Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Daring and Disruptive
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: 1971
WEBSITE:
CITY: Sydney
STATE: NW
COUNTRY: Australia
NATIONALITY: Australian
http://collectivehub.com/lisa-messenger/ * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Messenger
RESEARCHER NOTES:
LC control no.: n 2012052498
Descriptive conventions:
rda
Personal name heading:
Messenger, Lisa
Found in: Social media to boost your brand, c2012: t.p. (Lisa
Messenger) p. 104 (owner & creative director of the
Messenger Group; in 2008 she was named Entrepreneur of
the Year)
================================================================================
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS AUTHORITIES
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20540
Questions? Contact: ils@loc.gov
PERSONAL
Born 1971; married (divorced).
EDUCATION:Southern Cross University, bachelor of business, 1999.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Messenger Group, owner and creative director, 2001-; Collective Hub, founder and editor-in-chief. Also worked as a riding instructor.
AWARDS:
Thought Leaders Entrepreneur of the Year, 2008.
WRITINGS
Author of lifestyle and business books published by author’s company, the Messenger Group.
SIDELIGHTS
Lisa Messenger grew up on a farm in New South Wales, Australia. Her first job was as a riding instructor, and Messenger would go on to work several jobs before receiving her undergraduate degree in business. She is the founder of the Messenger Group, based in Sydney, Australia, a public relations and marketing firm and a publishing company. She is also the founder of the Collective Hub Web site, an online entrepreneurial and lifestyle magazine she established with $1.5 million of her own money.
Commenting on starting the magazine, Messenger told Australian Broadcasting Corporation Web site contributors Jane Hutcheon and Nina Tietzel that, because she had never worked at a magazine, it “defies logic” that she would start one. She went on to tell Hutcheon and Tietzel: “But it’s just about thinking, ‘What would I want to read in a magazine? Where would I want to read it?’ It’s really simple.”
Messenger is the author of several self-help and entrepreneurship books, most printed by the Messenger Group or Messenger Publishing. For example, in Publishing for Passion and Profit, Messenger provides advice focusing on books by self-publish or small press published writers. She addresses various aspects of selling such books, including marketing and promotions. Messenger tells readers how to get started and then moves on through a variety of topics, among them, how to use modern marketing tools such as e-mail and Web sites.
Messenger also addresses how to get reviews for books and discusses the intricacies of author appearances, including appearing on television and radio talk shows. The book “is informed and informative as it provides thoughtful and thought-provoking commentaries, advice, [and] ‘tips, tricks and techniques,’” wrote an Internet Bookwatch contributor. The reviewer went on to note that the book not only was valuable to new publishers and authors but also could help experiences marketers.
Daring & Disruptive: Unleashing the Entrepreneur is an account of Messenger’s career, with an emphasis on her founding of the Collective Hub online magazine that focuses on innovation in business. Messenger’s story is interspersed with business lessons that Messenger learned along the way. Throughout the book, Messenger emphasizes the need for people to follow their passions and also their intuition. She also addresses the fear factor and talks about her own fear of public speaking before she became a sought-after inspirational speaker.
Another issue addressed in Messenger’s own life and for the general reading audience is the need to establish a purpose and for people to ask themselves why they are doing something. She warns against equating purpose with specific outcomes and suggests that people consider finding a purpose as a more exploratory effort. Messenger also addresses the failures in her life and talks about the lessons failure can teach. Messenger emphasizes that it is alright to have big dreams; the trick to making these dreams a reality is to be an implementer and not someone who just talks about doing things, someone who follows through when the path becomes hard.
In a chapter titled “Culture Up,” Messenger discusses the work environment and the importance of making the workplace somewhere people feel rewarded. According to Messenger, this makes people not only happy but also more productive. For Messenger, a clear purpose is the need to create the proper business culture. The book’s final chapter focuses on doing good in the world and the reasons for striving to be successful. In an interview with Forbes Online contributor Kate Racovolis, Messenger noted that her goal was “to encourage greater self-awareness and self-belief and open people up to the possibilities of a limitless life.” A Publishers Weekly contributor remarked that Daring & Disruptive is “full of stirring wisdom that’s particularly relevant to entrepreneurs but also to anyone chasing success.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Internet Bookwatch, November, 2009, “Maverick Marketing,” review of Publishing for Passion and Profit.
Publishers Weekly, June 27, 2016, review of Daring and Disruptive: Unleashing the Entrepreneur, p. 74.
ONLINE
Australia Broadcasting Corporation Web site, http://www.abc.net.au/ (February 19, 2015), Jane Hutcheon and Nina Tietzel,”Lisa Messenger’s ‘Let’s Just Jump in’ Approach Key to Her Entrepreneurial Success.”
Collective Hub Web site, http://collectivehub.com/ (March 25, 2017), author profile.
Daily Guru, http://dailyguru.com.au/ (March 25, 2017) “An Interview with Lisa Messenger.”
Forbes Online, https://www.forbes.com/ (November 29, 2016), Kate Racovolis, “Lisa Messenger on How to Unleash Your Inner Global Entrepreneur.”
Lisa Messenger Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/lisamessengercollective (March 25, 2017).
Lisa Messenger Twitter Page, https://twitter.com/lisamessenger (March 25, 2017).
Naomi Arnold, http://www.naomiarnold.com (March 26, 2015), Naomi Arnold, review of Daring & Disruptive.
Leadership 10/24/2016 @ 9:19AM 2,656 views
Lisa Messenger On How To Unleash Your Inner Global Entrepreneur
Kate Racovolis Kate Racovolis , Women@Forbes
Lisa Messenger (Image courtesy of Collective Hub)
Lisa Messenger (Image courtesy of Collective Hub)
“Be a trailblazer, break the rules, disrupt, take a different road and do it fearlessly,” says Lisa Messenger, the Sydney-based entrepreneur, author and speaker, in her best-selling book Daring and Disruptive: Unleashing The Entrepreneur, which is newly available in the U.S. this month.
Her bold, unapologetic and motivational approach to mentoring entrepreneurs (both budding and established) has garnered Messenger an international fanbase, which includes the likes of Sir Richard Branson and New York Times bestselling author Bradley Trevor Greive, as well as a 100,000-strong following on Instagram.
And as the founder and editor-in-chief of Collective Hub, now a multi-platform lifestyle magazine that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, and CEO of publishing house of The Messenger Group, Messenger urges people to pursue their goals and dreams fearlessly, be willing to fail and recover quickly, and master the art of investing in their own health and wellbeing.
Being daring and disruptive are two qualities that Messenger thinks every entrepreneur could benefit from embracing. “I want to encourage greater self-awareness and self-belief and open people up to the possibilities of a limitless life,” says Messenger, 45.
“I often say just because I have chosen to impact five billion people [for example], someone else might choose to impact five people. I don’t believe either is right or wrong, or better than the other. What I do believe though is that we should all open our eyes and minds to the limitless possibilities the world has to offer.”
It is based on this creative spirit that Messenger founded Collective Hub as a print magazine in 2013 – now distributed in 37 countries, including the U.S. – which she launched amidst a publishing industry in decline and dwindling circulations figures globally. She has also published more than 400 books through her company, The Messenger Group, and has co-authored 16 books, as well as four of her own.
For those who have global aspirations for their business in particular, Messenger shares four key pieces of advice based on lessons she has learned throughout her own international entrepreneurial journey, from starting a magazine in Australia, to scaling up globally.
Travel As Far As You Want Your Business To Reach
When Collective Hub was first launched, Messenger and her marketing director journeyed from Sydney, Australia to visit a global magazine distribution conference in Toronto, Canada, and it was an experience Messenger says was worth the expense, since it helped her to establish key new contacts abroad, in order to grow the company internationally.
“Going there, rather than just approaching people on email and phone, meant that they could catch the spirit of what we were trying to do. But it also meant we could understand their unique distribution processes and challenges,” says Messenger. “It also showed them that we were serious. They were so surprised to see us there and said few independent or new publications like ours ever attended. So go straight to the source, cut out the middle men and women if you can and be tenacious and ballsy in your approach (you have nothing to lose). I am never afraid of spending money when there is a solid chance of revenue in return and these relationships are key to magazine sales globally.”
Learn How To Trust Your Instinct
Expanding Collective Hub’s reach was part of Messenger’s vision for her product, and she implemented this part of her strategy by trusting her gut instinct that she was on to something that people all around the world would want to be a part of. What underpinned this self-belief, however, was a confidence that was backed up by careful market research and planning.
More on Forbes:
“We held off launching in market segments that were risky or unknown until we had the correct information and this is largely to the advice of our international distributor,” she says.
“Be smart, do your research, test and ask questions. But at the end of the day, when all of the work like that is done, then you must muster up every skerrick of self-belief until your idea becomes a reality and eventually a success, because it often takes a lot of hard work, a lot of rejection and a lot of closed doors to get anything off the ground.”
“Without a doubt, you have to believe in yourself and back yourself, trusting your gut instinct at every turn,” says Messenger. If your aspirations are global as an entrepreneur, don’t be put off by any of the challenges that come with it, such making the leap to enter and navigate new and foreign markets, for example. “It all boils down to tenacity, self-belief and your ability to hustle,” she adds. “There will be all sorts of naysayers and barriers to entry – this is just potentially one of them and another hurdle to overcome.”
Build A Global Network
You don’t necessarily need to build a large community of people when it comes to growing your professional network. Instead, channel your efforts into surrounding yourself with even just a few like-minded people from a range of backgrounds and stages in their professional journey who can help you, and who you can help in return.
“Realize the value of networking and making connections with the right people,” says Messenger. “The people we connect with are those who can make or break our ideas and future success. And, we can also be the same for them. There is great value in being connected with and having a strong network of big thinkers and achievers all over the world. I have always tried to be a connector of people myself and to help others in their pursuits, believing in the values of generosity and reciprocity. The best advice in this area I can give is to be genuine and consistent in your approach and intentional generally. Don’t think it will just happen organically. Instead, travel, attend thought leadership events and conferences, agree to coffees with like-minded people and cleverly reach out to those you want to connect with.”
Prioritize Your Health
Another element of business and entrepreneurship that Messenger is a strong advocate of is investing in yourself. Taking care of your wellbeing, ensuring you are replenishing your energy levels and getting plenty of sleep are paramount in helping all of your ambitions come to life.
“You must look after yourself,” says Messenger. “All of the skills and knowledge and the incredible connections you make across countries and international waters will mean nothing if you aren’t here to implement them. I have learned that it can all come crashing down very quickly if you don’t look after yourself – mind, body and spirit.”
AN INTERVIEW WITH LISA MESSENGER
Lisa Wordpress
She’s the vibrant, game-changing CEO and creative director of The Messenger Group, as well as founder and editor-in-chief of The Collective magazine, and today, we’re over the moon to have the incredible Lisa Messenger join us as our Guru To Watch!
The ‘Serial Entrepreneur’s’ passion is to challenge individuals and corporations to change the way they think, take them out of their comfort zones and prove that there is more than one way to do anything — and she has fast established herself as a voice and archetype for the modern entrepreneur.
Lisa currently runs a multi-platform business with 25+ staff, delivers a monthly magazine and range of supporting products and has weekly speaking engagements — all this along with balancing health, friends, family, travel, interests and continual writing.
In her best-selling book Daring & Disruptive and its sequel, Life & Love, Lisa shared the business insights gathered in more than a decade of success across multiple industries, including how to identify your true purpose, pinpoint your passions and create the working life most only dream of. But, let’s be honest, you need the means to make it all happen.
Icon: Leaf
In her latest book, Money & Mindfulness, which goes on sale on October 1, she tackles a topic with a stigma – money.
What would you do if money was no object?
How can anyone find profit in the impossible?
Mixing advice from mentors, experts and famous role models, with lessons learned from her own entrepreneurial journey, Lisa reveals how she has built a global brand, and launched a magazine sold in more than 37 countries, without having to borrow a single cent from a bank.
This is from a woman who, years before, would worry if she could make the rent.
Icon: Leaf
Ahead of Money & Mindfulness hitting the shelves next month, Lisa candidly spoke to us about why she does what she does, meeting Sir Richard Branson her greatest career challenges and highlights, misconceptions about her brand and the one piece of advice she would give to her 18-year-old self.
From “demons on her back”, to relationship breakdowns and cash flow problems, Lisa has seen her fair share of personal and career challenges — but in her own words, “we all have a choice about how we react to things and I will always make it my mandate to try to react with dignity and grace.”
Brilliant.
To devour more of this wonderful woman’s words and story, read our interview below!
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The best part of my job is
That I get to meet extraordinary, inspirational people from all over the globe and that I get to do what I absolutely love every single day whilst inspiring others to also live their best life!
I chose to enter this field of work because
I wanted to make a positive difference in the world, show people that anything is possible and also share an inspiring message with those who are hungry for change.
The greatest challenge in my career has been
Every day presents massive challenges — mostly to do with cash flow— but I consciously choose to adopt an attitude of gratitude and a positive mindset, along with a great team and the tools to push through. So, it all seems to work out in the end.
The funniest misconceptions about my brand are
That we are making loads of money. Trust me when I say our brand is definitely bigger than our bottom line — but we are getting there. More importantly, we’re doing things so differently to how they have even been done and so in an industry that many say is “dead or dying,” we are shaking the hell out of it and really making quite a mark.
The most influential person in my career has been
Sir Richard Branson. I have been an avid reader of his books for at least 20 years. To spend time with him on his private island, Necker, last November was definitely a highlight of my career.
If I could give one piece of advice to my 18-year-old self, it would be
Have an unwavering self-belief. Everyone is equal. It’s really a matter of attitude and mindset that will set you apart.
My greatest achievement has been
Launching The Collective. The print magazine is now in 37 countries. Considering I had no background in magazines whatsoever, it’s been kind of a big deal. I’m very proud.
The greatest personal challenge I have overcome is
Where do I even begin? I gave up drinking almost 11 years ago — that was a demon on my back for many years. Then, the most unexpected relationship breakup of my life happened this year.
People often say to me my life is perfect. It’s far from perfect. It’s just like everyone else’s, with daily challenges and obstacles. But it’s perfect for me because I consciously choose it to be that way. We all have a choice about how we react to things and I will always make it my mandate to try to react with dignity and grace.
I don’t understand why
Everyone isn’t loving and compassionate. It’s the most basic human need. Once we all understand that, the world becomes a beautiful place.
I try to relax by
Meditating, journaling, gardening, swimming and going for a long run listening to some good beats.
My biggest fear is
Getting old.
I can’t live without
My dog, Benny.
I really wish I had
I don’t believe in wishing. I believe in doing.
The greatest lesson I have learnt is
To fail fast.
If I had one super power, it would be
To fly.
If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be
Sir Richard Branson, Oprah, Nelson Mandela and Angelina Jolie.
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BIOGRAPHY
Lisa Messenger is the vibrant, game-changing CEO and creative director of The Messenger Group, as well as founder and editor-in-chief of The Collective magazine – an entrepreneurial and lifestyle magazine distributed into more than 37 countries with a mandate to disrupt, challenge and inspire. In addition, she has worked globally in events, sponsorship, marketing, PR and publishing.
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Lisa has authored and co-authored over a dozen books and The Messenger Group has custom published more than 400 books for companies and individuals. Lisa is a regular commentator on business, entrepreneurialism and property, writes for a number of online and print publications in Australia and the US and has sat on a number of boards.
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She’s trekked across India raising money for charity, ridden camels in the Sahara for fun and has laughed her way through communal showers in the Costa Rican jungle in the name of personal development.
Her passion is to challenge individuals and corporations to change the way they think, take them out of their comfort zones and prove that there is more than one way to do anything.
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Lisa has fast established herself as a voice and archetype for the modern entrepreneur. She currently runs a multi-platform business with 25+ staff, delivers a monthly magazine and range of supporting products and has weekly speaking engagements. All this along with balancing health, friends, family, travel, interests and continual writing.
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She aims to encourage people to realise their inner strength, act on it, take risks and embrace life to the full. All of Lisa’s books offer insights into the various challenges – both personal and professional – that she has overcome and how readers can learn from her experiences and apply the lessons to live their own best life.
Lisa Messenger is the vibrant, game-changing CEO of The Messenger Group, as well as founder and editor-in-chief of Collective Hub – a multimedia business and lifestyle platform, comprising of a print magazine distributed into over 37 countries, an online news site and event agency. All of which serve to disrupt, challenge and inspire audiences around the world.
Lisa has authored and co-authored 16 books and become an authority in the start-up scene. The Messenger Group has custom published more than 400 books for companies and individuals.
Lisa charted her rollercoaster ride to success in best-selling book Daring & Disruptive; unleashing the entrepreneur and its sequel Life & Love, which reached #1 on Booktopia. Lisa’s next book, Money and Mindfulness was released late in 2015 and also hit best-selling status within the first month. Adding to her collection of writing achievements, Lisa is also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and has her own section on Telstra’s Smarter Business Ideas online.
Her passion is to challenge individuals and corporations to change the way they think, take them out of their comfort zone and prove that there is more than one way to do anything. She encourages entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and innovation and lives life to the absolute max. With fans including Sir Richard Branson, New York Times Best-selling author Bradley Trevor Grieve, and a social media following of over 100,000, Lisa’s vision is to build a community of like-minded people who want to change the world.
Lisa Messenger (born 1971) is an Australian entrepreneur and author.
Contents
1 Background
2 Commercial experience
3 Books
4 Awards
5 References
Background
Messenger grew up on a large farm outside Coolah, central western New South Wales, Australia and now lives north of Bondi Beach, Sydney.
Her first job was as a riding instructor. She graduated from a boarding school in Sydney and Southern Cross University (Bachelor of Business, 1999). She worked for several years before taking her degree. She founded The Messenger Group in 2001 in Sydney, brokering sponsorship deals and doing public relations and marketing.[1]
Her self-help and entrepreneurship books reveal several personal challenges as well as business success. She was married and divorced, and as detailed in her 2016 books, was engaged to entrepreneur Jack Delosa in 2015.[1][2]
Commercial experience
The Messenger Group is a media company.[3] Lisa Messenger launched it as a publishing company in 2001, and it now has 18 arms including a lifestyle website, publishing, events, marketing consultancy, and homewares. The Group has published around 400 books. Collectivehub.com is the website, and Collective was launched in 2013 with $1.5 million of her own money, as an "entrepreneurial and lifestyle" magazine.
Books
Messenger has written several lifestyle and business books. A recent interview described them as full of "positive, Oprah-esque affirmations".[2]
Messenger, L. 2016. Daring & Disruptive: Unleashing the Entrepreneur. Simon & Schuster/North Star Way[4]
Messenger, L. 2016. Daring & Disruptive playbook. The Messenger Group.
Messenger, L. 2016. Breakups and Breakthroughs. The Messenger Group.
Messenger, L. 2015. Life & Love: Creating the Dream. The Messenger Group.
Messenger, L. 2015. Money and Mindfulness playbook. The Messenger Group.
Messenger, L. 2015. Money and Mindfulness: living in abundance. The Messenger Group.
Messenger, L. 2012. Social Media to Boost Your Brand. The Messenger Group.
Messenger, L. 2011. Books to Boost Your Brand. The Messenger Group.
Messenger, L. and C. Gray (eds.) 2009. Property Investing - The Australian Way. Messenger Publishing.
Messenger, L. 2009. Maverick Marketing. The Messenger Group.
Messenger, L. and Z. Liew 2009. Cubicle Commando: Intrapreneurs, Innovation and Corporate Realities. Messenger Publishing.
Messenger, L. 2009. Happiness Is.... Messenger Publishing.
Awards
Southern Cross University Alumni of the Year (2010)
Thought Leaders Entrepreneur of the Year (2008)
About
Suggest Edits
CONTACT INFO
info@themessengergroup.com.au
MORE INFO
About
Inspirational thoughts and soulful accounts from an entrepreneur who is all about making the impossible, possible and the ordinary, extraordinary.
Biography
Lisa Messenger is the vibrant, game-changing CEO and creative director of The Messenger Group, as well as founder and editor-in-chief of The Collective magazine... See More
Personal Information
I just LOVE life and live it as big and with as much passion and purpose as possible inspiring and encouraging others to do the same x
categories
Entrepreneur
Lisa Messenger's 'let's just jump in' approach key to her entrepreneurial success
One Plus One
By Jane Hutcheon and Nina Tietzel
Updated 19 Feb 2015, 11:38pm
Lisa Messenger for One Plus One
Photo: Lisa Messenger says she has overcome many challenges on the path to business success (One Plus One)
Map: Coolah 2843
Lisa Messenger is an entrepreneur, author and magazine publisher who revels in breaking the rules. Now her flair and renegade approach to entrepreneurship sees her rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in business, including Martha Stewart and Richard Branson.
Lisa Messenger had to pinch herself last October. She was invited to Branson's privately owned Caribbean Island where, "like a James Bond extra", the multi-billionaire kite-surfed past her in the water. She was star struck at first, but it didn't last long.
"There's a lot of spin and hype that surrounds [famous people] and the majority of the time they're just normal people. The more I connect with them, they're just like us," she said.
The youthful 40-something is the owner and creative director of marketing and book publishing company The Messenger Group.
She has written 14 books, published more than 400 others, and at a time when magazine sales are falling, launched a new glossy called The Collective.
It's really important to think and project bigger than you are, and I say that to anyone in anything.
Lisa Messenger
"I've never worked for a magazine. And it defies logic. But it's just about thinking, 'what would I want to read in a magazine? Where would I want to read it?' It's really simple."
Rather than featuring a constant stream of A-list celebrities, Messenger's covers feature "normal entrepreneurs and normal people".
"I wanted to do something which was all about inspiration and a celebration of the good in the world, as opposed to Kim Kardashian's bottom," she said.
"I started it to try and buck the trend on what was going on out there."
Two years on, The Collective is sold in 37 countries.
"I meet so many people who want to have their own business and they write laborious, hundred-page business plans, they tick every box and they sink all the money and time into it ... before actually understanding, 'is there a market? Does anyone want to buy this? Is there an opportunity?'" she said.
"I'm the queen of, 'let's just jump in'.
"It's really important to think and project bigger than you are, and I say that to anyone in anything."
From small town girl to rebel and risk-taker
The rebellious spirit that has made Messenger the successful businesswoman she is today emerged in her teenage years.
Born in the central-west New South Wales town of Coolah, she grew up riding horses and motorbikes and making mudpies in the creek.
"I went off to boarding school and for whatever reason I always questioned authority," she said.
"It's funny that now, as a rebel and a bit of a disrupter in my career, it's celebrated.
"I was perpetually sent out of my classroom because I asked too many questions and wanted to know the reasoning behind things all the time."
She said she had no lofty dreams growing up, rather a "yearning for something greater" and an unwavering curiosity.
After boarding school came a business degree at university, but it was not until she turned 30 that she started her own business.
Before making her big break in book publishing, Messenger specialised in event management, conference management, PR sponsorship and marketing.
Her first publication, Happiness is, sold 36,000 copies in its first year.
Overcoming challenges and finding love
Messenger said her journey from small town girl to businesswoman had not been a smooth ride, contrary to the assumption that success fell into her lap.
"It is not easy. I have worked my butt off to get here," she said.
She has faced a number of hurdles, including a failed marriage. She has also given up drinking.
"I went through hell for 20 years. Too much drinking, alienating my family, bad relationships," she said.
"It's the harder things in life, and the things that test us and take us to rock bottom ... which in my case enabled me to say, 'this isn't how I want to live my life'."
Today though, Messenger is in a good place. Her spirit and persistence are paying off professionally and her private life is also looking rosy.
She recently became engaged to her partner Jack Delosa, a kindred spirit who also took the professional road less travelled.
A university drop-out, Delosa created two multi-million-dollar businesses and at the age of 27 is a member of the BRW Young Rich List.
"It's important [for] anyone to remember that really, you can do anything," Messenger said.
Magazine guru and vibrant game-changing CEO Lisa Messenger’s Daring and Disruptive, based on her successful self-published book in Australia, is an insightful account of her own rollercoaster ride as the creator and founder of the magazine Collective Hub, which has been called "the Vanity Fair of business magazines" and is sold in 37 countries, including the U.S.
Geared toward entrepreneurs, rule-breakers, and innovators, Daring and Disruptive will help readers dig deep, stay on purpose, and stay true to their ideas, in whatever they want to do in life.
Daring and Disruptive: Unleashing the Entrepreneur
263.26 (June 27, 2016): p74.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Daring and Disruptive: Unleashing the Entrepreneur
Lisa Messenger. North StarWay, $16 trade paper (224p) ISBN 978-1-5011-
3586-6
Messenger, CEO of the Messenger Group, a media company, and founder of Collective Hub, an entrepreneur lifestyle magazine, celebrates disruption in the business world in this engaging and invigorating book. A self-confessed "serial entrepreneur," Messenger extols the key qualities that successful entrepreneurs should embrace, such as trusting one's gut and intuition, possessing steadfast self-belief, and dreaming big and often. She shares stories of her own successes and failures, as well as her personal approach to combating fear and setting goals. Stressing the importance of setbacks and failure, she celebrates the process of embarking on journeys of discovery and surrendering to moments of truth. In addition, she provides a short but useful list of practical branding tips, which include securing all domain names as quickly as possible, connecting and networking across platforms, and mixing with the right people. Throughout the book, eye-catching full-page pull quotes highlight Messenger's key thoughts. She closes with a moving chapter on doing good in the world, providing some soul-searching questions about the reasons people seek success. Full of stirring wisdom that's particularly relevant to entrepreneurs but also to anyone chasing success, this enjoyable read should inspire a new generation of businesspeople. (Sept.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Daring and Disruptive: Unleashing the Entrepreneur." Publishers Weekly, 27 June 2016, p. 74. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA456900945&it=r&asid=7857f412a7347bda552be2d9740974c0. Accessed 5 Mar. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A456900945
Maverick Marketing
(Nov. 2009):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2009 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
Maverick Marketing
Lisa Messenger & Mel Carswell
Messenger Publishing
Suite 6, Level 6, 50 Holt St, Surry Hills
PO BOX H241, Australian Square, Sydney, 2000
claire@messengerpublishing.com.au
097755192X, 17.95, www.amazon.com
In "Maverick Marketing: Publishing For Passion And Profit", Lisa Messenger draws upon her years of experience and expertise as the Managing Director of Messenger Marketing and Messenger Publishing, working with aspiring authors and self-publishers with the processes and problems of marketing their books. The result is a truly 'reader friendly' compilation of sound advice on marketing, promoting, funding, distributing, and selling non-fiction books by self-published and small press published authors. From what to do in getting started, to traditional marketing resources like bookstores, to the securing and utilization of publicity and reviews, to employing modern marketing tools from email to websites, to talk shows and author appearances, and so much more, "Maverick Marketing" is informed and informative as it provides thoughtful and thought-provoking commentaries, advice, 'tips, tricks and techniques', that can be readily employed by even the most novice newcomer to publishing. Especially recommended to the attention of those new to publishing, "Maverick Marketing" also has a great deal of value as a 'refresher course' for those with some measure of experience in marketing books today.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Maverick Marketing." Internet Bookwatch, Nov. 2009. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA212102548&it=r&asid=00feafe71f955b7cea7ee5ca44cb59d1. Accessed 5 Mar. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A212102548
Book review: Daring & Disruptive by Lisa Messenger
by Naomi | 26/03/2015
Daring & Disruptive
After working for the Australian Government for eight years, I decided it was time for a change. I wanted to touch people my way. I believed with every fibre in my being that every individual was incredibly special. Their body, mind and soul so unique. I was passionate about helping people see this uniqueness, realise their potential, and discover their beauty. I knew that they could achieve anything they wanted once they truly knew and believed this. I felt like this couldn’t be done in government, so I left to pursue the world of self-employment.
It was then that I discovered Lisa Messenger and her fabulous magazine Renegade Collective – for “game changers, thought leaders, rule breakers, and style makers”. I was inspired. She was doing things differently. She was inspiring people to think outside of the box – to thrive and excel outside of the box. She was changing the world – one magazine, one book, one speech, and one social media post at a time. Unbeknown to her, she had become a mentor of mine.
However, when Lisa’s book Daring & Disruptive was released, I was slow on the uptake. I was knee deep in business development, working my bum off to over deliver and WOW my readers. When I finally returned to my daily reading habit, Lisa’s book was the first I picked up. It was different, inspiring, and possibility-expanding.
Below I will summarise some of the takeaways and lessons that I took from Daring & Disruptive:
Let curiosity be your guide
The first sentence in Lisa’s book is written by Chip Conley as part of the forward and is a powerful intention that I’ve been trying to live by since starting my business – “Let curiosity be your guide.” Move forward with curiosity, explore, embrace the unknown, and to approach all things with a ‘beginners mind’. I personally like to embrace the unknown, use it as a platform to learn and discover new things about myself or a topic. I also think that in areas where we know little or a lot, asking the question “What can I learn from this?” is valuable.
“Let curiosity be your guide.” – @LisaMessenger
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Believe in yourself
Lisa emphasises the importance of self-belief – the need to back yourself and truly pursue your passions and intuition even when others might think they are crazy. Don’t wait for the approval of others when you know within your heart that you are on to something! This doesn’t mean that you don’t listen to advice from those you trust – but take responsibility for your own ideas and growth if you believe they have merit.
I know that for years I thought about pursuing my own business, but the ideas I had felt too grand, too out of reach. I didn’t know where to start. I felt paralysis by analysis step in. But one day, whilst working out in my home gym, I had a sudden epiphany. A wave of absolute self-belief. A knowing that this crazy idea of mine was absolutely possible. When you hold this self-belief safely in your heart and takes steps toward making your dream come to life, you will be amazed at how far you come and what doors open for you along the way.
Feel the fear and then do it anyway
Lisa talks us through her historical fear of public speaking and what shifted to help create the sought-after and inspirational speaker that she is known as today. She mentioned that for this situation, she feels that being herself was key – she had to stop putting pressure on herself to speak as other motivational speakers did, and to find her own, authentic way of doing things. It sounds like putting herself out there, speaking gig after speaking gig, and lots of practice helped also. To her, speaking is no longer about her and her nerves, but about what she can share in order to help others.
Lisa’s approach to dealing with fear has been to teach her brain to see the worst-case scenario, and then put in place steps and actions to avoid or deal with the (sometimes rare) possibility or risk of this becoming a reality. She has also learnt not to hold on to the fear herself and approach it alone – but to reach out to trusted others to overcome it.
Throughout my business and personal life, I have also encountered fear many a time. I have found that training my brain to consciously identify the fear, why I am feeling fear, and what the worse case scenario would be if I did what I feared anyway vs not doing what I fear, that I am generally able to work through it. I like to reinterpret fear – to acknowledge that the feeling is horrific, but that it exists for my greater good, to warn me and protect me from harm. By acknowledging this, preparing myself for the possibility of the worst case scenario becoming a reality, but having faith in myself and my intuition when moving forward anyway – I often find that a period of growth, beauty and wonder follows. By letting go of the resistance, coming up with a plan to support myself, and acknowledging my brain before following my heart, I find that fear can become an uncomfortable but much needed friend rather than enemy.
“Feel the fear and then do it anyway.” – @LisaMessenger
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Find your purpose. Find your WHY
Lisa speaks of the importance of finding your purpose and your WHY, and through her story, shows that your purpose and WHY can shift throughout your life. She mentions the importance of exploration, of bringing “your entire self to the table”, of knowing your values, and of letting go of other people’s expectations of who you are and should be. Another important element of searching for your purpose she says can be to detach yourself from specific outcomes – to surrender, to stop fighting, to let go. This does not mean to stand still and not take any actions – but it releases you from expectations you place on yourself, is more exploratory in nature, and involves a much more gentler and heart-focussed approach.
I remember the struggle that I personally felt in my search for meaning and purpose. It can be such a frustrating process for those who are multi-passionate and who do not want to focus on a niche or single part of themselves. I found that the moment I stopped focusing so much on the end picture – on figuring it all out now, so that I could take clear and orchestrated steps toward that perfect vision – that things started to fall into place. Instead I moved forward with trust and self belief – that everything would fall into place and be revealed when it was meant to. In doing this, I started to take steps out into the unknown and see what felt right and didn’t feel right from there. By acting instead of thinking, so many opportunities opened up, and before I knew it, my ‘end goal’ was starting to become clearer. My WHY started to become stronger. The journey itself, the mystery and unknown, started to become exciting and liberating.
Failure equals experience
Lisa believes that failure can be your friend, if you let it. She talks about the lessons you can learn from failure and how they can lead to successes, make you stronger and teach you oh so much. She says, if you’re going to fail, you might as well do it well – “fast and with minimum risk”.
I have been lucky that in my early experience with business, I am yet to experience failure. I have however taken big risks, and are starting to take even bigger ones. In doing this, I am trusting that should these risks lead to failure, it’ll only lead me to more certainty around what I shouldn’t be doing and point me in a new direction toward something that perhaps I am better suited for.
Dream big crazy dreams
Lisa says “Dream big, dream often.” I love this. As a life coach, I am in the business of big dreams. The crazier, the more ambitious, the more different – the more I love them and the more excited I get to see them become a reality. I love that Lisa is encouraging us to dream, to let our imagination run wild, and to follow through with making these dreams a reality.
Lisa mentions that there are two types of people in the world – the ‘implementers’ and the ‘gunnas’. The implementers are those who follow through, even when things are difficult – they act and do. The ‘gunnas’ talk a lot about what they want to do, but don’t get out and do it. I’m an implementer (well in areas that matter to me anyway). Are you?
“Dream big, dream often.” – @LisaMessenger
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Build a culture around your brand
I think Lisa’s ‘Culture Up’ is a chapter that every business and corporation should read – and become ‘implementers’ on. I have worked in way too many areas that treat people as numbers, and not as people. Lisa talks about the importance of making work a rewarding experience for her employers, in order for them to not only be happy in their work, but also be the most productive and efficient. She talks about how crucial it is to foster the culture of your business, and that this involves having a clear vision and purposefully putting things into place to make it a reality. An extraordinary culture, can lead to an extraordinary brand and business – and consequently, an extraordinary impact on the lives of clients or customers.
Invest in YOU
Lisa emphases the importance of investing in yourself – in your health, your personal and professional development and networks, your time, and your personal brand. As someone who is new in business and is a life + wellness coach, I have seen first hand how imperative self investment is. Not only does your happiness and health hinge on it, but it also leads to you being more productive and creative in what you do.
Creatively create opportunities
Lisa encourages her readers to be creative about leveraging opportunities and creating value exchanges. She provides many examples of how she has done this in her own professional life and the benefits it has resulted in. I read this chapter with keen interest and found new possibilities expanding in my mind. To date, value exchanges in my business have been on a smaller level – and in this chapter I found my mind opening and bigger possibilities arising.
Take risks. Disrupt.
Toward the end of the book, Lisa has a chapter titled simply “Distruct”. In this chapter Lisa discusses what has become a theme throughout the book – to take risks and to not be afraid to disrupt the norm. To look for alternative ways of doing things. To be yourself. To take your crazy ideas and “run wildly” with them.
Give back
Finally, Lisa reminds us of the importance of doing good. Of making a difference. That business success is “bigger than money for money’s sake and profile for ego’s sake”. To stay open to opportunities to encourage change and good in the world.
For many, remembering your WHY can help you tune in to how you can do good in the world. I know that for me personally, I am not currently making so much money that I can afford to strongly support charities and big causes. I can however donate my time to share my skills and experience with others, to promote those who are doing good, and through other means. I also always have at least one or two probono clients at a time – to assist those who cannot afford a life + wellness coach but feel they greatly need assistance in order to get unstuck and move toward the life they dream of and deserve. I also frequently offer free challenges, worksheets and content to my readers to help them through difficulties. We can all give back in some way – whether we are wealthy or not – if we think creatively and openly about it.
The above is just a brief summary of the goodness contained in Lisa’s book. If you are an entrepreneur, a business owner, or simply someone who loves self-growth and development – I highly recommend you get your hands on a copy. I know that personally I’ll be ordering myself a copy of the accompanying playbook and Lisa’s new book Life & Love shortly also.
Let’s soar together,
Naomi x