Management Recent Picks

February 2011

The title-underlined links will take you directly to our catalogue.
Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.

Content rules : how to create killer blogs, podcasts, videos, ebooks, webinars (and more) that engage customers and ignite your business / by Ann Handley, C.C. Chapman ; foreword by David Meerman Scott. "Create bold web content and build a loyal customer base onlineBlogs, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and other publishing platforms are giving everyone a "voice," including organizations and their customers. So how do you create the bold stories, videos, and blog posts that cultivate fans, arouse passion for your products or services, and ignite your business? Content Rules equips you for online success with a one-stop source on the art and science of developing marketing content that people care about. This coverage is interwoven with case studies of companies successfully spreading their ideas online-and using them to establish credibility and build a loyal customer base. Learn the art of storytelling and the science of journalism. Find an authentic "voice" and craft bold content that will resonate with prospects and buyers and encourage them to share it with others Leverage social media and social tools to get your content and ideas distributed as widely as possible. Written by the Chief Content Officers of marketingprofs.com. Boost your online presence and engage with customers and prospects like never before with Content Rules." (Syndetics summary)

The next wave of technologies : opportunities from chaos / Phil Simon.
""Chaos" in the title refers to the exponential growth of unstructured business data. Expanding on his first book, Why New Systems Fail (2009), a business information technology (IT) consultant argues that newer ITs such as software as a service (SaaS), social networking media, open source and cloud computing often fail because of a lack of implementation technologies and successful examples from which to learn. Along with other experts in the field, he discuss the basics, pitfalls, best practices, and corporate applications of these technologies. The subtitle reads Opportunities in Chaos on the cover rather than Opportunities from Chaos. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)" (Syndetics summary)

Social media for project managers / Elizabeth Harrin.
Looks like a really useful and interesting book for anyone involved in project management who wants to know how to use social media tools.

Effective customer care / Pat Wellington.
"Effective Customer Care is an essential guide to creating excellent customer service that will not only satisfy your customers and prompt orders, but also cement customer relationships and develop loyaltyà and thus increase profits.The book covers every aspect of the customer care process including how to:find out what your customer wants rather than what you think they wantstop losing business, and gain market sharecreate a customer-focused teamachieve continuous improvementdevelop robust problem-solving techniques, and reduce complaintsbreak down internal communication barriersget your customer to be an "active reference" for youClear and concise in approach, and full of checklists, practical advice and case studies that bring concepts and ideas to life, Effective Customer Care is a must for your business bookshelf. Book jacket." (Syndetics summary)

30-minute social media marketing : step-by-step techniques to spread the word about your business fast and free / Susan Gunelius."Social media has opened the door to anyone who wants to promote themselves-including small businesses. Designed specifically for busy small business owners, this book puts you on the fast track to maximizing your business's visibility and generating profits-regardless of the size of your marketing budget or the time you have to devote to it. 30-Minute Social Media Marketing provides 22 short chapters packed with real-world examples, templates, sample marketing procedures, and screen shots, taking you step-by-step through the essentials." (Syndetics summary)

The power of influence : the easy way to make money online / Sarah Prout."In this candid and accessible book, internt entrepreneur Sarah Prout reveals how anyone, with any level of experience, can build a successful online business and harness the power of influence with social media. She shares her tried-and-tested methods for networking and attracting subscribers and followers, debunks social media myths, road-tests a range of different business models, and gives you all the inspiration and power tips you’ll need to get your business online – and bank account – thriving in no time." (book cover blurb)

The social media bible : tactics, tools, and strategies for business success / Lon Safko.
"In this second edition, each of the three parts, Tactics, Tools, and Strategies, has been updated to reflect the most current social media trends. Covers all major new software applications, including features and benefits, in detail Lists more than 120 companies integral to the social media industry, with updated data, products, services, and links Includes advanced topics like measuring social media ROI and how to develop and implement the Five Steps To Social Media Success strategy plan Includes dozens of social media ROI case studies Author is a widely acknowledged social media authority, with numerous media appearances and speaking engagements." (Syndetics summary)

Perfect phrases for sales presentations : hundreds of ready-to-use phrases for delivering powerful presentations that close every sale / Linda Eve Diamond.
"Building on our highly successful Perfect Phrases series brand, this book offers hundreds of ready-to-use, time-saving phrases that sales professionals can use to deliver a winning sales presentation and to get to the close every time." (Syndetics summary)

How to give a pretty good presentation : a speaking survival guide for the rest of us / TJ Walker.
"Straightforward, entertaining, and well-organized, this user-friendly resource walks readers step by step through the process from how to write, rehearse, and deliver a presentation that will make them appear confident, memorable, and competent." (Syndetics summary)

Prepare to sell your company : a guide to planning and implementing a successful exit / L.B. Buckingham.
"This book will answer all your questions. Easy to read, it covers all the practical aspects of preparing your business for sale. It will show you just how a potential acquirer will view a company that is up for sale. This will enable you to: - develop a business profile that will attract buyers - and maintain their interest until completion - build into the business those aspects that will encourage a buyer to increase their bid. This book will take you through the sale process: preparation, marketing, acceptance of offer, the 'due diligence examination' (the vendor's nightmare), successful completion, and beyond" (Syndetics summary)

Mojo : how to get it, how to keep it, how to get it back if you lose it / Marshall Goldsmith with Mark Reiter.
"The follow-up to global bestseller What Got You Here Won’t Get You There (the Amazon.com no.1 bestseller for 2007 on Leading People) addresses the vital phases of gaining mojo (tough), maintaining it (tougher) and recapturing it after you lose it (toughest of all, but not impossible) This is vital in any competitive arena, whether business, sport or politics.Goldsmith draws on new research, as well as his extensive experience with corporate teams and top executives, to provide compelling case studies throughout. Readers will learn the 26 powers that are within us all and will come away with a new, hyper-effective technique to define, track and ensure future success for themselves and their organisations." (Syndetics summary)

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