Mike interviews Norman Bacal.
Welcome to the milestone 300th episode of the Million Dollar Book Stories podcast! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of vision, perseverance, and the art of storytelling with a phenomenal guest—Norman Bacal. Norman is not just an author; he’s a man who’s turned his journey into a roadmap for others. His book, “NEVER STOP: Change Your Life-Advance Your Career (Take Charge),” is a treasure trove of wisdom for entrepreneurs ready to elevate their game.
Norman Bacal’s journey isn’t just inspiring—it’s a masterclass in resilience and strategic thinking. He started as a hot-headed young professional, but through years of experience, he learned that emotional reactions won’t advance your cause. Rational thought, clear vision, and unwavering determination genuinely make a difference.
One of Norman’s most significant insights is the importance of having a clear vision. Now, I know what you’re thinking—“Vision? Easier said than done.” But Norman breaks it down in a way that’s practical and actionable. He suggests setting three tangible goals for your business each year. Not lofty dreams but specific, measurable objectives that you can relentlessly pursue. It’s about creating movement in your life. As Norman eloquently puts it, every action has a reaction. Your job is to ensure that every step you take propels you forward, even if the destination changes.
Norman’s philosophy is grounded in continuous learning and adaptation. He emphasizes that grand visions aren’t born out of thin air but carved from experience. You can’t predict every obstacle, but you can prepare to face it by building a skill and knowledge toolkit. This approach ensures that each setback is just a stepping stone, a part of the journey rather than the end of the road.
In “NEVER STOP,” Norman draws a powerful analogy between successful entrepreneurs and great waiters. Think about it—the best waiters anticipate your needs, deliver exceptional service, and create an unforgettable experience. They don’t just serve food; they serve an experience. This is precisely how you should approach your business. It’s not about the product or service itself but how it transforms your customers’ lives. When you focus on serving people and making their journey remarkable, loyalty and trust naturally follow.
Norman also touches on a fundamental shift in mindset for business success: transitioning from being the hero of your own story to becoming the guide in your customer’s journey. We all start by seeing the world through our own lens, but real growth happens when you make your customer the hero. Your role? Be their Yoda, their trusted advisor. Whether you’re offering counsel, products, or services, your mission is to empower them, help them overcome their challenges, and celebrate their victories.
Storytelling is another crucial element in Norman’s strategy. It’s not about flaunting how great your product is; it’s about showcasing the transformation it brings. Share stories of customers whose lives have changed because of what you offer. Illustrate their journey from struggle to success, and let potential clients see themselves in those stories. This emotional connection is far more potent than any hard sell.
Norman’s advice is pure gold for those at the start of their entrepreneurial journey or looking to pivot. Don’t get bogged down by the need for a perfect plan or an all-encompassing vision from day one. Instead, set clear, achievable goals and allow your vision to evolve as you gain experience. Each year, reassess where you are and where you want to be. This iterative approach ensures you stay adaptable and focused, ready to seize opportunities and navigate obstacles as they arise.
Norman Bacal’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. His book, “NEVER STOP,” isn’t just a guide; it’s a call to action for anyone serious about advancing their career and transforming their life. It’s about never settling, never giving up, and constantly pushing forward, no matter the odds.
As we celebrate our 300th episode, here’s a final thought from Norman: “The key is to never stop.” Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this mantra is your ticket to sustained success. Keep learning, keep adapting, and keep moving forward. Your journey is unique; every step you take brings you closer to your goals.
Thank you, Norman Bacal, for sharing your incredible insights and inspiring us all to take charge of our lives and careers. For those who haven’t yet, picking up a copy of “NEVER STOP: Change Your Life-Advance Your Career (Take Charge)” is a must. Trust me, it’s an investment in your future that you won’t regret.
Mike Fallat, aka The BookMan, is the owner of Dreamstarters Publishing and the Million Dollar Book Agency. They have helped 300+ entrepreneurs become bestselling authors. His goal is to help 1,000 entrepreneurs publish books and teach them how to use their books as a gateway to generating 7-figures.
Visit website for more information: https://www.milliondollarbookagency.com/
[{"id":2393,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/dr-steven-yacovelli-author-of-your-queer-career-workplace-advice-from-the-gay-leadership-dude\/","name":"dr-steven-yacovelli-author-of-your-queer-career-workplace-advice-from-the-gay-leadership-dude","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/steve-yacovelli.png","alt":""},"title":"Dr. Steven Yacovelli - Author of \"Your Queer Career: Workplace Advice from \"The Gay Leadership Dude.\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 16, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-16 11:53:00","modifiedDate":"2024-12-13 17:53:56","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-12-13 17:53:56","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":49},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2385,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/janelle-brittain-author-of-how-to-say-it-performance-reviews-phrases-and-strategies-for-painless-and-productive-performance-reviews\/","name":"janelle-brittain-author-of-how-to-say-it-performance-reviews-phrases-and-strategies-for-painless-and-productive-performance-reviews","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Janelle-Brittai.png","alt":""},"title":"Janelle Brittain - Author of \"How To Say It Performance Reviews: Phrases and Strategies for Painless and Productive Performance Reviews\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 13, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-13 17:42:59","modifiedDate":"2024-12-13 17:43:03","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-12-13 17:43:03","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":0},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2369,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/paul-falcone-author-of-101-tough-conversations-to-have-with-employees-a-managers-guide-to-addressing-performance-conduct-and-discipline-challenges\/","name":"paul-falcone-author-of-101-tough-conversations-to-have-with-employees-a-managers-guide-to-addressing-performance-conduct-and-discipline-challenges","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Paul-Falcone.png","alt":""},"title":"Paul Falcone - Author of \"101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager's Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 10, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-10 15:09:01","modifiedDate":"2024-12-10 15:09:05","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-12-10 15:09:05","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":11},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2362,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/julie-winkle-giulioni-co-author-of-help-them-grow-or-watch-them-go-career-conversations-organizations-need-and-employees-still-want\/","name":"julie-winkle-giulioni-co-author-of-help-them-grow-or-watch-them-go-career-conversations-organizations-need-and-employees-still-want","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Julie-Winkle.png","alt":""},"title":"Julie Winkle Giulioni - Co-Author of \"Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Organizations Need and Employees Still Want\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 5, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-05 17:12:14","modifiedDate":"2024-12-05 17:12:18","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-12-05 17:12:18","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":48},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2346,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/jessica-pettitt-author-of-almost-doing-good-doing-the-best-that-you-can-with-what-you-have-some-of-the-time\/","name":"jessica-pettitt-author-of-almost-doing-good-doing-the-best-that-you-can-with-what-you-have-some-of-the-time","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Jessica-Pettitt.png","alt":""},"title":"Jessica Pettitt - Author of \"Almost Doing Good: Doing the Best That You Can With What You Have Some of the Time\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 2, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-02 11:04:00","modifiedDate":"2024-11-30 19:11:42","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-30 19:11:42","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":51},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2342,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/ed-brodow-author-of-negotiation-boot-camp-how-to-resolve-conflict-satisfy-customers-and-make-better-deals\/","name":"ed-brodow-author-of-negotiation-boot-camp-how-to-resolve-conflict-satisfy-customers-and-make-better-deals","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Ed-Brodow.png","alt":""},"title":"Ed Brodow - Author of \"Negotiation Boot Camp: How to Resolve Conflict, Satisfy Customers, and Make Better Deals\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 2, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-02 11:00:00","modifiedDate":"2024-11-30 18:28:28","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-30 18:28:28","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":11},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2330,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/chris-fenning-author-of-the-first-minute-how-to-start-conversations-that-get-results\/","name":"chris-fenning-author-of-the-first-minute-how-to-start-conversations-that-get-results","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Chris-Fenning.png","alt":""},"title":"Chris Fenning - Author of \"The First Minute: How to Start Conversations That Get Results\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 21, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-21 12:44:10","modifiedDate":"2024-11-21 12:44:13","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-21 12:44:13","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":43},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2310,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/kenneth-cloke-author-of-resolving-conflicts-at-work-ten-strategies-for-everyone-on-the-job\/","name":"kenneth-cloke-author-of-resolving-conflicts-at-work-ten-strategies-for-everyone-on-the-job","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Kenneth-Cloke.png","alt":""},"title":"Kenneth Cloke - Author of \"Resolving Conflicts at Work: Ten Strategies for Everyone on the Job\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 15, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-15 13:18:10","modifiedDate":"2024-11-15 13:18:13","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-15 13:18:13","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":33},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2299,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/honoree-corder-author-of-your-book-means-business-save-time-make-money-and-dominate-your-industry-with-the-power-of-a-bespoke-book\/","name":"honoree-corder-author-of-your-book-means-business-save-time-make-money-and-dominate-your-industry-with-the-power-of-a-bespoke-book","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/honoree-corder.png","alt":""},"title":"Honor\u00e9e Corder - Author of \"Your Book Means Business: Save Time, Make Money, and Dominate Your Industry with the Power of a Bespoke Book\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 13, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-13 14:28:54","modifiedDate":"2024-11-13 14:42:04","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-13 14:42:04","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":45},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2290,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/frank-somma-author-of-b2b-is-really-p2p-how-to-win-with-high-touch-in-a-high-tech-world\/","name":"frank-somma-author-of-b2b-is-really-p2p-how-to-win-with-high-touch-in-a-high-tech-world","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Frank-Somma.png","alt":""},"title":"Frank Somma - Author of \"B2B Is Really P2P: How to Win With High Touch in a High Tech World\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 7, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-07 20:21:31","modifiedDate":"2024-11-07 20:21:34","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-07 20:21:34","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":45},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2268,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/agnesia-agrella-author-of-mind-your-own-business-your-money-is-your-business\/","name":"agnesia-agrella-author-of-mind-your-own-business-your-money-is-your-business","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Agnesia-Agrella.png","alt":""},"title":"Agnesia Agrella - Author of \"Mind Your Own Business: Your Money Is Your Business!!!\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 4, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-04 12:00:00","modifiedDate":"2024-11-02 15:27:47","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-02 15:27:47","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":32},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2264,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/andrew-sherman-author-of-mergers-and-acquisitions-from-a-to-z\/","name":"andrew-sherman-author-of-mergers-and-acquisitions-from-a-to-z","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Andrew-Sherman.png","alt":""},"title":"Andrew Sherman - Author of \"Mergers and Acquisitions from A to Z \"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 4, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-04 11:30:00","modifiedDate":"2024-11-05 17:12:47","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-05 17:12:47","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":28},"status":"publish","excerpt":""}]