I wanted to improve my writing, and Stephen King’s On Writing is one of the most recommended books on the subject. There’s one interesting characteristic about taking notes on King’s work. It’s much harder to improve upon his writing than other authors I’ve noted. As a result, these notes include many direct quotes. If you want the full experience, read the book. I feel like I’m ruining a king’s work.
Read More“Make Your Bed“ is the name of both a book and a speech by Admiral William H. McRaven. The book is based on the speech of the same name, which was given at the University-wide Commencement at The University of Texas at Austin on May 17, 2014. I reviewed the speech transcript recently and wanted more. So, I read the book too. Here are my combined notes and takeaways from both the book and the speech, Make Your Bed.
Read MoreI first discovered Simon Sinek’s concept of The Infinite Game via a video in December 2019. The points made in The Infinite Game help explain many of the challenges I faced as the CEO of my last company. Ironically, prior to discovering this book and concept, my friend Tyler and I started a podcast with a focus on a similar theme: building companies that are meant to last. It’s literally called Startup to Last. This book has provided me with some new words (and justification) to help explain why building a company to last is so important to me. I hope these notes help you explore the possibility of adopting an infinite mindset as well.
Read MoreDale Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, has been recommended to me more times than I can count. It’s been on my reading list for years. I think I may have bought this book on three or four separate occasions. Who knows where those other copies are? I’m so glad I finally sat down and read this book. As you will see from my notes, it is packed with information and anecdotes. This book walks through four unique sets of principles you should follow when dealing with people in different situations.
Read MoreOver the years, I’ve seen Benjamin Franklin quoted countless times. And nearly every time, his quote made me pause, think, and reflect. Poor Richard’s Almanack is a collection of Franklin's maxims, rules, and aphorisms. I enjoyed reading them and I’ve included my favorite “wit and wisdom” in these notes.
Read MoreMy biggest challenge right now at LegUp Health is figuring out how to explain what LegUp Health is to potential customers. People do not buy what they do not understand. Most businesses (and people) face this challenge at various points in their lives. This book was recommended by a friend and is now my favorite read on positioning. Whether you’re a new startup or recent college graduate attempting to position yourself for the first time, or you’ve evolved and need to revisit your positioning, this book will help you think about your business (or yourself) in a new context. And that context might make it much easier for you to explain what you are to others.
Read MoreThis book was recommended to me by a friend as a good read on self-awareness. I enjoyed it. The book is packed with wisdom that is relevant to leaders and teams of all kinds. It’s also a book about emotions.
Read MoreOne of LegUp’s current ventures (GroupCurrent) provides outsourced community management for member-based groups. GroupCurrent’s founding client, PandoLabs, is focused on building an entrepreneurial community in Park City, Utah. I read this book for ideas on how we can improve GroupCurrent’s community playbook for PandoLabs. If you’re interested in building (or contributing to) a community, you might find these notes useful.
Read MoreMost people hate networking. I certainly do. But as my new ventures ramp up, I know I’m going to have to do it. This book is about how to transform networking from a series of transactions into a long term investment in new friendships. If you hate networking too, these notes will be useful to you.
Read MoreI had just launched LegUp Ventures and I needed a framework I could use to validate my new venture ideas. The Mom Test came highly recommended from several trusted friends. While the book focuses on business idea validation, the concepts discussed in the book can be used to help validate any idea you have (e.g. family, personal, etc.). I really enjoyed it and it was a quick read.
Read MoreAfter I read 1,000 copies, I realized I needed to create an audience to ensure the success of my next book. I bought this book to learn how to build an online audience. I chose it due the 100+ 5-star reviews on Amazon.
Read MoreI was considering whether to take on a consulting project. I wanted to make sure I had a solid sales and service plan before I started the project and negotiated compensation. I selected this book because it came highly recommended from a trusted friend.
Read MoreI’m considering writing another book, and I want to make sure I have a solid marketing plan before I start writing. I selected this book because it has over 300 5-star reviews on amazon.
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