If You Don't Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons on Your Pigtails: And Other Lessons I Learned from My Mom [Mass Market Paperback]

Bruce Littlefield (Author), Barbara Corcoran (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 2003

After failing at twenty-two other jobs, Barbara Corcoran borrowed $1000 from her boyfriend, quit her job as a diner waitress, and started a tiny real estate office in New York City. Using twenty-four unconventional lessons learned from her mom, Barbara built that tiny company into a $4 billion business, and today she’s richer than her wildest childhood dreams.

Barbara’s hilarious stories and her mom’s pithy advice—from "If you want to be a cheerleader, you better know the cheers" to "Jumping out the window will make you either an ass or a hero"—are bound to inspire greatness in any reader. This national bestseller (previously titled Use What You’ve Got) will make you feel better about yourself and teach you to look at obstacles in a whole different way.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A likeable and worthwhile book, an honorable contribution with heart." -- Publishers Weekly

"A practial, funny compendium of advice that should stick with any reader." -- USA Today

"Corcoran’s humanity, humor and wisdom gently convey worthwhile lessons for those who would like to succeed on their own terms." -- Miami Herald

"Part memoir, part rough guide to business and 100 percent in-your-face glee." -- Working Mother

"These easy-to-remember and pithy words of advice can be used by anyone" -- Cathleen Black, president, Hearst Magazines

About the Author

Growing up, Barbara Corcoran shared one floor in a three-family house in New Jersey with her parents and nine brothers and sisters. She had few luxuries, but she was blessed with a mother who taught her to have self-confidence. Barbara’s mom didn’t know much about business, but she understood how the world works, and how to make the most of what you’ve got.

After failing at twenty-two other jobs, Barbara borrowed $1,000 from a boyfriend, quit her job as a diner waitress, and started a tiny real estate office in New York City. Today, with over $2 billion in revenues, The Corcoran Group in New York’s premier real estate company, and Barbara is richer than her wildest dreams.

Barbara lives in New York City with her husband, son and four stepchildren. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Portfolio Trade (December 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591840333
• ISBN-13: 978-1591840336
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,090 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"Lifestyle authority" -The New York Times
"Modern Day Erma Bombeck" - NPR'S Roundtable
"Garage Sale Guru" - USA Today

Bruce Littlefield is a best-selling author, lifestyle expert, and an arbiter of American fun. He shares his passionate curiosity (and occasional mischievousness) with millions of people through his books and regular appearances on NBC's Today Show, CBS's Early Show, and ABC's The View. His books include "Airstream Living," "Garage Sale America," "Merry Christmas America," and the best-selling "Use What You've Got and Other Business Lessons I Learned from My Mom" with real-estate magnate Barbara Corcoran. A revised edition, "Shark Tales: How I Turned $1,000 into a Billion Dollar Business", will be out in January 2011.

Originally from the south, Bruce has designed and owned two successful restaurants, and his personal collection of garage-sale treasures can be found in a 1940s' Catskills' farmhouse, which he renovated and decorated himself.

His "Bedtime Book for Dogs" (Grand Central Publishing) will be out Spring 2011 and can be pre-ordered now.

Visit him at www.brucelittlefield.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best business management book I have read, October 11, 2004

By 

BookDog (Omaha, NE) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If You Don't Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons on Your Pigtails: And Other Lessons I Learned from My Mom (Mass Market Paperback)

I hold an MBA and I read lots of business and management books. This is the best book that I have come across. Fun and light, this book still has the type of advice any mom would give: sound, practical and very common sense (which is not very common). Great stories and straight to the point analysis and advice. I have found inspiration that has already helped me do things that I would not have done otherwise. Thanks Barbara!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT A GREAT BOOK!, June 16, 2004

By 

In 2 Design "scottisnice" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If You Don't Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons on Your Pigtails: And Other Lessons I Learned from My Mom (Mass Market Paperback)

This book has changed my life. Yes, her story is incredible, but the lesson is simple--you succeed by being who you are and figuring out what it is that makes you unique. Since reading this book, I've had a new approach to my business and my life and quite honestly feel so invigorated and excited by possibility. I've been sharing this book with lots of people and each person I give it to LOVES it. I highly recommend this book to anyone. Not only do you learn something, it is a hilarious read. Great summer book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If "You Don't Have big Breasts..." encourages listener to "use what you've got"!, September 12, 2005

By 

Teresa G. Wheeler (Cleveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: If You Don't Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons On Your Pigtails (Audio CD)

After having read the companion book and using some of it's content in presentations and marketing meetings, I have been delighted to be able to listen to Barbara's advice as I drive from appointment to appointment. Barbara's words and common sense have proved to be very motivational for me as well as down right delightful. I would recommend this CD for any woman who is looking for creative, common sense ways to approach her business world and her clients. The bonus here is Barbara's ability to put a positive spin on mundane events, to see the cup as half full, and the benefits of thinking outside the box.

In that her advice is practical, you will find yourself trying to apply her principles to challenges that you face daily with clients, projects, deadlines, and co-workers!