business books

Cut One Wasteful Business Expense and Break the Cycle with Profit First

Do you ever feel like it's Groundhog Day, stuck in a loop where things never really change? Every month, you review your business expenses, and it feels like you're doing...

The Question Every Entrepreneur Needs to Ask in 2025 (It may be winter, but it’s always smart to weed out what is and isn’t working)

I want to share a little secret with you that holds the power to completely change how you run your business. It’s not some fancy system, a new app, or...

Strengthening Your Team: Key Steps for a Successful Start to 2025

I have a question: What is the engine that drives your business forward? Sales Marketing Employees If you picked C., then ding ding ding! Give yourself a prize. Recognizing the...

A Wake-Up Call for Business Owners

“Mike, I just can’t find the right fit. My employees interviewed well, but now they seem disengaged and uninterested in what I want to accomplish in my business.” This...

A Quick Marketing Strategy Guide – With a Twist

Ah, marketing, there’s a real trial and error aspect to it. Last month I announced that I was launching my new romantic comedy, Love Between the Margins. Didn’t know...

How to Increase Employee Dedication – With the FASO Model

As the leader of your small business, I’m sure that you’ve learned that your team is your most valuable asset. The success of your company depends on the dedication, innovation,...

Lessons on How Not to Lead from Steve Jobs and Elon Musk

“It’s not you, it’s me.”  You may have heard that from an ex, but if you own a business, you may have heard it from an employee. And I hate...

Inspiration is everywhere – The Weekly Wake Up

The annual ProfitCon conference was located in Jersey City across the river from Manhattan, and the view was incredibly inspiring. Phew. Every time I see it I am reminded...

Read to Lead – Mike’s Likes

My nose is in a book more than I write. It’s true. Because there’s no better way to broaden your mind, as well your business than reading books. I’m...

Mike’s Likes, Black Magic Design, Books by Kerry Patterson and Taki Moore

What’s your role in your business? Aside from creating systems and writing books to support them, I’m a keynote speaker. And, not to be Captain Obvious here, but, keynotes...

Mike’s Likes, Black Magic Design, Books by Kerry Patterson and Taki Moore

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What’s your role in your business? Aside from creating systems and writing books to support them, I’m a keynote speaker. And, not to be Captain Obvious here, but, keynotes are down a bit in the last year or so. While they are ramping up, there are some virtual options. So I decided the best way to serve and upgrade my speaking engagements is to upgrade my video equipment. 

Behold, a behind the scenes peek at my camera set up. I recently purchased the Blackmagic Design (ATEM mini). I can switch cameras to overhead, to the entire room, to my computer. Yes! My online presentations feel so much more seamless and I can communicate with an audience in a far more effective manner.

Speaking of communication, it’s never been more important. Technology continuously creates new ways for us to communicate, which is wonderful. However, many of us faced some changes after the pandemic both in business and personally. We have to be able to communicate effectively. When we communicate through text, voice memos, and social media, it can miss the mark. So much of what we say isn’t face to face and can lead to a tone deaf message. 

For this reason, here are a couple more business books I love. Crucial Conversations, by Kerry Patterson, focuses on three key elements: high stakes, differing views and strong emotions. It’s the ABC’s for conversations, and can help you avoid common communication pitfalls in all arenas. No matter how evolved you are, we should always continue that evolution. And since no man is an island, we need the skill set to sustain our communication efforts. I have read, and have reread this book and apply the lessons at home and in business. 

“As much as others may need to change, or we may want them to change, the only person we can continually inspire, prod, and shape—with any degree of success—is the person in the mirror.”Kerry Patterson

Profit First, Fix This Next, The Pumpkin Plan, Clockwork and coming soon, Get Different, all have a coaching, advisory or guide aspect to them. One of many areas skilled communication comes into the equation is coaching. You cannot be an effective coach if you aren’t able to regulate a conversation. One of my favorite coaching books is Million Dollar Coach, by Taki Moore. This book will teach you that it’s not your mindset that needs to change, it’s your business model. Check it out and implement Taki’s systems to take your business from surviving to thriving. Taki’s been coaching business owners since 2004 and is one of the experts when it comes to converting sales. Read up to get your blueprint for your own success.

I hope these books serve you as they did me. It takes a village, people. Keep learning, growing, and make that impact through your business. 

You’ve got this!

-Mike