The Prosperity Equation

By James A. Ziegler

Book Overview

Written by accomplished professional speaker and business consultant, James A. Ziegler, CSP, HSG, The Prosperity Equation shares the journey that took one man from desolation to success.

It's about how to achieve great personal wealth and security. This down to Earth book is written in a personable conversational style as if Ziegler was right in the room speaking with you. The author interweaves personal stories with 'the pillars of prosperity'. the conceptual strategy that made him successful and wealthy. Not for the faint hearted, Ziegler's style in often brash, forthright and in your face - the author who says, "success leads to excess," actually lives the dream himself with expensive jewelry, luxury cars, fine restaurants, travel, and an extravagant home. The man is high-energy and perpetual motion: his enthusiasm is contagious. He will be the first to tell you that prosperity is about much more than money. It is about quality of life and security. His definition of prosperity is a total package that includes having abundance to share your good fortune with others as well as having the ability to car for your family and those you care about. Wealth provides choices. The bottom line in Ziegler's world is that very few wealthy people are 'employees'. Of you want to freedom and the ability to control your destiny, you have got to start and grown your own business. The Prosperity Equation: New Millennium Edition is about how to achieve those goals and enjoy the lifestyle you have only dreamed about.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1599320177
• ISBN13: 9781599320175
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Advantage Media Group
• Length: 171 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

In Your Face Advice You Can Use

Mr. Ziegler writes like he speaks. He's in your face, straightforward and unapologetically candid about his rags to riches story. He starts by noting that wealth and prosperity are not the same thing, then explains the difference by taking the reader through the four "pillars of prosperity" that have made him the successful entrepreneur he is today. He is generous in offering very specific tactics and techniques anyone can use to achieve similar success. If you're serious about your business and want to attain or retain a lifestyle beyond your dreams, read this book. It won't take long to read, but the ideas can be used forever.

Not For The Faint Of Heart

This book is a must-read for anyone who truly wants to make things happen in his or her life and business. It is true that few people will do what it takes to be successful in their own business and James spells it out exactly. While I have reached a certain level of success, it was a huge reminder that we must continually raise the bar and set new standards of excellence in our lives and work. Otherwise, we're destined to fall back into certain comfort zones. The real wisdom and strategies contained in this book will lead people to a new level of success!

Highly Recommended

I am currently a professional speaker and trainer (Internet Marketing, computer graphics, and web design). Having also been a professional drummer for over 25 years, I can tell that Jim Ziegler writes like I like to play the drums: balls to the wall with intensity and passion and taste when appropriate. He pulls no punches. This book is not for the meek at heart. If you want the truth about what it takes to be prosperous and to find out if you have what it takes, read this book. If you want some book on theory, you won't find it here. I'm an avid reader and enjoyed Mr. Ziegler's candor and sincerity. He doesn't make apologies for wanting to win big in the game of making money. He tells us how he did it and gives us great business "nuts and bolts" how-to advice, welcoming any competition, because in his mind, there isn't any (competition) when you follow the "Equation". Highly recommended.

Here's a Map...But Are You Up to the Journey?

This is not a book from which everyone will derive substantial benefit because many (most?) people who read it will probably not be willing to sustain the necessary commitment to the "equation" Ziegler shares. (I am reminded of the aphorism "The harder I work, the luckier I get.") If you are among those who believe that there are certain "secrets", "keys", "short-cuts", etc. to achieving quantifiable goals of wealth and success in life, and can thereby achieve the freedom permitted by a great lifestyle and peace of mind, you need to re-think your values. However, if you are sincerely (indeed passionately) determined to improve both the quality of your life and of your lifestyle, this could well be the one of the most important books you will ever read. According to Ziegler, all successful people have four common characteristics: Attitude, Desire, Work Ethic, and Competency. These are the "cornerstone pillars" of Ziegler's Prosperity Equation. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest possible rating, how do you measure yourself in terms of each of the four? Now consider what Ziegler refers to as "peripherals": gather people, define your vision, leverage other people's experience, see change as a challenge, make quick and accurate decisions, have a lasting and meaningful relationship, saturate your mind with success, know God, have honor, invest your money back into the business, see each person as an individual, embrace technology, and manage multiple projects. Once again, rate yourself on a scale of 1-10. If you gave yourself (on average) a nine for each of the "cornerstone pillars" and "peripherals", you either do not need this book or are in an advanced stage of denial. But if your average rating is in the 4-7 range, Ziegler has much of value to share with you. First, he shares his thoughts about attitude ("Get Your Mind Right!"); next, he reviews relevant experiences (both good and bad) in his life ("My Story"); then he suggests how his reader can apply in her or his own life an appropriate combination of strategies and tactics ("Getting Ready to Get Ready"); and finally, Ziegler addresses the reader's need to promote himself or herself effectively ("Advertising and Marketing and Sales...Oh My!") and then provides a Bibliography of suggested readings for additional study. My strong suggestion is that, after completing Part One, the reader take what Ziegler calls "a naked look" and conduct, in effect, a self-audit in terms of the "cornerstone pillars" and "peripherals." Then read the remaining three Parts. Next, formulate a list of specific personal and professional goals as well as a detailed Action Plan to achieve them. Then re-read the book before implementing the Action Plan.Expect disappointment, frustration, "combat fatique", and temporary setbacks. (Keep in mind that the Chinese character for the word "crisis" has two meanings: peril and opportunity.) Learn from mistakes. Modify your Action Plan to accommodate unexpected developments

Great Depth of Information

After reading Ziegler's new book, "The Prosperity Equation," I was amazed at the man's insights and the depth of the information he presented. It's obvious that James Ziegler understands the entrepreneurial mindset required to become a success in business. This is a book I can recommend to my friends and associates with the confidence of knowing they'll like it too. I compare it to "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," which I also thought was a great book.