Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: Anyone who wants to understand more about risk in their life or business, including business owners, managers, executives, and employees who want to know more about the risks to their jobs if their company is endangering jobs by not balancing risk taken and reasonably projectable rewards obtainable.

Q: What is the book about?
A: In Stick Out Your Balance Sheet and Cough, Gary Patterson details for the first time the proven methods he’s used to successfully treat ailing companies of all sizes across a range of industries–from a startup purchased by IBM to a public technology company sold to eBay to an Inc. 500 consumer goods manufacturer to an international Fortune 500 firm.

Offering tips to stanch the internal financial bleeding and providing a daily regimen for ensuring your company’s financial health, the FiscalDoctor’s prescription is clear:
• Give your company an overall checkup to gauge its condition
• Diagnose problems by reviewing your financials and operations
• Implement a treatment plan using Best Practices from world-class successful companies
• Create a wellness program to prevent future fiscal crises

Using the FiscalDoctor’s Best Practices, the high-growth company you own, manage or
direct can avoid unnecessary increased expenses, revenue shortfalls, employee layoffs, missed bonuses or broken dreams.

So open this book and say “Profit.”

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: Gary W. Patterson, The FiscalDoctor®, actually uses these methods developed over more than 30 years of top management experience with companies in manufacturing, technology, wireless, service and distribution in companies from start-ups to Inc 500 to Fortune 500. Several reached 10x compounded annual growth in revenue. He was the European coordinator for a global enterprise-wide leading-edge supply chain re-engineering pilot software application for Robertson CECO, a Fortune 500 company. The project was selected as a premiere site by J D Edwards and he was one of three worldwide pilots for a dimensional MRP software module. Gary also successfully negotiated more than 25 M&A transactions with a market value exceeding $390 million. Gary holds an MBA in Finance and Operations from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, a BA in Accounting from the University of Mississippi, and is a KPMG Big 4 CPA.

Q: How is this book different than other books on this topic?
A: Patterson offers a commonsense approach to risk management that unlocks added value for existing or new ERM programs, both identifying formerly invisible opportunities and revealing key risk areas executives unwittingly take.

In these turbulent economic times when risk is a guaranteed certainty, Gary Patterson unlocks the “hidden risks” that could topple even the best of companies. Even before Bernie Madoff, he saw companies struggle, even die from self inflicted risks they unknowingly took. To this end, Patterson helps companies develop and implement an ERM strategy to ensure a company’s long-term financial growth.

Patterson offers readers seven takeaway tips:
• Management needs to “bite the bullet” and just get started. Often companies want to start at too high a level of sophistication and quit because of the “perceived” challenges. Patterson offers a basic starting point.
• Patterson zeroes in on five operational areas where an ERM strategy will result in immediate improvements.
• Even viable business models need continuous fine tuning to help re-define and manage risk.
• The greening of America will necessitate that every company have an ERM strategy.
• Even cash-strapped companies can find innumerable ways to improve their cashflow. Patterson’s Resource Sections offer additional tips to improve a company’s balance sheet.
• Executive teams must come to terms with their risk tolerance in order to implement an ERM strategy that works for their companies’ cultures.
• Corporate board packages that are delivered less than six days before a board meeting is a sign that there may be systemic operational problems (read risk) lurking inside the company.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: This enterprise risk management (ERM) book includes stories on how a Fiscal Checkup can save your business life. “What You Don’t Know About Your Business Can Cost You Your Business.” That is why sticking out your balance sheet and coughing gets you what you need to know in time for any needed procedures which can mean the difference between life and death. Sticking out your balance sheet is no more comfortable than a visit to your doctor, but it’s every bit as important. Even if it’s bad news (maybe especially) you need to know.

This commonsense approach to risk management unlocks added value for existing or new ERM programs, both identifying formerly invisible opportunities and revealing key risk areas business unwittingly takes.

Too many CEOs, C-suite officers, and boards are taking far greater risks than they may be aware of. Posing the million-dollar-question, “What is the cost of what you don’t know,” this session alerts managers to hidden risks that may be lurking inside their projects and even companies.

For example, in this rapidly accelerating world where layers of management and large numbers of employees have been fired or their work outsourced, decision makers are under siege. After adding factors like silo-thinking departments, inadequate reporting systems, and a challenging global economy, companies are taking far greater risks than CEOs and C-suite officers and their boards are aware of. Examples of risks can range from inventory mismanagement, outdated and/or incomplete financial reports, and false accounting assumptions to external forces like misreading the market, losing competitive advantage, and missing opportunities.

And as another point of WIIFM, you will find you can implement a basic version of this which can make you more money, including saving your bonus in some future year, or maybe this current year.

A video of Gary discussing his book is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXhsY8hP70A

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: The target audiences are primarily those individuals who have an interest in the economy, finance and/or investing and are or may be personally financially impacted by the state of the economy. The secondary market includes those who would like to learn about the finance and investment world and/or are interested in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures within finance and/or real estate.

Q: What is the book about?
A: Standing in the Rain takes the complex subject of the economic crisis which has been experienced in both the United States and throughout the world and helps to explain the situation to the general public in layman’s terms.  It offers a well-rounded perspective from Thomas J. Powell, a seasoned financial authority.  The book takes a detailed, up-to-date (it will be updated again at the end of the Summer or when relevant when it becomes apparent in which direction the economy is moving at that time) snapshot of the current economic state in the country by addressing three specific areas:

1.      How did we get here?

2.      How do we get through this?

3.      What will the other side look like?

In addition, the book addresses each state and provides a snapshot of major economic issues occurring in them. We have already heard back from several business leaders and governors stating they found the information to be both relevant and appropriate.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: Thomas J. Powell felt compelled to write this book not only because of the obvious financial crisis being felt by every business sector and individual, but also because it is a perfect marriage of his expertise in Economics, Finance and Real Estate.  He is an instructor in Real Estate Finance at Harvard University, has recently completed his MBA in Real Estate and is considering pursuing his Ph.D at Edinburgh University in Scotland.  More important, Thomas has real-life experience of more than 20 years belly to belly in the topic, not just within the academic world, which can often shelter individuals from the reality of what is occurring in the marketplace.

Because Thomas works everyday in the marketplace through his company, ELP Capital, Inc., and produces a weekly newsletter titled:  The Powell Perspective:  Observations on the Economy, Real Estate, Finance and Investing, he is able to easily update the content of the book as necessary to take it to market through a major publisher and still have it be fresh and relevant to the general public.

How is this book different from other books on this topic:  Examples of key competition and differences are as follows:

¨      Cooper, George, The Origin of Financial Crises (Vintage, 2008)

¨      Shiller, Robert, The Subprime Solution (Princeton Press, 2008)

¨      Soros, George, The New Paradigm for Financial Markets (Public Affairs, 2008)

¨      Zandi, Mark, Financial Shock (FT Press, 2009)

Standing in the Rain is unique from the examples listed above in that it takes the economic crisis and brings it to the individual’s level of understanding, application to one’s life and how to turn one’s personal financial challenges into success.  It is not just about understanding the market, it is about understanding how the market impacts the person and what he or she can do about it to help themselves both get through it and excel in the process.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: Thomas Powell has been a speaker on Economics and Finance for several years.  He speaks 10-15 times per year to groups of sizes ranging from 50-250 on the topic.  Tom’s speaking engagement list is included in this package which illustrates his various audiences and speaking locations, including a recent presentation in Buenos Aires in conjunction with one of his Harvard professors.  Tom has a weekly newsletter and podcast, The Powell Perspective, which can be found at www.thepowellperspective.com.  The current distribution is approximately 10,000 since its inception in March 2009; the goal is to have the distribution up to 100,000 by the end of the year.

Both Thomas and his wife, Tonya, have significant business circles that extend throughout the country and world.  In addition to Tom’s multitude of Harvard contacts throughout the world, he serves as a National Trustee for Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), which has many Fortune 100 CEOs on its Board of Directors and Board of Governors.  Tonya is also heavily involved with BGCA and has built a very solid sphere of business owners and directors from her time with AT&T and her numerous wealthy and noted clients within the Powell’s financial investment company, ELP Capital, Inc.

Please see www.standingintherain.com or www.thepowellperspective.com for further information!

Question: Who is the intended audience? Answer: Everyone who wants to improve the security and the yield on their investments and stop losing money.

Q: What is the book about? A: Former stock broker and investment banking guru outlines the results of his investigation on the number one investment in America. It is not offered at any stock brokerage firm, bank, insurance company or any financial advisory firm.  It is a disciplined plan that anyone can learn and participate in to provide a secure financial future. Outlined in the book are ways to let other people fund your retirement, your child’s education and your future medical expense.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book? A: My 40 years experience investing in real estate, 22 years as a stock broker, 5 years experience as a motivational speaker and former newspaper editor gives me the capability to do the research and draw the right conclusions.

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic? A: No one else has ever been so specific and detailed on the number one investment in America and all the elements that make it number one. It outlines, in simple detail, how anyone can learn and initiate this powerful investment plan that is a part of the American Dream.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book? A: It is so much harder to get your money back after you’ve lost it than to keep it and grow it safely and securely. This is no get rich quick program. This investment is safer than your retirement program and has more tax benefits which you never need to repay. Every investor should add this book to their library to compare with all other investment advice presented by others. You will soon be able to understand why it is number one and why there isn’t even a close second.

For more information, visit: www.tenpercentdown.com

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: All investors who seek more efficient investment vehicles and wish to learn about them while reading a text with “a plot”, (To keep them turning the pages while learning) Investors are unaware of the myriad hidden fees and “clearing costs” attendant their “retual” mutual funds…expenses that impact their performance on a daily basis.

“Casino” reveals the many court settlements that have resulted from the illegal activity on “Wall Street”, (Illustrating just one year and billions of dollars”).

Q: What is the book about?
A: A protagonist that is frustrated with portfolio losses turns to her past college love for expert advice and is taken on a whirlwind tour of four world economies while learning about “passive” investment strategies. The conclusion finds Jane Cromwell married to her advisor and much wiser after what was literally a nighmare that she survived.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: To help educate average investors in an entertaining fashion and provide possible leadership solutions with a “grass roots” political education effort through the AllCan.org “self-screening” website.

With 37 years in the  financial services industry and one technical book published, I realized that people won’t read “technical” books…and for all the right reasons, (They are boring.) So, “Casino” is part Harlequin novel and part classic Gramm and Dodd financial text. I am told it is an “easy read”.

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: Please see above.

The book is written in a “generic” fashion so that it can be private branded by “fee-only”, licensed investment advisors. The book can be used as a “business card” to educate prospects or as an educational tool for existing clients. The advisor can include his own picture and forward, if she wishes.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: For more information, visit www.wallstreetcasinobook.com

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “34% of businesses were no longer in existence two years after their birth and more than half were gone within four years.” To what do most business owners attribute their “failure” to? Lack of capital. Solving the Capital Equation: Financing Solutions for Small Businesses provides the small business owner and those working with them with financing knowledge.

This book is targets small business owners whose companies generate revenues of $300,000 to $20 million. It discusses how to access capital for growth – hiring management, paying for marketing and advertising, purchasing equipment, etc. If you are considering starting a business or buying into a franchise, you too can benefit from understanding what options exist to grow a business. In addition, some of the sources referenced in the book can work well as sources of start-up capital. Finally, the book presents a number of financing options for those who are considering acquiring an existing business.

Q: What is the book about?
A: Solving the Capital Equation is unique. Lots of small business financing books write about bank financings and how to pursue it, and other fairly apparent finance sources. Solving the Capital Equation describes options in details. For example, in the book’s discussion of banks, it covers them all – from large central banks to regional to local to minority-owned – and when it makes more sense to choose one over the other. The book covers everything from factoring and equipment loans to going public via hedge funds.

Solving the Capital Equation’s real-life examples and easy-to-follow case studies take you through the process and provide step-by-step alternatives for financing your business. It provides actionable and practical advice for solving your financing issues and a roadmap through the potentially confusing process for securing capital for any company.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: I have served as a business advisor to small to medium businesses with revenues of $500,000 to $80 Million and now provide interim management services to this same group. I have acquisition experience – I purchased one company, am pursuing other acquisitions, and advise on acquisitions. Over the last four years I have helped companies obtain over $20 Million in financing and over $31 Million in contracts and purchase orders. I also have an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurial Management from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In prior positions I evaluated and valued small companies and led investments in or purchases of small companies.

But the main reason I believe I am the best person to write this book is because I kept getting the same questions as well as seeing companies make the same mistakes over and over again, simply because they were not aware of all their alternatives. So I wrote the book.

The idea to write the book took seed when I created a Financial Roundtable Forum hosting expert speakers on a monthly basis to discuss the ins-and-outs of financing options. Once a year we produced multi-person debt panels and equity panels where experts fielded questions from the audience. I also spoke at a number of small business-related association meetings and conferences. Once again, I kept answering the same questions providing illustrations and examples to help elucidate the issues and alternatives to clients and audience members. I started writing down these answers, which evolved into writing Solving the Capital Equation: Financing Solutions for Small Businesses.

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: Solving the Capital Equation: Financing Solutions for Small Businesses sets itself apart by presenting case studies to illustrate common problems and solutions to those problems. There are over 25 case studies of different types of companies – service, manufacturing, distribution – in various stages of maturity and growth. Another way the book distinguishes itself is by presenting various scenarios of when to use each financing option. In addition, a portion of the book is devoted to listing a variety of options to consider as the business matures and grows, given the type of business.

There are many books on the market that talk about approaching banks, pursuing grants, or using private placements to raise money. These all walk through the how-to but none address the when or why nor do they provide examples. Most business owners have not been in school for some time yet the finance books use a more academic approach. Those who are out there living what’s in books do best when presented with knowledge formatted in the way they live and learn. That’s what this book provides.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: Solving the Capital Equation assists company leaders in finding answers to whom, what, when and how to finance their small- to medium-sized businesses. Straightforward and simple to understand, the book guides readers through complex issues in an intelligent and useful manner.

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: The Lifestyle Financed: You are enjoying a lifestyle that is financed through debt, and you aren’t sure how you will ever live without credit.

The Career Trapped: You have a job and income, but would do something else if you thought you could afford to.

The Starting Out: You are just starting on your financial journey and want to get off on the right track

The Worried Wealthy: You are managing your assets, but don’t enjoy your wealth because you worry about losing your money.

Enlightened Wealth has been especially popular with women age 40 – 65, who have some money and want a better understanding about how money interacts with their life goals. They are looking for lifetime financial security.

Q: What is this book about?
A: If it’s personal financial independence you’re looking for, Enlightened Wealth is where you start and where you return to throughout the wealth creation and management process. Change is uncomfortable – even if it’s for the better. In Enlightened Wealth, you will have a place to get clear on what’s really important to you and where you really want to go. The “Daily Review” section of the book is designed to help you see what’s happening to inspire you throughout the day, supporting your vision or things that could be improved. Its a tool to help you become accountable to your goals and to develop greater clarity about your true priorities.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?

A: I’m a Certified Financial Planner(R) professional with expertise in insurance, banking and investments. My career has spanned over 16 years in the financial industry. While working as a successful broker for one of Canada’s largest investment firms, I realized that the charts, graphs and rates of return weren’t helping my clients win in all areas of their financial lives. So I developed some day-to-day financial tools and processes to help explain financial success planning and coaching concepts to people who don’t want to become “money experts.”

My perspective also comes from both personal financial success as well as financial loss and the frustrations of starting over. A government tax audit forced my family into bankruptcy – it was applying the principles of MoneyMinding that brought us back from the brink. I’m proof that succeeding financially is not about sacrifice; it is about individual strategies based on universal facts about finance, success, and you!

Q: How is this book different from other books on the same topic?
A: This is a book about personal finances, but it also incorporates the success teachings that conventional financial planners miss. Instead of saying “save money and cut back”, Enlightened Wealth encourages you to Believe, Begin and Become – by determining your life goals and your “ideal budget”, then working out how to provide the ongoing income to meet those goals. Where other financial planners say “contract”, Enlightened Wealth encourages you to expand your possibilities, your imagination, and your chances for success – and gives you practical tools to do it.

Q: Is there anything else to know about this book?
A: Enlightened Wealth is currently available in two formats – a concise 80-page manual to use with your own journal, and a year-long journal where you can write your daily thoughts and progress.

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: Written with young adults in mind, Get Your Assets in Gear! Smart Money Strategies by Jan Dahlin Geiger, CFP, MBA is a guide for launching and maintaining a lifetime of wise money management practices. While we assumed individuals in their 20’s and 30’s would be our primary readers, people in their 40’s and 50’s have become our largest group of buyers.

Q: What is the book about?
A: At mid-life, many recognize the urgent need to get their finances on track!

Fortunately for our older audience, it’s not too late to make significant changes.

After more than 30 years in the financial services business, Jan can testify that getting rich is pretty easy: You simply have to learn what rich people do to become rich and then do the same.

Conveniently, the formula for becoming rich involves three basic steps:

1. Get out of debt and stay out of debt.

2. Save money automatically.

3. Learn to invest wisely.

Given such simple guidelines, why do so few people become rich?

The answer is attitude. If you believe you can do something, then you will work to make it happen. If you believe you can’t, then you will not take the first step forward. Because most people believe that getting rich is hard, they don’t bother to pursue the goal.

In addition to the basics, you’ll find several bonus chapters that cover topics rarely discussed in personal finance books:

• How to achieve financial harmony with your mate with concrete, step-by-step guidance for peaceful financial togetherness.
• How to buy cars and how to buy houses.
• How giving money to others in need attracts even more money back to you.
• How to address your mental attitude about money—the deciding factor between achieving success or ending in failure.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: Throughout this book, I repeatedly steer my readers away from get-rich-quick schemes. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Practitioner, I share tried and true practices as well as invaluable insights.

All in all, my gifts for making financial concepts clear-cut and for presenting them in a lighthearted manner have produced a book that is well-worth your time and money!

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: This powerful book shatters all the silly ideas that hold people back from believing they can become rich. Essential are the easy-to-understand, step-by-step guidelines:

• Presenting practical solutions for getting out of debt and remaining free of debt, several chapters delve into ways to increase income and decrease expenses to build savings.
• Other chapters walk the reader through investment basics so that your newfound savings earn profits.
• An especially powerful chapter discusses the critical importance of using a spending plan.

Think about it: the behaviors we measure are those we improve. Likewise, most people can’t save money because they have no idea where every dollar goes. When they begin tracking their spending, almost all grow free of debt and start saving money within two years.

Though armed with workable, researched advice, I hesitated considerably before writing this book. After all, thousands of personal finance books are available. What persuaded me to put pen to paper was the feedback from people who attended my seminars. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds told me that I had to share my rare gift for explaining money basics.

Not only is my approach straightforward so that anyone can “get it,” but my style is positive and engaging. People respond to me. They are motivated to let go of limiting beliefs and, instead, accept this powerful idea that becoming rich is possible and easy.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: Since publishing the book, I have received encouraging feedback from my readers:

“You really didn’t say a lot that I didn’t already know, but you are the first who said it in a way that made me WANT to take action.“

“I read your book cover to cover and never got bored. I can hardly wait to dive in and get started.”

“My husband is great with money but I have never been. Your book is the first one I have read in 10 years that I enjoyed, and for the first time, I actually want to cooperate with my husband in building wealth rather than being angry with him for saving instead of spending.”

“Usually when I read money books, I feel terrible about myself and need some retail therapy to get over it! Your book is so empowering. You make me feel terrific about myself and you make me believe I really can do this!”

“Jan, you’re the first person I’ve ever met who makes money fun!”

The last comment about making money “fun” highlights the crucial difference between my book and others. Presenting money management in an enjoyable, interesting, optimistic format empowers readers to take action.

Most people feel terrible about their financial predicaments. They don’t need to focus on scolding commentary. On the other hand, words from a “you-can-do-this” coach are extremely beneficial:

“This is so easy!”

“Real people with really tough challenges are utterly successful with this process; there’s no reason why you cannot achieve the same great results!”

“Rather than fret about the past, be grateful for your mistakes—they have taught you what things not to do!”

“You can do it! Simply imitate those who have already achieved their goals.”

“It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.”

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: Senior managers and executives, human resources professionals, and anyone interested in understanding their financial personality

Q: What is the book about?
A: The book develops a new approach to analyzing the impact of financial decisions by executives and shows that all individuals have personal financial traits that express themselves through our financial decisions in characteristic ways. The expression of these traits reflects a Financial Signature® that each individual possesses. There are nine Financial Signatures and each of these will lead to a characteristic impact on financial performance reflected in the valuation outcome of an organization. By understanding our Financial Signature we can improve our financial performance and that of our organizations and align ourselves more closely with the valuation target of the organization we work within.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: I have an extensive operating background at the CEO and Chairman level in both public and private companies so I have experience at the coal face on why people make or lose money. I have numerous publications in the area of leadership, human resources, management, strategy and technology and am a frequent speaker at industry conferences. I consult to CEOs, boards and senior executives on leadership and its impact on corporate financial performance and valuation. I am also the CEO and Founder of the Perth Leadership Institute, which works with senior executives to implement the Financial Signature concept at top US companies.

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: The 3 Financial Styles of Very Successful Leaders delivers a unique approach which draws a direct link between behavior and the financial bottom line, something that other leadership books and models have thus far not been able to do. In fact, it opens up a new area of research within behavioral finance – a relatively new field of study which aims to explain the previously under-appreciated impact of behavior on financial decision-making. The book develops the concept of a Financial Signature possessed by all leaders and executives that drives the financial performance and outcome of the organization they lead. This book shows that the personal financial traits of leaders impact their organizations through predictable financial decisions and strategies. This issue is one that is being researched extensively by the Perth Leadership Institute and opens up a totally new perspective on leadership.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: Our Financial Signature approach has practical consequences and implications in real life. Coupled with our leadership assessments it enables us to predict the valuation consequences for a company of their particular leader. Armed with this knowledge we can show how strategies can be modified to increase company valuation and performance against competitors. This is a new and unique service that is possessed by no other company in the financial analysis or leadership areas. In addition, the book has been published in both traditional and simplified Chinese, and recently received an award as ‘one of the best imported books in China in 2006’, alongside notable books such as The Long Tail, by Chris Anderson, The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman and The Toyota Way Field Book. For more information, visit www.perthleadership.org.