I was a little nervous when my wife said she got me something to do while she was gone. Projects at our house can be all over the board including remodeling down to the studs (of homes and campers!), building chicken coups, and writing projects for HS classes. The variety always keeps us doing new things and learning new skills. There was no need to be nervous this time though. She brought home a book for me to read while she took the boys on Spring Break.

Capital Gaines is the personal memoir of Chip Gaines of Magnolia and Fixer-Upper fame. Chip has a lot of fun stories and it is impossible not to realize he is an engaging personality that loves life to the fullest. The book chronicles his business and family life including struggling in school, leaving everything for a trip to Mexico (that didn’t work out well), growing their family, and managing to the empire they run today.

The book is a fun and easy read. At just 169 pages, it is fun and engaging. Chip shares his lessons learned and exciting stories using his fun and playful tone. Things like the stick figure diagrams of him riding a 4-wheeler off a cliff help the book stay light-hearted.

In the end, I feel like I have a few things in common with Mr. Gains. I’m sure if you read the book you will find something he does or believes to fit in line with your life. He does a great job of connecting with his readers.

Quotables:

“Your purpose is just like mine, it’s big, and it’s important, and there’s no one else anywhere on the planet who can fulfill it. So quit messing around – and go get ‘em.”

“Vocation is a powerful thing. Don’t let it just happen to you. Chase after it…”

“Complacency is the enemy, and getting started is as triumphant as crossing the finish line.”

“There’s no cap to the amount of time or resources I would give to my kids if I knew it could help them fulfill their destiny. I want to instill in them that they are competent to go do anything in the whole wide world if they are willing to do the work and set their minds to it… As parents, we have the unique opportunity to champion our children’s dreams in a way that no one else can.”

“What’s never going to change? Our values, our priorities, our commitment to each other and our family. But I hope that literally every other part of our lives changes. I hope that every new season and situation of life changes me.”

unsplash-logoMilivoj Kuhar

Andy Andrews’ The Traveler’s Gift is one of the most engaging and enjoyable books I have read. So much so that I’ve read it 3 times in 2 years. It is a fairly short read, so don’t be impressed with my quick turn-around on it!

“Seven decisions that determine personal success” is the subtitle of the book and doesn’t stretch the truth. I have gained personal satisfaction and success as I’ve incorporated these decisions into my life. Andrews is a great author and storyteller. He successfully puts his talents to work here to combine self-help, history, and fiction into a single book.

Andrews writes the powerful story of David Ponder. He is on the brink of giving up his life after devastating circumstances crumble his success to nothing. He is thrown into a quest to receive 7 decisions from historical figures. These decisions show him the path to personal success.

The decisions are written such that you can read each one independently of the story and get the benefit. But don’t short yourself by doing that. The context and story of David Ponder make the decisions even more powerful. In addition to the book, Andrews has many guides and extras available at  www.andyandrews.com. Check those out too before or after you pick up the book.

Quotables:

“The buck stops here. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions.”

“Success requires the emotional balance of a committed heart”

“Poor is the man whose future depends on the opinions and permissions of others.”

“I will choose to associate with people whose lives and lifestyles I admire.”

– Andy Andrews

Bottom Line: This one is a must-read

There is a big reason not to read this book: I’m not in advertising.

But as a business professional, there are even more reasons to read this book. This book is a great read if you sell anything, which you do. Even in a corporate job, you sell ideas, projects, services, etc. to your “customers.” Using words and design to motivate others to action is the basis of advertising and Ogilvy was among the best at it. Ogilvy also gives his tips on management, communication, sales, client relationships, and other areas.

Ogilvy’s emphasis on hard work and data-driven decisions is a clear foundation for his success. Data overall has become a buzz word and concept recently but only because of technological advances in the collection and access we have to it. Ogilvy knew the power of data and used it to create success, it just took a lot more work when he started than it does today. Respecting others (both inside your organization, clients, and consumers) is also a strong theme throughout the book. Understanding who your audience is and giving them respect and honesty will go a long way in any business!

Ogilvy demands well thought-out and refined communication. Ogilvy says that “the more informative your advertising, the more persuasive it will be.” But he also advises to keep your inter-office memos short and to the point. As a professional, take communication seriously. Write what is needed, but no more.

There are some outdated references and data in the book. TV ads were new when he wrote the book, so it is short on advice there. Sears, Roebuck is praised for advertising, as they should have been in the 1960s. Sears is definitely not a powerhouse anymore but very relevant at the time! If you can look past these few outdated references then you will enjoy the advice in this book.

I highly recommend reading Confessions of an Advertising Man if you are in any business. There are a lot of great quotable passages in the book, coined “Olgilvy-isms;” here are a few of my favorites:

“It is important to admit your mistakes and to do so before you are charged with them.”

“Tell the truth, but make the truth fascinating.”

“No manufacturer ever complained that his advertising was selling too much.”

“I admire people with gentle manners who treat other people as human beings.”
– David Ogilvy

Bottom line: I will keep this one on my shelf and read it again.