Archive for the 'Read On ~' Category

What is Manyon reading? Come on in and see. Manyon provides a list of books she’s read and recommends. If your’re interested in any of them, simply click on the cover and toss them into your Amazon cart. It’s that simple and Manyon recommends reading a minimum of one book per month. What are you reading? READ ON ~

Blackert Bursts Through Barriers

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008

By: Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com

Seven Dragons: A Guide To A Limitless Mind” is jam-packed with proven advice that shows you how to rapidly increase the manifestation of your desires.

Simply put, you can easily burst through your own barriers by applying simple techniques from this book.

The book offers a series of profound self-coaching questions and journal activities so you can immediately change your behaviors, make better choices, and bring success into all areas of your life.

This book reveals:

  • The seven (mental) dragons that keep you stuck
  • 10 rules to really getting what you want in business and life
  • Sure-fire ways to manifest abundance
  • A step-by-step process to shift your mindset
  • The keys to transforming your desires into physical reality
  • How to be what you want so you can create what you want!

Seven Dragons” is an investment in yourself and your business.

When you do order and read the book, I’d love to hear how it’s helped you. So, keep in touch or post your comments here.

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REAL Secrets According to Roy Williams aka The Wizard of Ads~

Monday, April 21st, 2008

By: Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com

I’m off to see the Wizard. The Wizard of Ads that is…

Even though my business is primarily internet based there are tried and true advertising methods that span the mediums. One of my all time favorite reads is no exception.

Roy Williams aka The Wizard of Ads is an absolute marketing genius in my book.

The Secret Formulas of the Wizard of Ads is not a new release but the contents are timeless.

I love the wacky approaches Williams uses in his own marketing strategies. In chapter 29 “Sing a Little Song, Dance a Little Dance” he shares the story of his not so conventional appearance at an American Marketing Association meeting held at a country club. He rolls in wearing jeans and turtle neck. Realizes he’s clearly underdressed for this crowd and doesn’t bat an eye. During his speech, he pitches his book. He tells the crowd it’s different than any book they’ve ever read. Goes on to say, “It’s hilariously funny in some parts and heartbreakingly sad in other parts, and it’s for sale in the back of the room.”

Williams is right on target. What he says is true and he doesn’t leave it at that. He raises the book above his head, leans into the microphone and whispers, (you know how a whisper gets attention, right?), he whispers “You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll kiss seventeen bucks goodbye!”

He then gets all James Brown on everyone, starts clapping and chanting “I’ll laugh! I’ll cry!, I’ll kiss seventeen bucks goodbye!” Almost the entire room of stuffy suits follows his lead…

He sells out. Not a single copy is left in the back of the room when he is done.

I share this excerpt because Williams connects with his core audience. He does it in ways that get results and are unexpected. He knows exactly what he is doing.

Williams is aware that:

1) Surprise causes delight and begins to persuade
2) Follow through occurs when people hear themselves say they are going to do something
3) Speaking to needs sells especially when your audience can envision the end result (in this case, kissing seventeen bucks goodbye)

Williams shares golden nuggets throughout the book. Things really get rolling beginning with chapter 36 when he highlights the Six Tugs-of-War relating to advertising.

1) Intellect vs. Emotion
2) Time vs. Money
3) Opportunity vs. Security
4) Style vs. Substance
5) Pain vs. Gain
6) Sight vs. Sound

I’m not going to spoil the suspense by telling you what he has to say. I’ll simply recommend that you grab a copy today and set aside some time to read it.

Secret Formulas of the Wizard of Ads is a must have for any marketer. Williams discusses a myriad of topics to be considered when implementing your advertising and marketing efforts. His advice is solid and experience based. You won’t be disappointed. Secret Formulas of the Wizard of Ads: Turning Paupers into Princes and Lead into Gold

NAWW Features Amber Kingston As Member Of The Week

Thursday, January 24th, 2008

By: Lisa Manyon | www.lisamanyon.comAs a lifetime member of the National Association of Women Writers, I’ve experienced the powerful connections this organization provides. NAWW is where I was first exposed to Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero of Red Hot Communications and I’m now the National Manager of her Gold Copywriting Mentorship Program (in addition to running my own successful business). I’ve also made other invaluable connections, including award winning author Peter Bowerman.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to take advantage of the benefits of the membership communities you are a part of. One of the marketing strategies I regularly suggest to clients, friends and family is to invest in mastermind and membership groups that will support your ultimate goals.

I’m especially excited to see Amber Kingston featured as the Member of Week on NAWW.

Not only is she one of my press release clients, she’s also my cousin and a very talented writer.

I highly recommend her new book for children “Laura and the Leprechauns”. Feel free to order a copy today.

And, if you’re interested in joining NAWW, I strongly recommend that as well.

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Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen’s ~ The Aladdin Factor

Sunday, January 20th, 2008

By Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

Many years ago I read a book that changed my life. The beauty about books is they are truly timeless. Recently I revisited this book because the continued buzz about “The Secret” made me think of it.

The Aladdin Factor is a simple fast-track to getting what you want. Originally released in 1995 (around the time Chicken Soup for The Soul series was really taking off). This book changed the way I approached business and personal interactions.

I believe that one of the greatest lessons you will ever learn is included in this book. The art of asking for what you really want.

Canfield and Hansen explore five barriers to asking for what we want:

  1. The first is ignorance. Often, we simply don’t know what to ask for. This occurs for many reasons including lack of exposure, not knowing the resources available and not fully understanding our personal desires and yearnings.
  2. Second, limiting and inaccurate beliefs keep us stuck in what we know to be true from past experiences. This includes programming from parents, teachers, churches, peers and the media.
  3. Fear is the third barrier (and one I believe we can all relate to). It is fear, usually based on past disappointments and experiences that hold many of us back from asking for what we truly desire. The fear of rejection is particularly debilitating. Fear of looking silly, being humiliated, feeling powerless, punishment, obligation and abandonment are all key players in keeping us stuck.
  4. Fourth is low self-esteem. Often we can feel unworthy of love, happiness and our true desires. This is because of inferiority complexes and false beliefs that our needs and wants are worthy of pursuit.
  5. Pride is the final barrier and according to the authors is especially difficult for men. Although I see this trait in many of my women friends. We tend to remain guarded and not admit that we need help and support. Asking for this sometimes makes us feel inadequate.

The key to getting what you want is simple. Recognize and correct the barriers that apply to you. Become comfortable with who you are and what you really want and need (this may take some time).

Finally, ask for what you want in a way that is mutually beneficial for all involved. The key point I took away from this book (and continue to hold near and dear) is having the courage to simply ask.

Look at it this way. If you really, truly want something, the only way to get it is to take actionable steps, including asking. If you ask for something you want the worse thing that can happen is someone saying “no”. Although this may seem devastating, in reality, you are left with nothing less than before you asked. And, if the answer happens to be yes, you have moved so much closer to your end goal.

So, go ahead, ask for what you want. The results may surprise you.

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Robert Ringer’s To Be Or Not To Be Intimidated? That is the Question.

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

By: Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com

I finally got around to reading Robert Ringer’s completely rewritten and retitled version of his New York Times #1 Bestseller Winning Through Intimidation.

It’s been on my reading list and shelf for some time. Recommended by greats such as Dan Kennedy and I believe John Carlton. I definitely like the new title better than the old. I don’t want to win through intimidation. I want to win in business by being darn good at what I do, working honestly and ethically and simply enjoying every minute.

Honestly, Ringer’s writing style didn’t completely resonate with me. I always find it interesting when a book comes so highly recommended and it doesn’t really gel with me. None the less, I did glean some insights (or rather reminders).

Ringer does an excellent job of positioning the importance of payment. He outlines the four key steps to successful selling.

  1. Have a product that other people value.
  2. Locate the market for your product.
  3. Create and implement a sales strategy (i.e. proposal, presentation, etc.)
  4. Close the sale.

This may seem like selling 101 to seasoned sales pros. At the same time, Ringer points out that many business books and selling strategies focus on these points. Yet, he maintains, the main point and key business strategy is often omitted. Which leads us to…

5. Getting paid.

While you may see this as a no-brainer, who hasn’t worked their tail off to close a deal and then had difficulty with payment? I wager that it’s happened at least once to the best of us. With that in mind, it’s important to prevent and avoid business transactions that don’t pay off. You can take Ringer’s philosophy of “earning and receiving” to the bank. It’s one thing to close the deal and another to actually cash the check.

Here are my take away points:

  1. Always negotiate what you are worth in business and don’t settle for less.
  2. Remember, that for many, business is a game. Play to win, always.
  3. Keep the end in mind when negotiating business deals.
  4. Remember, the deal isn’t done until the check has cleared the bank.
  5. Get paid.

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In a World of Black and White, Jacqueline Wales Skillfully Explores the Gray in This Colorful Tale

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007

My friend and colleague Jacqueline Wales is offering a special deal on her book When the Crow Sings on November 20, 2007.

To support her on her journey towards being a bestseller. So, I’m posting the special Amazon launch link here.

Take advantage of this reduced, launch price and follow along an amazing journey of generations.

You can also read an excerpt of the book on Jacqueline’s website by clicking this link: http://jacquelinewales.com/excerpt-eng-3-1.html

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Read On ~ Book Review ~ Godin Tells it Like is with All Marketers Are Liars ~

Saturday, October 20th, 2007

As a marketer, when I first read the title of Seth Godin’s book, I thought, how dare he. But I knew better. I knew why he dared. My reaction was exactly what he was looking for. Godin dares to push the envelope because he is a master marketer and he continues to exhibit his expertise in each of his books.

The title All Marketers Are Liars ~ The Power of Telling Authentic Stories in a Low-Trust World piqued my interest for several reasons. First it was highly recommended by trusted colleagues, second I personally gain incredible insight each time I read something Godin writes and finally, I was wildly curious. Marketers do get a bad rap and to be frank, not all of them can be trusted. It’s a stereotype that marketers have dealt with for years. At the same time, maybe, just maybe, consumers are not so trustworthy.

As I devoured the book the most poignant (at least for me) revelation Godin made is that marketers aren’t liars, consumers are. I had to sit with this concept and then it made perfect sense. Godin explains that consumer’s imagination may be sparked by what marketers are sharing. But that spark is actually fueled by their world view that shapes every thought they have.

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Read On ~ Book Review ~ Suze Orman Shares Investing Common Sense with Her Book

Tuesday, September 25th, 2007

By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

Women & Money ~ Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny

Money is a topic you either embrace or avoid. Orman’s book delivers straight talk on investing for women and building individual wealth.

Personally I’ve always known just enough about investing to put some money away each month and I rely on financial advisers to steer me in the right direction.

Suze shares a candid look at her life and how she got to where she is now. Plus she offers a no nonsense approach to making sure women begin to really think about taking care of their own business.

With an uplifting vein of optimism about what is possible throughout the book, Orman successfully illustrates traits and tactics to help women thoughtfully approach investing.

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Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich - The Four Hour Workweek

Saturday, August 25th, 2007

Who are the new rich? Simply put, you and me if we take heed.

Rarely does a business book make me laugh out loud. I have to give Timothy Ferriss credit for his unique business and personal twists. The 4 Hour Workweek is both refreshing and provocative.

Fully embracing life both personally and professionally is something we all long to do. Ferriss does it and eloquently. From his world record Tango talents to National Championship in Chinese kick boxing (this tale alone is worth the purchase of the book. I am still laughing), Ferriss uses uncanny and unconventional business sense to pursue his passions.

I say “bravo!”

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Read On ~ Book Review ~ Could You Be the Next Accidental Millionaire?

Monday, June 18th, 2007

A Peek Inside Stephanie Frank’s ~ The Accidental Millionaire - Leaping From Chance to Mastery In The Game Of Life

Who hasn’t dreamed of becoming the next millionaire? And who hasn’t felt this accomplishment may be out of reach? It’s time to dispel the myth that making a million is impossible. In fact, Stephanie Frank shows how impossible life circumstances can lead to catalysts of change that create a life full of abundance and wealth.

This book has been in my must read pile for quite some time. My colleague and friend Viki Viertel (aka The Business Buddha) highly recommended it as “life changing.”

I like life change.

Then during a recent segment of James Roche’s Info Marketing Action Plan tele-series, Stephanie Frank was mentioned again. So, I pulled the book off my shelf and I could not put it down until I was done.

First I thank Stephanie wholeheartedly for being so personal and candid. Her story is brave and genuine. If you have ever been in a relationship that doesn’t support your highest good, you MUST read this.

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