"I just listened to your CD [How to Manage Your Projects...] earlier this week. After hearing the CD, I knew I had to buy your book. Not only because I think it will help me to manage my own projects. But also because I think the material would be a great addition to a course I teach on Product Management.
On your CD, you outlined such a clear, logical process for managing projects to completion. As a small business owner, I feel completely overwhelmed most of the time with all there is to do. Who has the time to tackle the special projects that will enhance the business when you're all caught up in the day-to-day operational details? Not only do you help to separate the projects from the "business as usual," you also offer great tips for choosing which projects to start first.
I constantly coach my clients to have a marketing plan and a strategy. So, it makes perfect sense to me to have a plan and strategy for approaching other projects, as well.
I can't wait to crack the cover of the book and get more details on how to take on my projects. And I am much less fearful about them now that I have your book along to guide me!"
"Ready, Set, Succeed is a necessary tool for companies planning to move, expand, or conquer a project that goes beyond the scope of daily work. Linda's organized and structured approach makes the daunting project somehow become more manageable and attainable. The CD comes alive with stories, examples and humor while being extremely informative and instructional."
"I was an early purchaser of your book Ready, Set, Succeed! which I found to be very easy to read and just as easy to understand. For quick reference, it resides on the bookshelf that is within an arm's reach of my desk.
The CD duplicates the ease of reading the book with an easy to listen to version of the book. Your smooth delivery on the CD allows complete concentration on the subject as compared to some others I have listened to where the author/reader's use of stilted wording and awkward pauses that have you concentrating words instead of the message.
I suggest that a companion CD be kept in a person's car, because you never know when an idea for a new project might occur or when you will have an idea concerning a current project. This will probably happen when you are away from the office so it would be nice to be able to listen to the CD for a refresher on how to approach the new situation."
"After reading Ready, Set, Succeed! I was immediately able to implement many of the ideas. Now that I can listen to the book on CD, I can take it to the next level. I was concerned that listening to information about project management might be boring and dry. NOT SO! Linda Schumacher, the author, has a great speaking voice and peppers her material with a variety of stories and examples. Every business owner, COO and CEO should listen to this book so as to be ready to take on the challenges of growing a business."
"I got the book, and like many busy entrepreneurs didn't have time to plow through it. I then got the CD and have been listening to it over and over again in the car, kind of like a mantra. My usual complaint about any book or CD is that it requires editing. The funny thing is, this one doesn't. Another great testament to Linda's ability to boil down all of the information to the most necessary. I'm loving that calm, easy voice on the CD too! Calms the savage beastly entrepreneur, you could say!"
"Linda helped advise me with my business. She helped me find ways that I could duplicate myself and people that I could subcontract with to accomplish all of my projects. I also benefited by reading her book and realizing the differences between 'business as usual' tasks and projects, which require a different approach."
"In the commercial real estate industry I am continually exposed to businesses that are undertaking extensive projects, typically relocation. Often times a company is facing a move without an interruption of their business services. In Ready, Set, Succeed! Linda does a commendable job of dissecting the steps of a project, helping to reduce apprehension and insure success. She focuses on results without allowing ‘business as usual’ to become an obstacle. In the future I will not hesitate to refer my clients to Ready, Set, Succeed! for an excellent foundation when tackling their most challenging projects."
"It's amazing how simple techniques can make such a huge difference. Some of the techniques Linda mentions in her book could have helped me during my long management career. I see now that I've missed some important aspects of project management for years.
Linda writes one step at a time through the process of managing projects. I liked this approach, because she deals in each step with important issues I need to consider.Then, she provides techniques to better address them.
For instance, she explains how to select the right project to work on. She defines what a project is and how it can benefit you.
Once explaining this, she discusses how to select one appropriate project out of many under consideration, using an effective decision-making technique.
I found her book both readable and practical. She uses a real-life business as her model while she explains the process. She also provides several helpful forms I can use right away to manage my project. Although I haven't read many books on Project Management, I think this basic how-to book will help me further understand the dynamics of projects and assist me in finishing those I've been trying to complete.
Reading this book reminds me how essential Project Management is for anyone who manages people and resources. Not only will it help organize my work; it will give me a process and a way to follow up. I believe this is key to my success."
"Your book has helped me to take a different career path; one that I have longed to do for many years. . . . The chapter in your book entitled "Dedication and Commitment" helped empower me to boldly move forward with my dream. I keep your book handy and read it for inspiration and reinforcement. I recommend it for all those individuals embarking on a new project to keep them on the track towards success."
Karl J. Ubinger
"I recently pulled out my copy of Ready, Set, Succeed! when our organization was experiencing fast growth and I was at risk of being overwhelmed. I was looking for guidance on improving my focus in the midst of increased work activity. I realized that I was thinking about the work of our organization in the wrong way. Some of my 'To Do' items were routine business tasks, but others were really projects. The book helped me recognize that I need to approach accomplishing the projects differently than the routine items. Once this distinction became clear, I was able to organize and plan my work more effectively."
"You put 'project work' in a new light for me. I knew I had to work 'in' the business and 'on' the business, but have been responding to rather than initiating change. That will change. I am currently listing all the possible 'projects' without judgment. Thanks for that advice."
"Ready, Set, Succeed! practices what it teaches. The book provides easy ways to tackle projects by giving step by step techniques that can be used immediately! What I particularly like is that the author weaves a case study example throughout the book so you can see how the techniques and tools are applied with success. Ready, Set, Succeed! has given me the motivation to move forward on projects that have been on the back burner and to scrap the projects that aren't in line with my goals. Great information in a quick read."
"I found [Ready, Set, Succeed!] to be well organized and well written. The tables were particularly helpful in presenting info for the more visual learner. I appreciated the quotations you used as callouts and chapter intros. I love finding classic quotes that apply to current concepts. And your idea of inertia as applied to the group dynamics of PM was great."
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