I was 35 when I took up reading as a full-time hobby. After managing to “squeeze” a degree out of UMASS in 1971, I gave up reading for a few years: many students do. Little did I know I was retarding my growth exponentially at the time. But having successfully juggled studies with two collegiate sports for four years, I figured I had read enough for a while.
Today I sing a different tune. As a matter of fact, I write a lot of my articles while sitting in Public Libraries. I remember in one instance hearing over the library PA system that the annual book sale was in full motion down in the basement.
Like a mouse attacking an unattended cheese pile, I found myself in the basement in short order. I knew this was a dangerous study break. I surfaced carrying a bag of books.
As if I needed more to think about, here are my latest titles. They are all over ten years old, but truth never fades, and what worked yesterday just might work again today. I often refer to this as the “pendulum” swinging back through the present.
- EVEolution: The Eight Truths of Marketing to Women by Faith Popcorn, author of The Popcorn Report. I am a firm believer that women are in charge; call me a wimp or call me one smart fellow. Although published a number of years ago, I figured there was something in this book that I could use. (I did not read the Mars/Venus thing, but perhaps I should have.)
- The Fighting Irish by Lou Holtz. I have always been a fan of Holtz. I wanted to see if his book could hold my attention while managing to capture a few quotes for future seminars. (A few of you may be familiar with my signature “Notre Dame” story.)
- Keeping Your Valuable Employees by Suzanne Dibble. If employees happen to be people, I thought there just might be a few jewels in here I could use.
- 12-Step Wisdom of The World by The Hazeldon Foundation. This sounded like they might know what they are talking about, and I liked the title of chapter one: Why we change and why we don’t. At the time I was receptive to a little change in my life.
My total investment was only $5.00 and I was absolutely positive that I would benefit from this knee-jerk purchase. One stimulating thought from each book would be all I would need.
When was the last time you read a non-fiction book?
Mike Marchev is the author of the sales book titled Become The Exception and is a popular speaker at industry events. You can receive a complimentary copy of his Special Report titled “Your 12-Word Marketing Plan.” Email Mike and put the number “12” in the subject box. Also, ask about his 3rd Annual Training Cruise coming in November. Mike@MikeMarchev.com.