Inspiring books I’ve read

Selling to Serve – James Asford – GoProposal

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james ashford selling to serve goproposal

I have just read Selling to Serve by James Ashford of GoProposal. I must say from the outset that I am not an accountant, but I have worked with a fair few over the years. I can see that the tactics and strategies outlined by James could be universally applied to most businesses. But the book does an excellent job to ensure the tactics and strategies resonate with accountancy practice owners. ...
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Have you read ‘They Ask You Answer’ by Marcus Sheridan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Have you had a chance to read "They Ask, You Answer" by Marcus Sheridan yet? If you are conducting marketing for a small business then this is a must-read for you! This book provides a view of blogging, content marketing and SEO that non-techie, business owners can understand and implement. The book is full of real-life examples and Marcus uses the resurrection and growth of his struggli...
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Outrageous Multi-Step Marketing Campaigns That Are Outrageously Successful by Bill Glazer

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This is a fantastic book for any marketer. But it is real inspiration for anyone looking to automate their marketing with Keap / Infusionsoft. There are 49 multi-step proven and tested campaigns in the book that every marketer can take lessons from. What I found very useful was that this book is not just about online marketing - sending emails, Facebook ads etc. But real-world tangible marketin...
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Making Websites Win by Karl Banks & Ben Jesson – founders of Conversion Rate Experts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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If you are looking to get the most sales from your website then you need to read this book, Making Websites Win from Conversion Rate Experts. It is full of actionable learnings on how to go about scientifically optimising not just your website but all aspects of your business. I am grateful to Nigel Botterill from The Entrepreneurs Circle for recommending that I read this book. The amazi...
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Have you read “The Ultimate Sales Machine” by Chet Holmes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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I read "The Ultimate Sales Machine" by Chet Holmes after a client recommended it. Have you read it? For instance, I learnt that only 10% of people will proactively learn and enjoy doing so? 90% will only do so when they have to as part of their job. That is what sorts the best from the rest. A main theme throughout the book is the need for "Pig headed determination" to bring about change. An...
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Book Review – Duct Tape Marketing by John Jantsch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Duct Tape Marketing is a great book for the small business owner and marketer without being full of marketing speak and jargon. Full of practical steps that a marketer can take to move the business forward. Here are the top tips that I took from Duct Tape Marketing :- Chapter 13, 'Ramp Up a Systematic Referral Machine'. My eyes lit up when the title of the chapter mentioned "Machine". Th...
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Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself by Mike Michalowicz ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Do you worry that your business will collapse without your constant presence? Are you sacrificing your family, friendships, and freedom to keep your business alive? What if instead, your business could run itself, freeing you to do what you love when you want, while it continues to grow and turn a profit? It's possible This super book goes hand in hand with the book Work The System (See post ...
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Jordan Belforts Straight Line Selling methodology applied to Keap / Infusionsoft marketing

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This weekend I read the excellent book 'Way of the Wolf' by Jordan Belfort. In this book, he outlines his Straight Line Selling methodology. This is fantastic training if you are a salesperson or manage a sales team - definitely worth a read. But what struck me was the way that the Straight Line Selling methodology could be applied to Keap / Infusionsoft marketing campaigns using the Keap / Inf...
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Top 10 Marketing Business Books for Entrepreneurs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Here are my top 10 marketing business books for entrepreneurs (PDF download). Now, these books will only resonate with you if you own or work in a small entrepreneurial business where generating sales is key. If you are looking for academic marketing books or you work in corporate marketing then these will not be for you. There is just a brief explanation of the value I received each time I read t...
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‘Work the System’ by Sam Carpenter

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This book I found really thought-provoking and actionable. With Keap / Infusionsoft we systemise the marketing activity, and even subsequent internal processes can be automated. But what this book highlighted to me is that even in a business where Keap / Infusionsoft is brilliantly executed if it is surrounded by disorganised systems then the business will never fully achieve its potential. For...
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What the Thryv Takeover of Keap Means for Small Business Owners

The recent acquisition of Keap by Thryv marks a significant shift in the CRM and small business software landscape. For many Keap users, this merger brings up key questions about platform integration, product evolution, and the potential for new tools. In this post, I’ll walk through what this change means and what small business owners should expect. Why the Merger? Thryv, known for its comprehensive business management solutions, has strategically acquired Keap to expand its reach among small businesses looking for robust yet accessible CRM systems. Keap’s user-friendly automation features, coupled with Thryv’s broader suite, means enhanced capabilities for current and future clients. What Changes to Expect For current Keap users, you can expect gradual changes, likely with added features and expanded integrations. Thryv’s emphasis on streamlining business operations suggests more tools to simplify client interactions, appointments, and marketing processes. Is This Good News for Keap Users? Absolutely. Thryv’s resources and support structures will likely bring increased development and security to the platform. While there may be a transition period, the overall integration should enhance Keap’s tools and provide access to new solutions without losing the functionality and simplicity Keap users rely on. Looking Forward Change can be daunting, but this merger could offer significant advantages for small business owners looking for reliable CRM solutions. Thryv’s larger framework could make automation and client engagement even easier to manage, with new possibilities for growth and scalability. For any small business looking to stay on top of client management, this merger might just be the beginning of an era where user needs are met more effectively than ever before. Stay tuned as I continue to follow these developments, keeping you informed about how they impact your CRM strategy.
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Free Google Review Card with NFC and QR code – ReviewBoost-Pro

Do you want to capture more Google Reviews from your customers? Do you interact with your customers face to face? Say in a restaurant, shop, dental practice etc etc? If yes, then a Google Review card makes it super easy to ask for and capture Google reviews from your happy customers. It all starts with a ReviewBoost-Pro NFC / QR code enabled card. Simply tap the card on the customers phone – or scan the QR code and your Google My Business review page pops up immediately. So making it really easy to ask happy customers there and then for a Google Review. Want to give it a try? Get a free card – just pay £2 towards postage and packing. (one card per customer/company)
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Julian launches a new tool to get Google Reviews – ReviewBoost-Pro

Julian has just launched a new tool to make it easy for businesses to ask for and capture Google reviews. It is called ReviewBoost-Pro. It all starts with a NFC / QR code enabled card. Simply tap the card on the customers phone – or scan the QR code and your Google My Business review page pops up immediately. So making it really easy to ask happy customers there and then for a Google Review. For more information please visit ReviewBoost-Pro.com
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Why expensive “Guru” Cookie-Cutter Strategies and Templates Don’t Work for Your Business

You’ve seen them: the gurus in your industry flashing their fancy cars, designer watches, and million-dollar homes. They’ve got the “winning system” and are more than happy to sell you the so-called “secrets” behind their success. But here’s the harsh reality: these cookie-cutter solutions rarely, if ever, work. Take it from my client, John (name changed, but the story is 100% real). John came to me after years of frustration. He was exhausted. He’d followed every step the gurus laid out—buying courses, bought that latest software tools, buying Keap campaign templates, copying HighLevel snapshots. You name it, John had tried it. Every guru promised the same thing: “Just follow this blueprint, and you’ll be making six figures in no time.” (As an aside – as soon as a potential JV partner, affiliate etc says “we will make a fortune together then run a mile – they will never deliver) So John did. He followed every script, every formula. No shortcuts. And guess what happened? Nothing. Each time, it flopped. Over and over again. John wasn’t just disappointed—he was on the verge of giving up. His business wasn’t just stagnant; it was going backward. He was wasting time and burning through money, trying to force-fit his business into someone else’s mould. Here’s the thing: These “winning systems” may have worked for the gurus, but they’re not built for your business, your audience, or your goals. (Often the winning system is the system that sold you on buying the winning system – and that is now what you sell.) Every business is different, and what works for one person often fails for another. Yet, that’s exactly what John had been doing—forcing his unique business into a generic template. And it was costing him more than just money—it was draining his energy, his time, and his sanity. When John came to me, we took a step back. We stopped trying to squeeze his business into a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we created a personalized plan, tailored to his strengths, his audience, and his vision. Within just a few months, John saw results that completely turned things around. He went from feeling like he was drowning to generating more income in a week than he had in months. That’s what happens when you ditch the cookie-cutter formulas. I’ve spent the last 20 years learning and studying the stratergies and tactics the “gurus” preach—and yes, there’s value in understanding them. But the difference is, I don’t just copy and paste. I apply the right mix of strategies that work for your specific business. If you’re tired of following cookie-cutter formulas that don’t work, I’m here to help. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions—I believe in your solution. Let’s sit down, look at where you are, and create a plan that actually works for you. If you’re ready to stop wasting time on ineffective tactics, I’d love to chat. Let’s schedule a Discovery call and find the right path forward for your business. You can book a Discover Call here.
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Industrial Espionage on the cheap – a nice little growth hack

I was just reading my recent copy of The Circular (Issue 168, page 27) from the Entrepreneur’s Circle and had to chuckle at this smart little growth hack. Nick Jenkins who founded Moonpig.com was telling EC members how he had grown his business from £2.5M to £45M. He was looking to scale and had discounted TV advertising as too expensive. But he noticed one of his competitors was using TV. So in a nutshell by placing a regular order for a greetings card from the competitor and recording the order number he was able to get a good estimate on the number of sales they were doing. (Because most companies accounting systems use a sequential ordering number.) And from this and making informed assumptions he was able to work back that the average cost per customer was £10, which was the magic number. And so this gave him to confidence to throw £50,000 into a TV advert. And the rest as they say is history. This is just one example how over the past 5 years the EC has made me a smarter entrepreneur and positively impacted on my business growth – try for yourself and take a look at The Entrepreneurs Circle, they even do a free trial.
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10 ways (as of July ’24) that HighLevel AI can elevate your marketing creativity and effectiveness

The integration of AI in CRM and marketing automation platforms has revolutionised how businesses operate, making tasks more efficient and creative. HighLevel, with its built-in AI features, is a prime example of how artificial intelligence can enhance marketing efforts. Here are ten ways HighLevel’s AI can help you become a better marketer: 1. Crafting Email Copy HighLevel’s “Content AI” feature streamlines the process of writing email copy. You can draft compelling and engaging emails directly within the platform, eliminating the need to switch between different tools or copy and paste text from outside sources. This seamless integration saves time and ensures consistency in your messaging. 2. Writing for Websites, Landing Pages, and Sales Funnels Creating persuasive copy for websites, landing pages, and sales funnels is crucial for conversions. With HighLevel, you can write and edit your copy directly on the page, using AI to suggest improvements and optimize your content for better engagement. 3. Social Media Content Creation The social media scheduler in HighLevel is equipped with AI to help you craft effective social media posts. Whether you’re promoting a new product or sharing industry insights, the AI can generate relevant and engaging content that resonates with your audience. 4. Image Creation Visual content is key to capturing attention. HighLevel’s AI can assist in creating images for your emails, web pages, and beyond. This feature allows you to produce professional-looking visuals without needing advanced design skills, making it easier to maintain a cohesive brand image. 5. Responding to Reviews Managing customer feedback is essential for maintaining a positive reputation. HighLevel’s AI can draft responses to reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook, or even automate the response process. This not only saves time but ensures that responses are consistent and on-brand. 6. Handling Social Media Comments Engagement on social media is crucial for building relationships with your audience. HighLevel’s Workflow automation triggers enable you to respond to comments on social media posts efficiently. The AI can suggest responses or handle them automatically, ensuring timely and appropriate interactions. 7. AI-Assisted Live Chat Offering live chat support on your website is an excellent way to engage visitors and answer their questions in real-time. HighLevel’s AI can assist with live chat, providing answers to common queries and helping guide visitors towards making a purchase or booking a service. 8. Automated Appointment Booking HighLevel’s appointment booking bot can schedule calls and meetings directly into your calendar via text, Facebook Messenger, and live chat, without the need for a traditional booking form. This streamlined process reduces friction and improves the user experience. 9. AI-Assisted Customer Service Providing consistent and accurate customer service is crucial for customer satisfaction. HighLevel’s AI can assist the customer service team in formulating responses, ensuring that all customer interactions are handled professionally and consistently. This makes the job of your customer service team quicker, easier and more standardised. 10. Researching B2B Prospects For B2B sales, having detailed information about potential clients is vital. Using a HighLevel Workflow and AI we can research prospects using their web addresses, providing your sales team with a comprehensive summary of each lead and their business before reaching out. This preparation can save the sales team time by cutting out the need for manual research and so significantly improve the effectiveness of your sales efforts. Conclusion HighLevel’s AI capabilities offer a wide range of tools that can significantly enhance your marketing efforts. By automating routine tasks and providing intelligent insights, you can focus more on strategy and creativity, leading to better outcomes for your business. Whether you’re crafting copy, engaging with customers, or scheduling appointments, HighLevel’s AI is a powerful ally in your marketing toolkit. MarketerM8 is powered by HighLevel. If you are interested you can book a live MarketerM8 demo here.
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