Books

‘Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done

By: Brian Tracy

The star business model: 🐸

1. If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long.
2. If you have to eat two frogs, eat the ugliest first.
3. If you have to eat a live frog, it doesn’t pay to sit and look at it for very long.

I’m pretty sure I read this book when it was first published and although technology has changed some of its relevance it is still full of wisdom. It’s a “must read” for business owners who want to get more done.

Brain Tracy’s book is an easy read full of practical models and solid strategies that can be implemented immediately. He uses real-life examples and insightful anecdotes to share valuable tips and techniques to help you be more productive and focus on getting important things done.

‘The Leader Who Had No Title’

By: Robin Sharma

I believe that business owners must embrace leadership at every level to inspire their teams, their clients and their community. It is how we drive success.

“The Leader Who Had No Title” by Robin Sharma explores the idea that leadership is not confined to formal positions or titles. Instead, anyone can embody leadership qualities by adopting a proactive mindset and taking responsibility for their actions. The narrative follows a struggling character who learns from four mentors about the importance of self-mastery, service to others, and the power of positive influence.

Key takeaways include the significance of cultivating a growth mindset, fostering a culture of collaboration, and encouraging team members to take initiative.

By embracing these principles, leaders can create an environment that promotes innovation and resilience. Ultimately, Sharma emphasizes that true leadership stems from the choices we make and the impact we have, regardless of our official title, empowering business owners to thrive even in challenging circumstances.

Acres of Diamonds!

By: Russell H. Conwell

This is a timeless classic that embraces the concept that opportunities for success are often found in one’s own backyard. Through a series of engaging anecdotes, Conwell emphasizes that wealth and fulfillment are achievable through hard work, creativity, and a positive attitude.

His message encourages us to recognize and capitalize on the potential around us, rather than seeking fortune elsewhere.

It’s an inspiring read offering valuable lessons for business owners, highlighting the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness in achieving personal and professional success.

Enjoy the read!

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 2024!

Book Yourself Solid
The Fastest, Easiest, and Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Even if You Hate Marketing & Selling
By: Michael Port

This book is written for service-based business owners who are spending too much time doing things they don’t like in order to grow their business, and yet they aren’t getting any further ahead.

Michael Port has created more of a workbook than a front-to-back read. Each chapter has a theme, exercises, and action steps to support implementing changes to the way you are getting and supporting clients.

Most of the strategies and actions outlined are not revolutionary. However, everything is practical and actionable – useful information with tools to help implementation. 

However, like everything, you need to be a self-starter and motivated to do the work. It believe it’s a great book to work through with a small group of like-minded business owners; a sort of “business book club”.

Top 170 Unusual Things to See In Ontario

By: Ron Brown

With Spring just upon us … we start to consider and plan day trips and short “motel camping” trips. One of our favourite points of reference has become ‘Top 170 Unusual Things to See in Ontario’ by Ron Brown.

Ontario has something for everyone! It’s full of hidden treasures. Wander down village streets, in city laneways, along country roads and you will find the most unusual sights – houses that seem to float, a river that disappears, log cabins at a city intersection – all of these things await the curious explorer.

Brown splits the Province into East, Southwest, Central & Toronto Area and, Northern Ontario & Cottage Country and provides maps within each region. Most listings are easy to find and open to the public.

Pick-up this book and head out to discover temples, towers, and quirks of nature and man offering insights into the treasures of Ontario. Enjoy!

This Year I Will…

By: M. J. Ryan

According to one survey, 68% of people make New Year’s Resolutions and 8% of those people succeed in achieving those resolutions. Why? Because we set goals but we don’t address what needs to change to make our goals a reality. And yet we know if we don’t change what we do, we won’t get a different result.

M.J. Ryan’s book ‘This Year I Will … How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution, or Make a Dream Come True’ is full of the tools, inspiration and insight you need to create strategies to help you create the new habits you need to meet your goals.

Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done

By: Jon Acuff

If you’re tired of being a chronic starter and want to become a consistent finisher, you have two options. 1️⃣ You can continue to beat yourself up and try harder, or 2️⃣you can give yourself the “gift of done”.?

Jon Acuff’s book ‘Finish’ tells humorous stories to share practical and important advice. He breaks down the reasons we don’t finish and presents ways we can give ourselves the “gift of done”. ?

? Spoiler Alert! The main stumbling block we all encounter is perfectionism. The greatest tool ? we can implement is to make it more fun.

‘Finish– Give Yourself the Gift of Done’ is an easy read with great advice to help move you toward the finish line. ?

Success Principles: 10th Anniversary Edition

By: Jack Canfield

This book was a dog-eared reference tool for me when it first hit the bookshelves in 2005. I’ve reread it regularly and every time I come away with my emphasis on a different principle with the anchor principle of…

Take responsibility for Your Life. Event + Response = Outcome

Recently I came across the 10th Anniversary Edition updated with material and talks about “success in the digital age’ AND I’m back in the fan club again.

The Success Principles tells memorable stories spelling out the proven principles used by successful men and women who have achieved the life they want. And it provides you with simple steps to support implementing the habits and actions you want to help you achieve the success you want.

There is no magic or overnight success. But you can take simple steps toward implementing and practicing proven habits and taking focused action.  This book teaches you how.

The Success Principles is a must read, as you go into Q4 of 2023 and prepare for 2024 and beyond.

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.