{Tana’s Book Picks} The Martha Rules

I get asked quite a bit for some “good business books” to read…

Every now and again, I’ll share one with you.

One of my favorites is The Martha Rules by Martha Stewart.  Even though this book has been out since 2005, her 10 essentials for achieving success as you start, build, or manage a business, still apply!

Here’s the 10 Martha Rules:

1. What’s Passion Got To Do With It?  Build your business success around something that you love – something that is inherently and endlessly interesting to you.
2. Ask Yourself, What’s the Big Idea?  Focus your attention and creativity on basic things, things that people need and want. Then look for ways to enlarge, improve, and enhance your Big Idea.
3. Get a Telescope, a Wide-Angle Lens, and a Microscope.  Create a business plan that allows you to stay true to your Big Idea but helps you focus on the details. Then remain flexible enough to zoom in or out on the vital aspects of your enterprise as your business grows.
4. Teach So You Can Learn.  By sharing your knowledge about your product or service with your customers, you create a deep connection that will help you learn how best to build and manage your business.
5. All Dressed Up and Ready to Grow.  Use smart, cost-effective promotional techniques that will arrest the eye, tug at the heart, and convey what is unique and special about your business or service.
6. Quality is Everyday. Quality should be placed at the top of your list of priorities, and it should remain there.  Quality is something you should strive for in every decision, every day.
7. Build an A-Team.  Seek out and hire employees who are brimming with talent, energy, integrity, optimism, and generosity.  Search for advisors and partners who complement your skills and understand your ideals.
8. So the Pie isn’t Perfect? Cut it into Wedges.   When faced with a business challenge, evaluate or assess the situation, gather the Good Things in sight, abandon the bad, clear your mind, and move on.  Focus on the positive. Stay in control, and never panic.
9. Take Risks, Not Chances.  In business, there’s a difference between a risk and a chance.  A well-calculated risk may very well end up as an investment in your business. A careless chance can cause it to crumble. And when an opportunity presents itself, never assume it will be your last.
10. Make it Beautiful.  Listen intently, learn new things every day. Be willing to innovate, and become an authority your customers will trust. As an entrepreneur, you will find great joy and satisfaction in making your customers’ lives easier, more meaningful, and more beautiful.

 No matter what business you are in or about to enter, follow Martha’s Rules and you should realize success.  Happy Reading!

P.S.  I have a passion for researching successful entrepreneurs and I can tell you…Martha did in fact utilize the 10 essentials for achieving success in her amazing climb from home-based caterer, to domestic expert, to media star, to media mogul.  Her book uses her own personal experiences as well as experiences of other successful people to illustrate each of her rules.