One of Robert Shook's first bits of wisdom for salespeople is that enthusiasm is contagious. He proves this in his latest book, which crackles with his own palpable excitement for the topic of sales and the anecdotes that he's compiled to illustrate his points. He peppers his introductions with slang and cliches. Oddly, this is a plus, making the writing honest, human and real. The book is simply and concisely organized. Shook wants to entertain as well as inform his audience. We [...] recommend this book to those who are in sales, those who supervise salespeople, and those who love good business war stories.

This book gets me going when I really couldn't give a rip. It has given me countless little ideas to use in my daily sales life. It sems to work well too. I'm now a top performing sales rep for one of the best sales forces in the world.

It is a must read for those who want to stay motivated and keep those creative ideas going.

This is one of my favorite books. It's ancient wisdom which serves as a map to how to live a good life. But it doesn't tell you what to do. It leads you there. Short commentaries after each little story from the rabbi/author make the book even better. There's something about this little book that I just find satisfying, like a good, home-cooked meal. The book is a snapshot of what Judaism can do for people. Judaism is not just about ritual. It's not just about using an occasional Yiddish word or eating a bagel and lox. Judaism can also teach us lessons for better living, and this book is a great way to get started with that aspect of the faith. I've never met Rabbi Bleefeld but I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him for the book. Thank you, rabbi.

This is a lovely little book. I have started giving it to bar and bat mitzvahs (along with a more substantial or "cool" gift), and the kids have all really enjoyed it. Each parable is a 1 or 2 page mini-story, and then comes a very brief interpretation. All provide insight and wisdom that is applicable in today's world, although they may require thought. Even those that are transparent engender thought. It is the sort of book that a 10 year old can read and benefit from, as well as an adult. Rereading brings more insights.

For the price, this little book really is incredible. It's straight to the point and pithy. And the info culled for it isn't theory based--its the stuff the best salesmen like former Lehman Bros. salesmonster Marty Shafiroff are deploying everyday out there in the battlefield we call sales. There are dozens and dozens of useless and dull sales advice books out there--pick this one if you're looking for a sound investment. I hope RJ Shook updates this fine book one day (it is was published in 1990). The info in this book is gold. Having a hard time opening your accounts? Of course you are, skippy, you're still wasting your time reading this instead of ordering this book.

I read this book when I was 20 as a cold-caller with Lehman Brothers. Marty was one of their most successful stockbrokers ever. The idea and techniques disclosed in this book are invaluable to anyone interested in effective telephone technique. It deals largely with the much needed professionalism within sales. I highly recommend it.

This book means a lot to those of us in Shaklee. It shares what we are all proud of!

Reid Robbins, Shaklee Supervisor

A brilliant behind-the scenes look into the career path of 10 most successful stockbrokers. A must to everyone inspiring for success in stock broker's profession.

Great book -- the lessons taught are for all service based organizations. Learn how to create customer loyalty and enjoy your business more. Must read!!

I have read other books by Robert L. Shook, and he is an accomplished writer of business books. He's at his best with Jackpot. This book is both informative and entertaining. Shook takes his reader behind the scenes at Harrah's, a gaming company with 26 casinos and reveals how the company is able to compete so successfully against billion-dollar properties in the Las Vegas market. Harrah's secret, as the subtitle states is how it wins customer loyalty and does it better than its competition. This is an excellent book for any business reader engaged in a highly competitive industry, and, in particular, goes head to head with the big boys. Shook's writing style is superb--he interwines anecdotal material that makes for a fascnating read. True, this is a business book, but at times, it's such a page-turner, you feel you're reading a novel.

This book is about an outstanding culture that is culminated from the founder's passion, integrity and leadership.

Jackpot provides cutting-edge lessons and ideas that are being exposed for the first time in topics such as: marketing and customer loyalty, building market share, and preserving high integrity.

Harrah's placed its chips on integrity and serving the customer. It's no wonder they are so successful.

GREAT book! Even if you are not a Basket fan, there are wonderful business tips in this book! All too many businesses don't thrive because their focus is on themselves, this book offers a different perspective. Success comes from concentrating and focusing on others first. It shows us that success is a journey requiring integrity, belief in your dream, good old-fashioned hard work and the ability to learn from your failures. It is inspiring to see someone as Dave Longaberger succeed and gives you confidence that you too can succeed. A must for any business owner!

Even if you are not a big basket collector this is a delightful book with lots of business ideals and tools. The stories of a family business and their successes are delightful. This book is full of American Family traditions, full of farm owners stories and it's quality. Dave was an incredible man with lots of vision. Reading this book and explore a business success, that is full of delight. Yes, I have enjoyed the quaility of these baskets and collecting is just a bonus. Enjoy everyone, this book is truely inspirational.

In a time of downsizing and a slowing economy, here's the tale of a man and a company who did things right and experienced phenomenal results. Dave Longaberger tells the remarkable story of raising his daughters and growing his company to a billion-dollar business. He weaves a delightful, but enlightning tale, of hard work, perserverence, dedication, and success. With little more than handshakes, promises, and a few devoted employees willing to work for months without pay, Dave made his family name synonomous with quality American handmade baskets.

If you've become cynical, skeptical, or downright depressed you need this book! Dave reminds us that "walking the talk" and being genuinely interested in people are the skills that bring us to personal, and often professional, success. You'll love reading about his fantasy-cow, Flossie, and later, as president of Longaberger, how he dealt with an arrogant salesman. Dave's integrity, business instincts, practical jokes, and love for his parents make a fantastic story and once you read it, you'll wish you could have worked in that old, hot, drafty woolen mill with him - or at least known him.

Buy a copy for yourself and one for your boss!

... I would have never purchased this book.
I love the idea of giving my little 2 and a half year old a universal approach to tales and stories from all over the world. I new Rudoph qualified. I had no idea that there was a monster in the story; note that it was the one thing that impressed her, and she asked me what it was.
I wouldn't suggest it to anyone that wants to introduce the idea of Santa Clauss to their child.

I was very impressed with this book . . . a beautiful book, wonderfully illustrated, containing the original story, which did not have the Abominable, or Herbie, or Yukon Cornelius, like the later movie. I remember as a child in 1951 listening to the original story on 78rpm records put out by RCA and have attempted for years to find the original story. Although I did notice some subtle differences in the words . . .the original referred to Rudolph's, er, "forehead" (Santa was too polite to call it a big red nose) . . most of the text stayed true to what I had memorized. Definitely a book not only for children, but for us baby boomers who remember the original. A must-have to hand on from generation to generation.

Yes, the other reindeer make fun of Rudolph's red nose. (I would hardly call this bigotry.) That is the point of the story: Rudolph overcomes adversity and the other reindeer learn to accept differences. Even the elves learn to accept a dentist and the misfit toys are given to boys and girls who love them. Maybe the USA reader should have watched (or read) until the end of the story instead of making snap judgements like all of the other reindeer.