Creating Competitive Advantage-Why a Book Study?
Hi!
If you've seen or heard me talking lately you've likely noticed something about a book study program that we're starting. I'm really passionate about this opportunity and thought I'd share a little more about why. Before I forget, it's not too late to order the book (at either Peg's Place or Legacy Connection). It's a quick read and the video book study is archived at Peg's Place!
So, why a community book study? This is actually something I've wanted to do for a long time. The benefits of learning together are well documented. Being guided through the book AND coming together, in person, to continue the learning is a very powerful combination. If you need more reason than that, a couple of blog posts ago I shared a post from Bill Glazer that talked about the 3 habits that all successful entrepreneurs have
- They READ
- They CONTINUE their EDUCATION by attending LIVE learning events
- They create and use S.M.A.R.T. goals
I also mentioned that I'm a life long learner and that the above 3 practices are things that I not only do but that we model and offer as opportunity for our members. Through our Peg's Place book study of Creating Competitive Advantage by Jaynie Smith we're taking the learning from this book to the next level. We're modeling the best practices of READING and attending LIVE learning events. Very simply, I would not be where I am or able to go where I'm headed without the learning that I've engaged in. I want to share that practice with our community. I've been answering many questions about this program as I've been networking and talking about it. You might have some of these same questions!
Q: Do you have to be a Legacy Connection member to participate?
A: NO! The Peg's Place video book study is open to all! The iConnection session is free to members and first time visitors. Others pay just $10 at the door to join us!
Q: Why Creating Competitive Advantage?
A: Larry Watson is in an ACCEL group that I facilitate. He's talked about the impact of this book MANY times. I finally bought it and understood his excitement. Jaynie Smith, the author, correctly states that most business owners DO NOT understand their competitive advantages and CANNOT communicate them. Doing so can change the course of your business. THAT'S WHY! What have you spent $15 (or less) on that you can say has changed the course of your business?
Q: Do you know the author?
A: No, I don't know the author but Larry Watson, our study facilitator, has participated in one of her trainings and has been strategizing with her to faciliate similar studies for her clients.
Q: I don't like to or have time to read, is there an audio?
A: On Amazon, it says that the audio is out of print. With a little more searching it might be possible to find one. I know that everyone learns differently but most learning requires some form of reading. Here's what I do that might help you too! MOST business development books have the most important information in the beginning and at the end. So, I read the beginning, skim the middle (if I think it's important I dive in deeper) and then be sure to read the last chapter for the summary/recap/conclusions. Having said that, Creating Competitive Advantage is a book that I read cover to cover-twice!
Q: Why the book study AND the in-person session?
A: I recently read Know Can Do by Ken Blanchard, etal. It's a great book for both learners and educators/trainers because it talks about how to turn what you learn into what you do. I'll save you some time and share the "secret": practice (if you're the learner) or offer (if you're the educator) spaced repetition of the learning. Spaced repetition practices could include
- skimming the book and highlighting points of interest (this is why I like to have the book rather than an audio of a book that I believe will be impactful)
- re-reading it and making notes of the important points
- Tell someone about what you learned-if you can "teach" it, even better!
- Discuss it with a group that has also read the book
- Practice what you've learned!
If you follow our book study (and this is the first of several we have planned!) you will be practicing spaced repetition:
- Read the book (highlighting optional)
- Take notes on the book (optional)
- View the video guides at the Peg's Place website
- Take more notes!
- Check out our newsletter success tips (many will be about the reading) (Not on our newsletter list?-sign up at the Legacy Connection website!)
- Attend the iConnection, in-person, session on August 18th!
Q: What will the iConnection session be about?
A: iConnection is always about Interactively Igniting Innovation. For this session we'll be brainstorming the question, " What did you get out of the book and what did others learn that you can use in your business?" NOTE: While I REALLY hope you'll read the book, you'll still get a lot from this session if you didn't read it!
Please let me know if you have questions or comments. Will you be joining our book study?
Say YES!
To YOUR success,
Peg Stookey
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