My Favorite Top Products
Dear Readers,
Listed below are some of my favorite business books, products, courses and ideas.
With regards to the books, many are books I have referenced in some of my blog posts, some of which have helped me tremendously throughout my business career, and some have helped me achieve financial indepdence. With regards to the products, I have either personally used (or are still using) these products myself.
My Favorite Books:
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley: This one is my all time favorite. Not only have I read this book multiple times, I've also recommended this to many friends, and I've even had my children read this as well. This book helped me in the early stages of my wealth building, and taught me how important it is to live below my means. As a fun aside, it also taught me the term: Big Hat, No Cattle.
Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins: This book is my second favotite of all time, and the book that had the most impact on me and my life. It was written almost 30-years ago, and I read this book at a time when I was confused about what I wanted to do with my business career. When I finished this book, I quit my job, which I hated, moved to Los Angeles, and subsequenly started a business. This book will change your life.
The Sales Acceleration Formula by Mark Roberge: I believed in what Mark said, so much, that I actually read the book three times. I've highlighted massive portions of the book, and then recommended that my management team not only read this book, but, also, action the things that Mark speaks about. Mark was employee #3 at Hubspot, and helped build the sales team from a small fledgling marketing autmation company, to a $100 million, and now larger, operation. He goes through, step-by-sytep, his process of how he built it.
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim: This is one of the more important business books I've read in the last 10-years. It completely changed the way I strategized my business expansion and unique positioning in the market. How do you find that competitive moat that every business needs, not only to survive, but, thrive in the marketplace? How do you beat your competition? I gave to my staff, it was that important.
The Wealthy Barber Returns by David Chilton: Dave has an interesting way of talking about money. It's an introductory book that I gave to both of my kids, and insisted that they read. Unfortunately our schools (elementary and high school) don't teach our kids about the fundamentals of money, and it's probably one of the more important life skills! They both thanked me, and asked me for more books like this one!
My Favorite Digital Marketing SEO Research Tool:
SEM Rush - I used SEM Rush extensively for all of my SEO and marketing research. My traffic quadrupled within 2 months of using SEM Rush.
My Favorite Financial Products:
Wealth Simple - Wealth Simple is the largest robo-advisor in Canada, and a significant player in the US. They were started in 2014, and now oversee over $4 billion in investments. The idea behind a Robo-Advisor is that it simplifies the investing equation by allocating your assets, in as simple a manner as possible, to an appropriate mix of equities and bonds. Wealth Simple imvests in some of the largest ETFs in Canada and the US. The best part of using Wealth Simple is that you can decide what your percentage allocation should be to equities vs bonds, and WS will allocate, and rebalance, as required, on a frequent basis. If you sign-up through the link, your first $10,000 is managed for FREE. I've recommended WS to not only my friends, but to co-workers, and even family.
My Favorite Personal Blog Posts:
Selling Your Business and Semi-Retirement:
This is the blog that got it all started. It was my first blog post, and explains my background and how I came to semi-retire at 49. My Journey Post Business Sale as I Sail Into a New Harbour. The Next Stage, Semi-Retirement, and the Life of an Entrepreneur
This one is for all of the entrepreneurs who don't know whether they're ready to sell their business. How Do You Know When It’s Time to Sell Your Business? It’s Not All About the Money.
In case you're wondering what you need to do to get your business ready for sale: Are You Hoping to Sell Your Business? Are You Prepared? Six Things You Need to Do to Get Your Business Ready for an Eventual Sale
Creating Wealth & Investing
I've written many blog posts abuot investing, but, this one covers my asset allocation strategy and investing criteria: How I Protect and Grow My Wealth With These 8 Simple to Understand Concepts.
This blog is excellent for the beginner and younger investor just getting started on their wealth creation path: Are You Really Cut out to Be Rich? The Average Net Worth to Make it Into the Top 1% and How to Get There
Sales & Sales Skills:
Here is one of my favorite posts on sales: Sell Me This Pen. I Tackle the Wolf of Wall Street Sales Riddle. Do You Know the Right Way to Sell the Pen?
Real Estate Investing
I've got two I suggest you read. This one, and the next: How Do You Make Money Investing in the Apartment Building Market?
This post reviews how to make money in real estate, especially in a hot market with inflated prices: A 32-Unit Apartment Building Is for Sale. Here’s How to Make 110% Return Inside Three Years
Are you a younger investor looking to just get into the market. Start here: How Can a 25-Year-Old Buy Their First Home in an Expensive Real Estate Market, and Still Create Wealth?
** NOTE, some of the links above are affiliate links and I will receive a commission if you purchase the products.