RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2025.09.08

Recommended Reading

📝 The Hustle Loop

I used to believe that hustle (+ more hustle) was the recipe for business success. I eventually learned better.

In this short post, Seth Godin shares a viewpoint I wish I learned sooner.

He warns that hustle pushes people to cut corners, create discomfort, and race to the bottom. The better alternative?

Check out his post. Reading time <1 minute.

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Recommended Event

📝 Jon Keel’s 34th LinkedIn Masterclass/Workshop

LinkedIn has rolled out some of its biggest algorithm changes in 2025. To stay competitive, professionals need the latest strategies, tools, and habits that actually work on the platform.

That’s what Jon Keel will cover in his 34th LinkedIn Masterclass/Workshop. Across three one-hour sessions, he’ll share how to:

✓ Boost visibility and engagement on posts

✓ Generate warm, qualified leads through LinkedIn

✓ Position yourself as the recognized authority in your field

✓ Apply the newest LinkedIn updates to maximize results

The sessions run September 9–11, 2025 (4–5 p.m. ET), with recordings and handouts available to registrants. Register here.

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Recommended Video

🤖 How to Be a Better Reader

Most people forget what they read within seven days. So says Daniel Pink who reveals in this video how to retain more, remember longer, and actually apply what you learn from books.

He shares seven techniques for smarter reading. From actively engaging with books, to summarizing and capturing big ideas, to building a personal system that turns reading into real results.

If you want to stop forgetting the books you read — and start turning them into lasting insight — watch this.

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Barry Kleiman is a brilliant businessman… and basketball coach. He has created basketball programs — and coached the game — in places where they never existed.

This year, he has published a pair of books in which he shares “The Playground Principles.” Here’s the description:

“From the asphalt playgrounds of Philadelphia to the world’s most powerful boardrooms, the fundamental principles of human connection, competition, and character remain unchanged.

“In ‘The Playground Principles,’ Barry Kleiman, a self-described “74-year-old kid from a Philly playground” with more than half a century in executive search and development, reveals universal lessons learned on the court are also essential for success and fulfillment in every aspect of life.”

Ted Prodromou and I chose this book as the September selection for the Mastermind Book Club. Each month, Ted and I choose a great book for Club members to read and discuss.

On the fourth Thursday (9/25) at 2:30 p.m., we will gather on Zoom to discuss the book and how its lessons can help us in our lives and businesses.

There’s no charge to attend or join the Club. But you have to be a member to get the meeting notices and Zoom link. Join here.

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Podcast (The Story Power Marketing Show)

📡 How to Turn Marketing Chaos Into Strategic Growth (with Sara Nay)

She and I discuss the common marketing challenges faced by small business owners and how business strategy should guide marketing strategy, the role of fractional CMOs in helping businesses achieve their growth goals, and how AI can simplify the development of marketing content. Sara also shares insights on promoting her new book, ‘Unchained: Breaking Free from Broken Marketing Models.’

DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

~01:04 Meet Sara Nay: CEO at Duct Tape Marketing

~01:53 Understanding Marketing Chaos in Small Businesses

~05:21 From Chaos to Strategic Growth

~10:17 The Importance of Client Conversations and AI in Marketing

~20:36 The Role of Fractional CMOs

~23:40 Promoting the New Book: Unchained

~26:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

FULL EPISODE VIDEO: vimeo.com/1111532165

LISTEN ON: Apple | Spotify

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Words to Ponder

“We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.”

– Queen Elizabeth II