Books

Break Out Of Boredom: Low-Tech Solutions for Highly Engaging Zoom Events

By: Robbie Samuels

We have embraced a virtual business model and the Zoom platform as our means of delivery. And yet, we hadn’t moved beyond the basic skills forced on us in 2020.We realized it was time to raise our bar.

Marguerite Orane introduced this book, and she coordinated a small group to work through selected chapters and learn together. An approach I highly recommend.

Although it was written to support meeting professionals, virtual presenters, and virtual facilitators, it’s full of learning for anyone who is committed to hosting virtual meetings.

Break Out of Boredom is full of strategies, checklists, and step-by-step guides, all of which you will have access to as a download for easy reference.

If virtual programming is part of your business model, this book is a must!

Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time

By: Keith Ferrazzi

‘Never Eat Alone’ is a game-changer for business owners seeking to harness the power of networking.

Through a blend of personal experiences and practical strategies, Ferrazzi unveils the art of building genuine relationships that lead to professional success. His insights on networking events, creating a personal brand, and fostering long-lasting connections are priceless. Ferrazzi’s conversational writing style and relatable anecdotes make the book an engaging read, while his actionable advice provides a roadmap for navigating the complex world of business relationships. It is an indispensable resource for any ambitious entrepreneur on the path to greatness.

Conquer the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy

By: Clate Mask and Scott Martineau

We picked this book in keeping with this month’s theme of process and procedure. It was first published in 2010 and remains remarkably relevant for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business and who are prepared to implement systems to eliminate the “busy-work” that often takes over. It takes a different structure to grow a business than it does to start a business. You can start a business without systems and processes, but you can’t grow a business without them.

The authors of ‘Conquer the Chaos’ tell engaging stories and give solid examples as they lead you through six strategies that business owners can incorporate to bring order to their business and gain the freedom that was often the inspiration to go into business in the first place.

Although we won’t be automating everything suggested in the book, there are some great nuggets and reminders giving us cause to clean up a few systems and take back some time.

Enjoy the read! We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Intentional Leadership: The big 8 capabilities setting leaders apart 

By: Rose M. Patten

As business owners we all have a leadership role. Through interviews with selected leaders, Rose Patten shares her thoughts on how leadership has changed, what the game changers are and how leaders need to lead in today’s world. When asked how the leadership pendulum has shifted, here’s what she said: “We have in our mind a certain model of leadership – often called “command and control” – that was considered most effective in decades past. In this model, being a great leader meant being tough, being unflinching, being quite hierarchical. I would call it a very vertical approach.

Now, what we see with all the change coming from the expectations in the workplace is people are looking to leaders for more accessibility. They’re looking to engage with you. It goes two ways: You’re the leader and so you’re connecting more with employees a bit down the line – and you’re also utilizing that for your own decision-making. Leaders don’t have all the answers, no matter how smart you are. You want to utilize all the knowledge that’s available to you and that means getting the best talent and engaging them.

I think we’re shifting from “command and control” to “connect and collaborate,” from instinctive leadership to reflection and intention.” Great primer for leadership in 2023!