Superfreakonomics - The journey continues

After leaving university I made a vow never to read books again.  Well, Robert Ludlum screwed it up for me with his amazing thrillers and sense of humour.  I have also been on a sort of personal journey of self-improvement so titles like Master Key to Riches and How to win Friends and Influence People also find a place on my bookshelf.

Then a year ago I spied a book on my sister's bookshelf: Freakonomics.  I thought that if my sister, a non-intellectual yet a very passionate person has this on her bookshelf, then I must take a look at it.  (Mind you I loved economics in school but didn't have the mathematical chops to finish studying it in school.  And the cover looked cool!)  Now it's on my bookshelf along with the follow-up: Superfreakonomics.

I follow and read up on the Freakonomics blog, so I am now used to the whimsical and humourous takes they have on life and the many decisions people make on everything from what cities people live in and why people cheat.  Therefore, I was prepared to read up on their explanations on topics such as the historical analysis on why women become prostitutes.

It would be unfair of me to pretend to do a proper report on the book.  It will be both too short and not scholastic enough.  So I won't even try.

However, I was really impressed with the thought and effort they put into discussing two specific topics:  How to easily, and in an affordable manner, curb the ravage effects of hurricanes and how to simply slow down and reverse global warming.

So, who should read this book?  Everyone.  Why?  Because it answers the basic question that we all scratch our heads over - Why do people do what they do?

If you've read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts?  What book are you reading right now?

Leading From The Heart.

Another one bites the dust. A book that is. This is one "leadership" book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

Duke basketball legend and coach, Mike Krzyzewski, wrote a book in 2001 titled, Leading From the Heart.

Here's what you'll read in this book: A narrative of Coach K's (as he is affectionatly known) life from growing up in Chicago to leading Duke's basketball program during their 100 year anniversary.

Leading From The Heart is a great book. And here is why it is for me: Because Coach K describes in detail his conversations, thoughts and actions in a variety of different situations. Situations that everyone - sportsperson, student, business tycoon, employee - can relate to.

The best part is his take on winning and success. I think you'll enjoy it.

So, if you're on a team, lead a team, or want to achieve the success that the Blue Devils have, this is a great book to pick up this summer and enjoy on your hammock.

Happy reading!

What are you reading this summer?

What to do when business is slow.

Lots.

There are lots of things you can do when business is slow.

However, there are probably things you should do when business is slow. Today, I'm going to share with you just a few things you should be doing. So, let's get started, shall we?

1. READ. And I don't mean the daily newspaper. It's news that is over a day old and probably with nothing good to say anyways. Start reading books, articles, magazines, and even blogs about success, marketing, business and, of course, real estate. (If you're reading this and you're not in the r.e. business, then read up on stuff pertinant to your industry/profession) Why? Ideas. There may be little things these folks will suggest or present that you may not be doing right now, that maybe you should. For example, if you're thinking about having your own blog but don't know what to do then reading Chris Brogan would be a brilliant start.
2. GIVE. Your time, resources, and especially expertise. My friends, Tim Sanders and Sameer Vasta have recently talked about giving. Remember, what goes around comes around. Give and it shall be given unto you.
3. COMMUNITY. Or you can say, associate. Whatever term you use, it is more important now to seek the counsel of your manager, associate, mastermind group and/or mentor. Thousands of successful entrepreneurs have already survived and thrived through a recession. Find out what they did. Inquire about there thought process on what it takes to succeed in today's marketplace. There is strength in numbers!
4. WORK. But you knew that already, didn't you? Then why aren't you? Continue to market yourself. Continue to make phone calls. Continue to plant seeds so that you will have something to grow and harvest. Hundreds of people are leaving your industry today. There will be less competition tomorrow. It's up to you if you want to win.

Please don't consider this the extent of what you should be doing. It is far from that. However, I believe that if you follow my suggestions you will have a brighter tomorrow.

To your success!

(picture courtesy of www.musicforchange.com)