Talk to the Human™

The E-Myth Revisited is a book by Michael Gerber that is based on his many years of experience in helping small businesses see success by realizing the difference between the Entrepreneur, the Manager, and the Technician. This is the overarching theme of his book, and you’ll hear (or read) it a lot.

What’s great about this book:
If you are wondering why, as a great technician, you can’t seem to see success as a small business owner, this book will open your eyes to what you may be missing.

One piece that really caught my attention: The Technician looks at the customer and asks, “why won’t they buy my product?” The Entrepreneur looks at the customer and says, “what product or service can I provide to you?” If you can’t make that transition, now you know why you won’t be successful.

There is some interesting content at his site: http://www.e-myth.com/

Limiting Factors:
I have to admit, the author’s voice made this one tough on me. This may not have been a good “Reading while Driving” choice.
Very Repetitive. You’ll definitely walk away knowing that there is an Entrepreneur, a Manager, and a Technician.

Recommendations:
If you choose to read nothing else about starting a business, this may be a good choice for you. For consulting work, I’d steer you toward Alan Weiss, Michael Port, and Seth Godin for better advice all the way around.

Rob’s Rating system (bolded, the rating is)
Buy now at full price
Buy if you get a discount
Wait for the paperback
Wait for someone else to be done with the paperback (at least don’t overpay for the CDs like I did)
If you’ve read my review, you got the jist of it

“The Fastest, Easiest, and Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even if You Hate Marketing and Selling” is the subtitle for the book Book Yourself Solid by author Michael Port. In this work, the author describes methods to improve your bookings as a consultant.

 I specifically like this because the book not only covers the “why”, but has practical examples of the “how”. For example, one section on determining your personal brand has a written exercise to ask these questions:

1. Why are you unique?
2. What are three things that make you memorable?
3. What do people always compliment you on?

There are similar exercises throughout the book that you’ll find as you work through three main themes:

1. Your Foundation
2. Building Trust and Credibility
3. 7 Core Self-Promotion Strategies

What’s great about this book:
Practical exercises to really figure out where you are and where you’re going?
Relevent concepts about customer relations, finding your niche, and moving forward
Marketing strategies including web-based strategies

Some limiting factors:
Published in 2006 – no mention of Twitter
Frankly, the exercises are sometimes hard – that’s not a bad thing because you’ll use the information in real life

Great Quotes:
We hear the question “What do you do for a living?” all the time. You professional category is the wrong answer.
Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success. – Henry Ford
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky

Recommendations:
Don’t plan to get through this book in a single sitting. As you do the exercises, you’ll learn some useful information about your own capabilities and how to focus your efforts better. If you’re thinking of going into business yourself, or need a shot in the arm for your consultant business, then this is a book that can make a positive difference.