Good Short Read-Anything You Want by Derek Sivers

I got this book recommendation from CraftMBA‘s blog.  As the summer comes to a close I’m getting my summer reading in.  Specifically targeting books that will help me think about my jewelry business in a different way.  I must say this book by Derek Sivers titled Anything You Want is very enlightening as well as an eye opener, and it’s a book you can finish in a few hours.  Here are some great points he made in his book-hopefully you’ll find them helpful:

1. No “yes.” Either “HELL YEAH!” or “no.”

That’s right if you’re not saying “Hell Yeah!” about something then your better off just saying “no.”  Makes sense right? I mean if you’re not excited about it then why say yes.  Just think of all the times you’ve said yes to something only to wish later on that you said no.  Put time and energy where you feel the most excitement.

2.  Proudly exclude people

We all know that we cannot please everyone, so don’t be afraid to exclude.  I remember when I just started out and was selling jewelry at this flea market and a lady walked up to my table and look at one of my quartz bangles and said “very nice” then she looked at the price tag and was like “$10?!!” she then said to me, with a look on her face as though she just swallowed a bottle of vinegar, “Don’t you think that’s too much?” I started to state my case that these are one of kind pieces , but I saved my breath and simply said, “Well maybe that bangle just isn’t for you.”  She was a little shocked at my reaction, but clearly she wasn’t my target market.  That was my last time setting up a table at that market.

3. “Like  you don’t need the money”

Ever come across a pushy vendor or salesperson?  It’s a complete turn off.  When you love what you do, that feeling is projected to a potential customers.  Sivers says “Set up your business like you don’t need the money, and it’ll likely come your way.”

4.  “Little things make all the difference.”

We’ve heard it before, little things do make the difference.  Sivers mentions that people remember when you do something that makes them smile, they don’t care about your fancy “business model.”

These are just some of the highlights from the book that I thought were great.  It’s definitely a book that every entrepreneur should read, it’ll change the way you look at situations.