The Ripple Effect

It's easy these days to feel adrift in a soulless world, where cynicism and selfishness reign and those who care about something other than quick sells and profit margins are considered weak and naive. The Ripple Effect is a reminder of what life is really about -- helping each other and leaving a positive legacy. But not only does the book explain why our relationships with others deserve our conscientious attention, he goes on to provide practical tools and concepts to help readers make tangible improvements in their businesses and in their lives. Part I, "Developing a Relationship Mindset", discusses the "science of ripples" and the innumerable and unpredictable opportunities, both personal and professional, that are possible in any given relationship. It also provides a simple personality model that makes it easy to tune your interactions with others to best maximize their potential. Part II, "Planning A Relationship Strategy", gets you thinking about how you could explore the relationships you already have and how you could start cultivating more. It goes on to differentiate between good and bad networking and gives experienced advice on networking groups and identifying people whom you should seek out and those you should avoid. Part III, "Practicing Relationships", defines different levels of relationships and discusses how to deepen them. It details a practical plan for overcoming inertia and starting your own ripples for everyone's benefit. The book wraps up by providing several inspirational stories of rippling and a final dose of encouragement and motivation. The Ripple Effect will open your eyes to the wonderful possibilities of a life lived in cooperation, not competition, with others, and give you the tools you need to seek success in the world without selling your soul. Though some of the core concepts may seem like common sense, it's helpful to be reminded of them in such clear and pragmatic terms, and inspirational to know that there are a lot of people out there who want to join you in making the world a more fulfilling place to live. It's an easy, sincere, engaging read, and a nice bookshelf filler -- every time your eyes glance past it you will be reminded of the karmic goodness it has brought, and continues to bring, into your life, and the lives of those around you. As Steve Harper says, "Ripple on!"

I don't get into these kinds of books. The seven, highly effective, customer experience-driven, habits of where's the cheese kinds of books. But this book turned out differently. The Ripple Effect reminds us about the little things and how they really do matter. And that every seemingly insignificant moment flows into the next, defines our past, and shapes our future. It speaks to things we already know, but forget as we march through our very busy and important lives. This book could help you sell more, grow your company, build better relationships, reach all of your goals...but it won't. What it can do is show you how little actions in your daily life conspire to either produce or prevent all of these things. What you chose to do with that insight is up to you. You're already rippling (for better or worse), so you'd be crazy not to give the subject due consideration. Read it.

Steve's book details the overlooked secret to lasting happiness and true success in our professional lives. It is more relavent to our daily lives than any book I've read in recent memory. This really is a must read!

Finally - a book about Relationships for Mavens and Evangelists too! Most books on the subject are written by Relaters for other Relaters and the strategies and tactics they outline apply only to Relaters. Steve Harper takes a different tack. An incredible Relater himself, Steve provides unique strategies for Mavens and Evangelists by acknowledging their unique vantage point and bringing them into the game. I highly recommend Steve's wonderful book to everyone. Not only will you increase your awareness and ability to create and leverage relationships in your life, but you will do so in a sustainable way, long after you have read it!

The Ripple Effect is a must read primer for any young professional just launching a career and provides valid reminders for veterans alike. Steve's combination of personal experiences from early in his career combined with real life experiences of those he's met along the way reveals just how simple and how important it is to build a career and a life with meaningful relationships.