Freelance Book Reviews: Book Yourself Solid

I read six different books for my freelance project and they fall into two categories: those that focus on the business mindset side of running your own business (these are more inspirational mindset books that don’t necessarily apply directly to freelancing), and those that are written with the freelancer in mind and offer more actionable, specific how-to advice for freelancers. This one falls into the inspirational mindset.

Book Yourself Solid 

by Michael Port

Although not specifically about freelancing, "Book Yourself Solid: The Fastest, Easiest, Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even if You Hate Marketing and Selling" covers building a foundation for a freelance business personal brand, talking about what you do (which can help build rapport and find clients immediately), and it also covers networking in a  way that makes it almost seem appealing. Port is like your friendly, insightful older sibling. His instructions never feel skeezy and salesman-like. He genuinely wants to help you be a more likeable person, which will, in turn help you meet clients and grow your freelancing business. The book includes exercises to help you practice necessary skills and the writing is a conversational, familiar style.

The purpose: Help you make yourself more emotionally attractive and help you learn to live on the right side of the Law of Reciprocity

The good: Exercises to help you put his advice into practice, his advice seems actionable

The bad: All of his advice doesn’t necessarily apply to freelancing and sometimes the quantity of things you should be doing can feel overwhelming