I really love business books that provide value to the reader, and this book “Rocket Fuel” is an easy to read book that is chalk full of value.

In my interview with author Mark C. Winter we explore one of the most important realizations by successful entrepreneurs and that if you want to develop a business it takes someone in the passenger seat, and that person is called an Integrator.  An “Integrator” compliments a “Visionary” and the right combination of these two people is imperative for the success of any business.

What you will learn by reading “Rocket Fuel” is that “Visionaries” have certain characteristics as do “Integrators”. When each person knows and plays their role in the organization you obtain “Rocket Fuel” as the book suggests.

Mark also discusses with me something he refers to as the “Accountability Chart”.  This is not just a normal organizational chart, the “Accountability Chart” helps you define the functions of the organization but to compliment that is defines the five (5) major roles of each of the people in the organization.  When you accomplish this task, it make everything much clearer and allows for leadership team to function with clear lines of communication.

What I appreciate most about “Rocket Fuel” and Mark C. Winters is the fact that all the techniques and tools outlined in the the book are tried and true tools.  Mark’s co-author Gino Wickman is the founder of EOS (Entrepreneur Operating System) out of Detroit Michigan.  EOS Worldwide provides the reader with amazing free resources as well as an opportunity to hire a business coach called an Implementer.

If you want to learn more about Rocket Fuel please click here to be directed to the book website, if you want to learn more about EOS Worldwide please click here to be directed to their website.  

I particularly enjoyed this animated YouTube Video titled “Why Entrepreneurial Companies Need a Visionary and an Integrator.”  I hope you enjoy my interview with Mark C. Winters.

 

If you are interested in your personal growth, you have to be interested in what makes you tick regarding setting goals.  Have you ever wondered why you achieve some goals, and others just seem like they are miles away and you may never get there?

There are obviously lots of physiological reasons for this , and in a recent interview with Edwin Locke Phd about his book “New Developments in Goal Setting and Task Performance” he unlocks many of the reasons from our personal motivations, to our values and the role of the subconscious mind. Edwin Locke PhD is the de facto resource when it comes to research on goal setting.  My interview with him was one of the most enlightening interviews of the over 575 interviews I have completed.

During our interview we covered topics regarding the commitment to our goals, the role that feedback plays in achievement of our goals and the simple truths about self-regulation in goal setting.  If you are at all interested in improving your game when it comes to setting and achieving goals then you will want to listen to my interview with Edwin Locke Phd.

You can learn more about Dr. Locke and his writings by clicking here to be directed to his website.  Please note the book is really a textbook and might be a bit heavy for casual reading, but if you are really into figuring out the pitfalls and “why” of goal setting them purchase the book.

 

I recently interviewed a friend from Canada that owns a wonderful learning company called “Readitfor.me“.  Steve Cunningham is the founder and mastermind behind an amazing book summaries company that creates the content in both a visual format as well as auditory and downloadable text.  The Readitfor.me platform works for both individuals that have big appites for learning, and is idealiy designed for companies that are looking for ways to provide their workforce with softskills training at a very reasonable price.   It is a wonderful way for lunch and learn sessions that will be championed by someone within the organization.  It is efficient, effective and allows for rapid learning and retention of the material all while learning in a group environment.

Readitfor.me has a library of in excess of 275 current business books that have been summarized, and Steve is rapidly working to increase the library by reviewing a book per day.  Believe me you will not run out of interesting learning material and content that is timeless and very useful in the growth and development of any size organization.

In my interview with Steve we discuss how he launched Readitfor.me and his passion behind the company.  I think you will find our interview to be very informative, allowing you to get insight on how the Readitfor.me platform works. You are also provided with an opportunity to sign up for a free 7-day trial of the platform.

If you want to get more information about Readitfor.me and sign up for the free trial please click on any of the links.  If you want to sign up through your Linkedin account you can do that as well.

I hope you enjoy this interview with founder of Readitfor.me Steve Cunningham, hope you enjoy your 7-day free trial.

 

There is lots of talk today about the power of authenticity, and rightfully so.  We see the topic being discussed throughout the political campaigning that we are experiencing, and unfortunately we don’t see our current top running candidates for the presidential election showing high levels of authenticity.   As sad as that might seem, “authenticity” seems to be conspicuously absent from this presidential campaign.

In my recent interview with author Karissa Thacker about her book “The Art of Authenticity” we discuss the four components that form the basis of authenticity as a leader.

First, is self-awareness-motivation and values are individual and distinctive.  This level of authenticity requires that one really wants, what is important and why.  The second is “balanced processing–this is a skill of blending thought process with the thought processes of others without a bias one’s own view. ( I really believe this is missing with that unnamed candidate for president.)  Third, is relational transparency–when it comes to building a genuine relationship with people, transparency is critical.  Authentic leaders allow themselves to evolve, grow, and experiment regarding their personal transparency.  Lastly, is internal moral perspective–authentic leaders are students of human nature in general and experts on the peculiarities of their own particular more nature. The keep their own unique internal GPS system activated as they deal with day-to-day pressures.

If you are a leader in your organization and wanting to learn more about the keys to being more authentic then I would highly recommend that you read Karissa Thacker new book “The Art of Authenticity“.  You can learn more by visiting her website by clicking here, or you can go to the book Facebook page by clicking here.

I hope you enjoy this lively interview with Karissa Thacker about “The Art of Authenticity“.

 

Most of us are aware that branding ourselves  or our companies can be a challenging task.  It is as if there is a magic formula that when you have the correct ingredients your company can blast off into the stratosphere where customers are clamoring to subscribe to your service or purchase your products.

David Tyreman has authored a book entitled “World Famous-How to Create a Kick-Ass Brand.  David has worked with some of the biggest companies like Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Nike and many others.  In my interview with David we explore the components that are required to create a kick-ass brand.  David explains there are five of them and they are:  1) Dare 2) Learn Why People Buy 3) A Defined Differentiation 4) Adding Value 5) Ready, Set Engage.  These steps make up the roadmap for someone wanting to develop their brand.

We also discuss the power of a super niche, defining what you do best and not spreading yourself too thin that your customers are confused by your offering or service.   You also need to be concerned and do you research on the demographics and psychographics of your target customer.  Remember not everyone is your customer, so develop a plan and research your customer profile so you know what makes them tick.

David is a master at helping people brand themselves or their company.  His book “World Famous-How to Create a Kick-Ass Brand” is loaded with stories, examples and advice that can assist both the newbie or the experienced marketer.

I would recommend that you check out David Tyremen at his website by clicking here.  World Famous also has a great branding course that you might want to consider taking.  If you are interested finding out more about the course please email David at david@worldfamouscompany.com.

 

Calling all leaders–your current leadership impact is a result of many factors.  Author Simon Tyler in his new book entitled ” Impact Code 50 Way to Enhance Your Presence and Impact at Work“, states that there are five (5) fundamental aspects of leadership.

1) Your Visual Impact, no this is not about the great clothes you wear it is about your visual messaging, and how people around you perceive your message.  2) Presence, this is that special something that you possess that draws people to you.  They want to hear what you have to say, and they are willing to follow you.  3) Connection, this is the factor relating to how well you connect with others, how they respond and if they are motivated by you written and spoken word.  4) Verbal Impact, how you make people feel when you give them a task to do.  Do they feel valued and empowered.  5) Your Leadership Footprint, do you leave others with a call-to-action or a high degree of interest and motivation.

Author Simon Tyler provides the reader with 50 short and well articulated lessons on how to make a greater impact in the workplace.  I highly recommend anyone in management read Simon’s book “Impact Code” to better understand what will make you a better leader in your organization.

If you want more information about Simon please visit his website by clicking here.

I hope you enjoy this interview with author Simon Tyler.

There is not a person working in business or starting a business that is not looking to find ways and techniques to become more productive.  Most of us have heard David Allen and his process called Getting Things Done, and believe me this system if implemented and followed works wonderfully.

I recently was introduced to Ben Elijah the author of “The Productivity Habits“.  Ben has been studying how we as human beings interact with information.  In other words how we manage information as it comes across our transit.

In his new book  “The Productivity Habits” you will learn ways to capture, process and use the right tools to organize and archive the information so is can be retrieved when you want it, where you want it and how you want it.   As Ben writes ” Productivity is not about how much stuff you’re able to produce, how smart you’re able to work or your ability to juggle lots of spinning plates.  Nor is it your ability to succeed at a job that you hate.  Rather, it’s a matter of mastery and perspective.  Mastery over yourself and your resources, and the perspective to decide what’s truly important to what deserves your attention.”   

If you are feeling overwhelmed with your work and processing project after project, then you will want to read Ben’s new book “The Productivity Habits“.  It is a simple read, as a matter of fact you can probably read it in one setting.  The book is part of Lid Publishing series called Concise Advice for business people that are time bound.

Please check out Ben’s website and blog by clicking here, or visit his Twitter posts by clicking here.  I hope you enjoy our interview together, and here is to you being more productive yet with more happiness in your life!!!!!

In this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with New York Times bestselling author, Tommy Spaulding. His newest book “The Heart Led Leader” is truly inspirational. Tommy writes about how every leader should have a leadership philosophy that they can follow on a daily basis. Spaulding believes that true leaders live and lead from the heart.

Tommy is the Founder and President of Spaulding Companies. He has spoken to hundreds of organizations, associations, educational institutions, and corporations around the globe. In 2012, Tommy Spaulding was named by Meetings & Conventions Magazine as one of the 100 MOST FAVORITE SPEAKERS in the nation.

Learn more about Tommy Spaulding and “The Heart Led Leader” here.  You can also follow Tommy on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Recently I was able to talk with Larry Weidel, author of “Serial Winner.”  In this very fascinating book, Larry talks about how he has learned from those who always seem to be winning at life.  He takes us through the five basic actions of the Cycle of Winning:  Move forward when you feel stuck, crush early doubts and give yourself the best shot of success, overcome obstacles to win anyway, maintain your mental toughness until you cross the finish line, and avoid the winner’s trap and use the momentum of each win to achieve the next.

Larry Weidel  has worked in the financial services industry for many years.  I think you will find his humor and good sense very appealing in “Serial Winner.”  Purchase a copy here and you can learn more about Larry at weidelonwinning.com.