A few weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized it had been a while since I was reading regularly. The truth is, I had not read a business book in a few years, so I made a commitment to read more. I picked up my old copy of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey for a light, refreshing read. After chewing through that and taking notes, highlighting all of the great ideas presented, I read “Megatrends” by John Naisbitt. Then I picked up “The 8th Habit” by Stephen Covey (Also, how could a book about 1 habit be longer than a book about 7 habits? Go Figure).
After I determined 7 was the maximum number of habits I can handle, I read “The 12 Week Year" by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. The concepts in “The 12 Week Year” align closely with Tommy Newberry’s “Success is Not an Accident” (which I have written about before). That brings me to where I am today.
If you’ve been to some of the key accounting conferences over the past several years, you undoubtably would have seen or heard of Mike Michalowicz, and his Profit First Professionals Organization. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike at Scaling New Heights several years ago, and at the time was intrigued by what he said and his history. I mean, what can a guy with an IT background teach some of the brightest accounting professionals? It turns out, the answer is A LOT!
When I finished the books listed above, I was left needing another book. I then realized that I had never even read any of Mike Michalowicz’s books, so I did what any person in my shoes would do. I asked for copies of Mike’s books to read and review, which brings me to the “meat/pulp” (pumpkin analogy) of the article.
I read Mike’s book “The Pumpkin Plan” over the Memorial Day weekend. In a nutshell (or a pumpkin rind/skin/shell), I really enjoyed it. He provides the reader with a step-by-step guide to growing your business. The header on the cover reads “A Simple Strategy To Grow A Remarkable Business In Any Field,” and I have to completely agree with that statement.
Did I like the book? Yes
Do I recommend the book? Yes. I highly recommend it.
What were the key take away's?
- Don't waste your time planting seeds that may or may not work out
- Systematize your business
- Fire the clients that don't fit
- Stop the bleeding
- Play Favorites
Here's my challenge for you:
- Read the book
- Identify your top customers you want to grow and nurture
- Give them a copy
- Challenge them to read it in a week
- Set a follow up call to discuss the book and how you can work with them to take the concepts presented and incorporate them into their businesses
If you are not already the advisor you clients need, taking this challenge can help you move in that direction.