SEWING TO SELL by Virginia Lindsay

How do I sell locally and on line is the question, SEWING TO SELL by Virginia Lindsay has some of the answers. It is “The beginners guide to starting a craft business”, a book I purchased in 2019, glanced at in 2020 and am now taking seriously.

To date, I have given away more crafts than I have sold mainly because I make money in other ways. But making stuff cost and I do not have a credit card or an unlimited supply of money. I have been asked on more than one occasion by people willing to pay: Do you have a website? My answer has always been no.  So what does this book have to offer?

SEWING TO SELL talks mostly about what to make and how to make it. In the appendix is the administrative stuff like taxes and setting up a business but it is just an overview. 

This book simply gives the reader the encouragement to know that she can make money making things like grocery totes. The “but” is: you have to have an inventory. 

This book was exactly what I needed, an overview of selling what I make. I did not want a big 300+ page manual of setting up a business from beginning to the first customer- that would be overwhelming. Somethings you can just google. 

                                                                                                  Written by Marsh L F Randolph

This book is part of my personal reading library. The review is my honest unsolicited opinion.

GOD IS MY CEO by Larry Julian

 

If you are looking for Bible study material for business men and women then look no further than GOD IS MY CEO by Larry Julian. 

Originally published in 2001 I discovered this book when listening to a YouTuber who happened to mention it as a book he read for personal growth and development. 

GOD IS MY CEO- Following God’s Principles in a Bottom-Line World is a collection of anecdotal stories from successful business people on how their faith guided them. 

The chapters are entitled: Purpose, Success, courage, Patience, Leadership by Example, Yielding Control, Servant Leadership, Love, Priorities, and Redemption. The last chapter is: Timeless Wisdom from Twenty Leaders.

What makes this book suitable for Bible study is not just the chapter titles but what is within each chapter. The reader will be presented with: an issue, a solution, a conversation/ a few testimonies, and a conclusion. In addition there is a Discussion Guide. 

I appreciated this book and gave one to a business associated. I really believe that this book has a lot to teach even if you are not a Christian but especially if you are. In a time in which integrity seems to be optional it is good to know that integrity works. 

                                                            Written by Marsh L F Randolph

This book is part of my personal reading library. The review is my honest unsolicited opinion.

DEVELOPING THE LEADER WITHIN YOU 2.0 by John C Maxwell

If you have never read a John C Maxwell book and you are interested in having your own business and / or improving upon your leadership skills then I recommend you read DEVELOPING THE LEADER WITHIN YOU 2.0. If you own more than 2 John C Maxwell books I would suggest you skip this book.

Though may be a few “nuggets” found within the pages of this book however as a fan of John C. Maxwell it grieves me to say DEVELOPING THE LEADER WITHIN YOU 2.O is more of the same. It seems that Mr. Maxwell is re-releasing his books with a slite twist and it is now to redundant for me to give him a pass. Perhaps he has said all that he has to say.

In the not so fine print on the cover it reads: “Over 2 Million Copies Sold (Original Edition)”.

If you have never read a Maxwell good then grab a copy. There are great tips on leadership including developing an understanding when the problem is not the other person but you- see chapter 5: Problem Solving. If you are determined to read this book even though you have read the others you will find some diffences and two chapters that have been omitted.

Book stores require I indicate how I like this book by assigning between 1 to 5 stars. On average I have given 5 stars to a John C Maxwell book. I cannot do it this time because if I had not received a complimentary copy I would not have purchased this book.   - - - written by Marsha L F Randolph

CAPITAL GAINES by Chip Gaines

CAPTIAL GAINS- Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff by Chip Gaines is a good book BUT it really is a guy book. His story about the journey to his success in business and family are tales I believe many men can relate to.

As I read the book I kept thinking of all the married men I knew who could have, benefitied from this book years ago. I also developed a new respect for his wife Jo. It is rare that what you see on television reflects reality but apparently that is the beauty of their success- the Gaines family are as you see them.

What is important to understand in this 184 page book is that Chip is a man of faith. Faith in God is the underspoken theme within this book that begins with a desire to improve his working relatioship with his Spanish speaking business associates.

Even though I think this book is for the guys women can glean a lot from the positive influence Joanna had on Chip’s life even before they were married. She is a very intelligent woman and the two of them make a great team.

For me this book was not about the stupid stuff Chip did but how he allowed his mistakes to become lessons in what not to do. We all make mistakes, very few people would right a great book about it.   ---written by Marsha L F Randolph




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

GIVING IT ALL AWAY by David Green with Bill High

GET THIS BOOK! Written by David Green, Founder & CEO of Hobby Lobby, with Bill High, Lawyer and CEO of the National Christian Foundation Heartland; GIVING IT ALL AWAY . . . And Getting It All Back Again - The Way of Living Generously is all that and more.  But, you have to know I am a Hobby Lobby fan!
GIVING IT ALL AWAY presents the principles the Green family live by in a way that is doable for any one who wants to succeed in life and business. In one-hundred fifty three pages the reader is presented with bullions (not nuggets) of wisdom. If you like to underline important tidbits in a book get ready to color code it.
Beginning with the Forward I was captured by the information presented. The book is divided into 5 parts with concepts presented in chapters. The book is actually 189 pages, there are three pages of notes at the end however there is also a “Readers Guide” which is where you will find a brief discussion of a chapter, concepts to reflect upon and discussion questions. A great book for personal reading as well as Bible Study.
GIVING IT ALL AWAY is a book written by a businessman who did not compromise his faith but lived to the best of his ability as a man of God. As believers we are blessed to be a blessing and this book tells you how to do it. BUY IT!  —written by Marsha L F Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

THE ART OF WINNING by Jeffrey Rachmat

Before I even tell you about this book I have to thank Pastor Mathias Grehn of VISION CHURCH -Miami Florida for this great gift of wisdom. I must also say: This is one of the most fabulous book covers I have seen since “The Truth About Vastai.” {Yes, this is a cheap plug for my book!}
It does not take a lot of words when the ones chosen are succinct which is what you will find in THE ART OF WINNING by Jeffrey Rachmat. This book takes the reader from precept to precept for those whose goal it is to live according to God’s purpose using Biblical principles. One hundred ten pages is really all it took and yet by the time the reader is finished it is as if he or she has read more.
THE ART OF WINNING by Jeffrey Rachmat presents the biblical definition of and principles associated with success applicable for anyone no matter what the life path is. There are so many nuggets of wisdom found through out this book that I could not choose one; however, I have underlined an entire paragraph and put an asterisk by the section entitled: “[transforming abilities into expertise]” this section concludes with “Excellence has its price and people of excellence are highly paid in these and other fields.”
This book was published in 2004 and a second edition in 2010 a quick search revealed that it is only available on Amazon in eBook format.  If you are in business or ministry this book is definitely worth looking for in print if possible but at least the ebook is available. I recommend and encourage you purchase this book  

INNOVATIONS DIRTY LITTLE SECRET by Larry Osborne

What is innovation? It is the introduction of something new be it an idea, a device, a procedure or such.  According to Larry Osborne there is  a little known principle associated with innovation and he shares this principle in his book Innovation's Dirty Little Secret: Why Serial Innovators Succeed Where Others Fail (Leadership Network Innovation Series).

As an individual who participates in multi-level marketing this Innovation's Dirty Little Secret: Why Serial Innovators Succeed Where Others Fail (Leadership Network Innovation Series) was and is a very helpful and informative book. I admit that some of the ideas presented I have, through experience, figured out for myself however it is good to know someone agrees with my theory.

If it is your intention of starting your own business Innovation's Dirty Little Secret: Why Serial Innovators Succeed Where Others Fail (Leadership Network Innovation Series) is a you really should read book. If you are thinking about or started a multi-level, network marketing, home based recruiting type, or follow the formula and you can succeed type business (whatever you want to call it they are pretty much the same) this book is a must read.

Every business is not for everyone thus it is necessary to enter into any venture with eyes wide open. This book will help you do this. If you started a business and things are not going well this book will help you make the one decision most recruiters will not discuss in a positive manor: an exit strategy. In addition to other principles important to contemplate Mr. Osborne discusses “the wall” something many have experienced. xxx  Marsha L Randolph 

I recommend this book. Purchase your own copy and give this to your team members as you recruit them.

I receive a complimentary copy of this book with the understanding that my review would be fair and honest. 

17 CENTS AND A DREAM

     Technically, “17 CENTS AND A DREAM” by Daniel Milstein, is the biography of a child who migrates with his family from USSR to America and grows up to be successful. It is not the technicalities of the book that makes it worth reading it is discovering how a man’s character can push him beyond his known limits enduring the burdens of change on his way to fulfilling his purpose.

    The road to success is filled with all types of barriers some man-made and some self created “17 Cents And A Dream” addresses many of these hindrances in a very personal way. It is difficult to move forward when it appears as though the world is against you. The wisdom found throughout the book will give the reader new insight as to how to overcome unrelenting difficulties.

    More than a biography the book is motivational. It begins with Chernobyl an event I was aware of but like many had forgotten.  This firsthand knowledge of the event is a much needed reminder of history and is one of the first obstacles in Daniel Milstein’s journey to success. “17 Cents And A Dream” is ot only thought provoking but exciting from beginning to end.

I recommend reading this book as well as purchasing a copy.

I received a complimentary copy of in exchange for an unbiased review.

READERS: Download the Kindle version of the book for 99 cents February 4 thru 8^th

THE LEGEND OF THE MONK AND THE MERCHANT

     “The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant” by Terry Felber is a fictional story of one man’s discovery of the key to success. The book contains twelve principles to becoming successful after discovering one’s purpose. Included in the 184 pages is a 57 page study guide for personal or group study. 

     I was anxious to read this book because of its’ title and the forward by respected financial advisor Dave Ramsey.  As I read this story I kept thinking about another book with a similar concept as much as I tried not to I found myself comparing the two. Around the fourth chapter I decided to skim through the remainder of the book for fear I would not complete it.  Considering the story only  119 pages (some of them blank) I was surprised that it took me a few days to complete it. 

      If you are looking for a book to incorporate in a small group that has a business theme then by all means check "The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant" out. Since each chapter  makes an excellent vignette for the corresponding study guide the book will facilitate in personal growth and development. Because I have read the “Greatest Salesman in the World” I was disappointed in the plot and dialogue, I found  both to be too simplistic.

I would recommend this book but suggest you check it out at the library first. xxx Marsha L. Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for a free review.