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Business and Personal FinanceApril 2014
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"We can gain immeasurably from conducting a meeting with absolutely no agenda or from bringing unusual suspects into the fold. My research has shown that a certain amount of chaos supports what I call 'organized serendipity' -- where new and creative ideas seem to emerge out of nowhere." ~ from Ori Brafman's The Chaos Imperative
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New and Recently Released!
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| Jim Cramer's Get Rich Carefully by Jim CramerReaders only nominally aware of Jim Cramer's CNBC show (Mad Money with Jim Cramer) might be surprised by the title of this book. But despite Cramer's enthusiastic delivery, his solid advice is targeted to conservative investors who want high yields -- at low risks. Methodically outlining strategies to address that sweet spot in the current market, Cramer addresses different topics in each chapter. Though he identifies "bankable" CEOs, trends, and stocks, he also explains how things like Fed policy and world events influence the stock market. Cautious investors -- or those new to the market -- would do well to read this accessible, approachable book. |
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| Gold: The Race for the World's Most Seductive Metal by Matthew HartFrom its earliest discovery, gold has influenced human history, and not necessarily for the better. Beginning with an account of a South African gold mine in which miners, thieves, and human nature all play parts, author Matthew Hart goes on to discuss Inca gold, the California gold rush, and gold's continuing hold on the global economy, despite the U.S. dollar's dominance. Gold's influence isn't going away any time soon -- China shows increasing interest, and the price of gold doubled during the recent financial crises. Readers interested in understanding why should check out this "fascinating look at the geology, geopolitics, and economics of gold" (Booklist). |
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| The Up Side of Down: Why Failing Well is the Key to Success by Megan McArdleAs in the best of the books by Malcolm Gladwell, author Megan McArdle mixes business lessons with an approachable, engaging storytelling style. In The Up Side of Down, she addresses how failure can ultimately lead to success (no doubt comforting to leaders of failed projects). Drawing on a broad range of disciplines, McArdle explains not only how to harness the learning experiences associated with failure but relates a series of anecdotes that support her advice, from the making of Titanic (the film) to her own personal history. |
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| Absolute Value: What Really Influences Customers in the Age of (Nearly) Perfect Information by Itamar Simonson and Emanuel RosenNow that so much information is available at the click of a mouse, how have consumers changed the way they make purchases? Focusing on shifts in purchasing patterns over the last few years, this "accessible, data-rich study" (Publishers Weekly) aims to help businesses adjust their marketing methods to support a climate in which brand loyalty and positioning mean less than they used to...and review sites hold a lot more power. |
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Great Books You Might Have Missed
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| The Chaos Imperative: How Chance and Disruption Increase Innovation, Effectiveness, and Success by Ori Brafman and Judah PollackHave you ever felt that you're too busy doing to have time to think about how and why you're doing what you're doing? According to authors Ori Brafman and Judah Pollack, it's time to introduce a little bit of chaos. Step free from too much efficiency and orderliness to allow yourself, and your organization, some disruption and unstructured time -- this, the authors argue, is crucial for the creation of new ideas. Five "rules" allow for some control of the chaos, maximizing the efficiency of what they call "white space." Real-life examples from sources such as Albert Einstein and, surprisingly, the U.S. Army, help support their suggestions. |
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| America's Obsessives: The Compulsive Energy that Built a Nation by Joshua KendallReaders interested in the link between extremes in individual productivity, innovation, and eccentricity may well enjoy this engaging book, which looks at the lives of seven of America's most productive people, including Charles Lindbergh, Steve Jobs, Estée Lauder, and Henry J. Heinz. Author Joshua Kendall argues that all had obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD, not the better known OCD) that led them to produce for personal reasons, not for financial gain, transforming U.S. culture in the process. Kendall shares the good, the bad, and the quirky; fans of Ghaemi Nassir's A First-Rate Madness should give it a try. |
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| Stiletto Network: Inside the Women's Power Circles that Are Changing the Face of Business by Pamela RyckmanCovering the growing influence of women at work, author Pamela Ryckman discusses the women's networks that have been in place since the 1990s, using real-life examples of these support systems. They're not just for advancing careers, but also to support charities, raise capital, and provide emotional support. Ryckman also explains exactly how to build one of your own. "Emboldening, encouraging, and entertaining," says Publishers Weekly, which also declares it essential for any woman who "wishes to further her career while remaining true to herself." |
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| Springboard: Launching Your Personal Search for Success by G. Richard ShellWharton School of Business professor G. Richard Shell has made his popular "Success Course" available to everyone in this simple, straightforward book. And while it's certainly relevant for readers looking to achieve success at work, it's not just limited to the office. One major point Shell makes is that social skills do help, and beefing them up can impact you directly -- whether by expanding your network or increasing your self-confidence. In addition to directing you to the sort of navel-gazing that can focus your goals, efforts, and initiatives, Shell also supports replacing old definitions of success (particularly those promoted by outside influences) with new ones based on unique talents, values, personalities and motivations. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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If you are having trouble unsubscribing to this newsletter, please contact The Urbandale Public Library at 515-331-4488, 3520 86th St., Urbandale, IA 50322 |
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