Wednesday, February 10, 2010

February 2010: Updated Book List

Below is a working list of books that we have developed either from books we have read, want to read or have been recommended to us. Some of them are specific business books, but there are a few that tell a story with a lesson that can be applied to business. Please feel free to click through the links and provide feedback on the books on this list in the comment section. Also, feel free to add to the list, be sure to include a link as well.

March Book: "Linchpin" by Seth Godin

What is a "linchpin?" According to author Seth Godin, it is somebody in an organization who is indispensable, who cannot be replaced—her role is just far too unique and valuable. And then he goes on to say, well, seriously folks, you need to be one of these people, you really do. To not be one is economic and career suicide.

The Business Book Club will discuss "Linchpin" at its next meeting on Tuesday, March 2 at the Green Valley Library at 6 p.m. The book club is free and open to the public.

The book not only hits on who is a linchpin in an organization but provides guidance on how to be indispensable in a time where this concept couldn't be more important. Godin discusses the changing workforce from blue collar to white collar and suggests that the new working class is the artist. In his terms, artist doesn't necessarily refer to someone who creates beauty with a paintbrush but rather anyone who is doing "emotional work"and contributing to the world in a positive meaningful way.

Below are some online resources that further explore the concepts in the book:
Seth's Blog
An eight page manifesto from Changethis
What is a Linchpin? Video with Gary Vee
A Brainstorming Video

If you would like to check-out a copy of "Linchpin," contact Rachelle Smith for details. If you have any questions about The Business Book Club email Megan Lane.

Monday, December 7, 2009

See You in Febraury


The Business Book Club will be taking January off but we are excited to kick-off the New Year in February when we will discuss "Idea Spotting: How to Find Your Next Great Idea" by Sam Harrison. We will meet at 6:30 (instead of our usual time at 6:15) in the large Program Room at the Green Valley Library.

Since starting the book club in September we have had inspired discussions about business and life as a leader. We are looking forward to more interesting discussions and seeing new faces. The Business Book Club is a great place to network and bounce ideas off other entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals.

If you have questions about The Business Book Club, email Megan Lane.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Book Review: "E-Myth Revisited"


Owning your own business might be the American dream, but all too often it becomes the all American nightmare. Michael Gerber’s “The E-Myth Revisited”, the Business Book Club’s second book, examines the fallacies in most entrepreneurs’ optimism, reasons why they fail in their business and how to create a successful business. “E-Myth Revisited” is a classic business book and must read for anyone thinking of starting a business.

“E-Myth Revisited” is written in three distinct parts. “The E-Myth and American Small Business” examines the infancy, adolescence and maturity phases of starting a business. The “Turn Key Revolution” discusses the necessity of creating uniform systems for the business. The final section, “Building a Small Business That Works,” lays out the author’s philosophy of how an entrepreneur should build a successful business. A common element throughout the book is the author’s example of Sarah, a pie baker, who learns how her business habits resulted in poor results. By the end of the book, she’s learned how to overcome the problems and build a successful business.

Here are some other resources:
E-Myth Revisited on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/E-Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254721177&sr=8-1
Review #1: http://businesscoaching.typepad.com/the_business_coaching_blo/2007/09/michael-gerber-.html
Review #2: http://ezinearticles.com/?Book-Summary:-The-E-Myth-Revisited&id=12930
Interview with Michael Gerber: http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2008/02/27/escaping-the-entrepreneurial-seizure-interview-with-michael-gerber-plus-tim-speaking/
E-Myth Worldwide (Michael Gerber’s Website): http://www.e-myth.com/

“E-Myth Revisited” has become more relevant lately because of the adversity in our economy. Entrepreneurs are responding to new market dynamics by developing new systems to address the new problems. Understanding the concepts in “E-Myth Revisited” can empower an entrepreneur to build a business instead of just a job without boundaries.

We welcome you to discuss Michael Gerber’s “E-Myth Revisited” at the Green Valley Library on October 6, 2009 at 6 p.m.. To RSVP for email Megan Lane.

William Crozer is a strategic advisor for Entrepreneur Advisors and can be email directly at wcrozer@entadvisors.com.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Oct. 2009: Suggested Reading List

Below is a working list of books that we have developed either from books we have read, want to read or have been recommended to us. Some of them are specific business books, but there are a few that tell a story with a lesson that can be applied to business. Please feel free to click through the links and provide feedback on the books on this list in the comment section. Also, feel free to add to the list, be sure to include a link as well.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Meeting Day Clarification

The Business Book Club will now meet on the first Tuesday of every month instead of the second Tuesday of every month. The dates have been changed in all Business Book Club communication, but please make sure you have the correct information written down. Below are the dates planned through the end of the year:
Tuesday, Oct. 6

Tuesday, Nov. 3

Tuesday, Dec. 1

All meetings will continue to be held at the Green Valley Library at 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Upcoming Book Club Choices

The first meeting of The Business Book Club was a great success. Several business professionals showed up to the Green Valley Library on Tuesday, Sept. 8 to discuss Scott Ginsberg's book "Get Them to Come to You." Great conversation were had about marketing tactics in the new economy and strategies of how to become the target instead of the arrow.

As a group we chose the titles through the end of the year, here they are:

October 6 -- "E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber

November 3 -- "Nuts! Southwest Airlines’ Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success" by Kevin Freiberg and Jackie Freiberg

December 1 -- "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" by Malcolm Gladwell

Books can be reserved through the Henderson Libraries by contacting Rachelle Smith or purchased online at the Henderson Libraries bookstore.

If you have suggestions of books you would like us to read or if you would like to RSVP for the next book club, email Megan Lane.