Playing the part of Internet DJ, here’s a sampling of what I’ve been reading the past few days.
1.) Tim Ferriss and the 4-Hour Work Week – I have not read this book, and had no plans to. There is no shortcut to success, and the whole premise of his book sounded flawed to me. However, I am reconsidering the book, and may even buy the new updated version of it, after reading this post on the 9 habits to stop now. Included on the list is something I’ve been giving great consideration – somehow getting a better handle on email. I need to turn it back into a productivity tool instead of a business ball and chain. Why did voicemail never turned into the time suck that email has?
2.) Mark Hayward is a new blogger I’ve stumbled upon. His recent post, “It’s OK to BE Different” is just what the young, nascent entrepreneur needs to hear. The psychology of the entrepreneur is one of risk-taking, but not all entrepreneurs are balls-out crazy. Therefore, it sometimes helps to have people rooting for you. And those people would hopefully be friends and loved ones. When they are the ones telling you that you are crazy, it’s good to have a.) thick skin, and b.) a solid, bullet-resistant business plan.
3.) Jason at A Smart Bear talks about “sunk costs” and explains that throwing good money after bad is quite obviously a terrible idea. And yet, businesses do it all the time. This is a must-read post for not only entrepreneurs, but anyone in a decision-making position in business. Kudos to A Smart Bear on this post – it rocks.
4.) Philip at UrbanBacon interviews one of my favorite people on earth, Arlene Maminta Browne of Robust Wine Bar. I have had some rough (read: awesome) nights at Robust, and I especially appreciate their embrace of Social Media. Plus, it’s hard to forget that I met Gary Vaynerchuk there and got to drink wine with him. If you can feel a certain enthusiasm coming from Arlene in this interview, that’s no mistake – she and Stanley love what they do. Restaurants, take note – Social Media can help your business!