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Three's a Charm - Top 3 Business Reads 2009

By
Home Stager with Valesca Bogard

Who would I be without the enrichment of books? While reading for pleasure is one thing(and oh-so-important to make time for that), reading for continued business development is critical. Refining the read list is a constant dilemma. Where am I to get the best information for my specific business application ? How do I determine the best avenues to implement new learnings for the greatest ROI? Where's the biggest bang for my buck ? Top 3 book I found tremendously inspiring this year:

The E-Myth Revisited  by Michael Gerber...  Describing the distinction between working on your business and working in your business. The entrepreneurial myths and realities found in building a business.E-Myth Revisited

Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk...diving into social media as a critical tool for developing a successful business. Written with passion and humour, a truly inspiring read.Crush It

Shift by Gary Keller...Powerful compendium of information based on today's market. Not only is this a good read for Realtors, but for anyone working within the RE industry.  -- It doesn't hurt that Keller validates professional staging, whether to stage or not stage shouldn't even be a question, but critical...Shift by Gary Keller

SHIFT explores twelve proven strategies for achieving success in any real estate market.

 

 

Enough about business, it's Christmas, time to count blessings, relish time with loved ones (living and paper :) and relax a bit.  A few favorite reads for pleasure:

the Help by Kathryn Stockett -- finished recently. An amazing look at relationships between homeowners and their domestic help.

Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón - translated from the original Spanish version, a captivating story woven around a book

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett - the tale placed in 12th century England, threaded around the building of a cathedral, and is so much more

What's on your list??? 

Comments (10)

Lori Kim Polk
Premiere Home Staging : Home Staging Services - Roseville, CA
Home Stager - Roseville, Sacramento

These are great Valesca!  I have heard alot about the Shift.  I only wish I had the time to sit and read... LOL!

Dec 24, 2009 03:59 AM
James "Jim" Trevitt
Exit Realty Homeward Bound - Binghamton, NY
"Talk To Trevitt!"

Haven't read Crush, but E-Myth (& E-Myth Manager) is a MUST read classic for anyone running any type of business. Reading Shift for the 2nd time this year. I had it spiral bound at Staples for about $5. Add some sticky tabs for quick reference use. I run the audio versions in the car around town & traveling to seminars. You can even download to your Ipod. If you can't find time to read, just listen.

Hard to pick just 3. MREA is now more of a desktop reference than a casual read. Just finished "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by Maxwell. Great stuff! For a quick read, not expensive - "The Energy Bus" by Gordon. Beware of the "Energy Vampires!" At a time where our industry is going through so much change, if you haven't read "Who Moved my Cheese" by Johnson, get crackin!

 

Dec 24, 2009 04:24 AM
Ryan Dressel
Stage Right Design, Inc. - Roseville, CA
Sacramento Home Staging

Thanks for sharing V.  You are the greatest!  Hope you and Jim have a wonderful Christmas!

Dec 24, 2009 07:39 AM
Donna Ross
Room Remedy Interiors, Sydney, Australia - Salton City, CA
Home Decorating, House Staging, Sydney

Valesca,

Thanks so much for sharing your favourite reads with us. I'm a passionate reader from way back.

I've decided to get the book 'Shift' based on your recommendation, and after checking out what others have to say on Amazon (don't ya just love Amazon?!).

It's a quiet and rainy Sunday morning here in Sydney, so I should be able to read a chapter or 2 today.

Thanks again for sharing.

All the best for the holiday season.

Donna

Dec 26, 2009 10:32 AM
Melissa Marro
Keller Williams First Coast Realty - The Marro Team - Orange Park, FL
Jacksonville Real Estate and Home Staging

Thanks for the good book ideas.  I have both E-Myth (awesome read - also E-myth Mastery) and am about half way through Shift... I'll put Crush on my Amazon list asap!! 

Dec 27, 2009 05:24 AM
Laurie Calhoun
Gloria Home Staging, Inc. - Winter Springs, FL
Seminole County FL Home Stager

I'm working on Shift right now. It's full of excellent info and ideas, and is a great look into the RE business for a non-realtor. I read Who Moved My Cheese earlier this year and found it very challenging and thought provoking. Another excellent book I read this year was The Go Giver, about how we gain personally and professionally by giving help generously to others.

Dec 28, 2009 02:59 AM
Welcome Home Staging & Furniture Rental
Valesca Bogard - Roseville, CA

Thanks all for the feedback and additional suggestions...

Jim for the reminder of the value of audio books ...

Melissa, Laurie and Jim for the referrals to other reads...

Lori & Ryan, for the thumbs up. And more than that, your support and friendship.

Happy New Year's all - here's to continued growth and success in both business and personal endeavors

Dec 28, 2009 04:22 AM
Amy Boxer
Pura Vida Design Group, Inc - Oakland, CA

Happy new year V! Thanks for the additions to the resolutions list.

Dec 31, 2009 06:34 AM
Charles Wood
Brite Ideas Home Staging & Redesign - Sacramento, CA

Great Valesca.. I'll have to check "Shift" out... loved Pillars of the Earth.. never thought I'd read a book that thick and with such small print EVER!!

Happy New Year!

Dec 31, 2009 01:42 PM