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

Bruce Littlefield (Author), Barbara Corcoran (Author)

Book Description

Release 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

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Portfolio Trade (December 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591840333
• ISBN-13: 978-1591840336
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.6 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #78,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Humor > Business & Professional

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) through his books and TV appearances. Bruce has appeared on NBC, CBS, ABC News, FOX News, MSNBC, The Rachael Ray Show, NPR, Sirius, and numerous other programs, and has been featured in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the New York Post, People Magazine, OK! Magazine, Saveur, This Old House, the New York Daily News, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, and the Los Angeles Times.

His multi-book brand with Harper Collins is an adventure in American fun: For Garage Sale America, he took a thousand dollars and a truck and set out to see what treasures he could find. For Merry Christmas, America, he hung off light-encrusted houses and hung out with the real Santa Claus. And for Airstream Living, he took to the open road looking for the rolling silver icons. He is also the co-author (with Barbara Corcoran) of the New York Times best-selling Use What You've Got and Shark Tales, co-author of the book My Two Moms with civil rights activist Zach Wahls and author of the first book to read to dogs, The Bedtime Book for Dogs.

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 latest book, MOVING IN: Tales of an Unlicensed Marriage, is a hilarious and sometimes scandalous tale of the first year he spent fixing up a historic bungalow in upstate New York with partner and NYC broker Scott Stewart.

Visit him at www.brucelittlefield.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/brucelittlefieldauthorpage

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 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

Format: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 If "You Don't Have big Breasts..." encourages listener to "use what you've got"! September 12, 2005

By Teresa G. Wheeler

Format: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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Read January 3, 2005

By Jane

Format:Paperback

A friend gave me this book as it made a difference when she was promoted to a high level position within her company. I found it inspirational and thought that all the lessons were applicable to most any situation. I am in the mortgage business and will be purchasing several copies for colleagues that will appreciate the humor and wit of Barbara.