April Dunford's "Sales Pitch: How to Craft a Story to Stand Out and Win" is a great go-to guide for nailing sales pitches without the usual cliches.
SApril Dunford's "Sales Pitch: How to Craft a Story to Stand Out and Win" is a great go-to guide for nailing sales pitches without the usual cliches.
She's like your savvy friend who knows all the tricks to make your product shine in a sea of competitors. What's cool about this book is how April breaks down the whole sales process into simple steps.
She has some new ideas on how to tell a story that grabs attention and convinces people your product is the one. No more standard pitches—she's all about creating a narrative that gets folks excited to buy from you.
I particularly appreciated Dunford's insights on positioning and the art of storytelling in sales. She convincingly argues that in today's competitive landscape, being your prospect's trusted guide is paramount. This approach not only builds confidence but also addresses the inertia of "do nothing," your fiercest competitor. Moreover, Dunford demystifies the process of integrating qualification, discovery, and product demonstrations into a cohesive sales narrative. Each chapter is packed with great advice that resonates deeply with anyone looking to elevate their sales game.
This is a solid book on sales for sure which I will reference frequently....more
Jotham Stein's "Negotiate Like a CEO" was a solid read and in parts, a real eye-opener for me. The book had a plethora practical tips and strategies Jotham Stein's "Negotiate Like a CEO" was a solid read and in parts, a real eye-opener for me. The book had a plethora practical tips and strategies you can put to use right away.
Stein's got this knack for breaking down complicated legal stuff and business tactics in a way that's actually fun to read. His writing style is witty and down-to-earth, which made diving into topics like job interviews and employment law a breeze... well maybe not a "breeze" but a lot clearer than I have read before!
He used some very applicable real-life examples to show how to negotiate with success. Whether it's hammering out a salary or understanding tricky legal jargon in contracts, Stein's advice is spot-on and super practical.
I also liked how chapter wraps up with clear takeaways and tips that make it easy to apply what you've learned. Whether you're deep in your career or just starting out, "Negotiate Like a CEO" is a solid read for anyone who wants to nail their negotiations and take charge of their career. Seriously, this book is a game-changer. It's not just about negotiating better, it's about owning your career path. Highly recommend!...more
I've always valued the power of effective communication.
Bill Birchard's "Writing for Impact" is not just a guide—it's an awesome tool for anyone lookI've always valued the power of effective communication.
Bill Birchard's "Writing for Impact" is not just a guide—it's an awesome tool for anyone looking to elevate their writing and influence. Birchard blends scientific insights with practical strategies, making this book a must-read for anyone serious about crafting compelling content.
His approach not only enhances your writing skills but also empowers you to connect deeply with your audience, ensuring your message resonates long after it's read.
This is for those aiming to excel in impactful writing. Birchard combines neuroscience with practical writing strategies, providing a perspective that aligns closely with my background in leading marketing initiatives. Birchard's insights aren't just theoretical—they offer actionable tactics that have already improved my approach to content creation.
This book is a comprehensive guide to achieving success in the coaching industry. Drawing from his own career, Leone's insights make this book an soliThis book is a comprehensive guide to achieving success in the coaching industry. Drawing from his own career, Leone's insights make this book an solid read for anyone aspiring get into coaching. His focus on ethical conduct elevates the book beyond a simple how-to guide, making it a beacon for best practices in the coaching world.
The author’s advice spans a wide range of topics, from attracting clients and delivering value to building a profitable business. Each chapter has tips and techniques, all aimed at helping readers excel both as coaches and as businesspeople. The practical advice provided is backed by his personal success stories, which added a layer of credibility.
Overall, "A1 Coaching Plan" is a very good read waether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Leone's book is a goldmine of knowledge that promises to elevate your coaching career to new heights....more
The author is an experienced expert, and she provides a wealth of knowledge in a clear and concise manner. The book is superbly written and both easy and enjoyable to read and digest. It validated some thoughts I had on the condition but more importantly, it provided many practical ideas and solutions to dealing with this terrible infliction.
While the book reviews some medical research and elements for context, it is not designed to dive deep into the medical technical aspects of the disease. Rather it speaks to the reality of day-to-day situations and hurdles that will be experienced. And, it provides grounded, proven and actionable advice on a wide range of issues one will face when dealing with dementia from early onset, to more severe conditions to end of life.
This book has been a tremendous resource and relief to help both me and my family navigate the dilemma and difficulties of dementia. I highly recommend it to anyone on this journey as well....more
As we approach Thanksgiving 2023, here in the US, I can’t think of a more appropriate time for sharing my review of Areté: Activate Your Heroic PotentAs we approach Thanksgiving 2023, here in the US, I can’t think of a more appropriate time for sharing my review of Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential . That’s because among a plethora of insights, gratitude is a key theme and the author enlightened me on a broader view of just how far gratitude extends in my every day life. But, there’s so much more.
My friend, Otis Chandler (some of you may have heard of him) has said: “the right book, in the right hands (and at the right time) can change the world".
Very true and it can also change an individual.
Reading Areté and learning about Heroic has certainly come to me at the right time to open up new perspectives and learnings across an extraordinary spectrum of wisdom from great philosophers and minds. It's made such a positive impact on me personally.
Brian Johnson has written a masterpiece of a book. Extraordinarily insightful and extraordinarily well written.
It’s a delight to read and easily absorbed. I didn’t think one could distill teachings from a multitude of deep thinkers ranging from famous ancient philosophers to many leading minds of today and make their material and message so accessible. So clear. So impactful.
But that’s what you’ll find in the 1000+ pages of Areté which includes the author's own valuable thinking and perspectives.
Speaking of a thousand pages, I am not sure I have ever actually made it through a 1,000+ page book before. No, actually, I am certain, I have not.
But, Areté read as fast and easy as a 100 page book for me. And as a side benefit, my Goodreads Year In Books summary will look AWESOME this year with Areté leading the pages read field there! Whooo! :)
After finishing it, I’m now enjoying just opening to a random page and rereading that particular chapter to start or end my day.
As Otis talked about a book changing the world, the author does here too as his mission is to truly help people worldwide realize their own Areté and make a major positive difference in the world. Can Brian Johnson and the team at Heroic accomplish this? My bet is yes.
I highly recommend this exceptional book.
Let’s get to work.
Disclosure: I was introduced to the author by an outstanding book marketing agency which I advise and received a complementary advance reader copy. I have since purchased a number of copies as Christmas gifts....more
Is the "stranger" the celebrity gossip "the better", your jam?
Comfortable with politically correct, makFan of reality TV?
Enjoy watching a train wreck?
Is the "stranger" the celebrity gossip "the better", your jam?
Comfortable with politically correct, make that incorrect humor?
If so then Boggs and Spike have done it again with this hilarious Insider Hollywood style book of stories and celeb escapades told by a bull terrier. That's right, a dog.
I’ve wanted to write this book myself over the course of my career. Specifically because of my work with various consulting firms along the way. But, I’ve wanted to write this book myself over the course of my career. Specifically because of my work with various consulting firms along the way. But, I’ve never actually been a consultant myself and I lack the traditional academic credentials that seemed to be needed to have the cred to actually write it.
Phelen is an excellent writer and storyteller. She provides numerous examples of why so many management practices are flawed. How they work against each other and the true interests of an organization. And, she also offers sage and humble advice herself on what’s wrong with so many of these practices and how they could and should be approached.
Sammy has special powers and fights a villain. I don’t want to spoil the story except to say Sammy had A wonderful and endearing story about kindness.
Sammy has special powers and fights a villain. I don’t want to spoil the story except to say Sammy had a very special weapon and reminds us all that we can access it when needed too.
Super Sammy is inspiring as is her family, friends and school. A great picture book for early readers and lifetime readers alike....more
For those new to Web3 and/or confused by it all, people with very little to o technical knowledge, this book was writOk, I'm biased. It's my book. :)
For those new to Web3 and/or confused by it all, people with very little to o technical knowledge, this book was written for you. And all profit will be donated to under represented STEM educational non profits too. Hope you enjoy it and find it of some use....more
So when I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of his latest work, One of my all-time favorite books is Will Schwalbe's Books for Living.
So when I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of his latest work, We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship, I jumped at the chance to read him again. And wow, he delivered once again.
As with Books for Living, I was captivated by Schwalbe’s excellent writing and storytelling which is just so easy and enjoyable to consume.
In fact, this book has earned the rare distinction of a “Transcon Title” with me.
That’s a book so good that I finish it on a single flight between The East and West coasts. I am typically way too distracted, or tired, (or both) to not put a book down for over 5 hours, rarely reading it straight through. But, even on very little sleep from the night before, I was immersed in this story. (ok, I did catch a bit of a nap while on the typical long taxi at JFK)
In my review of Books for Living , I compare reading it to being in the author’s living room having a captivating and intimate conversation about literature. Now this same author takes things to the next level and invites the reader into not just his house but, pretty much his entire life with transparency, vulnerability and honesty that was somewhat surprising to me. Surprising and very interesting and truly appreciated too.
I actually found myself identifying with many aspects of his story. Such as my own close friend who was worried how I would react when he came out to me as gay in college (NBD) to my own dumb-ass ignorant insensitivity with my words around friends back in those college days as well.
But we learn. And books like We Should Not Be Friends help us to further learn as well as reflect.
Also, in typical Schwalbe fashion, he managed to weave in more wonderful book references and recommendations throughout the story which I really enjoyed. And learning about The Island School was another special discovery with this read too.
Give this book a read. It’s a wonderful story on friendship, over many years, and life in general.
Disclosure: I know (and admire) the author and was given an advance reader copy. I am keeping that copy and buying the book as gifts for a number of friends important to me....more
“It was that kind of place long on atmosphere and short on talk”
To be able to walk to City Lights Book Store To be able browse its historicBouncer’s Bar
“It was that kind of place long on atmosphere and short on talk”
To be able to walk to City Lights Book Store To be able browse its historic shelves To be able to purchase this little book of Ferlinghetti To be able to intimately know these neighborhoods To be able to read the San Francisco Poet Laureate’s Inaugural Address To be able to see The City, much still today as it was then To be able to write this review…
“At the Golden Gate, a single plover far at sea… a single rower almost out of sight, rows his skull to eternity”
“If you were in prison your entire life, and that’s all you knew, and you we“What if all you knew was your prison cell?”
“I’m sorry, what do you mean?”
“If you were in prison your entire life, and that’s all you knew, and you were satisfied and even happy, that’s great. But imagine if suddenly you were set free into the world. What would that be like?”
“The sub title of your book is - going from depressed to blessed. I don’t often, if ever, feel depressed and I already feel pretty blessed. So, what exactly does enlightenment and awareness mean for me? Given that I am generally happy with my life, why should I care, much less pursue this further?"
Enlightening indeed.
After our conversation I re-read much of the book and I’ll likely read it again soon as it is packed with an extensive amount of learning which is really well presented. I found Robinson’s writing to be clear, concise, and very engaging.
He includes decades of learnings, studies, interviews, techniques, experiences and a millennium of history around enlightenment and distills it into a very insightful and approachable read. He covers a lot of ground, almost effortlessly, which makes this a fantastic book for a curious novice like myself. And I also believe those with more experienced in these areas would also have a lot to gain from this and his many other books too.
I’m still not sure if or when I might pursue an “awakening”. However, this book has clarified a lot of things for me, piqued my curiosity much further and prepared me for that “it” moment when I do decide to dive in and become enlightened....more
I've read or at least scanned numerous books on blockchain seeking a comprehensive yet concise and non technical yet thorough explanation of this techI've read or at least scanned numerous books on blockchain seeking a comprehensive yet concise and non technical yet thorough explanation of this technology and concept. Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps is by far and away the best of the bunch.
Like a class, the book goes step by step, starting out very basic and simple laying down fundamental computer science and database concepts in a very straightforward manner. This foundation allows the reader, particularly someone non technical like me, to get a sense of how the elements and logic comes together to create a blockchain.
I’ve been meaning to read more M.J. Rose and when I spotted The House of Long Ago on one of the book shelves in the office I thought “Perfect, MJ and I’ve been meaning to read more M.J. Rose and when I spotted The House of Long Ago on one of the book shelves in the office I thought “Perfect, MJ and Steve Berry, I can read them both”
I’m glad I did.
What an intriguing, captivating and engrossing story. It’s amazing how they could develop the various characters and richly described the entire scenario in a novella.
The story, the setting the premise was fascinating. I particularly enjoyed subtle details around cuisine and fashion and learned much about art along the way too. And of course the history, the awful and the inspiring. There is just so much packed into 105 pages. Truly superior writing.
There were a few parts a bit too over the top James Bondish, I felt. The story and intrigue alone carried the book without these few spy like elements in my opinion.
Nevertheless, if you are seeking a fun, fast, thriller where you’ll learn something too – it’s a great read. I am eager to read more about Ms. Vitt as well as Cotton Malone now too.
What are all the “Cool CATS” reading when it comes to marketing in the new reality?
Renegade Marketing of course.
Drew Neisser is the OG renegade marketWhat are all the “Cool CATS” reading when it comes to marketing in the new reality?
Renegade Marketing of course.
Drew Neisser is the OG renegade marketer and he’s delivered a fabulous book on B2B marketing with applications across any sector and firm.
The book begins with “CATS”, a fun acronym and a memorable one too. It’s a way of describing how modern marketers should think derived from hundreds of interviews and meetings Drew has had with CMO’s and other marketing leaders over many years. I thought “C” was for “Creative” for sure but, nope I guessed wrong. it’s “Courageous”. A critical word for the successful CMO for sure. You'll need to check out the book for "A", "T" and "S".
Drew is one of the most networked advertising and marketing executives I know and the king of “Sell Through Service”. His book is an exceptional blend of business fundamentals, advanced thought leadership, unique perspectives, compelling examples and many valuable insights and takeaways.
The book is well organized with excellent concise chapter beginning summaries and ending takeaways. I particularly appreciated the sections on the adjustments and learning with marketing in a pandemic and post pandemic world. There’s a lot of very valuable and new learning in a nascent area that’s evolving by the month.
Noteworthy, I was thrilled to see Drew’s book offered as a Kindle Unlimited title too, once again making KU one of my best subscription service investments ever. And speaking of Kindle, I invite you to check out my Kindle Notes and Highlights revealing portions of the book which particularly stood out to me.
Renegade Marketing is a fast and easy read with immediately actionable ideas. It’s is going on my business books top shelf, the titles I reference often, today!
Disclosure: Drew provided me with an Advance Reader Copy, however, I also added the book to my Kindle Unlimited Library to make extensive notes and highlights. ...more
Well, I love discovering new (and old) books including rediscovering some titles too.
And, I love New York City. In factI truly enjoyed this book. Why?
Well, I love discovering new (and old) books including rediscovering some titles too.
And, I love New York City. In fact, I even enjoy riding the subway in New York. So much better than dealing with the traffic up top.
So, a book about books, set in NYC and sourced from random people riding the subway made it a natural that I’d like Between the Lines.
Ever since I read Books for Living by Will Schwalbe, which was incredible, I have sought out more books about books and Between the Lines certainly delivered!
I suppose it all makes sense as Goodreads is all about sharing and discovering books from other people. That might include friends you see and know well to people on the other side of the world that you’ll likely never meet in person. And that is what Between the Lines is all about too.
As one would expect from people reading on NYC subway lines, this is a rich, diverse and eclectic collection of people, comments, backstories and, of course, books.
The short and concise introductions and reviews are like a feast of small plate delectables at a favorite tapas bar with a kaleidoscope of interesting people sharing their favorite “plates” which of course is a metaphor for the books they are reading.
Between the Lines is not just interesting, it’s simply a book of great fun!...more