Get Noticed Get Referrals by Jill Lublin

How many times have you heard that you need to make a name for yourself? That’s something I’ve heard in many different contexts over the years. Get noticed, get referrals and networking – these are all powerful strategies that all business people should utilize.

Jill Lublin writes in an easy to understand manner that walks you through the process of getting noticed and getting referrals. This book focuses on getting noticed and networking in the real world, not on the internet. (But, I hear that her next book will deal with online promotion.)

Are you one of the entrepreneurs who feels that networking and generating referrals is something you could never do? Let’s think about that for a minute. What is a referral? Last time you saw a great movie or discovered a new restaurant, did you tell your friends about it? That is a referral. Have you ever had a friend recommend a doctor or a show? That is a referral. Getting and giving referrals can be just that easy. When people know you and understand what you do, it is easy for them to give you referrals.

Why do you want referrals? That’s easy, referrals are a great way to find new clients for your business. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Sorry, I do that when I talk about referrals and networking because I’ve seen the “magic” in action and it is wonderful for your business.

First you need to get noticed. That is the first thing that Jill Lublin helps you understand in her book. Take a few minutes and think about your business. How many times have you gotten what you need through a recommendation from someone else? It could be a location, a supplier, an advertiser or clients – any of these things can be recommended by another person. These are referrals.

We have to put forth the effort to “get out there”. This means that you have to get noticed through meeting people and interacting with them. Jill gives some great pointers on how to do this. One of my favorite points was “to be completely there”. This simply means that you need to focus on the person you meet and really get to know them. Don’t scan the room for “someone better”. You never know which person could be a key to your future, so focus on each person individually and get to know them. These are the first steps in beginning to build new business relationships.

Throughout the book, Jill Lublin gives us Action Plans. These are at the end of each chapter and they help the reader implement the information they have read. What good is the information if you can’t figure out how to use it in your business? She also provides a wonderful Client Worksheet to give us an idea of what matters we should discuss with a new client. This is only a sample, but could be used to develop a checklist that is appropriate for each of us. The checklist is only a part of the information in Chapter Two about how to deal with clients effectively.

One of the chapters I included was about myths and misconceptions. There are so many myths in business and she chose fourteen common misconceptions and explains why they are not true. It’s a short chapter, but it can be an eye opener.

Where can you go to get noticed and to start this process? Chapter Six gives plenty of examples of where to go and she even suggests that you can start your own group. Once you get “out there”, you need to make a good first impression. Before you go to those networking meetings or the chamber of commerce mixer, read chapter seven. Jill Lublin takes you step by step through the process of making a great first impression and getting started on the road to referrals.

Some advanced networking information includes:

Chapter 8 – Goals, Intentions and Strategies Chapter 9 – Cultivate the Media Chapter 11 – Focus, Focus, Focus Chapter 12 – Always Keep It Real Chapter 15 – Be Flexible and Keep Your Options Open The book contains a wide variety of information to help you get noticed and get referrals, but one of my favorite chapters is number fourteen – Service Makes a Difference. I don’t know about you, but I feel outstanding customer service is a thing of the past in many businesses today. Its sad, but how often have you gone into a business, emailed a business or called a business and been ignored or put on hold for an extended period of time?

Getting Noticed and getting referrals is a great start, but once you have the customer, you must knock their socks off with great customer service. Jill Lublin gives us the ten commandments of business, she tells us to be pleasant, respond to customers, encourage people to come back and to use heart centered marketing. Those are the subheadings in chapter fourteen, but I’ll let you discover the hidden treasures about how to give outstanding customer service.

I recommend this book for any business person who needs to learn how to get noticed. Even if you are getting noticed, are you getting referrals from others? If you aren’t getting referrals and your aren’t networking – you’re missing a big piece of the entrepreneurial puzzle. Jill Lublin’s new book can give you the networking pieces of the puzzle that you’re missing. You can learn much more about Jill Lublin and Get Noticed… Get Referrals at www.jilllublin.com and http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/jill-lublin-author-of-get-noticed-get.html

Personality Not Included by Rohit Bhargava

Personality – Personality is defined as “the unique, authentic, and talkable soul of your brand that people can get passionate about. Personality is not just about what you stand for, but how you choose to communicate it. It is also the way to reconnect your customers, partners, employees, and influencers to the soul of your brand in the new social media era.”

Have you ever thought about the fact that your business should have a personality? You might not have thought about creating or developing a personality for your business – but in the twenty first century, your business needs a personality. The time for faceless businesses is gone. We have all been told to develop a brand for our business. But, creating a personality that reflects and deepens that brand is taking the idea to a higher level.

Think about your favorite coffee shop or your favorite restaurant. What do you like about that business? Is it the service, the products, the atmosphere, the location, or something else? The personality includes things that set that business apart from other similar businesses.

This book contains six chapters in Part One. Part Two contains learning guides which expand on the content in Part One and various other resources. The contents include:

Part One

1. Sign Here to Read This (How Organizations Lose Their Personality)

2. The Accidental Spokesman (How Unlikely Voices Are Shaping Your Brand)

3. A Signature is Not Enough (How to Define Your Organization’s Personality)

4. Lessons from the Storytellers (Crafting a Backstory People Care About)

5. Conquering the Fear Factor (Getting Your Organization to Embrace Personality)

6. Add Personality and Stir (Finding and Using Personality Moments)

Part Two

· The Butler Was a Marketer (Putting Personality into Action)

· New Styles of Marketing (Ten Techniques are Described in Detail)

· Taking Theory Further (Tools and Guides to Accompany Chapters 1 – 6)

Throughout the book Rohit Bhargava provides ample examples of businesses which are using the techniques that he discusses. The case studies were almost enough to sell me on this book, but learning about each technique and then being given an interesting and detailed example of how each idea can be implemented in real life was invaluable. For example, we all know that Starbucks is very popular. In Personality Not Included we are given details on what they did right and then how they let the personality slip away.

Another fascinating chapter is chapter two when we learn about the many types of accidental spokesmen that can represent a business. In addition, he tells us how each type of spokesmen is effective and how to make the most of their enthusiasm and appeal. In business for years, I’ve learned so much through mistakes that have been made, by me or by others. There are plenty of examples in this book of what techniques won’t work in certain situations or when it’s better to use another option. I love to highlight the valuable information in books and my copy has plenty of information marked for future use for me and my clients.

Backstory is critical when writing a novel, but have you ever thought about sharing the story behind your business? This chapter explains why you should have a backstory and how to use that backstory. The strangest thing happened as I read this chapter. I usually share my business and promotional background with people when I give my experience, but chapter four helped me begin to develop a new approach. My dream as a teenager was to be a novelist named Nikki Leigh and later on I got my feet wet in promotional work as a consolation prize in a management job and I found that I loved it. Those are two of the things I can use to begin to put the backstory for my business on paper. What story do you have behind your business that would attract the public and help them to see you in a more favorable light?

In the opening chapter and introduction of the book I was patting myself on the back because I’ve used many of the ideas that are presented. Then Rohit Bhargava said something that really got my attention. He mentioned that just learning to create a personality isn’t enough. You need to learn the best way to implement that personality plan in your business and learn to identify even more ways to find opportunities to develop this personality even further.

When you read the book, definitely take the time to read the learning guides in Part Two. Here is an example. In Chapter Four (page 112), we learn about How to Use the Backstory Model Picker. This section summarizes the different types of backstory, what they include and who should use each type. Once you read that information, you flip to the guide on page 259 for much more detail on each of the types of backstory and how to utilize them in the best way. There are many “guides” in the book which give you additional information on how to get the most out of the ideas and techniques in the book.

I highly recommend this book for any entrepreneur and business person who wants to understand the need for a business personality. Business managers can also learn so much from the content in this book. It is also for the person who wants to find the different ways to develop this personality. Your business can stand out from the competition in amazing ways - it just needs more personality. When you read the book, keep your eyes open for the interesting ways the author has woven a unique personality into the pages of the book.

The Bounce Back Book by Karen Salmansohn

The full name of the book is The Bounce Back Book how to thrive in the face of adversity, setbacks and losses. How is that for a mouthful? Karen Salmansohn has 29 books in print and has sold over 1,000,000 books. I figure there must be something special in her books, so I read The Bounce Back Book. The first thing you notice is the red rubber cover. That’s right, it’s just like a red rubber ball. When you open the cover, you see colorful pages with vivid graphics.

Karen Salmansohn claims that her books are written for people who wouldn’t be caught dead reading self help books. This book is packed with information to help people “bounce back” from all sorts of adversities, setbacks and losses. Entrepreneurs know that major problems in our personal lives can impact our day to day work. As entrepreneurs, we need to be focused on our business and one way to do that, is to learn how to deal with those problems life hands us – personal or business problems. That’s why I think this book is beneficial for business people.

Each person has their own way of dealing with problems. Some people ignore them and pretend they will simply go away. I don’t know about you, but my problems never just disappear. So, I had to learn to face these problems head on and to learn how to get past them. That can be incredibly difficult, depending on your situation and the problem, but it is possible.

In the Bounce Back Book, Karen Salmansohn shares 75 tips on how to face problems. Some are very easy, others require more thought and effort. I put a paper clip on every tip that I thought was really beneficial – there are a lot of paper clips in the book. But, don’t’ skip the introduction, she gets to the heart of the matter in the opening pages. A couple of thoughts in the introduction include:

· In life, you always have a choice. Be weak or be strong.

· Who you are as a person is best revealed by who you are during times of conflict and crisis.

Those are two powerful and true statements. I contend that people can be a victim or a survivor – that’s another way of saying we can be weak or we can be strong.

Throughout the book, she presents a tip and then gives further information about that particular tip. Some of the details are simple common sense and other areas include examples or a bit of philosophy to support her suggestions. Below are some examples of the tips in the book.

Tip # 4 - We’ve all heard of the stages of grief – these steps show we are beginning to heal and beginning to deal with a crisis or a problem. At the end of this section, she gives 4 assignments for people to begin the healing process.

Tip # 9 – “It’s not only the event itself, but the way we explain the event to ourselves that causes depression.” That is so true. Our perception of an event can make it easier or harder for us to get past the problem. How do you view problems or troublesome events in your life?

Tip # 10 – “Happiness is a choice, not just a matter of genes or good luck.” Will you make the choice to be happy?

Tip # 16 – “Write a complaint letter. Then answer it.” Make a list of each thing that is a problem, fear, concern for you and then write a reply. If someone else came to you with the problem, how would you try to help them?

Tip # 35 – “Don’t just write a ‘To Do’ list. Write a ‘To Be’ list.”

Tip # 39 – “Shrink negativity into nuggetivity.” Think about whatever it is that is bothering you and let yourself think about it for 3 minutes. At the end of 3 minutes, you cannot think about it any more.

These are just a few of the bits of wisdom that Karen Salmansohn shares with us. What problems do you need to deal with and to handle? I feel pretty sure that there is a nugget in the book to help you with the problem. This book is a quick read and it is entertaining. If you wouldn’t be caught dead reading a self help book – this book was written for you.

For more information about Karen and her virtual book tour -

Karen Salmansohn - The Bounce Back Book (May 27th to June 30th, 2008)

Author and Book Information - http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/upcoming-virtual-book-tours.html

Tour Schedule -
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/bounce-back-book-tour-schedule.html

Bounce Back Book - Spa Giveaway
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/bounce-back-giveaway-your-turn-to-share.html

The Abbott & The Acolyte in Death and Taxes

Abbott Rutilius is assigned to travel to various monasteries to balance their accounts in 13th century France. Does that sound serious and boring? You might think so, but you would be wrong. This story includes, robbery, temptation, two murders, tempting women, afternoon romps, food theft, and much more.

The Abbott brings a young man to work with him in his travels and these two get into all sorts of situations. The Abbott seems to often be on the hunt for a decent meal and you can tell that he doesn't feel that he must deny himself of some comforts of life. There's an interesting group of characters in this story and they each play important roles. You will have to read to the end to see who is really innocent and who is really guilty. And, who is that beautiful young woman who seems to pray a lot?

I've seen episodes of the BBC show Cadfael and this reminded me of that series although there is more humor. The Abbott thoroughly enjoys a rich meal. He makes it clearly known when he isn't happy with the food that is prepared. He meets a mysterious woman from a nearby village and is very pleased when she invites him to dinner parties. Abbott Rutilius also has some personal problems that offer some very humorous episodes within the story.

An interesting setting, fascinating characters, suspense, intrigue, misappropriation of church funds and much more await for you in this tale of death and taxes.

http://www.amazon.com/Abbot-Acolyte-Death-Taxes/dp/1905988184/nikkileighauth-20

Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis

Three Feet Under: A Journal of a Midlife Crisis by Christie Gabour Atwood

Christie Gabour Atwood gives an enlightening and hilarious view into midlife and the humor. This book is written as a one year journal and gives the reader many insights into a normal life and the struggles to get through daily life.

Christie shows us what to do with gym equipment that isn't being used. She has "decorating" advise for ceiling fans, and much much more.

Passages in the book are side splitting and funny, while others will tug at your heart strings. As you read, how many of these things have you done? How many of these things have you seen others do? Does it help you understand what others are going through?

Whether you are going through midlife or are heading toward midlife and for people who have been through these turbulent years, you should pick up this book. Midlife isn't the end - it is a humorous interlude. Every one goes through this time - how will you face midlife?

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Feet-Under-Journal-Midlife/dp/1580421792/nikkileighauth-20

Deal A Story by Sue VIders

Deal A Story A Brain Storming CARD GAME

for individuals or groups:
fiction genre writers,
screen and play authors,
writing classes/groups,
comediennes,
improv actors,
cartoonists, etc

Usually I post reviews about books - but this product is for writers, so I feel its appropriate. Sue Viders has developed a "card game" that can be used to create and plot stories. There are a variety of cards, including: hero, heroine, villain, flaw, plot and genre cards. There are even wild cards to shake things up. The idea is to use various combinations of the cards to create your story. It is a way to get the creative juices flowing and to help you learn to think "outside the box". The deck includes 101 different cards and the box says there are 1,000,001 story ideas.

For much more information - http://www.dealastory.blogspot.com/

http://www.rdrpublishers.com/catalog/item/5440601/5384818.htm

Money and Manifesting by Dyan Garris

For many years, I've believed that people have the "power" to make their lives better. I'm a big fan of alternative health and thinking. So, when Dyan Garris approached me about a virtual book tour for her book Money and Manifesting, I was intrigued.

I admit that I'm one of the few people who didn't read The Secret. Too much hype and too many expectations... I avoid books that have that much hype behind them. The laws of attraction are a principle that I had heard about, but I didn't know a lot of detail.

I began to read Money and Manifesting and there are many points that just made so much sense from the beginning. For years, I've always said that actions speak much louder than words. That idea fits into manifesting. Just thinking about what you want to accomplish isn't enough- action is needed. Many people have disagreed with me that ACTION is needed - many of these were people who didn't want to believe they had to do something to make these things happen for them. It was validating to see those words in print and to have that ideal substantiated in such a logical way.

Money and Manifesting covers so many wonderful topics including: chakra balancing, detailed explanations about each chakra and what it affects, entitlement, poverty consciousness, fear, how people measure success, grounding, centering, integrating, taking responsibility, making choices and much more.

In addition to all of this information, Dyan Garris also includes sections which include fictional people. These sections are great ways to give us more depth of understanding about how this information applies to people and how it can impact their lives.

This is a small book, but there is a wealth of valuable information packed in these pages. I highly recommend it for people who want to go past the laws of attraction and who need additional information to make things happen in their lives.

http://www.amazon.com/Money-Manifesting-Dyan-Garris/dp/0977614069/nikkileighauth-20