Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall: Overview & Takeaways

Why are the economies of Northern Europe stronger than those of Southern Europe? How does global warming impact trade routes? How is Tibet geopolitically important? Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall is about how geography shapes the development and politics of nations. Marshall’s aim is to help readers gain a deeper understanding of global politics and conflicts by detailing their geographical underpinnings. Continue reading for an overview of this eye-opening book.

Expert Advice on How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship

What’s the secret to a happy long-term relationship? What should you do, and what should you avoid? If you’re regularly fighting with your partner or just feeling a little bored, staying happy may seem more easily said than done. But, maintaining a happy romantic relationship isn’t as difficult as it can seem—as long as you’re armed with the right knowledge. Read on for expert advice on how to maintain a healthy relationship with your partner.

How to Motivate Customers to Act: Tips From Seth Godin

What kind of pressure should you put on customers and potential customers? How can you get them to move toward your product and not away from it? In This Is Marketing, marketing expert Seth Godin contends that effective marketing is ultimately about changing people’s lives. But, to do that, you must do the basic work of convincing them to buy what you’re selling. Read more to learn how to motivate customers to take action with insights from Godin.

The Importance of Human Geography: How It Shapes Nations

How do Russian minorities in European nations influence geopolitics? How have the borders of African nations affected people? In Prisoners of Geography, Tim Marshall highlights the importance of human geography, showing how it shapes nations. Furthermore, he illustrates how borders that don’t take geography into account usually lead to internal conflicts. Keep reading to learn about human geography and why it matters.

Problem-Solving Marketing: Why You Must Provide Solutions

What should you do first—create a product or figure out how to sell it? Why do people buy products? Everyone has problems, needs, and desires. Entrepreneur and marketing expert Seth Godin says that effective business people know how to tap into those—creating products that solve customers’ problems and fill their wants and needs. Keep reading to learn why Godin promotes problem-solving marketing.

The 4 Basic Principles of Marketing in the Modern Age (Seth Godin)

Who makes up your smallest viable market? What do they truly want and need? Should you adjust your product story over time? In This Is Marketing, Seth Godin says that old marketing techniques no longer work. He outlines his guiding principles of marketing in the modern age: create something of value, focus on your smallest viable market, match your story to the story your audience tells themselves, and leverage word of mouth. Continue reading to learn about each of these four basic principles of marketing.

Philosopher Alan Watts: A Cult Figure or a Great Bodhisattva?

What’s the legacy of Alan Watts? How do people view his life and contribution? Critics, monks, and philosopher Alan Watts himself have used colorful words to describe him and his work. His books have taught many people in the West about Eastern philosophies and practices, but some contend that they lacked depth and that he didn’t always practice what he preached. Read more to learn how Alan Watts has been regarded over the last few decades.

Approachable Body Language Makes a Good First Impression

Why should you pay attention to your body language if you want to make a great first impression? Do you give closed body language cues without even knowing it? Your body language determines people’s first impressions of you. So, it’s important to understand the various body language cues and learn to leverage them if you want people to find you open and welcoming. Keep reading to learn how to exhibit approachable body language around others.

How to Keep a Conversation Flowing & End on a High Note

Would you like to feel more confident and skilled in social situations? What do you still have to learn about the art of conversation? Being skilled in initiating a conversation is important, but it’s also valuable to know how to keep a conversation flowing and then end it well. We’ve put together some tips from several communication experts that directly address these two skills. Keep reading to learn several techniques that will help make you an excellent conversationalist.

Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

Are the people who are abandoning religion also leaving something crucial behind? Are they throwing the baby out with the bathwater? The answer is yes, according to Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion by Sam Harris. He believes that spiritual experiences, particularly higher states of consciousness, are important for people who are seeking happiness and peace. Continue reading for an overview of this thought-provoking book.