Pushing the Envelope: All the Way to the Top

By Harvey MacKay

Book Overview

When it comes to business advice that gets results, nobody can touch Harvey Mackay. Founder and CEO of the phenomenally successful Mackay Envelope Corporation and author of the bestselling Swim with... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345432959
• ISBN13: 9780345432957
• Release Date: December 1998
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 2.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Mackays best book to date

I have been a fan of Harvey Mackay since reading Swim with the Sharks. Pushing the Envelope is even better.If you are in business or want to be, read this book and learn from a master..

Buy this book!

From Author of "Script Magic: Subconscious Techniques to Conquer Writer's Block: Want to get motivated? Want to do the impossible! You can, with Harvey MacKay as your guide! There are many poignant messages in this book, but the two that touched me the most was the fact that MacKay aimed for and achieved his desires, despite the "odds." And secondly, the subtle message I get from him and his book is that generosity is really the best policy. Tuck it under your pillow at night and read it for inspiration!

Mackay's best book yet

"Pushing The Envelope" is probably Harvey Mackay's best book since he wrote "Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive." And, maybe "Pushing The Envelope" is better. Mackay shares his wisdom about how to build a business from the standpoint of a professional envelope maker, one of the world's best salesmen, and probably the leading business self-help writer. Mackay knows his envelopes and much else. He talks about setting resolutions, but realizes most people never keep them. He points out that to succeed you must work hard and stick to your goals until you reach them, like an postage stamp sticks to an envelope. "Initiative is important. Finishative is vital," Mackay writes. Mackay tells you not to take yourself too seriously, and that it is probably good to let the other fellow think he is smarter than you. But "Pushing The Envelope" is far more than a collection of positive thinking aphorisms (yes, there are a lot of those also). Mackay discusses his views about managing people and selling, both of which are crucial to most company's success. And, both areas where Harvey Mackay is a world class expert. Mackay teaches you how to cultivate your sales force. He gives insight on making intelligent hires, and points out that recognizing talent is the most valuable talent of an entrepreneur. Mackay shares his views on getting rid of employees and points out that it is the people who you should fire, but who you don't, that cause you problems. Not that Harvey fires many people himself. Many of his happy envelope makers have worked for him for several decades or longer. And, as Mackay points out, making envelopes isn't a business you would consider naturally fun or sexy. And, some of Mackay's people who left to work for the competition were rehired when they learned that the generous offers made to them by Harvey's competitors were deceptions. More money, better tasting glue on the flaps, and who knows whatever else was offered. Harvey understands the importance of forgiveness and helping other people reach their personal and life goals. Without an aphorism, Harvey cares about people and about his employees. He understands the importance of people. And, that computers can't replace them. This is not to say that old Harvey is as flat as one of his envelopes due to being walked over by chums. As Mackay says, "every dog can get in one bite." After that and I'd bet the pouch is in trouble. "Pushing The Envelope" also briefly discusses why people pay more for some products. Value-added. He really shows you how to successfully charge more for your product by focusing on service. Mackay says this is what smaller companies who can't swing lower per unit costs can offer. "Pushing The Envelope All The Way To The Top" should be read by all business people, even those who cringe at the thought of reading one more Harvey Mackay aphorism! By Chapter 82 (yes, Chapter 82, he writes bite-sized chapters) Harvey runs out of b

Captivating, insightful, and clever

Pushing the Enveople: All the Way to the Top by Harvey McKay was captivating, insightful and clever.Inspiring, well spoken, easy to follow and entertaining is the most adequate way to describe Harvey McKay's newest book: Pushing the Envelope: All the Way to the Top. Written not only for the business minded, but appealing to just about anyone who happens to come upon it. Sound practical points and advice, Harvey states it simply through a series of humorous and witty analogies throughout the book. Harvey Mackay is a Minneapolis businessman who successfully built a $75 million dollar company over the past 40 years-Mackay Envelope Corporation. He is also the author of four bestsellers: Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive; Beware of the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt; Sharkproof; and Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty. Well read, Harvey's work can also be seen in the local newspaper with his own column. Clever, intelligent, and motivating, Harvey sets the reader at ease instantly during the first chapter. This is done with stories from his own experiences that he shares throughout the book. He leaves you with an understanding of his vision, his character, and his captivating charm. Quoting movies is where Harvey claims to get the best of his one liners, such as "Hold your friends close and your enemies closer" using the theory that you need to know your customers, but even more so, you need to know your competition. Throughout the book, Harvey sums up the chapter using what he refers to as Mackay's Moral. Amusing synopsis of the point of the story, for example- Mackay's Moral: The reason you always dance with the one who brought you, is `cause when the party's over, you may need a ride home. Another example- Mackay's Moral: Start your New Year today. Remember that anyone can make a resolution. Very few people can keep one. I actually didn't read this book, I listened to it on audio...over and over and over again-3 times to be exact. It was entertaining, and difficult to put down...or should I say, "turn off".