The Mary Kay Way: Timeless Principles
The Mary Kay Way: Timeless Principles

DALLAS, Sep 20, 2008 / FW/ — If you live in the U.S., you have heard of Mary Kay, considered the greatest female entrepreneurs in history who started her cosmetics company in a storefront in Dallas with nine Independent Beauty Consultants and $5,000. Today, Mary Kay® products are sold in more than 35 markets worldwide by 1.8 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants.

In honor of Mary Kay Inc.’s 45th anniversary, The Mary Kay Way: Timeless Principles from America’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur is being sold online and at bookstores everywhere. The book is packed with timeless and proven business principles that Mary Kay Ash used as the guiding philosophies for her global cosmetics company.

By writing a business book from a woman’s perspective, Mary Kay Ash ensured that generations could benefit from her wisdom and advice and be inspired by her message.

Originally published in 1984 under the title Mary Kay on People Management, the book has been out of print for 10 years before John Wiley & Sons, Inc. published the book under the new title, The Mary Kay Way.

The new version has updated material, including a foreword by Mary Kay Ash’s grandson, as well as first-hand perspectives from the leaders of the Mary Kay independent sales force – many of whom worked alongside Mary Kay Ash.

THE MARY KAY WAY describes simple but effective core business principles including:

— Praise People to Success.

Each of us craves to be recognized and feel important. Let people know that you appreciate their performance and they will respond by doing even better. Recognition is the most powerful of all motivating techniques.

— Develop People from Within.

The best-run companies develop their own managers from within – rarely do they seek outsiders. In fact, it’s a sign of weakness when a company goes outside too often for management personnel. The morale of the company is likely to suffer. People may begin to think that whatever they do, it won’t be enough to get the position they want.

— Don’t Rest on Your Laurels.

Every person should have a lifetime self-improvement program. In today’s fast-paced world, you can’t stand still. You either go forward or find yourself behind the rest.

— Be a Risk Taker.

Encourage people to take risks, but don’t come down too hard if they fail. If you do, they’ll stop sticking their necks out to share a bright idea.

“The values Mary Kay addresses are relevant to entrepreneurs and business managers in any industry,” said Richard Narramore, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. editor. “In times when ruthlessness and scandal seem to dominate and backstabbing your co-workers has become a popular tool to advance one’s career; Mary Kay’s people-focused principles are a fresh approach to business. The book has received praise for its simple, timeless and ethical approach to business and to life.”

Before she passed away in 2001, Mary Kay Ash was founder and chairman emeritus of Mary Kay Inc., one of the world’s largest direct selling companies. She was named the greatest female entrepreneur in American history in an academic study by Baylor University in 2003. In 2005, the Wharton School and PBS deemed her among the most influential business leaders. She was listed among “contrarian CEOs” in a CNN finance study. Mary Kay Ash consistently ranks as one of the world’s great business leaders, in books ranging from Forbes Greatest Business Stories of All Times to Lessons from Dead CEOs and How to Be Like Women of Influence.

To learn more about Mary Kay, log on to www.marykay.com or call 1 (800) MARY KAY (627.9529).

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