Book Description
A backyard nursery is a great business opportunity for the person seeking some level of self-employment. It can be a full-time operation for the entrepreneur, or a part-time enterprise for a stay-at-home Mom, the retiree who wants to supplement a pension, or the landscaper who wants to make additional income by both selling and installing plants.
Customer Reviews:
Growing Profits.......2005-09-17
This book is a well written, concise basic introduction to the subject. The book helps the beginning businessman stay out of legal trouble by providing information on licenses, taxes,and zoning codes. Different operating options are provided as well as plant care and equipment requirements.
Not much useable info but some good ideas........1999-02-18
Only one paragraph on greenhouses, no wonder he only can make a few thousand. You really need a greenhouse to grow your starts in this business and to have only a little on this subject tells me alot..( he never made it big) There is no mention of caring for the enviorment here, The use of posins are recomended and no real overall plan for runoff or water table poulution, guess he doesn't care. Any way if you got extra bucks, get it cause one good idea can be worth the price.
Delivers. Written by experts. Easy to read. Practical........1998-05-20
Here's their back cover blurb: "Learn how to start a nursery in your backyard with virtually no capitual investment. In an area of only 1,000 sq. ft. it is possible to generate over $5,000 worth of plants in a single growing season."
The 207 page book delivers on its promise. The book is particularly good in explaining the value of "time" in the nursery business. If you expect to make money with your greenhouse... or with a nursery business, this is an EXCELLENT book to get.
It's easy to read and contains lots of money-making ideas. Here's a way to get that greenhouse by your spouse... "look at the extra money we can make!" If you have teenage children, this is a great way for them to earn extra money. If you're a business man, I think there you can make more money with less work in other ways. But hey, it's fun. The book is oriented to growing flowers and shrubs... and not so much for growing vegetables. Although growing herbs is one of the things recommended. They deliver on describing how to make $5,000 in only 1,000 sq. ft. The most important thing this book delivers is the core thinking process that a nurseryman must analyze in terms of time, and profit per unit of time. I didn't realize this was so important, but now it makes sense to me.
Book Description
A new 21st century individualism is overtaking “corporation-as-king” capitalism, transforming the way we work and live. Today, real power rests in the hands of creative individuals like Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, and Steven Spielberg, who are changing the world one great idea at a time. In THE 80/20 INDIVIDUAL, Richard Koch reveals the secret of their success: they discovered what they do better than anyone else and rode it for all its worth.
In this inspiring sequel to his classic bestseller THE 80/20 PRINCIPLE, Koch shows how to maximize success in your career and life by using the proven principle that 80 percent of changes in the world result from the most powerful 20 percent of actions and ideas. He’ll show how to use your own powerful “20 percent spike” – your most creative ideas and unique skills – to measure the amount of value you bring to your employer, clients or customers. For most people, there is a huge disparity between their intrinsic value and the compensation they receive for their efforts. THE 80/20 INDIVIDUAL shows how to narrow that gap.
Drawing from his own success as an entrepreneur, as well as from the stories of scores of companies and individuals who have flourished as a result of an 80/20 mind-set, Koch offers a step-by-step method to remodeling a career or existing business, or creating a new one – one that most benefits you. He provides valuable insights on finding 80/20 partners, hiring 80/20 employees, and running an 80/20 business.
By building a team that supports your efforts and excels in areas where you lack experience or knowledge, you’ll be able to focus your time and energy on your strengths. Productivity and profits will soar because you’ll be doing what you do best and enjoy the most. By using the 80/20 strategies outlined in the book, you can take control of your career and financial future.
Customer Reviews:
immersive.......2006-01-11
Once in awhile when I feel there are a lot of things pulling at me all at once, I will read this book to guide me/ give me ideas to sort out all the pulls. Highly recommended for those who find works in the connected world expect us to attend to all details and requests immediately but we know that are not the right deals for us.
Stand-alone, the 80/20 Individual needs not a predecessor.......2005-04-12
After reading the 80/20 Individual without reading Koch's first book, I can say it is well worth the read on its own. The initial chapters of the book seemed like an autobiography to me and, frightfully, I almost put it down. But the author jumps off this base of case studies and solid historical references (besides being a hugely successful entrepreneur/consultant, Koch has also a history degree in his pocket), head-first into solid, practical content. I loved the no-nonsense language. The author takes the natural selection process of business life at face-value, even referring to the value-creating knowledge from a century of capitalism as "business genes." And without spoiling the story, I would summarize the idea as this: Take the absolute best of yourself, consumate your talents with the absolute best business genes you can seduce, and leverage the combination with a business structure that places you in the direct path of credit for the results. True to the buyline on the cover, this book "shows you how".
The 80/20 Individual .......2004-11-15
This book was good but I enjoyed the previous book The 80/20 Principle more. My reason for that is that much of what was covered in the 80/20 Individual was just a regurgitation of the 80/20 Principle.
Insightful!.......2004-06-12
Author Richard Koch contends that individual initiative is responsible for most progress, given that 20% of entrepreneurs or innovators are responsible for 80% of results and new ideas. Koch focuses on how to be a successful entrepreneur by working with a small team of supporters. He discusses the importance of good ideas, great colleagues, a powerful value proposition, good partners and, of course, ample capital. He suggests a trend toward a new breed of corporations based on individualism, though Bill Gates and Warren Buffett alone do not necessarily make a trend. While Koch writes in a breezy, engaging style, the 80/20 mantra becomes generalized and repetitious. It's a popular expression, but does it always apply? The other chapters are more solid, though they restate known entrepreneurial principles and techniques, dressed in 80/20 lingo. As such, we suggest, they may be a good introduction for the new entrepreneur, if not for the rugged individual who has already mastered the percentages.
Insightful!.......2003-10-15
Author Richard Koch contends that individual initiative is responsible for most progress, given that 20% of entrepreneurs or innovators are responsible for 80% of results and new ideas. Koch focuses on how to be a successful entrepreneur by working with a small team of supporters. He discusses the importance of good ideas, great colleagues, a powerful value proposition, good partners and, of course, ample capital. He suggests a trend toward a new breed of corporations based on individualism, though Bill Gates and Warren Buffett alone do not necessarily make a trend. While Koch writes in a breezy, engaging style, the 80/20 mantra becomes generalized and repetitious. It's a popular expression, but does it always apply? The other chapters are more solid, though they restate known entrepreneurial principles and techniques, dressed in 80/20 lingo. As such, we suggest, they may be a good introduction for the new entrepreneur, if not for the rugged individual who has already mastered the percentages.
Book Description
Now in paperback, Create Your Own Future is a powerful book on self-empowerment that offers a wealth of ideas readers can apply immediately to take complete control of their personal and work lives. Intended for anyone who wants to make more money and get more satisfaction from life, the book offers twelve principles for success and real-world action plans that help you reach your goals. Author Brian Tracy is one of the most renowned and successful self-help authors and speakers in the world; Create Your Own Future presents all his accumulated experience in making success happen for others. Now, it can make success happen for you.
Customer Reviews:
Brian Tracy.......2007-02-15
I have read almost everything that Brian Tracy has written. This book is very good. I reccommend anything by Brian Tracy.
Better than Maximum Achievment.......2007-01-20
My personal Brian Tracy book rank would be as Follows:
1. Create Your Own Future
2. Maximum Achievement
3. Eat that Frog
4. Million Dollar Habits
5. Change your Thinking.....
6. Goals
7. Time Power
8. Focal Point
These are my "personal" rankings. Maximum Achievement, I thought, was Tracy's watershed book, but along comes Create Your Own Future.
There is just something about how the book is laid out and delivers chuncks of useful advice without losing your interest. It probably is the best self help book out right now. If you are new to self achievement products....This should be the first book to read and Tracy covers anything you need from sales to business building to motivation.
[...]
Rehash of "Think and Grow Rich?".......2005-11-11
Great book written with high energy and containing lots of great concepts. HOWEVER, is it just me or is this a contemporary version of Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich?"
Misleading MIT endorsement .......2005-01-20
I would like to point out to my fellow success literature readers that while this book is very good it contains a very misleading endorsement. On the back cover (which you can see in amazon) it has a raving statement from someone named Mitch Huhem, President, MIT. I was extremely impressed with a self-help book being endorsed by the president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. So, I went to the MIT site only to conclude that it never had a president named Huhem. I found out that Huhem is president of an insignificant company named MIT Financial (the word financial was conveniently ommitted from the book cover when there was plenty of space in the line to add it). Brian Tracy constantly raves about the importance of values and integrity, so I was disappointed to see that he allowed this misleading statement. As for the create your own future book, like I said it is very good although is just the information from maximum achievement recycled.
OUTSTANDING!.......2004-07-12
Brian Tracy has put together the strategies you need to achieve success. You will find exercises to help you use the information and benefit from it.
Brian has done it again. Another powerful book by the #1 trainer in the world-BRIAN TRACY!
Book Description
More than a Hobby takes readers inside the mind of a low-key, likable Oklahoma entrepreneur who has created a unique shopping experience. How did his company go from a $600 loan to $1.3 billion in annual sales in just thirty-one years-especially when he wasn't groomed for this work either by heritage or by education?
Green was willing to go against the tide, allowing faith to play a huge part in the business.
More Than a Hobby describes how this wildly successful business was built not on business-school theory, but on the founder's own experience as a grassroots store manager.
Customer Reviews:
More stores needed............2006-03-20
I found Hobby Lobby when we lived in Atlanta, Georgia and shopped in the Gwinnett store. When we moved to Chicago, I was thrilled to find Hobby Lobby in Vernon Hills and Round Lake, Illinois.
Now, however, we are moving back to New Jersey and I am dismayed to learn that there is no Hobby Lobby even remotely close to my new home. I wrote to the Headquarters and found that they do not build new locations more than 1000 miles from their headquarter location. I know that the east coast would be a good market for the store and am hoping that they will take the chance and give to rest of the nation the opportunity to enjoy the Hobby Lobby experience.......
Inspiring!.......2005-08-18
There is no way I could express what Hobby Lobby has meant to me over the years. I have never worked for Hobby Lobby but I think of it as "my" store. My first HL was the Tulsa store on Mingo. Now I live in Georgia and my store is in Buford. I can only describe it as a sanctuary. It came as no real surprise to me that David Green is a Christian and applies his ethics to his business. This is apparent in his stores, from the merchandise to the music that doesn't assault you when you enter.
I read the book in one sitting and since I wasn't expecting it to be an edge-of-the seat gripper, I enjoyed every page. Mostly I appreciated learning how it all came to be.
God bless David Green, his family and his business. Some people quietly choose to live their lives with real purpose and in so doing make a real difference in this world, others just make noises and spend their lives compromising. How refreshing to see that commerce can be ethical.
He's not the world's best writer.......2005-08-16
First things first, keep in mind that I'm an employee of the company for 3 years. My thoughts and opinions are slightly biased. Also, a lot of the information in the book is only interesting to me because it's company related material that I knew little to nothing about.
This book is pretty much a brief history of Hobby Lobby and Mr. Green's "Unorthodox" methods of business. If you are at all captivated by the workings of the retail world, this would be a descent read. If you frequently browse the aisles of Hobby Lobby and the book caught your eye, you MIGHT be able to read it all.
I am far from an avid reader, and really have no business critiquing a book but it's not very well written. Mr. Green often repeats himself and the company's history gets spread all over the book.
Ultimately - An employee of the company. A lover of the store. A "business world" fan. Buy it. Read it. Otherwise, proceed with caution.
Book Description
What would you do with three extra weeks each year? Travel? Relax? Spend more time with family and friends? Studies suggest that the average businessperson squanders some 150 hours-more than three workweeks-every year looking for things in his or her cluttered office or cubicle. Taking the time to organize is making time to enjoy the things you really love. In this book, the author of The Well-Ordered Home develops her step-by-step and amazingly easy program for clearing the clutter and making sense of the mess.
Where other books on office organization offer the same advice readers have heard a thousand times, this book cuts straight to the real, deeper reasons people become disorganized-an inclination to procrastination, a yen for perfectionism, a habit of being easily distracted. Drawing on her experience as an organizer and practicing psychologist, the author offers simple strategies for overcoming these issues once and for all. Readers will learn to organize information, make the most of electronic media, and handle interrupting phone calls, coworkers,and e-mails with confidence and grace. Readers who practice these simple techniques will instantly enjoy greater peace of mind as well as saving time, money, and aggravation.
Customer Reviews:
Fluffy.......2006-06-29
On the plus side, this book was cheap and a quick read. However, I found very little tangible, useful information in it. Seemed to be mostly common sense stuff.
Not worth the time.......2005-11-29
"The Well-Ordered Office" is about techniques that can be used to reduce stress in your office. Author Kathleen Kendall-Tackett gives 50 techniques to get things under control.
I'll be honest... I didn't like this book. The title suggested to me that this book would be about specific office organization techniques like filing and equipment. However the author only gives a brief overview and ends up offering no help whatsoever. A good example is the chapter on good programs for your PDA where she only offers categories of programs and no specific programs whatsoever. Sure.... list management software could be helpful but only if you have a good program! Which one is the best!?!?!
The book also contains several "filler" chapter that I have no idea why they are in this book. Chapters such as "Travel safely and in style" and "Balancing work with the rest of your life" are completely unrelated to the title. If I want travel advice, I will get a book on traveling. If I want advice on how to balance my life, I'll get a book that deals with that topic, not a book that spends 2 pages on such a broad topic.
In summary, don't waste you time or money on this book. It isn't worth it. While there are 1 or 2 pieces on advice in this book, I would recommend "Getting Things Done" by David Allen instead. 2 out of 5 stars.
Well-Ordered Office Covers All the Bases.......2005-03-01
Any book can give tips for organizing your life, but The Well-Ordered Office gives you more. Because the author is a psychologist, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is also qualified to address the thoughts and feelings that work against our best intentions. In addition, she provides the tools for dealing with them so that we can get our life on track. On a more practical level, this short book covers an amazing range of specifics including: address books vs. PDAs, managing people and time, creating a portable office for traveling, getting rid of clutter, even office feng shui. Despite its small size, this book is incredibly comprehensive. Three cheers for The Well-Ordered Office!
A Fresh Look at Organizing Your Office........2005-02-17
I have attempted reading several books on how to organize my life or home in the hope that I would become more organized. In all honesty I have never finished any of the books due to them being too time consuming and boring. Not so with "The Well Ordered Office" it was very easy to read from beginning to end. I loved that each chapter although very informative was kept short and to the point.
Dr. Kendall -Tackett has managed to cover every issue of having a more efficient office. Many of the things that she has written about in this book are practical techniques that can be used in your home office. As a matter of fact this book motivated me to organize my home office as soon as I finished reading it.
I highly recommend "The Well Ordered Office" to anyone looking for a book that will be quick, entertaining and full of fresh new ideas about organizing your office.
Even I can do this!.......2005-02-04
I came home from work and got comfy on the couch with this book and some leftover Chinese. As I read, I could feel my shoulders come down from around my ears. My breathing slowed. I peacefully glided through the advice of this book while my psyche responded to the assurance that all was going to be well. I did not want to put it down to go to bed. I woke knowing that I was up to the task of getting my stuff in order, and ready to do it. I went looking for the book, and found it in my purse. I felt better knowing it was easily accessible. When I am done, it will live in my night-stand and go with me on trips. I brought it to work today because as soon as I have a few moments, I will be reading. It should be titled, "Tweak Your Life Towards Sanity." For those who have never known sanity, you will when you are done with this. Dr. Kendall-Tackett has delivered more than she promised.
Book Description
How To Protect Your Family's Life Saving from Catastrophic Illness helps families protect assets both when there is time to plan through the use of long-term care insurance and in a crisis. This book gives you the latest information about how: Long-term care is financed including an in-depth look at why Medicare, the VA, and Medicaid will not pay for your care, to properly evaluate long-term care insurance, to choose an elder law attorney and insurance professional, to protect life savings in a crisis.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Needed Information.......2005-11-30
I have attended a seminar by Mr. Gordon. I purchased the book to do planning for my parents. The information has been invaluable! Everything of any importance is covered in the book, along with references to find out additional information, if necessary. I have recommended this book to several clients for review of their own personal situations.
This is one of the best books you could buy on this subject.
Robert J. Henkels, CPA
The Bible for understanding Long Term Care.......2005-07-21
Harley Gordon is the master at explaining the real story behind long care planning. If you want to know the facts about how to protect assets and still provide the best care for a loved one, this is the one book to read.
Indispensable Medicaid Primer.......2003-07-03
I have heard Harley Gordon speak on a number of occasions. He is forceful and to-the-point - and so is his book. Harley eschews legalese to deliver an easy-to-read discussion regarding Medicaid planning. This is source material for those in the insurance/financial planning arena and for those confronted with the prospect of spending down their assets prior to going on Medicaid, i.e. welfare. The material is presented in "Dick and Jane" fashion; it is an easy read. I recommend it to anyone who might be impacted in any way by Medicaid.
How to Protect Your Life Savings From Catastrophic Illness a.......2000-02-16
I f you wish to understand the subjects of Medicare and Medicaid as they relate to aging and long term care, this book is a must - and a "keeper". I am a 28-year insurance professional and have been involved in long term care insurance since 1988. I have heard Mr. Gordon speak on a number of occasions. He speaks as he writes - clearly and to the point. An attorney, he avoids "legalese". Our insurance agency trains other insurance agents in long term care. I always recommend that they purchase this book. It is imperative that our prospects and clients understand what (limited) benefits they might receive from either of these government programs. Mr. Gordon makes a complex subject understandable.
How to Protect Your Life Savings From Catastrophic Illness a.......2000-02-16
I f you wish to understand the subjects of Medicare and Medicaid as they relate to aging and long term care, this book is a must - and a "keeper". I am a 28-year insurance professional and have been involved in long term care insurance since 1988. I have heard Mr. Gordon speak on a number of occasions. He speaks as he writes - clear and to the point. An attorney, he avoids "legalese". Our insurance agency trains other insurance agents in long term care. I always recommend that they purchase this book. It is imperative that our prospects and clients understand what (limited) benefits they might receive from either of these government programs. Mr. Gordon makes a complex subject understandable.
Amazon.com
Finding a Spiritual Home promises to explain "how a new generation of Jews can transform the American synagogue." The book delivers on this promise by describing the lives of four thriving synagogues whose theological orientations range from Reform to Orthodox. Undoubtedly, Finding a Spiritual Home addresses some burning questions about the future of American Judaism: fully 35 percent of ethnic Jews no longer identify themselves with Judaism, author Sidney Schwarz writes. The book begins with a historical overview of synagogue life in America, then describes the spiritual needs that various generations of American Jews presently experience, and finally offers a prescription for regeneration of synagogue life.
Throughout the book, Schwarz's arguments expertly interweave narratives of individual and communal religious life, taken from the four synagogues in whose innovations Schwarz finds hope for American Judaism. These religious communities have attracted large numbers of worshipers with programs that seem both radical and commonsensical--"establishing public service opportunities such as a Jewish version of Habitat for Humanity," for instance, or encouraging worshipers to write their own prayer books. Schwarz carefully describes the impact such innovations have on synagogue members, citing interviews with worshipers whose enthusiasm jumps off the page: "The Judaism I live is about choosing life," one says. His book will likely inspire more American Jews to make that same choice. --Michael Joseph Gross
Book Description
In this illuminating look at Judaism's future, Rabbi Sidney Schwarz offers a penetrating analysis of the American Jewish community, challenging American synagogues to respond to a generation of seekers and satisfy the spiritual hunger of the "new American Jew." This groundbreaking book not only reveals the possibilities of this new, vital spiritual culture, but also offers strategies for transforming any congregation into a place that the Jews of today can truly call home.
Customer Reviews:
Profiling four synagogues.......2004-02-07
Finding A Spiritual Home: How A New Generation Of Jews Can Transform The American Synagogue by Rabbi Sidney Schwarz is an informed and informative examination of a new synagogue model for the contemporary American synagogue community. Profiling four synagogues (each of which sports unique innovations and each of which is connected to one of the major movements of Judaism), Finding A Spiritual Home is a thought provoking and far-reaching discussion of what it means to congregate together and share experiences, understanding, rituals and celebrations of the Jewish faith.
reasonably well done.......2002-02-06
I concur with most of the praise of other reviewers, though as someone who willingly chose a megashul I am probably a bit less dissatisfied with ordinary synagogues than they are. A caveat or two: (1) Schwarz seems to be writing for a distinctly "new agey" audience -- baby boomers, politically ultraliberal, oriented towards mysticism rather than learning. I suspect that many unaffilated Jews aren't the type of would-be congregant that Schwarz is most interested in. (2) I don't think Schwarz emphasizes education as much as I would have; certainly, I chose my shul partially because it seemed to have more educational opportunities than smaller ones (e.g. a study session after services on Saturday).
Interesting, Thought Provoking and Fun.......2001-09-23
The book focuses on issues faced by many of our generation. One can easily relate to the searching and the questions posed by the people portrayed.
The clear and readable style of writing, along with "down to earth" anecdotes makes it an enjoyable read.
Recommended for all those trying to figure out how to enjoy a Jewish spiritual experience in today's world.
Book won't take U.S. synagogue transformation far enough.......2000-09-13
By Alan. D. Abbey
Virtual Jerusalem Senior News and Business Editor
From the title alone, it is clear that Rabbi Sydney Schwarz is taking on a big topic in his book, "Finding a Spiritual Home: How a New Generation of Jews Can Transform the American Synagogue." He offers a perceptive analysis of the current malaise affecting American synagogues (of all denominations, although he focuses on the less stringent ones) and some useful suggestions.
Nonetheless, in the end, he falls
short of offering anything other than programmatic solutions. In part, it's not his fault, because he is not only part of the system that created the problem, but because a true solution to the problem would require a major change in the way most American Jews live.
Schwarz, rabbi of a Reconstructionist synagogue in Bethesda, Md., doesn't shy away from describing the stultifying, boring, uninspiring and essentially unspiritual activities that comprise most Friday evenings and Saturday mornings in American synagogues.
His short history of the development of the American synagogue, from vibrant, crowded, urban, ethnically identified neighborhood "shul" to suburban, palatial, cold, (often) empty and spiritually dead "synagogue center" is right on point and pitiless.
I have sat in many such "Jewish centers," and he is right in his descriptions of them. Except for rare moments - usually self-generated - such places are the last locations one can find an emotional, spiritual charge. There is even one shed of a synagogue I know that people refer to as the "airplane hangar," for its forbidding size, sound problems and empty feeling.
On the bright side (and it isn't all gloomy), Schwarz offers uplifting tales of spiritual renewal in the words of a handful of Baby Boomers who have found homes at synagogues he describes as truly filling the needs of their congregants and community.
Then he offers short histories of each of those places, one each from the four mainstream Jewish denominations in the U.S.: Conservative, Modern Orthodox, Reconstructionist and Reform. The Orthodox-educated Schwarz conceded he barely penetrated the vast and diverse world of Orthodoxy and consequently found only one extremely liberal synagogue in Riverdale, N.Y., that met his criteria.
Beyond the mainstream movements, Schwarz also has kind words for the distinctly American Jewish Renewal movement, a hodgepodge of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach-style folk festival Judaism, psychoanalysis, Eastern mysticism and New Age trendiness.
While the numbers it has drawn in absolute terms aren't particularly large, Schwarz lauds Jewish Renewal for its energy, creativity and willingness to experiment.
Even Schwarz finds its syncretism and abandonment of most traditional practices as problematic. He is probably right in predicting that some of its less way-out practices will find themselves mainstreamed over time. For example, Jewish-style meditation practices already are finding a home even in traditional congregations.
Schwarz's programmatic suggestions are all worthy, some, however, more than others.
His first idea is the businesslike call for a "mission statement." Surely a product of a technocratic society, a "mission statement" to me sounds ludicrous and bureaucratic.
Second, he calls for bringing more "singable music" to services. That, too, is fine, as far as it goes. But it can lead to the odd practice (one I've heard) of singing important, traditional prayers such as the Kedusha portion of the Amidah (Shmone Esray) to Broadway show tune melodies.
Others are simply no-brainers, such as creating systems for personal support. If a community isn't doing that in the first place, what kind of community is it?
Schwarz also proposes bringing a social justice agenda into synagogues - a distinctly liberal American ideal, although admittedly one that is practiced by some of the right-wing Orthodox synagogues he never got close to. They are probably pursuing political agendas to which Schwarz doesn't subscribe (unrelenting unwillingness to support compromise in the Middle East, school vouchers and anti-abortion positions).
Many of his ideas, however, seem far from what I see as the "mission statement" of a synagogue - providing a warm and comfortable place where Jews can engage in a dialogue with God. Schwarz also fails to address the point that the American synagogues he lauds in his book not only have programming to draw the masses, they also are led by charismatic leaders who are the real draws to the place. Mission statements aren't going to bring people to synagogue, but dynamic leaders will.
Furthermore, it is the architecture itself that works against the American synagogue. Unless you are going for "high church" style services with organs and choirs (If you want that, Catholics do it better, anyway.), giant American synagogue sanctuaries just can't work as places of worship, because they are simply too big (even if - or especially when - no one shows up for services).
Furthermore, in such large synagogues, the badly built, poorly used and rapidly aging structures tend to become the main concern of synagogue leadership, rather than the quality of the time spent in them.
If American Jews spent their davvening time in groups of 30-50 in small, tight quarters that echoed with their voices, instead of the cathedrals they built themselves to emulate the Christians, they would find more authentic, spiritual experiences than they ever can now.
How that could work in the sprawling American suburbs, where each town has one giant "synagogue center" of each denomination, and when rich and successful Jews still want to build monuments to their egos, is the big question Schwarz doesn't answer.
- Virtual Jerusalem News and Business Editor Alan Abbey has davvened everywhere from tiny "shtiebls" in Jerusalem's Old City to airplane-hangar style Jewish centers in American suburbs.
Jewish Newspapers Highlight Rabbi Schwarz's Book.......2000-08-01
The following is excerpted from an article in the New York Jewish Week by Gary Rosenblatt, Editor in Chief. He agreed to allow his article to be reprinted as long as credit is given to himself and the Jewish Week. Other Jewish publications have highlighted this book, as well.
Most synagogues today, whether they are Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or Reconstructionsist, are struggling to increase, and even maintain, membersihp. And most of their services are, well, boring. Across the denominational lines, congregants complain services are too long, too routine and less than inspiring, even as they wonder why more young people aren't joining up. Now comes a Washington-area rabbi, Sid Schwarz, who has written a thoughtful analysis of why synagogues are not meeting today's needs and a thought-provoking plan to help them make the paradigm shift he asserts is necessary for their survival and success. The book, "Finding a Spiritual Home," describes in detail four model congragations, one from each denomination, and how they are serving and inspiring a new generation of American Jews. It also includes personal essays from congregants about how their synagogue has given new meaning to their lives, and concludes with "ten strategies to transform your congregation." Rabbi Schwarz's thesis is both simple and revolutionary, making the case that most synagogues have not satisfied or attracted the baby boomers, many of whom are spiritual seekers turned off by the formality and rigidity they've found in established congregations. The new American Jews are looking for more personal meaning in their lives and a strong sense of connectedness and belonging. What's needed, he asserts, is to change the institution from a primarily child-centered synagogue-center, with its educational, cultural and social components, into a warmer, family-oriented syangogue-community, a synthesis of the synagogue-center and the havurah, combining informality and participation within the structure of the traditional synagogue. Easier said than done, the rabbi readily admits. "Even synagogues that understand the need for change find it difficult to move forward," he said during an interview from his office in Washington, where he is founding president of the Washington Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values. But it can be, and Rabbi Schwarz profiles four congregations he feels successfully respond to the religious needs of younger Jews. While there are striking differences among the four congregations, they each have a welcoming environment, and an articulated mission promoting serious Judaism. And they each have inspiring rabbis who seek to empower their members, making them feel part of a real community of caring Jews. But Rabbi Schwarz is quick to point out that the key to success is not dependent on "superstar rabbis who do everything themselves," but almost the opposite, spiritual leaders able to teach their congregants that "they, the members, own it all. We have such talented people in our synagogues who are untapped," says Rabbi Schwarz, who advocates giving them a gentle push. The proposals Rabbi Schwarz offers for profound change are compelling and merit serious attention and discussion. They seek to help young American Jewish, and the institutions created to serve them, realize that meaningful Jewish lives cannot be lived vicariously, through a surrogate synagogue or rabbi, whose goals should be to teach, guide, inspire and empower. He makes the convincing case that only if we recognize the need to harness the energy of alternative services and spiritual seekers into the mainstream will we be able to transform our synagogues into living institutions able to meet the needs of the new century.
Average customer rating:
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The Student Entrepreneur's Guide: How to Start and Run Your Own Business
Brett Kingstone
Manufacturer: Mcgraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
| Business Ethics
| Consolidation & Merger
| Decision-Making & Problem Solving
| Distribution & Warehouse Management
| Industrial
| Information Management
| Leadership
| Management
| Management Science
| Motivational
| Negotiating
| Operations Research
| Planning & Forecasting
| Pricing
| Production & Operations
| Project Management
| Quality Control
| Risk Assessment
| Statistics
| Strategy & Competition
| Systems & Planning
| Systems Analysis
| Teams
| Total Quality Management
| Training
Home Based
| Small Business & Entrepreneurship
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0070347077 |
Book Description
Working from Home authors Paul and Sarah Edwards team up with Oxygen Media's home-office columnist Lisa M. Roberts to create the most detailed, informative reference guide for the millions of Americans who earn a living from home while raising a family.
The Entrepreneurial Parent features 101 specific home-based businesses, teleworking, and remote-staff profiles, addressing the bottom-line questions of where and how to earn a living from home using today's technology. The book goes on to focus on the ultimate goal of this popular work option-the actual creation of a family-friendly workplace-with the voices of real-life entrepreneurial parents as well as the family members who are behind their many trials and triumphs. Other features include planning tools, practical exercises, worksheets, and resources and directories for parents who work from home.
Customer Reviews:
it just makes sense.......2002-07-26
As my husband and I read through the book, we realized it made a lot of sense to gather experiences from others. These people have made a work at home career workable. Paul and Sarah show us how to think on our feet, keep things in order, be flexible and get the kids involved too. We really appreciate all of the recommendations throughout the book. These are a huge source of unbelievable resources right at the finger tips. We are very anxious to go to the recommended websties, and of course, read the books. The three books that we have already purchased and are extremely pleased with are Getting Publicity, by Tana Fletcher, How to Raise a Family and a Career Under One Roof, by Lisa Roberts and Mommy-CEO, (Constantly Evaluating Others)5 Golden Rules, Revised Edition, by Jodie Lynn. So far, these three books have helped to pinpoint daily stress factors involving a business and last but certianly not least, kids in the home. There are many others listed which we are sure will be extremely useful in the big picture of things to come. In our experience, we have learned it doesn't matter how successful we'd like to be, but instead, getting the right answers for the right challenge and then making it workable for the family. As the authors say, if there are kids around, get them involved in either the business or other activities so work can be completed. This is a true statement especially if children are underfoot for the biggest part of the day. For the best use of our time on a daily basis, we know it's mandatory that parenting skills are sharp and respect is working on both ends of the spectrum. This book has almost every answer to every question entreprneurs wonder about. If there is any stone left unturned, it can surely be found in one of the many other recommended books or websites. Totally cool and it just makes sense.
Thinking of starting a business? Then buy this book!.......2002-07-25
I had bought Paul and Sarah Edwards book "How To Make Money in Cyberspace" several years ago when I first had the concept of my business... and I owe it all to Paul and Sarah for passing along their knowledge to make this business the success that it is. I only wish that "The Entrepreneurial Parent" had been published at that time as well. I would have saved myslef a lot of time and mistakes along the way as far as running a business from home with a small child. This book is cram packed full of advice, resources, techniques and real life examples. I can attest to all the book has to offer having gone through the process myself. Thank you Paul and Sarah for publishing such a valuable resource. I highly reccommend buying this book along with their other book "How To Make Money in Cyberspace" if you are thinking of starting an on-line business.
WOWWIE! Paul and Sarah, you've got a hit here!.......2002-07-20
Simply said, if you are a working parent, you've got to get this book! This book is BRILLIANTLY written - what a joy to read! Aside from the how to basics, you can tell that Paul and Sarah have really done their homework -- it's loaded with facts. This book features profiles of 111 entrepreneurs who spill the beans of what it's like in their careers, including a job description, their industry insight, marketing tips, and top revenue streams. Paul and Sarah paint a real picture of what it's like to work from home. They show that entrepreneurs defined success in terms of quality of life, rather than dollars earned. For many, it's a trade off that is well worth it for more time with the kids and a richer life. They offer extensive coverage of insurance options for the self-employed. Other topics include childcare options, how to handle summer vacations, and involving the family in your business.
BRILLIANTLY written ý what a joy to read.......2002-07-18
Simply said, if you are a working parent, you've got to get this book! Aside from the how to basics, you can tell that Paul and Sarah have really done their homework -- it's loaded with facts. This book features profiles of 111 entrepreneurs who spill the beans of what it's like in their careers including a job description, their industry insight, marketing tips, and top revenue streams. Paul and Sarah paint a real picture of what it's like to work from home. They show that entrepreneurs defined success in terms of quality of life, rather than dollars earned. For many, it's a trade off that is well worth it for more time with the kids and a richer life. They offer extensive coverage of insurance options for the self-employed. Other topics include childcare options, how to handle summer vacations, and involving the family in your business.
A valuable resource recommended by a home office expert.......2002-07-08
Finding the ideal work-from-home situation can be daunting, especially for parents. This book breaks down the process from determining whether you're suited to be an at-home Entrepreneur vs. a corporate employee in an outside office, to finding the ideal business. The Edwards and Lisa Roberts, well-respected in their field, provide a thorough listing for all types of business opportunities available to Entrepreneurial Parents. I highly recommend this valuable resource!
Book Description
Real Estate is the best business in the world, offering unlimited income, the opportunity to own your own business, be your own boss and get in control of your life.
This expose, written by two top industry insiders operating one of the most successful training programs in America today, reveals the myths, takes away the mystery and explains in three simple steps how to become a highly successful entrepreneur in the nation's largest professional trade organization.
Obtaining a real estate license guarantees nothing. It is merely a foundation. That technical information must be coupled with a business education in order to become truly successful.
This book combined with our training programs are for those who are committed and coachable, driven to reach their true potential and sick and tired of dead-end jobs, bad investments and poor advice.
People were designed to be successful. The Business School for Real Estate Pros is where people excel, businesses florish and success becomes normal.
Business is not about memorizing right answers. It is about keeping up with change.
Customer Reviews:
Pie in the Sky Real Estate Guru Nonsense.......2006-09-28
Any body who really believes this title and hype, needs to wake up and smell the coffee of real estate business reality. It is the typical fare of the self-appointed guru who got out of real estate because he found he was a better entertainer than a Realtor. He and his wife, create get rich quick and easy seminars from Austin, TX to Australia. I attended one myself as well as read this book which was distributed for FREE. And that is what it is worth in my opinion.
OUTSTANDING, easy, simple and effective read NOT JUST for Real Estate Agents!.......2005-09-27
This book is way more than just an expose' about the real estate business-- it's also about creating leverage, using easy and detailed, step-by-step methods that will literally walk you through creating and building wealth WHILE having the life that you design!
One of my favorite distinctions that this book makes is that a business has TWO main purposes:
Purpose Number 1. Obviously, to provide solutions while adding value to your clients/customers. HOWEVER, the 2nd purpose is one most business owners do NOT consider (until it's too late)...
Purpose Number 2. (try guessing first and then see ANSWER below)
If you are serious about your business, BUY THIS BOOK! Wayne and Lynne (both brokers) have spent years in the real estate industry (building a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio) and unlike lots of other financial gurus, they actually still USE what they are teaching in their own lives (and businesses) TODAY! Proof positive that the strategies and ideas in this book work.
Even if you are only thinking about getting into real estate, this is a real gem as it provides real keys and tools that will help you in ANY business! I'm taking the concepts and applying them in my business and I'm already noticing positive changes!
Plus, this book is SIMPLE, well written and FUN to read (I'm usually not a very fast reader and I read all but the last chapter in one night).
(ANSWER: the 2nd purpose of your business is to give you the life you desire!)
Extremely Helpful Info--> Realtors need to read this!.......2005-07-17
I've been in the real estate business for the last 8 years, and recently "cracked the code" for doing it right...and I wish I had this excellent book in my hands many years ago to save a lot of time, effort and money! If you're a mega-producer, get this book because you'll pick up several gems. If you're a new agent, you NEED to get this to avoid becoming a statistic of the industry. The section on the emotional highs and lows of the new agents is worth many times the cost of this book. Thanks for the great book, Wayne!
INDISPENSABLE!.......2005-06-07
This should be required reading for any person considering a field in the real estate industry. With an almost irreverant style, Wayne and Lynn Morgan explain clearly and simply how to have the best of both worlds - time and money. It doesn't matter whether you are a newly licensed realtor or a broker with 25 years of experience, the material in this book is sure to make a difference in your real estate business. The best part about it is that the book is actually fun to read!
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