Customer Reviews

The Prosperity Equation

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Mr. Ziegler writes like he speaks. He's in your face, straightforward and unapologetically candid about his rags to riches story. He starts by noting that wealth and prosperity are not the same thing, then explains the difference by taking the reader through the four "pillars of prosperity" that have made him the successful entrepreneur he is today. He is generous in offering very specific tactics and techniques anyone can use to achieve similar success. If you're serious about your business and want to attain or retain a lifestyle beyond your dreams, read this book. It won't take long to read, but the ideas can be used forever.

I am currently a professional speaker and trainer (Internet Marketing, computer graphics, and web design). Having also been a professional drummer for over 25 years, I can tell that Jim Ziegler writes like I like to play the drums: balls to the wall with intensity and passion and taste when appropriate. He pulls no punches. This book is not for the meek at heart.

If you want the truth about what it takes to be prosperous and to find out if you have what it takes, read this book. If you want some book on theory, you won't find it here.

I'm an avid reader and enjoyed Mr. Ziegler's candor and sincerity. He doesn't make apologies for wanting to win big in the game of making money. He tells us how he did it and gives us great business "nuts and bolts" how-to advice, welcoming any competition, because in his mind, there isn't any (competition) when you follow the "Equation". Highly recommended.

This is not a book from which everyone will derive substantial benefit because many (most?) people who read it will probably not be willing to sustain the necessary commitment to the "equation" Ziegler shares. (I am reminded of the aphorism "The harder I work, the luckier I get.") If you are among those who believe that there are certain "secrets", "keys", "short-cuts", etc. to achieving quantifiable goals of wealth and success in life, and can thereby achieve the freedom permitted by a great lifestyle and peace of mind, you need to re-think your values. However, if you are sincerely (indeed passionately) determined to improve both the quality of your life and of your lifestyle, this could well be the one of the most important books you will ever read. According to Ziegler, all successful people have four common characteristics: Attitude, Desire, Work Ethic, and Competency. These are the "cornerstone pillars" of Ziegler's Prosperity Equation. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest possible rating, how do you measure yourself in terms of each of the four? Now consider what Ziegler refers to as "peripherals": gather people, define your vision, leverage other people's experience, see change as a challenge, make quick and accurate decisions, have a lasting and meaningful relationship, saturate your mind with success, know God, have honor, invest your money back into the business, see each person as an individual, embrace technology, and manage multiple projects. Once again, rate yourself on a scale of 1-10. If you gave yourself (on average) a nine for each of the "cornerstone pillars" and "peripherals", you either do not need this book or are in an advanced stage of denial.

But if your average rating is in the 4-7 range, Ziegler has much of value to share with you. First, he shares his thoughts about attitude ("Get Your Mind Right!"); next, he reviews relevant experiences (both good and bad) in his life ("My Story"); then he suggests how his reader can apply in her or his own life an appropriate combination of strategies and tactics ("Getting Ready to Get Ready"); and finally, Ziegler addresses the reader's need to promote himself or herself effectively ("Advertising and Marketing and Sales...Oh My!") and then provides a Bibliography of suggested readings for additional study. My strong suggestion is that, after completing Part One, the reader take what Ziegler calls "a naked look" and conduct, in effect, a self-audit in terms of the "cornerstone pillars" and "peripherals." Then read the remaining three Parts. Next, formulate a list of specific personal and professional goals as well as a detailed Action Plan to achieve them. Then re-read the book before implementing the Action Plan.

Expect disappointment, frustration, "combat fatique", and temporary setbacks. (Keep in mind that the Chinese character for the word "crisis" has two meanings: peril and opportunity.) Learn from mistakes. Modify your Action Plan to accommodate unexpected developments. Meanwhile and at all times, sustain your commitment to each of the four "cornerstone pillars." They will support you, especially during difficult times when you need them most. Ziegler wishes you "Good Luck!" and so do I.

Jim writes like he speaks and is a top notch presenter on stage. This book is for anyone that needs a shot in the arm and has trouble getting out of bed in the morning. The one-liners are worth the price alone, Jim is an example of "face in the dirt to riches." If you asked him what he thinks about being poor he would say, "I tried that and its sucks."

If you have anything to do with selling or you're in a business that needs motivation to make it run, this book is packed with ideas in real life language any "HSG" (High School Graduate) can understand as Jim proves thats all you need to become a multi-millionaire. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face no, "Woe is me" allowed. Recommended fast fun reading and be sure to have your safety glasses and hard hat on. Read only in daytime hours.

James A. Ziegler takes you on a trip through the ups and downs of his life and his business. This comes from sombody in the game and doing it / did it, not from somebody regurgitating a collection of other people's material.

You may be amazed how he postures himself as a celebrity, yet each client gets a personal touch. He lives large in his personal life and business life, yet pays attention to the smallest details of appearance of anything that is a reflection of his company. Yes, this even means cleaning up the men's room when needed.

If you are looking for a business book to help you jump start your start up, looking to get to the next level or just a real life Rocky Story of climbing over adversity to reach the peak of the mountain, then this book is for you!

No matter what your experience level in business, (or LIFE), this read will leave you feeling re-charged and ready to overcome all obstacles. Mr. Ziegler writes with a real-world / reality based mindset.

This read has helped me to take a few steps back and to re-organize my priorities.

This book is a must-read for anyone who truly wants to make things happen in his or her life and business. It is true that few people will do what it takes to be successful in their own business and James spells it out exactly. While I have reached a certain level of success, it was a huge reminder that we must continually raise the bar and set new standards of excellence in our lives and work. Otherwise, we're destined to fall back into certain comfort zones. The real wisdom and strategies contained in this book will lead people to a new level of success!

After reading Ziegler's new book, "The Prosperity Equation," I was amazed at the man's insights and the depth of the information he presented. It's obvious that James Ziegler understands the entrepreneurial mindset required to become a success in business. This is a book I can recommend to my friends and associates with the confidence of knowing they'll like it too. I compare it to "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," which I also thought was a great book.

As a person who has read countless books and listened to so many tape programs over and over again I was amazed. While I understand the theory to wealth, no one has articulated the path the way MR. Ziegler has. His Writings have pulled together all that my subconscious knows to be true, and has kicked me in the butt to do something about it. The honesty and personal openness of the writing has made me rethink my goals, and finally go for them. As a Sales Manager I have excelled in every organization that I have been fortunate to work for, allways making them "NUMBER 1", every time. Unfortunately I have made all of them a lot of money, and not enough for myself. Mr Ziegler's writings have told me to go my own way and trust my instincts, I've had the ability but not the guts. Now I'm going to go for IT. Thank you James A. Ziegler and write more, I'll see you in the millonaires club. And for all those who are thinking about pruchasing this manuscript, JUSY DO IT. Should it seem intimadating, read on. If at the end you don't get it, just give up on being truly sucessful.