Tuesday, May 27, 2008

[JDPUB: 62] PRESS RELEASE: THE POWER OF PEOPLE - ALLAN JACKMAN

Just Done Productions Publishing have published The Power of People - the real secret of business success by Allan Jackman   R120

“Business is as much about brands, visions, and strategy, as it is about people! Business success comes from the people in the business, from the power of the people.
The purpose of this book is to bring you my experiences and lessons learnt of people in the workplace and to pass those on.

This is not another book about business strategy but is a lesson in an essential, yet neglected ingredient within business strategy – using the power of the people in an organization or business to positively influence the performance of the business. This is a book about identifying and harnessing the collective power of each individual, at every level within an organization or business, to positively impact upon the success of that organization or business. Specifically this book is about the environment in which people work.

The Power of People is not intended for Chief Executives and managers, although it does emphasize the need for a change in the workplace environment and a switch in focus. Instead, this is a message to every single person within every level of every organization or business, to encourage them to embrace the powerful role they play in ensuring both their organizations and their own, personal success. This is about discovering meaning and purpose in what we do at work, far beyond job titles and money. It is about developing a balance in our lives, which will not only drive our individual performance and contribution today, but also allow us to sustain this success in the long term. This book is about how we, the people in the business can contribute to the environment in which we work and enhance our own and our colleagues performance and success.”

 I achieved some personal success in my career and rose to the position of Sales Director, but my only skill was perhaps a fair degree of perception. Early on in my career, I realized that the sum of the performance of any company or company team is the sum of the performance of every single person employed in the company or in the team. Therefore, what I achieved was not through an exceptional marketing ability or visionary strategies. I learned that I could provide an environment where people wanted to be at work and wanted to achieve the results as much as I did. That if I provided an environment where they could enjoy the process, be recognized and rewarded for their achievement, then I could use the power of people to achieve success for the business more effectively than any visionary strategy produced at some magical management meeting in the bush could ever do!
 Allan Jackman

The book includes practical examples and points to ponder. It is written in a conversational style and will be an easy yet extremely informative read for any person in the workplace.

Cover Type

Paperback

ISBN-13

978-1-920315-02-3

No of Pages

79

Size

A5

Lulu ID

2477618

 

To order this book in South Africa:

http://www.justdone.co.za

or for those who would prefer to fax 086 505 2478 or contact John 083 3888 290

publish@justdone.co.za

 

International ordershttp://www.lulu.com/content/2477618

 

 

 

If you want it published, it's Just Done !

 

Shirene Dovey

Just Done Productions cc
P.O. Box 23
Gillitts
3603

shirene@justdone.co.za
http://www.justdone.co.za/

tel:
fax:
mobile:
Skype ID:

0845299639
0865052478
0845299639
shirened

 

Always have my latest info

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Thursday, May 22, 2008

[JDPUB: 61] PRESS RELEASE: ALTERED STATES by FRANK NUNES

Just Done Productions - Publishing has just published Altered States by Frank Nunes  

(colour images and drawings throughout the text, 338 pages)

 

…Of the several ‘altered states’ experienced in my life, the events pertinent to this personal reflection occurred throughout the duration of my two year period as a military conscript, in mandatory National Service in South Africa.

Sure, the military genre is not everyone’s topic of choice, but this book concentrates more on the life changing experiences during my training. For those who feel they are not well versed in military doctrine, it is actually a tradition more than an institution. The military instils in one the character traits of obedience, honour, bravery, pride and comradeship by applying rules, uniformity and leadership. This system creates an environment which is capable of producing experiences that are extremely boring and staid one minute and full of adrenaline-pumping physical activity the next.

It has the ability to take one’s emotional barometer from a negative reading one instant, to an overpoweringly positive emotional experience the next. At times, as impossible as this may seem, the army was even capable of producing a feeling of no emotion whatsoever, a state of numbness which is difficult to imagine unless one has experienced it.

 

 There is a second intentional and more literal meaning in this title too. Whilst serving on the border, we always referred to home, South Africa, as ‘The States’, which at the time was also undergoing its own changes in our absence. Mostly these changes took shape in respect to politics, crime, business, financial markets and the increasing international pressures on the Apartheid policies of the day.

 

The essence of ALTERED STATES is the message that we have the ability to accept change and to ensure a positive outcome. I survived military service by using humour as a tool, even though at times circumstances were dire and life threatening. Most ex servicemen I have spoken to readily agree that at the time of service they found it tough, some hated the daily regime while others were more accepting. But collectively they strongly concur that they cannot let go of the powerful memories, feelings of camaraderie, shared purpose and friendships made during their years of service.

Frank Nunes

 

An excerpt from the book:

“One evening at 101 Battalion base, we went off to the camp canteen which was packed solid. In the corner was an old television set mounted on a wall bracket and a newly acquired video machine. They were showing a music video marathon, a very rare treat and the attendance was outstanding.

In fact we could not find space to fit into the canteen, so we sat outside smoking and watching through an open window. The VCR must have been brand spanking new because everyone seemed to have a go at fiddling to get the manual tracking right. Eventually someone came to the rescue, stopped the sporadic slipping of the picture and the night of pop videos commenced and continued into the wee hours. It is so much simpler these days with digital DVD equipment, it just works!

Well the same tape must have been played several times in succession. In particular I remember the Blondie clip ‘The Tide is High’ and Ultravox with ‘Vienna.’

 

The video evening was escapism at its very best. As for our day job, after patrol duty, we would to retreat to the closest base for dinner, a shower and a hard army bed. I think mostly it was about sourcing a hot meal, but on some occasions we were denied entry and were forced to rough it in the bush. Either way we would spend a lot of time making small talk, cracking jokes, listening to music when we had batteries for the tape cassette player or at times rereading the latest letter or two. There was also a lot of time allocated to daydreaming and philosophising. I distinctly remember dissecting every lyric, every guitar riff and tune from Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ album. I was trying to find its true meaning, which was eventually and instantly revealed when I watched the music video several years later. But had I arrived at the same conclusion anyhow.

Everyone also wanted their own bit of quiet time, spending 24 hours a day with the same group of people, especially out of wedlock, can become taxing. Each of us had our own preference regarding singular recreation. Carl would sit under a bush and smoke, while writing poetry or drawing pictures in his little notebook. Most took lots of snoozes. In order to develop ideas on prospective careers, I used this time to rotate and talk to the guys who had come from working jobs, or those in apprenticeships. I was still undecided on my future plans…..”

 

 And another excerpt:

“….Leave pass was always good for a number of reasons, namely: no queues, no communal bathrooms, excellent home cooked meals, a comfortable bed and matching pillows, a real towel, hot water, no 2.4 km morning run, real soap, shampoo, no bluestone, real cutlery and crockery, soft toilet paper, friends,  family and an undoubtedly positive reception. There was all this to look forward to, even though every time I got home, less of my clothing fitted me. Apart from my trusty, bright red, Adidas tracksuit top, this had stretched two sizes bigger in the wash. What a bargain! At the end of the leave period I got dad to drop me off at Johannesburg train station and caught the pre-arranged bus ride back to Upington.

The ride back was always tedious and every town we passed took us that much further from our homes and closer to the camp. People talked, laughed, boozed, ate and slept. By the time we reached Upington, we were all in agreement that thankfully the sitting was over. Once back at barracks, we exchanged leave stories as the rest of the troops trickled in slowly from around the country. The men who were already parents seemed to be missing their kid’s youth and watching them grow. It must have been particularly tough on them. All said and done, the next day was going to be just another day in the army, and things were going to be done the army way, there really was no option.”

 

Keywords: Namibia, Angola, War, border, Parabat, 8 SAI, Army, South African, SADF

ISBN-13

978-1-920169-42-8

Lulu ID

690615

PRICE: R260

Copies of ‘Altered States’ can be ordered through Just Done Productions – http://www.justdone.co.za

or for those who would prefer to fax 086 505 2478 or contact John 083 3888 290

publish@justdone.co.za

 

INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS may order on http://www.lulu.com/content/690615 (b/w version)

 

 

 

If you want it published, it's Just Done !

 

Shirene Dovey

Just Done Productions cc
P.O. Box 23
Gillitts
3603

shirene@justdone.co.za
http://www.justdone.co.za/

tel:
fax:
mobile:
Skype ID:

0845299639
0865052478
0845299639
shirened

 

Always have my latest info

Want a signature like this?

 


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Tuesday, May 06, 2008

PRESS RELEASE: BOOK FAIR - DURBAN - MAY 17

FIRST ‘print-on-demand’ Publishing

BOOK FAIR FOR DURBAN

Saturday 17 May


9am – 4 pm

Durban Botanic Gardens: NBS Education Centre


A ‘first-ever’ book fair is to take place in Durban on 17 May at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Hosted by the independent company, Just Done Productions Publishing, the book fair is designed to showcase the diverse works of their numerous South African authors.

Founded in 2006 by John and Shirene Dovey – a couple ‘passionate about encouraging people to tell their stories’ - Just Done Productions Publishing is also the first-ever ‘print-on-demand’ publishing company to be established in SA, and is linked to the popular American website that pioneered this publishing format, Lulu.com.

“We specialise in South African material, because we feel that South Africans have wonderful stories to tell. South Africans need to be encouraged to support local authors and poets,” explains John Dovey, who has gathered oral histories since 1996. He decided to start publishing these when new print-on-demand technology made publishing feasible without a huge capital outlay - or the necessity for commercial success.

In less than two years, this enthusiastic and energetic couple has published more than 150 books. The subject matter of these works is vast and varied and includes military history, biographies and autobiographies, poetry, plays, cookery, parenting, religion and spirituality, genealogy, Christian poetry, computers and internet, travel, teen interest, fashion, performing arts, children’s stories, a number of works of fiction and much more.

Military enthusiasts will be well catered for at the Just Done Book Fair. John Dovey has for decades been involved in military service and his expertise and interest has resulted in many books on this topic being published by Just Done. These military stories are both historical and personal, giving insight into numerous conflict situations – from South West Africa to the Rhodesian Bush War – and the effects on the people involved. Military books take the top ten places on the Just Done bestseller list.

Just Done decided to host a book fair because, “We realised that a lot of people are nervous about purchasing books sight unseen on the internet,” says Shirene. “We have found that if people meet us and get to see the quality of the physical works, they are a lot more comfortable with the idea. The Book Fair is meant to serve as an occasion for the public to get to see the books and meet the people involved in producing them.”

Book lovers will have the opportunity to meet and mingle - and browse through an assorted selection of reasonably priced books to suit all tastes. A number of authors are scheduled to give talks throughout the day. Approximately 20 authors will be there on the day to sign copies of their books.

Just Done Publishing offers a service which allows authors to publish their work at a fraction of the cost of traditional publishing through the use of the latest technology in printing and distribution. John and Shirene are proud that they are able to publish works that are important both historically and in terms of giving a voice to the ordinary person.

“It is very difficult for many people to have their works published through mainstream publishers and the high costs of traditional publishing prevent many voices from being heard,” says John. ”We take pleasure in giving those who have not had the opportunity, or necessary funding, a chance to be heard.”

The book fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the NBS Education Centre, Durban Botanic Gardens. Safe parking is provided. Families are encouraged to buy books, meet the authors and then enjoy a picnic or support the famous tea-garden in the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

R2 per person entrance fee will be charged. Tea and Coffee will be available.

For more information contact: Just Done Productions Publishing email: publish@justdone.co.za or phone 083 3888290.

http://www.justdone.co.za/

_________________________________________________________________

Some of the authors who will speak are:

Brigadier JW Parker CBE was the first post-Apartheid British Defence Adviser in 1993 and will speak of his experiences and his factional fictional novel –The Corrupt Affair- linked to the SA ’Arms Deal’ and his next novel Just Now, Now Now – experiences as a farmer in the KZN Midlands. Title of talk: ‘Guns to plough shares

Robin Lamplough - well known local author and former Kearsney College teacher will be talking on ‘Making History Pay

Prop Geldenhuys - the Rhodesian Air Force Operations

Kyra - dealing with Abuse and Destructive Relationships

Eve Jenkin - ‘424 424’ –the famous emergency number which could be dialed if people were in trouble during the apartheid years…

Kim Wilmsen - Exploring the Hollow Tree

Brenda George The Making of an Epic Novel

Di MedleyHolistic Health thematically linked to the Moon

Lesley Thomson - Elephants in my garden and other weird characters

Ed MorrisonThere is always hope

and others yet to be confirmed. More information regarding specific times and topics will be available closer to the Fair.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

PRESS RELEASE: FACES IN THE FOREST by ZAN E

Just Done Productions – Publishing have just published Faces in the Forest by Zan E. (308 pages)

 

‘Reality, reality

You’re limited by

What your eyes can see

You only smell

What your nose knows

And your ears can hear

So few frequencies

You’re way behind

Most animal species!’

 

‘There you have it kiddiewinkles, in a nutshell,’ grinned Pan.

 

When Sam and Mikey first see nature spirit Pan in the heart of an ancient forest, they’re sure that he’s a hallucination. Seeing and talking to nature spirits doesn’t feature in their realm of possibilities. But there Pan is – in 3-D! And he’s going to take them on an incredible journey that transforms their idea of reality and helps them avert a potential environmental disaster.

 

‘Faces in the Forest’ is a truly unique book aimed at the 9-12 age group. On the narrative level is the suspense-and-fun-filled eco-adventure of two intrepid 12-year-olds who encounter villains, extra-dimensional guides, psychic pets which rescue people in danger and intuitive plants with the ability to identify kidnappers – all while dealing with ‘normal’ family issues alongside pertinent environmental dilemmas.

 

In the process, Sam and Mikey learn to expand their awareness as they discover the truth about energy fields, intuition, dreams, extra-sensory perception, spirit guides, nature and nature spirits, and the importance of respecting the Earth and all living things.

 

Full of fascinating insights, “Faces in the Forest’ is based on the research and writings of respected biologists, scientists, geophysicists, psychologists, metaphysical teachers, specialist authors and ancient spiritual and medical teachings.

 

Zan E (aka Suzanne Ellis) has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years – covering a wide range of subjects from complementary medicine and music to lifestyle and fashion – as well as writing documentary scripts for educational television. She has also trained in and practiced numerous complementary therapies. In 1992, she wrote two books for a Danish-speaking reflexology teacher which were published by Element Books UK and translated into many languages. She currently works as a freelance journalist.

 

PRICE: R150

Copies of ‘Faces in the Forest’ can be ordered through Just Done Productions – http://www.justdone.co.za

or for those who would prefer to fax 086 505 2478 or contact John 083 3888 290

publish@justdone.co.za

 

INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS may order on http://www.lulu.com/content/2423997

 

 

If you want it published, it's Just Done !

 

Shirene Dovey

Just Done Productions cc
P.O. Box 23
Gillitts
3603

shirene@justdone.co.za
http://www.justdone.co.za/

tel:
fax:
mobile:
Skype ID:

0845299639
0865052478
0845299639
shirened

 

Always have my latest info

Want a signature like this?

 


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Thursday, May 01, 2008

[JDPUB: 58] PRESS RELEASE: THE DERELICT HOUSE by LESLEY CRIPPS THOMSON

The Derelict House - Elephants in my Garden by Lesley Cripps Thomson has just been published by Just Done Productions - Publishing.

 

…Elephants breaking down walls, a hyena sharing a fire with the night guard to keep warm, hippos fighting, armless monkeys bringing their young to be admired by the author… This book is a kaleidoscope of wild animals, strange and often eccentric tourists, the trails and tribulations of running a poorly-equipped lodge in a remote wilderness area and the laughter and tears of working with and living alongside staff from a different background and culture.

 

Written with great compassion, this is Lesley Cripps Thomson’s story of how she forges a bond with staff who do not want to be told what to do or how to do it by a woman— and the hardships they have to live with, including illness and poverty. She tells of the good times they have and how, in a crisis, they all pull together.

 

The Derelict House - Elephants in my Garden, also describes the consequences of interference with nature on the environment, the devastating effect of 9/11 on their American guests, the joy of guests seeing wildlife up close for the first time and the sadness of leaving it all behind.

 

Beautifully illustrated, this charming book brings Africa to life, in all her colours and moods.

 

Lesley will be at the Just Done Book Fair in Durban on the 17th May – Durban Botanic Gardens to sign books and speak to readers.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in the United Kingdom, Lesley Cripps Thomson came to Africa at the age of 13, originally to Tanzania, where she developed her love of the continent while roaming the hills with her dog.

Her first true experience of a wilderness area was the Ruaha National Park, where she was told that the only protection you needed from an elephant was a whistle!

After being widowed at a young age with three small children to support, Lesley “fell into” eco-tourism, setting up Zimbabwe’s first-ever safari consultancy, Safari Interlink, with a branch in the United Kingdom. She then established Wildlife Promotions, which specialised in marketing Africa to the rest of the world.

Lesley’s passion for conservation and responsible tourism has taken her to many different countries in Africa and her articles about the experiences she had and the places she visited have been published in various media.

It was while Lesley was promoting tourism into Africa that she was offered the opportunity to return to Africa and work in a lodge. This book is an account of her short time there. Told with humour and compassion, she describes the difficulties of operating a lodge in a remote part of Africa, the foibles of the staff, the sometimes very eccentric guests and her often hair-raising experiences with some of the larger four-legged visitors. Throughout, her love of Africa shines through. 

Lesley is currently living in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where, with her husband Ian, who is a wildlife management consultant, they continue to promote conservation and responsible tourism.

 

PRICE: R155

Copies of ‘The Derelict House’ can be ordered through Just Done Productions – http://www.justdone.co.za

or for those who would prefer to fax 086 505 2478 or contact John 083 3888 290

publish@justdone.co.za

 

INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS may order on http://www.Lulu.com/JustDone

 

 

If you want it published, it's Just Done !

 

Shirene Dovey

Just Done Productions cc
P.O. Box 23
Gillitts
3603

shirene@justdone.co.za
http://www.justdone.co.za/

tel:
fax:
mobile:
Skype ID:

0845299639
0865052478
0845299639
shirened

 

Always have my latest info

Want a signature like this?

 


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