Sales, Academics and Literature

...So I am reading 5 books at once.
In fact, I am more inclined to start a new book than finish one these days.
I was told I would get lost, but I thought I could pull it out.
It turned out I can't.

I am writing this down to share my concern for the similarities between the two marketing books "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" by David Meerman Scott and "Guerilla PR 2.0" by Michael Levine. I honestly cannot remember what part i read in which of the two books!! Well, I am further ahead in the reading of Guerilla PR 2.0, but only because I started it first.

Online public relations and digital marketing are incontestably the stars today in the marketing world. It's new, it's trendy, it's cheap, and given the crisis, it's sales material.

It triggers my concern on the trendiness of certain topics. One day there's the elections and all the books are suddenly revolving around it, the next there's a financial crisis, and hey, take a look at the books published. Now, seriously, ever read a good book under those conditions?

It is sad but true. We cannot resist to purchase a book with a trendy topic. Yet, they're never worth it. It just never fails.

The Heartache of a Subordinate

I write this down on behalf of all the people employed out there. As my first job that entails a "boss" I finally understand the pain of being a subordinate.

I admit I'm not a perfect employee, I cannot stand doing silly tasks, and I don't like being told what to do, and even less being criticized, especially when I am right.

However, it helps.
Being an employee helps you become a better boss.

This is what I have learned:

• I understood that the first 15 seconds are the most important to make an impact.
• Sometimes it is not what you say, but rather how you say it that matters.
• The way you greet and the way you say goodbye are the most important criteria in all the conversations.
• Memorizing names and faces is a must, and when you know the name, use it!
  
• When you know something of value, share it.
• Cut down on the gossip, it never fails to get you in trouble.
  
• It is ok not to answer questions when they're tricky.
• Never pretend to know what you do not.
• Ask as many questions as you think necessary.
• Interact, do not be a passive listener, direct the conversation in ways that could be beneficial.
  
• I learned that it is important to be authentic and true to yourself as well as to others. Even if the person whom you put up the mask for can't see your true face, those who get to see your many faces will figure it out, and you'll eventually loose all credibility.
• It is important to remain positive in all circumstances. I suppose it is common for a boss to become stressful and to spread the tension around.
• Yes, you should keep your employees motivated, and it definitely helps to give compliments, but how about if they were truthful? mean what you say, or do not say it.
• Take responsibility for your own failures, especially when others get blamed.
• I realized that loud people tend to be the most confident and they tend to get ahead in their careers, as they put their best foot forward. Of course, not all loud people.
• Let your little stars shine, give them the freedom to grow and take initiatives, and maybe, just maybe, you'd relieve yourself of some of that stress and responsibility.
  
• Love to be loved. The more I see, the more I get convinced that to love is the single most essential thing, even in business. It's like how people say "the more you give, the more you get".

I suppose I am no longer a fan of the high EQ leader. I am more inclined to believe that an authentic leader makes a better one. I am currently seeking to read the book "The leader as a mensch: become the kind of person that others want to follow" by Bruna Martinuzzi as I believe it describes my views today of the ideal leader. (and no, this is NOT affiliate marketing).