The Great December Book Giveaway

I did this back in October and it was so very popular with all of you that I’ve decided to do it again this month – with a twist (of course!)

In just a sec, I’ll tell you the seven nine TEN books that are up for grabs in the giveaway. But first, here’s how you get your name in the pot:

1. Leave an intelligent comment. Which means it has to say more than “great post”. And, in the end, I am the judge of what qualifies as intelligent. Do this and you get ONE ticket in the drawing.

2. Make a donation. For every $5 you donate to my Escaping Mediocrity Orphanage Project, you get ONE ticket in the drawing. Plus there are some bonuses that go along with that.

Donate $10 – 2 tickets and your name and a hotlink to your site listed in my thank you post.

Donate $25 and you get FIVE tickets in the drawing, the above bonus and a $50 coupon code you can use anytime during 2011 on anything I put up for sale. Of course you can always donate more and get more tickets!

If you’ve already donated (and thank you so much for that!) your tickets are already in the pot.

Ok – ready to know what I’m giving away?!

1) My personal copy of Chris Guillebeau’s The Art of Non-Conformity. You can read what I think about it and why it REALLY matters to you here.

2) My personal copy of Smarter, Faster, Cheaper: Non-boring, Fluff-Free Strategies for Marketing and Promoting Your Business by David Siteman Garland. Read my review here.

3) My personal copy of Social Nation: How to Harness the Power of Social Media to Attract Customers, Motivate Employees, and Grow Your Business by Barry Libert. I plan to do a full review of this book soon but it is a killer resource for companies who want to build a deeply connected social community like Apple, Etsy, AmexOPEN and Zappos have built.

4) It’s Not About the Coffee: Lessons in Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks by Howard Behar with Janet Goldstein. If you want to learn how to build an amazing team and an unparalleled culture, this book is a must read.

5) Fierce Leadership: A Bold Alternative to the “Best” Practices of Business Today by Susan Scott. It’s no secret that I think most “best practices” are pretty lame and mediocre. This books give you an alternative approach for leading your company (even it is just a company of one!) to greatness.

6) My personal copy of Do More Great Work by Michael Bungay Stanier. I love the tagline on this book – “Stop doing busy work and start doing work that matters”. That’s really all I need to say about that.

7) My personal copy of Leo Babauta’s The Power of Less: The fine art of limiting yourself to the essential….in business and in life. To escape mediocrity, we’ve got to know what is essential and eliminate everything else. Makes for light travel. This book will show you how.

JUST IN >> Rebel Brown is generously offering a personally signed copy of her book, Defy Gravity, as part of the Great December Book Giveaway! As a growth expert, Rebel helps managers and leaders shed the weight and drag that are holding their companies back and propel their business to high-velocity growth.

NEW BULLETIN: My friend @BarryMoltz is adding a copy of his fab book on delivering stellar customer service – B-A-M! Bust a Myth: Delivering Customer Service to the giveaway. Wow! Whomever wins this is gonna rack up!

YEAH – ANOTHER ADDITION! >>> Connie Dieken is offering up a copy of her new book AND 3-CD Audiobook Set – wow! Talk Less, Say More: How to be more influential and ignite positive responses.

So there you have it. December’s Great Book Giveaway. And by the way – these books make great gifts for that hard-to-buy-for entrepreneur on your list.

Now get busy! Leave a comment below and, if you are so moved, make a donation to my Escaping Mediocrity Orphanage Project. The deadline is NOON EST on Friday, December 17.

(And P.S. To keep my holiday sanity in tact, this is a “winner take all” kind of thing.)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 at 11:49 am and is filed under Uncommon Bookshelf, Uncommon Good. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

http://www.janetgoldstein.com janet goldstein

This is wonderful, inspiring goodness. I’ve made my donation to the Orphanage Project, and I’ll donate a book–if I’m picked–to another Escaping Mediocrity friend and fellow.

Btw, I’m thrilled and honored to have *my* book in the give-away – IT’S NOT ABOUT THE COFFEE (coauthored with former Starbucks president Howard Behar) as well as my client Susan Scott’s book on her *unrules* of leading in the bestselling FIERCE LEADERSHIP. xox, j
- Anonymous
  
  Thank you Janet. I just love your generous spirit my friend! xo-S.
http://www.janetgoldstein.com janet goldstein

This is wonderful, inspiring goodness. I’ve made my donation to the Orphanage Project, and I’ll donate a book–if I’m picked–to another Escaping Mediocrity friend and fellow.

Btw, I’m thrilled and honored to have *my* book in the give-away – IT’S NOT ABOUT THE COFFEE (coauthored with former Starbucks president Howard Behar) as well as my client Susan Scott’s book on her *unrules* of leading in the bestselling FIERCE LEADERSHIP. xox, j
- Anonymous
  
  Thank you Janet. I just love your generous spirit my friend! xo-S.
http://www.wahmbahm.com Ivette Muller

What a great idea! Continuing our learning and education helps us grow in so many ways. Sometimes we don’t get the lesson right away so we need some reminders like rereading books!

I’ve heard many wonderful things about you from my coach, Lisa Robbin Young. I look forward to reading more of your posts and insights over the new year Take care, Ivette
- Anonymous
  
  I hope none of us ever stop learning. And I find that when I re-read books, I get insights I didn’t get the first time around.
  
  Oh and I am SO glad Lisa sent you my way. You have an A-mazing coach!
http://www.wahmbahm.com Ivette Muller

What a great idea! Continuing our learning and education helps us grow in so many ways. Sometimes we don’t get the lesson right away so we need some reminders like rereading books!

I’ve heard many wonderful things about you from my coach, Lisa Robbin Young. I look forward to reading more of your posts and insights over the new year Take care, Ivette
- Anonymous
  
  I hope none of us ever stop learning. And I find that when I re-read books, I get insights I didn’t get the first time around.
  
  Oh and I am SO glad Lisa sent you my way. You have an A-mazing coach!
http://twitter.com/AlexConde AlexConde

Wow! That’s quite an incredible book list for the giveaway!

I must say, the Orphanage Project sounds like an excellent idea. We often get so wrapped up in how little our money can buy here, we forget that our coffee or snack money can have an incredible impact in other places. Great idea!
- Anonymous
  
  Thanks Alex. And yes – that is sort of the point. We think we have so little, but I can tell you that after visiting Russia, we have more than many there could even dream of. Thanks for your support!
  Sarah
http://twitter.com/AlexConde AlexConde

Wow! That’s quite an incredible book list for the giveaway!

I must say, the Orphanage Project sounds like an excellent idea. We often get so wrapped up in how little our money can buy here, we forget that our coffee or snack money can have an incredible impact in other places. Great idea!
- Anonymous
  
  Thanks Alex. And yes – that is sort of the point. We think we have so little, but I can tell you that after visiting Russia, we have more than many there could even dream of. Thanks for your support!
  Sarah
Karen

It’s so inspiring to see your commitment to the orphanage! Children have a way of touching hearts, don’t they? I’m a big fan of “The Art of Non-Conformity” and didn’t know Susan Scott had “Fierce Leadership.” I reference her “Fierce Conversations” fairly often. Just curious, is “my personal copy” complete with all your notes? It’s fun getting to know you through your book choices – thanks for sharing!
- Anonymous
  
  Oh you have no idea how much those little faces live in my heart each and every day.
  
  Books are wonderful things and I LOVE reading them. And, no, my personal copies don’t have my notes. If I gave away books with those in them, the whole book would be unreadable – I make a mess when I read like that.
Karen

It’s so inspiring to see your commitment to the orphanage! Children have a way of touching hearts, don’t they? I’m a big fan of “The Art of Non-Conformity” and didn’t know Susan Scott had “Fierce Leadership.” I reference her “Fierce Conversations” fairly often. Just curious, is “my personal copy” complete with all your notes? It’s fun getting to know you through your book choices – thanks for sharing!
- Anonymous
  
  Oh you have no idea how much those little faces live in my heart each and every day.
  
  Books are wonderful things and I LOVE reading them. And, no, my personal copies don’t have my notes. If I gave away books with those in them, the whole book would be unreadable – I make a mess when I read like that.
Simone

Thank you so much for sharing these interesting books with us. I read the descriptions of the various book titles and they all sound like interesting reads. Great idea sharing resources for the Orphanage Project! People can do great things together to make positive changes in the lives of others. Good on you!
- Anonymous
  
  Thank you Simone! I seem to attract books like a magnet and love it when I get to share them with The Tribe!
Simone

Thank you so much for sharing these interesting books with us. I read the descriptions of the various book titles and they all sound like interesting reads. Great idea sharing resources for the Orphanage Project! People can do great things together to make positive changes in the lives of others. Good on you!
- Anonymous
  
  Thank you Simone! I seem to attract books like a magnet and love it when I get to share them with The Tribe!
http://abbyandizzysmom.blogspot.com Erin Margolin

I am already 1/2 way through the Art of Non-Conformity (thanks to you) and love it!! What a wonderful and thoughtful idea, Sarah. Then again, I wouldn’t expect any less from someone like YOU. Love what you are doing and so thrilled to know you.
Thank you for doing this for these kiddos.
and hooray I’ve already got entries in the pot!
xoxoxo
- Anonymous
  
  Thank you Erin. Your continued support for this little project of mine means SO much.
http://abbyandizzysmom.blogspot.com Erin Margolin

I am already 1/2 way through the Art of Non-Conformity (thanks to you) and love it!! What a wonderful and thoughtful idea, Sarah. Then again, I wouldn’t expect any less from someone like YOU. Love what you are doing and so thrilled to know you.
Thank you for doing this for these kiddos.
and hooray I’ve already got entries in the pot!
xoxoxo
- Anonymous
  
  Thank you Erin. Your continued support for this little project of mine means SO much.
http://TheRubyBooks.org Jeanne Demers

Sarah, what’s so great about you is how you make the giving spirit contagious. I want to be more like my friend, Sarah

I loved your story about how that fellow appeared in the mall and asked where your smile was and then was gone. It was a story as good as any Christmas movie. Thank you for that.

And thank you for rallying us to support this orphanage. I have girls I support in the Philippines and India and it is one of my greatest sources of happiness — seeing them smile back at me from my refrigerator.
- Anonymous
  
  Oh THAT story…yes…well…even now it feels rather surreal. And it changed my life.
  
  You always bring such charm and enthusiasm everywhere you go Jeanne. I thank you for that and for your enthusiasm over my project. And YAY for your girls!!
http://TheRubyBooks.org Jeanne Demers

Sarah, what’s so great about you is how you make the giving spirit contagious. I want to be more like my friend, Sarah

I loved your story about how that fellow appeared in the mall and asked where your smile was and then was gone. It was a story as good as any Christmas movie. Thank you for that.

And thank you for rallying us to support this orphanage. I have girls I support in the Philippines and India and it is one of my greatest sources of happiness — seeing them smile back at me from my refrigerator.
- Anonymous
  
  Oh THAT story…yes…well…even now it feels rather surreal. And it changed my life.
  
  You always bring such charm and enthusiasm everywhere you go Jeanne. I thank you for that and for your enthusiasm over my project. And YAY for your girls!!
pero

:Great Post!: (Ok… bad joke there. I am sorry).

I think it is great that you are finding new homes for books you have enjoyed. I have worked on limiting myself to the essential, and have done fairly well in doing so. I should consider doing the same, as I have a tall dresser packed with books I have already enjoyed.

I hope that the winners enjoy the book(s) they will receive!
- Anonymous
  
  Thanks for the bad joke Pero – it was only a matter of time.
pero

:Great Post!: (Ok… bad joke there. I am sorry).

I think it is great that you are finding new homes for books you have enjoyed. I have worked on limiting myself to the essential, and have done fairly well in doing so. I should consider doing the same, as I have a tall dresser packed with books I have already enjoyed.

I hope that the winners enjoy the book(s) they will receive!
- Anonymous
  
  Thanks for the bad joke Pero – it was only a matter of time.
Anonymous

You never cease to amaze me, Chief!! Escaping Mediocrity describes your life in ALL ways and you continue to share your BIG heart and your boundless resources with your tribe. I only know of Chris’s book, so the rest of the “bounty” will be a sheer delight, especially since they come from your library. It will be pure awesomeness to read what you have found to be educational & inspirational. WOOT!!

And, I’ve contributed to your Orphanage Project, how could I not??? Just thinking of all the Little YT’s still there in need of just the basics of life, was motivation BIG TIME!!

Thanks, Chief, for all that you do every day to make our world and the world of those orphans a better place. Your love and generosity shine brightly!!
Anonymous

You never cease to amaze me, Chief!! Escaping Mediocrity describes your life in ALL ways and you continue to share your BIG heart and your boundless resources with your tribe. I only know of Chris’s book, so the rest of the “bounty” will be a sheer delight, especially since they come from your library. It will be pure awesomeness to read what you have found to be educational & inspirational. WOOT!!

And, I’ve contributed to your Orphanage Project, how could I not??? Just thinking of all the Little YT’s still there in need of just the basics of life, was motivation BIG TIME!!

Thanks, Chief, for all that you do every day to make our world and the world of those orphans a better place. Your love and generosity shine brightly!!
Nick Benas

Honor. Courage. Commitment! Sarah, my hat goes off to you 1. as beautiful woman 2. an amazing friend 3. a Saint
- Anonymous
  
  Hardly a Saint, Nick – as you well know. But I thank you.
Nick Benas

Honor. Courage. Commitment! Sarah, my hat goes off to you 1. as beautiful woman 2. an amazing friend 3. a Saint
- Anonymous
  
  Hardly a Saint, Nick – as you well know. But I thank you.
http://twitter.com/barryrsilver Barry R. Silver

Sarah,

Love the orphanage project, but can’t participate in financial support. I would like to suggest that everyone can participate similarly in Christmas/Holiday spirit. Anyone can donate to one of a gazillion great projects foreign or domestic. If funds are dear, a day, 1/2 day or even an hour “donating” elbow grease to enrich someone else’s holiday while exponentially enriching your own is great. My example: I helped pack holiday baskets at the church where my unemployed networkers meet.
- Anonymous
  
  LOVE this idea Barry!! If anyone has a “Hand On” or CitiCares” organization in their city, they make volutneering really fun and easy. Or just pick up the phone, call the organization tht interests you and tell them you are available to help. They will LOVE it!! and guess what? You will love it more!!
http://twitter.com/barryrsilver Barry R. Silver

Sarah,

Love the orphanage project, but can’t participate in financial support. I would like to suggest that everyone can participate similarly in Christmas/Holiday spirit. Anyone can donate to one of a gazillion great projects foreign or domestic. If funds are dear, a day, 1/2 day or even an hour “donating” elbow grease to enrich someone else’s holiday while exponentially enriching your own is great. My example: I helped pack holiday baskets at the church where my unemployed networkers meet.
- Anonymous
  
  LOVE this idea Barry!! If anyone has a “Hand On” or CitiCares” organization in their city, they make volutneering really fun and easy. Or just pick up the phone, call the organization tht interests you and tell them you are available to help. They will LOVE it!! and guess what? You will love it more!!
http://twitter.com/chrisguillebeau chrisguillebeau

Great post!

Oops… that doesn’t count. I don’t need a ticket, but thanks for doing this and I can’t wait to see what happens in your great community next year. It’s going to be a very big 2011! Happy holidays, Sarah and everyone.
- Anonymous
  
  as I have said from the beginning, you are to blame for whatever happens here. That EM exists is entirely your fault.
  
  Thanks for stopping by Chris – and for the bad joke!
http://twitter.com/chrisguillebeau Chris Guillebeau

Great post!

Oops… that doesn’t count. I don’t need a ticket, but thanks for doing this and I can’t wait to see what happens in your great community next year. It’s going to be a very big 2011! Happy holidays, Sarah and everyone.
- Anonymous
  
  as I have said from the beginning, you are to blame for whatever happens here. That EM exists is entirely your fault.
  
  Thanks for stopping by Chris – and for the bad joke!
http://imaginecreatewrite.blogspot.com Rebecca

I love reading your blog, and I’ve read your comments about those books many times now. I have been wanting to read them for ages! (There are a couple listed that I hadn’t heard of before though, so I’m now looking them up.)
- Anonymous
  
  Oh – I am so glad you commented Rebecca! And I LOVE finding out about books I’ve never heard about. Good luck!
http://imaginecreatewrite.blogspot.com Rebecca

I love reading your blog, and I’ve read your comments about those books many times now. I have been wanting to read them for ages! (There are a couple listed that I hadn’t heard of before though, so I’m now looking them up.)
- Anonymous
  
  Oh – I am so glad you commented Rebecca! And I LOVE finding out about books I’ve never heard about. Good luck!
Tamimorello

What a great list of books! I love discovering new books, especially ones that provide news ideas and ways of looking at business and life. Knowing that these all have your stamp of approval makes me all the more anxious to start digging in. I’m already loving The Art of Non-Conformity, and am planning to give a copy to my son, who is starting out on his own (and is definitely a non-conformist!)

Also, thank you for giving us the opportunity to support the orphanage. I really like splitting my giving among local, national and international needs/groups. It’s really nice to know we’re doing a little to help some children who might not have any other help coming to them.
- Anonymous
  
  You are always so open to learning new things Tami! And yay for giving ANC to your son!
  
  And yes, if everyone does just a small part in helping the world be a better place, amazing things can happen. Thank you for supporting this endavor of mine.
Tamimorello

What a great list of books! I love discovering new books, especially ones that provide news ideas and ways of looking at business and life. Knowing that these all have your stamp of approval makes me all the more anxious to start digging in. I’m already loving The Art of Non-Conformity, and am planning to give a copy to my son, who is starting out on his own (and is definitely a non-conformist!)

Also, thank you for giving us the opportunity to support the orphanage. I really like splitting my giving among local, national and international needs/groups. It’s really nice to know we’re doing a little to help some children who might not have any other help coming to them.
- Anonymous
  
  You are always so open to learning new things Tami! And yay for giving ANC to your son!
  
  And yes, if everyone does just a small part in helping the world be a better place, amazing things can happen. Thank you for supporting this endavor of mine.
Barbara Hutchinson

Hi! This is my first visit to your blog thanks to @ginidietrich and I’m already hooked. I have enjoyed your book review and list and have printed it out for my 2011 reading. I am a director of a small commercial service airport which is a little different than providing a direct service or manufacturing widgets. Especially in the current aviation environment, I am constantly looking for sound advice, constructive criticism and reading to improve my leadership skills so that I can help shape and reshape my airport’s corporate environment. Thanks for sharing these resources and kudos for your Christmas project. I’ve sent in my donation and appreciate your magnificent effort. We just raised over $1,000 to provide Christmas for a local brother and sister and believe we all share a responsibility to make the world a better place for everyone in need.
- Anonymous
  
  Oh Barbara I am THRILLED that you found your way here – especially through my dear friend Gini! I love that you are so committed to re-shaping your airport’s environment – good stuff!
  
  And thank you for supporting the orphange project. It means so very much to me.
  
  I look forward to getting to know you here!
Barbara Hutchinson

Hi! This is my first visit to your blog thanks to @ginidietrich and I’m already hooked. I have enjoyed your book review and list and have printed it out for my 2011 reading. I am a director of a small commercial service airport which is a little different than providing a direct service or manufacturing widgets. Especially in the current aviation environment, I am constantly looking for sound advice, constructive criticism and reading to improve my leadership skills so that I can help shape and reshape my airport’s corporate environment. Thanks for sharing these resources and kudos for your Christmas project. I’ve sent in my donation and appreciate your magnificent effort. We just raised over $1,000 to provide Christmas for a local brother and sister and believe we all share a responsibility to make the world a better place for everyone in need.
- Anonymous
  
  Oh Barbara I am THRILLED that you found your way here – especially through my dear friend Gini! I love that you are so committed to re-shaping your airport’s environment – good stuff!
  
  And thank you for supporting the orphange project. It means so very much to me.
  
  I look forward to getting to know you here!
Anonymous

Ah, you’ve done it again! Not surprising at all

I love the wide variety of books you chose. It beautifully showcases the depth of the knowledge you share with others. And I’m so honored that you allowed us to share in the Orphanage Project. Again, such a beautiful example of your loving, generous heart.

xoxo
Anonymous

Ah, you’ve done it again! Not surprising at all

I love the wide variety of books you chose. It beautifully showcases the depth of the knowledge you share with others. And I’m so honored that you allowed us to share in the Orphanage Project. Again, such a beautiful example of your loving, generous heart.

xoxo
http://www.journeyscript.wordpress.com Olivia

I have several thoughts. #1, I love giveaways, #2, I love books, and #3, I love good causes and people helping others, utilizing their strengths and talents to “repair the world” and make it a better place. So kudos for all of that.

Second, I am a freelance marketing consultant, and a college student about to go on winter break on top of that, so I’d love to win a stack of books to delve into and glean from in addition to the small collection I’ve been waiting to dig into while I’ve been busy with classes.

Third, I’ve bookmarked your site, and will try to come back and check it out more often…I really like what you’re doing. Thanks and keep it up!
http://www.journeyscript.wordpress.com Olivia

I have several thoughts. #1, I love giveaways, #2, I love books, and #3, I love good causes and people helping others, utilizing their strengths and talents to “repair the world” and make it a better place. So kudos for all of that.

Second, I am a freelance marketing consultant, and a college student about to go on winter break on top of that, so I’d love to win a stack of books to delve into and glean from in addition to the small collection I’ve been waiting to dig into while I’ve been busy with classes.

Third, I’ve bookmarked your site, and will try to come back and check it out more often…I really like what you’re doing. Thanks and keep it up!
Elizabeth

Sarah, I have to say that I’m so inspired by the Orphanage Project. At a time of year when it’s SO easy to feel stress, anxiety and to focus on things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things (ex. does my Christmas tree have enough ornaments), I love that you’re giving us an opportunity to remember those in need and to redirect our energy to the children who could benefit so greatly from our help!

I’m going to go donate now

And, I’m happy to throw in a copy of my book I wrote with Michael Port, The Contrarian Effect: Why it Pays Big to Take Typical Sales Advice and Do the Opposite, for the great book giveaway!
Anonymous

Sarah, I have to say that I’m so inspired by the Orphanage Project. At a time of year when it’s SO easy to feel stress, anxiety and to focus on things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things (ex. does my Christmas tree have enough ornaments), I love that you’re giving us an opportunity to remember those in need and to redirect our energy to the children who could benefit so greatly from our help!

I’m going to go donate now

And, I’m happy to throw in a copy of my book I wrote with Michael Port, The Contrarian Effect: Why it Pays Big to Take Typical Sales Advice and Do the Opposite, for the great book giveaway!
Flag
Elizabeth

Sarah, I have to say that I’m so inspired by the Orphanage Project. At a time of year when it’s SO easy to feel stress, anxiety and to focus on things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things (ex. does my Christmas tree have enough ornaments), I love that you’re giving us an opportunity to remember those in need and to redirect our energy to the children who could benefit so greatly from our help!

I’m going to go donate now

And, I’m happy to throw in a copy of my book I wrote with Michael Port, The Contrarian Effect: Why it Pays Big to Take Typical Sales Advice and Do the Opposite, for the great book giveaway!
Anonymous

Sarah, I have to say that I’m so inspired by the Orphanage Project. At a time of year when it’s SO easy to feel stress, anxiety and to focus on things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things (ex. does my Christmas tree have enough ornaments), I love that you’re giving us an opportunity to remember those in need and to redirect our energy to the children who could benefit so greatly from our help!

I’m going to go donate now

And, I’m happy to throw in a copy of my book I wrote with Michael Port, The Contrarian Effect: Why it Pays Big to Take Typical Sales Advice and Do the Opposite, for the great book giveaway!
Flag
http://www.elisedalton.com Elise Dalton

This is a very generous giveaway. There is nothing like a good book to help you take action, breakthrough those areas that are holding you back and learn to put others first. Of all the things you could give away, I believe a book has the most value. Thank you.
http://www.elisedalton.com Elise Dalton

This is a very generous giveaway. There is nothing like a good book to help you take action, breakthrough those areas that are holding you back and learn to put others first. Of all the things you could give away, I believe a book has the most value. Thank you.
@CanDoMom

Love this idea! I have a favorite organization that ministers to orphans in Bulgaria (Bulgarian Child). Probably same things happening in Russia. So sad. Bless you and your efforts. They really are making a difference!
@CanDoMom

Love this idea! I have a favorite organization that ministers to orphans in Bulgaria (Bulgarian Child). Probably same things happening in Russia. So sad. Bless you and your efforts. They really are making a difference!