Mark MacDonald has interviewed thousands of business owners and managers since becoming Publisher of the Business Examiner in 1990.
He’s condensed some of those interviews into his first business book: “It Worked For Them, It Will Work For Me: The 8 Secrets of Small Business I Learned From Successful Friends”, which will be officially launched Tuesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at the Nanaimo Golf Club.
The book launch will feature a “fireside chat” as MacDonald will interview some of the business owners in the book: Alex Dugan of the Central Island Distributors trucking company, builder Donna Hais of R.W. (Bob) Wall Contracting Ltd., Certified Professional Accountant Doug Johnston of Johnston, Johnston & Associates and business coach Ron Berry.
The book features stories and tips from a number of successful local business owners, including Bruce Alexander, dealer principal of Parksville Chrysler and former Sales Manager at Wille Dodge Chrysler.
“Originally, I set out to create something like a small businessperson’s version of David Chilton’s classic The Wealthy Barber,” says MacDonald. “Mr. Chilton’s sharing of common-sense investing wisdom from his under-the-radar, regular barber has helped many people in the world of investing.
“The book contains tried and true methods and rules I learned by listening to the thousands of business people I’ve interviewed over the years, many of whom have become friends and confidants,” he says. “As they told me their tales of success, I could see for myself that what they practised genuinely worked. And my conclusion was straightforward and simple: ‘If it worked for them, it would work for me.’ And it has.”
In the book’s Foreword, renowned motivational speaker Dr. Peter Legge, owner of Canada Wide Media Limited, wrote: “Mark has written an excellent book that touches on these business essentials, plus more, that every entrepreneur should have in their back pocket. “
MacDonald says his goal was “by weaving the true-life, common sense thinking of successful business people, I could lay out a blueprint for success for entrepreneurs,” he states, adding each of book’s chapters is followed by a “Check List” to provide readers with practical and necessary steps that should be taken in order to be successful.
Chapter titles include Image IS Everything (the importance of first impressions), Do What You Do Best (focusing on strengths), Cash Flow IS King (driving and harvesting revenue), Own The Dirt (the importance of real estate), Team Building (inside the business), The Power of Partnerships (outside the company), and Triple Bottom Line (profits, people and contributions).
Communication has been MacDonald’s forte since starting in the newspaper business as a 14-year-old. He has written for a wide variety of periodicals, including daily, weekly and monthly newspapers and annual publications, winning several awards, including one for a college yearbook from Columbia University in 1987.
He has earned two college/university scholarships in the United States and was named to the 1983 National Dean’s List for scholastics and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities while playing NCAA Division I hockey in San Diego, Calif. He has also served as a Chamber of Commerce President.
MacDonald believes his interviews of company owners, plus his own business experience is a continuing educational experience.
“These people can be found everywhere,” MacDonald notes. “There are not many shortcuts in life, but being able to pattern yourself after successful people and the wisdom they have gleaned over decades in business will help you find a quicker path to reach your own desired destination.
“That’s what this book is all about.”
Tickets to the Book Launch, set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23 at the Nanaimo Golf Club, are $35, and includes a copy of the book, which retails for $20.
Books can be purchased and tickets to the event can be booked through: www.businessexaminer.ca/events
