Each week on DMJ 1 on 1, Kirby Hasseman takes on a different topic to help provide value to those looking to grow a brand or organization. This time Kirby talks talk about the importance of reading and 5 books he thinks every entrepreneur (and aspiring entrepreneur) should read.
DMJ 1 on 1: 5 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, opportunities, and lessons. One of the best ways to navigate this journey is by learning from those who have walked the path before. This is where books come in. They offer a wealth of knowledge, insights, and experiences that can help entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls, make informed decisions, and ultimately succeed in their ventures. This DMJ 1 on 1 discusses five must-read books for every entrepreneur. These books cover a wide range of topics, from creating scalable businesses and improving profitability, to understanding customer needs and launching successful businesses.
Reading is an investment in oneself. It not only broadens one’s knowledge but also improves communication skills, which are vital for any entrepreneur. The more you read, the more you understand the world around you and the better you can communicate your ideas, thoughts, and feelings. This can lead to increased earnings, as you can articulate your business ideas more effectively, negotiate better deals, and build stronger relationships with your clients, partners, and employees.
“E-Myth Mastery” by Michael Gerber
“E-Myth Mastery” by Michael Gerber is a must-read for every entrepreneur. The book demystifies the myths surrounding starting and running a business, and provides a clear roadmap for entrepreneurial success. Gerber emphasizes the importance of creating systems and processes in a business. These systems and processes, he argues, are the backbone of any successful business, allowing for repeatable success and scalability.
Gerber’s book is a masterclass on the importance of scalability in business. He explains that a scalable business is one that can handle increased demand without compromising performance or losing revenue. This is achieved through effective systems and processes that ensure every aspect of the business runs smoothly. By understanding and implementing the principles in this book, entrepreneurs can build businesses that are not only profitable but also scalable.
“Profit First” by Mike Michaelowicz
“Profit First” by Mike Michaelowicz is another essential read for entrepreneurs. Michaelowicz introduces an innovative accounting system specifically designed for entrepreneurs. This system, he claims, can significantly impact a business’s profitability, leading to financial success and stability.
The book also tackles the issue of entrepreneurial poverty, a situation where entrepreneurs are constantly struggling financially despite running successful businesses. Michaelowicz’s accounting system aims to eradicate this problem by ensuring that profits are prioritized. By applying the principles in this book, entrepreneurs can transform their businesses into profitable ventures.
“Buy Back Your Time” by Dan Martell
Time is a precious commodity for entrepreneurs. In “Buy Back Your Time,” Dan Martell explores the concept of delegating tasks to buy back time and focus on driving the business. Martell argues that entrepreneurs often find themselves running out of time because they try to do everything themselves. This, he says, is a recipe for burnout and business failure.
Martell suggests that by hiring the right people and delegating tasks, entrepreneurs can free up their time to focus on what they do best – driving the business. This not only leads to better business performance but also improves work-life balance. This book is a must-read for entrepreneurs looking to maximize their time and productivity.
“100 Million Dollar Offers” by Alex Hermozi
Understanding the market and customer needs is key to business success. In “100 Million Dollar Offers,” Alex Hermozi emphasizes this point. He explains how entrepreneurs can create offers that are so irresistible that people can’t refuse them. This, he says, is the secret to generating massive sales and revenue.
Orosi’s book provides insights into understanding the market and customers, and how to add value and answer objections. By applying these principles, entrepreneurs can create offers that not only attract customers but also lead to repeat business and referrals. This book is a must-read for entrepreneurs looking to create irresistible offers and drive sales.
“12 Months to a Million” by Ryan Daniel Moran
“12 Months to a Million” by Ryan Daniel Moran is a guide for entrepreneurs looking to launch a successful business and achieve a million dollars in revenue within a year. Moran shares strategies for understanding the audience, narrowing in on a specific product, and applying strategies for success.
Moran’s book is a roadmap for rapid business growth. He explains how entrepreneurs can launch a business and achieve rapid growth by understanding their audience and offering a product that meets their needs. By applying the strategies in this book, entrepreneurs can achieve their financial goals and build successful businesses.
Bonus: “Hit the Target” by Kirby Hasseman
As a bonus, Kirby recommends his own book, “Hit the Target.” This book is a guide for those looking to start or market their business more effectively. It provides insights into understanding the market, creating irresistible offers, and driving sales.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recommended books provide a wealth of knowledge and insights for entrepreneurs. They cover a wide range of topics, from creating scalable businesses, improving profitability, delegating tasks, and understanding customer needs, to launching successful businesses. By reading these books, entrepreneurs can equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the entrepreneurial journey and achieve success.
So there you have it! These are the 5 books that every entrepreneur should read! As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
Each week on DMJ 1 on 1, Kirby Hasseman takes on a different topic to help provide value to those looking to grow a brand or organization. This time Kirby talks about 5 pieces of advice that he thinks are wrong! Watch now!
DMJ 1 on 1: 5 Pieces of Advice That I Think Are Wrong
There’s a lot of advice floating around out there, and while some of it can be helpful, some of it can also be misleading or even harmful. In this article, we’ll be discussing five pieces of advice that are often given, but that I believe are fundamentally flawed. These include the notions that finding your passion means you’ll never work another day in your life, that you should always go big or go home, that high school is the best time of your life, that work-life balance is attainable for everyone, and that you should always work smarter, not harder. I hope that by discussing these pieces of advice, I can help you think more critically about the advice you receive and inspire you to elevate your game.
Find Your Passion (And You’ll Never Work A Day In Your Life)
The first piece of advice we’ll be discussing is the idea that finding your passion means you’ll never work another day in your life. While it’s true that finding something you love can make work more enjoyable, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be difficult or unpleasant aspects of the job. In fact, telling kids that they’ll never work a day in their life if they find their passion can be harmful and set them up for failure. It’s important to acknowledge that there will be seasons of hard work and challenges, even in a job you love. Instead of seeking a passion that eliminates work, we should be encouraging the pursuit of a passion that makes the hard work worthwhile.
Go Big or Go Home
The second piece of advice is the concept of going big or go home. While it’s important to have big dreams and goals, the reality is that many big changes in the world are the result of consistent small changes over time. Setting unrealistic expectations of making a big impact right away can lead to unsustainable efforts and eventual burnout. Instead of going big or go home, it’s more effective to start small and keep going. This approach allows for steady progress and sustainable growth, which can ultimately lead to big changes.
High School as the Best Time of Your Life
The third piece of advice is that high school is the best time of one’s life. While high school can certainly be a fun and exciting time, telling struggling kids that high school is the best time of their life can be discouraging and prevent them from envisioning a better future. It’s important to live in the present and work towards a desired future, rather than dwelling on the past. There are many exciting opportunities and experiences beyond high school that can surpass it in terms of enjoyment and fulfillment.
Work-Life Balance
The fourth piece of advice is the notion of work-life balance. While it’s a worthy goal, the reality is that work-life balance is unattainable for most people. Striving for it can put unnecessary pressure on individuals and lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy. There will be times when work takes precedence over personal life, and that’s okay as long as it’s temporary. It’s important to find a balance that works for each individual and to prioritize self-care and family when necessary.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
The fifth and final piece of advice we’ll be discussing is the idea to work smarter, not harder. While working smart is important, it shouldn’t be used as an excuse to avoid putting in effort. Successful people often work hard and put in the necessary time and dedication to achieve their goals. Working hard is within an individual’s control and can be a key component of success. So, while it’s important to work smart, it’s equally important to work hard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there’s a lot of advice out there, it’s important to think critically about what you’re being told and to consider whether it’s truly beneficial. Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, and it’s okay to forge your own path. I hope that by discussing these pieces of advice, I’ve helped you to think more critically and inspired you to elevate your game.
Each week on DMJ 1 on 1, Kirby Hasseman takes on a different topic to help provide value to those looking to grow a brand or organization. This time Kirby talks about mastering the 3 R’s of business…and how branded merch can help. Watch now!
How To Master The 3 R’s Of Business with Branded Merch
Mastering the three R’s of business – retention, repeat business, and referrals – is a crucial aspect of any successful enterprise. In this article, we delve into the importance of these three R’s and how branded merchandise can be leveraged to optimize these business aspects. We’ll explore how showing appreciation to your customers can significantly improve retention, how branded merchandise can boost repeat business, and how it can also incentivize referrals, thereby contributing to business growth.
Branded merchandise is not just a marketing tool; it’s a tangible representation of your brand that customers can appreciate and remember. It’s a way to make your business more top-of-mind for your customers, increasing the likelihood of repeat business and referrals. So, let’s dive into the details and learn how to master the three R’s of business with branded merch.
Retention
Customer retention is a vital aspect of any successful business. It’s often said that it’s cheaper to keep an existing customer than to acquire a new one. However, many businesses lose customers due to perceived indifference. This is where showing appreciation to your customers comes into play.
One effective way to show appreciation is through the use of branded merchandise. It’s a tangible way to express gratitude, making your customers feel valued and appreciated. Consider creating a quarterly appreciation program for your top customers, where you can distribute branded merchandise as tokens of your appreciation. This not only improves customer retention but also strengthens your brand’s relationship with its customers.
Repeat Business
Repeat business is the lifeblood of any successful enterprise. It’s a testament to your brand’s quality and reliability. Branded merchandise can play a significant role in increasing the frequency and size of customer orders. A study showed that customers who received branded merchandise ordered 18% faster and 18% more, highlighting the impact of branded merchandise on repeat business.
Offering customers something of value, like branded merchandise, helps them remember your brand when making a purchase. It’s also important to consider where your ideal customer is when they realize they need your brand’s service. By strategically placing your branded merchandise, you can ensure that your brand is top-of-mind when your customer needs your service.
Referrals
Referrals are a powerful tool for business growth. A happy customer is the best brand ambassador, and with the right incentives, they can refer others to your business. Branded merchandise can be an effective incentive for customers to refer others.
Consider creating a referral program where customers are rewarded with branded merchandise for successful referrals. The key here is to utilize quality branded merchandise that represents your brand well. This not only incentivizes referrals but also ensures that your brand is represented positively in the eyes of potential customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, branded merchandise is more than just a marketing piece; it’s a tool that can significantly improve customer retention, boost repeat business, and incentivize referrals. By strategically utilizing branded merchandise, businesses can ensure that they are always top-of-mind for their customers, leading to increased business growth and success.
Delivering Marketing Joy is an award-winning interview show that helps marketers level up. Each week, Kirby Hasseman interviews the best and brightest minds in marketing to help you level up. This time on Lessons from DMJ, Kirby talks with Adam Callinan on profitability, Shark Tank, and why every entrepreneur is struggling right now. Watch now.
In this insightful interview, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Adam Callinan, the founder of Pentan, an e-commerce-focused SAS company. Callinan, who previously co-founded BottleKeeper, a company that achieved a staggering $8 million in sales without a single employee, shares his experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology, software, and automation in building a business, as opposed to the traditional approach of hiring people.
Through his unique journey, Callinan provides a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship, highlighting the struggles that every entrepreneur faces, and the importance of creating structure and maintaining physical and mental well-being. He also discusses why many early-stage companies struggle with profitability, and shares his experience of appearing on Shark Tank, which significantly boosted his company’s revenue. Lastly, he offers a special deal for listeners to access Pentan for the first 30 days for just $1.
Building a Company with No Employees
Callinan’s journey with BottleKeeper is a testament to the power of technology and automation in business. With a foundation rooted in a previous medical device business, BottleKeeper was built with strict guardrails to avoid hiring employees. Instead, Callinan focused on using technology and automation to build platforms and manage operations.
This unconventional approach allowed him to maintain control over the business, reduce overhead costs, and achieve impressive sales figures. The success of BottleKeeper serves as a compelling case study for entrepreneurs exploring alternative business models.
Challenges of Building Bottlekeeper
Despite its success, the journey of building BottleKeeper was not without its challenges. Callinan faced difficulties with inventory management and the cyclical nature of the business, which resulted in swings in revenue throughout the year. These challenges, while difficult, provided invaluable lessons that shaped the growth and evolution of the company.
Moreover, Callinan also discusses the mental challenges of dealing with the highs and lows of the business. The entrepreneurial journey, while rewarding, can often be a rollercoaster of emotions, and Callinan’s experience underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability.
Struggles Faced by Entrepreneurs
Callinan highlights the struggles that every entrepreneur faces, emphasizing the need for entrepreneurs to create structure and take care of themselves physically and mentally. The entrepreneurial journey can be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, making it crucial for entrepreneurs to prioritize their well-being and avoid isolation.
Creating structure, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are essential for long-term success. Callinan’s insights underscore the importance of self-care in entrepreneurship, a topic that is often overlooked in the pursuit of business success.
Reasons for Early Stage Companies Not Being Profitable
Callinan discusses why many early-stage companies struggle with profitability. He points out that the default approach of raising capital can lead to frivolous spending, and the tendency to add fixed expenses without understanding the necessary revenue levels can hinder profitability.
Understanding financial metrics and marketing efficiency is crucial for profitability. Callinan’s insights provide a valuable perspective for early-stage entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of financial literacy and strategic planning in achieving profitability.
Impact of Appearing on Shark Tank
Callinan shares his experience of appearing on Shark Tank, a platform that provided incredible free advertising for BottleKeeper. The company experienced a significant boost in revenue after the episode aired, demonstrating the power of strategic exposure and publicity.
The ongoing impact of the Shark Tank appearance on the company’s success is a testament to the importance of seizing opportunities and leveraging platforms for business growth. Callinan’s experience provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to maximize their visibility and reach.
This offer provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to leverage the power of Pentan’s platform to streamline their operations and enhance their profitability. With its focus on solving financial operation problems, Pentan is poised to be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of e-commerce.
Each week on DMJ 1 on 1, Kirby Hasseman takes on a different topic to help provide value to those looking to grow a brand or organization. Unveiling our latest video, DMJ 1 on 1: The 5 Must-Haves For a Health & Wellness Program. Submerge yourself into the critical components required to craft a triumphant health and wellness program within your organization. Watch now…and dig in below.
The latest DMJ 1 on 1 brings to light five essential components for a health and wellness program to have a significant impact. Kirby shares this involvement in health and wellness programs through their work in communications and branded merch. They highlight the financial benefits of implementing a health and wellness program, such as lower medical costs and reduced absenteeism. This article will delve into these five must-haves and explain why they are critical for the success of any health and wellness program.
These five components are an enrollment plan, a design plan, a merch plan, a communication plan, and an exercise plan. Each of these plays a unique role in ensuring the effectiveness and success of a health and wellness program. They not only help in engaging the participants but also ensure that the program is aligned with the organization’s brand guidelines, thereby creating a unique identity for the program. Let’s explore each of these components in detail.
Enrollment Plan
The first must-have for a successful health and wellness program is an effective enrollment plan. This plan is crucial to ensure active participation and engagement in the program. It’s not enough to just have a program in place; it’s equally important to create excitement and engagement around it. This can be achieved through effective communication and marketing strategies.
One of the ways to generate interest and encourage sign-ups is by utilizing email scripts, videos, and CEO involvement. A multi-step enrollment process can also be implemented to increase engagement and commitment. This process can help in creating a sense of ownership among the participants, thereby increasing their commitment to the program.
Design Plan
Next up is the design plan. It’s recommended to have a design plan that aligns with the organization’s brand guidelines but is unique to the health and wellness program. This helps in creating a distinct identity for the program, which can encourage self-identification and accountability among participants.
It’s important to get buy-in from the marketing team to ensure the consistency and effectiveness of the design plan. A well-thought-out design plan can not only reflect the brand guidelines but also distinguish the health and wellness program from other initiatives of the organization.
Merch Plan
A merch plan is another essential component of a health and wellness program. It’s important to provide quality and appealing merchandise that aligns with the program’s goals and values. This can serve as a motivation for the participants and encourage them to actively participate in the program.
Consider having a strategic merch release plan to maintain participant engagement and motivation. Also, it’s advisable to pre-plan and order merchandise in advance to ensure timely delivery and avoid last-minute stress. This can help in keeping the participants excited and engaged throughout the program.
Communication Plan
A communication plan is crucial to regularly engage and inspire participants. This can include daily or weekly communication via email, text, or a company app. Consistent communication is key to motivate and educate participants about the program and its benefits.
Various communication channels can be utilized to reach participants effectively. It’s also important to incorporate mental health components into the communication plan to address holistic well-being. This can help in creating a comprehensive health and wellness program that caters to the physical as well as mental health of the participants.
Exercise Plan
Last but not least, an exercise plan is necessary for a successful health and wellness program. This plan should provide information and options for different types of exercise, including meditation and workouts at the workstation. Offering exercise resources and guidance can empower participants to take control of their fitness and mental health.
The exercise plan should include options for various exercise types, such as meditation, yoga, and workouts that can be done at the workstation. It’s important to ensure that the exercise plan is attainable and adaptable to accommodate participants’ different schedules and work environments. This can help in making the program more inclusive and effective.
Conclusion
The fact is, most health and wellness programs lack all five of these components. However, having them can significantly impact the program’s effectiveness. By incorporating these five must-haves, organizations can create a comprehensive and effective health and wellness program that not only benefits the participants but also contributes to the organization’s overall success.
In January, Kirby was asked to speak at PPAI Live about 4 Tips To Creating a Successful 2024. In this DMJ 1 on 1, we go LIVE to the PPAI Expo from the show floor. Watch now!
As we approach the new year, it’s time to start thinking about how we can make 2024 the most successful year yet. In this blog, we’ll be discussing four key tips that can help you achieve just that. These tips are not just about setting goals, but also about maintaining a positive mindset, continuously learning and growing, and prioritizing deep work. So, let’s dive right in and start planning for a successful 2024.
Be Intentional and Set Goals
The first tip for creating a successful 2024 is to be intentional and set goals. Setting goals is a crucial step toward success. It gives you a clear direction and helps you stay focused on your path. But remember, these goals should be deeply personal. They should resonate with your values and aspirations.
Consider setting goals in five key areas of your life: Finance, Fitness, Family, Faith, and Fun. By setting goals in these areas, you ensure a balanced approach to your life. You might also want to consider setting shorter time frame goals, such as 12-week year goals. This can help you stay motivated and see progress more quickly.
Be Positive and Practice Gratitude
The second tip for a successful 2024 is to maintain a positive attitude and practice gratitude. Positivity can significantly improve your performance, especially in stressful situations. It helps you stay calm, focused, and resilient. But how can you boost your positivity? One effective way is through gratitude exercises.
Gratitude exercises can help shift your mindset to a more positive state. They can help you focus on the good in your life, leading to more things to be grateful for. So, start your day by listing three things you’re grateful for, and see the difference it makes in your life.
Continuously Learn, Grow, and Change
The third tip for a successful 2024 is to continuously learn, grow, and change. Personal growth is a lifelong journey, and investing in your personal development can lead to significant improvements in your life. One way to do this is by reading books and investing in education.
Look for opportunities to learn and grow, such as online courses and certifications. Avoid living the same experiences over and over again. Instead, seek new experiences, learn new skills, and embrace change. This will not only make your life more interesting but also help you grow as a person.
Prioritize Deep Work and Avoid Multitasking
The fourth and final tip for a successful 2024 is to prioritize deep work and avoid multitasking. Despite popular belief, multitasking is a myth. It can hinder deep work and lead to decreased productivity and focus. Instead, focus on one task at a time for better results.
Batching activities can also improve your productivity and effectiveness. This involves grouping similar tasks together and doing them in one go. This can help you stay focused and reduce the time wasted on switching between tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating a successful 2024 involves being intentional and setting goals, maintaining a positive mindset and practicing gratitude, continuously learning and growing, and prioritizing deep work. By following these four tips, you can make 2024 your most successful year yet. So, start planning now and make the most of the coming year.
