Reviews

Widener (The Angel Inside) turns conventional wisdom on its ear in this diminutive but powerful tale that argues that business success does not derive from prestigious degrees but from the careful cultivation of personal integrity and a commitment to excellence. The author couches his teachings in an inviting story of Marcus Drake, a brash up-and-comer with a newly minted M.B.A. and lofty career aspirations, who spends a weekend with one of the world's richest and most powerful businessmen, Bobby Gold. Zooming from deal to deal in chauffeured limos and hobnobbing with sports luminaries, the young man is starstruck and intimidated by the entrepreneur's clout and wealth, which he assumes are the result of aggressive deal making and profit-taking. In the course of a few days, however, Drake's eyes are opened to Gold's Four Rules of Influence, which reveal the difference between the "science of business" and the art of true influence. This slim allegory, with its archetypal characters, packs a far greater wallop of wisdom through its spare and modern-day prose than many ponderous and prescriptive business and leadership books do in far more pages. (July) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Widener (The Angel Inside) shares his hip new approach to interpersonal relationships in this competently self-read parable on the power of influence presented as a learning experience for any recent young business school graduate. The rules he espouses include living a life of undivided integrity, always demonstrating a positive attitude, and not settling for anything less than excellence. Relatively brief but containing sound principles relevant to any future business leader, Widener's story will appeal to those new to the world of work. Recommended for university libraries supporting a business curriculum and public library business collections. [Audio clips available through www.booksontape.com and www.randomhouse.com/audio.--Ed.]--Dale Farris, Groves, TX Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Advance Praise for "The Art of Influence"
"Effortlessly master the most powerful and profitable of art forms. Drink deeply of the wisdom of this influential book."
--Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of "Chicken Soup for the Soul
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"A fantastic little book that reminds us of the importance of integrity and attitude in leadership. A fresh and fun look at the subject of influence."
--Jeffrey Fox, "New York Times" bestselling author of "How to Become CEO
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""The Art of Influence" is a must-read for anyone desiring the wisdom to influence others." --Jim Rohn, author of "The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle"
""The Art of Influence . . . "reminds us of the bedrock fundamentals of not only influence, but of a life well lived."
--Mark Sanborn, author of "The Fred Factor
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