The Biker’s Guide to Business
I have been otherwise engaged, lately. Between working to prepare for the next BlogPaws Conference in my new hometown of Denver (actually, I’m outside of Denver) and working to keep up with clients, I’ve let my posting get behind on this blog.
Please know that I am not silent by choice. I have lots of things to write about, just very little time to indulge.
Last week was Blogher 2010. I can tell you that it was truly fantastic, and I did learn a lot. If you need more details, I suggest you visit the other bloggers who are all raving about it. There were approximately 2400 women (with a few men sprinkled in) from what I heard, and yet – everything was flawless. I’m in awe.
In time, I will be writing about the Pepsico Breakfast where 30 women bloggers, including myself, took time to discuss women’s issues – with 3 key Pepsico executives, all women. The title of this event was Women 5G- A conversation about women’s power, potential and promise. As with everything at Blogher, this event was inspirational and educational. I look forward to more info on this from these talented ladies, and all the outstanding women bloggers in the room.
Today, however, I’m going to do a mini book review. Over the last weekend, I read a good book on business, which I think is worth sharing. The author, Dwain Deville, was kind enough to send me this book before my trip from NY to Colorado, and I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve only gotten to it just recently.
The book is: The Biker’s Guide to Business – When Business and Life Meet at the Crossroads.
It’s not your usual business book. It doesn’t make promises or try to bully you into doing the right thing. You’ve no doubt read books that promise a step-by-step process to success or ones that say, “You can’t handle the … work… unless you’re mean and unemotional.” Well, Dwain does have a process, but it’s just that – a six step process and it won’t work without a lot of hard work on your end. He tells you that up front.
And, he does promote the mean, stern, do what’s right attitude. But, it’s a business focus – not an emotional response. If being in charge and doing what’s right (for you and the business) is mean and stern, so be it. As Dwain says, “…the Law of Risk versus Reward is, simply put, that the level of success one enjoys as an entrepreneur and in life is commensurate with one’s willingness to lay it on the line when necessary. It’s where you stare down the business gods and let them know, in no uncertain terms, that you may be down but you’re not quitting.”
Whew! Strong and stern…and maybe even mean, that statement says so much, to me. Do you get it? I hope so. It could be the difference between staying in business and slowly falling by the wayside.
This book delves into the dos and don’ts of running a small business, and weaves business processes into being a biker. I found myself nodding my head a lot, as I read. I underlined a lot. I reread a lot. Some of Dwain’s advice is dated - he’s a CEO coach and he’s definitely drunk the kool-aid. But, most of what he shares is solid, concrete guidance with some valuable insight thrown in. When he takes you on the road with him, on his big, bad bike (my description, not his) he shows his human side. He makes friends with you. He creates a comfortable conversation, one that resonates with being on a retreat in the mountains.
Ok…I have to confess. I would NEVER (sorry Dwain) get on a bike and go for a long ride up the CO mountains, or anywhere else. Not my kinda thing. But, I felt like I was doing so…with Dwain, as I continued reading this book. This talented guy brings a sense of connectedness to his work – where the individual can be connected to life, outside of the four walls of your office, and begin to understand how the two fit together: work and life. Business and personal. Day and night.
I recommend all small business owners add this book to their reading list. You’ll learn a lot, you’ll end up more confident and relaxed, and you’ll better understand what you need to do, now, to gain that success you’re so eager to have. Try it – The Biker’s Guide to Business; a book worth your time.
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