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#57: Read Seth Godin Books That I Haven’t Read

poweredbytofu — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:59:25 +0000

#57 on my 101 Things in 1,001 Days List was to read all of Seth Godin’s books. I was already about halfway done, when I added this to my list, but then he just kept on writing books! Give a girl a break, and let me catch up! ;) If you’re unfamiliar with Godin, he’s a best-selling marketing and business author who writes “bite size” marketing books and a blog.

My favorite book of the 12 is Small Is the New Big: and 183 Other Riffs, Rants, and Remarkable Business Ideas. I like how this book is divided into alphabetized one page blurbs. While not all 183 are “remarkable” ideas, it’s a great way to bring you out of the details of getting things done on a day-to-day basis. It adds a little caffeine to your marketing day. This book is better listened to than read. I really enjoy listening to an audio book that’s narrated by the author, because it’s much more personal and you feel like you’re getting the right tone/inflections.

I just finished his last book, Tribes — We Need You to Lead Us. As usual, it was a quick read and resonated with me in a Gandhi sort of way, “be the change you want to see in the world”. This book isn’t on how to be a better leader, just about deciding to lead. I think my favorite thing was going to read the review on Amazon and finding this in the Editorial Review section:

“The advice found in this book should be used with caution. Change isn’t made by asking permission, Godin says. Change is made by asking forgiveness, later. That may be true, but in this economy and in certain corporations, it may also be a good way to lose a job.” –Publishers Weekly

Hilarious! Seth Godin, are you laughing?

My only critique with Godin’s writing is that he’s often too quick to dismiss stable and “boring” businesses. There’s a time and place for unconventional (that’s why it’s not called “conventional”). For example, I don’t want my toilet paper to be hip and clever– it’s just toilet paper. And it doesn’t matter how “outside the box” your company is if you’re still unprofitable. I am a huge fan of his books though, I just like to take everything with a grain of salt. :)

#5: Finish my MBA

poweredbytofu — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 21:27:22 +0000

I’m finally done! After 2 years of part-time classes, I’m officially done with my MBA! After undergrad, I had no intentions of getting my MBA, and I’m glad that I took some time away from school before going back. It gives you some perspective on what you’re learning.

What did I learn? Not what I thought I was going to learn. When we first started the program, one of the professors said that getting your MBA usually isn’t about what you think you’re there for. After the first year, that really sunk in. So yes, I learned how to apply business school principles to my job, but more than just statistical analysis and economic theory (which are helpful if you know when and how to use them), I learned about myself. Yes, that sounds kind of cliché, but I don’t really care. There’s definitely something to be said for everything you learn in business school, but the process is just as important. Note: I did not just use the word “journey”. OK, I’m going to go buy a wooden bead necklace, practice meditation and drive a Pious, I mean a Prius; maybe later I’ll stop wearing a bra and discuss my personal vision. :)

#56: 52 Books in 52 Weeks | Week 9 – Small Is the New Big and 183 Other Riffs, Rants, and Remarkable Business Ideas

poweredbytofu — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:26:57 +0000

I like how this book is divided into alphabetized 1 page blurbs (otherwise known as riffs, rants and ideas). While all 183 are not remarkable it, it’s a great read/listen. I first checked this book out from the library and after skipping around, reading a few pages, I checked out the audio book. I think this book is better listened to than read. It’s more fun to listen to several minutes in the car or on my laptop. And I really enjoy listening to an audio book that’s narrated by the author. It’s much more personal and you feel like you’re getting the right tone/inflections.

Small Is the New Big: and 183 Other Riffs, Rants, and Remarkable Business Ideas by Seth Godin

The List: 52 Book | 52 Weeks

#56: 52 Books in 52 Weeks | Week 5 – The Dip

poweredbytofu — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 20:52:19 +0000

I read another short book this week, The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin. Only 80+ pages, so it’s a very quick read. I liked that it’s a reminder of sorts to consciously focus on decisions and your “route” in life, but it stressed too much on being #1 or nothing. Through all my MBA classes I’ve become very conscious of learning to focus on what you’re good at, improving your strengths, and ignoring your weak areas since you’re not going to become great. So this book was just kind of a repetition of the “grow or divest” business strategy for your personal life, career etc. I wouldn’t buy it (as in purchase), but it was an OK reminder to quit monotony and not start things with zero future (that you’ll end up quitting).

The List: 52 Book | 52 Weeks

#56: 52 Books in 52 Weeks | Week 4 – The Big Red Fez

poweredbytofu — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 22:40:08 +0000

The Big Red Fez: How To Make Any Web Site Better (Seth Godin, 2002) is pretty basic, but a good (and quick) reminder read of how not to screw up with web sites and internet marketing. Rather similar to Don’t Make Me Think! by Steve Krug. It was written 5 years ago, but the basic ideas still apply.

The List: 52 Book | 52 Weeks