Book Release

49 Commonsense Business Observations

49 Commonsense Business Observations

While I'm preparing The Commonsense Entrepreneur I've released a pocket book containing some of my business philosophies.

Too many service related businesses have gotten so wrapped up in process, cost–cutting, and gimmicky advertising that they've forgotten that without customers, there is no business. Even those who remember the customer don't always know what customers want and how to provide it. 49 Commonsense Business Observations can help.

Business consultant Trevor Gay, author of Simplicity is the Key, has written a review of the book. Trevor says, among other kind things, "It is written, unsurprisingly in commonsense language and is full of practical tips and ideas about how you can use commonsense to grow your business and your reputation. I recommend this book highly."

Some other comments on 49 Commonsense Business Observations:

"I picked up your book yesterday and did not put it down until I had read it from one side to the other. There were so many wonderful little tidbits in there that I know will be put to good use."—E. Crowley

"As I read it, I found reminders of important interpersonal relationships that might well be useful at the meeting in which I will be participating this week. So, it's a win/win!"—B. Callison, CConsultations

"I really enjoyed the easy read and the quick ideas and ideals that were presented."—Y. Richardson, The Richardson Group

The 109-page book is only $10 plus shipping. When you purchase the second book, The Commonsense Entrepreneur, let us know you purchased 49 Commonsense Business Observations and we'll deduct $5 from the price of the new book. (No proof necessary. We trust you.)

Get Yours Now!

Order Yours Now!

Please send me copies of 49 Commonsense Business Observations to be shipped


(To order more than 10 copies please contact us for special pricing.)

You can also order online at Lulu.com. Or get it from the author in person at any Commonsense Entrepreneur event and save the shipping and handling costs.

49 Commonsense Business Observations includes:

Special Offer for Small Businesses

Give your clients a copy of 49 Commonsense Business Observations customized with your business information and personal message on the dedication page.

Buy in lots of 10 at $15 each plus shipping costs. Contact me with questions or to place your bulk order.

Special pricing on larger lots available. Contact me for more information.

The purpose of 'The Commonsense Entrepreneur' is to provide a self-analysis checklist for entrepreneurs. When it comes to the skills we use (or would like to use) to make a living, many of us are self-taught. Often this leaves holes in our education. Some we're aware of, others, we're not. This book will help ferret out the latter and allow them to be filled in before they cause problems.

While I continue work on the book (due out the first of next year) I'll be posting the odd thought here. Feel free to drop me a line should something catch your eye.

The Commonsense Entrepremeur book cover

The first 100 copies will include a CD of suggested listening [1]

Pre-order
Pack: $40 + shipping

Book Only:
$25 + shipping

Outline

Here's the very rough draft of the book's outline. Expect changes as the book writes itself.

  1. Introduction
    1. What’s this all about, then?
  2. How People Work
    1. All the psychological stuff that applies to
      1. Yourself
      2. Customers
      3. Employees
      4. Vendors
      5. Competitors
    2. which lays the groundwork, showing the value of
  3. Personal Development
    1. Personal Habits
      1. Ethics
      2. Punctuality
      3. Cleanliness
    2. Dress
    3. Social Skills
      1. Speech
      2. Email
      3. Phone
    4. which contributes to
  4. Getting Things Done
    1. Why reading (well, and often) is a critical business skill
    2. Writing well
    3. Business math and the dangers of innumeracy
    4. Efficiency
    5. Project management
    6. so you can develop
  5. Business Strategy
    1. Marketing
    2. Developing new stuff
    3. Practical application of How People Work
    4. which sees practical application in
  6. Business Operations
    1. Staffing
    2. Managing people
    3. Managing money
    4. leading to the ultimate goal of
  7. Customer Service
    1. Building on the foundation to create an excellent customer experience because that’s the key to it all
    2. So, what now?
  8. Further Resources
    1. References, reading list, general wrap up and threats of further books

Recommended Reading List

Buckingham, Marcus and Coffman, Curt. First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently. Simon & Schuster, 1999.

Carnegie, Dale. How to Win Friends and Influence People. Pocket, 1998.

George, Michael L. Lean Six Sigma for Service: How to Use Lean Speed and Six Sigma Quality to Improve Services and Transactions. McGraw–Hill, 2003.

Getting Real. 37signals, LLC, 2006.

Godin, Seth. All Marketers are Liars: The Power of Telling Authentic Stories in a Low Trust World. Portfolio Hardcover, 2005.

Godin, Seth. The Bootstrapper's Bible: How to Start and Build a Business With a Great Idea and (Almost) No Money. Upstart Pub Co, 1998.

Godin, Seth. The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick). Portfolio Hardcover, 2007.

Godin, Seth. Free Prize Inside: The Next Big Marketing Idea. Portfolio Hardcover, 2004.

Godin, Seth. Permission Marketing: Turning Strangers Into Friends And Friends Into Customers. Simon & Schuster, 1999.

Godin, Seth. Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable. Portfolio Hardcover, 2004.

Godin, Seth. Survival Is Not Enough: Zooming, Evolution and the Future of Your Company. Simon & Schuster, 2002.

Godin, Seth. Unleashing the Idea Virus. Hyperion, 2001.

Molloy, John T. Dress for Success. Grand Central Publishing, 1988.

Paulos, John Allen. Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and It's Consequences. Hill and Wang ,2001.

Peters, Thomas J and Waterman Jr, Robert H. In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America's Best–Run Companies. Harpercollins, 1982.

Strunk Jr, William and White, E B. The Elements of Style. Allyn & Bacon, 1999.

Young, Pam and Jones, Peggy. Sidetracked Home ExecutiSidetracked Home Executivesves. Grand Central Publishing, 2001.

[1] Each chapter in 'The Commonsense Entrepreneur' will include suggested listening, locations, and libations to enhance your reading and learning experience. I thought it would be fun. Note: although the CDs will be custom made, I respect intellectual property; any music included will be legally purchased. I thought you'd want to know.