The Proof of the Pudding . . .

ollowing is feedback from some of the people who have read Harry Shapiro's Legacy and then put its maxims to work.

Dear Dr. Shapiro:

I want to share with you some experiences I’ve had since reading your book [Harry Shapiro’s Legacy, Volume 1 of a Trilogy]. First, my bookings have increased by 50%, and I am now full for the first time in years! I am excitedly putting into practice the maxims, and having fun trusting my own instincts with greater confidence and results.

The other day I had what I previously would have considered “a setback.” For the second time, the audio CD of my session with a client failed to burn properly — the lesson was lost. I felt terrible. But keeping in mind your idea that the customer always comes first, I told my student “the lesson's on me.” (I had to eat $70!) Now she's more committed than ever, and we have a great relationship!

Your book has inspired me to eradicate all negative thinking from my thought life, and I am a happier man because of it.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

— John Scott

P.S. (From Mrs. Scott): Since John read the book . . . his business is booming, just over the top! I haven’t seen it like this in the ten years we’ve been together. Yahooo!!

Dear David:

Since reading Harry Shapiro's Legacy and putting its wisdom to work, revenues for my financial consulting practice are up nearly 300%!

Harry's simple message that customers don't need me, I need them, changed everything about the way I've looked at my business this past year — and the results have been terrific. Even the book’s idea of enclosing a stamped, self-addressed envelope with every invoice — I’ve even gone beyond that; I now enclose one with every letter I send to a client that requires a response, something no “smart” businessman would ever dream of doing — has paid enormous dividends.

Thank you for this great tribute to your father's timeless business savvy and for sharing it with a business world that needs the book's “WAKE UP!” message like never before.

— Scott Armacost

Dear Dr. Shapiro:

. . . I have enjoyed . . . [Harry Shapiro’s Legacy] . . . and I am struck by how consistent . . . [his] . . . maxims are with Southwest Airlines’s own Mission Statement and Core Values.

— Colleen Barrett
President & CEO
Southwest Airlines

Dear Dr. Shapiro:

I read your book and was impressed with the maxims that your father Harry shared with you. I think I was most impressed with the customer doesn't need you, it is you who need the customer and a complaining customer is someone to be cherished. Both of these sum up what our business mentality should be.

Thanks for a great book.

— Ted Knaul

Dear Dr. Shapiro:

I have just finished reading your book. Enjoyed every page of it! It is wise, warm, and witty. The drawings are a very imaginative addition.

Congratulations! Keep on writing, Dr. Shapiro! With best regards.

— Martin Borenstein, A.I.A. I.D.S.A.