Rating: 
Summary: Passes on Some Simple But Important Lessons
Review: I came across this book a few years ago during a difficult time in my life. I was in the process of failing miserably at yet another professional endeavor, and in the throes of a major personal upheaval. It was shortly after these calamities that I seriously began to read this book. Internalizing just a few of the simple but important lessons in this book has made all the difference for me, and has allowed me to pursue life very much on my own terms.From this book, I learned that in order to satisfy a demand, you first have to create the demand, the very first lesson of the text, and one that I applied to maximum benefit repeatedly shortly after internalizing it. I also learned that while money is nice, good information is priceless; otherwise, you will not have the money for long. Too many people never learn that lesson. Finally, the most important lesson for me came in the first few pages and had to do with salesmanship. As MacKay says, anyone can get the order if they are willing to say anything and do anything to get it. The real question is whether or not they can get the reorder, as that is the mark of the true salesman. I work with people at the moment that should have learned that lesson, but did not, and let me tell you, it is excruciatingly frustrating to interact with such individuals. People who have not learned this crucial and important lesson simply can not be trusted, and lack integrity. They develop reputations that, in a word, are most un-flattering, and can bring out the worst in people. An appropriate analogy for such people are scurrilous and reproachable politicians- all talk and promises, but very much non-action and non-delivery. Most important, once entrenched in a position with a fancy title and of some limited power and authority, they can and do frustrate any and all attempts at progress and forward locomotion. You would do well to cease contact with these people at the first and most convenient opportunity. As an aside, I liked his musings on the old cliche 'Sell Yourself'- truly a meaningless and overworked phrase if there ever was one. As MacKay remarks, we as individuals often make for lousy products. I also concur with others who found Mr. MacKay's admonishment, Don't Get Mad, and DON'T Get Even, to be wise beyond words. I can affirm that stewing over personal and professional slights and plotting revenge wastes precious time and energy which could be directed towards more constructive and fruitful pursuits. However, I must admit that I have yet to internalize this truest of truisms, as some tresspasses are difficult to forgive. Still, as for most of the other lessons the reader probably already knows them or is familiar with them, but having them placed before you by an unrelated and credible third party always makes for good, sound, positive reinforcement. While some may dismiss most of the lessons in the book as common sense, I have to commend Mr. MacKay on his key insights on the human condition and human relationships. Which, in the end is what business, and for that matter, everything else, including my profession, science, is all about. I especially recommend this book to those from non-business or professional backgrounds (especially scientists, as many of us are, perish the thought!, unfortunately severely handicapped in the people skills department, this reviewer included) who nonetheless must interact with people. Obtaining this book solely for the lessons on good, effective salesmanship alone would justify its purchase. I have also found that reading this book, in combination with a handy and powerful little volume, Soft Selling in a Hard World: Plain Talk on the Art of Persuasion, by Jerry Vass, can turn even the most reluctant, shy non-people-person into an effective salesperson. One of these days I am going to read Mr. MacKay's follow-up, Sharkproof!, as there are quite a few of those carnivorous, maneating fish in The Business of Science.
Rating:
Summary: Passes on Some Simple But Important Lessons
Review: I came across this book a few years ago during a difficult time in my life. I was in the process of failing miserably at yet another professional endeavor, and in the throes of a major personal upheaval. It was shortly after these calamities that I seriously began to read this book. Internalizing just a few of the simple but important lessons in this book has made all the difference for me, and has allowed me to pursue life very much on my own terms. From this book, I learned that in order to satisfy a demand, you first have to create the demand, the very first lesson of the text, and one that I applied to maximum benefit repeatedly shortly after internalizing it. I also learned that while money is nice, good information is priceless; otherwise, you will not have the money for long. Too many people never learn that lesson. Finally, the most important lesson for me came in the first few pages and had to do with salesmanship. As MacKay says, anyone can get the order if they are willing to say anything and do anything to get it. The real question is whether or not they can get the reorder, as that is the mark of the true salesman. I work with people at the moment that should have learned that lesson, but did not, and let me tell you, it is excruciatingly frustrating to interact with such individuals. People who have not learned this crucial and important lesson simply can not be trusted, and lack integrity. They develop reputations that, in a word, are most un-flattering, and can bring out the worst in people. An appropriate analogy for such people are scurrilous and reproachable politicians- all talk and promises, but very much non-action and non-delivery. Most important, once entrenched in a position with a fancy title and of some limited power and authority, they can and do frustrate any and all attempts at progress and forward locomotion. You would do well to cease contact with these people at the first and most convenient opportunity. As an aside, I liked his musings on the old cliche 'Sell Yourself'- truly a meaningless and overworked phrase if there ever was one. As MacKay remarks, we as individuals often make for lousy products. I also concur with others who found Mr. MacKay's admonishment, Don't Get Mad, and DON'T Get Even, to be wise beyond words. I can affirm that stewing over personal and professional slights and plotting revenge wastes precious time and energy which could be directed towards more constructive and fruitful pursuits. However, I must admit that I have yet to internalize this truest of truisms, as some tresspasses are difficult to forgive. Still, as for most of the other lessons the reader probably already knows them or is familiar with them, but having them placed before you by an unrelated and credible third party always makes for good, sound, positive reinforcement. While some may dismiss most of the lessons in the book as common sense, I have to commend Mr. MacKay on his key insights on the human condition and human relationships. Which, in the end is what business, and for that matter, everything else, including my profession, science, is all about. I especially recommend this book to those from non-business or professional backgrounds (especially scientists, as many of us are, perish the thought!, unfortunately severely handicapped in the people skills department, this reviewer included) who nonetheless must interact with people. Obtaining this book solely for the lessons on good, effective salesmanship alone would justify its purchase. I have also found that reading this book, in combination with a handy and powerful little volume, Soft Selling in a Hard World: Plain Talk on the Art of Persuasion, by Jerry Vass, can turn even the most reluctant, shy non-people-person into an effective salesperson. One of these days I am going to read Mr. MacKay's follow-up, Sharkproof!, as there are quite a few of those carnivorous, maneating fish in The Business of Science.
Rating:
Summary: I'm Getting Ready to Swim with the Sharks
Review: I enjoyed Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive. I am considering a career change and moving into sales, so I am "studying" up on techniques and processes to be effective right out of the gate. I am excited about the Mackay 66 and know that it can make a huge difference. The tape is easy to listen to and covers very useful concise points on beginning to develop relationships. I will listen to more of his tapes and can't wait for my book to get here.
Rating:
Summary: the first book wrote about customer service
Review: i read this book four years ago after that i found most of the other books concering about the customer relationship this book is the pioner book of customer relation ship. read it and have fun. sayed omar from AUC - CAiro- Egypt
Rating: 
Summary: Business as War
Review: If you view business and life as a war - a competition where in order for you to win you have to beat someone else - then this book is for you. However, if you are like me and think that there is more to life and business than beating your competition and making money at other peoles expense then I'd recommend you only check this one out of the library - its not a book that I'll read again or would be 'proud' to have as part of my library.
Rating:
Summary: All people with jobs can use this book
Review: If you work for a paycheck or own a business, this book is great. It's funny and informative. There are really useful techniques for keeping track of customers and competitors that I know some Vice-Presidents of Marketing are not even aware of. Harvey Mackay is a tremendous person with a great personality. His book will inspire you to more success. Harvey is also an advocate of keeping informed via reading the major papers (USA Today, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, etc). This is great advice for anyone. As things in business become more complex, keeping up to date is a significant advantage to one in pursuit of their goals. But buy this book for the jokes, not the advice. It is so funny!
Rating:
Summary: Why didn't I think of that?
Review: Looking into networking for any reason at all? This is the book for you. The information is simple to apply and leaves you asking, "Why didn't I think of that?" If you are ready to not only meet people but to remember them well then read this book and have fun putting it into action today!
Rating: 
Summary: Shark Repellant
Review: Mackay's book is a must read for anyone in the sales profession--especially if you're selling a commodity product. He outlines many straightforward methods to differentiate yourself from your competition. Pretty much common sense and blocking and tackling, but sometimes the obvious is the most overlooked.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for anyone in sales!
Review: McKay has written an easy to read book for anyone in sales. Whether a rookie or pro, you WILL glean some hints and creative ways to stand out from your competition. No cheesy phone tricks that sound like they were written for another decade here. McKay shows you how to be professional and always deliver more than the customer expects. The "McKay 66" is worth more than the cost of this book! If you discover half of the "66" about your customers, your retention rate will skyrocket.
Rating:
Summary: Not just for Sales People
Review: One of the first business books I read. There are a lot of basic business lessons in this book. My business partner and I have quoted him for years because his lessons apply to entrepreneurs, not just sales people. Most companies don't seem to know the first thing about customer service. This book will remind or teach you that the details are important if you want to keep customers coming back.
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