TALES FROM THE GLASS CEILING: A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Review by: Sherry Bevan, Businesswomen’s Association
Author: Jo Haigh
Summary / description of the book:
This was a fun easy to read and make notes from book. I even managed to get a few tips for our newsletters and information for our members. The book is divided nicely into sections, starting off with little slogans (these were fun words to live by for the day – thoughts of wisdom), and nice little extra bits in blocks at the end of each chapter.
Most important thing I learnt from this book:
To know your limits. We can’t always do everything all the time. This was an extremely trying time having just being robbed and losing everything from the office. I learnt through reading the book it is ok to not be able to do everything, as long as you manage things effectively and effectively you will easily be able to cope with what you can and delegate the rest.
Book rating out of 5 and why:
I would have liked a bit more explanation of some of the sections.
BUZZMARKETING
Review by: Sherry Bevan, BWA Zululand
Author: Mark Hughes
Summary/description of book:
This is a dynamic book helping one to understand why it is so important to get other people talking about your company. Just as BWA encourages people to join the Buzz hours in an attempt to spread the word on peoples businesses, so this book tells us just how to master the art of Buzz networking effectively.
Most important thing I learnt from this book:
Just how important it is to let your customers sell your product for you. One really doesn’t see the value until it is pointed out. Sometimes the obvious is just sitting right under our noes!
Book rating out of 5 and why:
5 – it just proves that BWA are definitely on the right track. If we can help our members market themselves and improve their success rate – we empower and improve them.
THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI
Review by: Welma Naude
Author: Robin S Sharma
Summary/Description of book:
The author, a highly acclaimed motivational speaker, takes us along on the miraculous transformation of an overworked, overweight overcommitted lawyer to the person we would all like to be – in control of the rat race..! Although I was a reluctant and slightly cynical reader, I was soon converted.
Sharma chooses seven symbols to illustrate the Seven Virtues of Enlightened Living, which he has identified as:
1 Master your Mind
2 Find and Follow your purpose
3 Establish good habits
4 Develop Discipline
5 Respect your Time
6 Serve Selflessly
7 Live NOW
His style and symbolism is deceptively simple, but his message is strong and effective and the author takes you on a step-by-step guided tour of self discovery, leaving you empowered not only to comprehend the concept, but to master the art of instilling the virtue.
Most important thing I learnt from this book:
It is unlikely that you will be confronted with a totally novel idea in this self-help book. However, if you choose to be honest with yourself, identify the areas to focus on and follow the guidelines, you are guaranteed an improvement in the quality of your life – without having to travel to India.
Book rating out of 5 and why:
I rate THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI a 4 out of five - take thirty days of your life, implement Sharma’s suggestions and see where ‘the road less traveled’ will take you.
UNLEASH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL AND LIVE YOUR ULTIMATE LIFE
Review by: Deirdre Bevan, St Catherine’s School
Author: Sally Eichhorst & Warren Veenman
Summary/description of book:
This is a very easy-to-read and easy-to apply book on how to create the life you have only just been dreaming of. The chapters are short and the information is presented in a concise manner. It gives the reader the opportunity to work through possible reasons why they have not achieved their full potential, what is necessary to remove the possible road blocks preventing that life, and creates the opportunity to reach for amazing possibilities buried within!
Most important thing I learnt from this book:
For anyone on the road of self-discovery this book is worth having next to your bed, not to collect dust, but to read and re-read as life lessons are learnt and applied. I found the chapter on how to attain your dreams – ‘the plan’ to be most helpful. Starting with finding out what is preventing you from reaching your dreams, looking for solutions to overcome these obstacles and ending with a step-by-step action plan on how you are going to reach your goals very easy to work through. No excuses girls not to be all you can possibly be!
Book rating out of 5 and why:
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 as I was able to read the book quickly and enjoyed the punchy text.
DANCE ON YOUR GLASS CEILING
Review by: Sheena Harvey, Interior Office Concepts cc
Author: Dr Cecile Gericke
Summary/description of book:
This book is a self-development book written by a highly educated author who has her doctorate in Psychology. It is seldom found that a book dealing with as complicated a matter as the inner workings of the female psychology is as fluid and understandable as this book.
The author pulls no punches and makes it clear from chapter one that in order to make the most of ones opportunities, problems and challenges the reader has to take ownership (responsibility) of their life and throughout the following twelve chapters she gives the reader the tools and exercises to achieve self-knowledge, passion and creativity.
We all have those friends who seem to live life by emotions alone and base decisions on what is going to be best and easiest for them, i.e.: they have no plan or set direction for their life’s path. Much to their amazement life seems to go from one disaster to another and they walk around stating “these things always happen to me”, as if they had no hand in the matter. Well this book shows you how to put your emotions “on Ice” and to approach life with your intelligence in order to “become the best you can at work and at play.”
This book is as a result of the authors’ post-doctoral thesis and therefore based on extensive research and study. It has no quick fix “tricks” so it is pretty intense. I would highly recommend that everyone makes an effort to get this from the book club and if you find the book is for you then get your own personal copy to refer back to in times when you need to remember to have fun and “Dance on your Glass Ceiling”.
Most important thing I learnt from this book:
I could identify with making choices with the intellect and appreciated the fact that it re-emphasizes that if a woman wants to be taken seriously in the business world she needs to apply her mind firstly to business matters but that we also blessed with empathy and nurturing emotions. I particular benefited from chapters 9, Celebrating success and 11, Managing Stress, the former from an management point of view towards my staff and the latter to realise that I have been under severe stress and was treating the symptoms had no even acknowledge or realised how overloaded I was.
Book rating out of 5 and why:
4/5. Very good but may not appeal to everyone as the reader needs to have the desire and time to change their outlook before this book will be beneficial.
THINK BIG AND KICK ASS
Review by: Mandi Wessels, Perfect Bride
Author: Donald Trump and Bill Zanker
Summary/description of book:
This is a concise, well written, easy to read and very motivational book written on the topic of leadership and getting there is the business world.
The book is about Donald Trump’s passion for his work and how every failure is a step on the way to success. He asks: ‘Do you have what it takes?’ there is a formula, a recipe for success that the top 2 percent of the people live by and that you can follow to be successful. Be honest with yourself. He gives you 15 very straight questions to get to know yourself.
This book has led to all humankinds greatest achievements. Focus on the top and you will get there. It is easier to do things on a large scale. Overcome the fear of thinking big. Put big thoughts into action. Keep away from negative people. After every setback, start thinking big as soon as possible.
Most important thing I learnt from this book:
You have to love what you do or you are never going to be successful no matter what you do in life.
• First find your passion.
• Be a doer not a dreamer.
• Learn from your mistakes.
• Never give up.
• Get out of your comfort zone.
• Take action
• Never do anything for money, do it for love.
• Use your basic instincts.
• Fear factor:
Life is not easy. The world is a vicious place. As soon as you succeed someone will come after you. You have to watch your back and keep your eyes and ears open. Get people to respect you for your knowledge and for where you are coming from.
Do not trust anyone, get the best people but do not trust them. Everybody is looking out for themselves.
Everyone deserves a second chance, would you also? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!
Plough right through your problems. Always have written agreements – every relationship (work or personal) is made in heaven, but usually settled in court. No matter what you do think big. Walk softly and carry a big attitude. Go first class all the way. Hang out with big thinkers, your environment has a great impact on you. When you are faced with a big challenge, do not look at what is, but focus on what can be done. Be prepared for big setbacks.
Book rating out of 5 and why:
Definitely 5/5 for positive thinking and inspiration
The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom
Review by: Lorraine Langley, Maritime Couriers & Tours
Author: Suze Orman
Summary / description of book:
Suze Orman takes us through 9 steps, not only on the basic financial management of money but spiritual steps on how we view our wealth.
Baisc financial management is working yourself out of credit card debt, being honest with yourself by repaying monthly bills on time, facing up to the reality of your death and dealing with the necessary paperwork.
However, it is the spiritual steps that endow us with financial wealth.
Financial freedom is within the reach of each and every one of us. When you turn towards your money, value it, nurture it and respect it for what it can do, then you will know the joy of financial freedom as your money simply falls into place.
As a exercise, take our your wallet – how are your bills organized – are the notes mixed up, are they facing different ways, are some folded ?
- how you store your money is where respect for money starts.
Financial freedom is when you have power over your fears.
What do you want from your money – college tuition – bigger house or car – retirement security?
In most families money means tension, worry, sorrow, sleepless nights. Replace this fear with messages of endless possibilities. Use the power of your mind to put fear behind you.
Messages about money are passed down from generation to generation. How many times do we tell our children – “you can’t have that because I don’t have the money”. Open up a dialogue with your children and re-look at the way you speak about money.
Don’t have a budget that limits you in your spending; rather decide how you want to spend the money you know you have to spend. Your acts are dedicated by the choices you make.
Love money – don’t send out the negative message that you will never have enough.
Money is a living entity and responds to energy the same way as people do. It is drawn to those who respect it, just as we are drawn to people who like and respect us.
Respect starts with the money you earn now and what you do with it.
Money is like a person, it will respond when you treat it as a cherished friend.
When you use the power of your mind to put fear behind you, you will know the power of financial freedom.
Most important thing I learnt from this book:
When I have my mind focused positively there is nothing I can not do.
Book rating out of 5 and why:
5 because the knowledge gained, in simple language, is within the reach of every person.