Clicks Versus Bricks - Where Are We Today, Are We Merging the Two With Mobile Personal Tech?

Have you ever wondered how some start-up online businesses go from zero to 1000 in a blink of an eye, while others fall on their face? Do you ever wonder how companies that make no money can get venture capital money, have an incredible burn rate with no income, and still go public garnering 100s of millions of dollars on an IPO? How is it that after all those fake Internet companies bit the farm in the Dot Com crash that, now new companies can still use that old tactic? Well, because some of those Internet companies did turn into something big; eBay, Amazon, Google, PayPal, etc.

Now then, if you are still skeptical about up and coming companies like Facebook and others moving forward into the future, you are not alone, Wall Street mostly agrees with you on even numbered days. Still, perhaps you'd like to know the difference between real companies made of bricks, and Internet companies with nothing more than clicks. I'd like to recommend that you read the book;

"Clicks and Mortar - Passion-Driven Growth in an Internet-Driven World," by David S. Pottruck and Terry Pearce, published by Jossey-Bass, a Wiley and Sons Company, 2000, 257 pages, ISBN: 978-07879-5273-7.

The authors made some great observations back in 2000 stating that the Internet wasn't going to kill the modern day corporation, rather enable it to do more, become more efficient, and those who could harness these synergies best would be the winners. Guess what, they were correct, and here in 2012 we see that reality. Those high-flying days during the Internet bubble are not longer, only a few were able to go to the next level, and enter the real world of corporate financial strength. We all know these companies by name, they are practically household names in fact.

Those companies that stayed the course with their passionate employees increased their brand-names even during the onslaught of new Internet competitors. Although this book at times seemed more like a tribute to companies, firms, and corporations associated in some way with the authors, they still were able to garner a reality check in the case-studies they presented for their main thesis and argument. That, leadership communication and buy-in from the employees as to the mission of the brand is what allowed companies later to win with consumers, which was true both on and off-line, or with clicks or bricks.

The author's insisted that by leveraging your company's voice and your employees passion, it hardly mattered if your company was reaching out to customers on or offline, but hopefully both. The culture makes the difference. It has always been said that good company branding starts at home, with the home team advantage. One of the best ways to get your employees on board comes from promoting your biggest brand-loyalist employees up the top of the ladder.

In the new world of personal tech, the merging of bricks and clicks thanks to mobile devices is going to blur this line completely, thus, I imagine there will be more winners in the future, and less fakery getting by or passing for IPOs, instead companies will need a following, cashflow, revenue, and clicks too. Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Internet Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

Top 10 Motivational Books That Work

I am a firm believer that readers are leaders, but I am also a true advocate of reading to enrich the quality of your life. Every time I need answers (and I usually want them right away) I turn to my favorite website, Amazon and go on a shopping free. I buy my books in bulk and I do my research. I want to have a library of books that I will turn to time and time again, read over and over again, because I know that who I am today may shift slightly as I grow older. As we grow we are able to see something in the words on a page differently than if we read those same words in our teens, twenties, and so on. So here are my current favorite TOP 10 Motivational Books and some of them might surprise you!

1) Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill

Napoleon Hill wrote this book over a lifetime of studying the ins and outs of Dale Carnegie's (one of the richest men in the world) success back in the early turn of the century. While the copyright for this book is 1960, dont' be fooled into thinking this book might be out of date. Mr. Hill was a true philosopher who studied how true wealth is achieved and boy did he succeed. Some of the principles include: how to make great decisions, have faith, and owning your sixth sense. I must admit one of the most profound lessons for me in this book was to THINK like a rich person. The next time you are making a big decision ask yourself "How would a rich person handle this?"

2) Domino: The Book of Decorating, by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, & Dara Caponigro

So how can a book on home decor motivate you? The purpose of motivation is to inspire you to make changes in your life and what better place to start making changes than the comfort of your own home. I am a true advocate of feng shui and surrounding myself with beauty. This book captures beauty on a plane that is jovial, sophisticated, and artful. I never get sick of the eye candy presented in this how-to book; the pages are laid out immaculately and it makes the perfect coffee table book for your guests to enjoy in your fabulous home. You'll love the Mix & Match sections to help bring out the interior designer in you! Your home should represent who you are, invite new chi (energy) into your life, and become a place of socializing and entertaining.

3) The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

Learn the real reasons you aren't where you want to be in your life with this eye-opening, easy read on how to take the big leap! When you can see how YOU are getting in your own way, you can finally get out of the way and get going. Gay Hendricks is a brilliant writer conveying ideas like the Zone of Excellence and the Zone of Genius which are great theories in how to invest your time wisely on things that truly matter to you, instead of plugging your ears to hearing only what you want to hear-- let the truth be heard and let it guide you. Limiting beliefs and worry are two ways your life choices stunt the growing processes. To take the Big Leap is to take baby steps, just take a step! Success is sequential; it doesn't happen overnight, but it will happen. Getting started is probably the #1 thing people struggle with and with this book Gay will spit it out clear and concise that the only person holding you back is YOU.

4) The Tools by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels

Within the first few chapters, I was hooked on this book. This book gives you amazing tools in how to stay focused by turning your problems into creativity. "Pain is the universe's way of demanding that you continue to learn." That quote blew my mind! The authors of this book discuss one of my favorite concepts "the shadow" and how pertinent it is to be aware that you have one and what information it is trying to convey. If you are looking for real-life tools that you can put into practice to begin transforming your life today, this book belongs in your library. It's must cheaper than conventional cognitive therapy; it's worth the small investment! Who needs a therapist when you can have a book that gives you the real tools to change instead of an expensive ear to listen (and occasionally asks you questions that might spark motivation.)

5) The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz, PHD

Similar to Think and Grow Rich, this incredible book puts the magic into everyday living. From learning to really listen instead of being a conversation hog, to getting in the habit of making goals to help you grow, you are sure to come out a leader after reading The Magic of Thinking Big. Forget excuses or worrying about things that are out of your control are excellent words of wisdom by David Schwartz. This is a book I continue to pick up year after year (I've owned the book for 10 years) and you'll always be reminded to think and dream creatively for a bright and successful future. I mean, after all, I don't believe we were brought to this planet to think small... thinking Big is truly an art form.

6) Hue by Kelly Wearstler

Did you know that color has healing properties? Chromotherapy, color therapy, is the study of color and their association with the 7 chakras (according to Ayurvedic Medicine). I don't know if Kelly knows much about this healing modality, but her book Hue pretty much blew my mind. The insightful interview with her published in the beginning of the book shows her knowledge in the power of color and what an amazing artist she truly is. Color affects people, sets the mood, and is the ultimate challenge in creativity. Flipping through this colorful and well-photographed interior design book reminded me how powerful the home can be with the presence of two hues that complement each other or those that contrast. This book will reawaken the artist in you and help you see where your true colors live.

7) How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Being a people person is easier than you think after reading Dale's memoir on how to win friends. It takes you back the basics to what it means to be personable. Things like learning how to be a good listener, how to avoid arguments, how to make a good first impression, and being authentic by talking about your mistakes first are recipes for successful relationships. I don't know if Dale Carnegie was a master in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), but he sure knows how to convince you that being liked is simple with a few easy tools. If you are looking to grow your business, network like a hero, or make better quality friends, this is the perfect read.

8) What's Stopping You by Robert Kelsey

This is probably the #1 book I recommend to my clients in that most of the people I work with are truly gifted people. The only thing standing between you and your dreams is FEAR. I picked up this book at the London airport on the way back from my Italian vacation and I must admit this was the best impulse buy. I was already on a reading frenzy to unlock what was standing in my way, but it wasn't until I read What's Stopping You that I realized I was gifted and that my problem was I was afraid to fail. You see, everyone has gifts, but only some people succeed to take their talents to the next level. Well, according to Robert Kelsey, the gifted ones have one thing in common... high FF (which stands for High Fear of Failure.) He suggests defining goals, but better yet, defining the right goal. Once we understand that depression, anger, or worry are simply fear of failure tactics, we can move on and get on with the show.

9) The Element by Ken Robinson PHD

Whether you want to call it your life purpose, dharma, or finding your passion, The Element is a must read for anyone living on this planet. Chapters about finding your tribe, getting in the Zone, and being yourself are hugely important when pursuing your dreams. I have often found myself in the Zone and it's a place I want to live--it's so magical! Time passes so quickly because you are doing what you love. I have basically based my entire business on the fact that everyone needs a mentor (I have half a dozen mentors myself) because learning from leaders who were once sitting right where you are now and found their way is inspirational and gives hope that you, too, can achieve it. Finding your element will change your life indefinitely. Start with this book.

10) Free Marketing by Jim Cockrum

And after all those terrific books, there is a wonderful book on Free Marketing. Why do I love it? When you have discovered your passion, found your tribe, opened up your space to receive abundance it's time to market the crap out of your talents. What better way to do that than with free marketing? There isn't and that's why you must own this book! Jim Cockrum is an amazing marketer and the thing I love most about his tactics is most of them are online. The ability to reach your audience online is astounding. The internet is growing every day and there are people on the world wide web who are searching for solutions to their problems this very second. Several of them are looking for answers that YOU have. Choosing to ignore social media or not having a website or blog that showcases who you are and what you do is just passe. Growing an online presence is easier than you think and with all these books you've read to get where you are now, it's time to share them with the rest of the world.

Angel Quintana, C.N.C., H.H.P., holistic lifestyle mentor. To learn more about her products/services visit http://www.houseofvitalia.com and to join her community to start living a holistic lifestyle and to receive her free CD: The Infinite Possibilities.

Basics of Book Reviews

For many, reading is a part of our everyday life. We use it to get from one place to another, to contact one another, and many others. Books, however, can be one of the most fun, educational things that we read. It allows us to take a moment to step out of ourselves and see the world in a way that we haven't before. With that, I find that it is important to write book reviews as well, especially if you have strong feelings for the book. If people didn't write book reviews, then no one would know about the new and amazing books to hit the market and these talented authors would never become known or continue their journey of writing amazing books. The idea of writing an actual book review may seem challenging to many for you don't know where to start. It is because of this that I have decided to dedicate this page as the "How To" of properly writing a book review. With this guide you can go out there and let the world know what you feel and think of that piece of literature that you cannot put down.

Step one of writing a review, is pick out that book that you have been dying to read. If you already have the desire to read a certain book, your feelings and expectations of the book will be more defined, making it all the easier to put into words and write a review. If you have no idea where to start, trying going to your favorite book section, young adult for me, and take a look around. Pick something that interests you, but if possible, isn't all that widely popular. By picking a less heard of book, you won't be as likely to let other's views influence you during the review process. Also, your review will most likely be more helpful since there won't nearly be as many out that as the top sellers.

The next part is the most simple. Now that you have your book, read it. Try not to get too caught up in the fact that you will soon be writing about this books. Read it for enjoyment. If you find yourself laughing, crying, cringing, or many of the other emotions books can bring to us, write that page down. That part of the book obviously got a reaction out of you, so you may want to mention it later on in your review.

Once you have finished the book, take a moment sit and really think about it. Think about your favorite parts, your least favorite parts, and compare what you thought of this book to what you have thought of others. Now that you have your mind working, create a pro and con list. If your pros dramatically outweigh your cons, chances are that you really enjoyed this book. On the other hand, if your cons outweigh your pros, you most likely did not care for this book at all. If both sides are about even, then this book was nothing that you felt too passionate about.

From this point, you know exactly what you thought of the book that you just read. It is at this point that many people will rate the book on some sort of scale such as one to ten. This part is completely optional. If you find that you can easily pick a number to fit the book, then I suggest you go ahead and do it. I, on the other hand, find that picking a number can be quite hard, for all books are so different that I have a hard time categorizing them under one number. Instead I choose to just write down a very short phrase that sums up my feeling for the book, such as "Loved it", "Don't Bother", "Couldn't Put it Down", and many others. By doing this, you are basically rating the book, but allowing your readers to view it in a qualitative way.

Next, you will start the actual writing process. The first step is writing down all the important information about the book so that your audience will know exactly what you are reading. During this part the more information, the better. The title of the book and the author must be included; however, you can include other information such as: price, type of book, subject matter, illustrations, and many others. You may include whatever you feel is important to your review.

During the next part, you should give a summary over what happened in the book. This part can be tricky because you want your audience to know what the book is about, but you don't want to give too much away or there will be no point for them to read it. I always start off by telling the main characters as well as the setting of the story. For example, if I was reviewing the book The Hunger Games I would say, "The book titled The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is told through the perspective of a 16-year old named Katniss Everdeen, who lives in what is thought to be a futuristic America, now called Panem." You can then go on to write about what you thought were important parts of the book, but remember not to give away too much. If for some reason you do need to give away some plot changing facts, it is always courteous to write the word "Spoilers" in the heading, so your readers will know that important information is discussed and allow them to decide whether or not they want to read it.

In the very last part of the review, you should give your opinions. Tell the readers what you thought of the book and why. Now is a very good time to list some of your pros and cons that you previously wrote down. When writing down your thoughts, remember to be courteous to the authors. You may not have cared for the book, but someone took a lot of time writing it so never insult anyone and refrain from using vulgar language. Once you are finished writing your thoughts, look over your work and check for any misspellings. If everything is in its proper place, then you are done and have written your review!

In conclusion, reviews may seem hard to write, but they are actually very easy once you have your thoughts organized. Without them, books may never see their full potential Book reviews allow you discover what you truly loved about a book and they also help others share in your love of reading.

Erica Connolly

How Short Stories For Kids Allow You To Bond Effectively With Your Children

Reading to children is a wonderful activity and past time that both parents and teachers enjoy. Seeing their rapt, excited faces when there's a mystery to be solved, a surprise twist, or a happy ending is all the reward one needs. Not only are story books a child's first experience with written words and an introduction to education, but they are also a way to stimulate imagination and dreams. Some of the best short stories for kids are the classics. These stories have been around for generations, and are still best sellers and favorites in many families. These tried and true books will be around as long as parents pass on their love for great stories and enjoyable reading. Many of these classic books have lasted because kids have such a great time reading them. They're fun and exciting, and have beautiful and interesting illustrations.

Many great stories for kids are available today in the bookstores as well as online. Few people today are aware of the fact that books written specifically for children did not exist before the 17th century. Prior to that time period it is was generally accepted that books were written exclusively for adult readers. In addition, printed works were highly expensive and were available primarily to people of means. Only minority of the adult population were literate, and even a smaller percentage of children living at that time were able to read and write. Today, we are blessed with proliferation of children's literature with a great variety of stories for kids geared to different age levels. The importance of reading to children is apparent to every parent. We can start reading stories for kids even to a baby or a toddler. Research shows that the baby in utero can hear her mother's voice and recognize it immediately after birth. Certainly even young babies love to hear the voice of their mother or father. Make sure to make the time you read with your child a pleasant time of bonding and closeness, to create positive associations with this activity in the young child's mind.

Despite that this activity is of paramount importance, never force your child to read or listen to stories. It is much more important that the child enjoys the interaction between the two of you. If he or she is not in the mood to listen to short stories for kids, let him pick a game or different activity to do together. The most important aspect of your interaction should be mutual enjoyment. It is a good idea to encourage older siblings, relatives, and friends to read out loud to the younger children. There are many types of short stories for kids available to all, therefore you must search around according to your child's like and dislikes, or whether you want to nudge them in a certain direction or not. Short stories for kids are a great way to introduce kids to a new area of life or a new situation in a fun, timely manner. You should always make it a fun enjoyable thing to do, it should be about you and your child or children bonding and them learning from it too.

This Short Stories For Kids is about an adorable Maltese called Poochie who came to Singapore when he was only six weeks old. This is a great story for anyone looking for storybooks for children and kids. short stories for kids

Re-Enter the Wonderful World of Books

Don't you remember the romance spending your time with an interesting book undisturbed in calm surroundings? For many of us, especially those over fifty, who had seen an era before the advent of PCs and TVs, reading books of our liking had been a great pastime. The thrill of holding a new book in your hand, savoring the front page and back page kindling curiosity and anticipation, and then slowly entering the new world ushered by the author, is something beyond description.

The invasion of PCs and TV into our homes has virtually banished books from most of our households. These media flood us with so much information in such a short time that virtually all of it is automatically ignored by our brains. On the other hand, reading books is an entirely different experience. The books can be read at your own pace giving time for your brain to savor and enjoy it.

Reading activates your brain and also increases your vocabulary. While reading books, the words and meanings, which you might have already forgotten, come back to you. This will eventually enhance your verbal and written communication skill. Books can also take you to the world of the writer, who may belong to a very different place, giving you an insight into new culture and people.

Books have the ability to focus your thoughts. An interesting book can keep you occupied on the same topic for a long time, which is not possible with TV or Web pages. Books also give you a better understanding about the topic than web pages or TV shows, which tend to be short and overloaded. TV and Internet can easily get you distracted from your topic by luring you into other irrelevant visuals.

Books help you improve your brain activity by inducing thoughts and exercising your memory. It has been proved that increased brain activity can keep off diseases such as Alzheimer's. Books also can widen your knowledge which will help you to converse intelligently in a gathering. Exposure to new ideas and thoughts through books can also rekindle your creativity.

Re-enter the world of books and enjoy life. It is not difficult to get great books delivered straight to your doorstep. Online bookstores sometimes offer you more discount than your neighborhood book shop. Imagine the thrill opening the package and taking out a fresh new book. Leave the TV and Computers for others, and start savoring it.

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Shattered Peace Review

The quiet community of Russell Island has suddenly captured the attention of the entire world. On this small island in Chesapeake Bay, Kiril Varga, Deputy Prime Minister of Balkania, has been found dead. After examining the body, the island's one man police department, detective Starrett Knight, discovers that the victim was executed mobster-style -- with a bullet to the back of his head; a discovery that will not only interrupt the Balkanian peace talks occurring in neighboring Oxford, Maryland, but one that will also disrupt the peace of the residents living in the region. In Joseph Keough's murder mystery Shattered Peace Russell Island becomes a point of convergence: as the press, New York City police detectives, and FBI agents all descend upon the previously tranquil hamlet to solve this international case.

Russell Island is a place of retreat for Starrett Knight. Following the death of his wife and child, the detective escaped to this idyllic island to recover from his personal loss. After several years on the island, he managed to slowly recoup from the death of his loved ones; gaining strength from close friends and the serene landscape and living conditions he found in the new location. However, in the opening pages of the novel we see that Starrett (nicknamed "Star") is still in a real sense stuck -- bound by grief and unable to move on with his life. Ironically, it takes the tragic death of a stranger to free his mind from morbid rumination upon his own tragic circumstances.

Early in the investigation a piece of information surfaces that makes this particular case very personal for Star: his friend, Ellen Mannery, an artist, resident of Russell Island, and wife of his best friend Steve Mannery, is suspected of being involved in the killing of the deceased diplomat. Several years before the murder, while she and her husband were separated, she had an affair with Kiril Varga. And although she and Varga were no longer seeing each other, the fact that his body was found on the remote island implicates her in the crime. Consequently, Star, convinced of Ellen's innocence, approaches the investigation in attack mode, vigorously working to prove that she is being framed for the murder; while desperately seeking to uncover evidence pointing to the real perpetrators of the crime.

Although ostensibly a story about solving a murder, the real plot of Shattered Peace revolves around the dynamic and grief-stricken protagonist, Star Knight. The pressing necessity of proving Ellen's innocence reinvigorates a mind that has perhaps grown slightly dull, or at best bored, due to the complete lack of crime on Russell Island. With his investigative skills resurging with a vengeance -- as Star uncovers hidden clues and makes connections that impress (and at times astonish) New York's finest and the FBI agents assigned to the case -- he also discovers that he still possesses other life instincts that had been lying dormant in his body and being since the death of his wife.

The romantic relationship that develops between Star and Stephanie Dolan, the smart and stunning Maryland newscaster covering the case, enlivens Knight's erotic impulses; and amplifies the entertainment value of the story underway. In addition, the emerging friendship between Star and the like-minded New York City detective, Frank Petracci, provides the narrative with another engaging element. The witty banter between the detectives, the titillating romance between Star and Stephanie, and the incredible way in which Star and the investigative team piece together the clues of the case, make Shattered Peace an intellectually stimulating and emotionally thrilling book. In particular, witnessing the beleaguered Star rise from his shell of suffering proves extremely edifying and cathartic.

Reading the surprising conclusion of the story, one is left craving a sequel. It is a work that is suitable for mature readers; and one that would make an excellent motion picture.

Why We Love Gatsby

The popularity of (and critical admiration for) F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby has grown, shrunk, and grown again since its publication in 1925. It was modestly successful at first, then nearly forgotten, then eventually recognized by scholars as one of the great novels of the English language. The book's revival and survival at the top of American literature is certainly due to Fitzgerald's skill with words, but it's also a result of his creation of a character who is particularly compelling to Americans. The book also has a theme we instinctively understand.

As the book opens Jay Gatsby is in the process of self-reinvention. He has made a great deal of money in a criminal trade, a business never actually identified but presumed to be bootlegging. He downplays his criminal past and plays up his great wealth to win back Daisy Buchanan, a girl who had rejected him years earlier because of his poverty.

Gatsby embodies much of what we Americans admire. He has succeeded in his business, made himself extremely wealthy, yearns for a rise in social status, and hasn't forgotten an early love. He ticks all the boxes. So, even though he's a criminal who's using his ill-gotten money to steal another man's wife, we tend to like him and are saddened by his death. Victimless crime is not something we particularly hold against him. Gatsby is not just self-made, but also self-remade, and we admire him for that.

American history is filled with men (and they are usually men) who can be called "Gatsby-like" or "Gatsbyesque." They've made money in some unsavory business and they want to hide that fact in order to be accepted by respectable society. Sometimes they've gone straight, while sometimes-like Gatsby-they haven't entirely left the old life behind. But they've learned to compartmentalize and want to be acknowledged as something they're not. The Gilded Age-the decades before and just after the turn of the last century-was filled with self-made businessmen who hoped people would forget their ruthless business practices and remember their charitable work and their lavish lifestyles. Carnegie, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt-the Robber Barons became the American aristocracy.

Scott Fitzgerald was probably thinking of all of them as he incubated Gatsby and its title character in 1923 and 1924. The Robber Barons weren't necessarily criminal but they were willing to stretch the bounds of ethics to make their millions, but they each hoped that their sumptuous homes and their generous gifts to worthy causes would mask the origins of their money. But Fitzgerald also had in mind a character whose scale was somewhere below baronial level, a man who could not just downplay but completely obscure the origin of his money.

When I was researching my book The Best There Ever Was: Dan Patch and the Dawn of the American Century I quickly realized that the great pacer's second owner, Manley E. Sturges, could easily be described as "Gatsbyesque." He obscured his early origins and the source of his money (illegal gambling casinos) so well that even his ownership of a celebrated racehorse resulted in entirely inaccurate biographical information about him. As I discovered more about his background, I concluded that he was not only "Gatsbyesque" but may have been a model for Fitzgerald's character. See my earlier article "The Connection Between the Real Gatsby and Dan Patch" for more information, check the book's website or read the book for the details.

Please check either of my websites for more information on the Gatsby-Sturges connection: http://www.danpatchbook.com or http://www.sharonbsmith.com.