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Get Your Ducks In A Rowe

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Give Your Jr. High or High School Student The 2 Most Important Skills That Are The Missing Link In Education

Critical Thinking & Communication Skills

Hello Home Schooler, I'm Jim Rowe.

After 45+ years in marketing, including 30+ years as an agency owner including being HR Director, I have interviewed over 500 recent college grads, and hired, trained, and managed over 100. So, I have an intimate perspective of their skills right out of college. Unfortunately, I found many recent grads struggle with 2 foundational skills important for both business, and in life.

As my 1st brand marketing boss and mentor, Connie Humphrey, told me on day one:
"Marketing is a disciplined approach to problem solving. Therefore, to be successful here, and frankly anywhere, you need to be able to do 2 things well - critical thinking to solve problems, and communication, both writing and presenting."

Roughly 20 years ago I began to notice weaknesses in recent grads' thinking, and especially writing skills. So when Covid hit and I had nothing to do, I found research indicating I wasn't alone. There was a major SKILLS GAP. (See Research Below).

Therefore, I wrote a simple, entertaining, 2-Book Fable series, GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE (after my last name), to teach recent grads, and executives at all levels these simple principals and approaches that work. Why a story? Because it's a better way to learn.

Do they work? I was thrilled because, in the fall of 2023 the books were used for 2 Communication and PR Courses at Angelo State University to rave reviews from both the professors and the students. I then realized that the books are simple enough that they can be extremely helpful to Junior High and High School Students.

However, since the bureaucratic hurdles of getting into public schools could take a lifetime, I realized that they are likely even more appealing for you, the Home Schooler Parent, looking to help their child have a significant advantage vs traditional schools.

Therefore, I created this page specifically for you to provide an overview of the value of the books for homeschoolers with supporting rationale.

Finally, I would be delighted to speak with you should you have any questions or comments. You can reach me here: https://www.getyourducksinarowe.com/contact

Thanks, Jim

Jim Rowe Is a 45+ Yr Marketer Speaker and Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE 2 BOOK SERIES On Critical Thinking Communication And Strategic Writing

Get Your Ducks In A Rowe - Book-1

Business Writing & Communication

Imagine having your students or team quickly master the art of writing a clear, concise and compelling POV on 1-simple page.

Then being able to craft it into a cohesive impactful presentation. It is not taught in school, so I wrote GYDIAR-Book-1 as the foundation, based upon a classic briefing document, that quickly teaches the simple, proven 10-Step,    1-Page, Fill-In-The-Blanks Format to Think, Write, Present      and Sell that can be read in ~ 1-Hour.

$14.99 (PB)

$9.99 (Kindle)

$5.45 (Audio)

Get Your Ducks In A Rowe - Book-2

Learn The A-D-A-P-T-E-R Method

Now imagine having your students or team able to analyze a situation, draw conclusions, develop and execute a plan.    For the most part, we don't teach critical thinking in school, we teach memorization. But, it's an important talent development need. Therefore, I wrote GYDIAR-Book-2 to explain in more detail how to do each step from critical thinking through execution via The A-D-A-P-T-E-R Method, which stands for Analyze - Deduce - Author - Perform - Tackle - Evaluate - Refine. 

$14.99 (PB)

$9.99 (Kindle)    

$5.45 (Audio)

Jim Rowe Is a 45+ Yr Marketer Speaker and Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE 2 BOOK SERIES On Critical Thinking Communication And Strategic Writing

The Issue - Managers Rating Of Recent Grads

While 75% of managers say the top 2 skills they look for when hiring are Critical Thinking and Communication, 45-75% of managers rate recent grads they’ve hired poorly on these skills.
 
Worse, 2/3 - 80% of recent grads rate themselves as proficient, they don’t even know they are not good at it.

Jim Rowe Marketer Keynote Speaker And Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE Addresses The Skills Gap To Teach Critical Thinking And Communication The Top 2 Skills Managers Look For IN a SHRM Study
Jim Rowe Marketer Keynote Speaker And Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE Addresses The Skills Gap Of Poor Critical Thinking & Communication Skills As Highlighted In 3 Major Studies
Jim Rowe Marketer Keynote Speaker And Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE Addresses The Skills Gap Of Poor Critical Thinking & Communication Skills As Highlighted In 3 Major Studies
Jim Rowe Marketer Keynote Speaker And Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE Addresses The Skills Gap Of Poor Writing Skills As Highlighted In The CNBC Article "Why Johnny Can't Write, And Why Employees Are Mad
Jim Rowe Marketer Keynote Speaker And Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE Addresses The Skills Gap Of Poor Writing Skills As Highlighted In The LinkedIn Post By Jeff Selingo Entitled Why Are So Many College Graduates Such Bad Writers
Jim Rowe Marketer Keynote Speaker And Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE Addresses The Skills Gap Of Poor Writing Skills As Highlighted In The Inside Higher Ed Article Over Confident Students, Dubious Employers

The Cause - The Missing Link In Education

Jim Rowe Marketer Keynote Speaker And Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE Highlights That The Missing Link In Education Is STRATEGIC WRITING Which Is a Real World Approach To Teach Writing That Includes Analysis, Problem Identification, Innovative Solutions To Achieve A Goal Vs The Academic Approach Of Persuasive Writing

To Write Is To Think!

​ It goes beyond Persuasive Writing, 
which is important, but it’s not real world. 
Strategic Writing Is Real World!

  • It starts with analysis of a situation to understand the status, and identify the problems.

  • Then it provides a logical approach to thinking through problems to develop innovative or creative solutions.

  • It provides a simple structured 10-Step Fill-In-The-Blanks Format for communicating a clear, concise and compelling message to generate buy-in.

  • It also includes "executional" approaches to develop action plans with common sense formats to achieve goals.

  • Resulting in practical, goal-oriented  skills to improve productivity.

 

   It's not taught, so you need to

teach your child via

 GETYOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE.

Strategic Writing Is The Missing Link

Inspired by Who Moved My Cheese, I wrote a simple fable about ducks in business as a quick read to provide Educators and Home School Parents a simple way to teach a structured process of critical thinking to write strategically. It is based upon my 45+ years in marketing in senior client side, agency president, and agency ownership positions.

 

While the initial focus was training executives and recent grads in business, the exact same structured format is ideal for high school teachers and college professors to teach these fundamental skills to students before they graduate. 

“Story is up to 22 times more memorable than facts alone.  

Stories are not facts, figures or lists, and yet when facts and figures are interwoven into a story it can pull at the audience both intellectually and emotionally.”

Jennifer Aaker, Stanford Marketing Professor

Inc. Magazine

A Story Is A Better Way To Learn
Versus Another Boring Text Book

Jim Rowe Marketer Keynote Speaker And Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE Wrote A Fable To Teach Strategic Writing Becaue A Story Is 22 More Memorable Than facts Alone

Facts Tell. Stories Sell.

Angelo State U Teacher & Student Reviews

Jim Rowe Marketer Keynote Speaker And Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE are thrilled to announce that both book-1 and Book-2 were used as Textbooks at Angelo State University In The Communication & PR Grad Student Classes because they were views as an entertaining way to learn, the students can finish and have something tangible to use, and they should keep them as reference guides the rest of their lives

Jim presenting to ASU Grad students via  3-HR Zoom showing slide of why Dr. Susan Keith selected Get Your Ducks In A Rowe as textbooks.

_________

The Grad Students Were Provided A Survey To Provide Insight Into What They Learned And The Benefits Of The Books Approach

(Via a 5-point scale)

Jim Rowe Marketer Keynote Speaker And Author Of GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE Book-1 and Book-2 were used at Angelo State University In The Communication & PR classes to grad students and the post survey of students showed they were overwhelmingly positive about the books including 90% rating them as an entertaining way to learn, they provide a simple and tangible approach, uniquley lavuable reference guids and that all college students should read the books

ASU Students Open Ended Comments 
On Likes & Benefits Of Both Books

Angelo State Student Book Review Comments Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "The book was fun and had an interactive way to understand it” “Loved the story aspect ; made it a quick and beneficial read” “It had a engaging story” “Not boring”
Angelo State Student Book Review Comments Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is “Gives the reader a great 10 step guide“ “The 10 steps were very beneficial when it comes to presenting and putting pen to paper.” “Having this step-by-step breakdown with an example that I will carry for the rest of my professional career”
Angelo State Student Book Review Comments Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is “different outlook on my critical thinking skills“ “Knowing how to use critical thinking skills and also how to present with practice” “the ability to have this knowledge before I go out into the work force and have to give presentations no matter what job I pursue”
Angelo State Student Book Review Comments Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is ““having a fictional story teach you about business was fun, and not a boring read that I would of learned nothing from“ “Like Book-1 Very easy read, never felt tired reading it as I felt I was making great progress as each page and chapter are short” “breakdown of the ADAPTER method was very simple & easy to understand while beneficial getting the point across effectively”
Angelo State Student Book Review Comments Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates “lined up like a puzzle connecting to the first book allowing me to learn new things... needing a formula like these books“ “Showed me ways to prepare for presentations” “Loved book two from a informative aspect. And found many of the principles to be practical in my life””
Angelo State Student Book Review Comments Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is “It provides research methods on how to gather data“ “It gives knowledge on how to conduct research” “Learning the SWOT theory” “Showed me ways to prepare for presentations“
Angelo State Student Book Review Comments Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is “the benefits of book two are the breakdowns of each section of the adapter method and how they are beneficial to our career“ “Good in depth explanations of acronyms” “Both books allowed me to have a formula to look at and not feel lost as a new graduate student who didn't learn things like this in my undergrad.”
Angelo State Student Book Review Comments Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is “Very quick and easy read. Made topics easier to understand“ “Very easy read, never felt tired reading it as I felt I was making great progress as each page and chapter are short” “It was very easy to read and to understand the concept” “An easy read with language that made sense to me”

Academic Journal Book Reviews

Academic Journal JSAEDS Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE ...a story-telling fable approach to emphasize its formulated 10 steps ...storyline makes it an easy read ...excellent guide for educators to assist students in developing writing and thinking skills
Academic Journal JSAEDS Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicate: The design of these two books helps people structure their thinking skills and allows for clear and concise writing.
Academic Journal JSAEDS Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicate: Combining the two books into a training program or communications course can provide a comprehensive resource to develop more efficient and effective communication abilities.
Academic Journal JSAEDS Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicate:The author created a simplistic and informative program that should be a must read for anyone wishing to help others improve their communication skills – especially writing skills.

Check Out These Executive Reviews Many Of Which Say They Are Good For Students Too!

Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is..."What a creative, fun way to teach young professionals, students, even seasoned executives the importance of how to think critically, communicate on paper or in person, solve problems, and organize a business plan."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is..."... such a pleasure to read! ...informative, compelling, entertaining, and valuable. ...so much more than just teaching the reader how to write – it teaches them how to think, how to plan, and how to present in business."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is"Quick, enjoyable, important read...the requisite 1st step is learning how to think clearly, concisely, and logically to become better thinkers, problem solvers, writers and presenters."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is"A very good, fun approach to business communication. Easy way to remember ...Recommend to all who need to improve their business presentations. Sending this to my college bound granddaughter."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "Extremely useful for business writers and thinkers of all experience levels. ...very relatable story that does a great job of succinctly getting the message across. Recommending it to colleagues & friends."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is"Loved the book...definitely be able to use the insights. Thank you for keeping it so simple…now it is just a matter of using the structure...and making it a habit."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "Concise business advice on improving communication in a very engaging manner...should be required reading for any college business major or MBA candidate."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "...helps them use simple critical thinking to identify problems, analyze information to arrive at solutions, and communicate that information across broad levels ...in 28 very easy to digest chapters...super enjoyable."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "user-friendly, engaging process to improve verbal communications...great advice for students, business professionals and parents. You will learn a lot!"
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "As an educator...help students think more clearly, write more concisely and present in an engaging manner... the formula is easily understandable to a wide audience."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "Must Read for Effective Communication in All Aspects of Writing! Very succinctly explains process of getting your point across through writing, an invaluable skill."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is"fantastic refresher for all of us! Critical thinking & communication are so important to our success... great read for recent college grads along with us old dogs. Well done!"
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book i"required reading for college business major or MBA ...excellent guidelines for written communications ...keep them brief & to the point... step-by-step proposal methodology"s
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "WOW! I loved this book! It’s a quick read and taught me how to get my ducks in a row. Can’t wait for book 2!"
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "Wish I had this when I was younger! For anyone starting their career...this is a practical and needed guide to effective writing in the business world."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "I was entertained while reading this book. The learnings will be used in my work, may it be small or big, this book will serve as my guide. So well thought and written!"
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "I’ve had the amazing & distinct pleasure of working with Jim. “Get Your Ducks in a Rowe” reinforces all of the fabulous lessons I’ve learned from Jim, but puts them in fun fable!"
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "had fun reading this clever, well thought- out guide to business thinking, writing, presentation & selling! Highly recommend following the 10-step Formula!"
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "Great read. Communication has become even more important and this book touches on all important areas for precision and improvement."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "Easy read. Recommend for young professionals and students looking to enhance their communication skills."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is"The book is written in a way that makes you want to read more, all while making the information easily digestible."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "Artistically well written, this book emphasizes real business need. ...learning strategic thinking, and most importantly communicating.."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "Easy to read with a surprise treasure map for improved thinking and presentation of ideas. ... enjoyed pointed distinctions between written plans and group presentations."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is" Easy read for young professionals and students."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is "Great book. So on target. Good read for all."
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is"I started off thinking the books were a little childish & simplistic... then I realized how brilliant they were.”
Book Review Of Jim Rowe's GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROWE indicates the book is"a structured approach to critical thinking. benefit from thinking more clearly, organizing thoughts more logically, and presenting them more effectively."

Thinking & Writing Are The Top 2 Core Skills! 
Help Teach Them Via Get Your Ducks In A Rowe

Teach Your Child A Simple Powerful Approach They'll Use The Rest Of Their Lives

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