I received an early review copy of The Impact Equation, a new book by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. As part of thanking them and helping you, I want to give you a multi-part review about how important I think this book is to own.

 

Not Sure Who Chris Brogan and/or Julien Smith Are?

 
I know Chris from his mega-popular blog ChrisBrogan.com. He’s sorta like the patron saint of blogging that has evolved into a true business designer and entrepreneur.

I spend about 20 minutes every Sunday reading his newsletter that is full of actionable ideas to implement and use. I also purchased Chris’s book Google Plus For Business, which I recommend if you’re new to that network.

Chris is straight up awesome. His work resonates with me, and along with Seth Godin, he’s the only blogger whose posts I never miss.

Speaking of Seth Godin…

Julien is like a cursing and tattooed mix of Seth Godin and Tim Ferriss. Except Julien would kick Tim’s ass any day. I find Julien’s blog InOverYourHead.net confrontational. Sometimes it’s just the thing you need to move forward in all areas of your life. If you want the best version of Julien, pick up his book The Flinch. It’s free and worth every penny. Seriously, this quick read will get under your skin and haunt you for years.

Julien is a fucking beast (expletive required). He’s sometimes a bit elusive (unlike Chris who is everywhere), but when he shows up, his work speaks for itself. You’ll just shake your head. It’s that good.

Oh, and these two already co-wrote a New York Times best selling book called Trust Agents, which I didn’t read because I came too late to that party.
 

Why Read The Impact Equation?

 
You should read The Impact Equation because you are the kind of person who thinks they have something to contribute. You are unique, and what you have inside of you needs to be honed, sharpened, concentrated and “out there” for every else’s gain. As Bob Dylan said, you have a song to tell and you want to think it and speak it and breathe it, and reflect it from the mountain so all souls can see it.

Well if that is you, Chris and Julien will show you how to leave an impression with your unique contribution so that you’ve left your mark on the world. The Impact Equation – the actual equation – is the recipe, and the book is how to make it cook.
 

What Will Be The Outcome Of Implementing The Impact Equation?

 
Well, since I’m just starting out with this blog, here’s what I’m working toward (maybe you too)…

The Impact Equation will help you build a larger audience that acts upon your ideas. Then once you have that audience, you’ll know how to turn them into a community so you can take them (and you) to an even higher level.
 

Here’s The How-To Part Of The Impact Equation

 
I’ve come away with a different meaning of marketing as a result of reading The Impact Equation. Thanks to Chris and Julien, I now see marketing as a way to build your ideas so they’re good enough to be seen and discussed and moved through a platform. And then how to build a strong human connection around that idea so people know you care about their participation.

Chris and Julien use stories, real world examples and a do this, then do that approach to help you with the implementation part of it all.
 

Last Words About The Impact Equation … for now

 
I wish I could sound more objective, and perhaps toss in a dash of criticism, but I just don’t.

The best part?

It could be that this book is evergreen. People are still reading How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I think it’s absolutely possible that in 50 years people will still be reading this book.

The book is framed for the web, but by all means applicable to an offline world too.