One measure I use to determine if someone is going to be a successful DSNi Cast Member or owner of one of my programs is what is on that persons bookshelf.
What do they read? Fiction? Non-fiction? A good mix?
How often? Do they dedicate time in their day to learn and improve themselves? Or just when ever they have a spare minute?
So since this is the giving season, I thought I would mention a few to read and reference on your bookshelf. Or just maybe might inspire you to finally hit the YES button on your membership with us. Either way, you will have learned something and I will have helped you grow as an entrepreneur.
The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success. Too often, accomplishment does not equal success. We did the work but didn’t get the promotion; we played hard but weren’t recognized; we had the idea but didn’t get the credit. We convince ourselves that talent combined with a strong work ethic is the key to getting ahead, but also realize that combination often fails to yield results, without any deeper understanding as to why. Recognizing this striking disconnect, the author, along with a team of renowned researchers and some of the most advanced data-crunching systems on the planet, dedicated themselves to one goal: uncovering that ever-elusive link between performance and success.
Good To Great: By Jim Collins. While this book is over 20 years old, the key examples and strategies that Collins lays out are timeless. Do you need a little push or inspiration to take your business to the next level? Jim lays it all out.
The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan Kennedy: This is where you start to learn to craft copy that sells. Kennedy is one of the most successful, highly paid direct-response copywriters in the country. In this book, he shares his step-by-step formula so everyone can write letters that will nail the sale.
Systematic Magic by Vance Morris: There are many books out there about successful businesses. But not many tell you how they got successful. All four of my businesses (I still own them all) were built step by step with systems that I adapted from my 10 years as a leader at Walt Disney World. If a carpet cleaner can Disnify their business, anyone can.
Walt Disney: The Biography Neal Gabler: Perhaps the best, most comprehensive look at Walt’s life, thoughts, dreams, business and relationships. This book is like a mini MBA on business, tenacity, and achieving your dreams not matter how many naysayers may be out there. This will inspire you to greatness.
I am sure that if you block your calendar for a mere 30 minutes a day, you could finish them by the new year.
Maybe you have read some or all. This group of books would make a great gift for any entrepreneur or budding entrepreneur.
Skip the gift cards, socks, redundant appliances, ugly sweaters and video games (especially the video games) and give the gift of reading, discovery and knowledge.
And if you buy all of the books above as a bundle from Amazon, send me a copy of the receipt and I will gift you original training material used when Disneyland opened in the 1950’s. This includes:
- The original script used by the Jungle Cruise Cast Members.
- The 1975 40 page Cast Member Guide for new employees. A great model for any business to use in creating or updating their employee manual.
- The operating procedures of the Haunted Mansion from 1975.
Send me your receipt (screen shot of purchase ok) before midnight on 12/11 to get these rare, valuable Disneyana gifts.
