bookshelf: often wrong, never in doubt, by donny deutsch
Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 8:45AM 
For the past few days I've been reading adman (and maybe one day NYC mayor) Donny Deutsch's book, "Often Wrong, Never in Doubt." Not that it's a surprise (you have seen his fantastic CNBC show, The Big Idea, right?), but the book is stellar. Every chapter I find myself learning something, nodding in agreement, annoying John by reading something aloud. So many things in the book are quotable, but a few I just read are really sticking with me
On putting clients first: "'What would I do if this was my business?' How going over to the other side will better your own bottom line."
And on fear: "You can't be crippled by the fear of failure; that truly is in the definition of not succeeding. If you do nothing, your failure is guaranteed."
And one more, because I can't resist: on women and "The doctrine of female superiority": "Women are superior beings. It's that simple. Give me a choice between a woman and a man with the same talents, I'll take the woman every time."
On it's face, this book is about a simple question: "Why not me." But it's really about going beyond believing in yourself, and doing something about it. It's about action. It's also about the crazy ad world (the behind the scenes insight is entertaining and enlightening, to say the least). It's about how to be a great boss. How to deal with clients. How to deal, period. It's about facing fear, not backing down, being bold. Being authentic. Yes, it's inspiring, but beyod that, it's motivating. It's a call to action. Oh yes, and it's about branding, too. I highly recommend this book to anyone in business, not just creative types.
By the way, sorry, Donny, that your face is covered up by a sticker ... silly librarian. What were you thinking?
advertising, advice, books, bookshelf, business, inspiration, library, quoted | in bookshelf, inspiration, small business | Permalink | erika firm
Reader Comments (2)
Erika, thank you for sharing this book... I will definitely have to read it. I'm especially interested in the section about fear of failure. It is good to see I am not the only one buried in a creative business book. I have a few that I am reading now, but they are more related to people just starting their business. Incase you haven't read them or would like to: "The Boss of You" by Lauren Bacon & Emira Mears, "My So-Called Freelance Life" by Michelle Goodman, "The Handmade Marketplace" by Kari Chapin, "Crafts Superstar" by Grace Dobush. Best Wishes!
Ok, you sold me! Thanks for the write-up. I'm going to look into that one!