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Be Your Own Boss

In Be Your Own Boss, Bill McGowan distills five decades of business acumen into a compelling guide for the aspiring entrepreneur. With an evocative recount of his own journey—from his roots to his love for business—McGowan captivates readers, illustrating his path to success with vivid personal narratives. His unfiltered insights into the multifaceted business world reveal lesser-known aspects, making this book an invaluable resource for emerging entrepreneurs and those envisioning future leadership roles.

The content of this book is remarkably accessible. Despite its brevity, each chapter delivers profound insights. The book is meticulously structured to engage readers effortlessly, featuring reader-friendly fonts, logical organization, and eloquent diction. McGowan’s passion for business is palpable throughout the text, and his encouraging tone offers solace and inspiration, even when navigating the complexities and challenges inherent in entrepreneurship. McGowan covers a wide array of topics, including business planning, marketing, franchising, goal setting, and structure creation. He skillfully intertwines each subject with relatable anecdotes, making complex concepts understandable. This book addresses the myriad challenges entrepreneurs face, from marketing dilemmas to client acquisition and beyond, providing comprehensive solutions to the most pressing questions. McGowan employs bullet points for clarity and includes periodic illustrations to enhance understanding and engagement.

Be Your Own Boss is a tool offering a blend of entrepreneurial wisdom and practical skills. This book is an indispensable mentor and guide for anyone with aspirations of steering a successful business.

Pages: 190 | ISBN : 1398420336

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Starting a Business in the United States of America: Navigate the Land of Opportunity

Starting a Business in the United States: Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape offers a detailed, step-by-step guide for entrepreneurs embarking on the formidable task of establishing and sustaining a business in the U.S. Author Satpreet Singh delves into the allure of the American market, often celebrated as the “land of opportunity,” and comprehensively outlines the advantages of launching a business in this environment. The book underscores elements such as economic stability, access to capital, technological advancements, and a skilled workforce, which collectively create a conducive setting for new businesses.

Singh’s approach in the book is methodical and reader-friendly, offering clarity and organization in the presentation of information. He strikes a balance between depth and accessibility, ensuring that each concept is unpacked without overwhelming complexity. This style is particularly beneficial for readers who may find the prospect of starting a business daunting. Singh acknowledges these challenges, framing his book as a valuable tool to navigate them.

A notable strength of the book is its emphasis on critical areas such as brand building, employee management, marketing strategies, and the importance of agility in a changing business world. Singh’s emphasis on seeking expert advice further underscores his practical approach to business. The book’s content spans a broad spectrum, catering to a diverse range of entrepreneurial ambitions, from small sole proprietorships to larger corporations. Singh’s inclusion of real-world scenarios, such as navigating the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, adds a layer of practicality, grounding theoretical knowledge in real-life applications. Singh’s writing is more than a procedural guide; it is an inspiring narrative that reinforces the potential of the U.S. as a fertile ground for business growth and innovation.

Starting a Business in the United States of America: Navigate the Land of Opportunity effectively demystifies the process of business formation and is a commendable resource for entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey, aiming to leave “no stone unturned” in the quest for entrepreneurial success.

Pages: 344 | ASIN : B0CF9KLH8C

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An Educational Void that Needed to be Filled

Gayle G. Curtin Author Interview

My Thoughts Exactly is not your typical underwriting informational book; instead, the author shares her real-life stories and experiences mixed with valuable information that those in the insurance industry need to know. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Over many years as an Underwriting Specialist, I accumulated raw material consisting of hundreds of questions I had fielded. Many of the queries were asked repeatedly, by different underwriters, often with different underlying details. Clearly, there were concepts that many insurance professionals struggled to understand.

The industry sources were the go-to for questions, and during my career I was exposed to dozens of insurance textbooks. I used some for study, some for reference, and others to prompt ideas for case studies when I was training others. Some were impenetrable. That approach doesn’t work for every learner, especially for those new to insurance. I prefer to transfer information with a touch of humor and easily digestible examples. My view was that an educational void needed to be filled.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Three of several concepts I hope to pass along are that:

  • Familiarity with Commercial Lines Rules, particularly those that apply to the General Liability line of business, is critical;
  • CGL forms impact general liability exposures; going in blind is asking for a negative result; and
  • Pricing the risk requires an educated view of the coverage provided as well as knowledge of controls in place.

What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?

My primary goal was to get it right. While I abhor typos, any factual errors would be untenable.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from My Thoughts Exactly?

There is no substitute for thoughtful consideration during the underwriting process, and that requires continuous learning.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn

Would you rather stick a fork in your eye than read an insurance textbook? Do you nod off at the mention of rules, rates and forms? The author of this book has created a painless way to absorb information every casualty underwriter needs.
The content is a series of gentle rants spawned by 40+ years in commercial insurance underwriting and as a General Liability product specialist. Her experiences are shared informally, using a multitude of examples, injecting humor and a fair amount of sarcasm. The stories will resonate with insurance professionals who will identify with many scenarios, and they might illuminate the path of those new to the industry.

The focus is General Liability, but other lines are acknowledged as necessary puzzle pieces to GL exposure review.
Among the broad topics are:

Named Insureds and Additional Insureds
Exposures
Classifications
Forms & Endorsements
Rates
Rules

Topics are addressed with examples, and cover a wide range of business operations to illustrate the implications of various activities. Reminders about tapping resources, such as ISO publications and experienced co-workers, are framed with the benefits of being fully aware of the pitfalls that accompany a casual approach.


The author’s ultimate goal is to encourage underwriters, agents and other insurance professionals to weigh exposures against controls, and to always engage their thought processes during risk analysis.

My Thoughts Exactly! Pithy Essays on General Liability Underwriting

My Thoughts Exactly offers a deep dive into the multifaceted realm of insurance underwriting. The book delves into intricate details like the nuanced impact of protected classes—including children and the elderly—on insurance policies. These groups often face unique risks, necessitating tailored considerations and exclusions in coverage.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its emphasis on the critical need for clarity in definitions, particularly when distinguishing between different types of insurance coverage. Premises versus product liability is one such crucial distinction. The author underscores the importance of being meticulously informed when implementing endorsements and exclusions, and they shine a spotlight on the significance of elements like timing, audience considerations, exposure evaluation, controls, and pricing—especially when underwriting for special events.

Designed predominantly with a focus on general liability, the book doesn’t shy away from discussing other essential insurance lines. It touches upon myriad vital topics, ranging from named insureds and additional insureds to classifications, forms, endorsements, rates, and rules. The author enriches these discussions with real-world examples, giving readers a tangible understanding of various business operations and their insurance implications.

What sets My Thoughts Exactly apart is its user-centric approach to what can often be an arduous task of navigating insurance textbooks. The author, leveraging a wealth of experience, intertwines the technical with the anecdotal, sprinkling the narrative with engaging tales, some of which are delightfully laced with humor and wit. For industry veterans, these stories will strike a chord, and newcomers will find them enlightening.

Written with an informal tone, the book maintains its objectivity throughout. While the use of technical terms and industry jargon adds authenticity, it may also present a mild challenge for those less versed in insurance lexicon. Nonetheless, the coherent structure and clear explanations more than compensate, making complex concepts accessible.

My Thoughts Exactly aim is clear—to equip insurance professionals and those with a penchant for risk management with the knowledge they need. It is a commendable resource that strikes a balance between detailed insight and practical applicability, making it a valuable addition to the library of both seasoned professionals and those just setting foot in the world of insurance.

Pages: 440 | ASIN : B0BSZKR8P2

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All Up in Your Bizness: Managing Your Business Crap

Office-based sitcoms have long captured audiences, brilliantly highlighting the comedic gold that lies within 9-to-5 routines. All Up in Your Bizness offers a similar, satirical lens on the corporate landscape. Filled with astute anecdotes, clever observations, and candid advice, this book navigates the multifaceted universe of office politics, workplace culture, and the inherent challenges of the corporate world.

An intriguing feature is the portrayal of the author’s muse – a capricious entity that not only provides artistic sparks but also has an insatiable appetite for tacos and strawberry margaritas. This eccentric addition lends a distinct flair to Newland’s narrative. Maintaining a conversational cadence throughout, she effortlessly connects with her readers, inviting them into a world where satire and realism intersect. Each section, resembling a concise essay, shines a spotlight on specific office-related themes, ensuring every page is infused with humor and wit. It’s as if “The Office” decided to collaborate with “30 Rock” on a literary venture.

The book is structured around varied topics – from navigating the maze of office attire to managing ‘BMWs’ (Bitchers, Moaners, and Whiners). While this segmented approach provides clarity, it might occasionally disrupt the narrative flow. Still, the blend of satire and practicality offers genuine insights. However, prospective readers should note that Newland’s humor-centric style, though endearing, could eclipse certain grave workplace matters. Hence, those seeking a conventional or scholarly dive into office dynamics might want to adjust their expectations.

All Up in Your Bizness is a refreshing literary concoction – perfect for those craving an intelligent, humorous reflection on corporate life. It’s particularly suited for professionals keen on a playful twist to familiar office challenges. Not your conventional business manual, this book is an enjoyable foray into the world of workplace satire. And as a delightful bonus? It comes garnished with cocktail recipes, promising readers an amusing and spirited Sunday afternoon.

Pages: 50 | ASIN : B0CJ5V6YW7

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