Business Boosting Books: Book Yourself Solid

I love books. I read all the time.

And yet, I know that there are brilliant people roaming the streets who are perfectly capable of reading a book but think of reading the same way that Newman from Seinfeld reacted to broccoli. (I may or may not be thinking of my own hubby here.)

So I’m going to justify my book hoarding do you a solid service by passing along some of the very best nuggets from business books, straight to you, without all that pesky nose-in-pages time. You’re welcome.

Today’s book could now be considered a classic for solo business owners: Book Yourself Solid, by Michael Port. 

(Actually the full title is: Book Yourself Solid, the Fastest, Easiest, and Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even if You Hate Marketing and Selling. Pretty juicy, right?)

But don’t be fooled – his system works for a professional working in a company, too.

Book Yourself Solid gives clear, simple and systematic approach to marketing and selling your services.

In fact, the material Port covers in BYS looks a lot like the what we talk about here at Famous in Your Field:

• Establishing credibility
• Creating visibility
• Getting your message out there in a big way
• Earning higher fees
• Increasing your confidence
• Standing out from the crowd
• Getting more clients

What’s makes the system truly powerful is that Michael’s book also focuses on your mindset and how it can impact the approach you take in creating and promoting your business.

I’ll zero in on just one, his “velvet rope policy.” (Isn’t that perfect for becoming famous in your field?) Port describes it as determining “your ideal client so that you work only with people who inspire and energize you.”

We’ve all heard this, right?

But are you actually living it in your business?

I know, it can fill you with panic to think about turning down someone who wants to work with you.

Your mind immediately shouts thing like, “what about the money?” And worse, “who do you think you are, turning someone away? What if no one else hires you?”

Here’s how to quiet the panicky voice – instead focus on the energy and satisfaction that you get from your ideal clients. The ones who bring out your best work, and make you enjoy being in business. The others just suck your energy and leave you frustrated.

Book Yourself Solid is packed with exercises that you can use to apply Michael’s teaching directly to your own business. Here’s one to start developing your own velvet rope policy:

Identify the types of clients you don’t want, consider which characteristics or behaviors you refuse to tolerate. What turns you off or shuts you down? What kinds of people should not be getting past the red velvet rope that protects you and your business?

Your Fame Boosting Assignment:

Jump on this exercise today, please. First, make a list of the characteristics and behaviors that suck the life out of your soul. Is it the client or customer who changes her mind constantly? Are certain industries or professions a total turnoff?

And make a list of the opposite; what qualities do your best, most delightful clients, customers, fans and followers have in common?

Now, start creating your own velvet rope policy! When you say “no” to the clients (or ban the followers) that zap your mojo, you magically start to attract the right people. (It might sound a little woo-woo, but you’ve got to trust me on this.)

You can buy the book on Amazon for an absolute steal. There’s even an illustrated edition. (Nope, I don’t make any money if you do, but you’ll make your business a much happier and more profitable place to be.)