Training Projects 2000 - Books and Audio

Often I hear of people whose life has changed completely since reading a certain book and I can identify with them because this happened to me. Since this time I've become a bibliophile, (bookaholic) chasing the same "high" as that first book gave me.

Currently my own personal development library consists of over 300 books and 150 (expensive) audio programmes, 50 or so Video tapes and a few computer training programmes. But I have not been able to get the same "high" as that first book and I've only recently discovered why.

That first book gave me ideas that I actioned. The others I only read!

My latest read "Your Best Year Yet!" by Jinnys Ditzler Published by Thorsons suggests you put 3 hours aside to do the exercises and you can see where and how to concentrate your efforts (goals) this year. I did and I got the same high as that first book! Jinnys runs seminars on this material through The Best Yet Co on 01749-671313

John-Roger and Peter McWilliams wrote a series of books in the early '80s and they are all still brilliant today! I cannot recommend these books highly enough as they are so easy to read and filled with wisdom.

Definition of wisdom: "The correct application of knowledge"

The titles of these books in my order of preference are:
"WEALTH 101 - getting what you want enjoying what you've got"
"DO IT - a guide to living your dreams"
"You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought" and
"LIFE 101 - what they never taught you in school"

Recommendation is my biggest source of business but I use direct mail to advertise.
Remember advertising only gets you shoppers, it's your sales skills that turn them into customers! "Magic Words - that bring you riches" is an unlikely title but if you use direct mail it's a must. Ted Nicholas is a marketing genius who sells his books off the page but you can get them by phoning Hilite Publishing 01474 - 874888 or email: Publishing@hilitedms.co.uk At £20.00 this book is expensive - but not if you action the ideas!

What we used to call PR is now called Spin Doctoring. "Be your own Spin Doctor" is a practical guide to using the media. Paul Richards shows you how to plan your campaign in advance to get you message across. This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to be heard. I'm looking forward to his next title "Spinning on the Net" Take That Ltd are Paul Richards publishers who also do mailing lists of media houses for those who can afford them. www.takethat.co.uk I 've forgotten how much "Be your own Spin Doctor" cost but what ever it was it's well worth the money.

If you are building or running a franchise "Grinding it out" by Ray Croc and "The E myth" by Michael E Gerber are both essential reading for you!

The best sales Video I've come across is "38 proven ways to close that sale" With Victor Mark Hansen - by CareerTrack - these are NOT cheap but this one is brilliant!

Most Sales trainers use a lot of ideas originated by DJ Doughlas a genius sales trainer from the 1950s another genius from this time is Frank Bettger. See if you can get some of his books. (How I multiplied my income and happiness in selling & How I raised myself from failure to success in selling) He was the originator of the "sales machine" concept that I adapted and has earned me a lot of money over the past 20 years!

Further reading: Anything by Deepak Chopra, Louise Hay, or Stephen R Covey. (7 Habits of Highly Effective People )

Audio Tapes

I use my car like a mobile college. 20 minutes each day and you can learn a whole new language in a few months! Most of the books I've recommended have been adapted for audio but there is even less chance you will put the material into practice
when you have learned it in the car!

Out of my 150 tape collection the ones I've found the most useful are American from Simon and Schuster and Career Track ranges. Most of the material has to be modified for use in to the British culture. For example most American sales tapes suggest you use the customers first name as soon as possible but in the UK it pays to use their last name until you are given "permission" to use their first name.
I have some good English tapes from Peter Thompson Richard Denny and Jack Black
My seven favourite tapes in order (some of these are oldies but I like 'em):

1. The Power Of Positive Thinking - Norman Vincent Peal - Simon & Schuster
If you deaf-out the religion this single tape stands head and shoulders above anything I've ever heard!
2. Seven Spiritual Laws of Success - Deepak Chopra - Amber-Allen New World Library 58 Paul drive San Rafael CA 94903 and good book shops.
3. Also Living Without Limits by Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer same sources.
4. Success Self Programming By Lee Milteer from CareerTrack Publications - Milton Keynes UK I heard these two tapes 12 years ago and they have had a huge impact on me ever since.
5. The E myth by Michael E Gerber. This is not as good on tape as in book form. If you run a small business and you want to stop doing work and make more money this book or tape set is a MUST. It should be compulsory reading for all business advisors and franchisees.
6. Quest: Discovering Your Human Potential Six of todays' most influential thinkers give their views on how to create a more meaningful life.
7. Quest Volume Two Seven thinkers show the keys to success and how to develop an abundance mentality. Both Quest programmes are Audio Works an imprint of Simon and Schuster.

Modesty forbids me to mention "12 ways to give your business the Edge" which has been voted the best small business tape in the UK for the past four years! or the generic "How to Beat The Recession - and speed your recovery ." This one is used as a handout on my seminar "Survive & Thrive the Tough Times Ahead"