From The Readers  


I want to deeply thank you for your book. The book was inspirational and well set out and the key word in the brackets throughout the book was a novel way of marking the underlying message. I didn't have to read "in between the lines".
Something particularly compelling to me was your personal story, as there are so many things I could relate to. I grew up in Vietnam in a broken and poor family, sorting trash off the street supporting myself. I was very fortunate to get the education to be where I am today. I still feel the struggle now as a woman in the business world that seems so much more biased for man.
So I want you to know that I appreciate your book as it does help me.
Thank you very much Marilyn
Giang Biscan, PhD
Los Angeles CA


Your book is remarkable. It is simply an outstanding "how to" book for life. I have lived my life with clarity of purpose and I have also focused on truth, partnership, learning from mistakes, and dying by my own sword, but, by providing this roadmap, you have made it easier to do for all of us. I am still learning, or, better yet, I am always learning, and it is very encouraging to find literature that captures and expresses the keys to life so succinctly and clearly. I will share your book with family, friends, and anyone that is truly interested in self-improvement. Thank you for sharing your life's lessons in this book.
Philip Malcolm
VP of Marketing, SAM'S CLUB


I was very much inspired by your principles for leading corporate environments and I so enjoyed reading your book. Thank you
Amy Valencia
California Apparel News


Well, after reading your book I have an even greater appreciation for you. I am quite taken with your intelligence, insight, and ability to clearly see so many situations and environments, while providing amazing insight. Obviously, many people have offered you kudos on this book before, however, I will still add my name to the long list.
Mark Hinds
Founder & CEO, HealthWalk


I wanted to thank you for your book and want you to know that I truly enjoyed reading it. Very insightful and inspiring. One chapter that will always stand out for me is the "Dash". I never looked at it that way before, it makes you really motivated to pursue your journey wherever it leads and to do it now. It hits home and pushes you to go for it. Great read. Thank you again.
Daisy Gallagher Founder & CEO Gallagher and Gallagher


I think you are receiving thousands of letters and e-mails from people who have read your book. I am one of many who completely agree with your statement that everything we need is inside of us, waiting for us to discover it and make it work. I went through poverty, big losses and hopeless situations in a corrupted world of an economically disadvantaged small Eastern European country.
I was a poor, almost homeless chemist, a single mother, having just desire to learn, work and be useful, but actually with "no right" to succeed. However, I've got my Ph.D. degree in chemistry in 2002 and one year after that I started my postdoctoral fellowship in the U.S.A. On this journey from extreme poverty to financial stability and success I had two "moving forces" - desire to make a difference, and trust in me of a few dear to my heart people.
I believe that your principles work not only in the world of big corporations and in the environment of big possibilities. Your principles are universal and they would definitely work for creative people from poor countries with unstable economy, such as some former Soviet Union countries.
I believe that your book could help them develop character necessary to achieve their highest potential and make their lives better and more productive. And thank you for your book.

Thanks.
Irina Stepanov, Ph.D.
The Cancer Center, University of Minnesota


I enjoy reading your book and is obsessed by it - full of meat, no water, very inspiring and a wonderful guiding light. You are my role model in getting the most out of your time, for adventuring and for doing good to the world.

Thanks.
Sumitmai
Bangkok, Thailand


I just finished reading your book and loved it!! I just happened to stumble across it while looking in the Business section at my local bookstore. While reading this, I also tried to alleviate my dilemma of not being able to organize the ideas of my own paths to success (or rather being afraid to or feeling I needed someone else’s help)
At 14, Doctors diagnosed me with a brainstem tumor, slapped me with the regular statistics, and figured I would die within 2 years. Fortunately, I had the invincibility of a teenager and, 20 years later, the tumor is gone completely. What I am trying to say is that your book enabled me to revisit that invincibility and carry along with it your Four Principles. Your Four Principles helps to pour a batter of success into a void.
I want to thank you very much for sharing your experiences. I am quite grateful!

Peace & Smiles,
Rebecca Koos


I'm inspired by your story and wisdom. Thanks for sharing. I am better for it already. Thanks again for your inspiring book. I am learning from your partnering lessons.

Wayne Marshall


I have just bought Marilyn Tam's book, which I began to read earlier today, with great excitement. I am thoroughly enjoying reading - up to about page 50 at the moment - and know that I will go back and reread the parts that most speak to my current situation. I do value the gentle advice. God bless you in your travels to various speaking engagements, etc and in all that you do as well.

Holly Boydell
NSW
Australia


I just finished reading your book. I found your perception of particular stumbling blocks that business associates have encountered as they attempt to move forward with projects has been mine as well. I can envision how your book would have general appeal, since as I read it I could picture particular patients of mine who, though not in big business, describe similar experiences that you illustrate. Your solutions are very practical. In fact, I have had the opportunity to encourage a few of my patients to use some of your techniques to help them become unstuck as they grapple with an issue.

Rich T, M.D.


Your book is very inspiring and motivational. Thank you for your giving, sharing spirit. That is all that it really is about isn’t it? Each one giving, sharing and receiving in an infinite loop of divine love.

Mona Winfrey
CEO
Humanity in Unity


I found that reading the book with the idea of helping others has really been powerful for me in assessing new opportunities. Your book offers some good tools and is timely for me as I make assessments about future possibilities. It is such a timely read for this particular point in my life. And no doubt relevant for anyone at any point who is open to declaring a mission and setting goals for living a good life.

Susan Williamson, Au.D.
Staff Audiologist
Academy of Dispensing Audiologists


I must tell you I really enjoyed your book. It brought me back to some important basic concepts.

Mike Mendez
Director SCORE Foundation, US Small Business Administration


Thanks for your book. I am already thoroughly enjoying it and finding it helpful (even though I have only made it to chapter two…much of your wisdom has already been revealed…I can’t wait to see what other truths are revealed as I continue). I especially like the four principles (Truth, Partner, Mistakes and Sword).

In Peace,
Phil Wetzel
Executive Director PAX 2100


Marilyn, thank you very much for your wonderful book. I'd have written sooner but I've been too busy reading it.

Jim Lewis


I always think of your words of encouragement in your book and every time I feel like I can't go forward or don't think I can do something. Thank you for inspiring me and so many people - I am using What I have to Get What I Want!!!

Brenda Skeen
Indianapolis, Indiana

Marilyn I wanted to let you know how very, very much I enjoyed your book. Already I have recommended it to several friends. I will continue to use it as a tool to help both myself and others to live with the quality of understanding you share. Congratulations, continue on your path of goodness and service.

Eddie Hanania (the poet)

I read your book. What an incredible story you have lived. I was an R.N. by profession and never had to deal with the business world. I have watched my husband who always stayed focused and dared to risk all for what he thought right. I always supported him, and things happened and flourished. I think your advice is right on target. Again, I loved your book. You inspire others which is a great accomplishment.

Cleo Cafesjian

I read your book and I just want you to know that it has, and will continue to make a huge difference in my life as I am aiming to reach the high caliber and status in the business world that you have achieved. Again thank you for writing such an amazing and thought-provoking and personal book.

Padmini
Washington DC

Although I am suppose to be working, your book looks great. I thought I'd just glance through it for now, but find I have to tear myself away from it. Good music, good book, what else do I need.

Anne-Marie Dekker,Editorial Director
Scarlett magazine

I had a chance to read your book (Japanese version) and I am very impressed. You have incredible energy and determination. Your message is very clear, simple and persuasive.

Michiko Achilles, Human Resources, Strategy, Development & Operations
Sumitomo 3M Limited

I have received your book yesterday. I glanced through a few pages at first, and I found myself kept reading on. Now I want to use what I've got to get what I want.

Steve Ho


Dear Marilyn,

I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed your book How to Use What You’ve Got to Get What you Want. We’ve been reading through it slowly and carefully, and are enjoying each and every chapter. It’s very sincere, and is also inspiring and motivating.

Very sincerely,

Liz R.
Agency for International Development
Washington, DC

Thank GOD for Marilyn Tam. God must love us very much to give her to us. We are not worthy of this great woman, but we have her despite ourselves. Keep telling the world of his loving kindness.

Cleo C

Dear Marilyn,

I have started reading your book and I love it! I am working on incorporating those four principles into my life, so that I can then get the girls to incorporate it into their lives :-)

Amelia
Executive Assistant
Imani Phi Christ Sorority Inc
Helping Teenage Girls Maximize Their Potential

Dear Marilyn,

It is Sunday night and I just finished reading your book. I brought it with me when I traveled to Binghamton, NY to watch my daughter compete in the NY State intercollegiate rowing championships-- I couldn't stop reading.......

I heard your voice and the powerful questions you asked and combined with your story and wisdom. I returned to my desk to read the mission that I had written for myself several years ago: Reading your book this weekend placed that gentle and firm hand on my back urging me forward..........we all need that from time to time and apparently this was a time for me. Thank you. I hope to get to know you beyond the words..........

With admiration, respect and affection,

Karen
Karen Kahn Wilson, EdD PCC

Dear Ms. Tam:

I turned 40 today, and your article, “The Dash” and your book with the Truth/Partner/Mistakes/Sword framework are all the more important as I reflect on where I am, and feel the pressure to realize whether I measure up to the potential I give myself, whether spiritually, professionally, or with relationships. In the past months, I have felt the fear and anxiety in my ‘alone’ moments, and was able to see through it based on my conditioning, part military discipline – what’s left of that, and the easy-going, see the best in things part of me.

Your words may not have sunk in before, but they appear important today because I am probably going to be at a crossroads soon and my excitement and dread of wondering what’s next for me leave me searching for meaning and answers. It helps to relate to a resource that you have become, and particularly because I had the opportunity to listen to you in person.

When I read the article about “the dash”, it stirred many things in me. First, I am a little guilty that as I am not married, have kids, or a relationship, and spend most of my time doing one thing or another with the newspaper, I feel a little selfish these days, thinking more about myself than others. When I was younger, I used to put everyone else before me (making me well-liked, but somewhat of an aimless pushover as well).

When I think of how I would want to be remembered, it is not a selfish person, but not a manipulated person either. There is a medium ground, but it is tough to find it.

Thanks again for helping me though a confusing time.

Tom

Sincerely,

Tom LaVenture
Asian American Press

I've been loving Marilyn's book....tell her it rocks. REALLY accessible, and usable for people who aren't screwing around.

Gary Malkin
7 time Grammy award winning composer, producer
Media for a Meaningful Life
http://www.wisdomoftheworld.com


Hi Marilyn,

I just wanted to write a quick note to say that while I am still behind in my reading I did get a chance to read your book and think it is really just lovely. All the wonderful things that I believe in - thanks again.

xoxo

Jacob Glass
Course in Miracles Minister
www.jacobglass.com


Hi Marilyn!

I personally resonate so much with your message and being that I work to inspire teen girls, I truly want to thank you for the example you are setting!

Tami Walsh, MA
President, Teen Wisdom, Inc.
www.teenwisdom.com

Marilyn

I read your book on the plane to Vegas. I thought it was brilliant and full of valuable info, ideas and stories. Well done. You have led a fascinating life.

-- Jack

Jack Canfield
Best selling author & CEO,
Chicken Soup for the Soul Enterprises

Dear Marilyn,

I write to thank you for the gift of your book. As I read I find a correlation between what you write and my own personal faith. I very easily harmonize the true and reliable guidance you offer and my faith in which there is a blend of all that is truly human and the true view and interests of faith.

My faith asks me to enter into my true self and all reality, to believe in myself, develop all my talents etc. This higher Spirit or God is concerned with and at work in all that is human. There is an ideological distinction to be made between the human and the transcendental but in practice they are one. God deserves the perfection of all that is. God gets things done only through us…. Too often people have come to view religion’s concerns as other worldly. God expects us to be successful in human achievement and to be do what we can for others…. Thank you.

Many blessings,
Fr. Virgil Cordano, OFM

Dear Marilyn;

I was very pleased and honored to have your book.

I have just finished reading it and found it very enlightening and enjoyable. It was wonderful to get to know you a little better through your experiences and adventures.

You have provided me with some excellent tools for looking within myself and questioning what my Spirit journey should be. Your experiences and what you learned from each of them is helping me to realize that I need to look more closely at the decisions I make about my life's journey. One of your messages about "learning on the run" was a very valuable statement for me. I have always been a little hesitant to "jump in" without having all of the information at my fingertips. I need to get grounded in my mission, trust the Spirit, and move out.

Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful gift with me.

Blessings to you

Joe Wheatley
Corporate and non-profit leadership and organizational consultant
Santa Barbara, CA

Marilyn -

Thank you so much for your book. I read it over the past few days and really enjoyed it. I am particularly a big believer in TRUTH in business so I was glad to see how often it actually came into play.

Leslie G.
NY, NY

Since meeting Marilyn (and reading her book) my business and personal lives have become much easier and much more pleasurable. Because there is an over-riding vision, hard decisions are a snap (apply the four principles, make sure the decision is in alignment with my over-riding vision) and, therefore, results are constantly in the pipeline and in line with my plan.

Trust me, Ms. Tam has many more successful fans than me.

Natalie Pace, founder, iSophia
A leading Women’s Investment Network

Dear Marilyn,

I'm taking this last weekend to review the blessings that came to me in '03. My interview with you immediately came to mind. Talking with a Renaissance Soul who has been as outstandingly successful as you have reaffirmed for me in a deep way that it is possible to do many different things without suffering financially. Your principles (from your book) have inspired so many others I’ve talked with.

Thank you!

Margaret Lobenstine
Resident human resource expert on STAPLES Business Web Site

Dear Marilyn:

I just finished your book. It is a masterpiece! Profoundly moving in its simplicity.

I felt inextricably close to you for some reason. What an indomitable spirit you are - putting so much effort into contributing to the planet - which impresses me so deeply. A global peace warrior!

You bring spirituality into everyday living with the four principles you live by. I am grateful for you Marilyn.....A powerful magnificent presence in this world!

Love,
Lili Fournier
Producer
Women of Wisdom and Power

Reading the preview of Marilyn Tam's book "How to Use What You've Got to Get What You Want" has inspired me to read the book. During the formative years of my sales career, I found myself disillusioned with selling and the methods that were used to train our salespeople. Since that time I have come to realize that selling, like many other careers, has to be a natural extension of your abilities and interests. The four principles expounded in Marilyn's book are the basic principles that I have always supported in selling.

Posted by a reader in the www.DearReader.com reading Forum

Dear Marilyn,

Thank you for your 1st book, “How to Use What You’ve Got to get What You Want”. I thank you for it - it was an easy read and inspirational! We wish you great success with this endeavor and know you have touched many with your “gems of wisdom”.

Take care,

Lisa & Angel

How to Use What You’ve Got to Get What You Want is affirming and inspiring. I especially appreciate your thoughts on how being centered in our daily lives helps us to maintain focus. Thanks so much for creating your book Marilyn!

Theresa Fogle
Edge
Communication by Design

Hi Marilyn,

I really enjoyed your book and with all the practical experiences in your life. You are really amazing. Your book is excellent to apply to anyone in their lives, no matter what stages they are in. I am thinking about my stepchildren, they are young adults and lost in their stages right now, or people who have certain life experiences, but come to their crossroads currently for something they are longing for. It really motivates us and empowers us to take our chances and the risks!!

Warm regards,

Shirley Fan
Executive Director
Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence
Boston MA

Dear Marilyn,

It was an honor and most inspiring to meet you at your book signing in June In Santa Barbara Borders; reading your book was completely satisfying as a follow-up to hearing your talk that evening. I especially appreciate the commitment to pace, both personal and global, which comes through consistently in your message.
As I mentioned while you were signing my copy of your book, I make Yoga Action Figures. I am working to create a great collection of these, each depicting, instructively and beautifully, a yoga asana. There are 11 so far in production in pewter and I plan to have a total of 50 asanas to choose from by the end of the year. Further, these pewter sculptures, being approximately the same scale as “little green army men”, are meant to symbolize alternatives to war and, by the way, petroleum-based plastics.
I hope you like the Yoga Action Figure TM I have sent. Hope it helps you defeat war.

Hi Marilyn,

“I read your book and it gave me new ways to see my business. From starting my business twenty years ago I never took big risks. Now I’ve launched a new division which I have been wanting to but have been too afraid to do so till now. We’ve researched and prepared for the contingencies, our company is excited about the possibilities. Thank you for your book, I recommend it to all businesses and people who have ever worried and wondered about how to thrive and expand their businesses and lives.”

Patty L. DeDominic
Chief Executive Officer
The PDQ Careers Group of Companies, CT Engineering
Staffing Partners to America's Finest Employers
Los Angeles, California

Aloha Marilyn –

I read your book. It is great! It actually inspired me to take a new direction with my mother’s estate dispute. I thought a lot about fighting for what you believe. As I was pondering that I woke in the middle of the night with a vision of myself walking into a river.
When I got to the center I felt the current and I heard "let go this is the river of your life". I was floating down stream - the river was wide, deep and slow. I was looking at what was passing on the shore with interest and curiosity but not engaged. Then I heard, "this is how to live your life. This river is taking you to the vastness of your being".

Then I applied what I was pondering from your inspiration of standing for what you believe and I heard, “resist nothing, go with the flow of your life. You want to resolve this issue. They are flowing towards mediation. Do not resist that. Go with the direction that is showing to resolve it once and for all."

So when I woke up the next day I knew it was time to do the mediation. Then I received an offer from them that if I came up with $51,430. They would let me have my share free and clear. There was a small catch - I had to get the money by Dec. 17th. Today, the banker who gave me my first loan to buy my place in Abiquiu has agreed to help me achieve that deadline. What glory.

So your book has already had profound affect in the world. Congratulations.

Leslie
(videographer)
Hawaii

I do want to thank you for your book. You did a great job. I read it the week before I gave speech at a Women's Summit at Bryant College. The way you were able to add personal experience and antidotes to drive home the key values was great. I found myself emulating you by going off on little stories of experience as I spoke and the audience really became engaged. The topic by the way was, How to Turn a Great Idea Into a Fundable Business. Obviously passion, mission, strategy, truth etc. are key ingredients for an entrepreneur and the confidence to believe you ,as a female, can succeed crucial. So thanks so much for energizing me.

I have always and will continue to admire how you can be the whole deal. Your intellect is obvious but your inner strength, spirituality and ability to lead people to a higher place is both amazing and enviable.

Stay Well,
Nancy

Nancy Babine Kucinski
President and Chief Executive Officer
Fetco Home Decor
Boston MA

Dear Ms. Tam,
I work at the Center for Women and Enterprise; our mission is to help women achieve economic self-sufficiency and prosperity through entrepreneurship. We work with a lot of low-income and marginalized women (and some men!),

A domestic violence worker for many years, I have read many powerful books and heard many speakers. And you were extremely powerful. I was particularly moved because you tell the truth all the time and you spoke your truth! I, too, grew up in a home that wasn't always the safest or most nurturing environment. For many years, I thought that my only worth was in what I could do for my parents and for my race--how I could impress others on their behalf, how pretty I could be, how smart I could be, how much housework I could do, etc. Like you, the love of my other relatives changed my life and my path in this world. My grandmother taught me that I had value simply because I was; she told me that I was a child of God with a place in this world that no one else could claim. My grandmother's love helped heal the wounded places inside of me. Her love made it possible for me to graduate high school, to attend and graduate from Harvard, and to work to end violence in the lives of women and children across Massachusetts.

There is so much truth in what you said. Telling the truth all the time is so powerful. Having the willingness to tell the truth about my experiences made an effective advocate for battered women and children for 12 years and now assists me as I help women learn how to start and grow their own successful businesses.

Thanks again for being such a wonderful role model and an example of the power of telling t

he truth.

Antoinette

Antoinette Riley
Interim Client Services Manager
Center for Women & Enterprise
Boston, MA 02120

April 2003
ISBN 1-58872-077-2
Hardcover, $20.00
Buy it at Amazon!