What Makes the Great Great (Paperback)

by Dennis Kimbro (Author) "To you, the reader, I offer these thoughts..." (more)
Key Phrases: correct vocation, unwavering aim, prosperity consciousness, New York, Black America, Air Atlanta (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
African Americans seeking high levels of success and accomplishment must never let negative influences such as poverty and racism infiltrate their souls, exhorts Kimbro in this inspirational self-help manual. More than a highly personal, conversationally written pep talk, it uses the success stories of black achievers in many fields?Maya Angelou, broadcasting magnate Percy Sutton, track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee, chocolate-chip cookie tycoon Wally "Famous" Amos, Soft Sheen hair-care multimillionaire Ed Gardner, among others?to illustrate nine mental strategies said to underlie high achievement. These "stones of greatness" are deep-seated spiritual beliefs, a guiding vision, passionate commitment, character, competence, willingness to take risks, self-confidence, discipline and an I-can-do-it attitude. Professor of entrepreneurship at Clark Atlanta University, Kimbro (Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice) dispenses motivational pearls of wisdom with rhetorical flourishes. Included is a detailed career profile of the top 100 black managers in the U.S.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Best-selling author of Think and Grow Rich (Fawcett, 1991) and Daily Motivations for African-American Success (Columbine, 1993), Kimbro is a professor of entrepreneurship at Clark Atlanta University. Although his latest work is also directed at African Americans, his thoughts and advice can, and should, be used by anyone interested in getting ahead in the business world. The general text describing the assets needed to get ahead is followed by the "Kimbro Executive Profile" of America's top black managers, meant to educate and inspire by example, and by African American consumption patterns, which should help entrepreneurs to target markets. Beyond its overt purposes, Kimbro's book will also enlighten those less familiar with black success stories in America. This interesting motivational work is a solid choice for all public libraries.
-?January Adams, Franklin Twp. P.L., Somerset, N.J.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Main Street Books (January 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385483961
• ISBN-13: 978-0385483964
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #112,494 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding book, extremely powerful and moving, May 23, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Miami, Fl) - See all my reviews

I have read everyone N. Hill, A.Robbins, B.Tracy, W.Clemente Stone, D.Waitley, J.Rohn and some other motivational writers but Dennis Kimbro uses a pen as an artist with paper as his canvas. I must say his information is the same as all these great men I have mentioned, but what sets Dennis Kimbro apart is how he presents this book. Once you pick it up you can't put it down until your done. Kimbro is defintely an accomplished author. I feel this book is in step with Think and Grow Rich (the timeless classic). A MUST without question for everyone to read about how people turn poverty into fortune with hard work. This book offers no get rich quick scheme or live off the work of others, its a roll up your sleeves type of blue collar book, full of inspiration and heart. Thank You Dennis and all who helped Mr. Kimbro in this masterpiece.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A mentor for building interpersonal characteristics., January 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: What Makes Great Great (Hardcover)

"What Makes the Great Great" is a mentor for building interpersonal characteristics for extraordinary achievement. "What Makes the Great Great" is a superb book and the best book I have ever read. I found the book to be very captivating, in that whenever I discuss it with someone they become very interested. Two colleagues have actually purchased their own copies. It is a tremendous book to read in regards to building up your character, personality, and state of mind to achieve success. Dennis Kimbro speaks of many, many African Americans who have strived to achieve their goals and dreams. He has done an enormous amount research to provide situations in which individuals were challenged, but most importantly uses them to illustrate key points. A fantastic context that gives fine points about preparing and maintaining one's self for extraordinary achievement. Dr. Kimbro discusses nine strategies for extraordinary achievement, fear, pray, learning from failure, choosing the correct vocation, and many other key factors. A reader will find interesting data about African Americans, which they will not resist giving second thoughts or sharing with a friend or relative. "What Makes the Great Great" will help and inspirer one to leave the shore so that they can see new waters. I have read other interesting and informative books about great African American achievers to find out how they became great and another motivational book, but Dr. Kimbros' book really explains the various aspects to becoming great and successful. It has been an influence to me pursing a M.B.A. and applying many of the details he mentions.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just another change your thoughts/change your life book!, April 26, 2007

By	Reading my way thru life "Sharing what I read" (VA) - See all my reviews

I love books like this! This book is not only inspiring, but it gives the reader clear examples and instructions on how to achieve your own greatness.

When I first picked this up, I wasn't sure how this book would stand out among all the others I've read that are along the same lines as this. I've read numerous books by Napoleon Hill, Og Mandino, Dale Carnegie, Neville, etc. So, I was wondering if this was just another off-shoot of those, and I was wondering if my time might be better spent re-reading the classics that I mentioned above. I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading and discovered that not only is this book a reinforcement of the above mentioned favorites of mine, but the style is highly appealing to me. This is not just another 'change your thoughts, change your life' type book. This is not a book of quotes, but there are a plethora of really good statements/examples of acheivement and quotes throughout, that I believe can be extrememly beneficial. I love quotes that inspire, motivate and resonate with me. There are many, many really good things to write down and review often from this book.

I was impressed when I read the part about the author meeting with Clement Stone personally and how Mr. Kimbro accepted the project challenge even though Mr. stone decided against offering any financial inducement. -Because Mr. Stone felt it was important for Dennis to experience the very thing he was trying to convey to the audience. That made me realize that this man can truly write about this stuff. He didn't just get a bunch of books/materials together and come up with his own translation -he experienced the journey himself.

"Success in any area of life isn't something you do; rather it's something to see. Success is an understanding, not an activity." -from the book.

Great book. I hope you will read it, love it, and use it in your own life!