Tom Peters, Jay Abraham, Stephen Covey

[sam_d]

Does anyone rate these guys?

Seems like alot of hot air to me. Still, as gurus aren't they supposed to know their stuff...but how much of it is actually practical?

I've read lots of books in my time and the ones I've got the most from are usually by people that have actually run proper, blue-chip corporations. Branson's biog is really quite inspiring and the bill gates epic is another one...but these fluffy business gurus - has anyone found them to be of any use?

I'd really like to know - again, I've picked up one of Jay Abraham's books...secrets of wealth and had a flick through - looks like standard stuff. Noticed he's got a conference on in feb in London from Brand Republic website. See www.abrahamgroup.co.uk

Me, along side my career job, I'm part owner in a boutique in London. Have any small business owners found advice like this to be of any use?

Love to hear your thoughts.

Sambo

[eightmanagement]

Best business model that I've found and tried to follow is that of Google. Start out for fun, and keep it fun. Employees first.

[albieb]

I've actually had the pleasure of seeing Stephen Covey for a seminar he did for our company. Covey is great. He's one of the few authors/motivators that I can truly say helped me in personal and business situations. Living the 7 habits and if you can find it there's a Living the 7 habits stories (a la Soup for the Soul series type).

Covey believes in win/ win situations and fair play, balance between personal and business lifes and so forth.

If I can recommend one of my newer "reads". John C. Maxwell, he has a business series of leadership books. He also has a religious series of books on running a church (not my thing, but he separates them well and running churches are a business).

Tom Peter's (In search for Excellence right?). Found that to be a harder read. Seemed to be geared for higher corporate types. But I did gain some insights from it that I can take to my small business.

Stephen Covey- 7 Habits

John C. Maxwell - Developing the Leader Within You

Tom Peters - In Search of Excellence

Just my thoughts

[jfslenes]

Sam,

I'd rate Covey #1. I think his points are very valid useful operating methods. We've a copy on the managers desk and discuss much of our operating goals with that book in perspective. Have we and our manager followed all the steps with all situation? Not!

Peters a close 2nd. For In Search of Excellence which is also on the managers desk and commented about often. Seemed to me that they did a rational analysis of measurable criterea to search out the "habits" of excellence.

Enjoy reading Jay's free memos. Don't intend to buy any unless someone's giving it away. Fluff is a cleaned up term for much of his "toro caca". A little spanish lingo for you Rush fans.