The Three Best Business Books

If you’re an avid reader like I am, it’s difficult to recommend just a few books about business and making money. Think and Grow Rich is definitely an all-time business classic. How To Win Friends and Influence People is another one. If you don’t have definite, clear-cut goals, along with good people skills, it’s very difficult to succeed in life.

Lately, I’ve narrowed it down to three books that I believe are ‘must-reads’ for anyone who wants solid, usable, real-world advice on how to succeed in today’s Business Jungle.

1. To Be Or Not To Be Intimated by Robert Ringer. There are so many good lessons and theories (that work in the real world) that it’s hard to narrow them down. The basic premise of the book is that the less intimidated you are in business and personal situations, the higher level of success you’ll have. The author does not advocate trying to intimidate or bully anyone. He gives you solid, real-world theories and strategies of business self-defense.

2. NO BS Sales Success by Dan Kennedy. Another excellent real-world guide about selling yourself and your services. One skill I wish I would have learned earlier in my career is the ability to sell. It’s priceless – not just in business, but in your personal life too. Dan Kennedy, in my opinion, is THE best guy to learn sales and marketing from.

3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. A great story about the author’s life, the lessons he learned from his real dad (who he calls his poor dad), and his best friend’s father – his ‘rich dad.’ It’s an easy book to read – even if you have little to no business background.

If you have kids 6th grade or older, they should absolutely read this book. Why? Because job security is an oxymoron or myth nowadays. Schools don’t teach kids how to be self-employed or to make money. They educate (or indoctrinate) kids on how to be a good Dilbert drone – also known as an employee. Nothing wrong being a good employee.

However, I feel schools are doing today’s students a disservice. Especially with how much they gouge – er, I mean charge - students for tuition and books. These institutions of higher learning aren’t really preparing them for the realities of life in the 21st Century.

This book is also a good place to start for anyone who wants to make the transition from employee to entrepreneur. Rich Dad, Poor Dad won’t tell you exactly how to get out of the Rat Race, since everyone has different and unique skills. The book will show you the attitudes, mindsets, and ideas that can help you find your own path to financial independence.

I’d recommend you go to Amazon.com or your local bookstore and purchase all three of these books – or at least borrow them from your local library. You may think that you don’t have time to read, or that reading isn’t that important in being successful.

I’ve read literally dozens of business books, and haven’t watched TV programs in my residence in the last three years. Sounds pretty radical, I know. Over that time span my thinking has gotten so much sharper and clearer, and I’m a better businessman, communicator and leader because of this. Turn off your TV, and get turned on to reading. It’s one of the best decisions you can ever make.

If you don’t believe me, I’ll end this post with a quote from Dan Kennedy:

“Rich people have large libraries, poor people have large TVs.”

Why Copywriting Is The Most Important Part of Your Marketing

The more I write for myself and for other clients, the more I’m convinced that the right words are without a doubt THE most important part of your marketing. Flashy image or “branding” type ads can get your prospect’s attention, maybe make him or her laugh or be impressed for a short amount of time.

It’s like seeing a 4th of July fireworks display. You may see some nice sights and sounds, but they won’t last in your prospect’s mind much longer than you’ll remember the fireworks.

More importantly – these flash-in-the-pan type ads can be very scary for your bank account. Why? Because these cutesy, ‘brand-building’ ads don’t tell your prospect WHY your company, product or service is better than your competition. And today, consumers are more skeptical than ever.

They’re bombarded with these same kind of flashy ads that all look and sound the same. Even if someone sees your ad, there’s no guarantee they’re really paying attention. Americans’ attention spans have never been real long, and they seem to be getting shorter all the time.

When you use direct-response marketing, you’ve got a prospect’s time and attention. Once you have this important asset, then you can tell your full story about who you are and what you can do for the reader.

If you don’t want to hire a professional copywriter, there’s a way you can learn this important skill. My friend Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero is a top-notch copywriter who also teaches others how to improve their copywriting and public relations skills.

To learn how Lorrie can help your business, click here: http://tinyurl.com/c5w3q.

Being the skeptical business guy that I am, I don’t recommend anyone to friends, associates or acquaintances that doesn’t know their business pretty darn well. I think it’s downright frightening to not give good, solid business-building information to folks that read what I have to say.

My reputation is on the line when I make a ‘reco’ to anyone. Especially when it concerns your business, bank account and family.

I met Lorrie last summer at a marketing seminar here in Denver. Besides being a top-notch copywriter, she’s a great person as well. If you’re serious about learning the art of copywriting, Lorrie’s one of the best copywriters to learn from.

If you want to take your marketing, business and bank account to the next level, click here http://tinyurl.com/c5w3q. You’ll also want to subscribe to her e-zine. I always learn (or re-learn) great copywriting and marketing tips in each issue.

That’s all for now - Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Brian

Blogger Fundraiser - Katrina Relief Efforts

Today over 500 bloggers in seven countries are helping raise funds for people affected by Hurricane Katrina. This effort was spearheaded by Hugh Hewitt, a law professor at Chapman University in California, who also has a nationally-synidcated radio show.

There are many, many fine charities to contribute to. The one I'll recommend is Lutheran World Relief. They're a very efficient organization with a very low % of overhead. This ensures that the majority of your dollars go to the folks that really need it.

Check out Mark Daniels, Hugh Hewitt, and Instapundit for more info about and links to other charities you can contribute to.

I know this is a big departure from my usual posts. I thought this was a small way I could contribute to people who have had their lives turned upside down. Contribute what you can, and pray for our leaders, relief workers... and especially the families affected by this natural disaster.