So, this year, one of my goals is to combine habits in order to both maximize my time, and achieve two of my goals for 2019: read more books, and exercise more. One way I’m planning on doing this is by only allowing myself to read or listen to books while the pedals on my stationary bike are moving. By doing it this way, I’m able to read more books AND incentivize myself to get 30 minutes of exercise first thing in the morning. Big thanks to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, for that tip.
If you plan to combine exercise and reading, I’d love to see a picture of you doing it! 😀
Rocket Fuel (Amazon link) is mandatory reading for any entrepreneur who has already started their business, over the exciting DIY period, and is maybe beginning to feel a little pain and overwhelm. The essential combination that Gino and Mark are talking about here is that of a Visionary (most of us entrepreneurs), and that of an Integrator (also known as an OBM, and online business manager, or even a project manager). [Full Disclosure: As an affiliate, I receive compensation if you purchase through this link.]
The opening sections of the book define these two roles in a business. The Visionary, which is totally me, is not the person who executes company growth, but rather thinks of it. A Visionary is usually the founding entrepreneur (owner) who has lots of ideas, is a big picture thinker, creative problem solver, and a great salesperson; however, they also have some characteristics that work against them. Visionaries like to create chaos, change course, don’t have patience for details, and get distracted easily.
Does that description sound like you?
This is why we need an Integrator. An Integrator is someone who is a great executor—someone who follows through. They hold people accountable, create consistency and don’t mind the day to day work that may remain constant and usual. They understand goals and how to prioritize action items to make sure goals are met, and on time.
As you can begin to see already, this kind of match is a match made in heaven. As a Visionary, we also need the Integrator to move forward. I know this from personal experience.
I found my Integrator, Matt Gartland, in 2013, and only recently has he really stepped into the big role of COO (Chief Operating Officer) in my company. As I read Rocket Fuel, I kept agreeing with the authors and nodding along. What the book made me realize, however, was just how vital Matt’s role was in my business to keep me and my actions headed in the right direction, and to be able to develop a real plan to implement my really wild ideas. Sometimes, yes, he may seem like he’s the bearer of bad news or the “Debbie Downer” (e.g., “we can’t really make that happen like that, Pat”). But I know that’s necessary for a person like me who doesn’t understand all that might be required to get something done the right away. Matt brings me back down to earth, and I’m thankful for that.
A couple students of mine, Azul Terronez and Steve Vannoy, have recently used the tips and advice from Rocket Fuel to hire and work with their first Integrator, and already everyone is sensing a huge relief in their planning processes and workload. It’s a scary thing to hire someone like an Integrator, and it’s often not cheap, either, but definitely worth it if you’re ready for that growth stage of your business and you find yourself stuck in all of the day to day and planning. If you’re ready to graduate from that place, Rocket Fuel is the way to go.
I’m not going to go deep into the details of how to find an Integrator or how to work with them here in this email, but just wanted to put this book in front of you in case you’re ready for the next step. This book is the best guide to get you there.
The audiobook is only about four hours long, so it’s not a terribly long listen—and it’s definitely worth it every minute. Just know that the authors also mention and promote (lightly) their own Integrator related products and services, which I personally haven’t used but all sound extremely helpful. This is their business, so it makes sense they have these in the book. Just wanted to let you know!
So if you’re ready to start looking for your Integrator, Rocket Fuel is a must read.
Buy the Book on Amazon