800 CEO Read Daily Blog - Latest Comments

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Every Nation for Itself - Hardcover

Brian Hasbrouck — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:53:51 -0000

The debate over America's role in the world has only become more contorted as the 2012 presidential election cycle warms up. Frequently, and to deafening applause, Republican audiences would cheer whichever candidate made a point of applauding the permanent fixture of Pax Americana on the international stage. Ian Bremmer's new book addresses the insecurity that this nativism appeals to: how will China's rise affect the international order?

We've become used to an order where the Washington Consensus, the free market, and the reliance on post-World War II institutions (i.e. Bretton Woods institutions) were accepted, nay encouraged. A new order, which Bremmer detailed in his last book, The End of the Free Market, looks at how these neo-corporatist states look at the global stage. Bremmer's new book, Ever Nation for Itself (ENFI), ruthlessly exposes the perspective that Beijing, and other emerging nations, are surveying the world with. The emerging markets, ever the misnomer, have created an entire ecosystem of self-sustaining FDI until we saw the destruction (creative?) of the 2008 economic crisis. Brazil, perhaps learning its lessons from the E.Asian crisis of 1997-98, decided to throw up capital barriers to divestment and others flew the economically illiterate flag of protectionism. These were the opening salvos of a post-G20 world, which this book appropriately names "G-zero."

Overall, we are all going to do OK - if we're to believe Bremmer, which I think we should. As someone who has covered the global political economy for more than 15 years his insight is worth more than most. A recent article in the New York Review of Books by Benjamin Friedman (Whither China?) explores this idea in a more academic lens. But Bremmer continues the depth into this idea that any intelligent reviewer of global politics would seek. It covers the current geopolitical landscape with facts lubricating the plot (e.g., did you know India was offered a seat on the Security Council in 1955? I didn't) which leads to a narrative where you're flipping the pages before you have a chance to make notes.

What I particularly liked about ENFI is that it addresses the current intellectual ethos (pathos?) that those of use concerned about the international order care (obsess? Too many parenthesis?) about. The only reason for reworking the international order is one fact: China is now the second largest economy in the world. If they will be a revisionist power per se we'll see. The recent appointment by the World Bank of Dr. Jim Kim an American may devil most of us - but don't be fooled - the Chinese had to of acquiesced. Further, Bremmer's new book explores and explains the new international landscape for a 21st century.

Re: Jack Covert Selects – The Reinventors

Gray Rinehart — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:36:19 -0000

Sounds interesting! I'm going to send the link to some of our folks here in the Industrial Extension Service, since we're all about helping businesses get better.

Thanks!
Gray Rinehart
http://www.ies.ncsu.edu/

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Captives of a Concept (Anatomy of an Illusion) - Paperback

doncamryn — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:37:17 -0000

"You'll never get sick. You will never grow old. And you will
never die."

Although the above words come from the movie "Cocoon," they could have come
from the Watchtower Society because this is the same thing they have been
proclaiming for decades as part of "the Creator's promise of a peaceful and
secure new world that is about to replace the present wicked, lawless system of
things."*This very appealing prospect attracts many people to begin to
study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. It then sustains them as they eagerly
wait for the fulfillment of this promise.But during the course of their
study they get drawn into an illusionary concept involving the Watchtower
organization that gradually takes over their decision-making process and even
their conscience without them realizing it. It happens because of a mistake
that everyone makes before they decide to become a Jehovah's Witness.
Captives of a Concept identifies both the concept and the mistake
that causes people to become captives of it. The book also offers a few
suggestions about how to help Jehovah's Witnesses correct their mistake and
teach themselves the truth about their religion. The book is designed
to help the reader understand the illusionary concept mentioned by Raymond Franz
on page 296 of his Crisis of Conscience, which holds Jehovah's Witnesses
(and even their Governing Body) captive by dominating and controlling how they
think and act. It explains how the leadership has been able to keep
themselves (apparently) and millions of Jehovah's Witnesses convinced that "the
Watchtower Society is God's organization" no matter what the Bible says or what
went on in the organization's history.

Re: High-tech, High-touch Customer Service

Micah Solomon — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:54:17 -0000

Many thanks for inviting me to do this interview. 8CR is one of my favorite companies in the world. I encourage all business authors to use them for event sales, custom orders, and all the other great services they provide.

Micah Solomon
http://www.customerserviceguru...
Customer service, hospitality, and marketing speaker, strategist, and author of the new book, High-Tech, High-Touch Customer Service.

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Enough. - Hardcover

Bernard Rosauer — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:08:44 -0000

Loved this book. I read it at the right time.

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Return on Customer - Hardcover

Bernard Rosauer — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:07:09 -0000

This isn't a good book. This is a great book. Not sure why it didn't get more attention. Excellent.

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Poke the Box - Hardcover

Book Reviews — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:32:33 -0000

For seasoned Godin readers, I think you can safely skip this one. For new readers to Seth's work, I'd steer you towards Tribes and Linchpin first instead of this manifesto. You'll get more information, understanding, and background story to many of his key points.

Re: 800-CEO-READ - The Dip - Hardcover

Book Reviews — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:30:51 -0000

OK, I keep buying Godin's books expecting more. But, all I get is content that seems like a well constructed blog posting. Seth is a very good writer and communicator, but this book added zero to my life. It is a very short book about quitting stuff you're not good at and sticking with (or starting) things you're not good at. Life is short. The longer you dwell in mediocrity, the longer it will take you to become exceptional. Contrary to the book's claim, it doesn't really teach you WHEN to quit or when to stick...other than when the goal is worthwhile. Such an examination takes more than just reading some words.

There is very little thought-provoking content here. It seems like a summarized rip-off of Marcus Buckhingham and the "strengths" books...which are excellent and unlike this book...may change your life. Godin is well respected in marketing, but how many more collections of blogs (small is the new big), other people's works (purple cow), and short discourses about the obvious can he keep putting out? It's like people who compile ezines.

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Meatball Sundae - Hardcover

Book Reviews — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:29:34 -0000

Godin does an excellent job demonstrating why "old dogs" (the meatballs) and "new tricks" (the sundae toppings) often fail.

His primary premise is that the techniques of Old Marketing (that is, interruptive marketing such as billboards, tv ads, and so forth) is dying, if not already dead. The problem for the adherents of Old Marketing is that they are unable to sync New Marketing innovations with their mass market products. They have been too focused on mass media, instead of consumer-to-consumer word of mouth marketing approaches.

He then skillfully lists about a dozen other out-of-sync issues. The problem is that our societal changes and product individualization expectations have resulted in the consumer longing for altogether new (innovative) products through these New Marketing channels. We no longer want the built-for-everyone solution -- even if the maker starts a blog or other viral messaging about the item. I feel Godin does a great job of bringing together a number of key issues presented in some of his earlier works (such as Permission Marketing), as well as telling authentic stories (pick up "All Marketers are Liars" by Godin or "Why Johnny Can't Brand" by Schley and Nichols), along with some of the recent word of mouth marketing writings (such as "Word of Mouth Marketing" by Sernovitz and "Buzzmarketing" by Hughes). For good measure, "Make it Stick" is a great discussion of what makes certain events and ideas have lasting impacts on our psyche.

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Rework - Hardcover

SEO Melbourne — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:16:22 -0000

i like this book .

Re: The Apple Experience

Jon Mueller — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:18:34 -0000

You do know we're an independent bookseller, right? :)

Re: 800-CEO-READ - From Values to Action - Hardcover

SEO Melbourne — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:51:27 -0000

Great book .

Re: The Apple Experience

Marie Wiere — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 01:53:03 -0000

Thanks Jon, i've added it to my Amazon wishlist.

Re: The Apple Experience

Jon Mueller — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:34:28 -0000

Thanks for the comment, Marie. It's true, too often policy can get in the way of common sense, and it's good you saw the positive side of things. Check out the book if you can - I think you'll appreciate a lot of what it says.

Re: The Apple Experience

Marie Wiere — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:56:08 -0000

This sounds like a great read. I did a program at Disney World right after college and was like Apple employees empowered to figure out how to turn around guest situations to improve the customer experience. It was really rewarding to turn someone's day around and do my part to ensure their vacation really did live up to its expectations.

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Superpower - Hardcover

Ford Saeks — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:27:00 -0000

This is an awesome book. You'll love it!

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Small Is the New Big - Hardcover

90s one hit wonders — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:43:01 -0000

Great review! Thanks.

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Tribes - Hardcover

90s one hit wonders — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:42:44 -0000

Without a doubt. One of the best marketers of the 90's!

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Hidden Agenda - Hardcover

David Ragen — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:57:45 -0000

Wow! I borrowed this book from a friend and it was incredibly motivating and gave great guidance. I had to have it for my library so bought a copy for myself. I highly recommend!

Re: 800 CEO READ.com - We sell business books and promote great ideas.

incaseiphone4 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:56:21 -0000

Looks like a great book. Thanks!

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Tribes - Hardcover

Green Pastures Cod Liver Oil — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:50:18 -0000

Thank you very much for the great review. Just bought this book, and I'm looking forward to reading it.

Re: 800 CEO READ.com - We sell business books and promote great ideas.

250,000 PLR Articles — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:34:42 -0000

Great review! Tom Rath is a favorite of mine.

Re: Jack Covert Selects – The Coming Prosperity

carolsanford2 — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:41:23 -0000

I also loved the story of his daughter in traffic. I have used it to share the essence of the book. Very well written book and shook up several of my well held thoughts. Like population growth is always bad. Such an interesting writer and way of coming at the future.

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Small Is the New Big - Hardcover

Work From Home — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:19:39 -0000

Huge fan of everything by Seth Godin!

Thanks for the review, I plan on reading this one this week.

Re: 800-CEO-READ - Engaging the Hearts and Minds of All Your Employees - Hardcover

Work From Home — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:17:13 -0000

Great review. It's always interesting to get in the minds of Fortune 500 CEOs and see what they are doing to make millions.