RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2025.04.28

mastermin book club

Recommended Reading

Two Homeboys and an Egg Timer

Ever wonder how much you can accomplish with just a little discipline (and maybe an egg timer)? In this brilliant post, Brian Kurtz shares lessons from two of his mentors — and a kitchen gadget — about focus, accountability, and getting the right things done. It’s a quick, powerful read that might just change the way you approach your day.

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Recommended Viewing

What those letters from prison really meant by Bond Halbert

Last week, I encouraged you to attend the Mastermind Book Club meeting where we discussed “The Boron Letters” by Gary Halbert. The meeting was SO GREAT that I wrote an email on Friday encouraging you to join the Book Club and watch the replay.

Now I’m boing to make it very easy for you. Book Club co-founder Ted Prodromou posted the replay video on YouTube. This is the only time we’ve ever shared a meeting video outside of the Club’s website. All you have to do isĀ click here to watch. After you watch, please join The Book ClubĀ here.

In this special episode of the Mastermind Book Club, members celebrate their third anniversary by diving deep into ‘The Boron Letters’ by Gary Halbert. Bond Halbert, Gary’s son, joins the discussion alongside legendary copywriter John Carlton. Bond shares personal anecdotes and insights into his father’s life, teachings, and the compelling story behind ‘The Boron Letters.’ The conversation spans various themes, including marketing wisdom, life lessons, and the legacy of one of the greatest copywriters. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the world of Gary Halbert, the principles he stood by, and how his teachings apply to today’s marketing landscape.

00:00 Welcome to the Mastermind Book Club

00:41 Introducing John Carlton

02:53 Gary Halbert’s Legal Troubles

07:47 The Boron Letters: A Legacy

19:25 Gary Halbert’s Teaching Methods

30:55 The Chaos of Circus Halbert

37:35 The Power of Free Samples

38:26 Adapting to the Internet Era

40:42 Smuggling Stories and Prison Life

44:10 Family Dynamics and Business Lessons

48:32 Copywriting Insights and Strategies

53:06 Reflections on Mentorship and Legacy

57:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans


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More Recommended Viewing and Listening

Paul SimonĀ interviewĀ and “Under African Skies

Tonight, Melissa and I will see Paul Simon in concert in St. Louis. This is one of my bucket list items. I’ve loved Paul Simon since I first heard “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” and its hilarious, rhyming lyrics when I was a kid. He’s an American treasure. And after saying he was finished with touring, he changed his mind, and he’s on the road again.

Two things I share today: AĀ CBS Sunday Morning interviewĀ from last year and a performance of “Under African Skies” (Live from The African Concert, 1987)

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Recommended Resource

The Credibility Calculator

I spent the weekend with my friends Michael and Caleb DeLon — the father-son team behind The Paperback Expert. They help their clients build credibility and get more clients…

…which begs two questions: Are you credible? Do your prospects think so? The DeLons can help you answer those critical questions. They have devised “The Credibility Calculator” as a way to discover your “Credibility Score” in < 5 minutes. You’ll also get free access to videos to help you increase your credibility (and client-attracting power). ClickĀ hereĀ for the calculator.

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Recommended Event

LinkedIn Masterclass/Workshop

Jon Keel is a LinkedIn master and a great teacher. He’ll host his 32nd(!) LinkedIn Masterclass/Workshop on May 6-8 (4-5 p.m. ET).

If LinkedIn is part of your marketing strategy for 2025 and beyond, I recommend this event. DetailsĀ here.

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Words to Ponder

“You know, life is what you make of it — so beautiful or so what.”

~ Paul Simon

Don't go away yet..

p.s. Coaches, authors, and consultants hire me to power-up their creative content and storytelling to captivate prospects, stand-out and book more business.

Whenever you're ready, here are several ways I can help you become a storytelling stand-out so you'll land more clients without pitching and prodding:

1) Get theĀ Story Power Profit PackĀ -- 52 Strategies, Tips, and Tactics Ā to Transform Your Content from Ignored to Adored.

2) Watch theĀ free, 7-minute Micro-Training: ā€œThe 3 Most Important Storytelling Keys to Captivate Prospects and Inspire Them to Act -- Without Pitching and Prodding.ā€

3) Become a Story Power VIP: Master how to discover, assemble, and deliver business-building stories. Twice-monthly live masterclasses. Members-only content. One-on-one feedback and consulting sessions. And more… If you'd like to learn more about our VIP program, just reply to this email and put "Story Power VIP" in the subject line. I’ll contact you with more details.

4) Work with me one-on-one: If you’re interested in working directly with me -- to discover, assemble, and deliver powerful, business-building stories -- simply reply to this email and change the subject line to "Private Client." Tell me a little about yourself, your business, and what you'd like to accomplish, and I'll reply to discuss options.

5) Invite me to speak at an event: I can tailor a presentation that meets the specific needs of your organization. Informative. Entertaining. Virtual or live. Potential for continuing education credits when applicable for your group. If interested, reply to this email and change the subject line to ā€œSpeaking Engagement.ā€ I’ll circle back to discuss the possibilities.

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Tom Ruwitch

Tom Ruwitch is the founder and CEO of Story Power Marketing. For more than 30 years, he has helped businesses grow by delivering powerful stories using a variety of different media.