Rhett Power

Forbes.com Contributor

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Book Recommendations:

Recommended by Rhett Power

One of the first realizations I had when I began hitting the public speaking circuit is that I needed to develop my own style. Too bad I didn't have Mike Acker's recommendations back then because he outlines exactly how to embrace a differentiated voice. His strategies for becoming a more proficient, less anxious communicator are useful whether you're leading a four-person meeting or stirring the hearts of thousands. Plus, he adds easy-to-complete actions, such as Spilling Your Extra Energy, a great refocusing technique that I'm adding to my speechmaking quiver. (from Amazon)

Do you HATE public speaking? Are you TERRIFIED to stand in front of people? When you think of speaking, do you get nervous, anxious, even sweaty? You don't have to be afraid any longer. This book can help you. You will learn 7 strategies you can begin today. These strategies will give you a new perspective, they will prepare you, and they will give you actions to practice. As you implement these strategies, your fear willbegin to fade. It can seem like everyone is a gifted speak when you watch TED talks or compare yourself to skilled co-workers giving presentations. Don't get caught up in comparison. Instead, take action to improve YOUR ability and to overcome your fear. If you struggle when you speak, then you are not alone. Public speaking is the #1 fear in America. Millions of people are terrified at the prospect of going up on stage and addressing a crowd even more than they're afraid of death. And yet, it's an unavoidable experience if you want to succeed in this world. Maybe it's a business presentation for your career path, a speech in school, or a toast at your best friend's wedding. Fear of speaking grips you. But it doesn't have to. Not anymore. Full of relatable anecdotes, executable tips, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book promises to teach you 7 proven strategies to help you find your inner presenter. Don't wait any longer. Today is the day you take charge of your anxiety, calm your nerves, and - most importantly - speak with no fear. Excerpt & Encouragement BEFORE YOU BEGIN: BELIEVE I welcome you to jump into the strategies in the book. Just promise me that you won't start with doubt. Doubt deters you from taking strategies seriously. Doubt erodes confidence. Doubt makes truth seem like lies. Doubt will feed your fear and give you more speaking nightmares. So you have to let go of your doubts and start believing in yourself. A BIG part of overcoming fear is believing in yourself. Begin with belief. "Where you are is not where you have to be." This sentence was included in my introduction. Do you believe it? Do you believe in yourself? At least some part of you does. Otherwise you wouldn't have picked up this book! Let's build on this belief. Take a moment and whisper the immortal words from the classic story, The Little Engine That Could, "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can." Are you struggling? Do you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts? "It's not going to work for me.""I'm just not a good speaker.""I'm an introvert. I just can't.""I've tried in the past, and it didn't work." If you are struggling to believe, will you suspend disbelief while you read? Read this book as a believer, not as a skeptic. Education will often teach you to think critically. Keep that mindset for work and academics. This book needs you to think receptively. Trade in any negativity for positivity. Think well of yourself. Believe in yourself. Remember: "Where you are is not where you have to be." Act on these strategies and set yourself up for success in speaking, in your career, and in your life: THE SEVEN STRATEGIES 1.    Uncover & Clean the Wound 2.    Imagine the Worst 3.    You Be You 4.    Speak to One 5.    It's Not About You 6.    Channel The Power 7.    Be in the Moment

Recommended by Rhett Power

Sometimes, you just need a basic workbook to fuel your entrepreneurial engine. Ken Colwell's guide is exactly the motivational inspiration to lead you through those heady first months when you're driven by excitement and nerves--and maybe a little caffeine. I like the fact that Colwell gives readers exclusive access to additional resources after they buy his book. You'll find yourself reaching for Starting a Business QuickStart Guide more times than you expect, even after your startup is already humming. (from Amazon)

THE ULTIMATE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO STARTING A BUSINESS! Have you ever dreamt of starting your own business and living life on your terms? This book shows you EXACTLY what you need to know to stand out from the crowd! Do you have an idea for an amazing product or service but you aren't sure how to build a business around it? Then you NEED this book. Buy now and start reading today! Are you a current business owner who struggles to identify your customers and deliver true world-class value? Everything you need to know is included in these pages! Do you want to build your hobby business into a fully-fledged venture that will help you build the life you deserve? Then you NEED this book. Buy now and start reading today! The most comprehensive guide ever developed for starting and growing a business! In the highly competitive world of business, what makes or breaks a new entrepreneur? Sourced from over twenty years of firsthand experience working with entrepreneurs, new ventures, and high-growth startups, author Ken Colwell, PHD, MBA has the answers. In his comprehensive Starting a Business QuickStart Guide, Ken Colwell concisely presents the core fundamentals that all new entrepreneurs need to know to get started, find success, and live the life of their dreams. Business and entrepreneurship students, small business owners, managers, and soon-to-be entrepreneurs will all find a wealth of value within the pages of the Starting a Business QuickStart Guide. From the very first steps conceptualizing your venture to winning your first customers, delivering value, and turning a profit, this book acts as an invaluable blueprint for your path to entrepreneurial success. Colwell's clear voice, extensive experience, and easy-to-understand presentation come together to make this book a must-have resource in the library of every budding entrepreneur! Perfect For: Would-Be Entrepreneurs With a Ton of Passion!Entrepreneurial Students of All Ages!Beginners with Zero Prior Experience!Managers, Business Owners, and Decisions Makers Growing into a New Role!You'll Discover: The Difference Between an Idea and an Opportunity!What Makes an Entrepreneurial Opportunity Great!The Very First Steps You Need To Take To Get Your Venture Off The Ground!Pricing, Competition, Customer Identification, Marketing, and Distribution Demystified!The REAL Components of an Entrepreneurial Mindset!Exactly How To Craft Your Value Proposition!How to Write a Comprehensive Business Plan!**LIFETIME ACCESS TO FREE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES **: Each book comes with free lifetime access to tons of exclusive online resources to help you become a better business owner including: Business Plan Checklist & Presentation BlueprintLayers of Business Taxation Cheat SheetElevator Pitch Template & TipsAnd Many More!

Recommended by Rhett Power

My business doesn't fall into the retail category. Maybe yours doesn't, either. Nevertheless, Flora Delaney's insights, buoyed by sheer positivity, challenged me to rethink several of my core processes. I'm sure her book will have the same effect on you regardless of your field. After all, every company has some kind of sales component. Applying retail tips and techniques in specific areas can differentiate an organization from its counterparts, fostering measurable success and fast-tracking profits. I suggest you jot down Delaney's principles as you read: I did, and I keep referring to them for inspiration. (from Amazon)

Flora Delaney, retail expert and consultant helps retailers across the globe improve their business. And she says retail success comes from just 7 Timeless Principles.Each chapter dives into real-world examples of how stores capture our wallets and create lasting habits with their shoppers. Over 70 topics within the book include a "WIN Today" section that gives store owners, managers and employees specific things they can do re-focus on what really matters. If you are struggling … If you feel as if you and your team are working hard but you are not getting the results you want, you will find specific things you can do today to WIN in retail.WIN Today elements act like a retail coach urging you to take steps to improve your retail business. Like Good to Great and The One Minute Manager, store leaders across every channel are sure to turn to this essential book again and again to answer questions and solve problems. Flora's optimism, easy-to-understand approach and humor energizes senior managers, business owners and casual staff members to make changes to improve their store."It is what has been needed in the retail world: A real world guide based on real experience!"This book helps every retailer and small business owner focus on what really matters.This book is for you if you:•Own your own retail business– and wear many hats•Manage a team that is always busy – but is not achieving the results you want•Aspire to a career in retail and want to understand how it all fits together •Need help developing inexperienced managers and new hires to succeed quickly•Feel overwhelmed with multiple priorities in your retail operation •Are a vendor who wants to be a better partner to your retail customers. There are so many people and companies out there trying to make money from retailers by selling them solutions to get closer to their customers or to maximize their profits. Retailers are buying expensive IT solutions or sending their leadership teams to boot camps. All of these investments and yet, customers generally do not enjoy shopping or purchasing and feel more ignored than ever. What if I told you the reason is that all people really care about are the 7 Fundamental Principles?“It is what has been needed in the retail world: A real world guide based on real experience!” Rudy Simondi- Store Owner