Inside The Box by Drew Boyd & Jacob Goldenberg - Book review

Inside the Box

A Proven System of Creativity for Breakthrough Results

By: Drew Boyd, Jacob Goldenberg


Published: June 11, 2013
Format: Hardcover, 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1451659253
ISBN-13: 978-1451659252
Publisher: Simon & Schuster











"We'll show you that more innovation - and better and quicker innovation - happens when you work inside your familiar world (yes, inside the box) using what we call templates", write assistant professor of marketing and innovation at the University of Cincinnati, Lindner College of Business, Drew Boyd; and Professor of Marketing at the School of Business Administration at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jacob Goldenberg, in their fascinating and thought provoking book Inside the Box: A Proven System of Creativity for Breakthrough Results. The authors describe and alternative methodology for creative thinking and finding breakthrough discoveries that challenges the concept that creativity is an ad hoc and unstructured process.

Drew Boyd (photo left) and Jacob Goldenberg recognize that the standard mode of creative thinking involves what the innovators perceive as "thinking outside the box" and "brainstorming" and "going wild with ideas". The authors provide evidence that the creative process is not haphazard, but is actually following a process that they term working "inside the box". The authors even share the templates for speeding up and establishing a more effective and faster innovation events.

The authors make the case that templates enhance creativity, rather than stifle the creative process. The authors also point out that innovators throughout history have utilized templates, even if they were not aware they were doing so. The standard brainstorming methods of creative idea generation, when they produce innovative results, are also following a template, even if it's not recognized as such.

Jacob Goldenberg (photo left) and Drew Boyd understand the importance of finding and utilizing effective innovation developing templates. The templates, according to the authors, regulate people's thinking and focus the creative systems into a more productive format. The authors point out that these templates are so powerful and enduring that they are encoded right in the products and services with which everyone is familiar.

The authors present their five basic innovation templates under the umbrella of their innovation system they call Systematic Innovative Thinking (SIT). The authors point out that the process is accessible by anyone and for any creative purpose. Instead of having to rely on intuitive creativity, the template establishes a universal method for innovation. The Systematic Innovative Thinking (SIT) is composed of five fundamental templates. The five basic templates are as follows:

* Subtraction: Something removed
* Division: A component separated out of the larger whole
* Multiplication: A copied component added but altered in some way
* Task unification: Bringing multiple tasks together in one unit
* Attribute dependency: Two correlated attributes combined and dependent on each other

For me, the power of the book is how Drew Boyd and Jacob Goldenberg combine a comprehensive framework for creativity, with the practical hands on techniques needed to utilize them effectively. The major breakthrough idea of the book is that the very process of creativity is not a random event, but can be codified into a series of five readily applicable templates. The authors demonstrate how the five techniques of Systematic Innovative Thinking (SIT) have worked to provide some of the leading innovations of the past half century. These revolutionary breakthrough discoveries were achieved by ordinary people who simply used the process techniques as templates.

The authors offer in depth guidance on using the techniques correctly. The templates can be misused or applied in the wrong manner, resulting in no real progress toward a solution. The authors make clear that using the templates as inside the box thinking is more effective and realistic than the more ad hoc outside the box premise. Indeed, they point out that many ideas that are widely viewed as resulting from outside the box thinking were really addressed from within the box.

I highly recommend the very hands on and innovative idea generating book Inside the Box: A Proven System of Creativity for Breakthrough Results by Drew Boyd and Jacob Goldenberg, to any business leaders, executives, managers, designers, artists, creative thinkers, and anyone seeking a reliable and proven system for creating new and expressive solutions to any problems. Instead of waiting for that elusive flash of genius, that might never come, this book establishes and puts into action an effective process that transforms anyone into that creative genius.

The Barefoot Spirit by Michael Houlihan & Bonnie Harvey - Book review

The Barefoot Spirit

How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America's #1 Wine Brand

By: Michael Houlihan, Bonnie Harvey

Published: May 21, 2013
Format: Paperback, 272 pages
ISBN-10: 0988224542
ISBN-13: 978-0988224544
Publisher: Evolve Publishing











"Within our story are lessons all entrepreneurs need to survive, to thrive, to be successful, and to give their own brands and companies a spirit of fun, purpose, innovation, and heart", write entrepreneurs and co-founders of Barefoot Wines, Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, in their inspirational and engaging book The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America's #1 Wine Brand. The authors describe their entrepreneurial journey, from the founding of the winery in the mod-1980s, share their challenges and triumphs, and offer valuable experience and lessons for business and for life with other entrepreneurs.

Michael Houlihan (photo left) and Bonnie Harvey understand that an entrepreneurial venture is so much more than a business. It is also a journey of learning about yourself, your values, and finding a mission to improve the world for everyone. The authors open the curtain and show the activities, creativity, and social conscience that transformed Barefoot Wine into the leading national wine brand.

The Barefoot Wine story is one perseverance, overcoming shortages of cash, and staying true to the founders' personal values and convictions. That emphasis on values formed the foundation of the company's transformational Worthy Cause Marketing initiative that not only built their brand, but helped hundreds of non-profit organizations achieve their goals as well.

Bonnie Harvey (photo left) and Michael Houlihan recognize that entrepreneurship is both a difficult and challenging endeavor for anyone. It is also a very rewarding journey through life. The authors found a way, through a combination of dedication, hard work, and sticking with a vision of giving back to others by living their values every day. Without money for advertising, the founders discovered a better way, and a more effective means for building their brand identity. The creation of the Worthy Cause Marketing concept became one of the true cornerstones of their success; far surpassing any benefit that could possibly result from traditional advertising.

The book is divided into a series of lessons and principles that guided the hand of the founders as they built the company. Instead of being blocked by an obstacle, they found a way past the barriers that was even more effective that simply traveling a clear road ahead. The founders turned adversity into opportunity, and placed that opportunity into their values based vision of the company. The various chapters of the company's life are as follows:

* How hard could it be?
* Now what?
* Taking on the behemoth
* Have you had your brick for the day?
* Hit the enemy where the enemy is not
* Mama Mabel, surfers and monks
* The romance of the wine business
* Never waste a perfectly good mistake
* A smaller slice of a larger pie
* The spirit lives on

For me, the power of the book is how Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey combine the the story of their entrepreneurial venture of Barefoot Wine, with a series of lessons learned and shared with other entrepreneurs who may be seeking advice and guidance. The book is a deeply personal book, as the winery business was part of the very heart of the founders themselves. They acted in their business with conviction that their vision was not only good business, but also service a much larger human purpose. The founders demonstrate clearly that it is not only possible to live your values and make them the core of the company culture, but that values based companies are also business success stories.

The internalization of the principle, that ethical business is good business, formed the overarching ideals by which decisions were made and put into action. The Worthy Cause Marketing values formed an integral part of this overall vision. The founders also believe in sharing their ideas and methods with other entrepreneurs, to give back more to the community, as mentors and teachers of visionary business business people.

I highly recommend the deeply personal and proven entrepreneurial idea packed book The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America's #1 Wine Brand by Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, to any entrepreneurs seeking a clear and concise guide to establishing and operating a business based on a vision of living and acting on one's own personal values. This book demonstrates that a values based business is not only a successful business model, but is also one that will leave the competition behind.

The Erotics of Looking: Early Modern Netherlandish Art Edited by Angela Vanhaelen & Bronwen Wilson

The Erotics of Looking

Early Modern Netherlandish Art

Edited by: Angela Vanhaelen, Ph.D., Bronwen Wilson, Ph.D.

Published: July 15, 2013
Format: Paperback, 218 pages
ISBN-10: 1118465253
ISBN-13: 978-1118465257
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell










"The emphasis of the essays is on the methodological implications of paying close attention to sensual encounters with pictures", write Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Art History and Communication Studies at McGill University, Angela Vanhaelen, Ph.D.; and Professor and Head of World Art Studies and Museology at the University of East Anglia, Bronwen Wilson, Ph.D., editors of the provocative and insight filled book The Erotics of Looking: Early Modern Netherlandish Art . The editors present a series of essays by internationally renowned authorities on early modern Dutch art that challenge the traditional interpretations of the works, and offer an alternative approach to the paintings based on sensuality and real lifeand away from the standard religious and ideological viewpoints.

Angela Vanhaelen (photo left) and Bronwen Wilson understand that the impact and power of paintings reach beyond the canvas to incorporate the beholder in the process of creation and recognition. Because every artist, work, and viewer are different, and bring different backgrounds and perspectives to the art, the interaction becomes one of complexity and uncertainty.

The editors include contributions that examine this challenging aspect of sensuality on the one hand, and extreme boredom and ambivalence on the other. Overall, the essays provide for a fresh viewing or early modern Dutch art beyond symbols, ideology, and motifs, and into the world of the senses, real life, and very human activities.

Bronwen Wilson (photo left) and Angela Vanhaelen recognize that the selections are controversial and bring forth both questions and challenges. To address these questions and queries, the editors offer four essays that respond to these concerns and expressions of sensual dynamics. The inclusion of such a wide variation of ideas, interpretations, and perspectives invites conversation and further inquiry.

As the editors point out, the artists themselves were reticent about sharing their motivations and personal meanings of their works. While the Dutch artists described the mechanics of their art making, they shared little about either surface or hidden meanings of their works. They did tantalizingly offer their ideas of the seductiveness and impact of sensuality of paintings on the viewer. The resulting work transformed the viewer from observer to sensual participant in the work itself.

The editors provide the following essays for interpreting and better understanding early Dutch modern works of art:

* The erotics of looking: Materiality, solicitation, and Netherlandish visual culture
* Beer and loafing in Antwerp
* Entropic Segers
* The turn of the skull: Andreas Vesalius and he early modern Momento Mori
* Laying the table: The procedures of still life
* Boredom's threshold: Dutch realism
* Response: Art/matters
* Response: On the impulse of mapping
* Response: Reflections of temporality in Netherlandish art
* Response: The work of realism

For me, the power of the book is how Angela Vanhaelen and Bronwen Wilson provide a wide range of concepts and perspectives on the vision and concepts sensuality portrayed by early modern Dutch artists. The various contributors are leading authorities on the subject matter who, regardless of their point of view, cause the reader to think and to rethink their own ideas about the artistic creations of that era. The essays begin with the theoretical frameword devised and presented by the editors. The central theme is that the artists created worlds on the canvas that were social objects that invited engagement by the viewer.

The earl modern Netherlandish artists offered a sensual vision that drew on the emotional response of the beholder, drawing the person into the work itself. With this critical pleasure based engagement in place, the artist and the beholder are then able to open up a social and political discourse grounded in and connected to the real world. The editors include numerous full color and other reproductions of the artworks under consideration, offering the reader the opportunity to consider the perspectives and viewpoints provided in the essays themselves.

I highly recommend the ground breaking and landmark book The Erotics of Looking: Early Modern Netherlandish Art edited by Angela Vanhaelen, Ph.D., and Bronwen Wilson, Ph.D., to any students of art and art history, academics in the field, art gallery owners and managers, art collectors and dealers, and to anyone interested in the power of the senses and sensuality found in the interaction between artist and viewer. This book will transform the way the artists of the early modern Dutch period approached their vision, their works, and their engagement with the viewer of the paintings.

William Ferguson: The Wisdom of Titans: Entrepreneur Success - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



Senior management recruitment adviser, CEO succession facilitator, Chairman and CEO Of Ferguson Partners Ltd., and author of the engaging and entrepreneurial insight packed book The Wisdom of Titans: Secrets of Success from Entrepreneurs Who Rose to the Top, William J. Ferguson shares entrepreneurial advice and inspiration learned from his conversations with well known business leaders. William Ferguson presents a comprehensive blueprint for outstanding business achievement through an integrated understanding of the the ideas that propelled the titans to new heights. William Ferguson offers proven business ideas that will take your company to the next level. William points out how the titans understood completely that business success was never about themselves, but always about other people. They learned that no one makes it on their own, and that through teams and serving others, tremendous achievements will become a reality. Learn how to beat the odds and become a successful entrepreneur through the road map shared by eleven high achieving entrepreneurs.

William J. Ferguson is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Thursday, August 15, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Senior management recruitment adviser, CEO succession facilitator, Chairman and CEO Of Ferguson Partners Ltd., and author of the engaging and entrepreneurial insight packed book The Wisdom of Titans: Secrets of Success from Entrepreneurs Who Rose to the Top, William J. Ferguson shares entrepreneurial advice and inspiration learned from his conversations with well known business leaders. You will learn:

* Why it's possible to beat the odds and achieve entrepreneurial success

* How to utilize an integrated blueprint proven by eleven business leaders

* Why business is about other people and not about you

* How to add value to any company at any stage of its development



William J. Ferguson (photo left) serves as Chairman and CEO of Ferguson Partners Ltd. and as the Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of FPL Advisory Group. Mr. Ferguson conducts senior management recruiting assignments, with a specialization in president/chief executive officer searches and recruiting assignments for Boards of Trustees/Directors. He also conducts CEO succession planning assignments and facilitates public company Board assessments and senior management assessments.

Before founding Ferguson Partners Ltd., Mr. Ferguson was a Managing Director in the Chicago office of Russell Reynolds Associates for ten years, one of the leading international executive recruiting consultants. There, he co-managed the firm’s national real estate practice, handling assignments in eleven segments of the commercial and residential real estate industry. Prior to focusing in real estate, Mr. Ferguson worked for General Mills, Inc. in Minneapolis in strategic marketing.

Mr. Ferguson holds a B.A. from Harvard University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and an M.B.A. in marketing from the Wharton Graduate School of Business.

My book review of The Wisdom of Titans: Secrets of Success from Entrepreneurs Who Rose to the Top by William J. Ferguson.

Listen live on Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with senior management recruitment adviser, CEO succession facilitator, Chairman and CEO Of Ferguson Partners Ltd., and author of the engaging and entrepreneurial insight packed book The Wisdom of Titans: Secrets of Success from Entrepreneurs Who Rose to the Top, William J. Ferguson shares entrepreneurial advice and inspiration learned from his conversations with well known business leaders. William Ferguson presents a comprehensive blueprint for outstanding business achievement through an integrated understanding of the the ideas that propelled the titans to new heights. William Ferguson offers proven business ideas that will take your company to the next level. William points out how the titans understood completely that business success was never about themselves, but always about other people. They learned that no one makes it on their own, and that through teams and serving others, tremendous achievements will become a reality. Learn how to beat the odds and become a successful entrepreneur through the road map shared by eleven high achieving entrepreneurs on Blog Business Success Radio.

Blog Bloke: Intellectual Property & What It Means To You - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



Long time blogger, search engine analyst, and well known online privacy advocate Blog Bloke describes the concept of intellectual property and why it is so important to understand. Blog Bloke provides in depth analysis of intellectual property,including the most commonly misunderstood principles, in easily understood language, Blog Bloke offers his ideas on why bloggers need to understand how intellectual property affects their posts and their ideas. He also presents the concepts of idea ownership and how proper attribution of ideas and posts is essential to good blogging practices. He also shows bloggers how to discover if their ideas are being used improperly by others, and how to take action to protect your own intellectual property. Learn how be a better blogger, who respects the intellectual property of others, and how to protect your own ideas from idea theft as well.

BlogBloke is my internet radio show guests on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Tuesday, August 13, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Long time blogger, search engine analyst, and well known online privacy advocate Blog Bloke describes the concept of intellectual property and why it is so important to understand. You will learn:

* What intellectual property really means

* Which aspects of intellectual property are usually misunderstood

* How to be a good blogger who makes proper attribution of posts and ideas

* How to protect yourself from having your intellectual property taken by others



Blog Bloke (avatar left) has worked in journalism and as a programmer in the computer industry before most had heard of Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. A crusader at heart, he switched to law and soon made a name for himself as a successful litigation expert and mediator, helping folks who under normal circumstances can't afford justice.

A geek in every sense of the term, he carried his passion for helping others and computers into blogging that he helped pioneer. In those days there was no such thing as Wordpress or RSS newsfeeds for blogs. Having created the "Blog Tips" niche, his blog is an outstanding resource for helpful blogging tips and how-to tutorials. He has a reputation for being a straight shooter, his sharp wit and an outspoken champion for online ethics. He is bullishly pro blogging, social media, an outspoken advocate for online rights, security and technology issues.

Tech Editor and Author, BLOGBloke has been quoted in the Washington Post, New York Times and CBS News. Here are just a few of the comments that his readers have made:

Listen live on Tuesday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.





To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with long time blogger, search engine analyst, and well known online privacy advocate Blog Bloke describes the concept of intellectual property and why it is so important to understand. Blog Bloke provides in depth analysis of intellectual property,including the most commonly misunderstood principles, in easily understood language, Blog Bloke offers his ideas on why bloggers need to understand how intellectual property affects their posts and their ideas. He also presents the concepts of idea ownership and how proper attribution of ideas and posts is essential to good blogging practices. He also shows bloggers how to discover if their ideas are being used improperly by others, and how to take action to protect your own intellectual property. Learn how be a better blogger, who respects the intellectual property of others, and how to protect your own ideas from idea theft as well on Blog Business Success Radio.

Kathleen Ellmore, VP Consumer Engagement, Silverlink - Interview

Thanks to Vice President, Consumer Engagement at Silverlink, Kathleen Ellmore for taking the time to answer a few questions about health care, the role of behavioral sciences, the impact of the Affordable Care Act, and the rapid change taking place in the industry.

Thanks to Kathleen Ellmore for her time and for her very comprehensive responses. They are greatly appreciated.

What role do the behavioral sciences play consumer health engagement?

Kathleen Ellmore: Transforming healthcare starts with the individual. By gaining insight into what motivates which people, when and why, providers and insurers can personalize communications to nudge millions of individuals in small, healthier ways. The result: better health and lower costs. With the open enrollment period starting October 1 for 2014 healthcare under the U.S. Affordable Care Act, now, more than ever, those individual touch points matter.

October 1 will be here before we know it. What should consumers be doing now to prepare?

Kathleen Ellmore: Consumers can take steps now to ensure they make good choices during the open enrollment period. First, they need to be aware that the Affordable Care Act affects every American and they have choices in healthcare they have never had before. Second, consumers should do their homework.

If they are on a plan, how will the ACA affect them and that plan come 2014? If they are not on a plan, what type of plan should they consider? Doing research now – by talking to their plans, researching options on the Internet and talking with knowledgeable friends, families and associates – will keep them up to date and informed. Third, if they need help making their choices, they should look for advocates in the local community or in the health plan community who can help them move effectively through the enrollment process.

Kathleen Ellmore (photo left)

Can you cite some of the more innovative engagement programs you have seen?

Kathleen Ellmore: A number of state exchanges have created terrific ads that can create awareness of new health plan options in their local communities. It is clear from watching these commercials that most likely through focus group research, the messages are tailored to the populations of the specific states. Each ad takes a unique approach to communicate their key messages. For example, one ad features a local folk singer and another takes a celebratory sports approach.

It is not one-size fits all, and each commercial is innovative based on their target population. At Silverlink, we take a similar approach to personalize and create relevance for the different populations with whom we communicate. Using segmentation and data analytics we help our clients create innovative yet personalized communications that change behavior across many applications.

This is a period of dramatic yet positive change. How can a plan best maintain/show its commitment to members during this time of transition?

Kathleen Ellmore: Communication is key at all times but especially in times of change. Members and non-members alike will be making important healthcare choices, and will need the support of health plans to navigate through the health insurance marketplace. First, plans should find opportunities to provide education and awareness for consumers.

Next, they should work to create relevance for the individual consumer identifying what the plan has to offer that is meaningful to the individual. Third, they should create hand-holding tools and opportunities so that consumers can access those tools throughout the process to ensure consumers are getting the information they need when they need it to make the best decision for their health needs.

What is next for Silverlink?

Kathleen Ellmore: Some 100+ healthcare clients, including the top 10 U.S. health plans, count on Silverlink to help them better engage with their members. Now and through 2014, we will be working with our clients to help individuals transition through the upcoming enrollment period and navigate their new benefits once enrolled. We are excited to help plans guide consumers through this new world order and create stronger relationships between healthcare organizations and their members. Creating trusted brands in health will be a key factor in becoming a partner with consumers in their health choices.

What is next for Kathleen Ellmore?

Kathleen Ellmore: I really enjoy working with healthcare organizations, bringing the best of consumer marketing methodologies, data analytics, and behavioral science to create exceptional experience and motivate consumers to better health decisions. With the ACA, we have unique opportunity right now to build long lasting relationships that will allow organizations to partner with members in their health and drive choices that will be beneficial to both consumers and to the healthcare organizations. I look forward to the impact that we collectively can have on individuals and the country as a whole in creating a healthier America.

*******************

About Silverlink

Silverlink is the proven leader in engagement management solutions for healthcare organizations. Its solutions enable health plans and other key stakeholders to engage and support their members in smarter and more effective ways. Silverlink delivers better control, coordination and effectiveness in member communications to promote healthy and loyal behaviors. For more information, please visit www.silverlink.com.

About Kathleen Ellmore

Kathleen Ellmore, Vice President, Consumer Engagement, counsels Silverlink’s healthcare clients on creating exceptional consumer experiences and building world-class brands. With a unique combination of decision sciences and deep consumer marketing and healthcare expertise, Kathleen helps clients transform their customer outreach and drive improved behaviors and better health. Through an understanding of consumer behavior, segmentation, intervention and data analysis, Kathleen teams with her clients to navigate the major changes occurring in the U.S. healthcare system today.

Kathleen is a frequent speaker on the national stage. Engagements have included the 2012 World Healthcare Congress on building a world-class brand, the 2013 World Congress Summit on consumer engagement through healthcare innovation, and the AHIP Institute 2013 on the topic of consumer engagement best practices.

Prior to joining Silverlink, Kathleen served as vice president for Digitas, the nation’s premier direct marketing firm. At Digitas, she led the AT&T Wireless B2B Services group working on direct communications, database marketing management, segmentation and modeling. Kathleen also has more than 20 years of consumer marketing and brand experience at leading consumer marketing organizations including General Mills and Gillette.

Give Yourself A Raise, 2nd Edition by Gordon Bennett Bleil - Book review

Give Yourself a Raise, Second Edition

By: Gordon Bennett Bliel

Published: July 23, 2013
Format: Paperback, 250 pages
ISBN-10: 0988149184
ISBN-13: 978-0988149182
Publisher: New Shelves Publishing Services











"This book is simple enough and practical enough that you can at last take charge of the money in your life", writes entrepreneur, former commercial bank executive and financial industry management consultant, Gordon Bennett Bleil in the revised edition of his very hands on and readily applicable advice packed book Give Yourself a Raise, Second Edition. The author describes how to manage your personal finances effectively to get out of debt, and remove the stress of that indebtedness to your life.

Gordon Bennett Bleil recognizes that the economy is more tenuous for people today than it was in the past. The financial crash of 2008 transformed the economy, employment, and personal finances from one of relative security to one that is perilous at best. As a result, the author provides evidence of the critical importance of getting out of personal debt. For Gordon Bennett Bleil, debt is like living in a prison, with its stresses affecting family life and personal health. To counter that overbearing problem, the author shares his strategies for regaining control of your own money.

Gordon Bennett Bleil (photo left) understands find money in short supply to pay for the necessities of life, as well as to pay down their personal debt obligations. To overcome the personal challenges faced by someone who feels they can't afford to pay down their debt, the author shares proven money saving tactics that do not diminish a person's standard of living. The author's strategy is based on three simple rules:

* Pay yourself first
* Live within your means
* * Stay out of debt

The author emphasizes the importance of the three rules as they form the core wisodome of the book. To implement the three rules, and to put them into practice in your life, Gordon Bennett Bleil advises how to establish a comprehensive money management plan, ased on the following for component pillars:

* Setting objectives and goals
* Creating a spending plan
* Managing debt
* Accumulating savings

For me, the power of the book is how Gordon Bennett Bleil presnets a complete money managment plan in an easy to understand and apply format. The author makes clear that it is imperative to get out of personal debt. For him, debt is a form of slavery to the creditors, and a removal of personal choices in your life. Gordon Bennett Bleil points out as well that the journey to a debt free life and financial independence is not an easy one. Unlike many books on personal finance, the author is realistic in how long the process to being debt free will take the average person.

Gordon Bennett Bleil also makes clear the necessity of a change in attitude about money and debt, to achieve your personal goals. To help the reader with the three core rules, the book is designed as a workbook, complete with worksheets and exercises to plug in your own income and expenses. The book is not designed as an investment guide, of which there are many good examples, but rather as tool to gain control of your daily and monthly expenditures.

I highly recommend the very practical and well focused book Give Yourself a Raise, Second Edition by Gordon Bennett Bleil, to anyone seeking a clear and concise handbook for regaining control of their personal finances and their lives. This book provides the basics needed to transform your money habits into good ones that will rid you of debt, create savings, and improve your standard of living.