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Done with it? "Book" it forward!

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Real Estate Associates in the Toronto Area

Join the "Book It Forward" group on AR!

Book It Forward is the coming together of several aspects of my life that collided in the summer of 2008.  1) I have always loved the movie and the concept of "Pay It Forward".   2) I read constantly, but rarely reread a book (there are new and wonderful books being published faster than I can read them and I have a pile of about 20 that I am trying to find the time for - and this AR addiction  is NOT helping).  3) coaching, helping, teaching and sharing has become my BIG Y, my passion, my reason (as John Maxwell says, "Be a river - not a reservoir.")

Carol Peyton, a fantastic leader and trainer (and also a huge fan of John Maxwell) was training in my Market Centre in the Toronto area.  On a break, I gave her a quick tour, including my "resource room" which is where I put all of the various books, CDs, training resources, etc., that I am finished with or not using at the time so that others in the office or visiting can borrow.  We were discussing a book that I thought she might really enjoy and offered it to her.  As she is from 1000's of miles away, she wasn't going to be able to return it easily and "IT" just came together.

At various times during Carol's two day session, we had discussed John Maxwell and his books, other great books and the movie "Pay It Forward."  I took the book "The 10 Commandments of Common Sense" by Hal Urban (which was the book that I thought she might find interesting) down from the shelf, wrote my name, my city and the date inside the front cover and ... booked it forward!  I told her if she really liked the book she should go and buy a copy for herself, but rather than return this copy, she had to write her name, city and the date below mine and then "book it forward" in turn (to which she readily agreed.)

So there you have it!  Since that day I have booked forward a dozen or so great books and I did start trying to keep track of them at BookItForward.com.  (If you drop by there you notice that it's a little out of date, but I will try to get it caught up.)

Betina's post yesterday morning about "Pay It Forward" gave me the spark to start a Book It Forward group here on AR - so here it is and WELCOME!

Please take the time to post any books that you "book forward" and give other members a quick review of the book, if you have the time. I'm sure many of us are always looking for great books, whether to read and keep or share with others.   

I do keep a select few books for myself that I read again and again (#1 is The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews which I have read a dozen times or more.).  My library list (which also needs updating) can be found at www.rickslibrary.com.

 

PS. - Sorry!  A lot of words and no pretty pics, but this is my second blog and I'm learning!

Robert Havana
Park and Protect- Alberta Real Estate License Parking - Calgary, AB
Alberta Real Estate License Parking

Cool idea.  Many of us are book hoarders.  I will definitely check your site out.

Jan 14, 2009 04:59 PM
Rick Sergison
Keller Williams Real Estate Associates in the Toronto Area - Toronto, ON

I used to be a "book hoarder" by default.  I would finish reading a book and then add it to this pile or that pile or the stack over there or in the back seat of my car.  It got to the point that I had to DO something with them (for some reason, a bookcase never came to mind!)  Now, I dopn't have that problem and I often think about who I know that might benefit from the book that I am just finishing as I get to the last chapter. Sometimes I've barely started and get thinking, "WOW!  So and so would really enjoy or get a lot out of this."

Jan 14, 2009 05:12 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Hi Rick-That is such a cool idea. I'm glad you started that group. I love to read. I also love the books that you had read and am going to check out them out. Welcome to AR. I have been here two week and it most definitely can become an addiction. Have a great day and thanks for the great idea.

Jan 14, 2009 09:23 PM
Randall Sandin
Carolina One Real Estate - Charleston, SC
843-209-9667 - Search for Charleston SC Real Estate

great idea

Jan 14, 2009 10:05 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Welcome to Active Rain Rick. Tremendous idea for all us book lovers which naturally are bloggers too.

Jan 14, 2009 10:57 PM
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Welcome to Active Rain Rick,

I love your idea:  Book it forward.  I will check out the site, too. 

Let me be one of the first to "Welcome" you to Active Rain.  I look forward to the value you add to the AR community.  Since I joined the Active Rain network in mid 2008, I have met many talented people who are very friendly & willing to share. Don't hesitate to ASK and the ANSWERS will RAIN on your site. 

My role as an educator/trainer is helping other professionals to be THE BEST in their field and marketplace.  If I can assist you in any way, contact me.  

Mary Yonkers  814.881.7548 http://www.linkedin.com/in/maryyonkers

Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate Inc  412.967.9000 www.alankells.com 

Jan 15, 2009 09:14 AM
Sasha Miletic - Windsor Real Estate
RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. - Windsor, ON

Hi Rick, Welcome to AR, Be a Blogholic and start writing your own blog soon on AR. All the best for your RE business. This is the right place for customers, friends, realtionships etc.

Best - Sash

Jan 15, 2009 02:35 PM