What do you think?
Rate this book
Growing Your Business Can Be As Fun & Easy As Giving Candy To Strangers: Tips for Creating Abundance through Heart-Centered Sales
Too many sales people are focused on the end result, the outcome―the close―and another notch on their gun! But, what if you approached “sales” from a heart-centered standpoint, with curiosity and playfulness, as though the world were your sandbox? What if you created relationships for no other reason than to help others and make new friends? I know what you are saying, "How can it not be about results when it comes to business?" The bottom line is important, but if you detach from this burden while you are creating relationships, you will find that the health of your bottomline will improve on its own!
- GenresBusiness
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2015
1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 22 reviews
January 18, 2016
Within the myriad of books on business, there are many with tools and tricks to help in different facets of the business. While Giving Candy to Strangers does have its share of strategies and suggestions to help you create a more natural sales practice, the gift of this book is in giving us a different way of approaching sales. With the sheer abundance of companies offering the same products, available worldwide via the web, how does one stand out and create a lasting and loyal customer base? They key, in Stan’s opinion is to give candy to strangers. This is not literal, of course, as the last thing we need is to add to the diabetes epidemic.
“Giving candy to strangers” is a metaphor for stepping out of your comfort zone and creating new relationships in a spirit of generosity and openness, without trying to engineer any particular kind of outcome. - Stan Holden
Stan teaches us, right from the beginning, to get out of our comfort zone. He views anyone within arms reach to be a potential relationship, rather then a quick sale. You will learn why making a funny comment in an elevator might be better then cold calling. You might never think of wrong numbers in the same way, after reading this book.
Stan’s humorous style makes this book easy to read, yet don’t discount the wisdom found within. Whether you consider yourself a salesperson or not, this book can be beneficial for any entrepreneur or business owner. The new economy is no longer based on the best products, but on the best relationships and this book will challenge you on 52 main points. Within those 52 points lies hundreds of anecdotes, advice and tricks to create lasting and beneficial relationships.
Just like one has better success of catching a butterfly by simply letting them come to you, rather then run after them…the same is true with sales today. If you approach someone with a sales first mindset, they will run away (fly away if they have superpowers, which is what I would like to do when a pushy salesperson approaches). Stan’s method instills a genuine interest in those around you and makes people comfortable to approach you. Sales eventually come, in more abundance, because clients feel the motivation behind the actions.
I really enjoyed tip #5 “Get your ducks in a flow” which deals with Analysis Paralysis. It truly moves one to action.
I’m afraid that if an organization does not follow this new trend in sales, they will see their sales dry up and evaporate before their eyes. I started giving candy to strangers and it’s pretty sweet!
“Giving candy to strangers” is a metaphor for stepping out of your comfort zone and creating new relationships in a spirit of generosity and openness, without trying to engineer any particular kind of outcome. - Stan Holden
Stan teaches us, right from the beginning, to get out of our comfort zone. He views anyone within arms reach to be a potential relationship, rather then a quick sale. You will learn why making a funny comment in an elevator might be better then cold calling. You might never think of wrong numbers in the same way, after reading this book.
Stan’s humorous style makes this book easy to read, yet don’t discount the wisdom found within. Whether you consider yourself a salesperson or not, this book can be beneficial for any entrepreneur or business owner. The new economy is no longer based on the best products, but on the best relationships and this book will challenge you on 52 main points. Within those 52 points lies hundreds of anecdotes, advice and tricks to create lasting and beneficial relationships.
Just like one has better success of catching a butterfly by simply letting them come to you, rather then run after them…the same is true with sales today. If you approach someone with a sales first mindset, they will run away (fly away if they have superpowers, which is what I would like to do when a pushy salesperson approaches). Stan’s method instills a genuine interest in those around you and makes people comfortable to approach you. Sales eventually come, in more abundance, because clients feel the motivation behind the actions.
I really enjoyed tip #5 “Get your ducks in a flow” which deals with Analysis Paralysis. It truly moves one to action.
I’m afraid that if an organization does not follow this new trend in sales, they will see their sales dry up and evaporate before their eyes. I started giving candy to strangers and it’s pretty sweet!
January 13, 2016
We all know and admire those who can do things with out-of-the-box thinking. Being different, innovative and creative in business does require a risk level but it also brings greater satisfaction both to the business person and the customer. Stan Holden is such a person and he has been successful in business by approaching it through a heart-centered standpoint and by building lasting and meaningful relationships.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Giving Candy to Strangers which felt like Stan was sitting across from me dispensing his wise and proven-true advice on how to approach business dealings. The book is divided into eight parts, each made up of short chapters. He discusses how to create connections without an agenda and overcome any objections in doing so, how to nurture your existing relationship and how to build relationships through social media. He also talks about doing cold calls and using humor to create connections. This section cracked me up!
I'm a people person by nature and love to make connections and this book confirmed that the way I'm approaching my business is good. Stan says you should mix pleasure with business and I agree. I grew up with an entrepreneurial dad who would invite the Encyclopedia salesman at the door for a glass of wine before they got down to business. In my business, I speak to my clients on the phone for as long as they need when I know most who do this work only communicate through emails. I also encourage the authors I work with not to hide behind their publicist or publisher but to get to know their readers.
The book is filled with appropriate and motivating quotes, fun facts and also cartoon drawings for each part. It is a fun book to read and although written in a light-hearted humorous way, it is no less valuable than any other business book out there. Actually, if you are in any type of business or just want to improve your work, I suggest this is the first business book you should read. Why? Because it deals with the fundamentals of good dealings with people, which in today's dog-eat-dog competitive world, is much forgotten.
I am going through each tip Stan outlines in his book and have already implemented some successfully. Yes, it will bring you out of your comfort zone, but it will also make you experience the satisfaction and joy in connecting with people who can become not only customers but life-long friends. It will make you smile again as you work and it will make you remember the fun part of the daily grind.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Giving Candy to Strangers which felt like Stan was sitting across from me dispensing his wise and proven-true advice on how to approach business dealings. The book is divided into eight parts, each made up of short chapters. He discusses how to create connections without an agenda and overcome any objections in doing so, how to nurture your existing relationship and how to build relationships through social media. He also talks about doing cold calls and using humor to create connections. This section cracked me up!
I'm a people person by nature and love to make connections and this book confirmed that the way I'm approaching my business is good. Stan says you should mix pleasure with business and I agree. I grew up with an entrepreneurial dad who would invite the Encyclopedia salesman at the door for a glass of wine before they got down to business. In my business, I speak to my clients on the phone for as long as they need when I know most who do this work only communicate through emails. I also encourage the authors I work with not to hide behind their publicist or publisher but to get to know their readers.
The book is filled with appropriate and motivating quotes, fun facts and also cartoon drawings for each part. It is a fun book to read and although written in a light-hearted humorous way, it is no less valuable than any other business book out there. Actually, if you are in any type of business or just want to improve your work, I suggest this is the first business book you should read. Why? Because it deals with the fundamentals of good dealings with people, which in today's dog-eat-dog competitive world, is much forgotten.
I am going through each tip Stan outlines in his book and have already implemented some successfully. Yes, it will bring you out of your comfort zone, but it will also make you experience the satisfaction and joy in connecting with people who can become not only customers but life-long friends. It will make you smile again as you work and it will make you remember the fun part of the daily grind.
January 12, 2016
It really can be as easy as Giving Candy To Strangers.
Stan Holden is not your typical businessman, he’s not a CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a long-standing board member for some top tech firm. But Holden has a lot to add to the world of business. Giving Candy To Strangers is a book about doing the right things in business and how they can help you succeed, grow, and even dominate. The point of view is written more on a personal level though, which is fine for me because as an owner of my own business and an entrepreneur I am the one who runs the day-to-day business.
Holden splits the book into parts and chapters. Each chapter is short and to the point with some nice comedic bits thrown in for good measure. I didn’t know that I could smile so much reading a book about networking and improving your interpersonal relationships with others around you (both in and outside of your company). I found myself vigorously highlighting different quotes and sayings and anecdotes to remember for later. By the end I had the book mostly highlighted and I’m not even upset about it.
I think that a fresh face and opinion from outsiders is needed to keep things interesting or to remind some of us that we’re not “all that.” I will definitely be using some of the advice that I learned in this book to further myself, both in the business world and outside of it.
A true work of non-fiction that was actually fun to read, Stan Holden’s Giving Candy To Strangers is one of the best non-fiction books I read in 2015.
Stan Holden is not your typical businessman, he’s not a CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a long-standing board member for some top tech firm. But Holden has a lot to add to the world of business. Giving Candy To Strangers is a book about doing the right things in business and how they can help you succeed, grow, and even dominate. The point of view is written more on a personal level though, which is fine for me because as an owner of my own business and an entrepreneur I am the one who runs the day-to-day business.
Holden splits the book into parts and chapters. Each chapter is short and to the point with some nice comedic bits thrown in for good measure. I didn’t know that I could smile so much reading a book about networking and improving your interpersonal relationships with others around you (both in and outside of your company). I found myself vigorously highlighting different quotes and sayings and anecdotes to remember for later. By the end I had the book mostly highlighted and I’m not even upset about it.
I think that a fresh face and opinion from outsiders is needed to keep things interesting or to remind some of us that we’re not “all that.” I will definitely be using some of the advice that I learned in this book to further myself, both in the business world and outside of it.
A true work of non-fiction that was actually fun to read, Stan Holden’s Giving Candy To Strangers is one of the best non-fiction books I read in 2015.
May 28, 2016
If you are a professional or entrepreneur who needs to connect with the world around them in order to grow your audience or your business, and are looking for creative, out-of-the-box techniques to help you make heartfelt connections with others, consider Giving Candy To Strangers – Tips For Creating Abundance Through Heart-Centered Sales by Stan Holden a must read book!
Giving Candy To Strangers is not your traditional, cookie-cutter business book. Instead, it’s a refreshing book on business that’s written by an artist who learned how to be successful in sales by making connections in a fun and creative way.
Stan says:
"Giving candy to strangers” is a metaphor for stepping out of your comfort zone and creating new relationships in a spirit of generosity and openness, without trying to engineer any particular kind of outcome.
Giving Candy To Strangers is not a how-to book filled with recipes for success, nor is it a primer on what to do or avoid in business. Instead, it’s a book filled with creative ideas that you can adopt and adapt to suit your personality and situation.
Giving Candy To Strangers is a book that encourages you to enjoy life – enjoy what you’re doing – and enjoy who you’re meeting along the way.
Reading Giving Candy To Strangers will not only help you to become a better professional, salesperson, or entrepreneur – it will help you to become a better human being.
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Giving Candy To Strangers is not your traditional, cookie-cutter business book. Instead, it’s a refreshing book on business that’s written by an artist who learned how to be successful in sales by making connections in a fun and creative way.
Stan says:
"Giving candy to strangers” is a metaphor for stepping out of your comfort zone and creating new relationships in a spirit of generosity and openness, without trying to engineer any particular kind of outcome.
Giving Candy To Strangers is not a how-to book filled with recipes for success, nor is it a primer on what to do or avoid in business. Instead, it’s a book filled with creative ideas that you can adopt and adapt to suit your personality and situation.
Giving Candy To Strangers is a book that encourages you to enjoy life – enjoy what you’re doing – and enjoy who you’re meeting along the way.
Reading Giving Candy To Strangers will not only help you to become a better professional, salesperson, or entrepreneur – it will help you to become a better human being.
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
January 11, 2016
The term - heart led or heart centered - seems to be a catch phrase that is becoming more prevalent in both the written word and at motivational conferences. As it's one I fully embrace, I cracked open Giving Candy to Strangers with great excitement, ready to hear this author's contribution to the subject and it didn't disappoint.
There are several notes I would like to make. First, a lot of truths are shared here. As they are shared, I suspect you, like me, will realize you actually already know them deep in your core. The rat race the business world encourages us to embrace looks at numbers only. How many sales? How much earned? This has caused us to push the idea of building relationships to the side. It's time to embrace building strong personal connections again. Next, the author's decision to offer an easy to read writing style and super short chapters is perfect in today's busy world. Readers can absorb each lesson one small sound byte at a time and take the time needed to incorporate it before moving on. Lastly, the author offers simple ways for natural introverts or those shy in social situations to dip their toe into how to feel comfortable talking with strangers and building new relationships.
I suggest you have an underliner ready when you read this one. It's not for the BIG strategies you will read, it's for the many simple concepts that will hit you between the eyes each chapter - and there are many. Kudos to the author on offering a great angle on building your business that can be applied to other areas of your life as well. I will be reading it a second time, marker in hand.
There are several notes I would like to make. First, a lot of truths are shared here. As they are shared, I suspect you, like me, will realize you actually already know them deep in your core. The rat race the business world encourages us to embrace looks at numbers only. How many sales? How much earned? This has caused us to push the idea of building relationships to the side. It's time to embrace building strong personal connections again. Next, the author's decision to offer an easy to read writing style and super short chapters is perfect in today's busy world. Readers can absorb each lesson one small sound byte at a time and take the time needed to incorporate it before moving on. Lastly, the author offers simple ways for natural introverts or those shy in social situations to dip their toe into how to feel comfortable talking with strangers and building new relationships.
I suggest you have an underliner ready when you read this one. It's not for the BIG strategies you will read, it's for the many simple concepts that will hit you between the eyes each chapter - and there are many. Kudos to the author on offering a great angle on building your business that can be applied to other areas of your life as well. I will be reading it a second time, marker in hand.
January 7, 2016
One of the opening quotes in the book is one from Rick Warren - Life is about relationship, not acquisition. For me, that about sums up what this book is about. In times where people are wont to put results before relationships, Giving Candy To Strangers is brings a refreshing outlook to the whole business of sales.
As I was reading the book, I thought of all the times I have been turned off by people who sell Amway products and Herbal Life. Their attempts to chat up strangers is all about trying to convince you that they are leading such wonderful lifestyles and wouldn't want you to miss out on that! Frankly, they leave me with the distinct feeling that they are out to con me!
Stan Holden focuses on keeping things real and allowing others to see you as you are, while you approach them with empathy and humor. One of the points I really appreciated was 'Do What’s Right When No One Is Looking', which is truly the foundation for good relationship building.
Giving Candy to Strangers is a book I'd recommend to every entrepreneur and sales person.
As I was reading the book, I thought of all the times I have been turned off by people who sell Amway products and Herbal Life. Their attempts to chat up strangers is all about trying to convince you that they are leading such wonderful lifestyles and wouldn't want you to miss out on that! Frankly, they leave me with the distinct feeling that they are out to con me!
Stan Holden focuses on keeping things real and allowing others to see you as you are, while you approach them with empathy and humor. One of the points I really appreciated was 'Do What’s Right When No One Is Looking', which is truly the foundation for good relationship building.
Giving Candy to Strangers is a book I'd recommend to every entrepreneur and sales person.
January 20, 2016
You would think that reading a book about sales and how to attract customers and prospective clients would be dry and very uninteresting. This book is not like that at all.
In fact, I laughed out loud several times while reading this book and I absolutely love Stan Holden’s approach to sales. This is the type of person that I would be thrilled to do business with and/or purchase products from.
EVERY SALESPERSON NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK AND FOLLOW STAN’S ADVICE. If they do, they will be almost guaranteed success.
Also, this book can apply not only to sales, but to life in general. Stan’s approach to sales is also a great way to live your life and an amazing way to meet people.
I RATE THIS BOOK AS 5 OUT OF 5 STARS and I plan to follow Stan’s advice just to better my life.
I would suggest that this book should be read by everyone. It is not just a book on sales and everyone should learn something from reading this book.
In fact, I laughed out loud several times while reading this book and I absolutely love Stan Holden’s approach to sales. This is the type of person that I would be thrilled to do business with and/or purchase products from.
EVERY SALESPERSON NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK AND FOLLOW STAN’S ADVICE. If they do, they will be almost guaranteed success.
Also, this book can apply not only to sales, but to life in general. Stan’s approach to sales is also a great way to live your life and an amazing way to meet people.
I RATE THIS BOOK AS 5 OUT OF 5 STARS and I plan to follow Stan’s advice just to better my life.
I would suggest that this book should be read by everyone. It is not just a book on sales and everyone should learn something from reading this book.
January 7, 2016
In Stan Holden's book Giving Candy to Strangers, he makes many strong points- some of which defy decorum - but it works! Unlike many motivational books, Stan combines strong energy, humor, guidance with just the right amount of examples...short and sweet!
The main ideas, basically, are these six "be"s: be yourself, be open. be confident, be energetic, be determined, and be willing to laugh at yourself. Then he guides you how to accomplish these ideals and more.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to develop interpersonal relationships through the media or in person.
*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.
The main ideas, basically, are these six "be"s: be yourself, be open. be confident, be energetic, be determined, and be willing to laugh at yourself. Then he guides you how to accomplish these ideals and more.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to develop interpersonal relationships through the media or in person.
*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.
February 7, 2016
I thought that this was a great idea, that should have been written years ago. I worked in sales for years and I treated my customers like my friends and not like a source of money. This author is different because he wants you to reach out to new people and to reach out of your comfort zone. The book was interesting and easy to read. I also found it amusing at times and thought that this would be a great book for suggested reading for business classes. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own. - See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
January 29, 2016
Must read. Easy 5 stars - this social capital primer has 52 chapters, mirroring a deck of playing cards, and every single one of them has at least one, most always 2+ , supra helpful tips, suggestions, &/or stories which teach so very much to the reader.
Definitely will recommend to my clients, friends, & others!
Definitely will recommend to my clients, friends, & others!
December 10, 2015
Sales or no sales job, this book teaches inspiring ways to create heart-first connections with strangers and connect deeper with existing and nearly-forgotten friends and acquaintances. In our fast-paced busy lives, it's easy to forget that people aren't just objects that get in our way, but rather friends we haven't yet made.
December 5, 2015
Very easy to read book on creating friendships and business connections. Not a typical sales book. He really dives into creating fun, genuine relationships. Most of the time when you accomplish that sales will naturally follow. Recommend this book to anyone in a sales or leadership position.
January 29, 2017
This book came highly recommended to me and I pass along a similar suggestion. While this is a sales book, it's also a life book. It's filled with nuggets on how to treat people right. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
November 22, 2015
Excellent book of ways to make new friends and keep old ones. Definitely will be reading this one again.
December 15, 2015
A fun book and great reminder to be friends first before the sale. Great pointers and fresh ideas to spice up your normal contact and business repertoire!
March 6, 2024
Giving Candy to Strangers is a fun and easy book to read. I was always taught to contact, contact, contact and to sell, sell, sell! As a natural introvert this was a very uncomfortable experience.
I don't think this book will make sales easy for introverts, but it sure offers a lot of helpful tips if you can allow yourself to take the sales pressure off and just make a friend!
Stan Holden has provided some really good tips, particularly for how to utilize social media, and for maintaining your new friends (and also family relationships).
I highly recommend this book and wish I had read it sooner!
I don't think this book will make sales easy for introverts, but it sure offers a lot of helpful tips if you can allow yourself to take the sales pressure off and just make a friend!
Stan Holden has provided some really good tips, particularly for how to utilize social media, and for maintaining your new friends (and also family relationships).
I highly recommend this book and wish I had read it sooner!
March 6, 2017
People are more important than business, but when you move people… you move business!
“Giving Candy To Strangers” is about creating abundance in your life and business through the power of relationships. An inspiring and informative guide weaved together with personal stories and metaphors for stepping out or your comfort zone by creating new relationships, cultivating the old AND developing a “Pay It Forward” mindset.
More reviews on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Giving Candy To Strangers is a business staple that can help almost anyone improve their bottom line and their life!
— Art Flater, CEO, Central Office Systems Corp., INC. Magazine Top Ten Small Business Award Winner
My good friend Stan Holden touches a sensitive but powerful nerve inside of every human interaction in Giving Candy To Strangers.
— Kenny Luck, Every Man Ministries
It was great fun representing Stan’s award-winning animated short “Rebel Without a Claus.” Stan has a knack for bridging creativity and fun with business endeavors and personal relationships. In that spirit, Stan’s motivational book Giving Candy to Strangers reads with light bulb moments of fresh, helpful (and yes, “bright”) information.
— Sara Margoshes, SMA, LLC, literary agent
There are very few people who can energize my creativity the way Stan can. He has the ability to listen, challenge my way of thinking then hit it out of the park with “what if” ideas that make sense. I recently used one of Stan’s techniques with a client that hadn’t called me back on a proposal and, of course, it worked! Stan’s title should read Creative Philanthropist.”
— Clint Schwald, President, Big Idea Marketing, Inc.
What I find intriguing about Stan’s concepts is the optimism and counter intuitive approach to traditional business. He teaches you to do things different and shows that it is not just business but other social issues that can benefit from this positive risk taking philosophy. His entertaining to read style makes the information easy to understand, learn and apply.
—Michael Schumacher, Ph.D, Former Chief Probation Officer OC CA and co-author of The 8% Solution, Preventing Serious Repeat Juvenile Crime.
I met Stan at a networking event a few years ago and we have enjoyed a friendship and business relationship ever since. I enjoyed being the stranger that received his candy! “Giving Candy To Strangers” is a delicious read!
— Cheri Tree, CEO and president – V2 Velocity, author and creator – BANK™
It is easy to find our plates full in our day to day lives – whether at home, at work, or at play. “Giving Candy to Strangers” is a sweet reminder that building human connections is a key ingredient in satisfying one’s appetite for success. Stan’s sense of humor and unique perspectives bring a truly fresh perspective to the table
— Mary Bowers, (MLE) Major League Eating champion
5.0 out of 5 stars
The first business book you should read
ByLaura Fabianion January 13, 2016
We all know and admire those who can do things with out-of-the-box thinking. Being different, innovative and creative in business does require a risk level but it also brings greater satisfaction both to the business person and the customer. Stan Holden is such a person and he has been successful in business by approaching it through a heart-centered standpoint and by building lasting and meaningful relationships.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Giving Candy to Strangers which felt like Stan was sitting across from me dispensing his wise and proven-true advice on how to approach business dealings. The book is divided into eight parts, each made up of short chapters. He discusses how to create connections without an agenda and overcome any objections in doing so, how to nurture your existing relationship and how to build relationships through social media. He also talks about doing cold calls and using humor to create connections. This section cracked me up!
I’m a people person by nature and love to make connections and this book confirmed that the way I’m approaching my business is good. Stan says you should mix pleasure with business and I agree. I grew up with an entrepreneurial dad who would invite the Encyclopedia salesman at the door for a glass of wine before they got down to business. In my business, I speak to my clients on the phone for as long as they need when I know most who do this work only communicate through emails. I also encourage the authors I work with not to hide behind their publicist or publisher but to get to know their readers.
The book is filled with appropriate and motivating quotes, fun facts and also cartoon drawings for each part. It is a fun book to read and although written in a light-hearted humorous way, it is no less valuable than any other business book out there. Actually, if you are in any type of business or just want to improve your work, I suggest this is the first business book you should read. Why? Because it deals with the fundamentals of good dealings with people, which in today’s dog-eat-dog competitive world, is much forgotten.
I am going through each tip Stan outlines in his book and have already implemented some successfully. Yes, it will bring you out of your comfort zone, but it will also make you experience the satisfaction and joy in connecting with people who can become not only customers but life-long friends. It will make you smile again as you work and it will make you remember the fun part of the daily grind.
“Giving Candy To Strangers” is about creating abundance in your life and business through the power of relationships. An inspiring and informative guide weaved together with personal stories and metaphors for stepping out or your comfort zone by creating new relationships, cultivating the old AND developing a “Pay It Forward” mindset.
More reviews on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Giving Candy To Strangers is a business staple that can help almost anyone improve their bottom line and their life!
— Art Flater, CEO, Central Office Systems Corp., INC. Magazine Top Ten Small Business Award Winner
My good friend Stan Holden touches a sensitive but powerful nerve inside of every human interaction in Giving Candy To Strangers.
— Kenny Luck, Every Man Ministries
It was great fun representing Stan’s award-winning animated short “Rebel Without a Claus.” Stan has a knack for bridging creativity and fun with business endeavors and personal relationships. In that spirit, Stan’s motivational book Giving Candy to Strangers reads with light bulb moments of fresh, helpful (and yes, “bright”) information.
— Sara Margoshes, SMA, LLC, literary agent
There are very few people who can energize my creativity the way Stan can. He has the ability to listen, challenge my way of thinking then hit it out of the park with “what if” ideas that make sense. I recently used one of Stan’s techniques with a client that hadn’t called me back on a proposal and, of course, it worked! Stan’s title should read Creative Philanthropist.”
— Clint Schwald, President, Big Idea Marketing, Inc.
What I find intriguing about Stan’s concepts is the optimism and counter intuitive approach to traditional business. He teaches you to do things different and shows that it is not just business but other social issues that can benefit from this positive risk taking philosophy. His entertaining to read style makes the information easy to understand, learn and apply.
—Michael Schumacher, Ph.D, Former Chief Probation Officer OC CA and co-author of The 8% Solution, Preventing Serious Repeat Juvenile Crime.
I met Stan at a networking event a few years ago and we have enjoyed a friendship and business relationship ever since. I enjoyed being the stranger that received his candy! “Giving Candy To Strangers” is a delicious read!
— Cheri Tree, CEO and president – V2 Velocity, author and creator – BANK™
It is easy to find our plates full in our day to day lives – whether at home, at work, or at play. “Giving Candy to Strangers” is a sweet reminder that building human connections is a key ingredient in satisfying one’s appetite for success. Stan’s sense of humor and unique perspectives bring a truly fresh perspective to the table
— Mary Bowers, (MLE) Major League Eating champion
5.0 out of 5 stars
The first business book you should read
ByLaura Fabianion January 13, 2016
We all know and admire those who can do things with out-of-the-box thinking. Being different, innovative and creative in business does require a risk level but it also brings greater satisfaction both to the business person and the customer. Stan Holden is such a person and he has been successful in business by approaching it through a heart-centered standpoint and by building lasting and meaningful relationships.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Giving Candy to Strangers which felt like Stan was sitting across from me dispensing his wise and proven-true advice on how to approach business dealings. The book is divided into eight parts, each made up of short chapters. He discusses how to create connections without an agenda and overcome any objections in doing so, how to nurture your existing relationship and how to build relationships through social media. He also talks about doing cold calls and using humor to create connections. This section cracked me up!
I’m a people person by nature and love to make connections and this book confirmed that the way I’m approaching my business is good. Stan says you should mix pleasure with business and I agree. I grew up with an entrepreneurial dad who would invite the Encyclopedia salesman at the door for a glass of wine before they got down to business. In my business, I speak to my clients on the phone for as long as they need when I know most who do this work only communicate through emails. I also encourage the authors I work with not to hide behind their publicist or publisher but to get to know their readers.
The book is filled with appropriate and motivating quotes, fun facts and also cartoon drawings for each part. It is a fun book to read and although written in a light-hearted humorous way, it is no less valuable than any other business book out there. Actually, if you are in any type of business or just want to improve your work, I suggest this is the first business book you should read. Why? Because it deals with the fundamentals of good dealings with people, which in today’s dog-eat-dog competitive world, is much forgotten.
I am going through each tip Stan outlines in his book and have already implemented some successfully. Yes, it will bring you out of your comfort zone, but it will also make you experience the satisfaction and joy in connecting with people who can become not only customers but life-long friends. It will make you smile again as you work and it will make you remember the fun part of the daily grind.
Want to read
July 19, 2019“I have read over 2300 business books in the last 30 years. Giving Candy To Strangers is at the top of my list of books of it’s kind. It is amazing. Heartfelt – but targeted business tactics as well. Stan’s counter intuitive business message teach’s you to do business differently but powerfully, and with purpose. Brilliant!” - author unknown
January 6, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Giving Candy to Strangers offers a different view of the sales career. Throughout the book, Holden offers example after example of the importance of relationship building to a salesperson's success. With so much emphasis on texting and internet communication--it's easy to forget the human element of sales. The human element of making someone remember you and your product days (or even months) down the road. While building customer and client relationships isn't a unique aspect of sales success; building relationships with anyone and everyone just to build a relationship is a different view of the long term sales career.
Holden provides real world examples to back up his relationship building strategy. I think it's important to remember the old saying that "everyone is a customer" when selling a product or service. Holden teaches readers to build relationships with everyone--because you never know when that person may need you, your service or your product. Holden provides pages and pages of examples of the value of relationships to the success of his business ventures.
Giving Candy to Strangers is written with knowledge and heart. Holden practices what he preaches and his words seem to resonate a belief in his methods. Holden has seen sales success from his techniques and he shares them in this book in an easy to understand, conversational manner. He even throws in some fun facts that make interesting conversation starters throughout the book as well.
Would I recommend Giving Candy to Strangers by Stan Holden. I don't think the importance of relationship building in sales is unique--but, I do think it is falling by the way side as we seem to have less human-human contact in our daily lives. Holden offers ways to develop relationships both in person and online--and tips and tricks for leveraging those relationships for sales success. I think this is a great book for the beginning salesperson--as well as the salesperson who has lost some of their customer service oriented zeal along the way.
Giving Candy to Strangers offers a different view of the sales career. Throughout the book, Holden offers example after example of the importance of relationship building to a salesperson's success. With so much emphasis on texting and internet communication--it's easy to forget the human element of sales. The human element of making someone remember you and your product days (or even months) down the road. While building customer and client relationships isn't a unique aspect of sales success; building relationships with anyone and everyone just to build a relationship is a different view of the long term sales career.
Holden provides real world examples to back up his relationship building strategy. I think it's important to remember the old saying that "everyone is a customer" when selling a product or service. Holden teaches readers to build relationships with everyone--because you never know when that person may need you, your service or your product. Holden provides pages and pages of examples of the value of relationships to the success of his business ventures.
Giving Candy to Strangers is written with knowledge and heart. Holden practices what he preaches and his words seem to resonate a belief in his methods. Holden has seen sales success from his techniques and he shares them in this book in an easy to understand, conversational manner. He even throws in some fun facts that make interesting conversation starters throughout the book as well.
Would I recommend Giving Candy to Strangers by Stan Holden. I don't think the importance of relationship building in sales is unique--but, I do think it is falling by the way side as we seem to have less human-human contact in our daily lives. Holden offers ways to develop relationships both in person and online--and tips and tricks for leveraging those relationships for sales success. I think this is a great book for the beginning salesperson--as well as the salesperson who has lost some of their customer service oriented zeal along the way.
January 7, 2016
This is a great book for the business minded!
I find a lot of times when I am reading a book that is “self help” where it is trying to help you take steps forward in something (personal, business, etc.); the reads tend to be dry, drawn out, and typically boring.
Giving Candy to Strangers was none of the above! It wasn’t dry. It was actually humorous. It wasn’t drawn out. The chapters seemed to be short and to the point. It wasn’t boring. There were always steps to take to move forward or new things to try.
As a business minded individual, the biggest thing they tell you is that relationships are much more powerful than the actual business part. Stan Holden definitely reiterates it, but in a way that feels… normal. Not forced.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a business mind, owns a business, runs a business, wants to own a business, etc. It really is a valuable read with some great activities to expand your “business”.
I find a lot of times when I am reading a book that is “self help” where it is trying to help you take steps forward in something (personal, business, etc.); the reads tend to be dry, drawn out, and typically boring.
Giving Candy to Strangers was none of the above! It wasn’t dry. It was actually humorous. It wasn’t drawn out. The chapters seemed to be short and to the point. It wasn’t boring. There were always steps to take to move forward or new things to try.
As a business minded individual, the biggest thing they tell you is that relationships are much more powerful than the actual business part. Stan Holden definitely reiterates it, but in a way that feels… normal. Not forced.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a business mind, owns a business, runs a business, wants to own a business, etc. It really is a valuable read with some great activities to expand your “business”.
January 17, 2016
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Giving Candy to Strangers is all about growing your business by being a people person. Instead of focusing on making a sale, Stan Holden says that making and keeping friends is the most important thing that you can do to make sales.
The author explains how to be more outgoing, keep relationships, and even have a good time while your bottom line improves. Anyone in sales may benefit from reading Giving Candy to Strangers, whether it's a salesman or a business owner, there's some good advice along with common sense.
Giving Candy to Strangers is all about growing your business by being a people person. Instead of focusing on making a sale, Stan Holden says that making and keeping friends is the most important thing that you can do to make sales.
The author explains how to be more outgoing, keep relationships, and even have a good time while your bottom line improves. Anyone in sales may benefit from reading Giving Candy to Strangers, whether it's a salesman or a business owner, there's some good advice along with common sense.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 22 reviews