I have decidedly mixed feelings about book endorsements. For starters, more, higher profile, and/or “better” endorsements have never made for a better book. Next, I for one have never consciously purchased a book because of a quote on the front or back. What’s more, some authors seem to be endorsement whores. I often wonder whether a few people even read the books with their names adorning them.

Here’s another thought: Perhaps a book’s lack of endorsements would raise a few red flags with prospective readers. I suppose that some folks may pick up a book and ask, Why didn’t anyone endorse it?

Brass tacks: I accept that asking people to write nice things about my book is part of my job as an author. Beyond that, why unnecessarily irritate your publisher? I have never known a publisher to skip this step, especially for non-fiction books.

About a month ago, I sent a galley of Message Not Received to a bunch of smart cookies. My goal: to procure a decent number of endorsements for the book.

I’m pleased to report that some pretty influential folks think that, much like my previous six texts, this one doesn’t suck. Without further ado, here are my current endorsements.

“Most of our at-work life is spent communicating—poorly. Phil Simon has written a modern business classic that compels you to adopt new technology and simplify your discourse. Highly recommended!”
—Jay Baer, New York Times best-selling author of Youtility

“The message comes through loud and clear in Phil Simon’s smart new book: today’s workplace is drowning in information overload, bad communication, and missed opportunities. Simon shows us the path forward with his savvy and practical advice.”
—Dorie Clark, Adjunct Professor, Duke University Fuqua School of Business and author of Reinventing You

“Message Not Received tops my list of this year’s business book club suggestions. We need to start a movement for communication clarity throughout our organizations. Simon’s book can be our clarion call.”
—Prof. Terri Griffith, Ph.D., chair of Santa Clara University’s Management department and author of the award-winning book, The Plugged-In Manager

“Business communication is dismal today. Message Not Received gives us reasons and tools for change.”
—Scott Berkun, bestselling author of The Myths of Innovation

“Ironically, it takes a book—this book—to help people understand how to effectively communicate in a business world increasingly dominated by quick electronic messages that might be completely ignored or flashed to a billion people. Phil Simon lays out the scope of our failure to express ourselves well in new media, the consequences of these misused opportunities, and, most important, a clear, specific roadmap for how any individual can do much, much better in almost any context. Plying us with illuminating examples taken from the real business world, and adding in observations and background from a range of perspectives, Simon has given us a 21st-century guide to communicating that is both personal and universal.”
—David H. Freeman, Contributing Editor, The Atlantic, and author of Wrong and A Perfect Mess

“Message Not Received blows the linguistic lid off all that lazy communication at work. You know what I mean: ‘the synergistic win-win balance of competing forces’ someone proposed at your last meeting, and everyone nodded even though no one had the foggiest idea what was just said. Simon challenges you to take charge of your communications, cut the obfuscation, and make them meaningful. Your colleagues, your customers, and your bottom line will thank you.”
—Dr. Nick Morgan, President of Public Words Inc. and author of Power Cues: The Subtle Science of Leading Groups, Persuading Others, and Maximizing Your Personal Impact

“An essential resource for business clarity. Read Message Not Received to learn how to strip out the jargon and quit confusing people with buzzwords.”
—Anita Campbell, Founder and CEO of Small Business Trends

“In today’s business world, communication is more important and easily accessible than ever before – so why are we making it so complicated? In Message Not Received, Phil Simon closely examines why keeping it simple amounts to clear and efficient communication. I highly recommend that everyone in business omit buzzwords and take Simon’s direction.
—Larry Weber, Chairman & CEO of RacepointGlobal and author, The Digital Marketer

“In a world where disjointed and disorganized communication is the norm, Message Not Received arrives at the perfect time. Phil Simon provides tremendous insights and practical approaches to improve our communication both in and out of the office. If you want to make sure your words are actually heard (not just delivered), then you need to read this book.”
—Mike Vardy Productivity Strategist and founder of Productivityist

“Look behind any business failure and you’ll find the lack of communication as a root cause. Phil Simon’s latest book, Message Not Received, examines how and why the latest technologies that are intended to radically improve business communication too often obstruct it instead. Simon’s book provides thorough, effective strategies for enabling effective organizational collaboration and communication to ensure business messages are indeed received. If you want to improve your organization’s communication skills, you owe it to yourself to read this book.”
—Robert Charette, President, ITABHI Corporation an internationally known enterprise risk management expert

“A refreshingly relevant critique of modern business communication.”

—Michael Schrenk, online intelligence consultant and author of Webbots, Spiders, and Screen Scrapers