Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk

This review is written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Gary Vee is a relentless hustler and in his newest book, Crushing It, Gary highlights how entrepreneurs can utilise social media to build their brand and influence others to the success of their business. It is somewhat an update or sequel to his 2009 book Crush It – a motivational and practical read on how to create a life around your passions.

He certainly has a way with his words. Once I began to read this book, I felt this immediate and strange sense of inspiration. I think he masterfully taps into our dreams and passions highlighting the fact that we can pursue them. His message is clear, now more than ever before anyone can easily cash in on their passions and make a successful business using the likes of social media.

Straight of the bat, in chapter two, Gary talks about intent. Asking directly why you want to be an entrepreneur and suggesting that good intent and those driven by a desire to CARE are the entrepreneurs who create success. It’s an important chapter and it really emphasises the need to know your Why. Why are you in this? What is it you wish to achieve?

Passion is critical as it helps eliminate fatigue in times of challenge. It is the fuel to move beyond obstacles and remain sustainable in one’s efforts. However, having a purpose is also a critical element of success. There are many reasons why you may want to start on an entrepreneurial journey yet those that succeed, as Gary highlights are those who are committed to service, providing value and the love of teaching.

As blunt and direct as Gary is he then points out that we are all driven by selfish needs. He tells us that he is selfishly motivated to buy the New York Jets that requires a shit load of money and yet there is also a need for balance. He also appreciates how wonderful it feels to have a positive impact on the lives of other people, i.e. assisting entrepreneurs to succeed. Altruistic intent must outweigh selfish intent. It’s kick-ass to desire cash and the luxuries it brings but it will only take you so far. As Gary closes chapter two, “CARE. Still the best marketing strategy ever.”

Part one is dedicated to pumping you up. The motivation to forget our fears and the shit holding us back so that we can really follow our passions and have an impact. The second part is dedicated to getting discovered using social media. Without repeating himself he revisits all the classic channels, Facebook, Instagram etcetera and also addresses the new, Snapchat and Voice-First.

With ten years past since his first book Gary shares an array of people that express how they are crushing it using Gary’s advice and social media to build their businesses. These are scattered throughout the book and while mostly inspirational in nature they do deliver some added value, ideas and practical advice.

The continuing message from Gary is that you don’t need to master all social channels yet rather choose those which work best for you and your business. The belief is that they all have their place and can be effective however the goal is to focus on one or two as priorities and then maybe a couple of others to help drive more traffic to the hub of your business activities. Trying to do and master them all would be extremely challenging.

I feel that regardless of the type of business you are in or wanting to start social media is a powerful tool that will help anyone successfully connect and influence their audience. The variety of stories shared in this book are proof of this. Gary is the man of hustle and notes that success takes a shit load of work. This book will give you motivation and courage to pursue your dreams. As Gary says, it takes patience and persistence, for some it will be a longer journey than others but if you love what you do and doing it with a sense of care, success will come. It’s only a matter of time.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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