Blog Archives
The Robin Hood Method – Raiding and Poaching Strategies to Enrich Your Small Business
The Robin Hood Method stands out as one of the most compelling books available for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Author John Ugyan dives into the realities of business ownership, sharing insights that blend practical advice with the motivational energy of someone who has truly lived the journey. He explores what drives people to start their own ventures and confronts the harsh truths that come with this path. His approach to competition, seeing it as an opportunity to learn rather than a threat, is refreshing. From his personal stories of career dissatisfaction to reflections on the transformative power of AI and the internet, Ugyan’s book strikes a balance between inspiration and realism.
Ugyan’s writing style is straightforward yet never dull. He makes complex business ideas accessible, like breaking down intricate concepts like AI integration and digital marketing into bite-sized and digestible parts. Real-world examples and anecdotes pepper the chapters, bringing clarity to otherwise dense topics. Even when he shares personal struggles or pivotal moments from his past, he maintains a tone that is both pragmatic and empathetic. Readers contemplating the leap from stable employment to entrepreneurship will find his perspective relatable and supportive.
The book flows through the ups and downs of running a business with such authenticity that it feels as if a seasoned mentor is walking alongside you. The depth of research is another standout feature. Ugyan’s authority on the topic shines in his well-supported arguments and rich details. He provides up-to-date analyses on digital tools, like social media and AI, emphasizing how they’re reshaping the business world. The information is thorough but never overwhelming, making it perfect for those wanting to stay ahead of the curve. Whether he’s discussing the benefits of remote work or dissecting the latest trends in online marketing, the insights feel relevant and indispensable.
One of the greatest strengths of this book lies in its practicality. It reads almost like a hands-on course, with each chapter structured to provoke thought and action. The breakdown of business tools and the way Ugyan presents data analysis are engaging, even for those who might find these topics intimidating. He challenges readers to build their own strategies, striking a balance by discussing both successes and failures. This transparency is stimulating, especially when he reveals his own setbacks. Instead of dampening enthusiasm, it reignites it, reminding readers that the entrepreneurial path is tough but ultimately rewarding.
John L. Ugyan has crafted a book that is insightful and rich in both storytelling and strategic guidance. The Robin Hood Method is a great companion for anyone serious about turning their business dreams into reality. Ugyan’s combination of motivational narrative with clear, step-by-step instructions makes it a valuable resource you won’t find in standard business textbooks.
Pages: 221 | ASIN : B0D1D32RN4
8 Steps To Becoming An Entrepreneur For Kids
Darren Henry’s 8 Steps to Becoming an Entrepreneur for Kids emerges as a vibrant and insightful guide, drawing in young readers with its clear introduction to entrepreneurship’s core tenets. The author employs a classroom setting, where curious fourth graders and their wise teacher, Mr. Bedell, embark on a journey through eight transformative steps that empower children to morph their ideas into a tangible business. More than a mere instructional manual, this work acts as a beacon of motivation, urging kids to harbor grand ambitions and providing the mental tools necessary to realize them.
The text shines due to its straightforward language and scenarios that children find familiar. Henry skillfully demystifies complex entrepreneurial ideas into manageable, actionable lessons. For instance, he uses the tale of Jonathan, a diligent young paperboy whose early morning endeavors highlight the value of perseverance, making the concept both accessible and impactful for young minds. These stories permeate the book, enriching the material and making the guidance practical and digestible. Steps are articulated clearly and are logically sequenced, enhancing comprehension and underscoring the incremental nature of building a business. Mr. Bedell’s role as a mentor enriches the narrative, maintaining engagement and adding depth to the educational journey. Mansurul Haque’s illustrations further enrich the book, their vibrancy and expressiveness breathing life into the entrepreneurial adventures depicted.
8 Steps to Becoming an Entrepreneur for Kids stands out as an indispensable resource for budding entrepreneurs. Through this book, Darren M. Henry not only imparts essential business knowledge but also fosters a mindset ripe with confidence and potential. It is an excellent introduction for elementary and middle school students, as well as educators and parents eager to introduce entrepreneurship in a manner both captivating and suitable for young learners. This book is an ideal launchpad for any child dreaming of transforming their visions into successful ventures.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B09T2PGGPJ
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
World War III by Kenneth Hamer-Hodges
We All want to be Happy by Ann Mullen-Martin
It’s TIME TO GROW: How Focusing On Spiritual Growth Can Transform Your Life and Relationships
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
We Need More Thought Leaders
The Second-Best Business Book Ever Written: The Pursuit of Thought Leadership in Sales, Marketing, and Life encourages readers to rethink the principles of leadership and focus on what truly matters: knowledge, authenticity, and the pursuit of a better world. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It was important for several reasons. I was dismayed at the quality of business books that have flooded the market in recent years (as many as 350,000 per year). Nearly all business books are written to capture more business for the author, secure speaking gigs, or raise the author’s hourly rates. I write about that in my book, and there’s little doubt that writing a business book is a terrific lead generation strategy. However, it makes the book less authentic, somewhat suspect in it’s purpose and mission, and more about an alternative motive than the true motive of a book, which is to educate, create curiosity, and drive increased thoughtfulness.
Second, I was the only person in the country teaching thought leadership as part of the disciplines of market leaders all through the lens of the great Greek scholars. It just wasn’t right for me to take this information to my grave. That would have been overtly selfish, and that wasn’t the thinking behind Socrates, his ace student, Plato, and Plato’s top student, Aristotle. Those three philosophers had a great love and respect for education. It was my time to share the doctrines as well.
And finally, we need to begin to align the positive factors that businesses who are thought leaders can have outside the business world. Businesses get a bad rap on their impact on society, and in many cases it’s well-deserved. But thought leaders really do have a worldview beyond the business construct. I think it’s important to show how thought leadership can make people better humans.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
By far and away it’s the notion of Eudaimonia. In part, it’s the Greek notion of happiness, but it doesn’t translate exactly to our happiness because being happy is fleeting. Thought leaders possess Eudaimonia, more aptly defined as a total and constant spirit of well-being. In addition to that, it was important for me to teach how to conduct Voice-of-Customer research (VOC), and how to sell your thought leadership and wisdom through my proprietary Critical Insight Selling technique.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
Well, for starters, it would have been to stop giving me so much advice. But in the end, I wish someone would have told me to keep a keen eye on the dirty ways of the world. I went into business blinded by so many half-truths. Frankly, around every corner there’s always going to be someone who is trying to game the system, who is more attentive to a money-grab than a grab for goodness, and those pursue shortcuts rather than cutting through the nonsense and doing it right.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
We need more thought leaders in business as well as businesses who embrace the discipline of thought leadership. It’s an actionable business practice that is available to any size company in any industry. So, it’s my sincere hope that people who read this book see the benefits and advantages of pursuing thought leadership. If that happens, we’ll have better business, better business people, and a better world.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Honesty, in its purest form, is a key characteristic of all thought leaders, so I’m going to hit you with the truth. Many business books today are written for the purpose of winning more business for an author, or acquiring new speaking gigs, and anyone who fits into that camp is A-OK with me. It’s a smart move. But after more than four decades in sales and marketing, I’m beyond those goals. Frankly, it feels great that I’m not anchored to those intentions anymore. I have only one intent in The Second-Best Business Book Ever Written, and that’s to teach the ins and outs of thought leadership to as many people as possible because that’s how corporations, and the individuals who run them, succeed.
There’s a process to becoming a thought leader; it’s methodical, detailed, and rewarding. After all, where’s the amusement in being a price-chopper? Or even a technology leader where the tenure is as short as my nephew’s attention span? The greatest thought leaders started sharing their thinking 2,500 years ago through the teachings of my four favorites: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Aspasia.
I’m going to travel with you down the thought leadership road, known as the Via Egnatia, from the foothills that rise above Athens to the skyscrapers that tower above Madison Avenue. And along the way, I’m going to show you how I did it for Fortune 500 companies, and for small and midsize businesses, with a few wild detours along the way.
By all accounts, the Green Bay Packers future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers was born with a rock-solid throwing arm and an annoying chip on his shoulder. I’m no Rodgers fan; after all, I was born and raised in inner-city Chicago and have been a Bears fan since birth, but I recognize greatness, and Aaron Rodgers is a great football player. Some of his other qualities? Not so much.
But these aren’t lessons about tackle football. They’re insights about leadership; about what happens off the football field, and on a more important playing field; about greatness in sales, marketing, and business; and about thought leadership, the single most important differentiator in the business playbook.
Or, as Plato not so recently said, obviously unaware of Aaron Rodgers’s famous retreat into darkness, “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”
I’d like to shed some light on what’s required in business, but frequently misunderstood. What every salesperson needs to know, but doesn’t always know how to achieve it. And what every marketing expert wishes they had in their bag of tricks. To simply say that thought leadership is an essential part of the disciplines of market leaders is like saying a stick is an essential part of a Popsicle. Well, it is, assuming you’re not interested in taste, color, packaging, name, price, quality, and the beat goes on.
Tom Marks survived forty-seven years in the advertising business and has lived to write about it. He’s the founder of TMA+Peritus, one of the leading marketing, thought leadership, and corporate ethics firms in North America and has won more than sixty-five American Advertising Awards for his writing. He spent many years on the professional speakers circuit and survived that, too. His thought leadership workshops for Fortune 500 companies have brought him national acclaim and has made him a favorite among the nation’s CEOs.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
Enough Is Enough: An Addict’s Guide to Self In-Power-Ment
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Transforming Ideas Into Sustainable Businesses
Valuepreneurs: The New Rules for Building Products, Growing Your Business, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream gives readers a clear step-by-step plan on how to turn their ideas into a successful venture. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Valuepreneurs is a pivotal work, born from my extensive journey as an entrepreneur and the collective insights on transforming ideas into sustainable businesses. I wrote this book to fill a significant gap in entrepreneurial education. While there are many ‘how-to’ guides out there, none of them offer a clear roadmap that combines the Business Model Canvas and Steve Blank’s customer development model. Despite these tools having been available for many years, success rates for new businesses haven’t improved significantly. My hypothesis is that entrepreneurs have lacked a proven guide that effectively integrates both tools into a single, easy-to-follow roadmap. This integration is exactly what Valuepreneurs is designed to do, helping entrepreneurs take an idea all the way to the market, especially in today’s sometimes complex business environment.
Writing Valuepreneurs was essential for me after a career that spanned building nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines, where I started as an apprentice and eventually moved into engineering. My hands-on work on the waterfront also helped me see things differently, applying that entrepreneurial mindset early on. Eventually I became the Risk Manager for the aircraft carrier construction program, where I wrote the process that become the standard for all aircraft carrier work at Newport News Shipbuilding, which was also recognized by Defense Systems Management College as the Industry Best Practice for risk management; you’ll see some aspects of risk in Valuepreneurs as a result.
Later, I spent over a decade helping to grow my wife’s small business into a multimillion-dollar business. Alongside this, I developed a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification aid that at its peak, was selling globally and bringing in more than $10,000 a month. Inspired by Shark Tank, I then set out to reinvent the bathroom faucet, an effort that not only led to a patented, award-winning product but also secured millions in government grants for a smart sensor version to aid motor-impaired individuals, which I am working on today.
Throughout this journey, I’ve celebrated great successes but also faced setbacks that cost time and money. Encouraged by friends like John Greene, who observed the breadth of knowledge I had gained, I decided to document these experiences. Last year, I put everything into writing this book. Interestingly, I once backed out of a publishing agreement for a book on risk management because I was told that business books were not done in color, which was frustrating for me. With Valuepreneurs, I wanted to offer the best experience possible, so the hardcover is in full color for those who prefer a more vibrant guide, while the paperback is in black and white to make it more affordable. Ensuring the book received the professional treatment it deserved, akin to any major publishing house’s work, appears to have paid off. From what I’m seeing from the reviews such as that from Literary Titan and the more than 150 already on Amazon, it looks like we did something right.
What is the biggest mistake that new entrepreneurs often make when they start out that often leads to failure, and how can they prevent that?
Many entrepreneurs believe they understand what their customers need and set out to create solutions based on these assumptions. However, this approach often leads to failure. Harvard Professor Clayton Christensen notes that 95% of new products fail, and according to Forbes, 90% of startups also fail. One of the most common mistakes that new entrepreneurs make is jumping into the market too quickly without really understanding their target audience. This rush can lead to offering products or services that don’t actually address any significant customer needs, which usually ends in failure. To avoid this pitfall, I strongly recommend carrying out detailed market research and thorough validation processes.
It’s crucial for entrepreneurs to conduct extensive customer discovery interviews. This step is all about getting to know the real challenges and needs of your audience. Such foundational work is vital as it helps refine your product to make sure it truly connects with and meets the expectations of potential customers, greatly enhancing your likelihood of success.
What advice do you have for teenagers looking to go into business, marketing, or becoming an entrepreneur?
For teenagers looking to dive into the world of business, marketing, or entrepreneurship, my advice is simple: never stop learning. It’s crucial to use every tool at your disposal. Dive into books, eBooks, and audiobooks—there’s a wealth of knowledge in them. But remember to read reviews and make informed choices about what you’re learning from.
Podcasts are another fantastic resource for staying updated with the latest information. Just ensure that you’re listening to reliable sources. Integrating learning into your daily routine can amplify your knowledge without overwhelming you. For instance, listen to podcasts or audiobooks while you’re mowing the lawn, walking the dog, or driving. While listening to music is enjoyable and provides a necessary break, it’s the learning that truly pays off in the long run. I call it “Value University” in the book.
Another key piece of advice: surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. There’s a saying that you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. Choose to spend time with those who are driven and going places—it will inspire you to push your boundaries and expand your horizons.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Valuepreneurs?
One important lesson from Valuepreneurs is that you need to keep talking to your customers throughout the development of your product. To really succeed, it’s crucial to use the systematic approach the book talks about. This includes building your Business Model Canvas (BMC) and continuously checking in with not just the buyers of your product, but also with everyone involved in your business, like manufacturers, suppliers, and other key partners.
This process of talking to your customers and business partners isn’t something you do just once. Instead, it’s an ongoing conversation that happens as your product changes and improves. This helps make sure your product does what customers need and is priced right for them. Plus, it’s vital to keep testing your business ideas, the hypotheses you’ve written in your BMC, to see if they hold true in the real world.
By always engaging with all your customers and testing your ideas, you refine your product so it fits the market better. This ongoing effort can greatly increase your chances of success in a competitive market.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Online Resume
Did you know that 90% of new products fail? And the reason isn’t because the products are bad ideas, it’s because most entrepreneurs lack the business know-how to bring their inventions to market profitably.
In Valuepreneurs author, inventor, and entrepreneur Steve Waddell shares his 30+ years of experience in bringing new products to market. Waddell takes you on a transformative journey from initial idea to marketplace hit!
Valuepreneurs was written for:
Innovators eager to disrupt markets
Would-be entrepreneurs with a ton of passion!
Entrepreneurial students of all ages
Anyone wanting a mentor by their side to guide your entrepreneurial journey
Valuepreneurs reveals PRECISELY how to make your product idea soar above the rest. You’ll discover how to shape your vision into a tangible product that truly resonates with your audience and how to navigate the business battleground of patents, trademarks, product development, testing, marketing, sales, and financing. Everything you need to know to bring your product idea to market and turn it into a lucrative business is included in these pages.
Valuepreneurs covers:
Is your Idea a Vitamin or a Painkiller? Learn the difference, and why it’s important
Unlocking the secrets of market validation to ensure your product meets real customer needs and desires
Fuel your dreams: learn ways to raise capital and ignite success
The craft of developing an irresistible business plan
Patents, Trademarks, and navigating the legal landscape to protect your innovation
Valuepreneurs VIP Club
You also receive EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE VALUEPRENEURS VIP CLUB: Your book purchase grants lifetime entry to elite resources, crucial for business mastery:
Business Model Canvas Template & Checklist
Customer Persona Worksheet
SMART Goals Template
Features Benefits Value (FBV) Worksheet
And more!
Giving Back:
RosenThor Publishing is dedicated to community support, donating proceeds to German Shepherd Rescue Organizations, ensuring every purchase makes an impact.
Classroom Adoption:
Educators, enrich your curriculum with “Valuepreneurs” – contact us for specialized academic materials.
Valuepreneurs distills the essence of those experiences into a potent guide from product conception to securing your first sale, delivering value, and beyond. Clear, experienced, and profoundly insightful, this book is a treasure for any aspiring entrepreneur! Get your copy today.
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⭐Winner 2024 International Impact Book Award Winner
⭐Winner 2024 First Place, Business – Entrepreneurship Award, The BookFest Awards
⭐Winner 2024 Business/Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Firebird Book Award
⭐Winner 2024 Book Interior Design Nonfiction, Firebird Book Award
⭐Winner 2024 Spring, Nonfiction, Business/Finance, PenCraft Awards, Literary Excellence
RISE ABOVE – Overcoming the challenges of small business
Rise Above by Nicola Ward is an insightful exploration of the challenges faced in entrepreneurship, skillfully intertwining personal experiences with broader business wisdom. Ward offers a compelling narrative that draws from her own journey and interactions with various individuals, shaping a guide that resonates with both seasoned entrepreneurs and novices. The book emphasizes the indispensable role of strategic planning in business, akin to its necessity in life. Ward revisits the often-quoted maxim ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail,’ reinforcing its truth with practical examples. She extends this principle to the concept of positioning, cleverly arguing that being in the right place can invite repeated opportunities. The author delves into familiar tools such as business plans and SWOT analysis, shedding light on their profound impact beyond their surface-level simplicity.
Ward’s fusion of theoretical frameworks with real-world scenarios adds a layer of authenticity to her narrative. Her openness about past mistakes lends the book a relatable quality, illustrating that errors are inevitable and invaluable learning opportunities. Ward emerges as a mentor figure, balancing firm guidance with empathetic understanding. Her powerful and engaging delivery equips the reader to face diverse challenges. Ward navigates through topics like sales, marketing, customer behavior, and decision-making with clarity and focus, avoiding tangents yet remaining thorough. Her approach is detailed but accessible, avoiding jargon without underestimating the reader’s intellect. The personal anecdotes included are tastefully shared, enhancing the narrative without oversharing.
Describing Rise Above as an enriching experience parallels the satisfaction of the captivation of a final, riveting lecture or the delight of a first bite after hours of cooking. This book is not just a collection of advice and anecdotes; it’s a journey through the art of entrepreneurship, offering a nuanced understanding that extends beyond business into the realms of personal growth and resilience.
Pages: 170 | ISBN : 0646891596
LITERARY TITAN 