69. Branding to Build Connection Most small or solo-businesses don’t have a brand or haven’t changed it since the last century. Is it time to bring your firm to life?  While "Brand Intimacy" by Mario Natarelli and Rina Plapler was written by authors who worked with corporate giants, this is a great book that helps firms of all sizes to grow their brand visibility and stand out from the crowd in this century. Read about what made brands tick and what you can do to connect more deeply in the age of social networking to create your brand to more people. Thanks to: Maria Marsala of Coach Maria.   To read about the other 73 book recommendations, click here.

3. Sign Up for SUCCESS As a financial advisor, chances are you read a lot of books, websites, and magazines about your industry. That's important, but not enough for you personally. I recommend subscribing to SUCCESS Magazine. The magazine articles look at success the best way and only way, in my opinion -- holistically. It includes both personal and business development tips and tools that will enlighten and inspire you. Topics include goal setting, marriage, leadership, life balance, giving back and more. Plus you'll receive an audio CD each month on a topic that revolves around being successful. Action Register now for SUCCESS Magazine at a deep discount off the retail price. Listen to the CD in your car or home office and take action -- a small or large step -- each month on one thing you've learned. Recycle your copy of SUCCESS Magazine by giving it to your team to read and have a monthly discussion on the topic of the CD. Or put your business label on the cover and give it to your clients to share. Learn more here   Our tips may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here. ©2013 Elevating Your Business. Maria Marsala is a Business Coach to Financial Advisors and a former Wall Street Trader. She helps independent and fee-based financial advisors reach their 5-year business and personal goals in 24 months. Maria has been recognized as a thought leader whose ideas have been published in Financial Planning Magazine,

On Sept 16, 2009 I attended an event sponsored by the Puget Sound Business Journal, where Nancy was one of the speakers. Between those two encounters, I updated one of my many bio’s, the example below is very short and I use it for ½ page promo cards and short bio descriptions. The first two words of my bio are those that Nancy Juetten recommended when I spoke to her at the Puget Sound Business Journal event. I made minor changes, but the rest of the changes, that bring the bio to light were made by Chistine Mifsud, someone new working for me that has surely impressed me (and Nancy J) Before and after bio here: Old and Very Good: Maria Marsala, the founder of Elevating Your Business, is a business consultant, coach, speaker, author, and former Fortune 500 Wall Street executive. She entered the business world selling Avon at 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. Maria was rewarded for her fierce determination and keen insights when she became a bond trader and department manager at a time women executives were a rare commodity. Since 1998, Maria has helped thousands of B2B service industry CEOs/presidents, professionals and management teams to eliminate the problems of quickly growing businesses by streamlining and automating their planning, operations, and marketing processes. The results? They increase their bottom line, work smarter, and enjoy a higher quality life. Would you like to be next? Contact Maria today! New and Better:

I first heard of Bob Burg years ago, and I’m pretty sure it was either on Warrior Forum or Blake Forum. He was offering copies of his book that was in it’s third printing — for free. I’m not the type of person to say “no” to a free business book, especially when it’s on a marketing topic. The book as “Endless Referrals”, excellent book by the way, consider getting it, too, but that’s not the one I’m reviewing here. The Go-Giver Book Years ago, I had the honor of taking his 3 or so hour seminar in Seattle and part of the fee paid for his new book “Go-Giver“. The book was kinda thin (I thought to myself) as a read the back cover (and the description sounded intriguing) and before he signed it. But because it was a thin book as far as business books go, I figured it wouldn’t take long to read it; very true. You’ll agree with me that not all business books are good bedtime reading, but I’d recommend you read this each night before you go to bed. I actually wish I had someone to read it with! I had the greatest sleep! The book gets you thinking about the “Laws of Stratospheric Success”, and I’d recommend going to sleep on one law a night. But at the end, you might do what I did. I though I knew what the ending would be when there were 10 or so pages