Arnold Interview Concluded

10. You’re an avid reader. There are some books that you re-read periodically. What are those books? Also, what are you reading now? Why?

I try to read the Bible every day. It is important to spend some time with God on a daily basis; it helps me to keep the correct perspective and gives me a sense of joy and peace.
Business books that I have read more than once:
a. The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch – This book, if you apply it, will change how you look at life and allow you to get more out of it!
b. Good to Great by Jim Collins – If you go through this book with your management team and apply the principles, your business and results will improve!
c. The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard – Helps to get everyone in the organization in alignment and on the right track.
Right now I am reading “Made to Stick” by Chip and Dan Heath – Explains why some ideas stick and others don’t, and helps to make your own ideas stick.
I recently read “The River of Doubt” by Candice Millard – The true story of Theodore Roosevelt’s expedition in South America. The story is so amazing that, when Roosevelt returned to tell it, people did not believe him! He was telling the truth, of course.

11. The majority of subscribers and readers of The Ad Guy @ Arnold Creative blog are retail marketers; some on the client/retailer side and some on the agency side. Take this opportunity to speak directly to them. As a CEO, what can a channel partner do to establish and reinforce their value to you? What, besides the basics, do you expect of the service providers you partner with?

Channel partners should all be focused on the success of their partners! When working with people that are true partners, there should be a constant conversation of: “How’s business?”
“What can we be doing better?” “I heard of a great new idea you should try”. A true partner should be a constant source of honest feedback, helpful ideas, and encouragement. These types of partners are few and far between.
In the jewelry industry, Hearts on Fire Company is a true partner. They offer excellent sales training that will increase sales in all departments, are constantly asking for feedback, and have forums where jewelers can share best practices. HOF is a true partner.