MLM Leaders Are Addicted to…
Most of the successful people I know are addicted to reading. So much so that I think you could almost judge a leader by the size of his or her library.
If I met you that would be the first place I would look to get a feel for who you really are. But leaders take it one step further…
They’re one step away from being junkies.
I mean, they attend every seminar, webinar, and event they can. And they spend more money on courses in marketing, recruiting, and prospecting in a month than the average person spends on food in a year.
They’re genuinely addicted to information, but if I could call Martha Stewart in for her opinion, I’m sure she would say, “It’s a good thing.”
Anyway, I know Ben agrees…
Benjamin Franklin said: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
And the true leader makes this his mantra. He’ll dig through 1000 pages of dusty words to find the one secret that will give him a 2% increase in his results. He’ll drop a grand on a book because he knows that most people don’t. He knows that no matter what he pays for that book, one secret could double or even triple his profits if properly applied. Old Bennie Franko sure knew what he was talking about.
The dedicated leader will spend more time rereading her books than most people spend reading in the first place. She’ll devour one course three times. She’ll listen to a seminar every night for weeks. She’ll take notes and read those again too. She’ll squeeze every drop of wisdom out of every dollar she spends. Because…
Knowledge Is Power…
At least, if it’s properly applied, and this is something that leaders are known for. They act fast, as soon as they discover a secret they implement it. They test and measure the results. Sometimes they’ve made their money back before they finish the course. Sometimes they’re making changes to their business in the middle of a seminar. Because money loves speed.
Money Loves Action…
And the leader gets all of this done while the follower is still slouching on their couch watching episode #497 of the Simpsons or listening to the talking bobbleheads in the news. Spreading the doom and gloom of the recession. Giving up on dreams they never really had.
The choice is yours…
What Are You Reading?
What books or courses are you devouring today that will set you apart from the leaders of tomorrow? Share one book you’re reading (or rereading) today and let’s start a conversation. Let’s sneak a peak at those personal libraries…
I’ll leave a comment below too.
Snoop soon,
Jason The “Better Networker”
P.S. Tweet me up Scottie. If you enjoyed this post then feel free to share this link with your friends on Twitter so they can join the conversation too. It’s real easy to do. Just find that little green “retweet” button on the top of this post. Thank you.
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61 Comments
Jarmar Dupas on January 14th, 2010
“4 Hour Work Week” the new edition by Tim Ferris… GOOD Stuff!!!
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Hey Jarmar,
Now that’s a modern classic if there is one!
Tim makes me envy his lifestyle. Gosh, if only
I could convince myself to have a 4 hour work
week… I’d go bonkers.
[Reply]
Dwayne Huggins on January 14th, 2010
Hi J
I am reading Og Mandino’s The Greatest Salesman In The World. Great book! I highly recommend it.
Dwayne
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Hey Dwayne,
I’ve read that one three times already. No sure where
I lost it. But that’s a great one. 
[Reply]
Rebecca Geiger on January 14th, 2010
I am reading: (can’t keep mind only one one thing)
wordpress for dummies
if life is a game these are the rules
awaken the giant within
Dewie (about a cat that changed a town in recession)
Freakinomics
How I left Microsoft to change the world.
.. for now..
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 11:41 am
Hey Rebecca,
I’ve been meaning to read Freakinomics. And
I have an audio of Awaken The Giant Within.
Good picks. I’ll have to get a copy soon.
[Reply]
Rebecca Geiger on January 14th, 2010
oops.. I forgot one more.. YOUR BLOG!
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 11:41 am
Hah
I swear I read my blog more times
than anyone.
Every article here has been read by
me six or seven times. haha
[Reply]
Michael Cole on January 14th, 2010
Hi Jason,
I’m rereading “Think And Grow Rich” By Napoleon Hill.
Next I think I’ll follow Dwayne’s example
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Michael,
I’ve been meaning to reread that ones
for the last two years. Man, I seem to keep
putting it off but I can trace my core ideas
to Napoleon Hill.
Awesome.
[Reply]
Melissa McCloud on January 14th, 2010
reading ‘ultimate selling power’ by dr. donald moine–incredible for mindset.
and
‘lonely planet thailand’ and ‘lonely planet vietnam, cambodia & laos’ to plan my honeymoon!
great post jason, leaders ARE readers!
~melissa mccloud
the conscious mentor
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 11:43 am
Melissa,
You just names two that I haven’t read. I think
I’ll have to look into those. Thanks
[Reply]
Mark Bullock on January 14th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Another great article. Currently I am re-reading The Difference Maker by John Maxwell. A great read for those that need to figure out how their attitude affects their leadership abilities.
Thanks, Mark
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Mark,
Yet another I’ll need to look into.
Wish there was 26 hours in a day. 
[Reply]
Hollis Chapman on January 14th, 2010
Hi Jason,great stuff.
I am reading!
CONFESSIONS OF SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTERS
By Debbie Allen
[Reply]
Richard Walsh on January 14th, 2010
I’m reading Scientific Advertising also and just finished “The Noticer” by Andy Andrews great book! Think and grow rich has become an awesome reference book for me to go back to time and time again. Another gaining “classic” status of course is Rich Dad Poor Dad By Robert kiyosaki. You can’t read enough!
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 11:47 am
I totally agree Richard,
I also enjoyed Rich Dad Poor Dad. It’s one
of those easy to read books that you just
can’t put down.
[Reply]
Twila Jacobs on January 14th, 2010
Hi Jason!
Reading “Think and Grow Rich” Napolean Hill
~Twila Jacobs
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Twila,
I don’t think anybody should be in business
without at least giving that book a glance.
A wonderful pick.
[Reply]
Mitcehll Dillman on January 14th, 2010
Hello Jason,
You know, until recently the only thing I ever used to read was the label on the side of a bottle and the blueprint of the house I was building at the time…
John Jackson has really opened up my mind and has got me reading all the time now.
I’ve just started into a real brain buster, “the three laws of performance” by Steve Zaffron and Dave Logan. It come highly recommended and I’m looking forward to it.
Seems like ever since I put down the cigarettes and the booze and started growing my home business my life is changing in ways I never imagined!
Guys like you and so many others around here are real testimonials to how to live a healthy and productive life, full of self examination and personal growth…
Thanks Jason, and keep on keepin’ on!
Your friend and student of life,
Mitchell Dillman
[Reply]
Adrian Scott on January 14th, 2010
I’m currently reading “The Master Key System” by Charles Hannel & “The Power of Persuasion” by Robert Levine
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Hey Adrian,
I started “The Master Key System” but misplaced the
book on vacation. Awesome picks. Looks like I have
my reading cut out for me!
[Reply]
Ilka Flood on January 14th, 2010
Good Morning Jason,
Reading ‘The Go Giver’ and re-reading ‘The Slight Edge’. One of my all-time favorites and I highly recommend it.
P.S. Question: How come some people have their picture on here and others (like me) don’t?
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Hey Ilka,
Derek recommended that you go to gravatar.com
to upload a comment picture. I believe that’s where
I originally did it too.
Hope that helps.
[Reply]
Chris Owen on January 14th, 2010
Hey Jason, great idea for a post. My favorite way to say it is, “if you don’t take the time to learn, you don’t deserve the right to know”. That’s my tag on BN.
I’m reading:
It’s Your Time by Joel Olstean
re-reading
Entanlement – The greatest mystery in physics by Amir Aczel
And going back through several courses I took on the home stretch last year.
SEO Networket
Traffic Formula
Copywriters Guild
On the look out for new courses every day. I plan to use this comment string as a reference for books to read Next. I’d like to hear about more courses along the lines of traffic formula and anything on Copywriting if you guys have suggestions.
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Hey Chris,
You and me both!
There’s so many great suggestions here.
As for copywriting…
I have to recommend anything by Joe Sugarman.
Because he makes things so easy. I’ve devoured
every book in that category I could but Joe
Sugarman rocks.
[Reply]
Josh Boxer on January 14th, 2010
Hey Jason,
I learned a long time ago from my first mentor in this crazy business , that if you don’t control what goes in your head, someone or something else will.
Reading prepares the mind for something bigger. Reading separates the winners from the losers.
Another thing I also learned is don’t just read anything. You want to have a relationship with the highest person on the food chain in your business. Why?
Because they will see things in you that you dont see in yourself. They will have devoured a library full of books and chances are, they have been where you have been and know what you need to put in your noggin to take yourself to the next level.
I see a lot of folks take advise from average Janes and Joes. “I read this book and it changed my life”. Ever hear that one?
That’s great—-For you.. I have been on a reading program for the past 5 years and have read at least an hour a day.
It helps keep your mind level as well as will help you with your social skills and thought process.
Ok, now for what I am reading. I usually read 3 books at a time (It just works for me). I am reading “Dream Making In a Dream Taking World -Dr. Steve Price |An Enemy Called Average -John L. Mason | The Go-Getter – Peter B. Kyne (Find out what the purple vase is in this book.
There you have it.
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
Josh,
I think an hour a day of reading
is absolutely essential to success.
I couldn’t live without it. Even when I’m too
busy to eat. hah.
[Reply]
Gary Dean on January 14th, 2010
What a great topic!
Everyday, I read from the Bible.
Right now, I am more niche focused and reading
“Advertising to Baby Boomers”..
a book I found on Amazon
Now for this non sequeter:
Why do you target your article to “MLM”?
I’m a direct sales guy, and I’m sure, many people
tuning in here are not MLMers?
Just a comment
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Hey Gary,
I target all my articles to MLMers and
Network Marketers even though the principles
really apply to any form of marketing… simply
because that’s my niche and brand…
I can’t be everything to every category of business…
but there’s loads of friendly people here in MLM.
I’m happy in the MLM pool.
[Reply]
Derek Alvarez on January 14th, 2010
Hi Jason,
I’m “reading” Traffic Formula 2.0 (they’re videos),
“SpeedWealth,” by T. Harv Eker,
and an assortment of blogs, including
this one,
CopyBlogger,
ProBlogger,
Better Networker stuff,
Dwayne Huggins,
etc.
So much to learn, so little time!
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Hey Derek,
I’m actually a huge fan of all the
sites you mentioned of course.
Not to mention your unique blog.
It totally rocks.
[Reply]
Kirk Kerber on January 14th, 2010
Thanks Jason….keep up the good work!
(Chris Owen) I love that quote.
2 books I am re-reading are “Beach money” by Jordan Adler and “multiple streams of internet income” by Robert Allen It is amazing to me how much more I pick up after re-reading a book.
[Reply]
Josh Garcia on January 14th, 2010
Hi Jason,
I just started to read “Spirit Driven Success” by Dani Johnson. The one book that I always go back to read again is “Master Key To Riches” by Napoleon Hill.
Josh
[Reply]
Mary Thayer on January 14th, 2010
Hey Jason- I love the post! Currently reading
Rich Woman by Kim Kiyosaki, and
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
And of course many copywriting and internet marketing blogs. It is a great habit to get in!
Mary
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Wow Mary,
I didn’t even know that Kim and Robert Kiyosaki had
a gender specific version. That’s pretty cool.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood on January 14th, 2010
Thanks, Jason! That was easy enough
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Hey everybody, this is awesome!
Don’t worry, I think Amazon.com is gonna
love me very soon. hah.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you
all for your comments. Today, is getting
a little crazy with work. So I might not be
able to reply to you all right away. But…
A giant thank you to everyone who is participating
today. This rocks.
[Reply]
YoungSuccess on January 14th, 2010
Jason
I’m reading “The Ultimate Sales Letter” By Dan Kennedy. Amazing book, just read that Scientific Advertising too, very technical and knowledgeable as well. They’re all good. I just wish we could get more people to invest in themselves more with financial education.
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
YoungSuccess,
Good choice. If I remember correctly,
Dan’s book was recommended by Mike Dillard
a while back too.
[Reply]
Deb Webb on January 14th, 2010
Idiots Guide to Creating a Web Page and Blog
Idiots Guide to Writing a Novel
Eat, Pray, Love – Melissa Gilbert
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Hey Deb,
I actually have the “Idiots Guide To Investing”
but it just makes me feel dumb. 
But I love the series too.
[Reply]
Katherine Friesen on January 14th, 2010
Hey Jason
I have just finshed reading The Secretsof Master Marketing by David L. Hancock and also Wear clean underwear Business Wisdom from Mom by Rhonda Abrams
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Katherine,
Hmmm… that first one sounds familiar. I
might have read it…
The other sounds like a hoot.
[Reply]
Barry White on January 14th, 2010
Hi Jason Certainly good advice. I have about 120 books in my library and not one fiction book too many to list here and by the way i have read them all at least once.
I have a few autobiographies and a couple of biographies of successful people.
I have what I think is Robert Kiyosaki’s first book “If you want to be rich and happy don’t go to school” which is a hard cover that I picked up at a bargain basement price.
Another powerful book is Napoleon Hill’s book “The Master Key to Riches”
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Hey Barry,
I haven’t checked that other one by
Napoleon Hill out yet, but I’ve definitely
seen it around.
That Kiyosaki one must be an interesting
read. I’ve read a few of his for sure.
[Reply]
Jerome Ratliff on January 14th, 2010
Whoa another one that hits home with me.
When I was a kid I frowned at the thought of reading. That changed in college for my affinity to increase my value. It’s definitely served me well.
Right now I’m reading the Master Key System by Charles Haanel. It’s oldie but a goodie.
Heard of it before?
Jerome Ratliff
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Evening Jerome,
I most definitely have. I have to confess
though. I still need to read that one in full.
[Reply]
Peter on January 15th, 2010
Jason (and peeps)
The reading pool of books is light at present but the additional knowledge of various blogs, articles and trainings are well and truly making up for it at present. Currently though I am reading “You’re Speaking My Language” and “The Prayer of Jabez”.
[Reply]
Michael Cole on January 15th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Reading “Think And Grow Rich” Just had to “Turn dowm a glass”
What a Rush!
[Reply]
Matt Cassity on January 17th, 2010
Hi Jason,
I am reading:
Outrageous Advertising that’s outrageously successful by Bill Glazer
[Reply]
January 17th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Believe it or not Matt…
That’s one that I’m seriously eager to
read. I have such a huge reading list now
that it looks like a grocery list.
Thanks for sharing too.
[Reply]
Pat on January 26th, 2010
Hi Jason,
I always think of myself as someone who gets straight into the deep end & has way too few hours in each day (working 25/8/425).
Currently, I am doing the Traffic Formula course, alongside the Copy Writers Guild course as well as getting my head around 3 books:
1. No B.S Direct Marketing- Dan Kennedy
2. The Ultimate Marketing Plan- Dan Kennedy
3. Guerrilla MLM- Jay Levinson/James Dillehay/Marcella Vonn Harting.
I try to take at least 1 thing that’s useful from each book (which in the end will pay for the book many times over)& so far each of these readings has been well worth the price.
My friends say they don’t know who I am any more cuz I never see them so it has its positives & the occasional negative.
[Reply]
January 26th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Pat,
You’re in good hands.
I particularly like your choice of books.
[Reply]
What am I reading?
Well, I’m reading loads…
Actually rereading “Scientific
Advertising” by Claude C Hopkins right
now and “My Life In Advertising”.
Great book you should look up.
Recently reread, “How I Raised Myself
From Failure to Success In Selling”
by Frank Bettger too. That book made
a real difference in my life too.
Share your own reading in a comment today.
Can’t wait to find out what books you’re cracking.
[Reply]