Read 100 books -- 10 BUSINESS / FINANCIAL

The New Articulate Executive: Look, Act and Sound Like a Leader by Granville Toogood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While reading through this I could see so many applications outside of simply being an upwardly mobile cog in the wheel of big business. All of us have any number of big ideas we never flesh out. Using his suggestions to put them into presentation form and then boil them down to 8 second sound bites we could all be more prepared for that time when opportunity may knock. In fact, prior preparation would INVITE that serendipitous knock.

He shares tips for preparing, speaking, powerpoints, dress, protocol, Q&A sessions, and even television appearances and much more. These can be used in the classroom, at interviews, informal gatherings, pageants, and almost any public gathering where you may find yourself in the spotlight.

So glad this somehow came across my radar. So surprised my library elected to borrow it through another library rather than purchase a copy to circulate here. But hey, that forced it to the top of my reading list with a "must read by this due date" push.


I Dare You by William H. Danforth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow. This book crossed my path just as I was launching myself into a higher gear -- to successfully complete a 90-day-Isagenix-challenge. For me that means getting up 6ish, running (even if it's zero degrees), going to the gym to work out, stretching and sit-ups at home, eating more sensibly, and "cleansing" four days a month. On top of all that it's NaNoWriMo time -- so I tackle the keyboard for the third consecutive year pounding out childhood memories in narrative form. This on top of good habits I've already established that make me a happier person.

The copy I have is a "twentieth edition" printed in 1965. The premise is a "four-fold personal development" program addressing the physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of one's self.

It's a "read again and again and again and again" sort of book. My first read-through was to get the gist. The next time I'm going to be solidifying my purpose and creating some goals and establishing a tracking system for myself. He mentions lots of people I want to learn more about. I want to read the books he mentions.

I'm considering purchasing copies to give to my children as gifts.

Pushing to the Front or Success Under Difficulties by Orison Swett Marden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

copyright date: 1911
chapters: 66
pages: 824
content: a crash course in living abundantly.

I made so many notes that I would have to photocopy half the book. I obtained a copy through inter-library loan but fear the volume would not survive the handling that such a feat would require.

Happily it is available to purchase in a freshly minted paperback edition or to download -- which I intend to do in very short order.

Now I'm wondering how on earth this crossed my radar in the first place!