Winning Nice

June 11, 2007
Proving nice guys and gals can finish first, Stone offers evidence from her own career, including her win on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart
. As founder and publisher of Her Sports+Fitness
magazine, she and Dieter, her husband, weave her professional life story to date with advice gathered as they’ve sprinted down their respective career paths. With the same attention to detail and good cheer she exhibited through her weeks on the show, she shares the business etiquette and interpersonal skills she credits with her success. That advice, which forms her seven building blocks, is easily implemented—like smiling to set the tone of a meeting even when it occurs by phone. Always upbeat, Stone incorporates her advice with inspirational quotes from sources as diverse as basketball legend Michael Jordan, Woodrow Wilson and publisher Steve Forbes. Stressing the effectiveness of niceties like thank-you notes, she offers detailed directions on how to politely and effectively ask for raises and ace job interviews. Countering the reigning notion that business success is a matter of crushing or being crushed, she advises the best way to help yourself is by helping others. It is, Stone says, not winning that should be important, but how you win.

August 1, 2007
Martha Stewarts real-life apprentice, Dawna Stone, was, even before the show, a successful banker, consultant, executive, and publisher. The point of her book is that following the Golden Rule can drive work and life effectiveness and give great results. Of course, most of her advice is a composite of well-known authors, whether from W. Clement Stone, Dale Carnegie, or Jack Welch and Lou Gerstner. She starts with seven building blocks, from believing in yourself to exuding professionalism, then adds eight daily activities, all proven philosophies of business entrepreneurs and corporations. Nordstrom is the poster retailer for embracing customers and clients, per its credo: Use your own good judgment in all situations. RKO Pictures original verdict on Fred AstaireCant act. Slightly bald. Can dance a littleis a terrific example of believing in yourself. Stones a true cheerleader here; personal stories, questions and answers, quick chapter summaries, plus a variety of anecdotal and fact-based sidebars will boost any readers spiritand determination.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)