I reviewed Suzanne Bates’ first book, Speak Like a CEO, because it was so related to presenting. I was impressed with the thoroughness with which she researched and covered a topic, so I’ve continued to review her books, even though they are less related to presenting.
Her latest book is Discover Your CEO Brand: Secrets to Embracing and Maximizing Your Unique Value as a Leader. I think it applies to any leader, not only a CEO.
The book teaches you ways to increase your visibility and influence by combining traditional self-branding vehicles like PR and face-to-face networking with new social-media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and blogs.
The author tells many stories of top leaders who have created success through the power of their personal brands and uses Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett. and Richard Branson as examples. She goes through a step-by-step process, covering all aspects of creating a brand, a style, that can vastly benefit your success and the success of your organization.
Some aspects of this book do relate to presenting. For example, Suzanne Bates talks about the importance of connecting with audiences, as well as authenticity in relationships.
The CEO who wasn’t interesting in becoming a good speaker
In a section about getting pros to help you improve your skills, Bates tells a story about a client her company once had who was scheduled to work with a coach on a speech for a major industry event where a number of his company’s target customers would be. This CEO wasn’t a good speaker and wasn’t that interested in becoming one. It was the marketing director who realized the need and called Bates’ company to set up the coaching. When the coach came, the CEO came out and told her he didn’t have time for the session, although the appointment had been set and confirmed.
The speech didn’t go well and was a huge disappointment. Even the CEO realized afterward that he had “blown a great opportunity.”
The author concludes, “Find a coach who is a pro and has the skill, dedication, and ability to make you the best you can be; then put yourself in her or his hands.”
Special Offer
If you purchase the book this week (from October 10-14, 2011), you’ll gain free access to an exclusive webinar series with the author. In the webinars, Suzanne will guide listeners on their paths to discovering their own leadership brands. Suzanne is a top coach to CEOs and executives around the country and has helped many top leaders develop and communicate their personal brands to the world.
To check out the book and purchase, click here.
Speak like a CEO is now available for you iPhone or iPad. Check this new app and take this amazing book with you everywhere! Download the complete book and audiobook here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speak-like-a-ceo/id415170694?mt=8