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It's Not How Good You Are, Its How Good You Want to Be: The World's Best Selling Book
 
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It's Not How Good You Are, Its How Good You Want to Be: The World's Best Selling Book [Paperback]

Paul Arden (Author)
3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)

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Book Description

June 1, 2003
It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be is a handbook of how to succeed in the world - a pocket 'bible' for the talented and timid to make the unthinkable thinkable and the impossible possible. The world's top advertising guru, Paul Arden, offers up his wisdom on issues as diverse as problem solving, responding to a brief, communicating, playing your cards right, making mistakes and creativity, all notions that can be applied to aspects of modern life. This book provides a unique insight into the world of advertising and is a quirky compilation of quotes, facts, pictures, wit and wisdom, packed into easy-to-digest, bite-sized spreads. If you want to succeed in life or business, this is a must!

Paul Arden began his career in advertising at the age of 16. For 14 years he was Executive Creative Director at Saatchi and Saatchi, where he was responsible for some of Britain's best known campaigns including British Airways, Silk Cut, Anchor Butter, InterCity and Fuji. His famous slogans include 'The Car in front is a Toyota' and 'The Independent - It is - Are You?'. In 1993 he set up the London-based production company Arden Sutherland-Dodd where he is now a commercials director for clients such as BT, BMW, Ford, Nestle and Levis.


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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Advertising guru Paul Arden is a creative genius whose extraordinary drive and energy is allied to a kind of common sense that just isn't, well, common. Paul Arden began his career in advertising at the age of 16. Formerly Creative Director at Saatchi and Saatchi, he is responsible for some of Britain's best known campaigns including British Airways, Silk Cut, Anchor Butter, InterCity and Fuji and famous slogans which include 'The Car in front is a Toyota' and 'The Independent - It Is - Are You?'. In 1993 he set up the London-based production company Arden Sutherland-Dodd where he is now a commercials director for clients such as BT, BMW, Ford, Nestle and Levis. Author's Residence: London

Product Details

  • Paperback: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Phaidon Press; 1st edition (June 1, 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0714843377
  • ISBN-13: 978-0714843377
  • Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.8 x 0.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 64 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Before you get confused by the "World's best selling book" tagline, read the title of the book again. "It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be." Obviously, Arden aspires to have this be the world's best selling book.

All of the advice in this book comes out of Arden's experience in the advertising industry, but it has value for everyone doing work in creative fields. (And as many have said, business as a whole is a creative pursuit.) Even the advice that seems to be advertising-centric has wider relevance, if you open your mind a bit.

There's a lot of very good advice in this book, presented in a very easy to digest format. I come back to this book again and again whenever I need a pep talk, and every time it works. How are being unafraid of failure, having ambition, and being open to new ideas not relevant to your life?
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Title says all December 10, 2005
Format:Paperback
I knew I had to buy the book when I looked through it at the store. It's pretty and designed well. It's dimensions are pleasing, and the size perfect for one sitting. Since Arden has experience in the advertising industry, he knows how to keep my attention. And that means it's not some how-to book with lots of text. The book is meant to stimulate you, not cram you full of advice. So, it's not "fluff."

Though my copy was taken from me, I still remember many parts of the book and plan to buy another. This book is indeed for everyone, not just those in advertising. Arden merely uses his own experience in his field to make a universal point.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a highly creative book about becoming more creative. It is filled with provoking thoughts and exercises. I recommend this book very much to anyone seeking to expand, enrich, widen their personal creativity. It could easily be a supplementary textbook for many courses in high school and college.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Must Read!
Just finished this book not to long ago and I loved it. Paul's got this charm that he's able to convey through his writing. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jake
A Must-Read for Anyone Working in the Creative Industries
When in book shops, one notices more and more titles occupying the self-help section. They cover a broad range of topics-from how to be creative, be a success, get fit, find love,... Read more
Published 2 months ago by 1 Ice
Loved it!!!!!
I totally fell in love with this book, it is perfect if you need guidance or want to broaden your horizens on the creative plain. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Epic Reviews
Here's why this is a great book
Paul Arden's books are among my favorites.

Each time I feel the need for a moral boost, I reach out for "It's not how good you are ... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Laura Rodriguez
Very very good
This book came very fast and love the book! Everyone should read it once..Inspirational very young generation kids. Paul Arden is an amazing writer he has a few great books.
Published 7 months ago by Cstyle22
Everyone home should have a copy
When I taught an advertising class at university I put this book at the top of the required reading list. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Stanley Johnson
Quick, motivating read
Took maybe 15 minutes to get cover to cover. Lots of inspirational, motivational and sometimes humorous words to get you going.
Published 8 months ago by Emily McKeating
It's cheky and cheap and has a few good ideas.
This is a little book, you can read it in an hour and maybe I should describe it as a cheeky little book. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Steven Unwin
Bought this book at least five times... keep giving it away as a gift!
As an advertising professional, this is the literary equivalent of a Red Bull. I keep on at the side of my desk and when the long days feel extra tough, crack it open, gulp down... Read more
Published 11 months ago by R. Corey Lane
It's Not How Bad the Book Is, It's How Good You Thought It Would Be
The title of this book had me very excited to read its content. I thought for sure I'd find some insightful commentary about building and exuding confidence in yourself and your... Read more
Published 17 months ago by designer.eb
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