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Life is getting in the way of work this summer. I have read one very good book, "Everything is Marketing," by Fred Joyal. Technically written for the dental industry, it's an appropriate, stimulating and inspirational read for anyone in any small business, not-for-profit org or similar entity that wants to grow. Don't get hung up on the dental-ness of it, just read it.
I decided to keep create a list of 5 must-reads for the summer, and the following are either books that I've read or have purchased for consumption before the end of August:
Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality (Henry Cloud)
I can easily make the argument that if Dr. Cloud wrote it, you should read it. I've read 3 of his so far that have changed me and changed my life for the better. Changes that Heal, Boundaries, and Safe People -- these books help bring me through to the other side of the most terrible time in my life not only intact, but growing and becoming the "me" that I was intended to be.
Everything is Marketing (Fred Joyal)
As I've mentioned already, I've already read this. If you work within any small business, not-for-profit, civic entity, volunteer-based organization, etc., this is a good book for you to read. Yes, it's written for dentists and there are a lot of things that won't apply; however, the basic premise, that everything in your organization is, in fact, marketing, is powerful. Few organizational leaders understand this, and Mr. Joyal writes in such a way that his enthusiasm and joy is contagious. It will help you to analyze "where you are" in order to reinvent your organization in a much more meaningful, impact-ful, customer or patron-oriented way, regardless of what your organization is. Oh, and you will like dentists a little bit more.
Coming via amazon.com, Built to Sell: Turn Your Business Into One You Can Sell (John Warrillow)
I have to admit that I purchased this more in order to
preach to others than to myself because I realize that I have in fact built a "business" that is in reality me, and not something that I could sell. However, the author of this book reinvented his company after realizing that he had done the same thing when he started his business, so I expect that I will gain a lot of insight into how I can grow and change my company over the next 3-5 years so that I can in fact sell it (should I want to) either to move forward, or when I'm ready to retire -- if such a term really applies to someone like me!
Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking
(Andy Sernovitz) also on the way from amazon.com.
A title I happened on while looking for something to download to my iPod (unfortunately this title is not available on iTunes yet (hint hint, Apple!) the reviews on this title have me excited because it leaves readers inspired and unleashes their creative thinking while reading - my favorite kind of book. I look forward to incorporating the creativity and enthusiasm as I am writing my next volume for 12 Months for the salon and spa, as well as one for dentists/orthodontists (big surprise, right?)
Finally, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
(David Allen)
Another amazon find, I chose this title vs. some others in this category because of review comments. First, I am a procrastinator, and I procrastinate for a number of reasons. I do need a kick in the pants read on this as well as some kind of system to help break the trend. But also important, this book as well as some others on this topic also speak to the value of "play" and its importance in the balance of life. I often feel guilty for any time, money, or other expenditures that I view as "selfish" (meaning, anything that I do for myself). While in my mind I tell myself that I do in fact deserve and even need to spend time on, and for, myself, in my emotions I often experience guilt and often deny myself these moments. I hope to expand the balance of my mind and spirit as well as increase productivity, so that next summer, my life doesn't take over everything else that I really want to do! |
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"If you're coasting, you're going downhill."
L.W. Pierson - in Donald Rumsfeld, "Rumsfeld Rules"
collected while serving in the White House
(Washingtonian, February 1977)
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12 Months of Marketing
for Salon and Spa
can be purchased
on amazon.com.
It's going to be
a great year!
Elizabeth Kraus
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books I've read or decided to read before summer's end 