Mark Matteson

You will be the same person in five years but for two things, the people you associate with and the BOOKS you read! - Charlie "Tremendous" Jones

This list is organized by book type.

Real Estate	Sales
Customer Service	Relationship
Leadership	Personal Growth

REAL ESTATE READING LIST	CLICK TO BUY
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money – That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! Robert T. Kiyosaki Personal-finance author and lecturer Robert T. Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective from two very different influences -- his two fathers. One father (Robert`s real father) was a highly educated man, but fiscally poor. The other father was the father of Robert`s best friend -- the Dad who was an eighth grade dropout who became a self-made multi-millionaire. The lifelong monetary problems experienced by his "poor dad" pounded home the counterpoint communicated by his "rich dad." Taking that message to heart, Kiyosaki was able to retire at 47. Rich Dad, Poor Dad opens readers eyes by: · exploding the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich · challenging the belief that your house is an asset · defining once and for all an asset versus a liability · explaining what kids need to know about money for their future financial success
"The Instant Millionaire" Mark Fisher A delightful and immensely useful fable, this time on the laws of wealth and happiness, well told and inspiring. 131 pages.
"Multiple Streams of Income" by Robert Allen - 352 pages - Wiley Robert is author of the rags-to-riches real estate bestseller Nothing Down for the '90s presents advice drawn from 20 years of writing and promoting get-rich books through seminars, infomercials, and home-study courses. In Multiple Streams of Income, Allen shows you how to create income with little or no investment. Says Allen: "Today, very few families can survive on less than two streams of income. In the volatile future, you will need a portfolio of income streams--not one or two--but many streams from completely different and diversified sources."
How I Turned $1,000 Into Five Million - William Nickerson Simon Schuster; Revised 1984 It isn't magic: it simply shows you how real estate wealth is made, and shows you step by step how to do it for yourself.
Secrets Of The Millionaire Mind T. Harv Eker - Collins, 2005 - 224 pages - Is Rich a state of mind? 1. Rich people believe "I create my life." Poor people believe, "Life happens to me." 2. Rich people play the money game to win. Poor people play the money game to not lose. 3. Rich people are committed to being rich. Poor people want to be rich. 4. Rich people think big. Poor people think small. 5. Rich people focus on opportunities. Poor people focus on obstacles. 6. Rich people admire other rich and successful people. Poor people resent rich and successful people. 7. Rich people associate with positive, successful people. Poor people associate with negative or unsuccessful people. 8. Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their value. Poor people think negatively about selling and promotion. 9. Rich people are bigger than their problems. Poor people are smaller than their problems. 10. Rich people are excellent receivers. Poor people are poor receivers. 11. Rich people choose to get paid based on results. Poor people choose to get paid based on time. 12. Rich people think "both." Poor people think "either/or." 13. Rich people focus on their net worth. Poor people focus on their working income. 14. Rich people manage their money well. Poor people mismanage their money well. 15. Rich people have their money work hard for them. Poor people work hard for their money. 16. Rich people act in spite of fear. Poor people let fear stop them. 17. Rich people constantly learn and grow. Poor people think they already know.
Copy This! By Paul Orfalea - Workman Publishing Company - 2005 - 248 pages Reading Paul Orfalea’s new book “Copy This”. The founder of one my favorite company’s and a often used vendor, Kinkos. Paul has a serious learning disorder, ADHD. He prides himself in challenging authority with humor.
Fantastic by Lawrence Leamer Arnold (Schwarenegger's Unauthorized Biograpghy) - St. Martins Press - 421 pages, 2005. All about Arnold Schwarzenegger, his friends, his family and his incredible climb to fame and fortune.
Billionaire Secrets to Success Bill Bartmann - 240 pages - Brown Books Publishing - 2005 Sam Donaldson, ABC News correspondent Follow Bartman’s advice and become a success in life...he shows you how to use the tools you already have. Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One Minute Manager® and The Secret His secrets will help readers delve deeply into discovering their greatest self and identifying their highest life purpose.
Ball Of Fire by Stefan Knafer (Lucille Ball's Bio) - Knopf - 2003 - 384 pages.
Weekend Millionaire Mindset by Mike Summey - McGraw-Hill - 2003 - 288 pages. This is a no-nonsense, very practical look at how to buy single-family homes and rent them out. It's a page-turner, it doesn't get lost in the details yet is descriptive enough for people to get started. The authors' philosophy is to generate an income stream through renting your properties, and then use the properties as leverage for buying subsequent properties.
Building Wealth One House at a Time by John Schaub - McGraw-Hill, 2004 - 272 pages. John Schaub has been a house investor, author, and speaker for over thirty years. He presents a senario of buying a house, renting it out for enough to cover its cost and maintenance, paying it off over a ten year or so period, building an investment portfolio of properties that will then provide for a good retirement income.

CUSTOMER SERVICE READING LIST
“The Nordstrom Way” by Pat McCarthy. Maybe my favorite company to watch read about and visit. Shortly after the book was released, I took Pat to breakfast. I asked him why he sold twice as much inventory than the next best sales person ($1,8000,000 a year in Men’s Suits). He said with humility, “I think it’s because I am other-centered.” Find out what that means, read his book. Find out why Nordstrom is the #1 Customer Service Company in Retail.
"Raving Fans” by Ken Blanchard Ken is a mentor and one of the most humble and kindest people you will ever meet. As Chief Spiritual Officer of the Blanchard Companies, he teaches and lives the “Servant Leadership” creed. He will teach you exactly what the title implies, “Raving Fans”, not just happy customers.
"Nuts” by K. Freiberg Two consultants with an inside perspective on SW Airlines tell us why this company not only wins one award after another year after year, it explains in detail and proves why it’s good business to delight the customer, hire employees with great attitudes, train & educate like crazy.
"Moments of Truth” by Jan Carlzon Find out how he turned SAS Airlines from a money loser to one of the most profitable airlines in the world in 18 months. I will offer one secret: “Drive decision making down to the frontline. Empower your employees to solve problems when they happen, take risks, and serve the customer.
“Pour Your Heart Into It” by Howard Schultz This book works on a number of levels. It’s a compelling Rag to Riches Story; it’s an account of one man’s vision of something unique and a relentless pursuit of quality in all things and making employees feel valued and important.
“The Spirit to Serve” J. W. Marriot This jewel of a business book explains Marriot’s philosophy in detail. Chapter Five deals with Active Listening, one my favorite topics to teach and the most underutilized skill in poor service companies.
“Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers” by Robert Kriegel - On Customer Service, he writes: Whether we admit it or not, we’re all in the service business and most of us have two sets of customers: the consumer and the people within our own organization whom we need to sell or satisfy. The way we treat those inside customers influences the way they treat the end user. There are countless ideas and theories about good service. Consultants make it sound like rocket science, but it’s really very simple: Service is about relationships. It’s about connecting with human beings - understanding their concerns, challenges, interests, and needs - and offering something of value to assist them. We were created to be perfect at this, blessed with the right equipment in the right proportions: two eyes, two ears, and one mouth. But when you’re in a hurry, it’s as if you have nine mouths and no eyes or ears. There’s no time to listen and respond. There’s no opportunity to clarify, restate, and summarize. Good communication takes time. Building trust takes time. Standing in someone else’s shoes takes time.

LEADERSHIP
The Invisible Employee - by Adrian Gostick - 176 pages - Wiley - 2006 - This book has a simple message: Praising employees is the "single business strategy" that meets "all your business objectives simultaneously".
Copy This - By Paul Orfala - Workman Publishing Company - 2005 - 248 pages Reading Paul Orfalea’s new book “Copy This”. The founder of one my favorite company’s and a often used vendor, Kinkos. Paul has a serious learning disorder, ADHD. He prides himself in challenging authority with humor.
High Output Management – by Andrew Grove – Random House – 235 pages. This former CEO shares his insights on effective systems and strategies of one of the world’s most profitable companies, INTEL.
Up The Organization – by Robert Townsend –Alfred A Knopf – 202 pages. How to stop the Corporation from stifling people and strangling profits. He is the guy who got everyone at Avis to try harder. Hard-nosed, straight talk on everything from Bonuses to Decision-making.
Leadership is an Art – by Max Depree – Doubleday—136 pages. Furniture Maker Herman Miller consistently earns a spot in the 100 Best Companies to Work For list Fortune sponsors every year. His insights are clear, elegant and convincing. Proof that bigger is not always better with books. Simple and powerful.
The Corporate Coach – James B. Miller – Harper Business – 235 pages. He took his business from $50,000 a year to $150,000,000 at some of the highest margins in his industry in 20 years. He knows how to motivate employees by joining them in a common cause. Inspiring and loaded with great ideas.
The Greatest Management Principle in the World by Michael LeBouef, Ph.D. – GP Putnam & Sons –126 pages – A hard hitting, action ready rewards/incentives management practice, to get you the results you want.
What the CEO Wants You To Know by Ram Charan – Crown Business – 142 pages. It captures the insights and explains in clear simple language how to do what great CEO’s do instinctively and consistently.
"The Nordstrom Way" by Pat McCarthy – John Wiley & Sons – 244 pages – Pat is the living embodiment of the Nordstrom "Other-Centered" philosophy of Servant Leadership. He tells his and the Organization’s story in this fabulous book on Customer Service and Sales. Service like it never was!
"13 Fatal Errors Managers Make and How to Avoid Them" by W. Steven Brown – Berkley Books – 200 pages – How to recognize problems and avoid them before they happen. A great little paperback.
"1001 Ways to Motivate Employees" – by Bob Nelson – Workman Publishing – 214 pages Bob is at it again with this vital little bathroom book. It’s a high performance handbook you can use to be a better manager in everything you do that affects other people.
“Maslow on Management” – Abraham Maslow – John Wiley & Sons – 312 pages – The Values and Principles he taught decades ago are even more relevant today. The late Maslow is the most widely renowned expert on Human Behavior and Motivation.

SALES READING LIST
" The Next Contractor" by John R. Hall - 226 pages - Infinity Publishing. What is the best way to learn about running a business? From a textbook or from real life experiences? If you chose the latter then you will want to read The Next Contractor. This is the story of how one person seeks advice on what it takes to be the next successful heating and cooling contractor in his community. Through conversation with a smart business owner during a weekend fishing trip, he (and YOU) will get tips on how to run a successful business, based on the real-life opinions of over 100 contractors interviewed by the author.
"Multiple Streams of Income" by Robert Allen - 352 pages Wiley. Robert is author of the rags-to-riches real estate bestseller Nothing Down for the '90s presents advice drawn from 20 years of writing and promoting get-rich books through seminars, infomercials, and home-study courses. In Multiple Streams of Income, Allen shows you how to create income with little or no investment. Says Allen: "Today, very few families can survive on less than two streams of income. In the volatile future, you will need a portfolio of income streams--not one or two--but many streams from completely different and diversified sources."
"The One Minute Millionaire" by Mark Victor Hansen & Robert Allen. Simple wealth building techniques and a great story. Two books in one. These guys have lived it, done it. This book is a must. I had one paradigm shift after another.
"How To Win Friends And Influence People" – Dale Carnegie – 374 pages. One of two best selling self-help books for over 60 years! Aren’t you just a little curious why? Read, re-read, study and apply.
"Think And Grow Rich" – Napoleon Hill The other one. A must read, some say annually. A textbook for success, with tools. If you’re serious.
"Acres of Diamonds" – Russell Conwell – 63 pages. Well, okay, maybe there’s a third classic…this one! What does the marketplace want? Business is booming right in your backyard? Absolutely!
"The Effective Executive" – Peter Drucker –174 pages. How to get the right things done. A timeless book on time management/effectiveness for the professional.
"The Instant Millionaire" – Mark Fisher – 131 pages. A delightful and immensely useful fable, this time on the laws of wealth and happiness, well told and inspiring.
"The Biographies of": Ben Franklin, Oprah Winfrey, Teddy Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, Gandhi, Bill Gates, Frank Lloyd Wright, Thomas Edison, Rose Kennedy.
"Time Management" – Richard Winwood – 166 pages. The author was one of the founders of the Franklin Planner. It’s a simple, profoundly practical little book filled with great advice on how to get more from your life by enhancing your personal productivity.
"Man’s Search For Ultimate Meaning" – Victor Frankl – 212 pages. Discouraged? Feeling sorry for yourself? So you think you have it bad? This one will make you grateful. The author survived a Nazi Death camp and relates his methods that have profound implications for us all. A must read.
"Swim With The Sharks" – Harvey Mackay – 273 pages. An inspirational and highly informative series of business primers that are instructive and entertaining.
"Ten Greatest Salespersons" – Robert L. Shook – An amazing collection of ideas and philosophies from some of the all-time greats in selling. 195 pages.
“Words That Sell” – Richard Bayan – Contemporary Books – 128 pages The Thesaurus to help you promote your products, service and ideas. A single source for Words That Sell, a bottomless tackle box filled with glittering lures.
“Soft Selling in Hard World” – by Jerry Vass – Running Press – 230 pages This book is about the game of selling. A handbook filled with the mechanics like¼ “The Law Of Price” = “If you can’t explain in words why your stuff is worth your asking price, then it isn’t!”
“Selling to the Top” – by David Peoples – John Wiley & Sons – 233 pages Proven strategies for getting your foot in the top executives’ door, building a relationship and making the sale.
“Selling Microsoft” by Doug Dayton – Adams Media Corporation – 306 pages – Doug became a Microsoft Millionaire by developing a methodology that works. His “Client-Centered” Selling System focuses on the most important person in the selling process. A must read.
“How I Raised Myself From a Failure to a Success in Selling” Frank Bettger – 274 pages. Prentice Hall – This book rocked my world as sales rep. I read it every year for 10 years. Written in 1927 by one of Dale Carnegie’s friends, it’s a wonderful story of resilience. Packed full of sound sales principles, a must read for anyone in sales. I own five copies, including an original hard cover.
"Visionary Selling" by Barbara Geraghty-1998-237 pages-Simon and Schuster - A valuable handbook for anyone selling to the "C" level in corporations (CEO, CFO, COO, CIO). The glossary of terms in the back represent the needed vocabulary for speaking intelligently to leaders. Her story is inspiring and educational.

RELATIONSHIP READING LIST
"How Full is Your Bucket?" by Tom Rath & Donald Clifton. Donald Clifton is know as the grandfather of positive psychology. Tom Rath is his grandson. As yourself this - How did you feel after your last interaction with another person? Did that person "fill your bucket" leaving you more positive or did they "dip in your bucket" leaving you more negative than before? Grounded in 50 years of research, this book will show how to greatly increase your positive moments in your work and life while reducing the negative.
Blink is by the same author of the runaway bestseller "The Tipping Point", Gladwell writes for the New Yorker Magazine. He is a true social scientist. In a powerful and pointed way, observes the human condition, selects fascinating aspects of it and then identifies principles and phenomenon's using diverse and global examples to make his points. Along the way, he teaches us a new language ("Blink" "Thin Slicing") to explain how people make decisions. Then, like a mathematician, proves his points. He calls back to previous language and examples to further prove his points. Both The Tipping Point and Blink are tough to put down once you start to read.
The One Minute Manger by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson – William Morrow 111 pages. There is a reason this book has sold 8 million copies worldwide. Read, Apply, Achieve.
How to Read a Person Like a Book – by Gerard Nierenberg – Pocket Books – 189 pages. One of the two best books on Body Language written.
Body Language by Julius Fast – Pocket Books – 183 pages. The other book. If the meaning of most communication really is 55% body language, these two books will help you become fluent.
The Art of Talking So That People Will Listen – by Paul Swets. "This excellent book will make a major contribution to the lives of its readers by helping them enhance personal relationships through better communication." Paul J Meyer, President, SMI International, Inc. (The Father of Personal Development)
Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus – John Gray, Ph.D. - Harper Collins – 286 pages A valuable contribution to the understanding of the communication styles of men and women.
The Greatest Management Principle in the World by Michael LeBouef, Ph.D. – GP Putnam & Sons –126 pages – A hard hitting, action ready rewards/incentives management practice to get you the results you want. (out of print - but can be ordered used)
"You Just Don’t Understand" by Deborah Tannen, Ph.D. – Ballantine Books – 330 pages. As a professor of linguistics at Georgetown University, she has written a readable book on the problems of communication with the opposite sex in a manageable perspective.
"Good to Great" by Jim Collins – Harper Business – 300 pages – Why some companies make the leap from good to great and others don’t. This carefully researched and well written book should enable competence to become excellence. A must read for aspiring leaders.
"Freedom From Fear" by Mark Matteson – Executive Books – 86 pages – An inspiring little fable on Personal Leadership. The fastest selling book in Executive Books history. Learn the causes of success, peace of mind and true wealth.

PERSONAL GROWTH READING LIST
Freedom From Fear Forever - Lens Last Lessons by Mark Matteson - The sequel to the best seller "Freedom From Fear". “This book shows you how to release your brakes and unleashes your positive energies for success, happiness and high achievement.” Brian Tracy - Author – CREATE YOUR OWN FUTURE
Manage Your Time Your Work Yourself - Merrill E. Douglass - 194 pages - American Management Association 1993 (updated) - Want more time? Then you must change behavior. This book will outline the steps you will need to do.
Billionaire Secrets to Success - Bill Bartmann - 240 pages - Brown Books Publishing - 2005 Sam Donaldson, ABC News correspondent Follow Bartman’s advice and become a success in life...he shows you how to use the tools you already have. Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One Minute Manager® and The Secret His secrets will help readers delve deeply into discovering their greatest self and identifying their highest life purpose.
"Three Deep Breaths" by Thomas Crum - 120 pages - Berrett-Koehler Publishers - 2006. It's about finding power and purpose in a stressed-out world. Thomas uses a parable format to illustrate effective antidotes for anger, stress and overwhelming busyness.
"You Can't Fire Me, I'm Your Father" by Neil N. Koenig Ph.D. 271 pages - Hillsboro Press. This is one those books with a lot of bonuses. It's not just about family and it's not just about business. It's a great guide for all businesses and life.
100 Ways to Motivate Yourself - Steve Chandler - 221 pages - Career Press Steve Chandler gives you the 100 most effective ways to turn your defeatist attitudes into energetic, optimistic, enthusiastic accomplishments
"You haven't Taught Until They Have Learned" by Swen Nater & Ronald Gallimore - 2005 - Fitness Information Technology - 168 pages Not only was John Wooden a great basketball coach, he was a master teacher. In fact, he was a great coach because he was a master teacher. What Wooden has learned from others in the classroom and perfected on the practice court are fundamental principles of effective teaching. You will enjoy this great book by my great friend Swen.
The Travelers Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews - 224 pages - Nelson Books How would you like to travel back in time and visit Abraham Lincoln, Anne Frank, King Solomon, Harry Truman and Christopher Columbus? David Ponder is down on his luck (to say the least), visits these five historical figures. The message goes way beyond the story and right to the heart of life.
"How Full is Your Bucket?" by Tom Rath & Donald Clifton- 128 pages - Gallup Press 2004 In this brief but significant book, the authors, a grandfather-grandson team, explore how using positive psychology in everyday interactions can dramatically change our lives. Clifton (coauthor of Now, Discover Your Strengths) and Rath suggest that we all have a bucket within us that needs to be filled with positive experiences, such as recognition or praise. When we're negative toward others, we use a dipper to remove from their buckets and diminish their positive outlook. When we treat others in a positive manner, we fill not only their buckets but ours as well.
"Polar Dream" by Helen Thayer - 2002 (updated) NewSage Press - 254 pages In 1988, at the age of 50, Helen Thayer became the first woman in the world to travel on foot to the magnetic North Pole, one of the world's most remote and dangerous regions. Her only companion was Charlie, her loyal husky, who was integral to her survival. Polar Dream is the story of their heroic trek and extraordinary relationship as they faced polar bears, unimaginable cold, and a storm that destroyed most of their supplies and food.
"How to Be a Gentleman" (and of course, by the same author, "How to Be a Lady") by John Bridges - 1998 Rutledge Hill Press "A contemporary guide to common courtesy. In a world of cellular phones, express lanes, political correctness and business lunches, being a gentleman (or lady) seems more and more complicated." I really need this book. Here is a sample, as noble and as macro as: "A gentleman never makes himself the center of attention. His goal is to make life easier not just for himself but for his friends, acquaintances and the world at large." Or as simple and subtle as "A gentleman always puts the toilet seat down." Good stuff.
"Season of Life" by Richard Marx - An extra-ordinary story of compassion, leadership and turning your life's work into a meaningful cause, with purpose! The story of Joe Ehrmann, former Pro Football player turned street pastor and football coach. He and his coaching partner, now teach young high school football players the meaning of life, serving others. The building of Others! "A must read for any parent, coach, player or son."
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money – That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! Robert T. Kiyosaki Personal-finance author and lecturer Robert T. Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective from two very different influences -- his two fathers. One father (Robert`s real father) was a highly educated man, but fiscally poor. The other father was the father of Robert`s best friend -- the Dad who was an eighth grade dropout who became a self-made multi-millionaire. The lifelong monetary problems experienced by his "poor dad" pounded home the counterpoint communicated by his "rich dad." Taking that message to heart, Kiyosaki was able to retire at 47. Rich Dad, Poor Dad opens readers eyes by: · exploding the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich · challenging the belief that your house is an asset · defining once and for all an asset versus a liability · explaining what kids need to know about money for their future financial success
The Four Agreements Sit at the foot of a native elder and listen as great wisdom of days long past is passed down. In The Four Agreements shamanic teacher and healer Don Miguel Ruiz exposes self-limiting beliefs and presents a simple yet effective code of personal conduct learned from his Toltec ancestors. (1) Be impeccable with your word; (2) Don’t take anything personally; (3) Don’t make assumptions; and (4) Always do your best.
“Wake Up and Live” – Dorothea Brande – 201 pages – Simon & Schuster – 1936 – Sadly this book is out of print but if you can find a copy it will change your thinking and maybe your life. It was one of those books that absolutely changed my thinking.
“The Win/Win Way” – Lucy Beale and Rick Fields – 162 pages – Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Publishers – Again, an out of print masterpiece. Written in 1987, I wonder how much this book influenced Dr. Covey. They must have been friends. It’s pure gold.
“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” – Richard Carlson, Ph.D. – 249 pages. Hyperion. This guy inspired me to write, think and change. Simple, common sense, daily doses of great advice.
“Half-Time” (Changing Your Game Plan From Success to Significance) – Bob Buford - 175 pages – Zondervan Publishing – A book that will show you how to find meaning in the second half of your life. A must read.
“If How To’s Were Enough, (we would all be skinny, rich, and happy!) Brian Klemmer – 124 pages – I met Brian in Cleveland. We were doing seminars on the same ticket. He is wonderful presenter, and he delivers powerful, life changing information. His book is a wonderful summary of those seminars. Read it!
“Jonathan Livingston Seagull” (a story) – Richard Bach – 127 pages – The glorious #1 Bestseller, it has sold millions of copies worldwide. I read it in high school because a teacher I admired was reading it.
“Even Eagles Need a Push” – David McNally – 169 pages – A Dell Trade Paperback – ‘Learning to soar in a changing world’ Is what it says on the cover. The book is worth the price just for the quotes that appear on each page! A rock solid self-help book.
“The Ultimate Gift” Jim Stovall – 124 pages – Executive Books The fastest selling book in the history of Executive Books and for good reason. It’s a wonderful story. The second fastest selling book? “Freedom from Fear” by….oh, what the heck is that guys’ name….

Mark Matteson, Chief Excitement Officer, Matteson Avenue, Inc. • 206-697-0454 • mark.enjoythejourney.matteson@gmail.com • 250 Beach Place, Suite 301, Edmonds, WA 98020