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Old 09-16-2009
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Default BOOK REVIEW - 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back
In 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back…and the Truth That Will Set it Free, authors Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford go over nine of the most common myths that hold many small businesses back from achieving true success. The words on these pages rang true to me and, although the principles are simple in concept and easy to absorb, they had a profound effect on the way I view my business.

This book is well laid-out, with each chapter discussing the root of the lie and why it’s damaging your business. There are plenty of real-world case studies, written in entertaining story-like formats that are fun to read, throughout each chapter. These case studies helped show exactly how particular business owners either absorbed themselves into the lie, often leading to their business failure, or how they turned their thinking around and used the truths laid out in this book to persevere.

You’re probably dying to know the lies that are in this book, so I’ll lay out a few of my favorites, some that I already knew and others that completely rocked my business mindset. One such earth-shattering lie, for me, was the idea that, in advertising, you have to focus on just getting your name out there, and that it takes at least seven viewings to have any effect on potential customers. Chandler and Beckford think that idea is incredulous, and they insist that if your advertisement isn’t attracting attention, something is wrong with the ad itself. Taking matters one step further, they walk you step-by-step through the process of transforming mediocre ads into ads that will capture attention and incite action from readers.

Another of my favorites that I’m just now putting into practice myself is that we, as business owners, can do everything ourselves without any outside help. The authors believe that reaching out for help is a sign of true commitment to your success, and that you should get help whenever or wherever you can, whether from books or one-on-one coaching or even hiring other professionals to take over some of the tasks that are taking your time and attention from the bigger picture: growing your business.

Other lies that are debunked in this title include: It takes money to make money, experience will benefit me, lowering prices boosts business, customers are hard to figure out, and I am a victim of circumstance.

Overall, this book offered an enjoyable reading experience that also happens to be chock-full of great advice to help small business owners get past the roadblocks and realize success in their businesses.

This hardcover book contains 210 pages (plus access to two bonus chapters on the authors’ web site) and can be purchased on Amazon.com for $13.59.

Click here to buy the book now!

Do you have any thoughts, queries, or feedback on 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back? Share your comments or questions by replying directly to this thread!
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Old 09-16-2009
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Default Re: 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back by Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford
I had not heard of this book, but you definitely have me curious to find out more! Can't wait to check out this book. Thanks!
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Old 09-16-2009
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Default Re: 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back by Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford
I came across this book when I put up a blog post for a client who had read it, and loved it. I knew I had to read it too, and it is a great book - one I plan to keep on my bookshelf indefinitely.

Thanks, as always, for a superb review Tammi
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Old 09-16-2009
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Default Re: 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back by Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford
Great review, Tammi, and it sure makes me curious about a book and a couple authors I have never heard of before! Thank you.
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Old 10-13-2009
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Default Re: 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back by Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford
I never heard of this book either, but I am going on the Amazon site right now to check it out. Thanks for this great review!
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Old 10-13-2009
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Default Re: 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back by Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford
Just ordered it! And i was frugal and got a used version for $8!
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Old 02-28-2010
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Re: 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back by Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford
I've had this book for a couple of months, but I've had little reading time recently. Last night I couldn't sleep so I decided to finally crack this book open. I read three chapters. I liked them all, but the first chapter really resonated with me.

The lie that chapter one addresses is "I just need to know how to do this." Not so! First & foremost, you have to want to do this! Like the author states, "If you want to badly enough, you'll always find the how to." I view the chapter as an excellent pep talk to motivate you when you get discouraged & to remember why it is that you went into business for yourself in the first place. It fired me up!!

I'm really looking forward to the rest of this book!
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Old 03-05-2010
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Re: 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back by Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford
Wow, just wow. Is this some seriously bad customer service or what?


I live in a small bedroom community, & there are only a few car shops in our town. We could go into Boulder, but it's just not convenient to have your car repair shop 15 miles away. After trying some of the other shops in our town, we finally found a shop that provides good service. Over the years, we've spent several thousand dollars with this business man.

I've had a tricky electrical problem with my truck that has been on going. While I appreciate the shop's dedication to trying to track down the problem, I've paid out over $400 this year & still have intermittent problems with this thing. So once again, my truck was in the shop. It sounds like they finally nailed it down, but my bill yesterday was just over $300. It just so happens that we got a coupon in the mail from this shop & one of the coupons was for $30 off on service over $300. Thirty bucks is thirty bucks, right? So I presented the coupon at check out time & he refused it! ~gasp!!

He said that he's given us discounts on all our work over the years & that if he honored the coupon, he would make no money on this work. If he's given us discounts over the years, he's never mentioned it. Why would you give a customer a discount & not let them know that you've done that? How stupid is that? I didn't push it & I will probably continue to use him for our car work, cuz he is reliable & convenient, but I could not believe that he would send out coupons & then refuse to honor them, especially from someone who has given him as much work over the years that we have. I am still just boggled by this.

Last night I read a few more chapters in "9 Lies that are Holding Back Your Business" & I thought of this man & how he would benefit from reading this book. I was particularly interested in the section where Chandler talks about how many businesses will offer special deals to new customers but never offer deals to existing, returning customers. He reminds us that it's your existing customers that are going to say good things about you - assuming you impress them with your service. The good that comes from the word-of-mouth marketing that your existing customers provide you, will pay off better than any new marketing campaign to potential customers.

I'm still just stunned.

BTW, I highly recommend this book! Even though I'm only up to Lie #7, I've thoroughly enjoyed this book & have been amazed at how many of the lies I've bought into as "fundamental truths in business."
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Old 03-05-2010
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Default Re: 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back by Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford
Wow, Lezly - what a bizarre business choice that mechanic made by not honoring your coupon. For me that's the sign it's time to find another provider - regardless of the history between you. He didn't honor that history when it came time to save one of his regular customers a mere $30 did he??

I'm truly amazed you're going to continue to spend your money at his shop.

Speaking of 9 Rules, I just flipped through it again the other night - great book!
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Old 03-05-2010
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Default Re: 9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back by Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford
Yes, it's definitely a dilemma. ~sigh. Do I give up quality work & conveniece over $30?

We originally ended up at his shop because three other shops couldn't accurately diagnose a problem with my husband's car years ago. His car would stall to the point of not starting & it cost additional tow charges each time. This guy figured out the problem & fixed it in the first visit.

The logistics of taking my car 15 miles to another shop is also a factor. This shop is within walking distance & I don't need my husband to be available when I need to drop one of our cars off. He works nights, on a bizarre shifting schedule, so convenience is a big factor.

Maybe I should send him a copy of the 9 Lies book.
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