Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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!

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.

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!

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.

Don't be fooled by such an irreverent title. "Put ribbons on your pigtails" is indeed a business book. Not one of those boring business formulas. But business-minded in the most original sense of the word: Inspirational. Meaning it would be useful to most people, in all areas.
Taking away the greed, and leaving the right amount of ambition; taking away the jargons, and leaving the bright ideas; and mainly taking away the snobberies and leaving the echoes of the footsteps of her pioneer's soul, Barbara seduce us to a realm where things happen.
She doesn't mean to be perfect, and so she doesn't hide imperfections on her not-so-all-the-time-politically-correct managerial style. But in doing so, she showed us how she succeeded in the real world she had to deal with, with the perceptions and tools she had at the time.
If, at some point, she walks you with the Corcoran Group through the verge of failure and back, like most successful businesses do, it is because life - most of the time - IS a cliché. But the simple and brilliant solution to the problem is smile-raising, and you feel good you are on her side of the story.(And that is where you are, cause that is where she will put you!)
Well-written and entertaining.
The main differential from other business books is unique, though: It makes you almost "miss" 9 brothers and sisters, and the warmth of the Irish family at its best!
Worth reading!

I thought this was an excellent book! Some of the previous reviews say they expected more. Simple truth is, like with any other book, it is what you make of it. This book was easy to read and a nice reminder of the things we've all learned in life (from mom/dad). Yes, common sense knowledge. I ordered a few copies for co-workers and it seems as though the women enjoyed it and gained much more than the men. Anti-male? Not at all. I believe some open-minded people will find it helpful and motivating. It worked for me!

I ordered this book thinking it was different from Use What You've Got & Other Lessons I Learned from my Mom, which I bought in hardcover and enjoyed. It is not, it is the same as the older book. They simply retitled it.

I thought this book was delightfully obvious and exemplified the simplicity of success. I am a Real Estate Agent in Palm Springs and was sent this book from my sister who now works for Corcoran in NYC. I knew nothing about Corcoran, or the woman behind it. My sister told me Corcoran is THE Real Estate agency in the City to work for. So needless to say the book had to be read. I am constantly looking for inspiration to propel my career and found that the obvious lessons she translates into multi million dollar returns are sensational. Even if you don't believe all these stories to be true, they all offer something you can exercise in your own life and business. Barbara is the Queen of thinking outside the box....stay on top of your game and read this book.

I am surprised by the reviewer who seemed to believe the stories are implausible. Many the things Mrs. Corcoran said to her daughter are things my own father has said to me many a time. I think that Ms. Corcoran has demonstrated how differently each of us interprets those words. I loved this book because the things she says are simple and logical, and yet so much so, that the ease of it seems to elude most people. I applaud her efforts to share her experiences and help others. I also have recommended this book to several of my friends.

Yes - I have a personal connection to it because of the tie in with my background. Barbara started her real estate agency on a bootstrap just like me! BUT this book should not just be read by real estate business owners. It's witty, relevant to any business owner and beautifully crafted. While I of course admire Barbara for what she did turning a $1,000 investment by her boyfriend into one of Manhattan's largest real estate groups - my admiration grew when I read this sensational book.