Business, Sales, Improving Conversations, Getting Customers
Summary:
Top Dog by Andy Bounds and Richard Ruttle is a book on how you can take back the power and impress and influence people from all walks of life. It shows you how you can get the results you want and come out as the Top Dog in every conversation. So many of us regularly ‘lose’ in conversations before we’ve even said a word. Often without outwardly saying it, we don’t see ourselves as an equal to the other person. And we convey this through every interaction i.e. “I’ll fit round you. I know you’re really busy.” The person you’re talking to recognises this. And, without you doing or saying a thing, they’re suddenly in charge! Does this sound familiar?
Content Overview:
Moran and Lennington will teach you how to lead in all your interactions, so you can get more of what you want, more often. Using analogies and real-life examples and learnings from their canine friends, this book shows how you can speak to influential people (Top Dogs).
For example, if you think they’re more important than you, you’ll be too deferential. You’ll say things like “Thanks for sparing the time to see me. I won’t take much of your time.” Or if you think you’re better at something than them, you may act like a persecutor (“You shouldn’t be doing it like that”) or a rescuer (“Let me save you”).
But the Top Dog rationale is where you think you’re both useful to each other. That you both can equally contribute – as equals. When you see yourself like this, you automatically begin to say the right things. So less “Thanks for your time” and more “I’ve been looking forward to our meeting – how are you?”
The key learning from this book is that Top Dogs don’t want you to be subservient. They want you to be valuable.
Top Dog outlines:
- The skills you need to gain competitive advantage from the outset
- Top tips and examples suitable for both beginners, and experienced professionals
- Insights from their experience of working with some of the world’s largest companies
- How to achieve more from both business and social interactions
Rating: 9/10
If you struggle with pitching, networking or meeting new people, this book shows you how you can thrive and create ‘win win’ situations. You will never be the under dog again!
Readability: 9.5/10
Bounds and Ruttle have a great conversational style and use regular case studies and personal insights. You will come away with a number of ‘ah ha’ moments and be stunned you hadn’t thought about this before.
Does what it says on the tin: 10/10
100% – if you want to impress and influence everyone you meet and be the ‘Top Dog’ this is the perfect book for you.
