Review by dsharpton -- Schmooze by Cody Lowry
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dsharpton
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- Latest Review: Schmooze by Cody Lowry
Review by dsharpton -- Schmooze by Cody Lowry
[Following is a volunteer review of "Schmooze" by Cody Lowry.]
Generally, when you hear the word “schmooze”, thoughts that come to mind are folk rubbing shoulders and chatting-it-up at business events or social gatherings to build relationships and/or promote their own agenda. After all, the dictionary defines schmooze as chitchat, mixing and mingling with idle conversation.
Well, author Cody Lowry puts his own spin on the definition of schmooze in his book, Schmooze: What They Should Teach at Harvard Business School.
In the context of his book, “schmooze” is all about being persistent, finding creative solutions to obstacles, being a kinder, gentler person and using humor to “enrich the lives of others”.
Lowry’s primary objective is to show the reader how schmoozing has enriched his life and to encourage the reader to adopt his broader definition of the word to enrich
their own life.
The author tells engaging stories as to how he schmoozed to ascend from a latchkey childhood paperboy, to college grad, to top producing auto salesman, to ad exec (and along the way, tried to make a name for himself on the comedy scene).
Each of the fast-paced 10 chapters concludes with a take-away. However, none of the take-aways are “aha” moments. For example, a smile makes a great first impression; step outside your comfort zone; get a mentor. Numerous books have made these same pronouncements. There’s no new information for a business-minded audience. On the up side, interspersed between the take-aways are nuggets on life lessons.
My key take-away from reading the book is that Lowry appears to be in the
“me moment”. As in, me, myself and I. The book comes across as a work of self-aggrandizement with lots of name-dropping, this is who I know, and this is where I’ve traveled.
The book falls short of giving readers solid strategies on how to improve “schmooze “
skills or helping to develop such skills. For that reason, I give the book a 2 out of 4 rating.
Offering readers insight on creative problem-solving, building confidence, how to use humor, as well as how to better connect with people would have helped the book appear less self-centered.
Yes, a smile does make a great first impression. And yes, we all need to be kinder,
gentler to our fellowman. But many of us also need to learn how to “schmooze“ to build better and genuine personal and professional relationships. Lowry missed an opportunity for a teachable moment.
The book is an easy read with engaging storytelling and is well edited, which is what I liked most. I least liked the book’s self-centeredness and no solid tactics offered to add to a “schmooze” arsenal.
******
Schmooze
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Generally, when you hear the word “schmooze”, thoughts that come to mind are folk rubbing shoulders and chatting-it-up at business events or social gatherings to build relationships and/or promote their own agenda. After all, the dictionary defines schmooze as chitchat, mixing and mingling with idle conversation.
Well, author Cody Lowry puts his own spin on the definition of schmooze in his book, Schmooze: What They Should Teach at Harvard Business School.
In the context of his book, “schmooze” is all about being persistent, finding creative solutions to obstacles, being a kinder, gentler person and using humor to “enrich the lives of others”.
Lowry’s primary objective is to show the reader how schmoozing has enriched his life and to encourage the reader to adopt his broader definition of the word to enrich
their own life.
The author tells engaging stories as to how he schmoozed to ascend from a latchkey childhood paperboy, to college grad, to top producing auto salesman, to ad exec (and along the way, tried to make a name for himself on the comedy scene).
Each of the fast-paced 10 chapters concludes with a take-away. However, none of the take-aways are “aha” moments. For example, a smile makes a great first impression; step outside your comfort zone; get a mentor. Numerous books have made these same pronouncements. There’s no new information for a business-minded audience. On the up side, interspersed between the take-aways are nuggets on life lessons.
My key take-away from reading the book is that Lowry appears to be in the
“me moment”. As in, me, myself and I. The book comes across as a work of self-aggrandizement with lots of name-dropping, this is who I know, and this is where I’ve traveled.
The book falls short of giving readers solid strategies on how to improve “schmooze “
skills or helping to develop such skills. For that reason, I give the book a 2 out of 4 rating.
Offering readers insight on creative problem-solving, building confidence, how to use humor, as well as how to better connect with people would have helped the book appear less self-centered.
Yes, a smile does make a great first impression. And yes, we all need to be kinder,
gentler to our fellowman. But many of us also need to learn how to “schmooze“ to build better and genuine personal and professional relationships. Lowry missed an opportunity for a teachable moment.
The book is an easy read with engaging storytelling and is well edited, which is what I liked most. I least liked the book’s self-centeredness and no solid tactics offered to add to a “schmooze” arsenal.
******
Schmooze
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Schmooze by Cody Lowry
