CRUSH IT! Gary Vaynerchuk – Book Review

This is more than a book.

This is a grab you by your shirt collar, get in your face and throw you on the wall.

As you struggle to get up, you just might get going and do something.  You will be inspired to rip into the world and CRUSH IT.

I accidently “met” Gary when I happened on a keynote speech he gave over a year ago.

His language was disgraceful, shocking, but he had the audience screaming with laughter and completely involved in about two minutes.

Is he an Obama type orator?

No.  Gary has something we used to call the “IT FACTOR.”

Underneath it all, is a great caring person who is dedicated to serving.

(By the way, since he just had a new baby, he has cleaned up his potty mouth.  I kinda miss it)

He starts off his book with the priorities he teaches.

Love your family

Work superhard

Live your passion.

This is not your Tom Ferris type book, The 4-Hour Workweek. Gary works harder than anyone I have seen yet on the Internet. When I saw his schedule for his book tour on this book, I was so exhausted I had to lie down.  But he does that every day.  Answering every email – and he gets thousands – and fully engaging in Social Media, which is his big thing. His DNA must include the Energizer Bunny.

When I first heard he was writing a series of books, I was surprised.  He talks about how he does not like to write.  He has a video blog.  Then I found out he dictated this book.  That must have been an interesting experience for his publisher, harperstudio.

I believe it because every word in the book is Gary.

What did I learn?

Put off monetizing your blog.  Do it right.  Get the relationships.  Make contacts.  Hire out the tech stuff if you are not good at it and spend some money on your theme so you look professional.  Build up your authority and brand first.

I am a technical disaster so I hired Michelle Vandepas.  She is a super tech and was writing code in the 80’s.  She straightens out all the messes I make.  I concentrate on the content.

Be generous.  Give information away.  People will appreciate it and support your later.

What I did not remember is that Gary pointed out that the Internet is still only 18 years old.  It is just beginning.  There is unlimited potential.  Sometimes, I think people think they are getting in too late.  No way.

There is so much bad advice on some of the blogs to quit your job and follow your passion.  I was glad to read that Gary did not buy that garbage.    You have to continue to support yourself and your family.  Work your passion on the side until it kicks in.

I liked the ending of his book –

If there is any message I want you to take away, it’s that true success – financial – personal, and professional – lies above all in loving your family, working hard and living your passion.  In telling your story.   In authentic, hustle and patience.

In caring about the big and the small stuff.  In valuing legacy, over currency.

THE BIG VALUE IN THIS BOOK IS ENERGY.  You will feel it.

If you still think you have the chops but that fire in your belly is smoldering, this could be the inspiration to get those flames sky high again.

You can buy the book by clicking on this –

CRUSH IT!

Picture by Lechza