Networking Insight

Book Review: Remarkable by Dr. Randy Ross & David Salyers

Remarkable was written by Dr. Randy Ross and David Salyers. Dr. Ross is the CEO of Remarkable!, a corporate advisory and consulting firm specializing in talent selection instruments, cultural development, and organizational health. He has traveled throughout the world as a speaker, consultant, and coach, building teams and development leaders.

David is the vice president of national, regional, and local marketing for Chick-fil-A. He has spent his entire career as part of a team and building culture. He has spent more than 30 years seeing the principles in this book play out in a corporate setting and in more than 1,600 Chick-fil-A restaurants.

The book is comprised of the following sections:

• Assessment
• Alignment
• Adjustment
• Advancement

Both authors, who are successful business leaders tell the reader a story to demonstrate how workplace culture is the main factor between average and remarkable. The lessons told in this book are derived from observing some extraordinary people and organizations. As a result of the work ethics of leaders, their employees are impacted in a positive way, which in effect moves companies forward.

The story throughout the book explores the relationship with a mid level manager and a seasoned business leader. The manager is mentored by the business leader, which is transformational for his career, life, and company. By understanding and implementing the business principles learned from the mentor, he is able to make positive changes throughout his life by becoming a better leader, father, husband, and citizen.

If you want to become a better leader, then Remarkable is worth a read. It is an easy and enjoyable business book that is told in a fun and engaging story.

Book Review: Meetings in Moccasins by Barbara Wittmann

Meetings in Moccasins was written by Barbara Wittmann who is an IT consultant, leadership coach, and entrepreneur. Because of her quest for healthy concepts of leadership and growth, she explored the ancient wisdom of Native American cultures. She integrates their values and rituals into her business life.

The book is comprised of the following sections:

• The Chief
• The Corporate Wheel
• The Tribe

Within each section, the author discusses various concepts around leadership and personal development within multiple chapters. Throughout each chapter, she uses a metaphor of a chief and a tribe to explore these concepts. In addition, she uses multiple symbols to get across certain points. The symbols have the below meanings:

• Interview with a modern chief - Voices of people who are extraordinary entrepreneurs or have innovate ideas
• Your medicine bag - Fill the medicine bag to remind yourself of which values are important for your personal strength
• Your medicine walk - You will walk the path to your personal answers to a specific topic
• The Chief - Shows you the connection between old Native America wisdom and modern business

The book explore how today's managers meet the challenges of our time and how they must choose core values in order to become leaders. As a result, leaders need to manage their staff's personal development, which will further strengthen their companies.

The book is targeted at CEOs, Managers, Business Leaders, Project Managers, Teamleads, and HR Developers. By reading this book, leaders will lean more how to lead with wisdom and spiritual maturity to achieve sustainable success for their companies.

 

Book Review: The Sustainable Edge by Ron Carson & Scott Ford

The Sustainable Edge: Fifteen Minutes a Week to a Richer Entrepreneurial Life was written by Ron Carson and Scott Ford who are both entrepreneurs. Ron is the founder and CEO of Carson Wealth, one of the largest wealth advisory firms in the country and is a sought after speaker, thinker, and investment strategist. Scott is the founder and CEO of Cornerstone Wealth Management Group and Carson Institutional partner. He is a registered principal at LPL Financial and is ranked in the top 1 percent of all LPL registered financial advisors.

The book is comprised of the following chapters:

• The IQ Grower Process: Grow Your Business IQ
• Harness Your Subconscious to Achieve the Sustainable Edge
• Identify Your Passion that Pays
• Hone Your Firm's Main Thing
• Create Your Brain Trust to Benefit from the Best and the Brightest
• Measure What Matters on Your Road to 15 Percent Growth
• Simplify and Leap Forward
• Be Boldly Vulnerable and Receive the Best in Return
• Deliver Value Beyond a Doubt

In this book, the authors share their entrepreneurial journey to assist other business owners who want a fuller and more rewarding balance between their business and personal lives. In each chapter, the authors provide practical real-world guidance that is designed to inspire entrepreneurs to sustain a competitive edge in the fast-changing world of business.

The authors teach you how to achieve your goals across these four key areas:

• Your business
• Your teams
• Your clients
• Your personal lives

At the end of each chapter, the book has you perform exercises that are supposed to assist you in boosting your company's Business IQ. As a result, you should get ahead in your career and personal live.

The book is a hands on tool for entrepreneurs seeking to stay competitive while also enjoying the fruits of their labor with those who they are close with such as family and friends. Pick up a copy to build your sustainable edge in life.

The book will be available in January. You can order a pre-copy here.

 

Book Review: The Way of the SEAL by Mark Divine

The Way of the SEAL was written by Mark Divine who served in the U.S. Navy SEALS for 20 years, retiring as a commander. He is the founder of SEALFIT, NavySEALS.com, and U.S. CrossFit. In addition, he created the leadership program, Unbeatable Mind Academy, which trains the public in the eight Way of the SEAL principles. Further, he is the author of 8 Weeks to SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind.

The book is comprised of the following chapters:

• Principle 1: Establish Your Set Point
• Principle 2: Develop Front-Sight Focus
• Principle 3: Bulletproof Your Mission
• Principle 4: Do Today What Others Won't
• Principle 5: Forge Mental Toughness
• Principle 6: Break Things
• Principle 7: Build Your Intuition
• Principle 8: Think Offense, All the Time
• Training in the Way of the SEAL

In this book, the author reveals the mental training tricks you can use to think like a U.S. Navy SEAL and achieve personal excellence. His teachings are designed to transform anyone from entrepreneurs to executives of large companies.

The book is a roadmap for taking your life to the next level. The author uses numerous examples from his life and those of others to demonstrate his principles. His tools and techniques have been proven to develop a strong sense of purpose, high level of mental toughness, and ability to be more productive.

Below are some concepts discussed about the Way of the Seal:

- You will learn to simplify and clarify your life so you can drive forward with a strong sense of purpose.

- You will learn to remain calm and centered in the midst of the most serious storms you face in life.

- You will develop the mental toughness to dominate any task or challenge.

- You will cultivate your intuitive decision-making powers and sense danger and opportunity as they near.

- You will become more emotionally balanced, allowing you to understand where others are coming from so as to anticipate their needs.

- You will grow into a better leader who is more authentic, respected, trustworthy, and persuasive.

- You will become a better person, period. Your family, teams, and community will benefit from your strength and the world will be a better place for your contributions.

The author has lived an extraordinary life and he shares some of his secrets in this one of a kind book. By reading this book, you are committed to advancing your leadership and personal development.

 

 

Book Review: Stickability by Greg Reid

 
Stickability was written by Greg Reid who is a filmmaker, motivational speaker, and bestselling author. In addition, he is an entrepreneur and has been the CEO of several successful companies. The book is one of his ways to assist others in achieiving the ultimate fullfillment of finding and living a life of purpose.

The book is comprised of the following chapters:

• The Three Causes of Failure
• Flexibility is Key
• Relaxed Intensity in Action
• Defining Your Cul-de-Sac Moments
• Above the Line of Super-Credibility
• More Than a Wish
• The Belief of One Person
• Defining Moments
• Blind Faith
• Innovation Through Necessity
• Second Act

The book is inspired by the classic Napolean Hill book, Think and Grow Rich. In fact, the book shows readers how to apply the success principles of this timeless book and make them stick.

Throughout the book, the author shares the results of interviews from numerous business celebrities such as Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple; Frank Shankwitz, founder of Make-a-Wish Foundation; and Martin Cooper, inventor of the cell phone.

The author combines his modern wisdom with these interviews to reveal some of the following:

• The importance of flexibility
• The principle of relaxed intensity in action
• Ways to defien and conquer your "cul-de-sac moments"
• Strategies to overcome the ghost of fear
• The importance of insight through necessity

Each chapter inspires the reader to continue to move on with life regardless of the setbacks. By learning from successful business professionals throughout the book, the reader stays engaged.

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Book Review: The Risk Advantage by Tom Panaggio

The Risk Advantage was written by Tom Panaggio who co-founded two successful direct marketing companies over a thirty-year span as an entrepreneur.  In his book, he is able to give a real perspective on starting and running a business. He believes that success is the result of embracing risk as an opportunity.

The book is comprised of the following chapters:

• Are You In?
• Opportunity and Risk Are Soul Mates
• Where Risk Belongs in Your Business
• The Winner's Framework
• Prisoner of Hope
• The Freedom to Continue Your Journey
• Embrace the Risk of Failure
• Embrad the Risk of Proactive Marketing
• Embrace the Risk of Standing in Your Own Line

The author wrote this book specifically for entrepreneurs to share his story about sustaining a thriving private company for over 20 years.  He believes that risk is a key component to an entrepreneur's success. Embracing risk is what provides entrepreneurs an edge to keep their businesses relevant over time.

According to the author, the beneifts of any opportunity are the result of embracing risk of any business decision.  He shares his experiences about his ventures and how he embraced risk.  By doing so, he was able to build very successful companies.

Throughout the book, the author encourages entrepreneurs to take risks while continuing to grow their businesses. Consider this book as a guide on figuring out the right risks to take, which will assist you in formulating your leadership style and business strategy.

Books that tell stories about entrepreneurs are usually very motivating and inspirational. It is always great to hear and learn about success from various vantage points. The Risk Advantage is one of those worthwhile reads. 

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Book Review: Breakthrough by David C. M. Carter

 

Breakthrough was written by David C. M. Carter who is widely regarded as one of the world's leading mentors. His select group of clients include CEO's of major companies to entrepreneurs, celebrities, and philanthropists.

In this book, the author draws open his successes and failures that has allowed him to become a better "version" of himself. He shares his most effective breakthrough secrets in this practical guide to becoming the that you can be.

The author discusses 20 breakthrough strategies throughout the book. Each chapter is dedicated to one of these breakthroughs.

Here is a sample of the chapters:

Breakthrough #1 - Finding Your Own Unique North Star

Breakthrough #4 - Only Do What Only You Can Do

Breakthrough #6 - Always Do The Right Thing and Do it the Right Way

Breakthrough #8 - Know Your Self

Breakthrough #10 - From WillPower and WayPower...to WavePower

Breakthrough #14 - Gratitude Generates Greatness...Your Spiritual Spoke

Breakthrough #20 - Get a Mentor - Be a Mentor

The strategies that the author shares were previously only accessible to his list of exclusive clients.  By following his strategies, you will learn how to identify and clarify your goals. Once you achieve your goals, you will enhance every area of your life.

In addition to his outlined breakthroughs, the author shares how-to tools. By following his tips and tools, you will be positioned to live your life to the fullest.

The book is written in a conversational style that draws upon examples from the author's mentoring. As a result, it is easier to understand each strategy in a practical manner.

If you want to learn how to change your life for the better, then Breakthrough may be worth a read.

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Book Review: 20,000 Days and Counting by Robert D. Smith

20,000 Days and Counting was written by Robert D. Smith who has spent his career of three decades behind the scenes and away from the spotlight. His work includes overseeing from inception the career of Andy Andrews who is a New York Times best-selling author and in-demand speaker. In addition, he is a consultant to numerous best-selling authrors, speakers, entertainers, and organizations.

In his book, the author shares his proven strategies to get the best out people, which has helped them sustain massive success across multiple industries.

The book is divided into the following sections:

Section 1: The 20,000-Day Mind-Set

Section 2: Beating the Clock

Section 3: Today is Day One

According to the author, most people let time slip by each and every day. We tend to passively live our lives so we are missing out on some of what life has to offer.

The book explores the following concepts:

• truly discover the driving purpose for your life
• live each day with maximum intensity
• conquer all of your limiting fears
• learn how to accomplish more in one day than most people do in one year

Learn breakthrough and simple strategies that will allow you to be 100% present in your life. The author provides examples of his life throughout the book. He is living proof of somone who is living life to its fullest. Unfortunately, it took him 20,000 days of his life to have this realization.

The book is a quick and enjoyable read. You should come away with a fresh perspective on your life with new techniques to implement.

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Book Review: Sales-Free Selling by Steve Fretzin

Sales-Free Selling was written by Steve Fretzin who has transformed thousands of sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and professional service practictioners into business development superstars through his proprietary system of Sales-Free Selling.

The author shares his sales techniques through a fictional but real world story of three professionals who struggle with sales. These three professionalas are the clients of a sales trainer who teaches them through an 11 week class.

Each of the below chapters in the book equate to a week of training:

Week 1: Getting in the Right Frame of Mind

Week 2: Planning for Success

Week 3: Building a Strong Foundation

Week 4: Setting Strong Agendas

Week 5: Questioning to Drive Urgency

Week 6: Obtaining Commitment

Week 7: Getting to the Decision Maker

Week 8: Financially Qualifying Prospects

Week 9: Rating the Prospect's Commitment to Close

Week 10: The Presentation

Week 11: The Role Play and The Final Ahas

During the story, the clients learn the above process, implement it, and then share their stories. The dialogue and aha moments are very practical and demonstrate that selling is a process that develops into new business over time. When done right, the sales process becomes seemless and natural.

Throughout the book, the author challenges the conventional sales methodologies because many of the old techniques are now obsolete. He believes that a new way to sell is upon us as demontrated by his clients' sucesses.

The author would like you to get past the negative perception of selling and to start enjoying it with a renewed sense of excitment. The techniques shared in this book can assist you into becoming a top performer with a new business development strategy that is less about selling and more about building relationships.

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Book Review: Contagious Optimism by David Mezzapelle

Contagious Optimism was written by David Mezzapelle who is the founder of Goliath Technology, which is a data center infrastructure company that supported enterprises worldwide. In addition, he created an innovative internship program that has become a staple for organizations today.  He was inspired to write this book series based on his life's experiences, his own contagious optimism, and the encouragement of his Alma Mater, Fairfield University.

The book is comprised of the following sections:

• Talent
• Goal Analysis
• Turning Envy and Jealousy Into Something Positive
• Relationships
• Businesss and Careers
• Maturing and Staying Young - Health, Fitness, and Relaxation
• Need Help Getting Somewhere?
• You Have Arrived!

What is unique about this book is that each section contains a collection of stories, advice, actions, and insights from business leaders, visionaries, and professionals. Each story is uplifting and motivational.

At the end of each chapter is a summary paragraph about something "contagious", such as "contagious practice", "contagious insight", or "contagious action". These are insight words to remember each story.

While reading this book, you will learn to:

• Develop your talents through practice
• Become successful by turning the word "impossible" on its head
• Meet "The One" by becoming "The One"
• Buidl the brand that makes you you

The author believes that we all can make optimism contagious by sharing our life's adventures. The book will allow you to appreciate and understand the principles that people of all backgrounds live by to lead their lives.

By reading this book, you may come away motivated, empowered, and inspired to lead a more fulfilling life. Open up your mind to learn and re-energize yourself.

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