Having read all of Debra Benton's books, and also working in the technology field, I was interested to read what she'd have to say about this field currently mired in gloom and doom. Unlike some of her other books, which reiterate and build upon the principles outlined in "How to Think Like a CEO" and "Lions Don't Need to Roar" -- both great books, btw -- this book focuses more on new material for how a person can be successful with a technology-related position starting today and looking into the future.

From the opening of the book, there isn't even a specter of gloom and doom about the future of technology. Rather, Debra has opened up a gleam of light about how technology is still a viable career choice, and how a person can leverage their technical training and experience in both technical and some not-so-technical fields.

Highly recommended reading!

I am amazed that this type of writing still gets interest. After reading really meaningful books on this subject, like Stephen Covey's 7 Habits or Tom Crane's The Heart of Coaching, I find no place for books that treat this topic with the recipe approach.
After devouting a whole chapter to sell the idea of proffesional coaching, Benton goes on to cite herself incessantly on successful actions she did for herself. She tries to make her points through self refference and other minor examples and cases.
Honestly, I think there are numerous books on this matter out there that really deserve attention. Not this one

As I am putting together a reading list for our management team, this book stands out as one that will be of great value for all managers, old and new. So it's on my list. I give it top marks and highly suggest it.

i highly recommend this book, if you read it and act what is within is you will be for one year a CEO in your company. the language is very clear, and the cases make the book very understandable Thanks Benton for your book Sayed Omar AUC- Egypt

As an executive trainee for a large retail company, I was required to read this book. Benton gives pointers on how to be a clone, a sell out, a working stiff with no sense of individuality or concern for others.

It was poorly written and thoroughly disgusting.

Bleh.

Debra A. Benton's book is a guide for making a better impression, exercising power effectively, and developing improved personal relationships at work. In any corporate culture, the goal is paradoxical: you want to fit in and stand out, at the same time. Based on her experience in working with business leaders as a coach, trainer, and consultant, Benton offers a variety of techniques that emphasize personal presentation and communication skills. While the book will appeal primarily to managers, these skills are useful to anyone who wants to get ahead. Benton combines a lively writing style with effective examples. The book includes useful summaries at the end of each chapter and a brief appendix. We [...] recommend it as an excellent book for anyone in a corporate culture, although there is some overlap with topics from Benton's more recent work, How to Think Like a CEO.

Better than the Bible...this book is the replacement.

All we need is a place of worship.

MM

This book is dull and does not unravel anything that the average person who can rise to the top cannot derive on its own - if you are just graduating from college, this may seem appropriate, if you've been around in the business world - seek other material. One reading suggestion, which is light and very simple, but a good reminder of what's required is the book by Lencioni: " The 5 temptations of a CEO" - worth an hour while waiting at the airport between flights.

The book presents itself as a semi-scholarly work, synthesizing interviews with 100 CEOs into a meaninful set of commandats for those that want to act like the big boss. On an academic level, this is fraught with peril - How do we know these are the right CEOs, and do they really articulate what makes them succeed?

Business books have a history of weak scholarship (think In Search of Excellence) but still can contain great ideas.

The 10 less than profound results:
1 - Be Yourself, Unless You're a Jerk
2 - See Around Corners
3 - Make Dust or Eat Dust
4 - Make the Big Play
5 - Keep Good Company
6 - Be the Number One Fund Raiser and Protecter
7 - Act Like a CEO When You Don't Feel Like It
8 - Evangelize the World
9 - Go Big or Go Home
10 - Cut Through the Junk

All this is good advice, but did you need to ask 100 CEOs to come up with it?

Ultimately, the book resides in my restroom. It's good for a couple minutes a day of reminding me what I should be doing, but nothing that requires hours of in depth study. It's a light read, but not really the blueprint to the executive suite.

"How to Act Like a CEO" captures the strategic business savvy of Corporate stars! Like everything else written by D.A Benton, this book provides us with insight into the minds of industry leaders. I have yet to read a book by any other author that even remotely compares to this treasured information. Bravo, Ms. Benton...you have done it again!

Only very naive or stupid people can take this junk seriously. It's not gonna get you one millimetre closer to CEO anything... or anywhere at all actually, it's just a waste of time and insult to your intelligence.

I thought highly of Benton's previous book, "Lions Don't Need to Roar", and expected to like this one even more. Unfortunately, this book is dominated by anecodotes, and I just didn't think it was as useful as "Lions...". It's readable, interesting, and has some good ideas, but it isn't a must-buy, or even a must-read. I'd give it two-and-a-half stars if I had that option. I hope to see better things in Benton's next book.

'...Think Like a CEO is another book that lends common sense, easy to understand information about leadership skills in the business world. Benton's examples are full of insight. Unlike many business books that use long, scientific style examples of handling business encounters, D.A. provides pointed demonstrations. The examples are a blend of relatable straight talk and humor. I checked this one out from the library and because I hated to take it back. I incurred late fees in the amount, in which I could have used to purchase the book! Get the book.

The dust cover claims this book is worth its weight in gold. Its last chapter, which outlines the 20 steps to earning $100,000 a year, could well make it so. If you buy the book, read the final chapter first. D.A. Benton’s 20 steps are clear and easy to follow. Once you know them, the rest of the book provides excellent supporting information. Benton shows examples of how specific individuals (many of them high-profile celebrities and athletes) used each step to achieve success. This book offers no get-rich-quick schemes. The author advocates a logical, methodical approach to making $100,000 per year. She is so confident that she makes a guarantee: If you put maximum effort into all 20 steps, you will become a member of the $100,000 Club. We [...] recommend this book to anyone interested in making a six-figure income.

Debra documented the characteristics of people in the $100K club very well. It is not (supposed to be)a how to book, but a guide to ensure you are on the path to becoming a six figure earner.

It also serves as a reference and reminder about the things you know you need to do, but do not have someone challenging you to acheive. Debra is able to coach the reader, as if she is working one-on-one with them.

As an avid reader of D.A. Benton's business books, I must give this latest one high marks once again. It's evident by the way Benton writes that she has been successful in her professional and personal life and wants to share her experience and research with those of us readers who are on and in search of that same path. I found the book realistic, engaging, funny, and full of information that inspires me to pursue my non-traditional path of making more money outside the corporate business world.

I found the chapters on Following Your Heart & Soul along with Earning $100,000 at Home or On Your Own to be very insightful. With so much dread and negativity in the world, it's refreshing to read a book that lends so much hope for complete happiness and success in life.