High Probability Selling. Jacques Werth. 2000. ISBN 0963155032. Quite likely one of the most intriguing sales books I have come across. Written with the use of many Q&A sessions and examples, the model/book is very east to grasp and read. If wanting to be the most effective user of sales time (calling and F2F) is one of your goals, this is a good book for you. On the surface
it directly challenges one myth of selling “Always Ask for the Order” and replaces it with a much more productive method. Also it helps you build a solid respectful and trusting relationship with clients.

Since we have been studying and applying sales techniques for a long time, Rocket Builders can see that the core idea of this book is well thought out. Customers are asked structured questions which allow them to quickly disqualify themselves as high probability prospects. Once disqualified, the sales person politely moves on. Talking with and making proposals to people who are serious about buying is a saleman’s nirvana. This book can help get you closer to that point. Thanks to Chris Jordan for pointing this one out.

Inside the Olympics. Dick Pound. 2004. ISBN 0470834544. This book was very enjoyable and full of lots of insight. His thoughts on Athens are quite relevant to what is happened. The book does not quite live up to its hype however. Pound seems to careful not to really slang anyone who is at all useful to him in future IOC endeavors. For someone who has a reputation as a loose cannon, someone has muzzled him. You will enjoy it, but it’s a library book.

The Professional Service Firm 50. Tom Peters. 2000. ISBN 0375407715. I promised myself I would never read another Tom Peters book again. But this was recommended to me by Wolfgang Strigel. And? Its a pretty good read. (But face it, he does not write a book, its more like a Coles notes edition.) The reading list is quite useful and has a few things II did not know. Get it from the library and enjoy it- its about a 2 hr read.