Drumroll please…(badadaadadadadummmmmmmmmm).
The new website is here!
Take your shoes off, put your feet up, and enjoy a brand new design and feel to the website.
While the old website was nice, it was time for an upgrade and I couldn’t be happier that we are now live and kicking. A big thank you to The Loud Few for being the design/programming rock stars (and putting up with my obsessiveness and details).
I’m a big believer in reinventing yourself and I try to do so pretty much every year. The goal of the new site is really simple: Focus on interesting interviews with awesome people and make them really easy for you to find, listen to, watch, and enjoy.
Read More »I figure in the spirit of “other” state of the union addresses going on, that I would also give a crack at it and keep you updated of the direction of RISE in 2011. Enjoy the video and as always, all feedback, questions, comments, whatever-comes-out of your fingers is appreciated.
Cheers to what is going to be an amazing 2011!
-David
You can join the 100,000+ RISE enthusiasts and catch new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday, featuring interviews with a unique guest on TheRiseToTheTop.com, as well as iTunes (video and audio) and now on your television via Roku and Connected TV.
Yup. It is official. After a zillion requests, “If you want some fluff, go pet a bunny.” t-shirts are officially on sale right here - thanks to my good friend Chris Reimer at Rizzo Tees.
Oh, and who buys a shirt without hearing the Top 5 Reasons Why? (I know, I know):
#5: Far less messy than a REAL bunny (and it doesn’t poop or eat).
#4: The shirt is cotton and not made out of bunny, so no bunnies were harmed.
#3: Great for sleeping in. Working out in. Attending a black tie function in. Whatevering in.
#2: Designed by the amazing Chris Reimer aka @rizzotees (thanks Chris!).
#1 Reason: What better way to show the world you aren’t full of fluff?
Nab it while supplies last right here. And yes, there are sizes to fit both men & women….and maybe some animals.

So, this past week my book, Smarter, Faster, Cheaper, launched. Perhaps you heard (*wink* *wink* *nudge* *nudge*).
While long-term impact is the goal of the book (a long-term relationship as opposed to a one night stand), having a strong launch week is also important.
To kickstart the first week, I coordinated a new media tour (similar to Seth Godin when he launched Linchpin) which included interviews on blogs/online shows, guest articles/blog posts/videos on other sites, and all kinds of other goodies, including a unique interactive Q&A session on Danny Brown’s awesome blog.
What has been the impact so far of the new media tour and what are some tips for doing your own tour?
While the tour is just beginning (much more in the works over the next few weeks, heck months), there has been some massive tangible results. If you want to be a “stop” on the tour and think it is a good fit, make sure to reach out here.

If you know someone that STILL thinks new media isn’t awesome, show them this and smile.
#1: You Need Help…: If you try to pull off a tour on your own, literally by yourself, you will cry. A lot. I’d highly recommend getting some help. For me, I had help coming from a couple of different ends. I hired a rockstar, Elizabeth Marshall, to help coordinate the launch and keep me sane. And my “scheduling tzar and database diva” Jaimie (one of my two amazing virtual assistants) kept everything in order.
#2:…But YOU Have To Be In The Trenches: Help is definitely needed and necessary, but it isn’t about others doing everything. I spent literally hundreds of hours writing guest posts, emailing bloggers and new sources, etc. You can’t outsource the relationships.
#3: Ready To React: Like a linebacker in football, you need to be able to read and react. During launch week, all kinds of crazy things happened, including scheduling changes, barrages of emails, random opportunities, etc. If your schedule is too full during your tour, you won’t be able to jump on opportunities. Allow yourself time to be able to react to new things that might come across your desk.
#4: This Is All About Relationships: No bloggers or new media sources on the tour were people I cold emailed or called. I had a previous relationship with every single one of them in some form or fashion, OR I was introduced to them by someone they know, like, and trust. Build relationships before you need them or you might come off as a sketchy product pusher. It is all about giving. Give, give, give, give, give, and good things will happen.
#5: Following Up Separates You From The Pack: If this sounds simple, it is. Yet, I can’t tell you how often this is overlooked. You have to follow up with people. It takes time and effort, but is extremely necessary.
#6: Everyone Matters: Everyone that cares, matters. All the way from big influential people to up-and-comers. How can you make everyone feel special and still leverage your time the best? It doesn’t mean you have to take every opportunity, but size isn’t the only thing that matters.
#7: Personal Touches: I was able to send out some early copies of the book before the release of the book through my publisher. However, I made sure two things happened. One, no press releases (nothing is less personal). Two, I wanted to make sure to include a personal note in every book sent out before launch. So, I ended up writing 100+ personal notes on Smarter, Faster, Cheaper stationary and overnighting it to the publisher along with a list of people that got books. Nothing beats a personal touch.
Finally, it is an ongoing journey. Online content is extremely valuable (especially since it stays up forever). Who knows what will happen next?
And those are some quick tips and takeaways. I hope you found them helpful.
This list will continually be updated on a weekly basis so check back often if you want to see updates. It’s a mixture of interviews, personal stories, lessons from the book, tips for you and your business, and much more.
Interviews:
Duct Tape Marketing Podcast: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper (Duct Tape Marketing)
If You Want Some Fluff, Go Pet a Bunny: Carol Roth Interviews David Siteman Garland (Carol Roth)
Secrets Of Selling By Not Selling – with David Siteman Garland (Mixergy)
Interview: The Davids of the Business World Rule the Goliaths (Business Pundit)
Smarter, Faster, Cheaper Marketing Strategies For Your Media Brand (Mark Ramsey Media)
Personal Branding Interview: David Siteman Garland (Personal Branding Blog)
Video #40: (Interview): “Smarter, Faster, Cheaper with David Siteman Garland” (Babbaco)
Interview: David Siteman Garland on Content Creation (Get Storied)
An Interactive Q&A Session With David Siteman Garland (Danny Brown)
The No Fluff Non-Boring Interview with Serially Contagious Entrepreneur David Siteman Garland (Good Financial Cents)
Meet My Followers Episode #50: @therisetothetop (Meet My Followers)
Latest, greatest free agent book recommendation: “Smarter, Faster, Cheaper” (Free Agent Underground)
David Siteman Garland On Marketing Your Business In The New World (Predictable Success Blog)
How To Market Smarter, Faster, Cheaper (BTalk CBS bNet Australia)
Marketing Your Business Smarter, Faster, Cheaper With David Siteman Garland (Lewis Howes)
Smarter, Faster, Cheaper Book Review & Interview (Sean Malarkey)
How To Market your business Smarter, Faster, Cheaper by creating Hot Sizzling content around your niche – with David Siteman Garland (Hire Your Virtual Assistant)
Bob Burg Interviews David Siteman Garland Author Of Smarter, Faster, Cheaper (Bob Burg)
How To Never Get A Real Job Smarter, Faster, Cheaper (Under30CEO)
Can David Garland Teach You to Be Smarter, Faster and Cheaper? (Business Insanity Talk Radio)
How To Really ‘Rise To The Top’ (Define Magazine)
Building Your Brand Without Going Broke (Metro – New York)
Your Life Your Way Interview Series (Your Life Your Way)
Podcast: Are You Doing Things Smarter, Faster, Cheaper? (ScottBradley.Name)
Is Your Blog Smarter, Faster, Cheaper? An Interview with David Garland (Free Blog Factory)
Making Online Marketing Smarter, Faster and Cheaper. A Chat with David Siteman Garland (Sparkplug Digital)
5 Ways to Market Your Business Smarter, Faster, and Cheaper (bNet, by Donna Fenn)
Get Your Book Published Through a Publisher (Coach Radio)
TBMP Radio: Fluff Free Marketing Strategy From David Siteman Garland (Tiny Business, Mighty Profits)
Interview With Author David Siteman Garland (Conversations Live)
Mitzvah Maker – David (Gather The Jews)
(Short Clip) Gary Vaynerchuk Interviews David Siteman Garland (Wine & Web on XM/Sirius)
Build Your Business Smarter, Faster, Cheaper (Convince And Convert)
Host & Author David Siteman Garland on Film Courage (Film Courage)
How to Market Smarter, Faster and Cheaper with David Siteman Garland (Inbound Now – Hubspot)
Masters of multimedia know how to work a virtual room (Dallas Morning News)
Guest Posts/Articles/Videos:
How to Become a Celebrity in the Eyes of Your Niche (Small Business Trends)
5 Ways to Effectively Manage Your Online Reputation (Social Media Examiner)
13 Characteristics Of Successful Digital Schmoozers (Techipedia)
7 Days and Signed: From Web-Show Host to Major Book Deal (Jonathan Fields)
How David Garland Built A Community Of 100,000 Followers In 24 Months (A Smart Bear)
How to Create Awesome Content by Interviewing Others (International Freelancers Academy)
Getting Started With Online Content (Shama.TV)
7 Blogging Tips From Top Bloggers (Social Media Examiner)
Reviews:
Smarter, Faster, Cheaper: A Review by Anita Campbell (Small Business Trends)
Review: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper by David Siteman Garland (My Wife Quit Her Job)
Smarter, Faster, Cheaper by David Siteman Garland: Book Review (Rizzo Tees)
The Smarter, Faster, Cheaper Way To Business Success (PR In Your Pajamas)
Our Friend David Is Giving Birth This Week (The Business of Being a Mom)
Smarter, Faster, Cheaper: A Look At David Siteman Garland’s New Book (St. Louis Social Media & Tech Report)
Bookyard Review: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper (Business Brickyard)
Book Review: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper (and Why It Matters to You) (Escaping Mediocrity)
Smarter, Faster, Cheaper by David Garland [Book Review] (Timothy Sykes)
Do you know my friend David Garland? (Ali Brown)
#FollowFriday: David Siteman Garland (Spin Sucks)
Choose The Flavor Of Your Business (Toilet Paper Entrepreneur)
Smarter, Faster, Cheaper: A Book By David Siteman Garland (I Wear Your Shirt)
Smarter, Faster, Cheaper – Book Review (Poetic Business)
Teen and Mom Entrepreneurs: Building Your Business (Radical Parenting)
Awards & Fun:
75 Best Business Blogs Of 2010 (Business Pundit)
15 Male Blogger “Hotties” You Should Know About in 2011 (MetaMorphoSelf)
10 Books Every Entrepreneur Must Read From 2010 (Under30CEO)
10 Best Books I Read in 2010 (Launch 52)
Oh, and also Great Day St. Louis (some traditional media love!):
Smarter, Faster, Cheaper (Great Day St. Louis)
What about you? See any takeaways or ideas you can use for your business?
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I just wanted to thank you for an amazing launch day yesterday for Smarter, Faster, Cheaper. Your support is what is making everything possible. From nabbing the book to spreading the word, I can’t thank you enough.
As mentioned earlier this week, this week on RISE is a little bit different with the book release. A book release is much more of a long-term relationship than a one night stand. As many of you know, I rarely promote my stuff (because I love promoting others). I know you are busy between work, family and friends and incredibly appreciate the support.
A few things going on that might be of interest to you:
#1: All kinds of prizes EXTENDED until Friday at Midnight CST. Head right here to claim yours (as long as you buy at least ONE book, you get something…woohoo). There has been so much bedlam this week, I wanted to make sure everyone gets a prize. There is some cool stuff in there so I want to make sure you didn’t miss it. There is everything from autographed copies to a sponsorship of a RISE episode (Which are flying quickly. Example of someone that nabbed 25 books and now get a free plug in a RISE episode: The Chapala Club)
#2: I’m in the midst of a massive new media tour. Bloggers, web shows, and other awesome people with a variety of articles, interviews, and other stuff. I’ll make sure to create a post on here aggregating them all later this week/early next week (that will continue to be updated) in case you want to check it out. Here is an example from Tamar Weinberg’s Techipedia.
#3: If you have already read a copy, would love to hear a review! Feel more than free to post it to Amazon.
#4: Want to do something fun? Take a photo once you have your book and post it to Facebook (and tag me up and/or The Rise To The Top). Funniest/most clever photo will win a cool prize (especially if you also encourage people to go out and nab the book *wink* *wink*)
and (drum roll please……
#5: You can make me wear a pink fluffy bunny suit. Here is the deal. If Smarter, Faster, Cheaper hits a major best seller list (at any point!) I will wear a fluffy, pink bunny outfit for one full day and film the adventure. Everywhere I go, I will be in funny bunny attire. Guaranteed to include numerous public places and a full workout at the gym. Guaranteed.
Lesson learned: This launch has really taught me there are just freaking amazing people everywhere. Collaborative, generous, and eager to learn.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your continued help, love, support and generosity. You rock.
-David
PS: If they give me an option on the bunny suit, I will ask for “extra fluffy.”
So, this is it. My book, Smarter, Faster, Cheaper: Non-Boring, Fluff-Free Strategies for Marketing and Promoting Your Business, is officially on sale (everywhere books are sold).
I’m excited (or insert a word here in your brain that means more than excited) to bring this to you, for two major reasons:
#1: This book is really going to help you market and promote your business and help you not only build a following, but attract clients and stand out as a leader in your niche. In other words, it’s about marketing the smarter, faster, cheaper way as opposed to the dumber, slower, expensive one. I’ve filled it with ideas, stories, and actionable strategies to help you become a trusted resource with both your fans and with the media.
This book has the best insights of over two years of research, 200+ interviews, thousands of conversations, and personal experiences all designed to help you and your business on your own terms - and without having to spend your life savings in the process!
#2: It has been quite a personal journey for me. I have no idea what it is like to actually birth a baby (and unless men start having babies, I never will), but this is my baby. I’ve put in 100% effort as well as blood, sweat, and tears. Seriously, I cut my hand when writing one day on the side of the table. After much waiting and anticipation, the big day is here. And now, it is time to spread the idea to entrepreneurs like you.
I’m 1000% confident you’ll gain great value, ideas, and actionable strategies for your business by reading this book. In fact, it would mean a lot to me personally (and your business will thank you as well) if you pick up a copy today on launch day (and also spread the word to others that might be interested).
You can buy right here on Amazon.
And of course, your local bookseller should have ‘em in stock. Give them a call (and if they don’t, yell at them…better yet, record yourself yelling at them and send it to me…).
Oh yeah, one quick announcement before you buy…
A bunch of people have been asking me about putting together some giveaways and goodies for launch week. Because I’m always up for creative fun and because I want to give you fabulous incentives to reward you for buying the book, here’s what I put together.
(This offer is good from Tuesday, December 7th, until 11:59 pm CT on Thursday, December 9th Friday, December 10th…or until we run out…all good things can’t last forever, right?) *NOTE BONUSES HAVE EXPIRED!*
UPDATE: Bonuses are definitely running low! Make sure to nab up the one you want before they are gone.
UPDATE: Bonuses have expired!
Smarter, Faster, Cheaper Autographed Name Plate for your book. Limited to first 1000 who purchase the book.
As a “thank you” for buying the book, I’ll mail you a personalized autograph to put in the front of your book and inspire you to implement what you read!
To cash in on this offer:
Access to a private, 90-minute Q&A webinar where I’ll be going into even more detail on the concepts in the book and give you specific “how-to’s” on building relationships with influentials and grow your following through interviews. You have a chance to ask questions and get specific feedback and coaching on how to apply the book to your business and brand. $500 value.
By the way, you’ll also receive the autographed name plate.
To cash in on this offer:
Promotion of your brand on an upcoming episode of RISE, which has an audience of 100,000+. As a part of that promo, I will show your website, shamelessly plug you, and link to your website/blog, which is a great way to get some promo for much less than my normal sponsor rates. $1500 value.
In addition, you’ll receive a limited edition RISE “Fluffy Bunny” T-shirt to remind you that there’s always a way to promote yourself in a non-fluffy way! Value: Priceless.
Oh, and you’ll also get access to the private Q&A webinar and autographed name plate.
To cash in on this offer:
And now, for the Grand Prize of Awesomeness…
*Travel expenses (flight, hotel, meals) are not included.
To cash in on this offer:
And, here’s an extra I threw in….
UPDATE: Selection announced on RISE soon!!!
Buy 1 or more copies of the book and you will be entered into a drawing to WIN a one-hour Skype consult with me. We can talk about anything you like. Your business, your marketing, your website, hockey, whatever.
Just email your receipt before Friday to workwithdavid@DSGagency.com.
Whew, that’s it. I only get to launch my first book once…and today is it. I appreciate your continued support and can’t wait to hear how the book is helping you build your brand, grow your following, and attract more clients and customers.
And, if you know of someone who could benefit from reading the book, please spread the word!
Thank you so much for your support! I’m incredibly grateful. Seriously. Incredibly.
-David
Read More »Today is the official launch of my book Smarter, Faster, Cheaper: Non-Boring, Fluff-Free Strategies for Marketing and Promoting Your Business.
There are all kinds of free goodies you can get for nabbing a book (or two today)
Read More »
Some quick food for thought:
If you can’t get excited about your work, how can you expect others to be? More importantly, is your work meaningful? Are you helping others? Are you solving a problem?
Combine excitement with helping others and you have something more than gold. You have platinum or uranium (I’m not a scientist…which one is better?).
This week on The Rise To The Top is going to be a little different. Normally, I stick to a strict editorial schedule (Monday and Wednesday are blog posts/videos/presentations. Tuesday and Thursday are interviews/episodes and lately The David Chronicles are on Friday).
Because my book (!!) Smarter, Faster, Cheaper: Non-Boring, Fluff-Free Strategies for Marketing and Promoting Your Business is released “everywhere” tomorrow (Tuesday, December 7th, 2010), this week is going to have all kinds of madness and PLENTY in it for you.
I figured, I only get to release my first book once, right? So may as well go all out.
Here is a short list of a few things going on that might be of interest to you. I hope you will help support the launch and that personally you get A LOT out of the book.
On Tuesday, December 7th:
1. There will be a special post about all the goodies and cool stuff going on for launch day. Spoiler alert: There are all kinds of giveaways/prizes/bonuses that range from insanely valuable to the purely fun.
2. Danielle Elliott Smith, aka “Extraordinary Mommy” (and former rockin’ TV anchor), will be interviewing me on RISE. How about that for a flip? Being interviewed on my own show. It should be weird and entertaining. We will be discussing some themes/concepts in the book that you can use right now.
3. There will be more blog posts, videos, and other content throughout the week. Much of it will be specific applications of concepts in the book, bonus material, and much more.
How can you support? Nab a copy or two tomorrow. Check out the prizes online. Spread the word on social media sites. Tell people that you really think they will benefit from the book.
A big thank you in advance. To all of you. The RISE community. Without you I probably wouldn’t be able to get out of bed in the morning, let alone release the book tomorrow. I’m proud of it. And being proud goes way beyond personal reasons. I’m proud to know this book is REALLY going to help passionate, creative, hustling entrepreneurs like you. And that makes me smile.
Let me ask you this question: What are you most proud of when it comes to your work and why?
Read More »Keep an eye on TheRiseToTheTop.com and SmarterFasterCheaper.com this Tuesday for the OFFICIAL launch of Smarter, Faster, Cheaper: Non-Boring, Fluff-Free Strategies for Marketing and Promoting Your Business (my first book!) this Tuesday.
Trust me
Alright, here it is!
With the busyness of the holidays and end-of-year wrap up, it’s easy to slack off with marketing at the end of the year. Don’t do that. End of year is a great time to market your business so that you start 2011 strong (it is also a great time to eat a LOT of turkey…).
On that note, here is a no-strings-attached (duh!) free chapter of my upcoming book (official release date is December 7th), Smarter, Faster, Cheaper: Non-Boring, Fluff-free Strategies for Marketing and Promoting Your Business.
Simply download by clicking right here FREE Smarter, Faster, Cheaper Chapter.
In it you will find the table of contents, introduction, and first chapter (a hug from me is also included, but not in the downloadable copy).
Very excited to bring this to you and looking forward to hearing your thoughts, so please feel free to post comments or shoot me an email/tweet/hunt me down on Facebook.
Oh, and in case you want to check out a few of the great entrepreneurs and big thinkers mentioned in the intro (as well as the nice folks who read a draft of the book and gave a little love for the cover/back cover), here are some links to hunt them down:
Happy reading!
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