The Go-Getter: A Story That Tells You How to Be One

by Peter B. Kyne

Book Overview

The classic motivational parable (over 500,000 copies sold worldwide) that shows you how to make your own opportunities in life, updated for the modern reader by bestselling business author Alan Axelrod Ever since its first printing by William Randolph Hearst in 1921, The Go-Getter has inspired employees and entrepreneurs to take initiative, increase their productivity, and excel against the odds. Now, more than half a million copies later, Alan Axelrod, bestselling author of Patton on Leadership and Elizabeth I, CEO, updates the tale to address today's most pressing work issues. In The Go-Getter , Bill Peck, a war veteran, persuades Cappy Ricks, the influential founder of the Rick's Logging & Lumbering Company, to let him prove himself by selling skunk wood in odd lengths-a job that everyone knows can only lead to failure. When Peck goes on to beat his quota, Rick hands Peck the ultimate opportunity and the ultimate test: the quest for an elusive blue vase. Drawing on such classic values as honesty, determination, passion, and responsibility, Peck overcomes nearly insurmountable obstacles to find the vase and launch hia career as a successful manager. In a time when jobs are tight and managers are too busy for mentoring, how can you maintain positive energy, take control of your career, and prepare yourself to ace the tests that come your way? By applying the timeless lessons in this compulsively readable parable, employees at all levels can learn to rekindle the go-getter in themselves.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805065628
• ISBN13: 9780805065626
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Times Books
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.7" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A Timeless Classic, Quick Read, Great Business Short Story

This one needs to be added to every young business person's essential reading list. Though written in the 1920's, it does not feel dated, and its lessons and examples are still applicable today. The young character in the book, Bill Peck, has just returned from the war and is determined to get a job with the leading lumber company. He displays confidence, and that's the first lesson in the book. He refuses to take no for an answer when rejected by two of the top executives of the company. He takes his case directly to the founder of the company, who is impressed by his determination. Bill's confidence is demonstrated by the fact that he had his business cards printed before he had even spoken to the company. The second lesson is execution. Bill doesn't just throw out empty promises, but promptly delivers when turned loose in the field. It does not matter that he has been given an inferior, difficult to sell product. He finds a way to make it irresitible to his customers. Finally, the company's founder decides to give Bill the final test, asking him to "deliver the blue vase." Bill shows his resourcefulness and refusal to quit in fulfilling this quest. Though you can knock this book out in just one sitting, its lessons will stay with you throughout your career.

it's not what you've got, it's what you *do* with it!

It took me a few times to read the first chapter--I kept saying "huh?" (a weird opening) then finally got into it. Some of the best books start this way!DON'T QUIT IN DISGRACE ACE, FACE THE VASE!Greg "failing forward on my way to success" Rebuck

Get This Book and Go For It!

The Go Getter is an excellent little book, packed powerfully with motivation! I would recommend that this little gem be required reading for all students before they graduate. What motivates you? How hard would you be willing to work for your dream? How quickly do you give up or are you motivated to accomplish the task to the very end? Read this book and find out how the challenge was met and conquered! You WILL be inspired!This is book is a very quick read and I actually read it twice to make sure that I did not miss anything! This book can be applied to anyone at any job doing any thing! One thing is for sure - you cannot help but be motivated after reading this book and probably changing your attitude from a negative one into a positive one!I highly, highly recommend this book!

Very Stimulating

Mr. Peck's attitude is the greatest point he never quits. Young people today need to learn from the attitude of Mr.Peck. This world today is competative and Mr. Peck shows a CAN DO attitude. He demonstrated that one must win the person first to gain there confidence. Easy reading and quick. Excellent book recommend it to everyone!!!

One of the top five books I have ever read!!!

There have been times in my life when I was behind the eight ball and I remembered the story of the go-getter. It has gotten me through many a tough situation.It is not a very long book. If it takes you more than an hour to read, then you have reading problems. However, it is the story that makes the book amazing. I have read hundreds of books, and I would rank only four or five of them five stars, and this is one of them. If you want to succeed at something then read this book first. You will not regret it!!!