2009 has just started and you are either well on pace to have an awesome 2009 or you are doing the same old song and dance.  Have you made any changes yet in 2009?  This was a great quote I heard from some where but cannot remember who it was from (any help?).

"The only difference between now and a year from now is; the people you met and the books you read."

One thing is certain in Real Estate - If you do the same things consistent over time you can expect the same results.  Successful or not.  So what is in your 2009 plan for business?  Are you planning on being proactive in your approach this year - or is business just going to come to you? Here is a few books I have read that have changed my views in business:

• The E-Myth - This is my favorite business book!  Michael Gerber tells the story of a struggling pie shop business and uses simple business principals to explain why the business is failing.  All of the principals can be translated into any business.  Using systems is the difference between a business and a job.

  

• Make Today Count - John C. Maxwell hits the simple principals of being effective everyday.  John summarizes it best by saying he can tell if you will be successful in your life by spending 24 hours with you any day (you could even pick).  The thought behind it is he wants to see the HABITS that drive your day nothing more.

  

• The Automated Agent - I am a little biased because I wrote this book, but I basically took the same principals of the E-Myth and created systems for each phase in Real Estate.  Implementing systems and models will truly be the difference between surviving and striving in this market.  Click here to see more of what The Automated Agent can do for your business.

  

• Think and Grow Rich - Ufffffttttaaaa - I am only about half way through at this point, but this book is deep.  Napoleon Hill speaks to mindset and why it is so important to your success.  I already know that I will need to pick this up again and read it because there is so much material.

  

• 9 Things you Simply Must Do - Henry Cloud hits the big challenges we face on a day to day basis.  Henry writes about principals and strategies needed to succeed in business, love and life in general.  One of my favorite chapters is called "Be Humble."  Learn to live with success and failure.

These are just a few influential books I have read along the way.  I would love to hear any others that people have found to be great influences on their business and life.

MAKE TODAY GREAT!