Inculcating the marketing mindset!

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SALES: The Psychology and Process Behind Successful Deals by SEMA DONALDSON
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sales is one of the professions in which most people feel uncomfortable or awkward. Most people think selling is for those with aggressive personalities or persuasive mindsets. Lesser still believe that the art of selling can be taught and learned as a skill, just like language, computers, bicycle riding, etc. Several young college graduates avoid signing up for sales jobs because of these inherent beliefs and lose out on a potentially rewarding and fulfilling career.
The fundamentals of sales – the psychology and process behind successful deals, by Sema Donaldson comes as a handy guide to those thinking about sales as a career. Donaldson, a sales and performance author with several motivational and educational books to his credit, has helped thousands of professionals build and hone skills, to obtain lasting results through his writings. His sales philosophy is simple and straightforward; he believes that success is not accidental, it is built through and hard work supported by psychological insight and structured skill building.
The fundamentals of sales is organized as four distinct parts subdivided into 12 chapters that detail the process of selling and how to get started in this competitive profession. In the introduction the author attempts to clear some of the misconceptions that surround sales. “Sales has been overcomplicated, overhyped, and deeply misunderstood. In one version, it is treated as persuasion, something you do to people. In another, it is framed as pressure, something you apply until someone gives in. And for many capable, ethical professionals, sales become something to avoid altogether. Manipulative. Uncomfortable. Not for people like me,” writes Donaldson. Clearing damaging myths and false beliefs about sales the author is quick to say that sales does not require any specific personality trait, rather skills and hard work.
Part one of the book deals with the psychology or mindset for sales, what is required, how to develop the same, and what the readers can take away from this section. Part two deals with alignment for sales, and why product knowledge alone is not enough to successfully close deals. Chapter four of part two titled “the hidden link between knowledge and anxiety” impressed me quite a bit. In this section the author clarifies that it is not emotional weakness that makes one anxious during sales; rather it is informational instability. This section presents an important lesson to readers in the sense that one does not need to talk incessantly to achieve a sale, rather than that one needs to be structured in presentation and not overwhelm the buyer with unnecessary information.
The rest of the book continues to provide lessons on valuable skills, and traits one needs to develop and inculcate to be successful in sales. Concluding with a humble chapter in which the author clarifies that his goal is not to impress, but rather to educate and inculcate a complete operating framework for professional selling in the reader. In my opinion this book would be a good read for anyone that is considering a career in sales or marketing, specifically for the young first-time job seeker who wants to succeed in this field.

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Learning Christianity through Trivia

The Ultimate Bible Trivia Book for Teens: 443 Fun-Filled Questions to Test Your Knowledge, Challenge Friends, and Grow Your Faith by Ahoy Publications
The Ultimate Bible Trivia Book for Teensfrom Ahoy Publications; 178 pp.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Religion in general and Christianity in particular is losing allure in the United States, a large and growing number of young people with liberal arts education are leaving churches and declaring themselves as agnostic or atheists. The lure of other faiths is also drawing several youths away from Christianity. Numerous missionary organizations and churches are initiating programs to attract youth back to the congregation.
In this direction of popularizing the Bible and Christian faith Ahoy Publications presents The Ultimate Bible Trivia Book for Teens – a 178-page book of fun-filled questions to test the readers knowledge of the bible. The book features 443 questions that can be used as a refresher or knowledge test about the bible. It can also be used to discuss religious matters with friends, even introduce faith to non-Christians, as a fun-filled activity which is also informational.
Divided into parts and sections, The Ultimate Bible Trivia Book for Teens features several types of questions including but not limited to multiple choice, true-false, multiple answer, fill in the blanks, etc. These questions all pertain to a particular book or section of the Bible, the graphics at the beginning of each provide small relief to the other verbose nature of the book.

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Romantic Adventure Novel Set in Africa

Romance novels often feature urban environments and follow the familiar pattern of drama. The main characters meet and fall in love, then there is a plot twist which prevents coming together of the lovers. These novels usually culminate in the usual matrimonial union of the lovers, and everyone is happy. In this realm Jack Eliron presents his magnum opus His Wicked Hands Made me Sin, a 317-page adventure-romance novel with its refreshingly different plot, characterization, setting, action, and culture. Set in Benin, Africa the novel presents the main protagonists Kemi and Ben, two very strong characters and how they are brought together. The author weaves word pictures so vivid that the reader can feel part of the setting in the story, amidst action, and visualizing the dramatic, sizzling romance. The complexity of characters is presented in an immersive manner which makes them very relatable to the reader. The intense chemistry between Ben and Kemi adds to the emotional swirl of the novel. While the novel is engaging and has vivid descriptions of the setting, characters, and events, I do have one small issue. The only refrain I have about the novel is its title, I couldn’t quite understand the relevance of the story to the headline.

Typical English Romance Novel

A Lady's Guide to Kiss a Rake by Tanya Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A typical English romance novel with its set dose of fun, excitement, thrill, and of course some steamy love making. The story revolves around Lady Josephine (Jo) and St. Adlwyn (Damien), their competition, love, quarrels, etc. Both of them start off saying they don't believe in marriage, Damien being too much a man about town, and Jo not trusting any man and being involved in her projects. Her belief that marriage would mean hindrance to her social work of rescuing the weak, helpless and abused. But Damien has other feelings and thoughts, he wants to be her only protector and lover.
The friendly and at times heated banter between them makes this book worth reading. The narration and descriptions of elaborate festivities, dresses of the ladies, and character building is very interesting. The wordplay is very entertaining and makes this book almost unputdownable. The side characters including lady Belle and the Middleton girls add the much needed relief and comedy to the work.
The book has its share of steamy descriptions of interludes between the main characters which makes it all the more interesting. Overall I'd give this book a 4/5 rating and definitely worth spending a few hours to complete the story.

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Leading Teens towards Wealth with Smart Techniques!

Investing and Money Skills for Teenagers: Master Your Independence, Budget Successfully, and Grow Wealthy with Easy Investing, Real Estate Strategies, ... Debt! by Chad K. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Most teenagers are focused on school, friends, sports, and pop culture for the most part. Until teens hit adulthood and start working to make money and pay their own bills the importance of developing sound financial strategies to become wealthy is not taught. Moreover, most teenagers and even some adults are not quite interested in learning about finance, investing, real estate planning, etc. This can present several challenges as the world becomes more complex and getting wealthy becomes difficult.
Learning about financial strategies, real estate investing, managing debt, etc. from the correct sources is crucial. The internet is full of questionable advice, which makes it very difficult to navigate to the correct information that leads to success. Coupled with this is the lack of financial literacy classes in our education system. This leads to teenagers transitioning into adult lives with abject lack of knowledge about economic systems, wealth building, investing, real estate acquisitions, debt management, etc.
Chad K Smith MBA has written a book aimed at teenagers to teach this very subject. The information packed book guides teens through the world of personal finance and provides valuable lessons on budgeting, investment strategies, and building long term lasting wealth. “The magic of compound interest and time leverage are your secret weapons in achieving financial success,” writes Smith introducing the concept of wealth building from an early age. Organized into eight easy to read chapters, each with nuggets of financial and wealth building wisdom, Investing and Money Skills for Teenagers starts off with the chapter that explains the quest for financial independence beyond the basics. He breaks down the emotional biases and psychological biases that can lead to irrational financial behavior, and how to prevent falling into this trap. A section on tools for mindful investing is valuable for those beginning their foray into investing.
A complete chapter is dedicated to decrypting cryptocurrencies and how to build wealth through these modern and revolutionary financial instruments. This chapter can be useful to teens with little knowledge about cryptocurrencies as well as adults in the same boat. The chapter on international markets teaches readers about how to navigate the global economy and come out with profits. The book even touches upon sustainability and green investments, advanced real estate leverage strategies; wealth building through diversification; and the final chapter deals with advanced debt management and credit building.
The three page conclusion to the volume summarizes the major concepts and lessons in the book and reinforces the fact that wealth building is long term and one can achieve this with smart discipline, and work ethic. The reference section provides valuable links to further reading for those interested in learning more on this topic.

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Guiding Teens towards Spirituality and Faith

Systematic Theology for Teens in 90 Days: Understand What You Believe, Why It Matters, and What the Bible Teaches About God, Jesus, and the Christian Faith by Radiant Faith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Teenagers are under a lot of pressure from all sides – parents, peers, friends, teachers, pop culture, among others. We are living in times when everything metaphysical, spiritual, and religion is being mocked it is difficult for teenagers to understand and work towards being a Christian. Teenagers are not prone to confide their fears and doubts with parents immediately, their first go to resource is often a peer, or often someone who they look up to like a senior student at school, or sporting team etc. The guidance they receive from these sources are at best questionable.
In this scenario Radiant Faith presents the 140-page volume to provide real Christian guidance for teenagers aspiring to be Christians. Systemic Theology for Teens in 90 days is a book that ties the loose ends, clears doubts, explains the scripture in an easily understandable manner, and finally ties the message back to the Bible. This a perfect book for personal study of Christian religion and faith.
Spread across 12-chapters, Systemic Theology for Teens.. starts off with an introduction which starts with an anecdote of a young Christian whose faith is challenged at the university. This book is designed to prevent such confusion and faith crises when teens encounter real world challenges. The book explains how faith among youth thrives in a controlled environment of Christian family, church, and school but begins to wither away when exposed to secular university, workplace skepticism or personal tragedy. The goal of this book is not let this happen and how to strengthen Christian faith despite facing the above challenges and more.
Specific situations and challenges facing Christian youth are detailed in this volume including questioners, challengers, seekers, leaders, and doubters and how one can develop confidence to discuss and defend beliefs with peers, and adults without coming off as copycats or indoctrinated people. The unique feature of this book is that it meets teenagers at their level and takes them on a planned journey deeper into faith that will last through life.

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Valuable Educational Resource for Medical Students

The Complete Human Anatomy Coloring Book: 175 Illustrations & 77 Fun Facts In a Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide & Workbook for Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, Medical Students & Adults by Atlas Gray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A thorough knowledge of human anatomy is vital for those aspiring to be doctors, nurses, physicians’ assistants, and a plethora of healthcare professionals. Medical students spend almost an entire semester studying the gross anatomy of the human body. Even high school biology students go through extensive training in anatomy of humans, as well as other animals. The study of anatomy is extensive and can present a strong challenge to students. Remembering physical structures, their Latin names and how each of them are related to each other, their location with respect to other organs, etc. can be tough. A good way to learn anatomy is by drawing the parts and labeling them from memory.
The Complete Human Anatomy Coloring Book by Atlas Grey provides students a valuable resource to learn, practice, and master the subject. With over 170 coloring pages of human anatomy images and nuggets of valuable information, this book is bound to be a great resource for students of biology. Starting off with the Musculoskeletal system, the book presents images of different body systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, endocrine, lymphatic, reproductive, nervous, and auditory & visual systems. Each page contains interesting, accurate images of the parts of the respective biological system with opportunity to color and label the different parts of the structure. Following the drawing page is a page of information with some quick mastery trivia. This book will be a great addition to biology students curriculum, and those that are creative can color the pages and with realistic colors and keep the book for the rest of their lives.

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