The Keystone Advantage


Book Description

Today, many companies operate within a complex network of firms that all depend on each other for success. In this book, authors Marco Iansiti and Roy Levien use the powerful example of biological ecosystems to show how companies can leverage these emerging business networks for long-term success. The book's title, "The Keystone Advantage", is taken directly from biology - it refers to "keystone species", which proactively maintain the healthy functioning of their entire ecosystem for a simple reason: their own survival depends on it. In the same way, say the authors, companies can protect and ensure their own success by deliberately fostering the combined health of the network they operate in.




The Lehigh Valley: A Natural and Environmental History


Book Description

Comprising approximately 730 square miles and over half a million residents, the Lehigh Valley is the third largest metropolitan area in Pennsylvania, encompassing the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Much is known about the industrial history of the valley (home to Bethlehem Steel, Mack Trucks, and Crayola crayons). But few have discovered the valley's natural history: the "endless" Blue Mountain, the spectacular raptor migrations, the wetlands and watercourses. The Lehigh Valley explores the land and the natural forces and human history that have altered it. From boulder fields to water gaps, from sinkholes to limestone caves, the valley has long had a powerful influence on the lives of its residents--and the people have had a similarly powerful effect on the valley; the text features brief profiles of some of the people who have shaped the environmental history of the area. The authors also include directions to historical and natural sites, and the book's illustrations aid visitors and naturalists in identifying the region's abundance of flora and fauna. The Lehigh Valley is a unique combination of narrative natural history, identification handbook, and travel and hiking guide. Mountain laurel, red-tailed hawks, dusky salamanders: The Lehigh Valley not only shows us what resides in this beautiful and bountiful valley, but also explains why. This illustrated guide surveys the valley's ecology, geology, history, and agriculture--and is complemented by maps and drawings of the area's plant and animal life. The Lehigh Valley will appeal to area residents, amateur naturalists, and Pennsylvania visitors with an interest in natural history.




The Economics of Data, Analytics, and Digital Transformation


Book Description

Build a continuously learning and adapting organization that can extract increasing levels of business, customer and operational value from the amalgamation of data and advanced analytics such as AI and Machine Learning Key Features Master the Big Data Business Model Maturity Index methodology to transition to a value-driven organizational mindset Acquire implementable knowledge on digital transformation through 8 practical laws Explore the economics behind digital assets (data and analytics) that appreciate in value when constructed and deployed correctly Book Description In today's digital era, every organization has data, but just possessing enormous amounts of data is not a sufficient market discriminator. The Economics of Data, Analytics, and Digital Transformation aims to provide actionable insights into the real market discriminators, including an organization's data-fueled analytics products that inspire innovation, deliver insights, help make practical decisions, generate value, and produce mission success for the enterprise. The book begins by first building your mindset to be value-driven and introducing the Big Data Business Model Maturity Index, its maturity index phases, and how to navigate the index. You will explore value engineering, where you will learn how to identify key business initiatives, stakeholders, advanced analytics, data sources, and instrumentation strategies that are essential to data science success. The book will help you accelerate and optimize your company's operations through AI and machine learning. By the end of the book, you will have the tools and techniques to drive your organization's digital transformation. Here are a few words from Dr. Kirk Borne, Data Scientist and Executive Advisor at Booz Allen Hamilton, about the book: "Data analytics should first and foremost be about action and value. Consequently, the great value of this book is that it seeks to be actionable. It offers a dynamic progression of purpose-driven ignition points that you can act upon." What you will learn Train your organization to transition from being data-driven to being value-driven Navigate and master the big data business model maturity index Learn a methodology for determining the economic value of your data and analytics Understand how AI and machine learning can create analytics assets that appreciate in value the more that they are used Become aware of digital transformation misconceptions and pitfalls Create empowered and dynamic teams that fuel your organization's digital transformation Who this book is for This book is designed to benefit everyone from students who aspire to study the economic fundamentals behind data and digital transformation to established business leaders and professionals who want to learn how to leverage data and analytics to accelerate their business careers.







The Keystone Kid


Book Description

Coy Watson, Jr. made his motion picture debut in 1913 when he was nine months old. His appearances in Mack Sennett's popular Keystone Cop comedies earned him the nickname The Keystone Kid' and established him as Hollywood's first child star. In this memoir Watson shares his memories of the idyllic early days of Hollywood and of being raised as a member of 'The First Family of Hollywood'. Watson, his father and his siblings appeared in over 1,000 films, including many classics with the biggest names in the industry. Features hundreds of b/w photos throughout.'




The Keystone


Book Description




The Barcelona Way


Book Description

'Does culture create competitive advantage? Case closed in this compelling analysis of sporting success. Read it.' – James Kerr, bestselling author of Legacy. In The Barcelona Way, sports psychologist Prof. Damian Hughes draws on exclusive insight into FCB as well as first-hand research from organizational psychology, to set out a method to create your own high-performance culture. At the heart of FCB’s winning culture are a set of principles, epitomized by Pep Guardiola, Johan Cruyff, Lionel Messi and many other FCB legends, which govern how to nurture talent, prepare for change and provide the best environment to build a culture of sustained success. These principles: Big Picture, Arc of Change, Repetition, Cultural Architects, Authentic Leadership are at the heart of FCB’s unprecedented domination of football, and are the key to developing high-performance cultures in any team-based organisation across every industry. The Barcelona Way is a hugely practical must-read that sets out a clear plan, based on the same principles, for you to create a culture of success and get the best of yourself and your team.




The Connector's Advantage


Book Description

The most important asset you have is your relationships Are you already networking but all that effort is not translating into results? Does everyone seem to be getting further ahead even though you are just as smart? Are you looking for a new job or up for a promotion? Do you have great ideas but no one seems to be listening to them? If any of these situations resonate, this book is for you And even if you are already a Connector, this book will help you take it up a level. Connectors think and act a certain way that makes things happen faster, easier, and often with a better result. This book will explain: 1. Why relationships and connecting are critical to your results, success, and even happiness. 2. How Connectors have a way of thinking and acting that enables stronger relationships. 3. How ANYONE can infuse these mindsets and behaviors into their interactions and see the impact. Michelle Tillis Lederman has curated connections and includes expert advice from over two dozen authors, coaches, and business owners including Marshall Goldsmith, Dorie Clark, Ivan Misner, Susan RoAnn and more. Regardless of your goal--a job, a promotion, new business, a referral--who you know and who knows you will lead to opportunities. It is the strength of your relationships that leads to your success. Want to increase your influence and impact? Get The Connector's Advantage.




The Book on Advanced Tax Strategies


Book Description

When it comes to taxes, it's not just about how much money you make--but how much money you actually get to keep. Are you tired of working hard all year, just to lose the largest chunk of that money to the IRS? Believe it or not, the U.S. tax system is filled with loopholes designed specifically to benefit real estate investors just like you. In this comprehensive follow-up to The Book on Tax Strategies, bestselling authors and CPAs Amanda Han and Matthew MacFarland bring you more strategies to slash your taxes and turn your real estate investments into a tax-saving machine. Inside, you will learn: How to take advantage of the tax reform benefits in all of your real estate deals Tax-deferral and tax-free techniques to significantly increase your return on investments How to use your rental properties to legally wipe out your taxable income What you need to know to take advantage of the Opportunity Zone tax benefits Tax-free methods to take cash out of a 1031 Exchange How to supercharge your nest egg using self-directed investment strategies Common retirement investing tax traps and how to avoid them Taxes saved means more money for you, your family, and more money to invest. Learning to save on your taxes could be the easiest money you ever make!




The Power of Habit


Book Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This instant classic explores how we can change our lives by changing our habits. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Wall Street Journal • Financial Times In The Power of Habit, award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. Distilling vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives that take us from the boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to the sidelines of the NFL to the front lines of the civil rights movement, Duhigg presents a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential. At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, being more productive, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. As Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives. With a new Afterword by the author “Sharp, provocative, and useful.”—Jim Collins “Few [books] become essential manuals for business and living. The Power of Habit is an exception. Charles Duhigg not only explains how habits are formed but how to kick bad ones and hang on to the good.”—Financial Times “A flat-out great read.”—David Allen, bestselling author of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity “You’ll never look at yourself, your organization, or your world quite the same way.”—Daniel H. Pink, bestselling author of Drive and A Whole New Mind “Entertaining . . . enjoyable . . . fascinating . . . a serious look at the science of habit formation and change.”—The New York Times Book Review