Book Reviews: Finances and Business

Internet Business Insights: Lessons Learned and Strategies Used by 101 Successful Internet-Based Entrepreneurs

I’m glad I got the Kindle version, because paying more would have been a waste. The author clearly did a lot of research and I respect that. There are some worthwhile insights and interesting data, but there wasn’t anything really usable for my existing business. Maybe startups would find it helpful with initial decisions, but I skimmed through it pretty quickly.

Aftershock: Protect Yourself and Profit in the Next Global Financial Meltdown

David Wiedemer, Robert A. Wiedemer, Cindy Spitzer (2011 edition); Rating: 4

The authors have proven accurate in their financial forecasts in the past, but there still is risk in their recommendations because no one can anticipate all potential problems, which the authors readily admit. They offer very solid research and explanations, and the book is a very good resource for financial decisions. Carefully consider what they recommend and make wise, not emotional decisions. I recommend getting the latest edition.

Five Wealth Secrets 96% of Us Don’t Know

I’ve taught adult classes on the principles of money management (including the envelope method) and can recognize a simple and workable system when I see one. This book is it. The Five Jar (or envelope) method is simple enough I adapted it for my grandchildren and taught them the basic principles. I give them an allowance with the proper change they need for their envelopes and occasionally ask them how they’re using certain funds, just to make sure they understand and are being faithful to the plan. They’re learning to live within their means, honor God with their tithe, be generous to those in need, save for the future, look for investment or business opportunities and still have spending money. Virtually every time I explain what I’m doing to another adult, that person says, “I wish I’d learned that when I was a kid.” Use this book to train your grandchildren, train your children, train yourself. It presents valuable lessons in real life scenarios.

Nolo’s Guide to Single Member LLCs

David M. Steingold; Rating: 4

This is a great manual and covers lots of options for SMLLCs. It’s an important resource for existing businesses or start-ups and I recommend it to other business owners.

Your Limited Liability Company: An Operating Manual

This was an invaluable resource as I was setting up my LLC. It explains the necessary documents, requirements for meeting documentation, business resolutions, loans, templates for necessary documents and much more. Whether you’re setting up or already functioning, either a multiple-member or single-member LLC, you’ll be glad you have this manual in your office.

Thou Shall Prosper: Ten Commandments for Making Money

Rabbi Lapin presents financial wisdom in a form that is practical, informative and entertaining. His enlightened perspective ranges from who we are as people, why relationships are important, why business is essential to us individually and collectively, what money really is, how to use it to serve others, how to anticipate changes, what prosperity really is, and so on. Because of my age, Lapin’s tenth commandment, “Never Retire,” was especially meaningful. I’ve said for years that retirement isn’t a biblical concept; just an American fantasy. Lapin points out that the very idea of retirement erodes the quality of perseverance. So, regardless of your age, you’ll benefit greatly if you read this book and apply what you learn.

Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders

The book presents seven principles of effective leadership that are applicable to business, nonprofits and government agencies; principles that are relevant regardless of the economy, organization culture or work environment. They are very practical applications of biblical love – agape – that hold leadership accountable and help the organization become healthier and its staff more enthusiastic. The author demonstrates that putting love to work actually takes very little time or effort but produces major improvements in staff performance, customer satisfaction and the bottom line. In reality, every one of us is a leader, because we all influence other people either positively or negatively, so the book is valuable to all of us, though its target audience is those in leadership positions.

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