Rating: 
Summary: Easy Read
Review: A friend gave me this book as it made a difference when she was promoted to a high level position within her company. I found it inspirational and thought that all the lessons were applicable to most any situation. I am in the mortgage business and will be purchasing several copies for colleagues that will appreciate the humor and wit of Barbara.
Rating: 
Summary: Even the reviews seem to be cooked
Review: Alright so everyone thinks this book is great. I had high expectations considering this author makes a lot of money and must be smart.Somehow the first thing that hits me is that how come all the reviews are SO GOOD? Its not that great a book. Most of the stuff it says is common-sense pulp fiction. There were certain references that makes me think this lady is ANTI-MALE. She says "always hire women given everything else is the same". Now what kind of advice is that, especially while running a professional organization. Some of the other stuff like how she based averages of NYC apartment rentals on 11 samples is so wrong atleast statistically. Something analogous to how analysts used to cook up dot-com numbers for poor unsuspecting small investors. Also, the author claims to come from a very modest background and the reason she makes it in NYC is because a guy helps her out with almost everything and all the credit given to him is "A boyfriend". And when he leaves for someone else he is the bad guy. I mean isnt it a little too "I am great so everyone else is not" kind of thing. Really dissappointed with this one. Yes the author is rich and smart. But theres more to life than being those things. I am surprised many others didnt point out these glaring aspects of the book.
Rating: 
Summary: Great mom!
Review: Don't be fooled by such an irreverent title. "Put ribbons on your pigtails" is indeed a business book. Not one of those boring business formulas. But business-minded in the most original sense of the word: Inspirational. Meaning it would be useful to most people, in all areas.
Taking away the greed, and leaving the right amount of ambition; taking away the jargons, and leaving the bright ideas; and mainly taking away the snobberies and leaving the echoes of the footsteps of her pioneer's soul, Barbara seduce us to a realm where things happen.
She doesn't mean to be perfect, and so she doesn't hide imperfections on her not-so-all-the-time-politically-correct managerial style. But in doing so, she showed us how she succeeded in the real world she had to deal with, with the perceptions and tools she had at the time.
If, at some point, she walks you with the Corcoran Group through the verge of failure and back, like most successful businesses do, it is because life - most of the time - IS a cliché. But the simple and brilliant solution to the problem is smile-raising, and you feel good you are on her side of the story.(And that is where you are, cause that is where she will put you!)
Well-written and entertaining.
The main differential from other business books is unique, though: It makes you almost "miss" 9 brothers and sisters, and the warmth of the Irish family at its best!
Worth reading!
Rating:
Summary: Barbara Corcoran's Jem of a book!
Review: I bought Barbara's book, after seeing her on the TODAY show, as I am interested in transitioning into the real estate business as a career and who better to learn from then the most well-known broker in New York City. But the book was so much more then just another guide to selling and listing property or even the typical boring business advice book. It is full of thoughts and stories that are perfect no matter where you are in your career or what you want to do, even if you are not a "business" person. Barbara's stories are humorous, fun, and make you want to keep reading book. The book keeps your interest, even for a person like me who does not consider himself a "reader" and has a short attention span, I could not put the book down. This book is truly a great read and an excellent book to share with friends and family.
Rating:
Summary: The best business management book I have read
Review: I hold an MBA and I read lots of business and management books. This is the best book that I have come across. Fun and light, this book still has the type of advice any mom would give: sound, practical and very common sense (which is not very common). Great stories and straight to the point analysis and advice. I have found inspiration that has already helped me do things that I would not have done otherwise. Thanks Barbara!
Rating:
Summary: A book every real estae professonal should read!
Review: I loved this book! Barbara's real estate lessons are entertaining and fun. Regardless of where you sell real estate the rules and the lessons are the same. I'll recommnend it to every new agent that comes to our firm.
Rating:
Summary: Major disappointment!
Review: I saw the author on TV and thought i would give this book a try. What a mistake!! It was totally, unequivocably self-promotion. The author had an opportunity to make a contibution to the human resource community. Instead she dwelled upon her perceived accomplishments and self aggrandizement. This was an insufferable read. Do yourself a favor and do something you don't like to do as this will be more rewarding than subjecting yourself to this meaningless drivel and diatribe upon men.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing, almost contrived
Review: I was disappointed. I had anticipated something more realistic and isntructional. It appeared that the author had objectives and then created a history that fit that outcome. The title made no sense and was intended to market the book. Then the topics discussed in the book were too unrealistic to be credible. The author's liberal values and agenda were patently obvious and should have had no place in this book. I was disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: best book on sales i've read in a long time
Review: if you're in sales or manage salespeople, if you're thinking of starting your own business, come from a large family or want to know what it was like growing up in one squeezed into 4 rooms under the palisades amusement park sign, read this book. "use what you've got" is like having a personal business coach, for a fraction of the price, and will probably give you a lot more laughs than you'd have in one of those sessions. i for one changed my home answering machine message to sound like both my feet are rooted firmly in the land of the living, so much so i sometimes surprise myself when i call home to leave a msg. for years i've encouraged people who have had a frustrating job search to just take any job: "look at barbara corcoran: she was a receptionist for a couple of real estate property managers and now she owns her own company!" she's been a hero to me for what she's accomplished. i then met her at a book signing and she is as approachable, enthusiastic and focused in person as she is in the book. these are qualities you'd expect in someone who is a great salesperson, but you don't often find "charming and down-to-earth" in people who've gone as far as she has. this book is both highly entertaining and practical, loaded with wonderful stories about growing up in a large family and how those dynamics helped transform a a determined young girl into an incredibly successful business woman. there's lots of good business advice, plenty of stories that address the proverbial bumps in the road and how she turned obstacles or failures to her advantage. the addendum is an invaluble sales tool.
Rating:
Summary: I wanted to crawl in and live there
Review: The real estate business for the past 15 years or so allowed me to solely raise 3 children. Today I am a broker and mentor to new agents and I love it. The real estate business is a demanding, arduous twenty-four hour job. People seem to think you never go home. About the time I found this book, I was feeling a bit burned out. Barbara's book shed a whole new light on life in real estate. From that point I was re-inspired and it hasn't left me yet. I read Barbara's book from beginning to end unable to put it down. The book is an entertaining escape. In spite of the tough times her outlook on life was hopeful. I know it was grueling, especially in the beginning with the boyfriend. Pounding the pavement for rental prospects wasn't too fun either. But she just kept keepn' on. "Use what you've got" was inspiring, funny, warm, motivating and useful. Even as a seasoned agent Barbara taught me a great deal. And from a coaches perspective her management style was priceless. I can't say enough; I didn't want the book to end. Sounds crazy but I wanted to crawl in and live there. Thanks Barbara. After reading your book and its gifts I want found myself wanting to know you. Excited to email you to say thanks, I had no expectation of hearing back, when I did I was blown away. Your story is a true illustration of who you are. Thanks for being my number one mentor. Mickey Elliott
Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker
949-887-4376 Cellular
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