Starting in January, Lawn & Landscape magazine will feature monthly book reviews in the Market Trends section, highlighting some of your favorite recent reads. Look for L & L Book Report next month, and don't forget to e-mail your favorites to Kristen Hampshire at khampshire@gie.net.
Here, Derek Blumberg, who appeared on Lawn & Landscape's July 2001 cover, offers his two-cents on why books help build businesses. He has been able to apply tips he learned from books to his Savage-Minn.-based company, Quality Seasons.
I believe strongly that there are only two ways to intentionally grow as a person, parent, spouse, friend, professional, business owner or team member.
· Outside influences and experiences
· Books
Learning from mentors is an excellent way to grow. Surround yourself with others more successful than you and you will grow. Learning from experience is great, but when you're a business owner, it can be costly.
Those who know me know I love books. Here is why. Reading books does two things for you. They either educate you or they confirm your ideals. I find that after I read a book, I am energized by what I learned and excited to take chances. I feel more intelligent, which gives me more energy after each book I read. It is also a great way to relax. I look forward to my reading time each day.
I did not always enjoy reading - I hated it! But, I knew that I needed more than experience and mentoring to continue growing. Just get started and read a little at a time. Pick a book on a subject where you need to grow. You'll find pretty fast that you will be looking for the next book to conquer. That is why I love books so much. I am battling ignorance, and when I am informed, I win.
Happy reading! - Derek Blumberg
Blumberg's favorite books are:
· "Developing the Leader Within You" by John Maxwell
· "Focus" by Al Ries
· "Full Price" by Thom Winninger
· "Raving Fans" by Ken Blanchard and Stephen Bowles
· "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson, M.D.
· "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
· The Bible