Customer Reviews

How To Be That Guy

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Scott Ginsberg's book, "How to be That Guy", is filled cover-to-cover with great tips and how-to's on everything related to raising your profile and positioning yourself in the marketplace.

Ginsberg's writing style is conversational and easy to follow. Most of the 47 chapters are short, and the ideas come at you in brief bursts. Throughout the book, he quotes and borrows ideas from others (and credits them appropriately), but still puts his own twist on each one. Even the simplest ideas come across in a new light.

I read many business books, and most end up on my shelf never to be opened again. A select few stay close to my desk for future reference, and that's where I'll put this one.

- Bill Collier, author of "How to Succeed as a Small Business Owner ... and Still Have a Life"

Okay, I'm not going to tell you what's on page 195, but for me, the value of this list was worth what I paid for the book. In fact, from now on, and all throughout writing my second book, which is what I'm currently doing, I'm going to wake up and repeat this list like a mantra. The title is a little awkward, since I'm not a guy and don't plan on switching any time soon. However, you do get past the title challenge pretty quickly. And after that, this book is full of great advice, inspiration, and insights, which is what I admire about this young man in the first place. I highly recommend this book, and in fact, I will, to my students.

I love that I have met Scott Ginsberg twice at blogworld conferences and sat through his speeches twice. He is a brilliant writer. He is more than anything a writer. He writes all the time; his productivity is ridiculous but inspiring to no end.

My favorite quotation from the book is this: "Revolutionary ideas come from ridiculous questions."

As far as business books go, the fundamental mindset and values on running a business need to resonate with you first before the actual information in the book can serve you well. I must say that Scott's values resonated loudly with me. Here are my top 8 take-aways from Scott's book:
1. Personal branding can be powerful beyond your imagination so long as you focus on the right stuff.
2. Living and breathing your brand is key.
3. Writing everything down so you don't forget anything.
4. Owning a word. Be one word that relates completely to you and describes you totally.
5. Turning your customers into raving fans and your fans into advocates.
6. Choosing consistency over random acts of greatness.
7. Being easy for people to find you and contact you.
8. Leaving good marks everywhere and remembering that everyone counts.

I'm always wary of books that promise "23 ideas", "101 tips" or (as in this case) "47 Ways to Create an Unforgettable Brand", because I think the author has just hastily put together a list of stuff without much thought or planning. So I wouldn't normally have bought this, if it hadn't been recommended by a client whose opinion I value highly (thanks, Ian Berry!).

Fortunately, this book is an exception. In fact, it's exceptionally good. I'd even go as far as saying it's the best book I've ever read about personal branding.

Ginsberg himself uses a bold gimmick to stand out from the crowd (if you don't know: He always wears a name tag), but this book has ideas for everybody, even if (like me) that sort of extroverted stunt isn't your style. This book isn't about your gimmick, it's about finding your uniqueness and then making it shine - in the way that works best for you.

The "47 ways" are indeed 47 articles strung together without much apparent structure or sequencing. However, most of the articles themselves have such great content that they more than make up for the lack of structure. In fact, a more rigid structure might be a disadvantage because it would force the reader to follow Ginsberg's prescription, and that's probably not so good for this book (which, after all, is about PERSONAL branding!). I did read this book from start to finish, but it would be just as effective if I had read an article at random, tried on the idea for size, and used it if it was worthwhile.

Highly recommended, especially if people buy YOU, not just your products and services, in your business or professional life.

Scott's quirky humor comes through. His short, punchy chapters are just enough to plant the seed of an action in your mind then let you mull it around and make it your own. Some of my favorites:
* Kiss your power suit goodbye... "The outfit that allows you to feel most comfortable and most like yourself will, in fact, give you the most power."
* Is your idea simple enough that a five year old could understand it?
* The most important word in marketing... hint: it all depends
* Allow customers to participate in your brand.

Make sure you buy Make a Name For Yourself by Scott Ginsberg also.

I really enjoy receiving Scott's blogs which encouraged me to dig deeper. This book covers a lot of what I already knew however I learned some little things that I am sure when I adopt them will make a big difference. Scott has a great writing style including great humour.

Great book.

Scott has made a quick read with lots of simple tips and ideas on approachability, personal branding, and how to be 'That Guy' (or 'That Girl'). =)

The section in the beginning on questions to ask yourself on discovering how you are 'That Guy' are helpful, and I appreciate his concepts of how you can build a 'front porch' for others.

Get it. You'll like it, be more approachable, and then people will like you even more. Everyone wins.