I just finished reading Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman and have to say I really enjoyed it his book. Honestly I was not sure if a book about a retired boxer turned spokesman for a kitchen appliance, would be interesting or worth the read? I am happy to report I found the book to be very charming. It was entertaining and had an honest message to offer entrepreneurs.

Mr. Foreman offers advice and real life stories as examples of ways to become a successful entrepreneur through integrity and a servant leadership attitude. I especially enjoyed reading stories of the boxing world and hearing the lessons learned, as Mr. Foreman became a legend in the boxing world and as a spokesman and entrepreneur. The lessons he shared can easily be applied to anyone’s personal or professional life.

I would recommend Knockout Entrepreneur to any entrepreneur or business professional looking for success in their personal and professional lives and wanting to live according to God. George shares many examples of his personal growth and how he learned to handle any situation with integrity and as a Christian. He says that with honesty, enthusiasm, confidence and courage anyone can reach true success.

Thursday’s Review

What seems like a cute little book quickly impressed me as a little book with a big punch. In the book The Power of Small, the authors Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval provide interesting and relevant small stories from their extensive careers in advertising. These stories impress the importance of paying attention to the small things in life.

This book looks at and reminds us of the importance and impact of the little details, extras, and accessories that make people and events memorable. Instead of not worrying about the small or little stuff, we should be focusing on them. Life is all about the small stuff and the details that make are days special, unique, challenging and rewarding.

Using little details to make your business stand out is what makes good companies great. Things like manners, being nice, exceptional customer service, working hard, or providing a little something extra gets businesses noticed. Those that get ahead and stand out as successes in their personal or professional lives, do so because of the little things they do. The book also looked at how getting big things accomplished begins with small tasks, small plans – one step at a time.

I would recommend this book to anyone building their business or trying to improve their personal life. A refreshing thought that rings true in life as well as in business; the little stops along the road that make the journey so interesting and worth taking.

For anyone who has enjoys listening to the heart felt harmonies, guitar or piano inspirations of Diamond Rio, you’ll truly enjoy their new book, Beautiful Mess – The Story of Diamond Rio. I have to reveal here, that I am a huge fan of their music – they turned me on to country music in the early 90’s with Meet in the Middle. I remember after I finally heard the name of the band I ran out and got their first CD and most of their following CD’s as well.

So much of this book sent me back in time as it talked about their songs and it let me get a peek at the lives and loved ones that made their band so strong. I loved the individual biography sections for each member. It really gives readers a true understanding of who the men of Diamond Rio are and what made them such determined and talented individuals.

The wrap up brought the group back together as a whole and let us in on the tragedies and challenges they faced and how they got through and overcame them by staying together. The book shares the about the charities that are most precious to Diamond Rio and what they have done to make a difference for these organizations. Now with the group back together and stronger than ever, they are ready to move forward – and I can’t wait!

I applaud the band for staying true to their gifts and not falling prey to many of the vices that come with fame and fortune. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves country music, Diamond Rio, or biographies. I look forward to their future work, especially their potential in the Christian genre – something I’ve been waiting for and expecting.

“Between Wyomings” is one man’s journey of coming to terms with his past through memories, travel and communion with God. The book looks deep into the struggles of learning to forgive oneself for the sins of the past while staying faithful to God.

Ken Mansfield takes his readers on 2 journeys simultaneously. The first journey is stories of his exciting past as a Grammy-winning record producer and his life of fame, fortune, stars and drugs. The insight from Ken gives us the B side of the music industry and shares details of momentous events as only few people can.

Ken’s second journey is inward and challenges the author to deal with his past and accept God’s grace and love.

He has done a great job articulating deep and stirring thoughts that often come when conversing with God. It reminded me that God is always there waiting for me with open arms and a plan. The book was very rich in content and description, making it a book not easily skimmed.

I recommend “Between the Wyomings – My God and an iPod on the Open Road” to anyone who has made their own journey to better understand his inner struggles and finding peace through his walk with God.