“For my money, I would always rather make a deal with people I like who treat me well. If you want to discover the surprising power of nice, read this book. Memorize it. Use it. You’ll be glad you did.” -Donald Trump. Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval have moved to the top of the advertising industry by following a simple but powerful philosophy: it pays to be nice. Where so many companies encourage a dog-eat-dog mentality, The Kaplan Thaler Group has succeeded through chocolate and flowers. In The Power of Nice, through their own experiences and the stories of other people and businesses, they demonstrate why, contrary to conventional wisdom, nice people finish first.
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"One day at work I had a customer treat me really badly. I remembered this book was on my leader's book shelf. I excused myself from the customer promising to be back momentarily. I grabbed the book from Celeste's office and came back to my rude customer and put the book standing up in front of him on my desk. The look of shock on his face was priceless. I promptly told him to leave and try coming back tomorrow and with a smile and we could then resume business. The preface to this book is written by Jay Leno and I enjoyed the book very much. I left the book standing on my desk for the next 3 years - - Celeste gave it to me when she transferred out of state because of the influence it had on everyone who came into my office. Many people borrowed it and said they enjoyed it."
— Katie (4 out of 5 stars)
For my money, I would always rather make a deal with people I like who treat me well. If you want to discover the surprising power of nice, read this book. Memorize it. Use it. You’ll be glad you did.
— Donald Trump." A fast read.... pretty good too... "
— Erin, 2/20/2014" I guess I was expecting something written by a sociologist/inter-communications specialist, with data points and practical advice based on scientifically gathered data, that addressed practical and nice ways to deal with difficult people. This book, on the contrary, is about the personal experiences of two highly successful business women, who put their emphasis on the culture of nice to work for them in the often cut-throat world of advertising. While their anecdotes are quite interesting, and their "nice cubes" of advice certainly make one think reflectively about one's own behavior and frame of mind, this just wasn't what I was looking for. "
— Margot, 2/18/2014" A good confirmation that it is okay to be nice. "
— Sarah, 2/13/2014" While we all may have heard the phrase "you can catch more flies with honey", I rarely have heard a practical study on how to use kindness and consideration in the workplace. Kaplan-Thaler and Koval do a great job illustrating applications and benefits of "being nice". I personally love their Secret-like spin on reaping the benefits of the energy you expend. And, it was great to hear it read by the co-authors. All-in-all, I would recommend this book for anyone who works with customers or manages teams. "
— Tessa, 2/3/2014" Interesting read. Cites studies that are helpful about the effect of being a nice person. Obviously, i am not in the "work place" but it is completely applicable in any working relationship (school committees, church callings, etc) "
— Shahna, 1/25/2014" This book is one of those amazing reminders in life. We all know it, we all don't do it. Be nice and the world will open up doors "
— Alicia, 1/20/2014" this is a quick read and one that will benefit everyone--not just those in the business world. If everyone could apply these simple principles, the world would be a much nicer place to live in. "
— Marie, 11/15/2013" A great book for business owners, especially working with customers. A return to being nice and polite. "
— Candice, 11/8/2013" This book is just great. Really useful tools to making your business life better. "
— Ingrid, 10/6/2013" This is a real feel good book! Read it and feel good. : ) "
— Nancy, 10/2/2013" Common sense tells us the same things this book offers but I guess a lot of people lack common sense (apparently) that they need a book to tell them that "honey will get you farther than vinegar". :-) "
— Rebecca, 8/25/2013" This book is a great reminder of things I already knew. Fits nicely with a lot of the other material I've been reading lately. "
— CJ, 6/20/2013" Great examples. Nice does work. Must apply the "kill em with kindness" routine with one person that I just can't do it with. No harm in trying. "
— L, 3/31/2013" Excellent book. Planning to add it to my collection. "
— Susan, 3/30/2013" A lot of good principles that when applied correctly will not only make you successful, but a happier person overall. "
— Mike, 3/14/2013" A nice reminder to be nice! "
— Teena, 1/24/2013" validates principles I believe in to work in a business setting... "
— Kathy, 12/30/2012" The power of a smile! Oh my! "
— Connie, 8/13/2012" Very positive book people should consider reading to gain understanding on how helping others helps them. Only complaint is it was a tad short. "
— Trey, 11/17/2011" I read this with fellow colleagues who all work in the public sector, but it goes across all jurisdictions. I loved the "nice cubes" which highlighted small ways of getting what you want with thoughtful gestures. Noit sure it works in a union environment, but I'll give it a shot! "
— Vanessa, 9/7/2011" This has great advice for anyone any age! "
— Janette, 7/22/2011" This is a very cute but powerful book. They really go through steps & it really makes you think about how you go about things day to day. I think this book is really helpful in so many ways & hope to put them in practice. "
— NK, 4/12/2011" Most of what is written in this book I already knew. But it is great to see the practice of being nice spreading into the professional world too. "
— Danita, 3/27/2011" Sweet little book that makes you appreciate the goodness in people and how to react in situations <br/><br/>I liked it very positive "
— Noura, 3/6/2011" This book gives its readers a nice reminder to remain human, but it's pretty sad that we gotten to a point where we need books to tell us to have a soul. "
— Danica, 1/3/2011" validates principles I believe in to work in a business setting... "
— Kathy, 12/10/2010" I wanted to love this book... but it was a tad boring. The lessons in it were great... but, I didn't feel that I walked away learning anything new. "
— Michelle, 11/28/2010" This isn't just a business philosophy, but a great way to live. These ladies don't pretend to be saints, but they give examples of why just being nice can mean success over failure. The benefits aren't always immediate or obvious, but being nice always makes a difference. "
— Whittney, 9/5/2010" Excellent book. Planning to add it to my collection. "
— Susan, 6/8/2010" Interesting read. Cites studies that are helpful about the effect of being a nice person. Obviously, i am not in the "work place" but it is completely applicable in any working relationship (school committees, church callings, etc) "
— Shahna, 1/25/2010" The power of a smile! Oh my! "
— Connie, 10/23/2009Linda Kaplan Thaler is the CEO and chief creative officer of the Kaplan Thaler Group, an advertising agency which has won thirteen Clio Awards. Kaplan Thaler is the coauthor of the national bestseller Bang! She lives in the New York metropolitan area.
Robin Koval is the president of the Kaplan Thaler Group, an advertising agency that has won thirteen Clio Awards. She has appeared on the Today show, the Martha Stewart Show, Good Morning America, and Nightline. A sought-after speaker, Koval has presented to audiences across the country, sharing her thoughts on such diverse topics, including marketing strategy, brand building, the advertising industry, women’s leadership, and retaining top talent, among many others. Koval is also a faculty member at New York University, where she is an adjunct professor in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. She is the coauthor of Bang! and lives in the New York metropolitan area.