Computers, now the writer's tool of choice, are still blamed by skeptics for a variety of ills, from speeding writing up to the point of recklessness, to complicating or trivializing the writing process, to destroying the English language itself. A Better Pencil puts our complex, still-evolving hate-love relationship with computers and the internet into perspective, describing how the digital revolution influences our reading and writing practices, and how the latest technologies differ from what came before. The book explores our use of computers as writing tools in light of the history of communication technology, a history of how we love, fear, and actually use our writing technologies--not just computers, but also typewriters, pencils, and clay tablets. Dennis Baron shows that virtually all writing implements--and even writing itself--were greeted at first with anxiety and outrage: the printing press disrupted the "almost spiritual connection" between the writer and the page; the typewriter was "impersonal and noisy" and would "destroy the art of handwriting." Both pencils and computers were created for tasks that had nothing to do with writing. Pencils, crafted by woodworkers for marking up their boards, were quickly repurposed by writers and artists. The computer crunched numbers, not words, until writers saw it as the next writing machine. Baron also explores the new genres that the computer has launched: email, the instant message, the web page, the blog, social-networking pages like MySpace and Facebook, and communally-generated texts like Wikipedia and the Urban Dictionary, not to mention YouTube. Here then is a fascinating history of our tangled dealings with a wide range of writing instruments, from ancient papyrus to the modern laptop. With dozens of illustrations and many colorful anecdotes, the book will enthrall anyone interested in language, literacy, or writing.

Based on ten years of extensive research and interviews with thousands of top sales performers in a variety of industries, Silver Bullet Selling reveals the secrets all great sales professionals have in common. It's not what you say that determines your success in sales; it?s how you execute the sales process to create a unique buying experience for customers. This book shows you how to apply the silver bullet selling method to launch your sales through the roof. Read it, and fire away at the competition.

Opines that most people lack the skills and knowledge to invest their money but do it anyway, and unsuccessfully. Explains how to invest wisely and how markets really work. Looks at how to double a retirement fund.

'Radical, honest and timely' FOX FISHER 'Fascinating' ASH PALMISCIANO 'A cracking read' MEG-JOHN BARKER "This book is about my penis. This is my story of going through lower surgery, specifically phalloplasty, and the adventures I have with my changing genitals along the way. Welcome to my journey." After coming out as trans, Finlay Games was adamant lower surgery would not be a part of his transition, but as the years went by, and his gender dysphoria increased, he decided to explore surgical options. Detailing the emotional and physical journey of phalloplasty, this book takes the reader through Finlay's experiences, from the initial decision-making through each stage of the surgery to its completion, recovery and after-care. Describing how he had to relearn his body, sexuality and his relationships, Finlay shares his wealth of advice and tips on donor site options, different types of surgery, the referral process, essential items and resources, and looking after your mental health. Part memoir, part self-help guide, this insightful, witty and deeply honest book highlights the life-changing impact surgery can have for trans people and provides hope to those on a similar journey.

Do you remember being "in the trenches" as a salesperson? What did you think of your sales manager? If you're like many front-line sellers, you probably didn't think she or he was a wonderful example of leadership who could inspire you to do your best in life and in work. The unfortunate truth is that many sales managers—well-meaning though they usually are—lack the skills and know-how to help their sales teams grow and achieve greater success. Over a combined 50 years of experience as salespeople, managers, coaches, and executives, authors Steve Johnson and Matthew Hawk have witnessed the do's and don'ts of top performing sales teams. Next Level Sales Coaching is the culmination of their experience. In this book, they distill what they have learned working with organizations like Google, Bank of America, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and many more. The result is a compendium of best sales coaching practices with the power to make any sales manager into an inspirational and transformational leader. At its heart, this book is about how to integrate a person-centered development mindset into sales environments. Readers will work through practical examples, including a self-assessment, to identify the best way to implement strong coaching programs within their organizations. Each chapter concludes with takeaway questions and tips that sales leaders can use right away. From goal setting to daily sales huddles, and sales development training to analytics, Next Level Sales Coaching covers the best practices that readers will want to implement to take sales management to the next level.

"Selling is identifying and satisfying customer needs profitably. Profitable for you, profitable for them." Diane Sutter, President and CEO of Shooting Star Broadcasting , owner of KTAB-TV, Abilene, Texas This is the definition of sales used throughout Ed Shane's comprehensive and timely textbook Selling Electronic Media. This new definition reflects the customer-orientation of today's marketing environment as well as the product-orientation of selling. Today's selling is a win/win proposition, a win for the seller and a win for the customer. Using interviews with industry leaders and reports of their selling experiences, Selling Electronic Media shares insight and practical advice in the basics of selling: · prospecting · qualifying · needs analysis · presentations · answering objections · closing · relationship management Focusing on the merging and converging of electronic media and the need for branding of media at all levels, this highly readable book offers complete coverage of advertising sales for radio, television and cable, plus the new and emerging mass communication technologies, primarily those generated by the Internet. Selling Electronic Media is enhanced with review highlights and discussion points and illustrated throughout with visuals used by media outlets to market commercials and their audience reach. Students pursuing sales and marketing careers in electronic media and professionals wishing to reinforce their understanding of the merging and converging media environment will find what they need in the pages of this book.

Get the crucial guidance you need to thrive during this economic slump with Sales Guy's 7 Rules for Outselling the Recession. Successful selling always involves finding opportunity in obstacles. That's true now more than ever. Jeb Blount, a globally recognized sales expert and host of the top-rated Sales Guy's Quick and Dirty Tips for Getting the Deal Done podcast delivers the seven essential rules for navigating the difficult economic climate and coming out on top. Sales Guy's 7 Rules for Outselling the Recession tells you exactly what you must do right now to stay selling in this recession. While sales professionals all around you go down with the ship, Jeb's seven rules will help you adapt, change, innovate, and use this recession as an opening to build stronger business relationships and close new deals that will benefit you for years to come. Jeb offers indispensable advice on everything from properly evaluating your job security and knowing when to jump ship, to the steps you must take to keep the business you have, to expert tips on how to successfully and aggressively pursue new sales opportunities at a time when clients say they aren't buying. Jeb Blount knows today's sales challenges first hand. His Sales Guy's 7 Rules for Outselling the Recession is chock-full of practical advice that will give you the skills you need to prosper and the renewed motivation you need to succeed.

There is not an easy method of sales success. Selling is one of the most difficult professions requiring mental toughness and optimism. Selling is both and are and science; and the science is more psychology and sociology than technical. The art is in the presentation, and the technical is in the information that is vital to selling. How you wrapped that information is as important as what you present. How you execute the skills you have learned determines your success. The information you will need to improve your career in sales and marketing and to give you a sense of confidence is in this book. Selling is a sport you have to practice to be great.