A Tuesday Book Report: The Referral Engine

I love getting a sneak peek at someone's book before it hits the stands. Hey, I'm a writer.

Last Wednesday, a white package landed on my doorstep. Inside was a preview copy of John Jantsch's new book, The Referral Engine: Teaching Your Business to Market Itself.

Now I've been in the marketing business for 17 years, so I've seen loads of business concepts spun, repackaged, retitled and sent out again. You could say I'm a little jaded.

But this one held my interest because it's packed with practical, actionable ideas that businesses can implement now—today—to become a 'referral engine.'

Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing and the creator of The Duct Tape Marketing System and Duct Tape Marketing Coach Network, lays out a plan, interspersed with plenty of real-world success stories, to help readers develop a strong strategy for generating word of mouth and building the ultimate referable business.

But what I found most refreshing was that he spends as much time showing us how to be a referable business as he does helping us develop a system for understanding and managing the referral cycle.

At Cat's Eye Marketing, we have experienced many of the truths in this book and I can honestly say that, if you apply Jantsch's ideas, you will grow your business. 

Judy's Fast Review

 Title: The Referral Engine: Teaching Your Business to Market Itself

Author: John Jantsch

Release Date: May 13, 2010

This Book Is Perfect For: Would-be entrepreneurs, early start-ups and established biz owners who need a hands-on guide and links to free resources to grow referrals into a steady stream of new customers.

Best Insight: When you come to believe the value you can deliver, making that value available to as many people as possible becomes the higher purpose of your business. 

Most Memorable Line: "Be the red leaf."

Single Best Takeaway: Nobody talks about a boring business. First make your company so remarkable that people will want to tell others about it.

To Order Online: Try Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

Disclaimer: John sent me a free copy of his book, but I didn't get any chocolate or anything else that might have influenced my review.