: NEVER SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE

NEVER SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It. Chris Voss. HarperBusiness

Run, don’t walk, to get this book! It is a practical guide to always getting a better outcome if you follow his advice. His advice makes so much sense, along with examples and the explanation of ‘why’ something worked. I most loved his examples of ‘use your late night DJ voice’ – and we all know what that sounds like. His technique of mirroring is spot on. I’ve been doing it for years, trained as a Transformative Mediator, which works just as he describes it.
I was one of the first to study Fisher and Ury’s Getting to Yes before I graduated law school in 1982. Just as Chris Voss describes, this approach is so limited compared to what Chris recommends. I’ve been a Mediator (Florida Supreme Court Certified in Circuit Civil and Family) for over 12 years. My success is based directly on the principles Voss espouses. These work.
The good news is once you become aware of the labels he uses, you will find yourself recognizing and putting into practice his approach almost seamlessly.  I found new techniques and an excellent refresher course in his information. Everybody negotiates every day. This is a great guide to doing it better. Anne Bloom

Unless you’ve been a lead international negotiator for the FBI, this book will open your mind to the how’s and why’s of high stakes negotiating.
We live in a world of conflict and the biggest obstacle for overcoming it is fear. What could be a higher stake then when gambling on one man’s life?  Chris Voss, takes the reader to the threshold and then walks the reader through it. The words are simply, empowering.
The mindset of the author is clear, the value of being a skilled negotiator will improve your relationships and position you to get the things which will impact your life and others around you.
Grateful for having this. Marc Cohen

Voss draws you in with some requisite self back-patting and stories of famous negotiating failures in law enforcement. 
Lesson 1: Understand why people want, not what people want, most notably, people want to be understood and accepted. "Listening is not a passive activity. It is the most active thing you can do." Voss quickly recounts a hostage situation where it takes an entire team to listen to one person. Who would have ever thought?
Voss reminds us that we may never have to deal with negotiating with a kidnapper or terrorist, but "life is negotiation." However, he goes on to explain that most of our daily interactions at home and work are a series of negotiations based on the universal urge of "I want."
The title suggests rigidity most of us don't encounter in the workplace and Voss explains early that a hostage negotiator "has to win." He can't split the difference by agreeing to let the hostage taker hand over half their captives and dispatch the rest. But, for the rest of us his book reads with a combination of adventure and valuable lessons that we can adapt with a lot more flexibility than Voss ever could. 
He gets to the practical applications in everyday life, but his negotiating style and skill clearly were formed by a long career of never being able to compromise. Most of us will never shed the stresses and anxieties that often come with negotiation, but trying a few of the skills presented by Voss at least has the possibility of shaving off a few dollars the next car purchase. After all, car salesman don't tend to take hostages. Patrick Whiteside 

This book has a lot of valuable material about negotiation regardless of whether you are an experienced or novice negotiator.
I graduated from business school over forty years ago, and negotiation skills were not part of the curriculum.
This book is invaluable for any old or new dog that wants to learn new tricks.
The author helps the reader understand the psychology that is embodied in a negotiation. Negotiation should not be a clash of wills or butting of heads. 
According to the author, you have to give your opponent “illusion of control.” Know the difference between “you’re right” and “that’s right” responses.
Ask “ calibrated questions.”
This is a book that needs to be read several times in order to be able to process and implement the strategies that the author provides.
Keep this book on your bookshelf and continually review and practice the skills outlined in the book. Michael Geringer

Great title that instantly made me want to read the book.  I am a real estate agent as well as an investor, so negotiation is of utmost importance to me.  I never want to split the difference as I want my price.  Although negotiation is a part of life, I initially assumed this book would be about real estate investing so I was a little disappointed when the book opens with hostage negotiations.  Although the stories about his hostage negotiations are interesting I got tired of them and wanted to get on with situations that would most effect my work.
I have always been of the opinion that everything in life is negotiable and that attitude has served me well.  I did pick up some pointers that I will put to use.  I found the 7-38-55 percent rule very interesting, and for that very reason I hate trying to negotiate in an email or over the phone.  Sadly so much of today’s real estate involves negotiation by fax, which albeit very convenient doesn’t give you the opportunity of rapport building and mirroring. Emily Gilday Miami, Florida

I was interested in reading this book because I use similar books in several of my classes. I wanted to see if there were any "new ideas" on an old and familiar topic - negotiating. The opening chapters grabbed my attention, since the author is very confident of his skills and tactics. He made a very interesting statement that the first step is getting over the common aversion to negotiating. I think most people are adverse to negotiating and feel that in order to be successful, you have to go in hard, in order to not appear to be weak.  
The author identifies several tactics, that on the surface, seem logical, such as using open ended, or calibrated, questions repetitively, as well as slowing the process down to buy time, shifting the frame of conversation from your counterpart's problem to solving your problem, the importance of listening, showing respect and the gathering of information. Other tactics highlighted include mirroring and labeling. I was intrigued by the concept, "The flip side of Getting to YES -  the importance of getting to NO," since Voss feels that NO actually kick starts negotiations. and I agree that it has some merit. 
However, as the book went on, I started to get a bit bored with all the "success stories" the author discussed. I recognize that Voss uses these stories as successful examples of implementing his strategies and techniques, and did mention a couple of negotiating "failures.".  However, I was left with a feeling of arrogance and superiority on the author's part. There are so many variables that affect the success or failure of negotiations; I think I would have found more value in the book if he had delved more deeply into "what ifs...." Although Voss implied that the strategies from  Getting to YES (BATNA, etc.) were old school and not very effective, I saw many similarities with Yes and his strategies - he just posed them differently. The author emphasized that several of his techniques should be used in conjunction with other techniques of his. I don't think I would use his book solely for my classes, but I would incorporate several of his techniques with other negotiating styles (Fisher & Ury, etc.). Claire Mostel

For a business book, surprisingly entertaining. This a great resource to prepare for, and then handle, negotiations for any type of matter.  The techniques are well explained, and a prep-worksheet web link is included. 
Chris Voss presents solid strategies and approaches to negotiations that, properly applied, will secure the best possible outcome for you the Negotiator.  In addition to picking up solid negotiating tools, I really enjoyed seeing how top experts used these tools to resolve high stakes transactions where lives were in the balance. 
Colorful real world scenarios bring the lessons home.  If mastering the art of the business deal is not enough to intrigue you, certainly the excitement of facing kidnappers, bank robbers and international terrorists will.  This book details interactions with all. Doramary Russel

I loved this book. Author Chris Voss did a great job of illustrating his points with compelling real-life stories,  as opposed to simply relying on his reputation as a top-notch hostage negotiator to carry the book.  He built in credibility along the way with his analysis of what went right AND wrong and was never afraid to admit when he or his team members made mistakes.  He seemed intent on helping the reader learn from his experiences and that generosity of spirit comes through.
Part of the reason this book works so well is that the strategies and techniques are based on human psychology, and as the description of the book points out, are "...field-tested tools for talking anyone into (or out of) just about anything." The examples used in the book directly illustrate HOW the tools and techniques work and in certain cases, explain why other approaches don't work. In the situations that went horribly wrong, Voss does a great job of conveying his utter sickness and horror at the lives lost and then is able to step back and explain how it happened like he did in the Burnham-Sobero case in Manila. His ability to debrief and provide lessons learned are invaluable to anyone in any career or in any relationship with other human beings. Voss does a great job of boiling every human interaction down to psychology.
The review of each chapter with Key Lessons provides an excellent method for making sure the reader understands and can apply the concepts and techniques. Because of the density of the stories used to illustrate each point, it's helpful to have the key concepts (and the sub-headings within each chapter) to review later. I plan to review these Key Lessons from time to time and refer to this book as I navigate both my personal and professional life. Kathy D. Doran

Without a shadow of doubt, this is one of those books once you have started to read you just do not want to put it down.  But even before I had started to read, I was quite impressed with Chris Voss and his background.  After all if anyone should know about negotiation, I can't think of anyone better prepared than one who is skilled as a hostage negotiator.  Right away Voss points out the use of open ended questions as a tool to better negotiation.  Sometimes this is also called calibrated questions.  Whatever we choose to call them, they are questions that must be responded to but do not have a fixed response.  NO canned answers here!  Voss also points out his use of passive-aggressive techniques.  He just keeps asking questions until he gets the other side to give up and give him what he wants.  I was quite intrigued by Voss account of negotiation in history.  He says that over time we found out that brute force just does not work.  He shares examples where he says the brute force approach simply pushes the aggressor into the "nuclear option" and people die.
Voss talks a lot about his negotiation training at Harvard.  He says he discovered that we are not all "rational actors."  So simply negotiating to maximize one's own value does not work.  We find people are not fully rational or completely selfish and thus their actions are not stable or predictable.  Over time negotiators found they had to be trained in quid pro quo bargaining and problem solving.  Emotions and emotional intelligence were found to be keys to success.  Voss introduced his concept of Tactical Empathy.  Listening is key!  Looking to influence behavior brings success when a negotiator can get into the mind of the other person.  He says "Life Is Negotiation."  I won't spoil it for you, GO READ IT! 
Trained negotiators know they can't stick with what they believe, they have to build several hypothesis and work hard to reveal the other persons surprises.  Then comes another concept called Mirroring. It is called isoproxim and essentially is imitation.  The language of negotiation is primarily a language of conversational rapport.  Page 49 has a lot of Key Lessons worth checking out!  Emotions will derail communications.  We must be able to label the other person's pain, not feel it.
Then comes a whole section with lots more detail on his concept of Tactical Empathy.  Let me share just a few points:

• Playing dumb is a valid negotiating technique
• The key is not sympathy but empathy
• Go toward negative dynamics in a fearless but differential manner
• Empathy is a very powerful mood enhancer

If you are like me you are besieged with telemarketers and you detest them.  Chapter 4 Beware "Yes"-Master "No" reveals a great approach you can use on these folks who are using the "Win at any cost approach" on you.  Here comes the Behavioral Change Stairway Model.  This is about behavior change, sometimes in life or death situations.  Another MUST READ!  Voss emphatically says the win-win approach used by many negotiators is usually ineffective and often disastrous.  He cautions "Do Not Compromise."
The section on being fair is very valuable.  He says people are swayed by feeling they are respected. People comply with agreements if they feel they have been treated fairly and they lash out if they don't.
Let me stop here.  I read the book cover to cover in just a few hours.  Buy the book and read it!  There are some great lessons that apply in all aspects of our lives. Doug Newberry

A wonderful review of tactics to use in negotiation. These suggestions can be used in many contexts, eg buying a car, asking for a raise, or even in financial or legal arenas.
Any one can benefit from the insight and experience that Chris Voss brings to the table.
I highly recommend reading and learning and from this primer in tactics and strategy. Marvin Stein Coral Springs

Having written a book about negotiation, I was very interested to see what Chris Voss, a former FBI international hostage negotiator had to say. Even though negotiating with labor unions was not as exciting as negotiating with ruthless hostage takers who might kill a hostage at any misstep, I was surprised that many of his principles were similar to my forty-one rules. For example, we both know the value of 1) being willing to apologize; 2) not negotiating against ourselves; 3) asking open-ended questions like, “How am I supposed to do that?”; 4) the use of silence in a negotiation; and 5) knowing how to negotiate with a crazy person. 
I learned a few new techniques, too. He suggests using a very specific number when negotiating. $2143.72 sounds like an accountant who has done a lot of number crunching. He showed how to renegotiate a lease with lower monthly rent by pointing out that the landlord’s increased expenses if he gets a new tenant and the apartment is empty for a month or more.
I grimaced when I saw that when he bought his new “salsa red pearl” car, a written offer was given that said “You win” with smiley faces on it. I also got the smiley faces and “you win” message for my new blue Ford Escape. Of course, Voss did not take the bait and got the deal he wanted. However, since this was the third round, I foolishly took the “I win” offer. I wonder how many other car buyers get those smiley faces.
I give the book five stars. He tells many fascinating stories about hostages and then gives the principles learned in each case. At the end there is an Appendix called Prepare a Negotiation Sheet, which summarizes in a few pages the tools he uses in negotiations. Mary Greenwood, St. Augustine, Author of How to Negotiate Like a Pro

Enjoyed reading this book a lot.  From the very literal sense involving police negotiations through just everyday personal situations.  Everything from having a spouse talking down a potential suicide victim from a steep overhead ramp on the interstate to being involved in police work myself for 36 years, the incidents are very relatable.  Also, over the years I have been able to (if need be) walk away from potential personal business transactions.  These include things like buying a new car & being able to call the salesman's bluff and letting a real estate transaction simmer on the back burner until the other party comes around to your terms.
I enjoyed the author's writing style & the contents of the book.  Easy to read and didn't want to put it down till it was completed. Terri Bryant Davie, FL

Never Split the Difference is a book that truly makes sense of the art of negotiating to the general person. It first grips the attention with anecdotes of negotiations and the styles used to acquire the desired outcomes.  The author provides some helpful tips on voice inflection, use of Tactical empathy, and  role playing. It builds anticipation in the beginning until the reader is transfixed and determined to master the art. This type of anticipation continues throughout the book.
I found myself salivating at the prospect that this book would make me a world class negotiator and it certainly delivered. This should be required reading in every business class. Lots of information on negotiation styles and techniques and offers great insights into the human mind. Even provides negotiation dialogues for every day situations.
Easy read because of subtopics in each chapters and content rich with real life situations gives the reader a first row seat into the negotiating room. Working on my DJ voice after this for sure. A definite must in every home library. For those looking to negotiate their next salary, this is the book to teach you how. Deidre Campbell Miami

I found the key lessons from each chapter very useful in breaking down a book packed with real life experiences in mastering the art of negotiating.
Practice and preparation are key in how we use our time to process the information to get what we want.
What I also found helpful from the book was the author’s breaking down three style type’s from the “methodical analyst”, “sociable accommodator” and the “assertive- wanting to be heard”.  Each puts their own value on what’s important and can determine success or failure.
Overall the content of the book delivers without being overly complex.  I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to relate better in negotiating. Peter Kihn Sterling Heights  MI

Engaging and focused. Voss does an incredible job of keeping a steady flow from the very beginning. It is a perfect layout for attention challenged readers. He tells an interesting story, then what to do, what not to do, why, and closes each chapter with the highlights.
Listening, the importance of listening, and the impact of interpreting what you are hearing as to create the appropriate response is the thread from beginning to end. The fundamentals of effective communication permeate through every chapter, scenario, and lesson given. Voss so clearly depicts the impact of communication (verbal and nonverbal), and how it can influence trust and the building of relationships as the negotiator. Verbatim questions to use, and cues to look for make this book a gem to keep handy as you “fake it till you make it.”
One of my favorites. How to position “No” differently within your repertoire, and how to use “No” to open up an entirely new direction of a conversation. More people would go into sales if they weren’t afraid of “No.” Finally, do your homework. Voss wants you to succeed. The Appendix is that perfect outline, setting you up to be a successful negotiator. A guided, fill in the blank, and practice what normally feels uncomfortable or unnatural. Voss is holding your hand and leading you through the process. Angie Stone

Before reading this book I thought of negotiating as a given in all of our human interactions, and although it is, I now realize it is a set of skills that can be honed with practice, especially for those people to whom it doesn't come naturally. I am average at best. The ability to put oneself in another person's shoes and see the world through their eyes depends on one developing those skills that Voss sets forth: mirroring, calibrated "How" and "What" questions, using a label to build empathy, and/or to extract more information, smart anchors, saying "No" without using the word explicitly, face time with your counterpart, non-round numbers, listening which Voss emphasizes that, far from what we have been led to believe, it is not a passive activity.
That what we're looking for is not problem-solving but a people mover took me by surprise because I am a high school teacher and it is what I instinctively do with my students. Since I am a lone figure in the classroom as their teacher, there is no room for good cop versus bad cop positions. I have to be the one the rely on inside those four walls as well as being a supportive friend off the clock as situations may dictate. It is the emotional climate this book emphasizes is key to negotiating, one the school system must realize is the true foundation for learning. We need authentic, *emotional*, sensitive schools.
I love the book because it presents world scenarios, from the seemingly trivial buying real-estate to the more serious hostage-type situations and walks the reader step by step in order to shed light over the common roadblocks we are most likely to encounter. For example, jumping to volunteer a ringleader's full name as a way to let him/her know you're on to them. A premature move to say the least because what are the chances that the person in question would admit to it. I am enchanted by this book since it is practical and I will be reading it again over my Summer break , In Voss words: "Life is negotiation. Prepare, prepare, prepare." Nadja Atkinson 

Great book that details topics helpful for salespeople. This is different than the typical win-win type of negotiating. One strategy used well in this book is to ask open-ended questions to slow down the negotiation, and also to get more information from the other person. The other thing the books shows how to do is getting the other person to agree and believe “that’s right.”
You can find several items you can apply right away and start seeing results immediately. One good way to read this book would be to read one chapter at a time, then try and use some of the concepts before moving on to the next chapter.
Some of the best techniques are around mirroring people’s words. This is an easy concept to start with, by simply repeating back what the other person said. When this is done, the other person will slightly reword what they said, giving you the ability to tailor their words in a way that helps your side of the negotiation.
The book is divided into sections that first start with a type of role playing exercise based on Chris Voss’ real life experiences, then uses that to explain the concept to apply to your negotiating role. About the only negative I had with the book is that Chris Voss spends more time writing about his experience than he does at actually explaining how to apply the concept to business negotiating. On the other hand, there is no filler in this book. The author uses every word purposefully.
I also like the way the author adds an appendix to the end of the book, and gives a summary of each section. This appendix also gives sample questions to ask and checklists to help you with the negotiation.  Great overall read for anyone looking to enhance negotiation skills. Frank Donn Miami, FL

Chris Voss is truly the expert in negotiating. If anyone knows the expertise in life and death situations as well as business decisions, Chris is the one to call upon.

Chris's personal stories about his negotiations through out the world in real life situations leave you speechless and wanting to read more. Chris has a way of transforming his knowledge and experiences into a manual of how to negotiate any type of situation in business and personal life with a new way of thinking. 

This book is a very interesting page turner, the complete opposite of a boring business book. There is nothing else quite like his or even close to Chris's situations and training. I highly recommend Chris Voss book as life is truly one negotiation after another and he helps you see a little more clear the different strategies needed to work towards coming to a positive resolution. Trisha Molina Miami

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Club Reviews: What To Do When It's Your Turn

What To Do When It's Your Turn (and it's always your turn) by Seth Godin

Let me say first of all that I love reading Seth.  I have his first 17 books and I have read them all and they are now in my permanent personal library.  And for sure it is no accident they are all best sellers and book 18 will be too.
Before I ever got to really reading Seth's book, a statement on page 17 really grabbed me.  It said, "If you're thirsty enough, the world is ready for you, more than ever before."  Just reading this statement, I knew I was all in!  We are very quickly reminded that it is all about opportunity.  We all want to make a difference.  But we have to recognize that it ain't always easy and there are no guarantees.  All too often we miss seeing the solution to problems that are right in front of us.  Seth calls this the Broken Escalator Theory.  At issue is the fact that opportunity is all around us.  The question is will we let the barriers and limits stop us?  Yes there is risk and responsibility but at least we have freedom of choice.  Seth makes a profound and scary statement when he says, "the majority of men have not yet acquired the maturity to be independent, to be rational, to be objective."  We men need to refuse to surrender our freedom.  We find that the cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.  Seth says we have to learn to dance with our own fears.  And he says there is nothing wrong with stupid!  But we must use stupid to learn.  Not everything has to be OK.  Failure is not fatal!  Seth says the person who fails the most wins.  Then we learn that we need dreams but they need to be "concrete dreams."  Such dreams give us the what if with the maybe.  We are told our world desperately needs truth tellers.  We need to see the world as it is and we need to care enough to change things.
Then there is the Marshmallow Test.  BUT you are going to have to read about that yourself lest I spoil it by speaking to it. Go read it for yourself.
I agree with Monica Handy who says, to be ready for opportunity we have to "notice, dream, connect, do."  To make a real difference we have to grow up and be able to determine what really matters.  Chuck Close says, "motivation is for amateurs."  We all need motivation because we seek reassurance.  Seth speaks to our moods and he challenges us to "do what you should do.  Your mood will follow."  High expectations and reality sometimes just do not match.  We have to understand that tension is not a bad thing.  Sometimes we just need to push forward.  When opportunity comes we best not be unprepared.  We must have done our homework so we are ready.  Elon Musk says, "Destiny is in our own hands, if we don't succeed, it's our own fault."  The message here is that to succeed, you must try!  Seth reminds us that the fear of failure transfers effortlessly into the fear of freedom.  If we are not willing to imagine failure then we are not able to be free.  The author speaks to pains and he says that if we let  the pain of not reaching our potential, WE WON'T.  There is no pain free path.  The key is to do something that matters!  To seek certainty is to lose and fail.  And we just must not let fear drive our decisions.  Lest we forget, it is never the right time.  We just have to step out and make a difference.  Seth points out that there is a fundamental difference between being prepared and being ready.  He says we are more prepared than we realize.  But we are probably not ready, and we can't be ready, unless we are doing something worthwhile.  To be successful, we have to show up with mindful effort.  Seth says if we really want to suffer, all we have to do is see an impossible world that can't live up to our unreasonable expectations.  Michael Shrage points out that both successful organizations and people make change.  We have to accept the fact that this might work, this might not.  Soren  Kierkeguard points out that "not to dare, is to lose oneself."
Seth spends some time talking about "the voice in our brain."  He says that voice is describing what you are about to do after a different part of your brain has already initiated the action.  Now here is another statement that really grabbed me-"The miracle is not that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start."  Rohan Rajiv points out that we create a lot of unhappiness for ourselves by our thoughts of what the world and others owe us.    Obligation is not a two-way street!    We must not tell ourselves that one day I will be ready.  To make a real difference we must be ready and stay ready.  Never forget, we are all students and the really good ones show up and say teach me!  We must out live the illusion of safety and the mistake of fear.  We must be able to distinguish between our needs and being needed.
Page 127 speaks to "LUCK SCHOOL."  Researcher Richard Wiseman writes, "My research revealed that lucky people generate good fortune via four basic principles.  They are skilled at creating and noticing chance opportunities, make lucky decisions by listening to their intuition, create self-fulfilling prophesies via positive expectations, and adopt a resilient attitude that transforms bad luck into good."
As Seth starts to close, he reminds us that:
Failure is not fun but it is required.
There is no shame in failure.
We all need to adopt Nike's slogan "Just Do It!"
We must not let the encroachment of mediocrity and the appeal of compromise drive us.
We must change things quietly and we must avoid NO-people.
This is a must read book!  There is much to take away and apply right away. Doug Newberry

   Just Do It, the Nike commercial can easily be applied to Seth Godin's What To Do When it's Your Turn (and it's always your turn) set in and easy to read, almost hard cover book with simple phrases and andecdotes that is just common sense, making you feel that you already know what he has written and you are reading. Fear of stepping out and overcoming your fear is essential to doing it.
     Your motivation is thinking that it is always your turn, so don't wait on being asked, just do it. Don't wait for Godot. Grab the brass ring when it comes around to you. Don't procrastinate. All successful people have lived with failure.
     The book provides examples of how to overcome fear. Your destiny is in your own hands, As Elon Musk was quoted, "If you don't succeed, its your own fault". This is a practical how do book, that any would be entrepreneur needs to read and digest. The hard part is just starting to do something. The right time is NOW!
     You have the chance to change things. When was the last time you did something for the first time? Think about it. Nobody owes you anything. Learn the difference between needs and wants. When asked, its always better to say yes than no. Otherwise you wouldn’t know what you are missing out. Give credit and teach others. Then pass this book on to pay it forward. Barry Epstein, Boca Raton www.publicrelations.nu

Wow! I didn't know who the young woman on the cover was, but her steely look in her eyes clearly states "It's my turn whether you like it or not!". Glancing through the format of the book one thinks " what is this?", but after reading the first few pages one realizes that this book is no joke. It is pure, raw truth. How I wish this book was written when I was a youngster, but nonetheless, I will give the extra copy to my daughter who is a Freshman in College and I believe will be of great service to her. i will keep my copy close by to re-read many times over to not only inspire me  but make sure that i take my turn.
The author has added no fluff to try and stretch it out to 300 pages, but has managed to put together 158 pages of the most direct truth  that I have ever read in one book. This book is about making the decision every day to "live" life with no excuses, and taking full responsibility for ones victories as well as one's failures.
What I got from the book is to never settle, and that regardless of age, circumstances, ethnicity, etc, don't let fear of failure stop you from trying anything in this wonderful journey call life. Esteban Serrano Hollywood, Fl

 Making excuses instead of shipping something great? Seth Godin has a punch in the face for you, in book form.
Some readers will dismiss this as yet another horse-apiece Seth Godin book about the importance of doing your own thing.  These readers are idiots.   If you're not already doing your own thing and shipping it regularly, you need *more*, not less, Seth Godin urging you on.  It has never been easier for creative people to produce their own work and share it with the world.  All that's standing between you and doing this is your own excuses.    Why not break through these artificial barriers and do it?  This book will get you started. Scott Wilson Tampa Bay, Florida www.thatsoftwareguy.com

Forget about any ideas that you have regarding a self-improvement or marketing book. Seth Godin, partly because he's good, partly because he has a great track record and simply because he can, has published what I think is his best production to date. Let me tell you why:
This a thick, heavy paper book that can be read in a couple of hours. At this point you can dismiss it as a series of Facebook posts telling you to be better and work hard. But the problem, you can't dismiss it like that. The book stays with you for days, because it has a remarkable arc, an arc which makes sense.
There are no chapters, or sections, but there is a linear logic, starting from fear to be free to being able to transform your environment, to be uncomfortable, to take your turn. There are multiple snippets that are easy to remember and have immediate, that's-a-good-way-to-look-at-things applicability right off the bat. There are memorable quotes that are developed into coherent ideas, and a lot of personalities that are otherwise unknown gain relevance for small, transcendent acts, like the woman illustrating the cover.
In summary, whether you think you've a stable position in your life (you have not) or are thirsty for pushing the boundaries, this is a great book. Is not deep as a professional thesis, but is a very good place to start. Miguel Cobas, MD

As requested I passed along the second copy of Seth Godin's book to someone else...Doris, a new friend I've recently begun running with twice a week. Our discussions are what we've come to call "running commentary" and we talk about a lot of interesting topics mostly centered around entrepreneurship and business. We first discussed the chosen format for the book which is more like a series of seemingly unrelated blog posts by Seth Godin. He's published 5500 blog posts, so at first I was suspicious that this book was simply a mashup of various posts. However, after I  read the book a second time and after more discussions with Doris, I've come to the conclusion that what I thought of as individual blogs are really part of one larger theme which is: to step out of your perceived comfort zone of safety...whether your version of safety is the illusion of a lifetime job or a single career on which you build your life.  Godin points out what a false construct this idea of safety has turned out to be. His rallying cry is for people to listen to the inner voice, buckle down, do the work and fulfill your chosen mission...what he cleverly refers to as "shipping." The naysayers, the self-doubt, the constant disappointment no longer matter. What matters is that you do the work and bring something to fruition.
Godin's book title ("What to do When it's Your Turn") and provocative subtitle ({"and it's always your turn"}) encapsulates his observation that this new world is divided into   "program or be programmed." For those people who made the decision to program, this book will be further proof that they're on the right track, but for those who've somehow kept their head in the sand and who continue to seek salvation in security, this book will be a frightening revelation. Godin describes the security seeker's mindset: "We may mistakenly believe that the alternative to freedom, the path of merely doing what we're told and constantly seeking stability, is a better way to spend our lives. Of course, it's not. It's not because the people who are promised stability rarely receive it. The promises are broken, again and again, and we've learned not to believe them. The people who are told that everything will be okay are always disappointed when it's not," Godin says.
In this same section he addresses how people make the mistake of waiting until they're sufficiently motivated to make a change or do the work and he claims that this is tied to the need for reassurance. He counters this belief in a short, but cutting quote by photographer and artist Chuck Close: "Motivation is for amateurs."  Godin constantly reminds people to take action, but realizes that what causes inaction is fear. He addresses the fear of looking stupid, but says everyone is stupid until they master whatever it is they're trying to learn...he attributes being stupid as part of the learning process.
Godin's book amplifies many of the themes that are being discussed by similar thought leaders such as Derek Sivers who wrote, "Passion and purpose are emotions that come after expertise and experience. The way to get them is to commit to the path of mastery, get great at something, and do great work." It's common for people to wait for a blinding flash of insight to discover their calling or to believe that they have to have an almost religious-like experience with a muse to be struck to work when really, it's just sitting down and committing to the task at hand, making incremental improvements along the way.
In addition to his quotes and insights, Godin also includes interesting nuggets and stories about people who have taken "their turn" and made a difference. The cover photo is Annie Kenney, a British millworker and suffragette. Kenney went to jail for pushing back (taking her turn) when she asked a member of Parliament why women didn't have the right to vote.  Intriguing snippets like this one are peppered throughout the book and make it a worthwhile and satisfying read that I'll refer back to again and again. My only criticism is that it lacks a table of contents and an index, so it's difficult to find and refer back to the MANY memorable passages. Kathy D. Doran, M.S.Ed. www.wordrunner.net

What To Do When It's Your Turn feels more like a magazine than a book. It is  in full color and illustrated with a variety of pictures, art and graphic designs. Overall, it is a collection of short stories and essays. At times, it was somewhat weird and hard to follow and it almost felt like the author was just thinking at loud. Without a doubt, the writing style is unique. Seth Godin does an excellent job in sharing his values and life philosophy. He is inspirational and encouraging. The overall message is to embrace freedom and have the courage to be authentic and do what we feel passionate about  while sharing and helping others. I would have liked to see a more business oriented book more like his usual work but I took it for what it was and inspirational book. I did not know what to make of the numerous typos throughout the book. I even asked myself if it was done on purpose to proof a point. Pilar Somoza North Bay Village

I realize I am probably in the minority here, but I did not like this book.  Let me say from the start, I really, really wanted to like it from the moment it (they) arrived.  I loved the way it looked & even smelled, with that new book smell.  The graphics were great as was the layout & the pictures.  I especially loved seeing Shari Lewis' alter ego, Lamp Chop.  But I digress.
I almost found this book as kind of a diatribe.  The author goes on & on about things of various nature & will comment on them with nonsensical answers.  Or maybe it's just because I disagree with a lot of the things he writes.  I realize it is his book & his opinions are all that matter here, but I just don't get it.  Maybe it's me.  Case in point, when he writes about "Scratching itches."  He says you can't do anything about an itch.  Well, sure you can.  You can choose to leave it alone, scratch it or use an ointment on it.  Maybe I am taking things too literal, but I found the whole book to be in that vain.
I would not recommend this book.  I feel there are better books to spend my time reading and/or to spend $34. on.  Sorry.  And to paraphrase Mr. Godin, "No, it's not personal." Terri Bryant Davie

What To Do When Its Your Turn is insightful however the message  gets lost in the presentation.
The structure of the book gives one the impression that it belongs in a self help section of a school library.
The format lends itself to slogans presented at a business meeting power point presentation rather than in a book.
Would I recommend the content yes just not the book it its current format. Ron Groce Miami Fl.

Prolific author Seth Godin never fails to deliver information designed to motivate, educate, and postulate. This latest offering also offers a variety of examples with which the reader can also commiserate! The varying challenges and situations described throughout the book are skillfully woven into the text to both extoll and cajole (Thanks Harry Belafonte!) to constantly keep the narrative and the reader moving forward.
In addition to the expected nuggets of insight expected from a Godin book, this book offers additional nuances that Godin has previously only allowed to “Peak Through” in his publications. From the moment the reader picks this book up their mind will be racing with a variety of questions. The most immediate aspect of this book that will catch the reader’s attention is the dramatic use of photographs and graphics. Each page utilizes bold and dramatic images and or/graphics to punctuate the specific point being made or to dramatize the story being shared. This is combined with an impressive use of color, splashed throughout the text. This use of colors serves the reader as a continued source of stimulation and at times even curiosity on “Why” a particular color may have been used. The last aspect of this latest entry on the Godin library also incorporates multiple font styles and sizes. Some pages may appear in standard format while the next page may use a completely differ font and size so that a single quote takes up the entire page. Each of these production aspects of this new book collectively challenge the reader to determine what type book is this? Is it a business advice book? A self-help book? A reference book? Or even a Coffee Table Book? For me the answer to this query is “All of the above!” With What To Do When It’s Your Turn, Godin has bridged the gap between each of these types of books and produced a product that could rightly be utilized (and displayed) in each of the settings described.
As with the design and appearance of the book, the content is equally compelling. The major themes throughout the book are consistent 1) you have a choice, 2) the choice is yours alone 3) you may choose incorrectly 4) you learn from all choices and most importantly 5) MAKE A CHOICE!  Godin informs readers that the majority of our hesitation in making choices is “all in our heads.” Seth encourages the reader to embrace the mantra “We might fail.” This will offer us the freedom to move ahead, learn to “live with the tension” that choices bring and make choices without fear. Rarely is there 1) a perfect time for a choice, 2) an answer for all of related questions and 3) a guarantee that this will work. Godin concisely states, “We are unprepared to do something for the first time, always.”
Godin’s use of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY) to expand upon the story of Pythagoras and the Fifth Hammer resonated perfectly with me (pun intended!) As the sounds of CSNY flowed through my mind the point of combining different yet complimentary choices gained greater clarity. “There’s no pain-free path. But at least you can do something that matters.” This ability of Godin to weave historical information with current and pop culture event’s and icons is masterful.
This is perhaps my favorite feature of this book over all of the others Godin has authored. The vivid imagery and stories generated truly serve as encouragement as well as sources of new knowledge. As much as I enjoyed reading the text, I equally enjoyed exploring and searching for the examples Godin used. I would encourage all readers to take the additional time to search, explore, read and Listen (CSNY - Déjà Vu) all of the examples mentioned. From Harry Belafonte (see if you can identify what song Godin is referencing!), to Kafka, to Yertle the Turtle (Dr. Suess), to Charles and Jackson Pollock this book is a treasure chest of remarkable information for the reader to explore.
One of the closing remarks Godin offers in this remarkable publication is “Teaching rewards all of us.” Through this work Godin has certainly Andy Gillentine – Columbia, SC

At first glance, this is a book I would never buy for myself.  It is a book with 168 pages, if adjusted for spaces, large print, and pictures would amount to closer 50 pages- to me a waste of paper. It seems to be geared toward the internet generation with many one-liners and short essays- the kind of information that one reads in a blog, a facebook page, or a poster. It almost is a book that anyone could put together- just a collection of common expressions or what others might say.
The book is a series of feel good expressions reminiscent of the kind of messages that at one time one use to send in a “hallmark” card to someone depressed to help cheer them up.  There is little organization and is a book that one could open up on any page and read and not miss anything.  Each page is essentially a comment about a thought- the kind of messages people email to each other.
I personally prefer books that are well organized and have more substance.  I buy books for information not fluff.  I prefer books with well-developed thoughts. Darlene Johnson, Coconut Grove

As I read Seth Godin’s newest book I was struck by how familiar its message is. Perhaps I could go back into my early life as a hippie and say that this book reminded me of a book I read many times, a book by Ram Das, called Be Here Now, published in 1971. At first it was the format and layout with lots of pictures. As I am visual in my learning and Ram Dass’s book was loaded with lots of pictures. Then as Seth’s message came through more clearly I had the feeling I have read about these same concepts before. Be Here Now was about being present and being filled with love and similarly Godin’s book was about being present, in our lives, as entrepreneurs, partners, parents and the larger goals we are striving for.
Just as being present is about taking responsibility for our lives so is Seth’s book: What to Do Until It’s Your Turn. This book’s perspective and creativity come from someone who is living and writing fifty years after Ram Dass. The message is similar, take responsibility for our lives, contribute and if need be fail. Very often failing is what we are looking for; only at the time it seems to be just the opposite.
Seth wrote in his book teaching others how to do something, doesn’t diminish what we are doing, as we still know how to do what we taught. In teaching others, what we have learned is the ultimate act of love, because now others can teach others. Seth says; take our turns, even if we don’t seem to be ready. Life is too short to live a life of safety, instead find others who are as excited about life as you are and help to inspire them, to take their turn.
I believe anyone would benefit from reading this book. Again not everyone is ready now or they may never be. I found the book to be fun and after all if it isn’t fun then why read it? Tom Hinz Blue Lake, CA www.tomhinz.com

Godin always delivers. Not because he's always right, but because he practices what he preaches: he simply does. He does without fear of failure - at least he seems like he doesn't fear failure. Failure, or not fearing it, rather is a constant theme in his latest book. The takeaway? Don't bother being afraid to fail, because you will. And it's required. (p 131)
Sometimes, the book reads like a motivational or self-help book. However, Godin believes that "our need for motivation is due to our need for reassurance." (p43) No matter, his book is filled with what can be described as a series of pep talks and quotables. Not a bad thing at all.
Sure enough, Godin reminds us of the perils of mediocrity — always a signpost worth heeding. "Once you start compromising, when do you stop?" (p141) But if it's a lesson on not being boring or mediocre, it's best to refer back to Purple Cow. This book is about taking your turn to create something. Take your turn, because nobody will ever give it you. Patrick Whiteside Miami, Florida

I can't tell you how many times I picked up this, bound collection of thoughts, then put it down in frustration. I thought I was going to love the large print, but, I found the watermark background distracting and the graphics downright annoying. I tried to embrace the compartmentalization. But I just couldn't get past the presentation.
A few positive, yet unoriginal messages were importance of taking action, the silver lining of failures, and benefits of rapport building to make that sale. Ra, ra, and all that great inspiration...
As much as I want to be motivated by the hallway walk or to "Just Do It," I couldn't help but feel I was reading a children's book. So, forgive me for not getting past my objections. To me, this book is a random collection of recycled platitudes. Sorry. Kelly Reid

I truly enjoyed reading this book and loved the writing style Seth applied.  The combination of images and short easy-to-read paragraphs, helped me better understand and retain the information.  I believe the way we consume information on the Internet has trained us to consume more image rich information tied to bite-size bits of text.
Although each paragraph flows with the next, each one can stand on it's own and is fit to be quoted.  I do see more people that are not into reading, potentially picking this book up because of the way it was designed and written.  I also believe Seth was on to something when he chose to have people share this book with friends.  This is one of those books that is easy to recommend to others.
I see myself referring back to this book to review all the great messages highlighted.  Seth hits on so many great life teachings and provided plenty of useful quotes.  The one that hit it for me was: " The book that will most change you life is the book you write."  Make sure you hit a home run when it's you turn. David Mesas Miami, FL https://twitter.com/DFMESAS

At first glance, leafing through the book and seeing the photos, sketches, drawings, pictures,  bold titles,
print large and small, upside down writing colored boxes, shading, I thought to myself  “What  a fun and exciting book to read”.
And, I loved reading it.  But, make no mistake.  While the terrific presentation grabs the readers’ attention, the message is a serious one,
that is repeated in a multitude of fashions throughout the book including via stories, vignettes, biographies and quotations.
Godin’s directive is:   go out there; take risks, don’t settle, don’t be afraid of failure (but embrace it), be your own person,
be a leader and not a follower, “TAKE YOUR TURN”   as he phrases it.
The book is not  necessarily for the business world although relevant to it, the message conveyed is for the world–at-large over and over again,
in a most delightful fashion. LB Weinstein Miami Beach, FL

The book definitely delivers  Seth Godin’s message (Always an invigorating one) with its call for: action, passion, freedom, challenges, risks and urgency.
Seth Godin truly writes in order to effect people. To help them make a change. To push them into action.
Do not get trapped by safety and/or fear but rather take the leap of change and opportunity into truly trying to make a difference.
Open your eyes, choose, dare to take your turn (and it always is your turn).
It is personal, urgent and in-your-face, leaving you no room to hide.
 “Just Do it”
It is also inspiring, reminding you of your true authentic self, that is waiting to be unleashed.
You can get over whatever it is that stopping you and do what you truly care about.
Change can be painful but this book helps with the understanding that it is absolutely worthwhile.
You can go ahead and do your better work. Be You!
As Seth Godin puts in his own words “Making a ruckus is the path of love” and I absolutely agree.
On top of that, I love the unusual design/format of the book and I believe it is a big part of  the effective delivery of its message.
The fonts, graphics, page layout, page size and even the quality of the paper  are all fun and creative. Really yummy.
This makes the book an easy and enjoyable read while you are internalizing its message. Smadar Sasson Miami, FL

A 'collection' of  social science based and anecdotal   stories, quotes , photographs, and illustrations both graphic and verbal to essentially motivate you to "ship", "do it" and to know its your turn to "take".
The book is written in a somewhat clipped prose  style . No long streams of paragraphs however no enumerative series of points either . Mr . Godin is heralded and a prolific writer and this is his latest book to show and cajole one into a productive, fierce and creative life.
The "elevator " parable opens the book, two executives " trapped" on a broken escalator , one screaming out for help the other frustrated and waiting for rescue . They do not see the simple option of merely walking up or down the now immobile escalator to safety. "This is a book about seeing the stuck, getting unstuck, and working within and swimming upstream in a system that often would prefer that you merely stand still. It"s about realizing that it's your turn, always your turn, and understanding that once you see the opportunity, it's yours".
Interesting points about obligation. "Obligation is not a two -way street." "We do good work when we repay a debt. But the feeling of being owed destroys our ability to do good work." "The feeling of being owed is toxic".
While we have to understand that , Mr Godin says this does not let us off the hook of our obligations. The "productive artist" is owed nothing from their audience ....yet the the productive audience  "owes the audience, and in unlimited measure."
Mr. Godin goes between just pushing ( "it's your turn") and answering the demon questions that may be holding the creative person back ("one day , I'll be ready"  "Shame and Failure"....). While the emphasis is the "push"... He does emphasis responsibility and "thirst " ...of learning and doing.  There are many observations and pointers that address what "creativity" means now , today.   "What does better mean?". "Today , better means more connected. Something we would miss if it were gone. In the connection economy,better means more human, more vulnerable , the thing that embraces the tension of works/might not work." Brilliant and on the mark.
The emphasis in the book is truly on motivating the individual .  The push truly is "it"s your turn ." Not on what you need to acquire for it to be your turn .  Through the different anecdotes and question posing he works in through the  back door approach of showing the things a truly creative person has . This is important because many times in the work place today many people are not lacking the push of feeling it's always their turn yet do not have for example the knowledge and in many cases the heavy wait of what they are owed, the other persons obligation to them . Very smart advice in "My Boss Won't Let Me "section.... "Steal, give credit and ship..."
He does close with creating with love and  a book sharing log in the back of the book ( he is a clever marketer, creating the important buzz).
And yes you will share without hesitation as the format allows for the full bell curve of readers. Heather Lee, Miami Beach, Fl

Dr. Wayne Dyer had written a book, “You’ll See it When You Believe It,” and I think that this philosophy is repeated, and expanded upon, in Godin’s “What to Do When It’s Your Turn (and it’s always your turn).”  Both books talk about being presented with Opportunities – and acting on them!  Dyer’s book is more of a self-help “trust your instincts” and “go with your gut feelings” manual.   Godin has decided to just take a page or two and make a statement – sometimes with an illustration, and sometimes not.  Lots of statements there – so something should appeal to just about everyone.
Remember those Positive Thinking posters that used to be all over company walls?  Reading through Godin’s newest book, I could see so many of them plastered on the wall, ready to be read, thought about, and acted upon!   And “acted upon” is what it’s all about.  Godin hits the nail on the head when he talks about people talking about doing something special “when…….. (insert whatever barrier you want here…).  “I’ll look for a new job when/after this happens”  -- or “I’ll try out that new design or new music (or whatever else you’ve been procrastinating), when………”
Do It Now!  Accept the fact that there might be failure – but then again, there might also be success!  Godin has stressed this concept in all his books, and this latest book states it again, in short parables and sentences.
Seth Godin is sort of the grandparent I didn’t have….  My family was raised without having extended family around… there were no grandparents, or aunts, or uncles, to guide/mentor us on Life 101.  So, with this book, we’re given the opportunity to read, reflect, act upon, and then SHARE these ideas with others, so they can do the same!  Spread ideas horizontally – person to person to person – and maybe there can be some positive changes to our community.
Here’s a link to more on Godin’s book:  http://www.yourturn.link/ Betty G Hubschman, Whitsett, NC

During and after my first reading of this book, I was confused.  What was I supposed to get out of this confusing book.  I am tired of being told that change happens and having to constantly attend training or read material designed to get me to accept change! I did not like the way it was written nor how the material was presented.  But decided to give it another go and read it again!
After this second reading I gradually began to like the book and understood what Seth was writing about.  I was really bothered by this writing style because its not what I was expecting even after reading the author's website and Richard's warning. I also began to understand this was not another book about accepting change, but a book about how I have a choice!
So I get it, this book is worth reading not just one time but perhaps three times before a person really starts to take the advice Seth is putting out there...Take charge of your life and live the way you want to.  Not for any one else but for you.
You almost feel compelled to consider what you supposed to be doing with your life, what you should be doing and what you are doing. Then after contemplating that, you are asked to think about what might be the next step to make your life your own. Love it!
The author wants the reader to understand not only your own relevance, but also introduces ideas such as not relying on others and not falling into the trap of  assuming the world owes you a not only a living but also your own happiness.  You are responsible for both!
You have a choice is drummed in to the reader every step of the way.  Wonder if Seth Godin was influenced by Stephen Covey and his teachings.  You have the choice to say yes or no, to go left or right.
I really enjoyed the idea that we not fear failure or change, but embrace it and most importantly learn from these acts.
Keep this book by your desk or where you put books to be read and read a few pages over and over again!
I did pass one book to a co-worker, after I put my name in it of course. I asked her to pass it on to someone else or keep it...its her choice.  I will encourage my daughter and son to read this book as well as their spouses...I want it back though. ;-) Forrest Carper

The unique format of Seth Godin's latest book is an attention getter!
While attracting attention with beautiful pictures, it intrigues the potential reader enough to pick up the book to discover what the book is actually about......opportunity and the freedom to use it.  The book encourages and inspires someone to learn new things, create new ideas, or just do something you always wanted to do.
Take the opportunity to make things happen and change for the better.
Godin gives encouragement to "Go for it!  Why wait to be ready? Your idea is important and it just might work. Think what you would have missed for not even trying!" There's no guarantee of success, but something will happen. If it's not what you are looking for, try another way.
This is the kind of book that should be read more than once and the perfect book to discuss with others to share thoughts, ideas, and information gleaned from it. It is full of examples and reasons to go ahead with your ideas without fear of failure.  Each time I read it, I found something I hadn't seen before or something that clicked that didn't before.  It's too much to absorb all at once in one reading.
Discussing Godin's book with others is the best way to get the most inspiration to seize the day, do more, and follow your dreams.
In Parade Magazine on March 1 this year, there was an article  "Anything is Possible"... Everyday people are changing the world. In my head I could hear Seth Godin say.......Now it's your turn to be one of those people! Margot Byrnes Miami, Florida

I like how Seth Godin combines the book with historical tidbits about historical figures with an invitation to take our turn in the making of our ruckus: "Go, take your turn," he says. How apt that I started reading this book today, Women's International Day as the face that jumps out at me from the cover of the book is that of Annie Kenney, a 19th Century mill worker from England who upon asking a member of Parliament his position on the right to vote refused to answer prompting Annie to make her own ruckus. And the rest, as they say, is history.  This is what all of us must learn to do because this is how maps get charted into totally unexpected new worlds.
Whatever you do, don't just read the book for the sake of reading it even though it is that good.  As Godin himself, points out "Books don't change people. People change people. As much as we're inclined to think that we're insignificant, the truth is that each one of us holds enough power to set the whole world on fire. This book is about that. About doing things without worrying if there is price tag attached to it. About bringing in ideas that will change the world taking it all the way to the beginning: your world.  So that you are not timid about spilling those ideas into your community. Together, we make change possible.  This book is about "making noise and letting "them" know, you're there!"
If you are willing to give your all, that is.  As the book reminds us, many of us doubt ourselves because we are torn between certainty and taking a risk, between circumstance and creative choice, between the familiar and the unknown.  In short, it is the Fear of Freedom as displayed in one of the pages of the book, but then Godin reassures us by way of a "memo" and I quote: "Mostly, a memo to the struggling human who faces the abyss of taking a turn and is sure that this is the end of everything: it's not." Aaaah, beautiful ! It is a mistake to buy into the illusion that such opportunity is only available to a few chosen ones when in reality we are all chosen. Just as Annie had the courage to rise up to the occasion, this book is an invitation to stop giving up our turn at every turn. Nadja Atkinson Miami, FL. www.cafeconlechefund.org


When I first received the book I said, "What a weird book."  Upon further review I said, "Wow this looks like a great , inspiring, positive, upbeat book."  Then I opened it and to my surprise,  there were pictures.  Interested before even beginning to read it.  Love the titles of the other books of the author.   The reader gets a feel you're in for an exciting journey.
I loved the idea of dancing with  fear and doing what you love anyway.  Gives the reader the courage to go past the fear and walk through the door of the unknown.
By the time I was half way through with the book I felt this urging deep inside to remember my childhood dreams.  I found myself on a journey into the depth of my inner imagination and started to feel my creative juices flowing.
As the book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions I found it refreshing to laugh at myself and my resistance to the words and the unspoken action that would widen my world and the world of those about me.
The book not only gives the reader the courage to try but the knowledge that others have failed/feared and walked through to a new experience.  The book is full of interesting facts that kept me interested and excited with every turn of the page.  The anticipation of what's next was intriguing,
This book makes you want to write a book so I'm going to stop now as I could go on and on about what a marvelous read this was. Deborah Harris, Hallandale Beach, FL

Ok, so now it’s my turn, and after reading Seth Godin’s latest I find it hard to organize my thoughts and write.  I like to write, and have never felt fearful, but this book makes one fearful.  Or maybe it makes me wonder why I wasn’t fearful.
I love to read, but I didn’t enjoy this book.  The book is definitely different and interesting and perhaps would encourage people who do not normally like to read.  I had no issue with the format, but rather with the cluttered ramblings that came across too negative for my taste.  I felt as though I was being chastised for things I am not guilty of.
Godin writes of everyone being afraid to take their turn, whereas I would be annoyed if I didn’t get my turn.  Perhaps the book is a wake-up call for those afraid to start, afraid of failure, or just plain afraid, but this negative approach just irritated me. Emily Gilday

Seth Godin has this way of reaching at once into your mind and your heart to make you revisit something you thought you understood, and asking you to look at it from a completely different standpoint.  His latest work, WHAT TO DO WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN (and it's always your turn), is an enjoyable read about identifying and committing to your life's purpose and taking your turn instead of hiding behind fear, procrastination and self-seeking guarantees of certainty of security. This is what Seth calls the work of a grownup - "Embracing the fear of freedom, deciding to determine your own path, this is the work of a grownup, of someone who can identify what truly matters."
WHAT TO DO WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN is a must-read for any intelligent life form who has been educated in American universities, where we are subtly taught to only take our turn when we are told to, where we are groomed for working in an industrial-age workplace where roles are defined from without, and compliance seems a necessary trade-off for promotions, raises, and climbing the ladder.  Seth invites us to let go of these rigid roles, and  he insists that we let go of the guarantees which seduce us into abdicating our potential and choosing mediocrity and compromise.  He lets us know that making friends with fear, failure, and responsibility leads the way to living an authentic, creative life.
This colorful, simple, entertaining, and stimulating treatise extends the most delicious invitation - to make our gift to society by rising up, overcoming fear, and becoming the fullness of ourselves. "People who are open to uncertainty are the pathfinders for the rest of us..." and as Ernest Hemingway reminds us, "You'll ache, and you're going to love it.  It will crush you.  And you're still going to love all of it.  Doesn't it sound lovely beyond belief?" Trish Caballero

People can identify their own fears, but this book takes it further into looking at what is behind the fear itself.  We learn to allow ourselves the thought that “not everything has to be okay”.
I admired  the concept of the “fifth hammer” which shows that you don’t have to follow the rules to have a greater impact.  Whether you fierce and need more motivation or merely curious about getting started and embrace the fear to gain more freedom — this book is very worthwhile. Peter Kihn

Giving. This is one of the most genuine, thoughtful and giving books and I’d like to say thank you! Like the egg-white omelet, this book is remarkable. The level of visual appeal and detail from the front foldout cover to the back is exquisite. Advice, explanation, and a compelling story told by a caring teacher. Nothing left up to interpretation. Seth shares his concern by simplistic clarity in every message. His repetition to keep you engaged, and recall the last example is designed to ensure you don’t forget. Leading by example in the tone of selflessness and caring of sharing the message to take your turn.
We live in a world of sound bites. Seth takes compelling, relatable stories told in such precision that each scenario can be clearly summarized in less than ten words. For many people, a voice of support, empowerment and direction is not present. This is the present from Seth for anyone to accept and embrace what is out there for you.
Seth asks the tough questions. The tough questions we might hire a strategic life coach to push us past our limits. The fears, thoughts and feelings everyone is having, but no one will talk about are uncovered and exposed. This book is written for everybody. No boundaries of who you are, where you come from or where you want to go. This book is for you. This is really a guide for a healthy approach to take ownership, get out of your own way, recognize those that are encouraging the noises in your head and giving you permission to change course and take your turn. Angie Stone

I was introduced to Seth Godin through this book review club.  I have been fortunate to have been able to read and review interesting and thought-provoking works such as Free Prize Inside, All Marketers are Liars, and The Big Moo.  All were great reads, with useful and wise theses on a wide-range of topics.
While I enjoyed his latest book, What To Do When It's Your Turn, it didn't give me any of the "ah-ha" moments of his previous titles.  What To Do felt, in a way, recycled.  There were some interesting stories of how people embraced conflict and  took risks.  It turned into a written pep talk on getting out and trying to become the change you wish to see in the world.
Deep down, it feels like this book is merely a vehicle for Godin's attempt to find a new way to distribute books (including providing the book club reviewers with two books - one to share).  Its format (more a glossy magazine than a book) over function.
I fought with it.  In the end, however, I understood that Godin was practicing what the book preached - doing something different, trying to push the edges and make something new.  Godin continues to do what he loves in new and interesting ways, and I look forward to reading his next book.  Isn't that what this is all about? Scott D. Rembold Coral Gables, FL

He has done it again; Set Godin talking a new spin on the presentation of content; in his new book entitled What to Do When It’s Your Turn he explored a series of business related concepts
In a true act of marketing master, Seth engages the readers through series of eye catching photos, large fonts and typical devotes one topic per page.  While interweaving anecdotes and stories Seth keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as the book unfolds the story one at a time.
It is hard to ignore the hard work that went into the identification collection and integration of facts in this book.  Mind (and also eye/…) catching phrases such as the Illusion of the safety are featured alongside topics such as Bravery and Courage are for other people.
The artistic elements of this book are overwhelming the simple reader.  This is not your run of the mill marketing book nor is it a text book for business people.  Its beauty is in the subliminal messages that create a visual image of the concepts as one progress through the pages.  The book’s unusual size and quality of the paper adding to the overall reading experience. Doron Zilbershtein

I've read several marketing books by Seth Godin, all of them very creative and marketing oriented.
However, "What to Do When Its Your Turn" is more a an overall life perspective book.  Page after page of stories, pictures and wisdom--on how we need to prepare ourselves for greatness with accepting your freedom as a gift as a major them throughout.
The book is for entrepreneurs, those considering entrepreneurship, and family dealing with the human condition and the fact that it is always our turn to be ready for the next turn in life.  The pictures and layout of the book bring it to one continuous journey of life lessons.  I am giving the second copy to one of my sons, as he is discovering the lessons of life just out of school and Seth Godin's essays are extremely thought provoking.
I think it is best enjoyed a few pages at a time, stopping and meditating on the relevance to our own lives as reader, human being, and person committed to our own success.
Great inspiring essays deal with subjects such as "The Person who Fails Most, Wins"  (it means you are staying in the game), "Fear of Stupidity" (it isn't being stupid that is the problem, it is the feeling we often associate with it), "When is the right time" (never is, so we need to grab the moment--how much I could relate to this having brought up a family), "Free will and the play-by-play in your head (how self-talk affects us), "One day, I'll be ready" (some people are not thirsty enough or as Les Brown says, "You've got to be HUNGRY"), "Program or be programmed" ("Either you're the creator or you're the audience.  Either you're waiting your turn or taking it), and so many more gems of wisdom by Seth Godin punctuated with wonderful relevant photography interspersed.  
This was a surprising book as it talked about the challenges of being human and being ready for the next experience around the corner. I highly recommend it. Randy B. Lichtman, Miami, FL.

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Next Book: What To Do When It's Your Turn

What To Do When It's Your Turn by Seth Godin

From the author...
I THINK WE'RE WASTING THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME.
This is an urgent call to do the work we're hiding from, a manifesto about living with things that might not work and embracing tension when doing your art.

Is in full color throughout. It feels more like a high-end magazine than a book, and I think even people who hesitate to buy and read books will be engaged by this one.

The format is new for me and as far as I know, no author has written a book quite this way. My hope, if we are able to reach a lot of people, is that I'll be able to do other books like this, and even better, so will you and other people with ideas to share.

Explores, as directly as I can, the dance we all have to do with our fears, the tension we all must embrace in order to do work that we care about. It pushes us to dig deep inside so we can do better work and impact the things we care about.

Is urgent, personal, in-your-face and as honest as I could make it.

Some of the people featured in the book include:
Mark Frauenfelder, Timothy Leary, Grace Hopper, Miles Davis, Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Leonardo Davinci, Leonard Bernstein, Ai Wei Wei, Erich Fromm, Mike Ambassador Bruny, Allison Myers, Akira Kurosawa, Walter Mischel, Richard Nixon, Isaac Asimov, Ella Fitzgerald, Gutenberg, Shirley Chisolm, Heisenberg, Madame Curie, The Staypuft Marshmallow Man, and David Crosby.

Want to read and review this book? Please click on the link at the top left of this page. (Supplies limited.)
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Club Reviews: BUSINESS WITHOUT THE BULLSH*T

BUSINESS WITHOUT THE BULLSH*T: 49 Secrets and Shortcuts You Need to Know. Geoffrey James. Business Plus.

My first reaction to the book when I saw the "49 secrets and shortcuts" was oh no not another "to do or not to do" book.  But, to be honest, I was not even through the Introduction when I saw this book to be very practical and a simple book with a concept that can be employed right now!  Right away my intrigue began with the thought that today we are all freelancers, we are our own bosses, we have to sell ourselves, clarity creates power, people trump technology, courage is critical, belief drives results, and business is simple.  All straightforward points that are very actionable.  After reading the Introduction, I was already convinced after my 50 years in the business world myself, that Geoffrey was right on target!
I found Part I on "How to Manage Your Boss" (Secrets 1-7) to be very interesting.  It is a great reminder to both boss and associate that relationships are symbiotic and that to achieve any kind of success both need the other.  I found the 12 types of bosses both humorous but also very accurately describing what I have seen myself in the business world.  James talks about 7 things you can do to keep your boss happy and I found them all to be very true.  Most of us desire to advance and move up.  "Getting your boss working for you" certainly shares ideas that will go a long, long way towards success.  It is an absolute truth that not many of us like performance reviews, both boss and associate, but Secret 4 goes a long way in making the process of performance appraisal productive.  Secret 6 on "handling unreasonable requests" is super!  If in fact the boss and associate relationship is symbiotic then honesty is a must.
Part II "How to Manage Your Co-Workers" (Secrets 8-14) is timely because working with your peers and your boss is critical to success.  I found all 7 Secrets to be right on target for anyone's personal success.  We all need to earn respect, play clean office politics, recruit a mentor, deal with annoying co-workers, and yes we have to deal with those pesky organizational; lawyers, make effective use of social media and last but not least shine in meetings.
In Part III (Secrets 15-21) we see how James defines what really great leaders do to manage their people.  I found Secret 15 to be very intriguing.  James says that good leaders do not view businesses as battlefields and they do not make the competition the enemy.  They take on their competitors through diversity, building great teams, and forming partnerships.  Secret 16 reminds leaders of a very important point, we manage people not numbers.  Secret 17 offers some great insights on how to make criticism effective and not defective. 
Part IV (Secret 22-28) shares some great thoughts on managing ones self.  I found Secret 23 to be very helpful.  All of us look to create more time.  We are busy and time is a valuable asset.  James offers some great ideas on how to create time. Read Part IV!
Part V (Secrets 29-35) is very important because it shares some ideas on how to better communicate.  I found James "5 Rules for Business Communications" in Secret 29 to be right on target and very helpful.  Secret 33 is another nugget.  All leaders speak to audiences and James speaks to how "to work the room" to be a more effective communicator.
Part VI (Secret 36-42) shares some very important ideas if you find yourself trying to manage an emergency.
Finally, in Part VII (Secret 43-49) we are exposed to "How to Cope with Evils."  This is a MUST READ and covers everything from dealing with dirty office politics, coping with management fads, spotting lies, identifying bogus statistics, when its OK to lie to your boss and how to safely be a whistle blower.  Secret 44 and the part on management by consensus really got my attention.  After my 50 years in the business world, most leading large organizations,  I would say from experience that managing by consensus is a huge mistake.  Too often I found that management by consensus meant management by everyone and that never worked for me!  At some point on some things, someone has to decide.  As James tells us, consensus normally does not deal with tough issues so we wind up on soft issues and usually remaining at status quo.  Secret 48 "The 7 Times It Is OK to Lie to Your Boss" is quite humorous.  I would have said it is NEVER OK to lie to your boss but James offers some very interesting insights.  But when all is said and done, I am only partially convinced.
In conclusion, this is a very good and interesting book.  It grabs your attention and holds it.  There are many great insights!  But I would never have call these 49 Secrets.  To me they are more management TIPS that are seldom and often poorly used. Doug Newberry Antioch, Tn.

Now, I really enjoyed this book.  Even though the title starts off with the word "Business" most of the content could apply to personal life, not just professionally.  This book is something I would definitely share with my 2 young adult children as they are relatively new in the business world & hopefully would welcome the advice it contains.  The author made it easy to read, yet didn't dumb it down. Terri Bryant, Davie

I'm a business book junkie and I believe they all have good and effective strategies to use in order to succeed in business.  But this one, "Business without the Bullsh*t" is a treasure trove of "how to" address everyday challenges in the workplace.  The "secrets" are presented in a very simple and easily understood manner.  As a result, the reader can apply them right away in their work environment confident that he/she will succeed. I especially enjoyed the section on "The Twelve Types of Bosses". I constantly found myself identifying with one of the types of bosses that the author mentioned and wishing I had had this book to refer to. This is definitely a book you want to keep at arms length and make a point of reviewing every week if your goal is to genuinely succeed in business. Alex R. Camacho, Miami

Business without the bullshit. Does that exist?  And can one get ahead in today’s work world without both perpetrating and learning to accept a healthy dose of bullshit?  It’s a great name for a book and immediately sparked my interest. Finally, a guy that tells it like it is, no holds barred. 
I tend to skip the introduction in most books. I usually find that the author talks a lot but doesn’t really say anything of value.  This time, I did read the introduction and I’m glad I did, because I actually found it to contain the most insightful statements of the book.  The premises of Everyone Is a Freelancer, You Are Your Boss and You Must Sell Yourself, pretty much encapsulate the thinking you must have and the actions you need to take in order to get ahead in today’s work climate. James nails it right from the beginning when he says you have to realize that the days of Company loyalty in return for all your hard work and an expectation of job security are long gone. We are all really just commodities now.  If a Company can find someone to do it cheaper, that’s probably the way they are going to go, even if the quality of the work is lower. 
According to James, the only way to make it through is to always consider yourself as a freelancer and to act accordingly.  You have to constantly be selling and reselling yourself and your services to Management in order to reinforce your value in hopes of being deemed irreplaceable.  At the same time, you need to always be on the lookout for new and better opportunities, keeping your options open and your resume updated so that you are ready to go at a moment’s notice.  Much in the same way Management would drop you without a moment’s hesitation.  He also says you must re-think how you see your boss.  Don’t think of your boss as managing you.  You need wake up and do your own managing.  You have to be managing yourself, your boss, your coworkers and the direction of your own career all at the same time.  You really are your own boss and there is not a moment to rest.  You must be constantly taking action that will “serve your greater purpose”.
I think that pretty much sums up a lot of the book.  Throughout the chapters, James presents scenarios, ideas, tips and tricks.  To be honest, I found much of what he said to be common sense and it wasn’t anything I hadn’t heard before. It was easy enough reading and amiable in its way.  But it also got me thinking something else. Isn’t putting forth whole sets of ideas that most people would just consider the common sense thing to do and a re-hashing of all the same things you’ve read and heard before over and over again its own form of bullshit?  I think so. And that realization turned me off from the book for a bit.
That being said, I did find some of the ideas in the section about managing your boss area to be valuable. James got me thinking about a boss and the relationship to the employee in a much different way than I had before. He says that instead of thinking of the person in that role as a Boss, think of him as someone who is providing you with a service. Some examples he gives are that your Boss gets you resources you need to get the job done, help to solve interdepartmental issues and works to secure money to get you a raise.  That makes me think of a boss in much more user friendly terms. It’s also nice to think of my boss as servicing me instead of my being the one to provide all the services while he reaps all the benefits. 
James talks about the twelve types of bosses which are differentiated by the boss’s motivations in his own career.  By correctly identifying your boss’s type and shaping your approach to him accordingly, you will make your relationship a much more effective and less contentious one.  By helping your boss get to where he wants to go, you are paving the road that will help you get you where you want to go.
He also talks thinking about the Boss not only as someone who has the power to influence what happens to you but as a regular person who, like most people, cares about the opinions of others.  He says that you should actively cultivate your boss’s peers into your own social network. These are the people who your boss listens to and whose opinions he values. Those are the people who affect his own opinions and ultimately, his opinion of you.  If those people like you and see your value and want you around, that message will make its way back to your boss and he will be influenced to like and want you around too.
So, do I recommend the book?  There were only a couple of sections that I thought were really great.  But when I think about it, both of those areas were strong enough and insightful and valuable enough to cause me to re-shape my thinking. That in itself is the highest level of praise. Rivka Kaminetzky

This was an enjoyable book and an easy read.  Geoffrey James lists 49 of what he calls ‘secrets and shortcuts’ you need to know in business,  many of which are just plain common sense.  The format makes it easy for you to search for an topic that might be troubling you, and at the end of each section he recaps his ideas, driving home the important points.
I particularly liked the section of how to communicate and more particularly ‘how to write a compelling email’.  That little secret alone should be mandatory for all incoming employees.  It’s almost like teaching a student how to write a thesis.  In this day of instant communication an effective email is a must. 
For anyone looking for a job, a must read is the section on not only how to get the job interview, but how to ace it. 
All in all, these concise little common sense tips should make life a little bit easier in the world of business if not in your private life as well. Emily Gilday

This is a book I really enjoyed. It cuts to the chase in many areas that are useful for business and for human interactions in general. Dealing with your boss may not be very different than dealing with your wife, after all.
Another good thing about the book is that you can read every paragraph from the perspective of being a boss or being an employee and you extract slightly different perspectives, both useful. At the end of each chapter there is a bulleted key points list that is not very useful if you don't read the chapter first, but very much if you have done so.
I'd like to point out a couple of chapters that stand on their own for brevity and clarity: Chapter 34, how to negotiate an agreement, is a 5 page excellent summary on the topic, and if you don't have time to read entire books dedicated to the topic (getting to yes probably the best one) this little gem will start you on the right track. How to have enough time, (Ch. 23) is also very useful for its simplicity and content.
In summary, many good lines of solid advice can be found in this book. Entertaining, to the point and highly recommendable. No BS here. Miguel Cobas, Miami

 What a fun, entertaining romp about the truth and lies about business as usual.
This little book had many pearls and pointers that should guide any office worker from the neophyte to the senior management.
Mandatory reading for new hires and survivalists in any office environment. Marv Stein, Coral Springs

I think the subtitle (49 Secrets and Shortcuts You Need to Know) says it all, and I only wish I had this book, or a good mentor, many years ago.  As it is, I’ll definitely pass this copy on to family and friends, so maybe they’ll have less trials and tribulations at work.
The book is separated into 7 “parts” – how to manage your boss, your coworkers, your employees, and yourself; and how to  communicate, handle emergencies, and cope with evil.  (What?? EVIL in the office?? Boy, was I naïve back then…) The “secrets” are short, and are summarized at the end of the topic.  Most of all, this is a commonsense book for surviving not only in the workplace, but in life. Betty G Hubschman, Whitsett, North Carolina


I like that this book is written in seven parts and is designed to jump in right wherever you need advice most.
The parts are:
1) How to manage your boss
2) How to manage your coworkers
3) How to manage your employees
4) How to manage yourself
5) How to communicate
6) How to handle emergencies
7) How to cope with evil
In each section, James identifies secrets and shortcuts you may use to get ahead of whoever your competition happens to be or if you want to help others make it in the world of work.
I liked the twelve management styles in the first section and I think it set the tone for the easy read of the rest of the book.
I read each section as they were presented and found that I really did not need to.  Did not have to remember what the previous sections stated before reading any of the other sections.  I did keep in mind the first two parts on Managing your boss and coworkers though.  This to me is a big part of who I deal with on a daily basis.  I can keep the customer happy just by answering their questions, but, if I am not careful with my co-workers, my work life could be difficult.
The  “Five Rules for Business Communication” part I liked.  We are told why it is important to be clear about the specific reason for communication. Mr. James states it’s critical to know the preferred medium of the person to whom the communication is directed, whether that’s face-to-face, phone, or email. Messages must to be short and to the point, while being absent of buzzwords and jargon.  How true!!
The entire work covers many points one can put to use on the spot: job interviews; office politics; layoffs; stress; rejection; failure; and what to do if you screw up are only a few.
This is a "Perfect" read for someone just out of college and perhaps should be a daily or weekly reader. Forrest Carper

While I might call bullsh*t on Geoffrey James designating the tactics and techniques in this book "secrets", Business Without the Bullsh*t is a practical business read full of useful thinking points for both managers and employees.
The seven parts of the book are divided into helpful categories that allow either a quick read cover to cover, or an engaging reference for particular circumstances.  I actually printed the "How to Keep Your Boss Happy" Secret and gave it to two young employees to show them that what I kept telling them about how to advance their careers and keep me from going off the deep end was not complete balderdash.  This information is, at times, full of buzzwords and banality.  Regardless, as a manager, it is important to reflect on the topics presented on a constant basis, to ensure the business is running effectively, efficiently, and effortlessly.  Clichés are clichés for a reason.
Whether it be handling an emergency, considering the next hire, or communicating with the younger generation of workers, the fact that Business Without the Bullsh*t made me think, gave me ideas, and assisted with potential solutions makes it a book that will stay on my shelf. Scott Rembold, Coral Gables

Business Without the Bullshit is simplistic approach to business with not much substance and relevance to today's approach to business. Low rating at best. Ron Groce

This is a wonderfully titled book of simple and mostly obvious concepts, some of which bear reminding. However this book is flawed. The good news is however you can search for what is relevant to you in a clear table of contents and read those portions and get something out of this book.
The book is organized in an efficient manner and chapters are called “secrets” and they are short. They are so short one has to wonder why a shortcut appears at the end of every secret because at a certain point I found myself just reading the shortcuts. And I can tell you exactly at what point in the book that happened.
Secret 12 is titled how to handle corporate lawyers and this is where I began to lose interest in the message and had to wonder exactly what provoked such a biased almost irrational diatribe from the author. The author clearly believes attorneys are deal breakers and it is almost always best to leave lawyers out of the process and if you must use an attorney then you must also minimize their “legal gibberish”. And you are warned to never rush an attorney’s work or you will be punished. I believe conversely a good lawyer can be a deal maker and add value as a creative and effective problem solver. That has been my experience.
The author became less credible to me as a source of helpful information. I may not have agreed with every point prior however I did think most of the secrets had merit and were worthy reminders to focus, prioritize, communicate effectively, do what you say you will do, be respectful and so on. However I discovered the simple approach is too simple and leaves out too much.
The author makes a point of the importance of making decisions and moving on. But nowhere does he share the insight that when you’ve made a mistake with a decision, own it and fix it. That has been my experience.
With regard to meetings the author suggests they are generally a waste of time and writes if you don't want to attend a meeting "create an excuse that's plausible but not insulting." I find meetings to be important as they provide the benefit of collaborating face to face with others to share, create, prioritize and improve upon singular ideas. That has been my experience.
Above are a few examples of what I did not like in this book. I did like the organization and some of the tactics and techniques presented. My favorite shortcut is “expect something wonderful to happen every day.” This book is full of some good secrets but in my opinion important secrets are missing, the shortcuts should be at the end as a recap and some secrets are simply flawed. Lynn Wiener
The book is full of great advice, here are some of my favorites :
You can catch stress from others! Called mirror neurons, so stay away from stressed people, who seem to be every where in today's business world.
Common Boss lies " We are one big happy family".
The book also offers some great tips, I found this one" the most difficult part of time management is not changing the things you do, it is having the courage and discipline to track what you are actually doing", knowledge is power.
Your resume according to the book is useful for 2 things, positioning for a new job or strengthening your ability to do your current job.
You must create yourself as a brand in today's world. Your photo is your brand logo, brand image is your literacy and your social networking is your media.
I found this to be a great book for all business levels from interns to CEO's and I recommend it for any one in business, no matter what type.
Get the job done and cut out the BS!
Thumbs up on this one! Cynergy Egbert
What an eye opening read…
The book title and tag line led me to believe the book would focus on building a business.  What I found inside was a well written guide to surviving the evolving changes in today's workplace.
Over the past 20-30 years business has changed.  The employee/employer relationship is not expected to last for a decade, let alone a career.  Continuous change is the norm.  How has corporate management and the workforce adjusted?  If  you don't understand this, either as a manager or employee, you may become extinct.
In this book, author Geoffrey James guides you through today's changing workplace.  Each chapter includes the key take always at the end to use as reference when needed.
Business without the bullshit is your guide to managing and surviving today's workplace environment.  From intern to seasoned manager, everyone will find insights to building better interactions in their workplace.
I strongly recommend this book for  anyone looking to elevate their careers. John Phillips

This book is not only  well written  but it is also  full of insights and  applicable suggestions. It is an excellent reference book to keep and review  periodically.  I enjoyed reading it and discussing some of the suggestions with coworkers and friends.  The only disappointment when reading the book was that I wished the author would had  included more about the actual research and interviews done  preceding the publication of the book.  As the author indicated that his book is the culmination of many years or research and interviews with “hundreds of executives”. However,  I still consider this book one of the most valuable business books written in the last 10 years. Pilar Somoza, North Bay Village

Geoffrey James authors and shares business insights through one of the most popular blogs and widely followed Twitter feeds available. Through these outlets, James offers countless suggestions and recommendations on how to become more effective, efficient and successful in the business industry. Theses publications have served as the catalyst for the development of this book. In this book James offers 49 secrets divided into 7 general subject areas. Each of the subject areas as well as the secrets may be read in any order as determined by the reader. This format makes the book useful as a reference guide for managers when faced with specific situations as well as a primer for anyone working in a business environment.
The section on How To Communicate was of exceptional value as it provided 7 secrets that could be of value to managers of any level of experience. In general, this section, as well as the entire book, encourages and identifies ways for business managers to “streamline” (minimize Bullsh*t) in all facets of work. James feels the streamlining will improve the business environment by eliminating the things that “Bog Down” the process. While I can support the need to streamline all business practices and quite frankly to eliminate the BullSh*t, the book at times is too rigid in it positions. It can not be forgotten that successful management is an art and the skillful manager will know when to dramatically streamline a process or communication and when not too. A manager with limited experience may not be able to ascertain the appropriate times it is appropriate to implement these suggestions and when not to. If a newly named manager sends a too blunt or simplistic email (i.e. We need to Hire Richard as editor.), it may not be well received by upper management. It is also important for managers to recognize the preferred skills and methods of their boss and/or organization. As James suggests in section 1, Secret number 2, How to keep your Boss Happy – Communicate Clearly. Clearly should be by the boss’s definition!
Despite these concern, I found the book to be an enjoyable and informative read and would not have any reservation recommending it to other, although I would also offer my own warning regarding the blanket use of all of its secrets without first examining the current work environment.  Andy Gillentine

This book was one of those books you pick up and before you know it it’s done!
It was a great book! It is perfect for anyone who is starting a new business, or role.
The insightful no nonsense secrets and shortcuts are easy reading and readily applicable to daily business. My favorite was #23 How to have enough time.
It seems there is no shortage of time management gurus but Mr. James does a nice job of keeping it simple and concise
A great read—Highly recommended. Chip Moody Jr.

I really enjoyed this book and will be rereading it again to ensure I retain all the teachings.  The book certainly lives up to it's title.  Geoffey James does a great job of providing the readers with proven techniques to accelerate your business success.  He sheds light on how to best deal with bosses and manage employees while also giving you insights on how to effectively communicate ideas.  There's over 40 different secrets and techniques, it's tough to pick my favorites.  I found every chapter even more interesting than the previous one.  james' humor and writing style kept me hooked from page one.  Enjoy the read! David Mesas

I highly recommend Business Without the Bullsh*t to anyone in the working world or those that might join us one day (which means YOU unless you are one of the lucky few whose great  great grandfather invented plastic or something). It is chock full of practical tips that can assist you with dealing with real world situations at working, regardless if you are a Chief or an Indian. The best part is that he cuts out all of the fluff that other books have and gets right to the point.
While the book is laid out in a manner that allows you to jump around and read the sections that look like they apply the most to your situation, and not every topic is going to apply to you on a regular basis, since it is a quick read, I would make a point of reading it cover to cover. I realize that every topic doesn't apply everyday (#5 "How to ask for a raise") but once you finish, I'd keep it handy open it up at least once a week and randomly select one of the 49 topics and read it again. I've done this for the last couple of weeks and you'd be amazed at the fresh outlook you'll get, not only with what you are dealing with today but also what pops up three days from now.  Mike Ewart, Miami Lakes

The concepts presented in the book give the reader a better grasp of how to manage oneself and others in order to grow for the long term.  Treating your current Boss more of a “client” is more relevant today as more challenges and opportunities give people more freedom to move in the corporate world.  Constant learning and keeping your emotions in check are important as well.  I found this book a useful tool in helping people get more from their own work and time spent in reaching individual goals. Peter Kihn, Sterling Heights MI

The book states it has 49 secrets and shortcuts you need to know.  That is absolutely correct! This is a great book for high school and college students getting ready to find employment as well as any employee that wants to make a difference at their current and future job’s. The short chapters make each section easy to read and does not bullsh*t around getting right to the point without wasting any valuable time.
Geoffrey James discusses all the important areas that will help employees become successful in today’s business environment.Trisha Molina

Great concept for a book – loved the organization that allows you to zero in on various areas of specific interest!  Not really a ‘how to run a business book’, but actually a valuable reference for employees who might not have access to a mentor for guidance on office politics or issues.  Would be a nice gift for a high school or college graduate landing their first job.  Nicely done Geoffrey James! Doramary Russell, Coral Springs

The book by author Geoffrey James is a handy reference guide to various business situations relating to communications, people, execution and strategy for advancement.
The book is easy to read and contains at a glance shortcuts of the discussion for each chapter.  As with any book that attempts to provide advice on almost 50 situations some of the subjects are not very comprehensive such as dealing with a egotistical boss who believes that being a bully is an effective way to manage.  On the other hand the chapter on writing effective e-mails was well done…as we all receive hundreds of emails a day those that show some thought  in the subject line will stand out and in my experience also clarifies the content of the mail….too many people who are rushed put out stream of consciousness emails that fail to move the discussion to  a decision making point.
A number of chapters provide advice that if you do not like the job for various reasons the exit strategy should be formulated.  While this strategy works for younger employees who are in large enough cities where there are a number of job choices my experience is that people who do not work in large urban areas are often at  very good company that limits the ability to move….more detail about surviving in these environments would be helpful. 
Another helpful chapter deals with stress and there is some good advice about trying to avoid multitasking as a perpetual state of activity.  Stated another way while deadlines are important the quality of the work is also important…balancing these two are an essential part of advancing within an organization.
Priced at $27.00 this book of 49 ideas is certainly worth the investment. Walter Stanton

Now, I really enjoyed this book.  Even though the title starts off with the word "Business" most of the content could apply to personal life, not just professionally.  This book is something I would definitely share with my 2 young adult children as they are relatively new in the business world & hopefully would welcome the advice it contains.  The author made it easy to read, yet didn't dumb it down. Terri Bryant, Davie

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