Starscapes home-based business opportunity

FROM OUR BOOKSHELF

A look at what we're reading and recommending.

The Soul Of An Organization
By Richard S. Gallagher
(Dearborn Trade, $19.95)

This past year has seen a steady stream of troubling business stories dominate the news-misleading balance sheets, plunging stock prices, insider trading charges, and a rash of high-profile bankruptcies, among others. Heavy emphasis on profits at any cost is seen by many as the root of all these problems. Among investors, employees, and the media, the hottest topic of business conversation is “corporate culture.” Where are the values in business?

Building corporate culture has become the buzzword for 2003 and business schools and corporate boardrooms are scrambling for answers. Management expert and author Richard Gallagher writes, “Your values, and not your business practices, are what drives your success. In a world where 98% of organizations are fixated on the mechanics of their business, knowing this secret is perhaps the most strategic competitive factor in today’s marketplace.”

In his book, Gallagher explores the way in which corporate culture not only contributes to but determines business excellence and long-term success. He also shares his process for building a business culture that succeeds, no matter what the size of the organization.

He writes that Southwest Airlines, Wendy’s, Dell Computers, American Express and the U.S. Marines are just a few of the companies that depend upon their core values to drive their day-to-day operations. Now readers can use the same tools and guiding philosophies to increase their organizations’ productivity, growth, employee satisfaction and profits. Visit www.dearborntrade.com for more info.

Customers For Life
By Carl Sewell
(and Paul B. Brown)
(Currency Books, $14.95)

The subtitle of this book is How To Turn That Onetime Buyer into a Lifetime Customer, and that sums up the mission of Sewell’s book. This is a revised and updated edition of his customer service classic and features five new chapters as well as updates throughout the book. Using the principles that have built his auto dealership into a near $1 billion business and made him one of the top retailers in the United States, Carl Sewell shows you how to go the extra mile on your road to success.

Many small business owners have already discovered that in these tough times, customer service can make a big difference. Sewell’s approach is to figure out what customers want and make sure they get it. Turn your employees into service superstars, get good service tips from the customer, and develop advertising that’s right for you. Whether you own a large corporation or are just starting out, Sewell’s proven methods might invigorate your enterprise.

As Sewell writes, “Our only source of competitive advantage is our people and the service they provide.” The book’s style is accessible and easy going. Visit www.currencybooks.com for information on how to order a copy.

Start And Run A Consulting Business
By Douglas Gray
(Self-Counsel Press, $16.95)

Consulting has become a multimillion-dollar industry in North America. As society becomes more complicated, people in business, healthcare, education, government, and other fields are calling on specialists to provide answers to complex problems. This practical step-by-step success guide shows how anyone can turn knowledge and experience into a profitable consulting business.
Concerns unique to the consulting industry are covered in detail, including:

Douglas Gray is a lawyer, businessman, lecturer, and consultant to government, business, professionals, and educational and financial institutions. He has designed and taught numerous seminars and workshops on successful entrepreneurship, starting a consulting business, and marketing professional services. He has also lectured at community colleges and universities as well as professional development programs in the areas of small business, real estate,
economic development, professional consulting, and training program development.
For additional information on the book or the start your business series from Self-Counsel Press, visit their website at: www.self-counsel.com.

Assessing yourself and your skills
Determining market opportunities
Regulations and laws affecting the consulting business
Selecting business and professional advisers
Preparing your business plan
Setting fees and billing clients
Keeping records
Minimizing taxes
Avoiding professional liability and preventing losses
Writing a successful proposal
Maintaining healthy client relations
Running your office smoothly
Hiring sub-consultants

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