Updated

I have recently read two books. One of which is not new, but which I now wish I had bought years ago.

Both books are exceptional, both kept me reading, both gave me equal shares of good dreams and some real nightmares.

I am probably the last person in the country to have read “The World is Flat” by New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman. But if I am not the last and you have not yet read this powerful book, then RUN to the bookstore and buy a copy!

There has been more discussion and regurgitation of this book than any other I have seen in recent times, so I won’t add any more, other than to say, go buy it, but more importantly READ it.

The other book that I have recently read and also could not put down was “Micro ISV – From Vision to Reality” by Bob Walsh. This book is much more than yet another “How to start a business and be the next Bill Gates” type of book that bookstores are way to full of.

This book looks at the factors driving a whole new type of business, and how to grab hold of a piece of that for yourself.

I would describe myself as “Marketing Challenged”, I have plenty of idea’s even a few ready to go products, but I am terrible when it comes to marketing.

This book has taught me more in one sitting than years of reading other books and talking to professionals.

No, it won’t replace true marketing help, but it sure does an excellent job helping you understand how to look for and find what you need, and how to at least get your business to the point where you can attract and afford marketing help.

Check out http://mymicroisv.com it is a “Blog+resources” site maintained/run by the author, Bob Walsh. It does not have a forum system, by design, but it does offer a wealth of resources for anyone considering becoming a Micro-ISV. The “missing” forums? You can find those here at Joel on Software!

Go get ‘em, read ‘em, then repeat!

Cheers,

Robert Porter