Corporate-finance

This is one of the worst armchair / recreational mathematics books I've read. The author takes a casual tone that becomes flippant and annoying. Moreover, the mathematics and real numbers work are present enough to drive away non-mathematically minded readers but completely lacking in enough detail to hold the remaining readers. I found myself skimming through the chapters desperately seeking a few nuggets of information without having to subject myself to too much of the surrounding patter. This was not at all enjoyable.

This is a deceptively simple book. It's designed to help people reflect on their own experience and use what they learn as a source of personal growth. The authors identify several self coaching opportunities or openings, and include exercises for working alone or with a coaching partner. They also provide a detailed self-assessment section plus a section on coaching "tools" like choice management and self-observation.

At one level, the book gives people simple guidance for learning from experience in ways that can help them realize their potential. But the quest can be much deeper - and with the same basic tools and techniques. Basically, this is a book that mirrors the reader. Those looking for quick and easy answers will find them. Those more interested in serious self reflection and inquiry will find rewards as deep as their curiosity and capacity can take them. I love the book - especially the questions and exercises -- and will tap its wisdom regularly.

My wife and I have been to Walt Disney World 3 times in the last 4 years and it's getting tough to explain to our friends and family just why it is we spend money and valuable vacation time at the same place. In a word, it's: MAGIC. Walt Disney World is so much more than an collection of amusement parks filled with thematic attractions interspersed with gift shops and restaurants. Walt Disney World is a study in customer service excellence. It is one man's dream come true. We go as much to be inspired as we do to relax and have fun. This book was an excellent companion to our visit providing insight into just how Disney consistently delivers a quality experience.

So why is Disney flat-lining? Well, this is off the book, but if Michael and the gang are listening- in a word it is "Saturation". In Disney's effort to "be everywhere" the magic wears off. Disney stores in the mall, all over radio and TV, and in many ways becoming omnipresent, they are going to pull a "Planet Hollywood". They need to keep a healthy distance- not chasing people everywhere for fear the competition vying for their time and attention will somehow win out. Just keep doing the basics well and let the customers come and find you.

I highly recommend this easy-reading book for three reasons. First, it helped me understand and appreciate how Disney continues to deliver the highest quality products and services year-in and year-out. Secondly, it clearly described many proven ways and concepts to improve my organization's customer service. Lastly, this book gave me a lot of practical lessons that can and should be adapted to fit into most management or leadership situations.

I read a couple of outstanding books by Disney-outsiders ("Built to Last" by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, and "The Disney Way" by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson) about how and why they were so impressed with Disney. I wanted to read a book about a Disney-insider's perspectives on what Disney does to impress everyone and exceed all expectations. This book showed me the "what" of Disney's practical magic of customer service: a full-time business of shared values, enforced standards, focused work, self-discipline, and attention to detail that is virtually transparent to all Disney guests. I got all that I wanted and more from this outstanding book.

After I finished reading this book, I read through my highlights and realized that the following paragraph from the introduction perfectly previewed the book:

"In this book, we take you behind the scenes to discover Disney best practices and philosophies in action. We provide you with an insider's glimpse of quality service principles in action both at Walt Disney World, as told from the perspectives of cast members [Disney-speak for "employees"], and in other organizations, as told by executives who have participated in Disney Institute programs. Walt Disney's fundamentals for success still ring true. You build the best product you can. You give people effective training to support the delivery of exceptional service. You learn from your experiences. And you celebrate success. You never stop growing. You never stop believing."

Sharing the secrets behind Disney's 'practical magic' in this book is yet another example of Disney's commitment to exceptional guest [Disney-speak for "customer"] service. Read this book and enjoy being Disney's guest.

As the Director of an Entrepreneurship Program at a private University, I have found this book to be a valuable teaching tool. Students at all levels of learning enjoy the book because it connects practical stories that students can understand to important aspects of customer service as well as employee management. As recent visitors with our two young children, my wife and I enjoyed the book purely from a "guest" perspective. You can really appreciate all that goes into the magic of the Disney parks by reading this book.

I found this book because of its review [in a newspaper] that described the book as the most unique marketing book sold by Amazon.com. It did not disappoint.

Written in a very readable style -- its almost like the author is talking to you over the dinner table --- the book describes Mr Schoenleb's experiences in marketing positions in 11 companies from Procter & Gamble to Burger King and Midas. In each chapter there are "lessons" offered to the reader on what Mr Schoenleb learned from his experiences.

The overall theme of the book is that to succeed in marketing in a company you must match your abilities and plans to a company's internal "culture". He tells fascinating real-life case histories. I particularly enjoyed his chapter on how he selected a new ad agency for Burger King.

A great book for anyone who's interested in how the American business world really works, especially marketers or Ad Agency folks.