This weekend grab one of these books that focuses on American phenomena, living lavishly, and comedy. Intriguing reads with compelling topics that any person can relate to.
In the 1990s a certain toy gripped the attention of American consumers in an unprecedented way. How could palm-sized bears filled with synthetic beans make Americans empty their wallets and turn an ordinary businessman into the richest man in the American toy industry? The Great Beanie Baby Bubble by Zac Bissonnette explores the notorious phenomenon surrounding the mass exodus of college tuition dollars into a collection of plush Beanie Babies. Available for purchase here.
The word “hotel” didn’t enter the general lexicon until 1827 when the world’s largest one (at the time) opened in Boston, MA. From then on, hotels became a home-away-from-home for weary journeyers, and now they’re every businessperson’s favorite treat when they go on a work trip. In this book, Hotel Life by Caroline Field Levander and Matthew Pratt Guterl, you’ll see how Donald Trump angered Eloise. You’ll see which city’s hotels are known for having high suicide rates. You’ll find out how fabulous amenities can raise the roofs (literally), how one celeb hopes to change hotels for the poor and learn where you never want to book a room. A great read for an avid traveler. Available for purchase here.
For weeks now your top client has been dancing around a decision and he just can’t commit. You’re getting a little worried that he might waltz right out of the deal. So how do you learn to be light on your feet in this situation – and others? Start with Yes, And by Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton. In their long careers with The Second City, Chicago ’s famed comedy center, Leonard and Yorton have had the good fortune to watch talented performers shine through the use of improvisation. Improv, in comedy and at work, lets practitioners respond more quickly to a situation. Comedy and business have three major things in common, say the authors: “Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration.” The “bedrock” of them all is “Yes, And,” which is a way to keep ideas flowing, solve problems, and keep employees involved. Yes, And helps with “creating something out of nothing” by asking for more. It builds on everyone’s contributions and levels the “playing field of the conversation.” If your sales or marketing department needs freshening up, this book and the exercises inside it may help, and they’ll surely make things fun. Available for purchase here.
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Contributions by Terri Schlichenmeyer
