Book Description
Whether the reader's home is stuck in the 1970s or they are looking to freshen things up, they will learn cost-effective strategies to maximize their investment—or their enjoyment, if selling isn't in their immediate plans.
Packed with practical interior design ideas, home improvement tips, and real estate insider secrets that help home sellers go beyond just cleaning up the place.
Provides the tools to increase the beauty and functionality of every home, while maximizing the owner's investment.
Expert advice from Designed to Sell host Clive Pearse and interior designer Lisa LaPorta on selling a home quickly and getting top dollar for the property.
Filled with clever and useful information for getting a home ready to sell or for making the right improvement to increase the home's value.
Customer Reviews:
Change "other views" .......2007-10-09
Before I bought the book, I read the reviews, but what really got me interested was the "other views" or pages from the book below the book title, you know the ones that you look at to get a better idea what's in the book. Well it shows a page with "glazed cabinets" but there is no such page in the actual book. I was really disappointed just because I expected it to be there if it was right below the book.
Not for a beginner.......2007-09-05
Not enough detail info or "example" pictures to please me. When one is just "breaking in" to designing more before/after pics would help.
great pictures, good advice.......2007-08-18
The Designed to Sell book offers the same frank commentary, sage advice, and money-saving tips as the TV show. Many large full-color photos are a special treat and a great resource for both fans of the show and homeowners looking to stage their property for sale.
The book could have been strengthened by a conclusion (noticeably absent) and also more before-and-after pictures; sometimes only the "after" was shown.
If you've seen the show...........2007-08-14
You don't need to read the book. There wasn't anything new or insightful to be garnered from reading the book. I was hoping for some more in depth tips that the show doesn't have time to cover.
Always keep eyes open and mind questioning.......2007-07-12
The book, like the show, is invaluable whether you will actually sell your house or not. More than one "seller" has changed from seller to keeper or rental owner because of how well the renovation turned out, and that is okay, too. The principal idea is to take a long, hard look at your dear little abode and see it more as others may see it. Clutter abounds, dirt has made itself at home in hard to reach places, repairs have been put off, etcetera! This book, like the program, will help you to sort out these problems, but many of the costs are not realistic: they hide some subterfuge.
Just for starters, I have never seen a cost entered for labor. Where the program is concerned, we know, or should know, that all labor is provided by the crew, who are on contract to the show. Furthermore, the work for the show is always completed on time and professionally well done. In real life, however, we have the problem of finding qualified, honest and trustworthy contractors/workmen who will charge us fairly for a job done well. None of this is dealt with in the program or in the book. Perhaps that part is "another story?"
If anyone goes into a remodeling/renovation project with only $2000 to spend, they had better have some talented and willing family or friends as well as being able to do some/most of the work themselves. As for the "new" furniture, it would be more helpful if the sources were mentioned. It is quite acceptable to purchase furniture from outlets and "used" stores at serious savings. However, these sources are not always available everywhere, and that, in all fairness, should be pointed out. This is my only criticism of the show and the book. The ideas are there and the needed jobs layed out, but the money is not realistic. Still, the book is worth the time to read it and the money to buy it - used.
Book Description
In this newly released edition of one of his classic books, The One Minute Sales Person, Spencer Johnson, the author of the number one New York Times bestseller Who Moved My Cheese?, shows you how to sell your ideas, products, or services successfully! This is the book that has proved to be a must-have for the millions of people who were looking for the quickest way to improve their selling skills.
In these changing times, Spencer Johnson, coauthor of The One Minute Manager®, shows you how the phenomenal One Minute® methods can bring real and lasting sales success with the least amount of time and effort. You will learn how to enjoy your job and your life more as you discover the effective secrets of "self-management," the integrity of "selling on purpose," and the liberating "wonderful paradox" of helping others get what they want so you can get what you need.
The One Minute Sales Person is a clear, easy and invaluable guide that works for both you and the people you sell to, for your financial prosperity and personal well-being.
In short, it is a classic Spencer Johnson bestseller that can help you enjoy more success with less stress.
Customer Reviews:
Great book and easy to read.......2007-01-12
I loved the one minute manager and I love the one minute sales Person. Sound principles in less than a minute. In the book he includes the most important thing that sales reps forget is to sell yourself first.
Light on content, but focuses on important basics.......2006-05-09
I think this is a worthwhile book for someone who is beginning a sales career or has an antagonist attitude toward the profession, but wants to change that maybe because they are starting a business, doing consulting, etc. It is particularly good for people who don't feel comfortable with the whole idea of selling, but realize it's an important skill and is even required in daily life e.g. to sell an idea, convince a child to do something in their best interests, etc.
I have read some reviews of this book that sound harsh; I think that some of them may be overstated. While this book is short, simple and a quick read, it does a very good job of driving the basics home in a way that represents the sales profession well and honors an ethical approach to business. While the ideas themselves are simple, their application on a daily basis is not. If you read this book and embody the principles, it will make a big difference in your attitude toward sales as a profession, to your customers and to your personal income.
I think almost everyone reading this has probably been on the receiving end of a bad or unscrupulous salesperson. They unfortunately are not rare and give the profession a bad name. Their tactics are coercive and manipulative. This is not the kind of sales that this book talks about.
Personally, I think a good salesperson earns their money by helping a customer to understand their needs, asks powerful questions that bring out the implications of their customer's business situation and presents options that the customer will feel good about. They also build relationships based on trust, superior product knowledge and professionalism. They keep their commitments, follow through on promises and know the difference between persuasion and manipulation.
This book is a book that uses story to demonstrate what makes a professional salesperson in the best sense of the word. In a nutshell, it's about mastering the basics and doing them from the heart, not with a desire to manipulate. I think this is a worthwhile message to get out there and it really does work, espeically in the long run.
Golfers, bowlers and other athletes revisit the basics frequently, often practicing them on a daily basis. The same principle applies to sales and this book does a good job of driving home the importance of mastering fundamental sales skills.
I agree with some reviews that this book is light on content. However, if a potential salesperson learns even one thing from this book that helps them to do their job better, they will easily pay for the cost of a new copy. If they form one good habit as a result of reading it, it will pay for itself many times over. With that said, why not buy it used if you are skeptical and worried that it will be a quick read? The words are the same and you might learn something. (I do agree that this book is overpriced, however.)
Personally, I have read this book more than once and I have periodically reviewed the material throughout the years. I don't think it's as good as the "One Minute Manager," but it's good. It's difficult to be a GREAT salesperson. You need to study the principles, embody them and maintain your balance, integrity and ethical principles often in the face of tempting or difficult situations. Given this reality, I think a book like this that inspires is a worthwhile read. This is especially true in a profession where a lot of people slam doors in your face and you need to deal well with rejection every day.
One minute stretches bit too hard.......2006-05-06
Compared with the monstrous success of "One Minute Manager", this sales version is kind of disappointed. The book still keeps the simple style to present main stages of sales with diagrams and big bold words. In each stage, it also tries its best to describe the process flow with necessary details.
However, I found it's kind of awkward to navigate in those diagrams for fast comprehension. Furthermore, the extended connection with goal setting, reward, and punishment weakens the emphasis of some key factors of sales: finding customer needs, telling a compelling story, and winning the trust.
Maybe salesmanship is the kind of art which is too hard to teach in a short book (just like the leadership). At this scenario, I would rather to read the big and great book for best descriptions (even as big as Michael Porter's giant volumes for competitive advantage). Otherwise, I'll just save the money to treat my sales mentor a Latte in the Starbucks (after browsing this book at the book store).
The only sales book that I often re-read.......2006-01-28
It's a quick-read book that reminds me and helps me to focus on what's important in sales; the customer is a real living, breathing person who has needs that may be unrelated to the product that I'm selling and that they shouldn't be treated like a statistic or source of financial reward.
I often re-read this book when my needs and wants become the priority. It contains simple messages, but they are effective at refocusing my efforts. I usually see results (i.e. more sales, less stress) within a few days.
Great Book.......2005-09-04
I really enjoyed this book. It was very easy to read and has already helped improve my career in selling.
Book Description
It's show time!
Home staging transforms rooms from that everyday lived-in look to ready-to-be sold for top dollar. This step-by-step guide offers the tactics used by home stagers—from de-cluttering and cleaning up to arranging and remodeling—that will often yield a quicker sale and higher selling price.
--Decorating tips to make a house appeal to the widest range of buyers
--Cost-effective techniques to highlight the home's selling points, whether it's the floor plan, the high ceilings, or a newly renovated bathroom
--Suggestions on how to downplay or eliminate features that might be considered negatives— such as smaller rooms, minimal storage space, or ghastly wall colors
Customer Reviews:
Fanstastic guide!.......2007-08-23
In a buyer's market, you have to do everything possible to sell your home. I followed 90% of the advice and we had a contract after only 6 weeks on the market. Most of the houses in our neighborhood (and surrounding areas) are taking 6 months to sell. This is very helpful and is a very quick read! I highly recommend it!!!
Every seller needs this book!.......2007-07-08
We have recently been looking to buy our first home. So many of the houses we looked at the homeowner didn't do basic cleaning and decluttering before the house was shown (what a mess). I know somebody who used this book with great success, if only I could have given this book to the last 10 houses we looked at they might have had a chance. I would suggest this book to anyone trying to sell your house, it is so easy to read and follow.
One of the best written decorating books around........2007-07-03
This book is really a pleasure to read and the before and after pictures are very helpful as well. The author (really it seems like two) has a lot of verve in her writing and some original and helpful ideas, as well as culling the best of others.
Open any page.......2007-06-08
This book answers a lot of the questions that have swirled through my head while I've been thinking about what to do to get my house ready to sell. I opened it - and there was a question about replacing carpets. My son opened it - and there was a page on kitchen renovation, which he is planning. Very helpful and easy to read.
Easy to Use.......2007-06-06
This is one of the easiest books to follow. Today's tight real estate market makes this book even more valuable. The ideas are well thought out and inexpensive. Even if you aren't selling your home you'll want to use this book to "declutter" your home.
Product Description
Sell Yourself teaches individuals, from all walks of life, to sell and promote themselves in all types of job interviews.
Customer Reviews:
Sell Yourself.The title says it all........2006-12-18
I just had to write a review of this wonderful book after seeing the totally erroneous and misleading review that was posted here about it. I used this book to get a great job.
Let's be honest and give this book and the author a fair shake. The title says it all, "Sell Yourself: Master the Job Interview Process." That's pretty plain. The author mentions that there are many books on writing resumes and searching for jobs. She has focused on what she feels is the most important, and yet most neglected area of the job interview process and that is the lack of preparation that leads to interview failure. What is that lack of preparation? It is the failure to learn how to sell yourself that causes the interviewee to fail. How do I know this? I wrote my own resume first. Then I hired a professional to write a great resume for me. I studied "resume writing" and "finding jobs" and even "examples of interview questions" and it didn't help me during the interview at all. Why? Because you can hire someone to write a great resume for you and you can even write one yourself. However, when you show up for the interview you have to be able to perform. In other words you really have to be able to "sell yourself" to the potential employer. If you fail to do that, you will fail to get the job.
The book is very well organized and clear in purpose. It provides great information on successfully answering interview questions and winning the job. That's the goal. Win the position!
I say, way to go Jane Williams. You have given thousands of people very sound selling advice and explained how to use it to get the job of their dreams.
Just overrated.......2006-12-09
This book is just a collection of salesman techniques. The first chapter devote to resume writing are just a plain waste. They don't even scratch the subject and you would be better getting a book dedicated to this topic.
As for the rest, I found the content lacking of a strong organization. The author is clearly relating to her experience in the health care industry. This is why I think that the title is misleading. There are many other books on this subject and I think you can safely pass this one without missing anything important.
Not recommended given the abundant literature available on this subject.
Amazing Insight Into the Job Interview Process.......2006-07-08
As a manager who has interviewed many people and who thought of myself as something of an expert on interviewing, I found that there was still much for me to learn. Before I applied for a promotion I thought I would pick this book up because it was inexpensive and it promised to give more than the typical "resume writing, cover letter and tips on networking" slant. I did not think that I was likely to get much from it. I was so wrong!
This is a truly amazing approach to the job interview process because this author happens to be an excellent sales person. She teaches the reader through examples and explanations exactly how to sell themselves during an interview. This is the critical performance part of the interview. The very reason I bought the book was because I was curious AND because I have caught many an interviewee off-guard and made them squirm uncomfortably during an interview.
I work in a financial servicing industry and not in sales at all and this book helped me to perform well enough during the interview that I received a promotion competing with a person that I thought would surely be promoted over me. My boss stated how impressed he was with my preparation and my interview and how surprised he was because he had not seen that side of me. If you can only buy one interview book, buy this one.
Decent book.......2006-04-13
The subtitle reads "Insider's Guide to the World of Pharmaceutical Sales" (enlarge the pic). Most of the book is focused on how to get a job in sales, specifically, pharmaceutical sales. It probably won't do too much good to someone who is a totally different industry.
Other than that, the book contains few good tips for both seasoned pros and recent graduates and is written in a clear and understandable way. It is worth its price but is not a jewel.
Concise - A must have!.......2006-03-20
Well written and very up to date. I have been on several interviews and this book really explains some of the challenges we face in the interview process. This book helps to characterize many aspects of the questions you face in the interview process. How to over come very sensitive work problem issues that you need to disclose in the interview and hiring process. I highly recommend buying this book before going out to meet your prospective employer.
Product Description
Numerous studies show that a house that is well polished on the surface and staged properly will appeal to more buyers, sell faster, and most importantly for more money. You may not be able to improve the market value of your house, but you can improve its marketability. Remember: first impressions count the most. Home Staging is the art of decorating a home to sell fast and for the highest amount. Home stage experts and consultants get thousands of dollars to do what you can easily do inexpensively, with little or no money. Keep in mind this important fact: the way you live in your home and the way you market it for sale are two very different things. In this groundbreaking new book you will learn how small color changes will increase your home s value, minor repairs and de-cluttering tricks, how to rearrange your furniture and art work, decorating tips and ideas, how to look at your house from the buyer's viewpoint, how to add minor accessories, which items stay and what must go, which minor changes will bring you the greatest return, how to bring out a home's best features, table settings, candles, what photos must go and which ones stay, how to minimize problem areas, how to position your house for the marketplace, what music to play, what scents to spray, how to use design psychology techniques, lighting techniques, landscaping secrets, what to do with garages, basements and attics, what color you should never use, how to ensure a positive traffic flow through rooms, how to use mirrors and natural light, and much more. This brand new exhaustively researched book is the ultimate resource for novices and pros alike; it will guide you through every step of the process with hundreds of innovative ideas that you can put to use right away. This book gives you the proven strategies and innovative ideas used by the expert s everyday that you can easily do your self. The book also includes a full-color insert packed with photos of before and after shots!
Customer Reviews:
So-so.......2007-10-17
Although it does have some good suggestions, this book is basically an argument for hiring a home staging professional.
Excellent advice........2007-06-10
This book is full of helpful advice when undertaking the tremendous task of selling and moving out of your house. Some of the advice is common sense, but they offer great ideas.
From do-it-yourself enhancement projects to inexpensive solutions.......2007-06-10
Dozens of color photos of 'before' and 'after' examples illustrate staging step-by-step, offering homeowners and their agents key tips to understanding how a property presents itself and what enhances its salability. From do-it-yourself enhancement projects to inexpensive solutions for potentially expensive problems, 301 SIMPLE THINGS is the guide homeowners should consult first before even listing a property - and any public library lending collection will find it an excellent reference.
Solid Guide to Staging Your House for a Successful Sale.......2007-04-11
Selling a home can be a time-consuming and stressful time, especially if the home doesn't sell right away, or doesn't even get serious bites from potential buyers. There are a lot of reasons buyers might not be interested in a house - the location, for example - that are out of the seller's control. However, there are also a lot of things sellers can do to actually sell their house to the buyer, primarily by making the house a more attractive and compelling purchase. Teri B. Clark's book on house staging, the not-so-succinctly titled 301 Simple Things You Can Do to Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought, lays out how to effectively stage your house to maximize both the number of interested buyers, and the selling price.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, staging is essentially arranging and decorating your house in a way that makes it appealing to virtually anyone who enters it. Think of a window display in a store, or a floor model of a bedroom set, and you will get the idea: the objective is to make the house an eye-catching product that buyers are excited about purchasing. 301 Simple Things...covers the entire process of staging in great detail, from simple do-it-yourself tasks like cutting down on clutter, patching drywall, and thoroughly - and I mean thoroughly - cleaning your kitchen, bathroom, and windows, to more complex tasks that could require professional help, like putting in a new toilet. The overall point that the book drives home is that staging is not the same as remodeling, and should not require installation of expensive appliances or amenities, or major changes to the house itself. Staging is about doing a variety of small, things: painting cabinets, rearranging furniture, cleaning, opening curtains, etc. to make the house more presentable to buyers.
Though the book at times serves as an advertisement for some of the professional house stagers it features in its case studies, the content is actually based around a do-it-yourself type of attitude. It walks you through all the tasks and principles behind staging your house, and gives specific, step-by-step instructions on all the tasks it recommends. If you have never put up wallpaper or painted a concrete basement floor, for example, Clark walks you through all of the details of those processes. A simple carpentry book might be a good companion piece if you decide to stage your house yourself, but the information in 301 Simple Things... is detailed enough that you will probably only have to consult the carpentry book if you run into a problem. Speaking of problems: aside from guiding you through what to do, 301 Simple Things... also covers what not to do, describing problems and pitfalls that turn off potential buyers.
The great thing about 301 Simple Things You Can Do to Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought is that the vast majority of the book is useable content, without a lot of fluff. Case studies, which are essentially anecdotes from real estate professionals, serve to reinforce the importance of whatever topic the book is covering, and its illustrations (photographs) do a great job of showing, visually, how staging can change the look and feel of a house. If you are considering selling your home, 301 Simple Things...is a great read. It provides plenty of useable ideas for making your house a product that potential buyers will get excited about purchasing, and living in. Whether you decide to use the services of a professional, or make improvements yourself using its step-by-step guides, 301 Simple Things...can be a huge asset in your quest to sell your home.
Simply Fantastic!.......2007-04-05
I love this book! Teri Clark has created a gem that is full of fantastic ideas to help you easily transform your house from a home into a product that others will want to buy. If you are selling your house, you need this book. No matter what your budget, you will find suggestions that will bring you thousands of dollars in profits and help your home sell faster.
As a home buyer, I have always felt much more inclined to try to get a bargain when making an offer for a house that wasn't loved than when walking through a house that was presentation ready. Don't sell your cherished home to bargain hunters when you can sell to home buyers who want to move up in the world to something better than they had before! "301 Simple Things" helps you create a living space that exceeds their expectations and ensures that you close the sale at a price that's right for you.
"301 Simple Things" is also great for people who simply want to live well. With a few simple tasks, you can create a beautiful environment that is a both a haven and a place to entertain and enjoy. Don't settle for good, read the book and see how easily you can make your house a great place to live.
Book Description
Joe Girard, the bestselling author of How toSell Anything toAnybody, reveals important everyday sales secrets for everyday life. Every imaginable facet of life involves selling oneself. In HOW TO SELL YOURSELF, Joe Girard reveals his sales secrets for self-improvement and explains how to develop the fundamental skills and winning character traits that make other people take notice. Readers will learn how to: boost self-worth and demonstrate it to others; turn a job interview into a platform for success; become a master of the fine art of listening and use it to get ahead in the workplace; raise their self-confidence and 'success quotient;' and much more. Written for anyone looking to improve themselves, HOW TO SELL YOURSELF helps readers put an end to procrastination and develop strategies for getting to the top.
Customer Reviews:
Joe Girard takes the cake.......2006-07-24
He's literally the World's Greatest Salesman, who has actually been in the field and achieved great accomplishments in sales himself, vs other gurus who simply do great at selling their books & audiobooks. He's the best, period, and he shares his knowledge with you in this book.
"Eye of the beholder".......2006-04-27
Whether you think you can or can't, you're right. Likewise, whether or not you think this book will help you or not, you're right...
This is a follow-up to Joe's wildly successful "How to Sell Anything." In so many ways, it's much more of what most would call a self-help, not sales, book. I think we can all agree that carrying oneself with a confident, assured, and positive attitude is imperative in sales. It also happens to help in the rest of life, which, when we think about it, requires us to become self-made men and women (silver-spooners excepted). So, in that light, maybe it is a "sales" book after all. That's Joe's point.
Check out Joe's discussion of the two most powerful words: faith and fear (pp. 45-57). He gives examples from his life and an insightful one involving George Eastman and a brownie. Norman Vincent Peale also offers his thoughts. Fascinating stuff.
Other tidbits I found very interesting included Joe's discussion of the importance of using "move-forward" words (p. 106) and the need to use short words, citing none other than Winston Churchill (p. 110).
In the end, you have to do whatever it takes to create and use that confidence and attitude that it takes to sell yourself. That's what matters. The tips and inspiration from this book will no doubt help a lot of people, and that's why I recommend this book.
Say it ain't so Joe (Disappointing).......2006-03-17
March 17, 2006 Amazon Review
Say it ain't so Joe (Disappointing)
"Chances are you have seen and read a lot of other books, books that promise to give you the 'secrets,' the magic, the inspiration. You probably know a lot about how to hype yourself by looking in the mirror every morning and repeating certain phrases to yourself... and some other magical-power expressions and attitude builders...But let's face it. What you want to know is how to sell real products and services now. And most of those authors never sold much in their lives except their books." The above quote is from the first page of Joe Girard's book "How to Sell Anything to Anybody". The impression you get is that Joe is a straight shooter and he's going to tell you about real strategies that will really help you sell, not some touchy-feely self-help garbage, and he comes through. However, the same cannot be said of "How to Sell Yourself".
Now remember the quip about looking in the mirror, he doesn't explicitly ridicule the practice, but it's implied, and it's almost like a joke between you and Joe where he's saying "Yes that's all fine and good for them, but we know better". So, imagine my surprise when he advocates in his "How to Sell Yourself Book" that you "Put up a little card where you can see it every day, a card that says I am Number One. Look in the mirror every morning and tell yourself I am my own best salesperson" (pg. 26). Say it ain't so Joe. Tell me you didn't just say that. Tell me you didn't just suggest such a pathetic and ridiculous thing. Needless to say, I stopped reading the book right there. If that's the sort of advice you are looking for then maybe this is the book for you, but I was looking for something that wasn't psycho-babble self-help garbage. Why did I buy the book then? Because I read Joe's "How to Sell Anything to Anybody" and was sold on his straight shooting, practical advice. I thought his next book might have some more interesting or valuable things to say; however, I was disappointed. It comes across as ungenuine. The impression is that someone offered Joe a truckload of cash to write another book, and even though he didn't have much else to say after his first book, he agreed and this book is the result.
So, I'd definitely recommend Joe's "How to Sell Anything Book" but I can't recommend this book.
Book Description
Learn how to communicate through a memorable and passionate pitch that will make you and your story a winner. A terrific book for anyone interested in how showbiz works.
Customer Reviews:
So painfully bad..........2004-12-06
I only managed to finish this book by convincing myself that it must have at least one nugget of wisdom to impart. One technique that is actually practical. One tip that is not flat out ridiculous.
Unfortunately I was wrong. What Mr. Rotcop offers up here is a blend of the absurdly obvious ("Don't bring a 96-ounced drink to the executive's desk. It will leave a wet ring." Page 44. & "Never be late for an appointment" Page 45.) with the just plain absurd (Use action figures to act out your pitch. Or dress up as a superhero to give your pitch. Page 27.)
This book is absolutely useless.
Perfectly Uninformative.......2004-07-04
I'm not particularly religious. But this book inspired me to research all Gods, long buried or still alive, so I might beseech them to give me the two hours back that I decimated reading this book.
It might give you the inkling of the environment of the pitch, but otherwise the book doesn't help you develop, write, work on a physical or verbal pitch on any level worth taking to a meeting. I've seen professional writers (eg. working writers) talk about pitching, and what's offered here is, at best, passing opinions. That, linked with the constant dropping of the Rotcop?s accomplishments like ?pitchmart?, buries this book?s credibility, and seals it with an iron lid.
Spend your money on one of the other books on pitching. Though I haven't read them, they have to be better. Or buy a book about storytelling. Or spend the money buying your friends coffee and pitch them to get practice. Or dig a hole and throw your money in that.
Marginal at Best.......2004-04-26
This book doesn't deliver what you're looking for. First of all, Mr. Rotcop says he was head of four studios. When I hear "studio" I'm thinking UNIVERSAL, PARAMOUNT, MGM...not small production companies that own studio eqpt and lot space...that turn out B pictures straight to video or third rate cable TV.
Secondly, the book doesn't seem to be much more than an advertisement for his workshop. I hope that his workshop is good--however, the book leaves quite a bit to be desired. It is odd to me that he has trouble giving "evidence" of success stories based on his own Pitchmart other than a few stories of B/straight to video pieces. In a word I was UNDERWHELMED.
Definitive!.......2003-08-16
Anyone entering the murky waters of trying to market a screenplay to Hollywood will be well-served by this primer. THE PERFECT PITCH explains the system to the neophyte, and then it goes on to give constructive advice as to how to work within the system to achieve that elusive goal of selling one's script.
Anyone who has written a screenplay--or anyone who is considering writing a screenplay--will be well-served by the abundance of information provided here. Author Ken Rotcop is one of the best respected of that legion of experts who participate in servicing the Hollywood newcomer, and his work here has been nicely assisted by the organizational skills provided by his editor, James K. Shea.
THE PERFECT PITCH clearly is the best of its class of primers and manuals. It's the real deal, the definitive book on the tricky art of pitching one's story.
Pitching your Script!.......2003-08-10
"The PERFECT PITCH is the perfect book to read before you pitch your script to any Hollywood Agent or Producer. it will not get you into the room, but it will increase your chances of getting the player behind the desk to read your screenplay." -- RMS
Customer Reviews:
I feel smarter now!.......2001-12-12
Honest and direct, this book is a great tool for anybody trying to sell their own home or anybody selling homes for a living! Reading "Sell It Yourself" is an eye-opener and will serve in the future as an excellent form of reference!
Book Description
How many people do you know who have a knack for connecting with others? Very few of us are born with it. The rest of us need to learn it. This book explains in clear, simple, easy-to-understand, common sense terms the skills you need to develop to get your message across in any speaking situation.
The secret of winning communication is "likeability". Some people call it warmth. Some call it charm or charisma. Whatever name you give it, likeability can be learned. If you know how to use it to communicate effectively, it will improve your chances for success in every aspect of your life.
Arch Lustberg, an acclaimed speaker, teacher and coach has filled this book with practical skills. He demonstrates how you can sell yourself, your ideas and your organization. This book is about how to use your mind, your face, your body, and your voice to win, because in the end likeability wins.
Customer Reviews:
A must buy if you need to confidently communicate w/people.......2004-12-25
Arch gives much detailed advice on clever techniques in delivering your message by selling yourself and dealing with people (especially difficult ones). I bought the book to prepare for a int'l pageant interview, but the book offers much more than that (most people probably bought this book for more business reasons; just goes to show how versatile the information from this book is). I especially liked the part where he teaches you how to deal with the media and their relentless questioning. Other areas he focuses on are job interviews, sales, presentations in the classroom or in front of a large audience, giving testimony, leading meetings, and making negotiations. He demonstrates specific steps to help you become more likeable, appear more competent and confident, and convincing your audience of your message. These are things you can't learn from college or socialization. Overall a very smart book and an easy read filled with goodies! I recommend this book to anyone who wants to become a polished communicator.
Great primer on the basics.......2002-04-22
Arch Lustberg's book "Hot to Sell Yourself" is a basic text of the most important factors in selling yourself, your ideas, your products or whatever else you need to sell to others. The guidance is solid and the writing style is easy to read. These are the basic ground rules that everyone should know. With sections that cover selling yourself as a speaker, in the classroom, in the job interview, as a product salesperson or even selling yourself in a confrontation or media interview situation, it covers pretty much all the bases.
There are more detailed books on persuasion and influence and using them to sell yourself, but this is arguably the best introductory text to the basics of selling yourself that I have read. If you are new to selling yourself or the need to present yourself as credible in a classroom, court, or other situation then this is the book that you should start with. Most of the books on persuasion and influence start a level above this one and assume that you already know this stuff. Start here if you are trying to change your image or learning to deal effectively with customers, friends, relatives, co-workers or any other group. Then graduate to one of the influence and persuasion books. Even if you are experienced at selling yourself there is probably something here that can help you. For me that would be the detailed section on facial expressions, something that I have not seen covered so well in any other text. If you need to start with the basics to build a strong foundation or need to review the basics, then pick up a copy of this book. You won't regret it.
Book Description
The Savvy Screenwriter demystifies the film industry and reveals what screenwriters really want and need to know: Finding and working with agents and attorneys Instructive tools and samples for queries, synopses, treatments, loglines, beatsheets, and outlines How to prepare a pitch Getting inside the heads of story analysts and movie executives Understanding option agreements and development deals Information about online script registries, script competitions, and pitch festivals Learning film lingo, discovering extensive resources And much, much more! While other books tell you how to craft a screenplay, Kouguell teaches you to successfully sell your work.
Customer Reviews:
Suspect Publicity.......2006-12-26
Wonder why all reviews are done within a week of each other Oct-November 2000?
The Savvy Screenwriter is more than just "SAVVY...!".......2000-11-10
How about everything you ever wanted to know about selling your screenplay in one fantastic book. Sound too good to be true? It IS too good to be true and it exists! THE SAVVY SCREENWRITER is clear, concise, helpful, engaging, and *humourous. Throughout, Kouguell recounts her own adventures during her novice days in the business. Biblical in its wisdom, reading the THE SAVVY SCREENWRITER is akin to having someone in the biz reaching out, taking your hand, and leading you through what can seem like (and IS) a daunting process. Daunting no more, enigmatic no more, Susan Kouguell demystifies the scary endeavor of breaking into the business by providing the tools, savvy, and "know how" necessary to succeed. Thank God for this resource. I can't recommend it enough.
Teaches difficult lessons in a gentle way.......2000-11-08
Susan Kouguell's book is a superb resource! In rich detail, she leads the reader through the process of marketing one's work, mapping out the tasks and the people involved. Her book is wonderfully balanced with empathy for the writer's vulnerabilities and clarity about the industry's expectations. Ms. Kouguell teaches difficult lessons in a gentle way, leaving the reader to feel hopeful and informed. I unequivocally recommend this book to any writer who is taking that brave step of putting his or her work out into the world.
Thomas Moore Winner, Edward Albee Foundation, Blue Mountain Foundation
Got a screenplay? Buy this book now!.......2000-11-05
This is a how-to book that is as informative as it is entertaining. There are bookshelves full of screenwriting how-to books, but this rare volume tells you how to market and sell yours. It's an insider guide to Hollywood and off-Hollywood that will save you the pain of years of trial and error. Kouguell, an experienced screenwriter and script doctor, has drawn on her own experience, as well as the expertise of players from Miramax to Paramount, to show you how to polish your submission, write a killer query letter, hone your synopsis and pitch, pitch, pitch. Screenwriters: Read this book before you write another word!
The Savvy Screenwriter: A Student's Review.......2000-11-01
I was fortunate enough to take one of Susan's screenwriting classes. Although I would've liked to handcuff her to my computer so as to solve all my screenwriting problems, I couldn't. Enter the SAVVY SCREENWRITER. Now Susan is constantly with me, to answer questions on everything to do with the screenwriting business. Some books focus on the screenplay alone, others on getting into the business. However, very few combine both in an efficient way, and share personal anecdotes. These are especially important if you are an industry virgin, and haven't a clue about what's going on. This book warns you about the perils of the business, and also tells you how to navigate its seas. The SAVVY SCREENWRITER is also an enjoyable read. It is witty, humorous and never sleep-inducing. I would recommend it highly for all screenwriters, whether amateurs or veterans. It is a versatile book that will appeal to both, and both will learn much from it.
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