Catch!: A Fishmonger's Guide to Greatness

I don't know about you, but when I think about working in a fish shop, all I can think is; I'll never get that smell off my hands. I was in Seattle about 16 years ago and went to Pike Place Market. I don't remember seeing that particular fish market, but the whole market is pretty cool. This is a fantastic book. The thought of the motley crew of guys pictured in the book getting along and having fun is nothing short of amazing. The shop is proof that you can have fun, learn, and make a lot of money doing just about anything, if certain rules are observed. One of the main secrets of their success is the ability to be taught. So many people, especially after working in the same occupation for a number of years, or reaching a certain age feel like they know it all, and are not willing to try anything new. These employees each essentially 'own' a piece of the business. With ownership it's easier to accept responsibility and get a feeling of success and euphoria. This company also holds biweekly meetings, as well as huddles at the start and end of each day. The stories of each employee as portrayed inspired me, even if they were embellished by the author. The author did an exemplary job writing this book, and I would recommend it to anyone working for themselves or for an employer, after all, we are all working for ourselves anyway.

If this book does not inspire you to come alive and get going with your life, nothing will. And it is not some philosoper's old boring stuff; it is real life from ordinary fish mongers. It is down-to-earth information that is easily read, easily undetstood, and easy to apply to your own life. I plan to reread this little book several times a year to remind me what any person can easily do to become "great."The whole idea of the Pike Place Fish Market is inspirational. If you have ever been to the market in Seattle, you will be quite inspired and maybe even a happier person right away because if it. The people who work there are inspirational. They are succeeding personally and as part of a team. They are very happy to be working where they are. They have a formula for success that is really working, and working for ordinary people. This is why they sell tons of fish on the Internet. This is why they perform training programs all over the country. This is why they sell so many books and videos and T-shirts. If you do not check into this source of inspiriation you are losing out. I'm so glad I know about Fish!

Just when you think another motivation book has been written, 'Catch' does not preach motivation and business philosophy, 'Catch' shows how the crew is motivated from within themselves to perform and succeed. Everybody is motivated differently. Read how with the right ingrediants in people and environment, business will thrive.

If you have been unhappy with your job and feeling as though you are trapped, then this book is the perfect first step towards changing your life. I have read both of the previous books based on the philosophy of the amazing workers at Pike Place Fish, and was already inspired by their refreshing attitudes. I have also had the pleasure of watching them interact in person at Pike Place Market in Seattle, and they are exactly as they present themselves on the pages of their book. However, having them tell their stories in their own words truly makes an impact on the message, causing this to be the better of the three books. After reading this book, it is impossible to walk into work the next day without it affecting your relationships and attitudes towards your job. Beyond the work environment, it also creates a ripple effect that changes the way you relate to others in your personal life. After reading this book, I feel as though I know the fishmongers a little better, and appreciate their help in changing the way I deal with the people and issues in all areas of my life. This should be required reading for any company that wishes to become "World Famous" and make a difference for their employees and customers. Don't just buy one copy of "Catch", get one for a friend and share the gift of awareness and contentment with others.And if you're ever in Seattle, don't miss a visit to the guys at the market! The fish is second to none, and the fishmongers have a way of making your day special.

I managed to get a promotional pre-release copy of this book from the publisher and am thoroughly impressed by what the fishmongers have written. While other books like FISH! tend to look at what they do from a rather superficial and "fun" vantage point, this book takes a deep probing look at the root of their philosophy and how they choose to live their lives. And most importantly, they themselves are the writers. The reason for their success is that they are not some cheap dog-and-pony show for the entertainment of tourists. These men live their beliefs in and out of the fish market. They have become a phenomenal success through the sheer will of their actions and commitments - order it now so you can read it when it first comes out, trust me, you will not be disappointed...