Speaker - November 2007

Thoughtful observations on titles worth a look
A shorter workweek, making it and networking

The 4-Hour Workweek (Crown 2007) By Timothy Ferriss

If you, speaker colleagues, share my distaste for empty promises and my awe of

inspired marketing, you may have had the same reaction as I to the book: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9–5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich.

Did you think: “What a brilliant book title! Who doesn’t want that?” followed quickly by “That’s impossible. What a load of crap. I’m not buying it.”

Both sentiments are right on for this runaway bestseller. Thankfully, after the initial rejection, a friend urged me to read this book. It challenges you to think about the type of business that you are building and offers unique perspectives, exercises and resources to build the business and life that you want.

Suspend your distaste for the sometimes cocky, 20-something-year-old author who errs when he ventures beyond his own experiences and when he tries to squeeze a how-to on Internet marketing into three chapters of the book and comes up short. But the remaining 90 percent of the book has valuable concepts and concrete tips that speakers are uniquely able to implement.

Marilee Driscoll www.marileedriscoll.com Plymouth, Mass.

The It Factor (The American Management Association 2007) By Mark Wiskup

What if your clients, friends and family knew you as real and gen-

uine? What if you were more than just accurate in your conversations but were great! What if you could create honest and powerful connections that lead to meaningful and memorable relationships? How would this change your business relationships and those who matter most in your life?

The It Factor: Be the One People Like, Listen To, and Remember is about helping you achieve this and more. This book challenges us to look at where our communication skills and style lie— tedious or compelling. As speakers, The It Factor reiterates tactics we should already be doing but sometimes don’t and offers some new thoughts and techniques to enhance our skills.

This book is about enhancing the simple skill of hearing you, liking you and creating the bond of trust. It’s not a sales book, but it can dramatically change how you approach sales and the relationships created by your sales.

Ted Rogers InspiredLivingSystems Phoenix, Ariz.

I Hate
Networking
(Jam Publications
2006)
By Will Kintish

If you have ever uttered the words of the title to yourself or aloud, this book

may be for you. Most of us know that it’s unrealistic to expect instant business or bookings from a single networking opportunity, but Will Kintish does describe an “aha” moment that is a worthy goal. It’s that instance when you hook on to a new piece of information that could be helpful to your business development.

I Hate Networking follows and guides a reluctant networker named Brian from the moment he receives a business-related invitation through all aspects of the networking process. The guide hears Brian’s concerns and talks to him about networking strategies. After describing the top 10 fears and concerns people have about networking, the guide addresses each concern with tips, scripts and examples.

I Hate Networking is a quick read. While the non-traditional layout and graphics of some of the book’s material may appear less polished at first glance, don’t let them distract you from finding the “aha” that can help you the next time you’re networking.