Here’s OUR monthly top picks for you (and your field) for reading, listening to and utilizing in order to stay engaged, informed and one step ahead.
BOOK / The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable
By Patrick Lencioni
In this New York Times best seller, author Patrick Lencioni weaves an entertaining leadership fable that aptly illustrates The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. From “Fear of Conflict” to “Lack of Commitment,” these five issues are relatable to every team, no matter how seemingly successful. Patrick offers a powerful model with actionable steps in the second half of the book. This simple yet profound read is perfect for anyone striving to lead and develop an effective team of any size.
APP / Speechify
Audio Text Reader
Created on the premise that you listen faster than you can read, the Speechify app turns articles, PDFs, digital text and physical books into audiobooks—helping you save time, retain more information and stay focused. Framed as your personal reading assistant, Speechify allows you to customize your audio experience with HD voices in 50+ languages and adjustable reading speeds. The app also seamlessly integrates with various platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, so Speechify can help you get more done, faster!
PODCAST / Believe!
Doug Devos
Renowned business leader and philanthropist Doug DeVos has spent his life encouraging people to become agents of change. As the former President and now Co-Chairman of Amway (and with nearly 60 years in and around the company), Doug has helped build the direct sales giant by empowering entrepreneurs. Doug’s lifelong passion for helping people turn beliefs into action inspired his new podcast, Believe! The podcast asks questions that Doug hopes will spark practical solutions within each listener, along with paths to action.
BOOK / SPIN Selling
By Neil Rackham
What makes someone a great salesperson? How can your field dramatically increase their volume? In SPIN Selling, author Neil Rackham answers these questions and much more, using the acronym “SPIN” to illustrate a unique sales strategy: Situation, Problem, Implication and Need-Payoff. The premise of this methodology is that deals are won when a salesperson truly understands the buyer’s problem—which can only be understood after asking specific questions. Share SPIN Selling with your field to help them discover their best audience and sell more strategically.
APP / Givingli
Send Cards & Gifts
Designed to make everyday connections with people simpler and more meaningful, Givingli is an innovative app for celebrating any occasion. Simply choose and customize a digital card from hundreds of options created by independent artists. Then add an optional gift from retailers like DoorDash and Uber. Finally, send your greeting to your recipient—all with the touch of a button. With Givingli being 100% digital, the company is proud to be both convenient and sustainable. This handy app can help you and your field leadership effortlessly recognize, encourage and reward others.
WEBSITE / HubSpot Blogs
HubSpot is a leading Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform that helps companies market and sell more effectively. While many businesses utilize HubSpot’s paid services, a free benefit they offer is an extremely informative collection of five blogs: Marketing, Sales, Service, Website and The Hustle, which houses business insights. Readers can explore posts by topic, such as Customer Retention, Instagram Marketing and Sales Prospecting. Fans can also subscribe to the specific areas that are of most interest and have the latest news delivered to their inbox.
From the August 2022 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.
