6 Books That Impacted Jay Z

In last weeks DV's Freebie I mentioned that the book Purple Cow by Seth Godin was 1 of 6 books Hova himself touted as being most IMPACTFUL to his life. Since that post I've had some of you reach out to me asking, what are the other books?? So here you go!

Jay Z's Bookshelf

If you're not a reader (yet) don't worry! I was just like you UNTIL I found the right book to bridge me. Keep searching. You won't regret it. Now I love reading! In fact I now average a book a week. Hopefully this helps you understand the importance I place on reading. Reading expedites the learning curve, advocates thought, and promotes action!

Read. Learn. Grow.

DV

The Rock says....This the BEST Way to Problem Solve

Do you ever feel like you over complicated a situation? Or maybe clouded your intentions by trying to do more than necessary? I do it ALL the time. Simply doing what's expected of you EXTREMELY well is typically the best way to solve the problem and present the solution.

"Know your role and shut your mouth, jabroni!"

If you watched WWE back in the late 90's you probably remember this famous go-to line by superstar Dwayne Johnson, The Rock. Next time you start talking circles around a problem and attempt to do more than necessary look for that raised eyebrow in the back of your mind, remember The Rock  - keep it simple!

Set rules. Know your role. Perform impeccably. 

DV

5 Ways to Enjoy Monday Funday

Depressed the weekend is over? I get it, I get it. You've got the holiday hangover and let me guess this isn't just a problem after the holidays - it happens EVERY Monday. Good news is your not alone, bad news is your NEVER going to change the order of the days of the week. Here's my strategy to tackle Monday's:

1. Schedule Monday's to do list on Friday NOT Sunday (reduces stress and anxiety on Sundays.)

2. Give yourself an hour or two on Saturday and/or Sunday AM to handle admin work (these items won't be on your agenda Monday, gives you a sense of accomplishment, and allows you to do step 3 much easier.)

3. Do the ONE thing that's going to provide you the most satisfaction FIRST (i.e. - gym session, follow up with favorite customer, etc. - builds early Monday momentum.)

4. Make an EXTRA effort to be positive (do this with INTENTION.)

5. Get good nights sleep (I love indulging on Sundays but the trick is shutting it down early.)

Focus on what you CAN change! 

DV

I am THANKFUL for...wait minute, I mean Happy Easter!

Okay, okay so I knew it wasn't Thanksgiving the whole time BUT being thankful is a notion and a blessing I think we should indulge in as much as possible! For me the holidays always seem to magnify this concept. Every year, every holiday makes me more and more appreciative of my family and friends. They provide me a platform to be who I am, support me in times of weakness, and INSPIRE me to be great.

Maybe your feelings aren't the same and that's okay! However if you put two feet on the ground this morning (which if you're reading this I know you did) and rolled out of bed then you surely have SOMETHING to be thankful for. Consider that something - whatever it is - today, tomorrow, and everyday! 

Being thankful is honest, honesty is vulnerable, and vulnerability is the first step on the bridge to greatness.

DV

PS - This Easter joke never gets old to me. Love it, ha.

The TOP Way to Earn Trust from Your Team

Head coach of the New York Giants Ben McAdoo recently got drilled in the media for his terrible fitting suit at his inaugural press conference as the new head coach. So what does he do? He enlists former player Michael Strahan and current star wide receiver Victor Cruz to help him with his wardrobe - hilarious! "You have to know your strengths and weaknesses," McAdoo said.

Extreme, maybe. However being humble enough to understand your weaknesses and have the humility to ask for help is true leadership. A great way to earn the trust of your team! 

Vulnerability is engaging.

DV

PS - The suit was pretty atrocious, check it out, ha. Sorry Ben.

Ben McAdoo, New York Giants Head Coach

The Friday DV Freebie #2

Okay, okay so I changed the title of the weekly review from "The Friday Media Review." I thought it sounded it cooler. I hope you like it. Who knows? I may change it again. Anyway let's get on with this week's review. 

Purple Cow by Seth Godin

What I like best: This book is super approachable for anyone and everyone. It takes a simple idea - be remarkable - and brings it to life with tremendous insight rooted with real examples. Be a purple cow. Why? Because purple cows standout. "Your either remarkable or invisible," says Godin. For all you millennials out there Jay Z labeled this book as one of the 6 most influential he's ever read. Notably saying it forever validated his marketing strategy.

Best Quote: "In your career, even more than for a brand, safe is risky. The path to lifetime job security is to be remarkable."

DV

How to Make Your Cake Taste Homemade

Don't know how to bake? Me neither. Fret no more! Next time your tasked with the job of bringing something to the party simply remember to swap out the water with coffee. Box cake + plus coffee? Hm, interesting. Check out this article by Heather Yamada-Hosley, lifehacker.com.

Being creative with your work is a never ending process. Simply changing one thing in your typical process can have a HUGE difference in your end result. Try it today!

Identify. Change. Witness. 

DV

***Disclaimer - This post does not apply to you mom, sorry. You still have to make homemade cakes. :)

Mom's "Chocolate/Chocolate" Cake (w/ Coffee Ice Cream)

Apple Introduces the New iPhone SE

Something looks familiar? Hmm. Yup - iPhone has gone back to the iPhone 5 design. It packs pretty much all the specs from the iPhone 6s but with the smaller 4 inch screen. It's set for pre-orders March 24th. For more info checkout apple.com/iphone-se.

This is a great example of Apple listening to their customers. An idea you will hear me discuss and build on in my upcoming audio groundupSALES.

DV

How to Find Your Competitive Advantage

Another great morning post by marketing guru Seth Godin. "What is your edge? In a hypercompetitive world, whatever you're competing on is going to become your focus," says Godin. Clink the link above to check it out!

He suggests that understanding precisely what you compete on is critical for you to thrive in your market. For example if it's price focus on pennies, if it's smarts then get smarter, if it's getting picked then audition more, if it's hustling then look for shortcuts, etc. "In any competitive market, be prepared to invest your heart and soul and focus on the thing you compete on," says Godin. So hone in! Strong, strong insight - love it!

What are you competing on?

Define. Focus. Execute.

DV

The BIG List of Inspiring Quotes from NCAA Basketballs Greatest Coaches

As I watched the NCAA Basketball Tournament over the weekend CBS continually showed snippets of coaches in the locker room's giving speeches to their players. I thought to myself - WOW - this is one of the highest degrees of emotional displays you're ever going to see. A leader trying to motivate his men in a complete "do or die" situation.

So in honor of March Madness this is a compilation of great quotes by equally great NCAA basketball coaches. Boost your morale to start the week with this list of 19 motivational quotes provided by Cecilia Meis, SUCCESS.com. 

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” - John Wooden

**Wooden's work is timeless and I highly suggest reading any of his books on leadership. 

DV