Paperboys and girls symbolize our country's relentless, indefatigable entrepreneurial spirit. They bought, sold, and delivered papers. And they did it alone, often in the dark and cold?and they were kids! In this witty and wise story, bestselling business author Jeffrey J. Fox reveals why the lessons paperboys learn so often establish them on the early road to success. The story follows a young New England paperboy named Rain, as he navigates the business of being in business and quickly becomes the best paperboy in town. Through a series of humorous and often poignant vignettes, Fox illustrates "rainmaker" business lessons that can be applied not only to paperboys, but to anyone in business and sales facing obstacles and challenges. While working his paper route, Rain gradually discovers the value of planning for an interview, the ten customer commandments, his ability to negotiate, why it's necessary to innovate, how to create an exit strategy, and much more. Ultimately, Rain's time as a paperboy proves to be a valuable foundation for business success. Rain includes "The Rain Reader," a series of actionable business takeaways and practical advice to make anyone a rainmaker.

Sounding both earnest and relaxed, Jeffrey Fox's outstanding reading makes his latest business audio a must-hear for professional salespeople, negotiators, managers, and entrepreneurs. The lesson starts with the story of Rain, an energetic paperboy who wins customers, influences people, and builds a business with pluck and determination. Fox's soft vocal urgency, along with his ability to write dialogue, create enormous curiosity about where the story is going and when the lesson's abstractions will be delivered. In the program's second half, each phase of Rain's adventure becomes a springboard for Socratic teaching on topics like ethics, customer service, innovation, and respect for one's teachers. The strategies are intelligent, but it's the author's warmth and humanitarian tone that will make the audio's power and influence endure. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

 

Jeffrey J. Fox is the founder and president of Fox & Company, Inc., a marketing consulting firm that specializes in marketing strategy development, innovation, enhancement, and selling skills training. In addition, Fox is a popular speaker and the acclaimed author of a series of hard-hitting international business best-sellers, How to Become CEO, How to Become a Rainmaker, and Secrets of Great Rainmakers among others.