Dan's Biz Bookshelf

September 15, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Building a Story Brand 2.0’

Occasionally, a business book comes along that makes you stop and say, “Yes, this makes sense. Why are we making it so complicated?” Donald Miller’s "Building a Story Brand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen" is that kind of book. I have spent most of my career working with companies on sales, marketing, branding, positioning, and business development. One of the biggest problems I see is that companies have a very difficult time explaining what they do in a way that customers actually care about. They know their own company too well.

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August 20, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Revisiting 'The Popcorn Report'

One of the things I enjoy most about reading is occasionally rereading books that made a big impression years ago. Sometimes they hold up beautifully, sometimes they don't, and sometimes they become even more interesting because time has given us a completely different perspective. That's exactly what happened when I recently picked up "The Popcorn Report" by Faith Popcorn, first published in 1991.

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July 09, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The Soul of a New Machine’

Every once in a while, it's worth pulling an old book off the shelf to see if it still has something to teach us. That's exactly what I did recently with Tracy Kidder's Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Soul of a New Machine." I first read it more than 40 years ago when it was considered essential reading for anyone interested in technology and engineering. I wondered if it would still hold up after all these years. More importantly, I wanted to see how much the electronics industry had changed since the late 1970s and early 1980s.

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June 03, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Atomic Habits’

If there’s one business book I recommend more than almost any other, especially to leaders, engineers, and sales professionals trying to get better every single day, it’s Atomic Habits by James Clear. If you’ve already read it, you know this isn’t a book about motivation. It’s not about hype, hustle, or “just try harder.” It’s about something far more practical, and far more powerful: building systems that make success inevitable. That’s what makes Atomic Habits so valuable.

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May 07, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Abundance: How We Build a Better Future’

Every once in a while, a book comes along that doesn’t just make you think, it makes you sit up straighter and ask: Why aren’t we doing this better? "Abundance" is exactly that kind of book. When so much of our national conversation revolves around scarcity—housing, energy, infrastructure, and opportunity—authors Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson flip the script. They argue, persuasively and intelligently, that America’s real problem isn’t a lack of ideas. It’s a lack of execution.

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April 29, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The Next RenAIssance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential’

Zack Kass delivers something truly special in "The Next RenAIssance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential," a book that doesn’t just explain artificial intelligence—it reframes how we think about our future as individuals, leaders, and innovators. Written in a tone that is both accessible and deeply insightful, Kass manages to turn a complex, often intimidating subject into an energizing call to action. This is not a book about machines replacing humans. It’s a book about humans becoming more of who they’re capable of being.

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April 27, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Notorious: Leadership Lessons From History’s Most Notorious  Leaders’ (New Audio Version)

I-Connect007 columnist Steve Williams’ new audio version of "Notorious" delivers a fresh and immersive way to experience an already exceptional book, originally published in 2024. This narration is a carefully crafted performance that elevates the material and brings every detail vividly to life. Even if you have read the print version as I have, you’ll be missing something if you don’t download and listen to this audible version. Most writers focus on one famous person and what they have to say about business, sports, leadership, or whatever, but "Notorious" focuses on the infamous rather than the famous; the notorious, and the so-called “bad” guys.

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April 09, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The 'NVIDIA Way: Jensen Huang and the Making of a Tech Giant’

I just finished "The NVIDIA Way" by Tae Kim, and let me tell you, this isn’t just a book about a semiconductor company. It’s a book about conviction, stubborn vision, and, most of all, what happens when a leader refuses to think small. At the center of it all is Jensen Huang. Kim does a masterful job showing us that NVIDIA’s rise wasn’t luck, timing, or some Silicon Valley fairy dust. It was discipline and obsession. It was long-term thinking in a world addicted to quarterly results.

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March 26, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future'

Every once in a while, a book comes along that doesn’t just inform you, it recalibrates you. Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future by Dan Wang is one of those books. This is not another breathless “China is coming” warning, nor is it a dismissive “they’ll never catch up” comfort read. Wang does something far more valuable: He calmly, intelligently, and relentlessly walks you through what’s actually happening on the ground inside the world’s fastest industrial transformation. It’s eye-opening.

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March 13, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'The New Geography: The Global Contest for Breakthrough Technologies'

​​​​​​​The New Geography: The Global Contest for Breakthrough Technologies is a powerful, timely, and ultimately hopeful examination of the forces shaping the future of global innovation. Author Mehran Gul maps the shifting centers of technological leadership and explores how nations compete not just for markets but for ideas, talent, and breakthroughs that define the next era of economic and strategic power.

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March 04, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘iWar: Fortnite, Elon Musk, Spotify, WeChat, and Laying Siege to Apple’s Empire’

"iWar: Fortnite, Elon Musk, Spotify, WeChat, and Laying Siege to Apple’s Empire" is not just a book about Apple, it’s a masterclass in leadership, ego, innovation, and the high cost of brilliance when vision collides with personality. Tim Higgins delivers a sharp, deeply reported account of Apple’s most turbulent years, showing how internal power struggles shaped the products that changed the world.

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February 26, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Everybody Matters'

While most business books promise growth, Bob Chapman’s Everybody Matters promises something more radical: human dignity at work. That may sound soft until you realize just how hard it is to pull off. Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, wrote a field report from a manufacturing floor that learned the most dangerous truth in business: People are not a cost. They are the whole point.

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January 23, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The First-Time Manager’

If there were ever a book that should go along with every promotion, it’s The First-Time Manager by Loren B. Belker, Jim McCormick, and Gary S. Topchik. Now in its seventh edition, it’s a timeless book that is straight-talking, no-fluff, and packed with a lifetime of useful lessons.

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January 15, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Super Performance: 8 Strategies to Reach Full Potential’

Once in a while, a book comes along that doesn’t just inspire; it instructs. George Pesansky’s "Super Performance: 8 Strategies to Reach Full Potential for Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization" is a rare gem that’s neither a theory, fluff, nor another feel-good leadership manual. It’s a roadmap for anyone serious about unlocking their full potential and that of those around them.

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January 08, 2026

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Deep Future: Creating Technology That Matters’

In his book "Deep Future: Creating Technology That Matters," Pablos Holman reveals that we’ve been living in a world obsessed with apps and ad clicks (what he calls “shallow tech”) while the true foundations of civilization (energy, food, infrastructure, and materials) inch along. Holman makes the case that “deep tech”—the stuff that moves atoms—is the lever we need if humanity wants to scale, survive, and thrive.

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December 30, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Work How You Are Wired: 12 Data-Driven Steps to Finding a Job You Love’

"Work How You Are Wired: 12 Data-Driven Steps to Finding a Job You Love" by William Vanderbloemen isn’t another fluffy “find your passion” manual or a checklist of productivity hacks. It’s a clear guide to understanding how you’re built, and why fighting your own wiring is the fastest route to frustration. Vanderbloemen has spent years studying how people think, lead, and perform. His simple but powerful thesis is that you do your best work when you stop trying to be someone else.

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November 20, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown. Here’s How’

I love books that offer a new perspective. Daniel Coyle’s "The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown.Here’s How" is one of those books. It changes the way you see people, performance, and potential. This book is not another feel-good, believe-in-yourself manual; it explores the science of greatness, and a wake-up call to anyone who believes talent is solely something you’re born with.

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November 13, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Just the Good Stuff: No-BS Secrets to Success

One of the reasons I like Jim VandeHei’s Just the Good Stuff: No-BS Secrets to Success (No Matter What Life Throws at You) is that it’s written in short, to-the-point chapters with, as the title notes, “no BS,” which is how all business books should be written. There is no fluff or wasted words, just a hard-hitting, practical guide for those who want to do more than drift through their career. This book cuts through the noise to what works.

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October 02, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'A View from the Top: Moving from Success to Significance'

Once in a while, a book comes along that reminds you why you started down this road of business and leadership. Zig Ziglar’s "A View from the Top" is that book. It’s not just about business and motivation. It’s about living a life that counts—for your family, your company, your community, and yourself. Ziglar delivers this book in his typical fashion, with the punch of hard-earned wisdom, a bit of humor, and a lot of common sense.

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September 18, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Four Important Books You Need to Read (Not Just Say You Have)

Dan Beaulieu continues his popular book review series by reviewing four classic books that he believes everyone should have on their bookshelf. In this column, he reviews "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli, "The Art of War," by Sun Tzu, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie, and "Think and Grow Rich," by Napoleon Hill. While we've all heard of these books and maybe read them, Dan will give you a new perspective.

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September 11, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation'

Rick Wartzman’s Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation and the Limits of Socially Conscious Capitalism is both a wake-up call and a mirror—showing us things we might not want to admit. He doesn’t come out swinging with anti-corporate rage or idealistic fluff. No, he does something more powerful. He tells the plain, honest, uncomfortable truth, and those with a stake in business, leadership, or the American economy should read this book.

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September 04, 2025

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company'

Most of what we hear about Apple’s relationship with China is half-baked punditry or political noise. However, Patrick McGee’s "Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company" is a tour de force that peels back the PR polish and shows us what’s really going on behind that gleaming bitten fruit.

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August 28, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things'

Shout out to Adam Grant’s books. Everything he writes is spot-on, and I recommend them all. But this latest one will slap you upside the head—not with fluff or hype, but with truth. If you’re a leader, builder, mentor, or just someone trying to push yourself to be better, "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things" is a masterclass in unlocking what’s inside of you.

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August 14, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf ‘House of Huawei'

Eva Dou’s "House of Huawei" is one of the most gripping business books I’ve read in years, and believe me, I’ve read my fair share. This is not just another corporate biography. It’s a geopolitical thriller, except every word is true. People have painted the Chinese tech giant Huawei as a villain, a threat, and an enigma in equal measure. However, Dou cuts through the noise and delivers something few Western reporters have managed: a fair, balanced, and thoroughly researched look at the company everyone in tech has an opinion about, but few understand.

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July 31, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘In Defense of a Liberal Education’

While Fareed Zakaria’s "In Defense of a Liberal Education" isn’t technically a business book, it’s nevertheless one that any business leader developing a workforce should read. A powerful, thought-provoking treatise on why the liberal arts are crucial, "Liberal Education" challenges the growing emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education at the expense of broader intellectual pursuits. 

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July 16, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits'

I have read a lot of business books over the years. Some inspire, some educate, and a few do both while also shifting the way we approach leadership and personal growth. Robert Glazer’s "Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others" falls into the latter category.

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July 10, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Dream First, Details Later

If you have brilliant ideas but get stuck overthinking, then "Dream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking & Make it Happen!" by Ellen Marie Bennett is the book for you. This high-energy, no-nonsense guide is what entrepreneurs, creatives, and go-getters need to break free from analysis paralysis.

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July 03, 2025

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Move Your Bus'

If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful framework for success, Ron Clark’s "Move Your Bus: An Extraordinary New Approach to Accelerating Success in Work and Life" is a must-read. An award-winning educator, Clark uses the analogy of a bus to illustrate the different people in organizations: those who drive momentum, others who keep things steady, and those who hold everyone back.

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June 26, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Believe in Better'

If you’re looking for a book that inspires and challenges you to rethink the fundamental principles that drive success, Damon Stafford’s "Believe in Better: The Evolution of Core Principles That Pioneered an Industry" is a must-read. It presents the values and strategies that have propelled groundbreaking companies to the forefront of innovation, leadership, and sustainability. 

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June 12, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The Art of Going SLOW’

Life often moves too fast, but in The Art of Going SLOW: How to Simplify Your Life, Calm Your Mind, and Focus on What Truly Matters to You! Damon Zahariades invites us to take a breath and reassess what matters. This isn’t simply another book about mindfulness or time management; it’s a guide to reclaiming your time, energy, and joy by slowing down in our speed-obsessed world. 

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June 05, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans'

When it comes to strategy, few names resonate like Seth Godin. For decades, Godin has been a mentor to me—shaping the way I think about leadership, planning, and execution. His latest book, "This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans," reinforces why he’s a beacon for anyone navigating the murky waters of business strategy. As always, Godin challenges the status quo. 

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May 29, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The Future of Sales'

Sales is an art and a science, and if John Asher had his way, it would be a well-oiled machine fueled by cutting-edge tools and techniques. In his book "The Future of Sales: The 50+ Techniques, Tools, and Processes Used by Elite Salespeople," Asher’s roadmap to this future blends human ingenuity with technological precision. Consider it a wake-up call if you’re in sales and haven’t read this book yet.

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May 22, 2025

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'The Sale'

Jon Gordon and Alex Demczak have written a compelling and insightful book, "The Sale: The Number One Strategy to Build Trust & Create Success." Like Gordon’s previous works, The Sale combines storytelling with actionable lessons and dives into the foundation of all successful relationships: trust.

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May 14, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Do/Start'

If you’re considering starting a business or are already in the trenches and looking for a better way to manage it, Dan Kieran’s "Do/Start: How to create and run a business (that doesn’t run you)" should be at the top of your reading list. In this concise, approachable guide, Kieran combines practical advice with insights into sustainable entrepreneurship.  

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May 08, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Growth Hacker Marketing’

Sometimes, a book comes along that challenges everything you thought you knew about your profession. For those in marketing, PR, or advertising, Ryan Holiday’s "Growth Hacker Marketing: A Primer on the Future of PR, Marketing, and Advertising" is that book. It’s a powerful manifesto for a new era of marketing. 

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May 01, 2025

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Getting Naked: A Business Fable'

In Getting Naked: A Business Fable About Shedding the Three Fears That Sabotage Client Loyalty, Patrick Lencioni brings his unique storytelling approach to an age-old question: How can we build genuine, unbreakable loyalty with our clients? Through the experiences of the protagonist, Jack Bauer (not to be confused with Keifer Sutherland’s action hero in the TV series “24”), we dive into the psychology of client relationships and the simple yet profound truth that loyalty is rooted in vulnerability.

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March 14, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: The Ten Faces of Innovation

Innovation is often misunderstood as a mystical process, something only geniuses or lucky individuals can master. In "The Ten Faces of Innovation," Tom Kelley, with the help of Jonathan Littman, demystifies the concept by offering an insightful and practical framework that anyone can adopt to foster creativity and drive meaningful change in their organizations.

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February 13, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'Leaders Eat Last'

Simon Sinek’s "Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't" is a manifesto on trust and leadership. He explores what makes teams resilient, successful, and happy to be part of something greater than themselves. From CEOs to team leaders, there’s something for everyone, and Sinek’s main takeaway is that people are your most valuable assets.

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February 07, 2025

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Serial Innovators'

If you’re fascinated by the companies that drive our economy, "Serial Innovators: Firms that Change the World" by Claudio Feser is a must-read. This book dives into the DNA of firms that innovate, evolve, and impact the world. Feser examines the cultural and operational factors that keep these firms on the cutting edge, sharing company case studies and key insights into the fascinating and sometimes unexpected methods that set transformative firms apart.

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January 21, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The New Age of Innovation’

The New Age of Innovation by C.K. Prahalad and M.S. Krishnan captures the evolving landscape of global business with a precision and insight that is hard to match. It’s a book that delivers not only in theory but also in practical application, making it a must-read for anyone serious about leveraging innovation to fuel long-term growth. Prahalad and Krishnan highlight the concept of co-created value, emphasizing the power of networks in this digital era to transform how we view customer relationships, business value, and competitive strategy.

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January 14, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Innovation X: Why a Company’s Toughest Problems Are Its Greatest Advantage’

Adam Richardson’s "Innovation X" tackles the challenges and complexities in today’s marketplace, transforming them from obstacles into opportunities. In an era when markets are unpredictable and competition fierce, Richardson offers a practical guide for leaders, innovators, and teams who want to thrive—not just survive. For those involved in product development, management, or anyone with a vested interest in steering their company toward future readiness, this book presents invaluable insights that can help harness the kind of innovation needed to remain competitive.

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January 01, 2025

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Citizen Marketers: When People Are the Message’

If you’re looking for a book that captures the incredible shift in marketing thanks to the rise of social media and empowered consumers, "Citizen Marketers: When People Are the Message" by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba is a a must-read. Part history book, part masterclass, this book reveals how regular people have changed the game for brands, creating a powerful bottom-up movement companies can no longer ignore.

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December 25, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Costovation: Innovation That Gives Your Customers Exactly What They Want—And Nothing More’

"Costovation" by Stephen Wunker and Jennifer Luo Law delivers a refreshing perspective on innovation by focusing on "just enough" innovation—creating products and services that serve the customer's needs without unnecessary features or costs. This book is a revelation for business leaders seeking effective strategies when flashy, expensive innovations often dominate the market. The authors share how companies can thrive by delivering targeted, cost-effective innovation by offering customers precisely what they need.

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December 12, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Brand Hijack: Marketing Without Marketing’

Published in 2005, Brand Hijack wasn’t just insightful; it was ahead of its time. Alex Wipperfurth laid out a revolutionary approach to branding that years later would become the norm—forecasting the direction marketing would take as consumer engagement developed. Brand Hijack predicted the era of co-creation, where the consumer isn’t just a branding target but an integral player in building and shaping a brand's identity.

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November 27, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Born to Create’

If you’re looking for a spark of creativity to reignite your professional life, Anne Jacoby’s Born to Create: How Creativity Sparks Connection, Innovation, and Belonging in Our New World of Work is a must-read. Jacoby’s background as a creative consultant comes through in her inspiring yet practical guide to uncovering and harnessing our innate creative potential. She reminds us that creativity is not a talent reserved for artists or inventors; it’s in us all and is essential for thriving in today’s fast-paced business world. She outlines how anyone can access and benefit from their creative core.

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November 21, 2024

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Revenge of the Tipping Point'

In Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering, Malcolm Gladwell takes readers to his familiar yet groundbreaking territory, examining the forces that shift trends, turn ideas viral, and make or break social phenomena. Gladwell's fresh perspective and sharp analysis will resonate with anyone who enjoyed his previous books, The Tipping Point and Outliers.

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October 16, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The Wizard and the Warrior: Leading with Passion and Power’

The fact that this book talks about different styles of leadership and helps you define and identify the types of leaders is what makes it interesting. Here are two names you’ve likely never heard in the same sentence: Richard Nixon and Mother Teresa. They both did a lot of good—arguably Mother Teresa more than Nixon and perhaps on a smaller stage—but they each had a dark side. I think we all know about Nixon’s dark side. Although a brilliant strategist, he was practically devoured by demons of small-mindedness—paranoia that led to his demise.

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October 09, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘From Bud to Boss: Secrets to a Successful Transition to Remarkable Leadership’

Becoming the boss of people you have worked with for years is rarely spoken or written about. However, it’s an important subject given that this happens a lot in companies, and this book effectively deals with this issue that affects the bosses and employees who find themselves in this situation.

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September 26, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Notorious: Leadership Lessons from History’s Most Notorious Leaders’

Most writers focus on one famous person and what they have to say about business, sports, leadership, or whatever, but in his book "Notorious: Leadership Lessons from History’s Most Notorious Leaders," I-Connect007 columnist and author Steve Williams researched the leadership styles of many famous people. Here’s the real kicker: He focused on the infamous rather than the famous; the notorious, and the so-called “bad” guys.

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September 12, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Extraordinary Influence: How Great Leaders Bring Out the Best in Others’

The most important thing leaders do is influence others. They help them excel and realize their potential. As author Tim Irwin says, leaders can “light fires of motivation.” I love that. Motivation is the key to performance. So, you might think that all a leader has to do is find different ways to motivate their people. But this is not necessarily so. In fact, according to Irwin, we have been doing it wrong in many ways.

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July 23, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams'

“The beatings will continue until morale increases.” I could stop right here, drop the mic, and move on to another book. What our old friend Seth Godin is saying, armed with his usual laser-focused insight, is that how we work is not working.

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July 04, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'Fire Your Hiring Habits: Building an Environment That Attracts Talent Top Talent in Today’s Work Force'

I have been doing a lot of reading, thinking, and writing about the so-called labor shortage, not only in our industry but the world as a whole. So, when I saw this book by our own industry’s Dr. John W. Mitchell, I had to read it. I’ll say it right here: You should read it too.

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June 27, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'The Practice: Shipping Creative Work'

As you must know by now, I am an unabashed fan of Seth Godin and an equally unabashed fan of this particular book. Out of all of Seth’s books, and there are a lot of good ones in the 20-plus he has written, this one motivates me the most. I go back to it repeatedly when I’m stuck in the middle of a creative project and I need a good swift kick in the you-know-what to get moving.

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April 11, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Seeing the How

I might say this about a lot of books, but this one is a must-read. The author addresses a whole new way of doing business. It’s not like one day we woke up and there it was, a new way to get a ride (Uber), a new home away from home (Airbnb), a new way to get groceries (Instacart) and (DoorDash), and so on. The flood gates have opened, and there’s more to come.

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February 22, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'How the Best Leaders Lead'

There is something so authentic about Brian Tracy books and this one is no exception. 'How the Best Leaders Lead' is actually more of a manual on how to become a leader in a very short time. In short but cogent chapters, he explains what it takes to assume the leadership role in any organization or company effectively. This is a great book for everyone, and I mean everyone, whether or not they are leaders today. Don’t pass this one up!

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January 11, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'Negotiation Made Simple'

Negotiation Made Simple by John Lowry is not your average book about negotiations. Most of the time negotiation books have a “take no prisoners” attitude. Fortunately, this one does not, and as a longtime advocate of win-win negotiations, this one has a heart and feels like it was written by a human being. I appreciate that.

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January 02, 2024

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Now… Build a Great Business!

This gem of a book is an oldie but goodie. In this fast-moving world, it is amazing that a 12-year-old book is still as pertinent now as it was then, but I guess that’s the true definition of a business classic. Truth be known, I just reread this book for the third time since I first read it 10 years ago, and it makes sense: The advice still applies today. For example, when you start designing a great marketing plan, ask these four questions:

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November 22, 2023

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: The Entrepreneurial Brain

Author Jeff Hays is a “serial entrepreneur” who has achieved much success, so, in many ways, reading his book is like spending time with a wise mentor. I like how he not only highlights his business successes but writes candidly about his failures: What didn’t work and why. For me, these stories are perhaps the most helpful part of the book, which is not only informative and factual, but inspirational and encouraging.

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September 14, 2023

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: Founder vs. Investor

Finally, a book that covers the ongoing, sometimes friendly (and sometimes not) relationship between a company’s founder and the venture capitalist. Elizabeth Zalman, a two-time founder and CEO of venture-backed companies, goes up against venture capitalist Jerry Neumann in this informative and interesting book.

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May 04, 2023

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Talent Tectonics’

With all the challenges of finding, hiring, and keeping the right employees these days, it is important that you provide them an opportunity to develop a career path in your company and keep them engaged in and passionate about their work. This means walking in their shoes and looking at things from their point of view. What would engage employees? What would make them enthusiastic about their work? What kind of company mission would inspire them?

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April 27, 2023

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'Who: The A Method for Hiring'

We’ve all hired the wrong person at one time or another. It’s a mistake that, if left uncorrected, can keep on giving for a long time. It reminds me of the adage, “Hire slow, fire fast.” In their book 'Who: The ‘A’ Method for Hiring', Geoff Smart and Randy Street share the best ways to hedge your bets in hiring and improve your selecting and hiring techniques. You will probably get rid of your hiring headaches and mistakes, which are often caused by putting more emphasis on who we hire than on why we hire.

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March 24, 2023

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'The Rare Find: How Great Talent Stands Out'

Have we been doing it wrong all these years? Did looking for the perfect person for our company not mean looking for the perfect resume? Author George Anders is rightfully confirming that theory. His advice: Look for candidates with a “jagged resume,” explaining that this is the resume where the background appears to teeter on the edge between success and failure.

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February 02, 2023

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘What Customers Hate’

“Customers do hate you.” That’s the way this book starts—with the hard truth. Customers enter a relationship with you, the seller, with a huge chip on their shoulders; they are often expecting the worst. Nicholas Webb writes that when they buy from you, customers assume that they are getting the second-best product or service. This is because the “ideal” product or service is something that exists only in their heads, and nothing can compare to that. Read on.

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January 27, 2023

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Leading in Tough Times’

I am not unique in saying that John Maxwell is one of my favorite business authors—there are about 34 million people who share that opinion. Of all the Maxwell books I have read over the years, "Leading in Tough Times" is one of my favorites. This timely little book is focused on what a leader needs to do when things get tough. It’s almost an understatement to say that, right now, things are tougher than they have been in years.

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January 19, 2023

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘If Harry Potter Ran General Electric’

We’ve heard from everyone else—from Santa Claus and Teddy Roosevelt to Atilla the Hun—so why not the world’s greatest wizard? That’s right, now Harry Potter has gotten into the act. To be honest, this is a clever and entertaining little book, especially if you are a reader of the Harry Potter books. But don’t worry if you’re not (I am not), the book is still fun and informative and helpful.

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December 22, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: End the Time Sink With ‘Make Meetings Matter’

Like everyone else, I have been subjected to a lot of pointless meetings in my day. You know what I’m talking about: meetings where some blowhard pontificates for an hour, reveling in the sound of his own voice while the rest of us are stuck sitting there, silently praying for release. Meetings where everyone is so busy positioning themselves favorably in the eyes of the boss that nothing gets done. Meetings that start 20 minutes late and go on for hours. Meetings where everyone is so busy looking at their devices that they act like the meeting is an interruption.

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December 08, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: A Timely Book on a Timely Subject—'Selling the Price Increase'

Prices for everything are on the rise. Inflation is getting worse. This means many companies will be or are facing the challenging need to raise prices. It’s a daunting task for companies—especially their salespeople. This new book by Jeb Blount is a true “must have” for anyone who must face telling their customers that prices are about to rise. In this review, I'll share the author's five-step approach to raising prices while still maintaining the value of your company.

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November 24, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'Real Change Now—Company Change Mastery'

If you are uncomfortable with change, or you know change is coming, this is the book for you. My advice is to read it and keep it right by your desk for easy access and constant reference. "Real Change Now" is all about leading change in your company or organization. Author Daren Martin takes us through the different types of change—from intended to unintended, creeping to cataclysmic, and forecast to constant—and how to handle each in a steady and calm way, no matter what the changes and how they are occurring.

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November 04, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Pick Up the Gum Wrapper

How do you promote an engaged workforce? How do make people feel excited about coming to work? How to you create an atmosphere of respect and cooperation in your company so you achieve “Worvana?” Keep reading to find out what I mean.

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August 23, 2022

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: Broken to Better—13 Ways Not to Fail at Life and Leadership

No one is perfect and this book by Michael Kurland talks about what we can do when we discover that we are not. Most of us have a difficult time acknowledging when we are not operating on all eight cylinders. When we feel ourselves slipping a bit in our leadership role it’s not easy to admit it, and harder to decide to make changes, hopefully improvements. While we are all so quick to judge and advise others, it is much more difficult to make those judgments and then improvements on ourselves. Now you don’t have to go it alone.

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July 27, 2022

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: Leading With Gratitude

I like this book because gratitude is something in which I have always believed. So, it was fun for me to find a book, a very good book I might add, that said the same thing. I have always been confused and surprised by leaders who do not like to say thanks. I have never understood it. All I can think of is that they are afraid that if they show too much gratitude the person, they are thanking will ask for a raise. Or maybe they are reserving the right to lay that person of someday, so they don’t feel comfortable telling her she is doing a good job.

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July 14, 2022

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: TeamWork—How to Build a High-Performance Team

Interesting fact: Out of 31.5 million small- to mid-size business in this country, 25 million list one employee—the owner. The next 5.3 million business in the group have two to 15 employees, and get this, only the last 600,000 business have more than 15 employees. Frankly, I was shocked by these statistics, enough to make me buy and read the book. I’m glad I did. In this book, author Natalie Dawson talks about how to grow a team and what it takes to scale that team to success by using various methods of employee engagement.

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July 07, 2022

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'The Millennial Myth—Transforming Misunderstanding into Workplace Breakthroughs'

This is a book we all must read right now. I have had it with people ignorantly and blindly attacking millennials. We should be trying to understand them rather than just blindly knocking them. It is in our own self-interest to give them a break. We are going to have to work with these folks. And as we boomers age out, we will be turning the reins over to them.

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June 02, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Fanocracy: Turning Fans into Customers and Customers into Fans

This one’s going to blow your mind. It’s the past, present, and future all rolled into one. It is about exactly what the title indicates—finding ways to connect with customers by creating bonds between your company and your customers. The message is likely antithetical to what you've always believed. I know it was for me.

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May 19, 2022

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: Back to Human—How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation

In some ways, the work-from-home situation works out fine, but in other ways, it's really not working. For many of us, we haven't seen our co-workers in person for over two years. While technology has done well to connect us, often we're still not "connecting." Author Dan Schawbel looks at the current landscape and offers some advice.

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May 06, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: A One-Legged Stool—How Shareholder Primacy Has Broken Business

Thank you, Ed Chambliss, for writing this new book. It is long overdue. I think I loved it so much because I agree with the whole idea, including the premise that the shareholders’ economics philosophy expounded by Milton Friedman so many decades ago is basically the root of most of what is wrong with our companies and our economy today.

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March 17, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Firms of Endearment

Get ready to have your world rocked as I discuss this book, Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose. First, let’s start by how not to run your business and handle your employees.

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March 03, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Leaders Eat Last—Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t

Leaders create culture and the right culture is what makes great companies and organizations. Leaders lead by example. Leaders allow their teams to be great. No matter the size of your organization, whether it’s three or 3,000 people, culture is always important. Culture is what makes a great company in the end, and that must come from the top.

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February 24, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: The Future of Sales

As I told a friend the other day, I learned more in the first 13 pages of this book than any other book I have read in a long time—and I’ve read a lot of good ones. The reason I love this book so much is that it is timely. It is the perfect book for COVID-influenced sales both during and post (please let’s be able to say “post” soon).

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February 11, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Start With Why—How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

This is the ad that Ernest Shackleton placed in the London Times to recruit the crew of the Endurance that was setting out for the South Pole: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.” Shackleton didn’t get just a crew; he got a great crew of brave, heroic men who went through nearly unbearable hardships and yet all came back alive, primarily because they looked out for each other. If you get a chance, read a book about their adventures. It’s a fascinating and inspiring story.

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January 14, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Excellence Now: Extreme Humanism

For those of us who grew up reading Tom Peters, it is always exciting when he puts out a new book. Such was the case with me a couple of months ago when "Excellence Now: Extreme Humanism" came out. I bought and read it with great anticipation. In fact, I based several of my recent columns on some of the ideas from this book. As always, Peters is right on the mark. This is the perfect book for our times. Reading it will help us meet the challenges we are facing today.

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January 05, 2022

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: The EOS Life

If you are asking why I read and recommending this book, it’s this: We are all entrepreneurs; we are in business for ourselves when all is said and done. This is especially true for salespeople, whether you are directly employed or an independent sales rep; you are in business for yourself. At least that is the attitude you should have. This an excellent book to read as the year winds down and you evaluate your business and your life turning the corner into the new year.

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December 30, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: The Cult of the Customer

I am a customer service fanatic. I am nuts about great customer service, customer service stories, and most of all, good books about customer service—how to train people to deliver it and how it helps companies surpass their competition. This is an especially appropriate book because we are in the time of very poor customer service. I am sure this is because of the labor shortage which is certainly causing a dip in customer service. And then, of course, there are the people who are coming to work untrained. But being the glass-half-full guy that I am, I see this as an opportunity, especially in our business. What better time to improve your customer service while everyone else’s is terrible?

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December 22, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Love as a Business Strategy

The basis of this interesting book is that we are all better together. If we can look out for each other, and we keep one another’s interest at heart, we will all succeed in the end. Sure, some of you will think that this a good basic premise for doing business, but realistically this message needs to be said repeatedly because some companies just don’t get it. If business is always between people, then the need for caring for those people we do business with is a true prerequisite for doing business.

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December 10, 2021

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: Amaze Every Customer Every Time

If you could only buy and read one book on customer service, this would be the one. Filled with easy to read, understandable concepts for delivering great customer service this book would make an excellent primer for training your own customer service and inside salespeople. But it is much more than that. Among his nuggets of knowledge: The customer is not always right. Get this book.

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December 02, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Built to Fail—The Inside Story of Blockbuster’s Inevitable Bust

Shall we talk about the epitome of a “woulda, shoulda, coulda” story? This is the real deal. "Built To Fail: The Inside Story of Blockbuster’s Inevitable Bust" takes us on a fascinating reverse fortune adventure illustrating how things should not be done in business. How the world’s leading movie rental business literally overlooked opportunity after opportunity only to find that straight path to failure.

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November 19, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Pogue’s Basics

David Pogue is one of my favorite reporters on CBS Sunday Morning, one of my favorite programs. He is also the technology reporter for the New York Times. And he is the opposite of what you’d expect for a tech reporter for the “Old Gray Lady.” His Techno Santa features every December are not to be missed, and Pogue will be the keynote speaker at IPC APEX EXPO this year.

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November 05, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly?

This is another worthy title by the great Seth Godin. I am often asked why I am so enamored of this writer. And my answer is always the same: He writes the best and most common-sense books on sales, marketing, and strategy, and everybody knows, I love common sense. First, let’s get this out of way. The Icarus Deception is actually about the fear of success, of flying on waxed wings like Icarus, too close to the sun. The heat of the sun melts the wings and Icarus goes tumbling down. In this book, Godin urges us to dare to make art. And to Mr. Godin, we are all capable of making art, even our own art that no one understands.

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October 29, 2021

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: The Secret—What Great Leaders Know and Do

Here is the simple truth of leadership from one of the most concise books on leadership I’ve ever read. This is actually the 10th anniversary edition and marks over half a million copies sold. So, I guess I’m not the only one who appreciates this one. Of all the books on leadership, this is by far the very best. It is the gold standard of leadership books.

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October 22, 2021

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be

You can read all of the business books on strategy that you want, but if you really want to cut to the chase when it comes to creative ideas for setting your business direction there are no better books than those on advertising by people in advertising. This is one of my favorites.

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October 01, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Experts Never Chase—The Hassle-Free Guide for Expert-Based Entrepreneurs

Experts Never Chase: The Hassle-Free Guide for Expert-Based Entrepreneurs takes us to the next level of selling. The authors demonstrate from their own experience how to get close to clients on a more valuable and personal way than “selling them.”

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September 23, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Own Your Weird

Take some cues from this serial entrepreneur whose ideas are refreshingly creative, even if they aren't all successful. Find lessons of inspiration in a way you've never heard before.

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September 16, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: The Obstacle is the Way

Even though this book was published in 2014, it’s message is perfect for the past almost two years we have been living through. This book as the title indicates is all about handling obstacles that stand in the way of achieving our goals.

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September 10, 2021

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: Design Is How It Works

Jay Greene visits with eight of the most iconic companies in the world to discuss and describe how they handle design and innovation, which includes how they handle their product designers. It's fascinating and worth the read.

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September 02, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Jack Reacher’s Rules

Okay, nobody thinks that Jack Reacher is in business, right? Those of us who are Reacher fans (of the books, not the mini-me Reacher played by little Tommy Cruise in the movies) know that this six-foot-five, 225 pounds of solid muscle is in the business of taking care of business.

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August 27, 2021

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: Blockchain—The Next Everything

The technology that allows crypto currency to exist is called blockchain and it is much more than just a system that supports bitcoin. In fact, bitcoin is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to blockchain.

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August 19, 2021

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: The Future is Faster Than You Think

Hold onto your hat, folks. The ride into the future (literally) is flying at speeds never before imagined. This book provides a significant look into today's, and tomorrow's, technology.

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August 06, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Damn Good Advice (For People with Talent)

If you want a book that not only shows how to be creative and spark your own creativity, but provides real-life examples of what true originality looks like, this is the book for you. It is a small book filled with 119 ways to spark your own creativity. I love this book. I keep it on my desk at all times so that when I get stuck for an idea to write about, I look through it and I always find something that will get my engine running again.

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July 23, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Grow Your Audience, Grow Your Brand

The thing I like most about Nancy Marshall’s book Grow Your Audience, Grow Your Brand is that she takes what some of us think are a very complicated passage through social media and makes it simple and understandable. From the explanation of content marketing in the first chapter, to the chapter on developing your brand story, Marshall (also known as “the PR Maven”) describes in clear and concise terms not only how these marketing and branding tools work but how to create them as well.

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July 15, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Go Live! Turn Virtual Connections into Paying Customers

If one thing has become clear during the pandemic, more people are using social media to communicate. Use that to your advantage in your business. Dan reviews helpful tips from this book by Jeffrey Gitomer.

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July 08, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Change is Good… You Go First: 21 Ways to Inspire Change

Change is Good… You Go First: 21 Ways to Inspire Change focuses on this dichotomy: Everyone acknowledges that businesses must evolve, but no one want to be the first to change.

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July 01, 2021

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: The Strangest Secret

Every so often we must go back to the classics: the books that are the building blocks of the business writing. This is one of those classics.

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June 25, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to... Thermal Management: A Fabricator’s Perspective

Finally, here’s an RF book from the fabricator’s point of view. This book gives PCB designers valuable insight into what it takes to build an RF PCB. For the first time, designers get a complete understanding on how their designs become a reality.

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June 18, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Who Gets It? How to Find, Motivate, and Retain Top Talent’

This book is all about finding talent, the people who “get it.” They are the ones who figure it out, who always find a way. They are not afraid to break policy, especially when the policy is stupid (as most of them are). These are the people who will never let you down because they are so mission driven that achieving their goals and fulfilling that mission is more important to them than it is to anyone else.

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June 09, 2021

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Winning the War for Talent

Author Chris Czarnik explains the recruitment process in today's social environment, and what different generations of workers are looking for. Important advice for our industry!

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June 02, 2021

Dan's Biz Bookshelf: Make Virtual Meetings Matter

This book is filled with suggestions and ideas on how to not only run, but also attend these meetings. The author, Paul Axtell, has spent a lot of time thinking and coming up with several very good ways to make these meetings as productive—and yes, even inspiring as possible.

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