by Brian Brady
Commercial Real Estate Finance Expert
Structured Debt and Equity
Licensed Real Estate Broker in AL, CA, and FL
The concept of lifetime education is embraced by successful people everywhere. While a college education is an invaluable experience, most of what I’ve learned about sales, marketing, investing, and business has come from books, tapes, CDs, seminars and Russ-casts.
There are a lot of “success marketers” out there. Rather than criticize some of the fugazi, I’ll highlight one of my favorite authors, Brian Tracy. I started reading Brian Tracy’s sales training books some 10-15 years ago. Brian gives direct advice like “come to work an hour before everyone else”. What appears to be a 400-page “no-brainer” guide actually works if you implement his advice.
As luck would have it, Brian offices about 4 blocks from my home and has his mane coiffed at the same salon as I do. One afternoon, about 3 years ago, we shared neighboring chairs and I had a 20-30 minute conversation with the man. He graciously accepted my compliments and suggested I read his new book, Goals ! and the accompanying Goal Planner workbook. I have read it each December since that day.
Goals! was published in 2003 and explains the 7 key elements of goal setting and the 12 steps required to set and accomplish goals of any size. Suggestions like become an expert in your field, associate with the right people, and make a written plan of action are not furtive. Mr. Tracy gives actionable ideas for implementation that are written in plain English; no metaphysical overtones nor MBA-speak.
The Goal Planner is not a workbook of revelation. If you perform the simple exercises, over a 30-day period, the ten bucks spent will be returned within the first 60 days. It’s not a bad way to kick off the new year.
Brian Tracy International has a whole goals package available but most of us won’t take the time to watch the DVDs and listen to the audio. If you want some simple direction for the new year, grab the book and workbook, spend a weekend reading, and start 2008 with clarity.
Happy New Year Bloodhound readers! Your feedback and comments are what make this a special place on the internet and fuel my thirst for knowledge. I am often humbled by your willingness to share your knowledge with me. Good Luck in 2008!
Russell Shaw says:
Brian, I am humbled by your compliment.
You are an extremely intelligent person and it is a privilege to get to contribute to the success of others. Our stats were down for 2007 but I am currently planning on 2008 being our very best year ever!
January 1, 2008 — 11:52 am
Ken Montville says:
You’re right, Brian. Tracy may be one of the “old school” masters but some stuff is timeless.
January 1, 2008 — 4:14 pm
Jeff Brown says:
>As luck would have it, Brian offices about 4 blocks from my home and has his mane coiffed at the same salon as I do.
Yet another opportunity I’ve missed due to a simple lifestyle choice. 🙂
I’ve also thought Tracy’s goal setting approach and ‘handbook’ were straightforward and so easy a Realtor could grasp its principles. 🙂
You’ve done hundreds of agents and mortgages brokers a very kind and thoughtful service.
January 1, 2008 — 4:52 pm
Brian Brady says:
“Our stats were down for 2007 but I am currently planning on 2008 being our very best year ever!”
I have no doubt that will happen. Thanks for making 2007 so much fun and meaningful. I’m excited, actually giddy about 2008.
January 1, 2008 — 9:54 pm
Arlington Virginia Condos — Jay says:
Does anybody remember the book by Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, Life is Tremendous? What a classic! We had to read it our first week of a sale internship in college that entailed selling books door to door (Varsity co. not Southwestern) for 75 hours a week. Talk about an education!
The principle I remember most–the best way to feel enthusiastic is to ACT enthusiastic. So true….Maybe somebody should tell Fred Thompson–haha
January 2, 2008 — 6:32 am
Andy Scherer says:
“What appears to be a 400-page ‘no-brainer’ guide actually works if you implement his advice.”
Brian, this qoute sums up everything. If you do not take action on advice or training that you are given, there is not going to be any difference in your overall outcome.
Excellent summary for Brian Tracy’s book, and I will have to go get it since I haven’t bought that one yet!
January 2, 2008 — 9:19 am
Steve Ramirez says:
Brian Tracy is great. I have purchased many of his materials in the past. Brian Tracy has a lot of excellent packages on sales training, time management, and etc… I always liked his audiotapes because it reinforces actionable steps to implement in any business.
January 22, 2008 — 9:51 am