If you’ve ever searched for business books on Amazon, you know the choices are almost unlimited. Where do you even start?
In this episode, BELAY’s Director of Marketing Amy Appleton and I are joined by Bryan Kelly, a strategic advisor, investor, and founder of Stroke of Genius. His Stroke of Genius program provides busy leaders with key ideas to execute from popular business books.
He’ll chat about how leaders and readers can identify the right books for them, and then quickly identify and retain the advice they need to become better leaders.
When reading a book, actively taking notes is crucial for effective learning. Whether you jot them in the margins or in a separate journal, writing solidifies information in your mind.
This is because writing stimulates memory more deeply than highlighting or mentally noting. It activates various parts of your brain, leading to fuller engagement and improved information retention. As a result, the knowledge becomes more accessible for later recall.
Those who create demand are deeply invested in understanding their customers' needs, pain points, and desires. They see themselves as problem-solvers and innovators, tailoring their offerings to meet specific customer requirements.
In contrast, those who capture demand are less concerned with building deep customer relationships and more focused on attracting customers who are already looking for a product or service. They often rely on generic search terms and other marketing channels to reach these customers.
While both approaches can be successful, creating demand often offers greater control, long-term sustainability, and the potential for higher margins.
Explaining a concept to someone else can significantly enhance your understanding. It gives you the time to bounce ideas back and forth, clarify your thoughts, and receive valuable feedback. By addressing clarifying questions, you can refine your explanation and ensure accurate communication.
When someone doesn't like your offering, it's an opportunity to learn. Every response, whether positive or negative, provides valuable insights. By understanding their perspective, you can better address their needs in the future or recognize if it's simply not a good match.
Bryan’s insights on reading effectively, understanding customer needs, and seeking feedback provide valuable tools for leaders looking to grow and succeed. By applying these principles, you can unlock the full potential of business books and become a more effective leader.
Here are some questions for you and your team to think about:
How would you describe product differentiation?
How do you think your product or service stands out from your competitors?
What could you do better to differentiate?
Do you believe your strategy is more about capturing demand or creating demand?