It’s my intention to write about the “How Money Works” book because I wanted to thank lots of you who have ordered the book and either have given copies away to friends and family or have asked for copies for your teams. While listed for $16.95 plus shipping on Amazon we have sold over a hundred copies to Recyclers who ordered more copies later after reading the book themselves. Others ordered the book so they could distribute it to a manager or office head. Even though the price has not changed, we are still selling them at $10 each. We have absorbed the shipping cost, so you do not pay until you receive your shipment.
But since COVID-19 is still hanging around, I also need to encourage you to get Spencer Johnson’s book, “Who Moved My Cheese.” You will remember Dr. Spencer Johnson because he was also the author of “One Minute Manager,” the #1 New York Times Best Seller with Ken Blanchard. In such times as these, what I call “The New Normal”, all of us need to read, or in some cases, re-read the book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” If you do not think your cheese has been moved over the last 4 months, then you have had your head in the sand. It has moved! If you are not familiar with the “Who Moved My Cheese” book, here’s what it covers.
Using a simple parable to reveal profound truths, the book, “Who Moved My Cheese” is an amusing and enlightening story of four characters who live in a MAZE and look for CHEESE to nourish and make them happy. The premise of the book is like some recyclers who are running around, worrying how they are going to find new markets to sell in an ever-changing market environment. We, as an industry, need to look for the NEW CHEESE and deliver it. Appropriately named, Sniff and Scurry, 2 of the 4 characters are mice. The other two characters are Little People, the size of mice but look and act like people. Their names are Hem and Haw. “Cheese” is a metaphor for what you want as a recycler. Remember, some recyclers do not want to change and they’re really not ready for change when it does occur. This book is also a short-read because it takes a little over an hour from start to finish. Similar in length to the “How Money Works” book. A sign that Hem and Haw scribbled on one of the walls reads, “If you do not change, you can become extinct.”
While we were experiencing a COVID-19 shutdown wondering what was coming next, Hem was also wondering who moved his cheese. Haw had a different perspective and was wondering why he did not get up and move with the cheese sooner. Hem and Haw are like lots of us when things change to no fault of our own. Hem and Haw just stood there immobilized like two statues, afraid to change course. Some nights, after spending the day in the maze looking for new cheese, they would return home carrying their worries and frustrations with them.
At the same time while Hem and Haw had their issues, the Little People had difficulty sleeping and having nightmares about not finding New Cheese. Some of us know the difference between activity and productivity. You cannot sit around and wait to see what happens next.
In the story, the characters are faced with unexpected change which is completely out of control. Sounds familiar to what we are experiencing today. “Who Moved My Cheese” is a must-read book.
Before I end, those of you who ordered the “How Money Works” book should make sure you spend time finding a copy “Who Moved My Cheese.” It’s probably located in your local library, found on Amazon or maybe you already have a copy. Then re-read it.
Also, we still have our offer for the “How Money Works” book. Just call or text my cell phone at 770-301-4122 and let me know how many copies you need. You might need 1-2 or maybe 4 books like Butler Auto Parts in Florida did. My wife and I will bill you $10 for each copy without any shipping costs. If you have read the HMW book already and need help implementing any of it, please give me a call. We will also be offering our Master Class on the book’s material in several segments which will be available online for individuals or groups as well as on-site education classes as soon as COVID-19 allows.
This book makes a great graduation gift or for anyone who wants to learn how not to be a sucker with money. My brother-in-law is a minister and counselor in another state, but he is giving this book to couples who have challenges that are due to family money issues. So, it is helping people of all ages and financial backgrounds. In the HMW book, you will learn the Rule of 72. That is a revelation for all of us. Another one is why credit card spending is out of control for most of us, but the book will pull you in by showing you how the wealthy earn, grow, and save their money. “How Money Works” is a great book. So, do not buy it on Amazon, call me first.
See you next issue, and please stay safe and keep healthy.
Correspondence regarding this article should go to:
D.J. Says, 2820 Andover Way, Woodstock, GA 30189
D. J. Harrington is an author, journalist, seminar leader, international trainer, and marketing consultant. He works primarily with customer service personnel, and his clients include such world-class companies as General Motors, DuPont, Caterpillar, and Damon Corporation. He may be reached at 800-352-5252. E-mail: dj@djsays.com. 52 weeks a year, we are as close as your telephone.