TMOB gets another great review!

I just love it when my books and other writings garner good (and great) reviews.  Here's another one:

Breezy cogent and to the Point, April 30, 2011

This review is from: Taking the Mystery Out of Business (Paperback)

The author debuted her first mystery fiction novel, "Second Time Around," in 2010. Now she's drawn on her years in business and training, as well as her understanding of the language and structure of genre fiction to put together a brief but complete handbook for almost anyone at any level of business activity.

Whether one is a COO, a CEO of a multi-layered organization, or a single entrepreneur, this slender volume has sage advice and clear understanding of both the limitations and the values of this kind of self-help effort. Written in a breezy direct style, the work offers frank direct ideas that, if taken in the heartfelt manner in which they are presented, can lead to successful business undertaking. Moreover, if it should be widely adopted, one might discover a plethora of business success driving our current recessionary circumstances into oblivion.

At first blush I didn't see how this slender book would be of much use to authors in the Crime Fiction community. But developments in publishing and rereading now lead me to suggest there are several fundamental aspects business here addressed which would be of considerable benefit to independent publishers and authors.

You can find Carl Brookins' other reviews on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1GPD5JPCFSB9E/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp

What are the 9 Fundamentals for Professional Success?

My publisher, NorLights Press, is promoting me on their blog by sharing clues about the 9 Fundamentals
for Professional Success.

Here's Fundamental #4, with its clue:

Knowledge is essential in today’s business world.

Here’s the fourth clue: Curiosity and creativity are important elements of knowledge; they allow a person to take something that works, and shape it into a new and innovative creation that outperforms its previous incarnation. Technology has dramatically changed the way people communicate and do business. The Internet has not only breathed new life into the way we do business, it has also forced old and familiar traditions into retirement. The newer generations embrace different philosophies than the older generations do; the blending of the generations in the workplace creates a wonderful discordant harmony.

To learn what the other eight fundamentals are, complete with their own individual clues, visit:  http://bit.ly/g3Sya6

Talking About Attitude...

If this is your glass, is it half-full or half-empty?

I talked about Attitude over at my blog for Taking the Mystery Out of Business earlier today ...

University of Montana's School Business gives a great review to Taking the Mystery Out of Business

Yes, Clueless is a dangerous place to be! That’s why regardless of whether someone is a budding entrepreneur, a new graduate just getting started, or an experienced professional, Linda’s book is a must read! For those who haven’t run a business or managed people, it might save their career or their business. For those who’ve already been at it for a while, it’s a gentle reminder of important concepts and good business practices. Her customer service stories and principles are outstanding illustrations of what to do and not do.


The way Linda writes makes reading her book enjoyable and memorable – which makes it very useful as well. Her examples help make it real for newbies so they don’t have to learn the hard way and gently reminds veteran business managers, as well. Linda’s book really is an arsenal of tools and resources to help managers and their businesses succeed. I can see myself referring back to the book regularly--I’ve been at this a while!

Janel Queen, Director of Career Advancement, School of Business, University of Montana

Thank You!

Thanks to all who braved the blinding snow in Missoula on Sunday to join me at my book signing for Taking the Mystery Out of Business.

Despite the snowstorm, we had a wonderful turnout - as I had yesterday at the Missoula Businesswomen's Network's 6th Annual Women's Symposium.

I'm Just Loving These Reviews

May I share the lovely news? Taking the Mystery Out of Business just received its second 5-star review in 2 days. I can't emphasize how terrific it is to know that other people receive a benefit from the sharing of the lessons I've learned.

Here's what the reviewer had to say:

This business book "delivers the goods" exactly as promised. I've seen textbooks that weigh in at 20 pounds and contain the same information, but in less palatable form. As a current business owner, I discovered ideas and concepts I wish I'd known from the start.

• Who will benefit from Faulkner's book? Anyone who's considering a business venture. The seven scenarios of why businesses fail (page 37) are worth the cost of the book.
• Anyone who operates a business and needs to increase income or cut costs.
• Managers and employees who want to excel and grow.
• Experienced professionals who need a refresher course.
• Business students who want to master the basics without spending $140 on a giant textbook.

You can't go wrong -- this book is worth the money!
 
To view the review on Amazon, click here.

Woo hoo, 5-star review!

5.0 out of 5 stars - Do more, earn more, and enjoy more with your small business, January 27, 2011

Alain Burrese, top 1,000 reviewer on Amazon, gave Taking the Mystery Out of Business a 5-star review today!

Hop on over to my blog for the Taking the Mystery Out series of books to check it out: http://takingthemysteryout.blogspot.com/2011/01/5-star-review-for-taking-mystery-out-of.html

What NOT to do Before your TV Interview

As smart as some of us think we are, God has a way of allowing us enough rope to either hang ourselves or ... embarrass ourselves into humility.

Take me, for example.  I've been interviewed on television twice before: once when Second Time Around was released in 2009 and once back in around 1989, just before I became president of the New England Chapter of RWA.  On both previous occasions, I was nervous.  Nah, that's not the right word.  Panicked is more like it.  Only in a good and happy sense, of course.

The first two times, I told all my friends and family--well in advance, just when my interview would be aired and how they could view it.  I did the same this time.  Only this time, I also plastered everything all over Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In.  You know, like I'm supposed to do:  use social media to market myself and my new book, Taking the Mystery Out of Business.

The first two times, I allowed MORE than enough time to drive to the TV station.  I did the same this time.  Only this time, I made one, teeny, tiny mistake:  I GOT THE DAMNED INTERVIEW TIME WRONG.

As I was pulling off the highway at 6:15 a.m.--two minutes from the TV station and a full fifteen minutes early, mind you, I got a call on my cell phone from the TV producer.  She wanted to know where I was, because I was due at the TV station at 6 a.m.--fifteen minutes BEFORE.  She also wanted to know if I could get there in 5 minutes, which is when my interview was supposed to air.

I said I could get there in 2 minutes - which I did:  Thank God for the early hour and no traffic.  I managed to slip onto the set and get hooked up to the microphone with about 90 seconds to spare.  (No puffing after that sprint, either!)  My interviewer, Monte Turner, leaned over to me and asked, "What kind of business person are you that you're late to your TV interview?"

He was smiling, and said it in a kidding voice but, believe me, I didn't think he was funny.  (He probably wasn't laughing on the inside, either, even though we know each other and have done business together!)  If I'd had time to think about it, I'd would have been mortified.  The humiliation set in after I left the TV studio.

Yeesh!  I'm lucky they didn't tell me to take a hike.  I learned, once again, that no matter how confident you feel, no matter how often you've done something, no matter how much time you think you have, don't take any of that for granted.  These folks were kind enough to give me free publicity and I gave them nothing but an anxiety attack.

Oh, and a couple of free copies of my book.  It's the least I could do, right?

Here's the link to the interview, in case you want to check it out to see if my pounding pulse was really visible:  http://www.nbcmontana.com/video/26574907/index.html

Woo Hoo, Great Review!

I'm thrilled!  My first review for Taking the Mystery Out of Business is in!

Maryann Miller--editor, journalist, and columnist--has posted her review of TMoB on her blog today.

In part, this is what she said, "While the book is aimed for those who are full-time business people, there are things a writer can learn to deal with the business side of publishing ... Some of the topics that I found most helpful were having the right mental attitude, relationships, organization, and time management ... I highly recommend this book for all writers. Linda has the background and expertise to be totally credible, and the book is written in a comfortable, easy to understand style."

You can check out the entire review at Its Not All Gravy and you can learn more about Maryann at her website.

My Newest Book is Available for Pre-Order!

Taking the Mystery Out of Business is now available for pre-order and has its own personal page on my publisher's website.

Business owners, independent contractors, managers, and employees often wear many hats and deal with limited time, budgets, and resources. In this practical primer, Linda Faulkner lays out the fundamentals, providing examples and tips so newcomers to the business world can easily gain an understanding of the challenges they face. Experienced professionals will benefit from a refresher on basic strategies and how to stay a head of the competition.


"If your preconception of a successful business person is one who wears a designer suit, carries a leather briefcase, drives a German sports car, and earns a six-figure income, you may want to put that idea aside for the next two-hundred pages or so."


To read the first chapter, pre-order, or for more information, visit my website or TMoB's Page on my publisher's website.

Release Date Moved Forward

Just received word that Taking the Mystery Out of Business will be available in December 2010 instead of January 2011!

It's included in my publisher's catalog and now appears on their website.  If you'd like to pre-order via their website rather than waiting until later in December to purchase it from your favorite bookstore or on Amazon or Smashwords, click here.

The Kindle and iPad versions will be available a few weeks after the print and eBooks.

Book Cover is Here!