[.ca] The Personal Touch (ISBN 0446671584)

Personal Touch:
I really enjoyed the book written by Terrie Williams. Ms. Williams brought out much needed things that we humans of today seem to have forgotten. If more people would adhere to the principles of personal touch, the world would be a better place to live and we as humans would not be under so much stress. One of my Teachers once wrote in my autograph book upon graduation the saying,"To suceed, you must proceed to exceed". I think Ms. Williams said that many times in her book in many different ways. She made me think back to basics, and that "Common sense is no longer common. Personal Touch could be sub titled "Good News". Which means Gospel. I highly recommend this book to anyone who strives to be sucessful.

Networking in the '90's:
Terrie certainly has a breezy writing style that goes a long way toward making this book an easy read. If you've ever wondered whether the small touches are worth it to your customers (and thus to your business), then Terrie's book will certainly prove that they're essential. Her company, the Terrie Williams Agency, is a PR firm that represents some very big names like Eddie Murphy and the late Miles Davis. This is a personal story of how she changed careers from social work to PR with the help of many people along the way. It's the stories that make the book easy to read. It's those same stories that illustrate that doing the extra, the unexpected, the gracious is what will set your business apart from the rest. If I learned nothing from this book, it's the importance of names. Knowing them, spelling them correctly, and using them often. Terrie is especially adamant about it since her name is misspelled often. She also emphasizes that you can't know a person's sex by their name, so make sure you find out. She practices what she preaches because she must name every person she knows AND every person who's ever helped her somewhere in this book. Interspersed in the stories are the suggestions, tips, tricks, and hints that make the book valuable. Things like: returning phone calls within 24 hours; sending thank-you notes; making gifts personal to the person you're buying for; introducing those who are unknown to the known (especially when dealing with celebrities); helping without expecting something in return; the value of your reputation; and much more. This book would make a good companion to Harvey Mackay's book "Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty". Harvey has even more suggestions than Terrie and he goes into specifics (such as how he's set up multiple Rolodexes to keep track of people). Harvey's of the same school about the importance of getting to know people, staying in touch with them, and doing things for them without being asked. Since networking is a fact of life today, whether online or in person, if you've never read a networking how-to book, consider this one. If you can only buy one, buy Harvey and borrow Terrie from the library. But, you should read both. Note: Terrie used selected (mild) curse words throughout the text. Though it seems to be her style and her way of speaking to her reading audience, I found them distasteful. We all let lose with choice words at times, but I find it extremely unprofessional to use them in a business situation. This book is a reflection of her business and it's not flattering.

My business "bible"...:
This is a great book, full of common-sense advice that is crucial for success in today's business world. I read this book years ago (as an assistant manager), and return to it time and again as a touchstone, as I move up the corporate ladder (now a VP). I've found her sound, wisdom-filled tactics essential in making a mark in my industry. Since my colleagues and clients speak very highly of me, I know Terrie's suggestions worked!

Intereresting Read but not much more:
This is interesting to read if you want to read about someone else's success. It is a very general book and doesnt really give you any advice or insite on how to get ahead in life or business. Its worth checking out in the library but not much more.

I want my money back:
I was so dissappointed with this book. There is nothing new or remotely original. In fact, if your mother ever taught you the rules of basic etiquette then you have more useful knowlege than this book gives. Also, the book is now rather dated. The names she drops are either now out of favor or have been forgotten. If you are still curious go to the library and read it for free.