This straight-from-the-hip handbook by bestselling author and self-made millionaire Harvey Mackay spells out the path to success for readers everywhere. They will learn how to:

Outsell by getting appointments with people who absolutely, positively do not want to see you, and then making them glad they said "yes!"
Outmanage by arming yourself with information on prospects, customers, and competitors that the CIA would envy - using a system called the "Mackay 66."
Outmotivate by using his insights to help yourself or your kids join the ranks of Amercia's one million millionaires.
Outnegotiate by knowing when to "smile and say no" and when to "send in the clones."

This one-of-a-kind book by a businessman who's seen it all and done it all has sold almost 2 million copies, and is the essential roadmap for everyone on the path to success.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 44 reviews)

MUST READ for all my employees-associates!

I first bought a copy of this book when it came out in the 80's. It's somewhat dated now (there's no references to email or the internet) but it really is my BUSINESS BIBLE! I buy used copies where ever I find them and any time I like an interviewee I give them a copy and explain the importance of reading this book before the 2nd interview. Some do, some don't...some get hired and some don't... they don't last 5 minutes into the 2nd meeting. I tell people, "Want to know how to deal with me? Want to know what to expect from me? It's all in this tome!" How about a re-write for the new century Harvey? Now on my 50th+ purchase.
May 31, 2008

If you value practical business advise and classic books, this one is a keeper.

You might think that a business book where the typical chapter is only one or two pages makes for very light reading. However when it comes to Harvey Mackay's, "Swim With The Sharks", you would be wrong.

The book is a quick read, but you may not catch all of the insights the first go round. Mackay passes the majority of his insights along in the form of stories, anectdotes and tips you can use right away.

Some readers may dislike his "folksy" style (he is from Minnesota, not the coasts), while others may think the book is unlike many other business books somewhat "light". Mackay is not an academic, consultant or theorists, but the owner of a manufacturing entity (Mackay Envelope) battling it out on the frontlines of Capitalism.

That is the true value of the book, he is a business man, running his own business. Something many business authors cannot claim.

Read it once. Re-read it. Then read it all over again.

Part business wisdom, part motivation, all good business sense.

Recommended.

Bernie
March 20, 2008

very basic, very essential

I'm amazed books like this aren't part of a college pack of books to read prior to graduation. I learned maybe 1/3 of what's in this book from my parents, and experience- and was fascinated with the rest. THis is a book I give to relatives starting out in the work world. All of MacKay's books are good. No it doesn't cover everything, but it's useful
January 09, 2008

Pragmatic, informative, inspiring book of business know-how

Unlike many successful businessmen who had a new product or technological innovation create their success, Harvey Mackay had only envelopes. As the owner of an envelope manufacturer, he had to make his success by selling well, building relationships, and always coming through on his promises. His experience is invaluable to anyone in the business community. His advice on networking and sales is excellent. Overall, this is a no-nonsense, pragmatic book on how to succeed in business.
December 15, 2007

Uncle Harvey Sets Us Straight

Wily ol' Harvey MacKay is a prototypical midwestern multimillionare. This means that even at his most Machiavellian, he comes across as a charming, down-to-earth folksy everyman - just the sort of person James Stewart used to play. This is Mr. MacKay's first book and it's well-worth reading for anybody who'd like to know more about why some people succeed in business while most fail. Some may dismiss many of Mr. MacKay's advice as merely 'common sense' but given that so many of us fall short of financial and personal success I doubt that the knowledge in here is all that common.

On the positive side, we have a successful business leader who stresses the importance of ethics, personal integrity, and steady hard work. I've rarely encountered a management or business-oriented author who stressed strength of character as much as Mr. MacKay does. He also tells personal anecdotes with a refreshing lack of swagger. This book may have first been written in the 1980s but Harvey MacKay does not reflect the Era of Greed at all. It's little wonder he's in demand as an inspirational public speaker, and that he still publishes a weekly advice/inspiration column.

Of course, in any book this old, there are bound to be dated sections and those are the only real negatives. Mr. MacKay's hiring practices (in which employees are visited and interviewed in their own homes so that he can learn more about their family values, yet in which no one calls to verify personal references) would raise a lot of eyebrows today. There's also an over-reliance on sports analogies. Other reviewers have noted this but I would like to add that Mr. MacKay's love of sports anecdotes reflects his age, because sports heroes and coaches of the past were not the money-driven free agents of today.

In sum, this would be a good graduation gift, or a welcome present for anyone beginning a job within the corporate world. Unlike many advice books, I left this one not only with good advice but also with a sense of who the author really was. And, I have to say, I enjoy Harvey MacKay a lot.
October 04, 2007

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