Top 10 Holiday Gifts for a Technician

2009 | Dec 2 in Home Page News , Leadership

If you’re familiar with E-Myth, you already know a bit about what we affectionately refer to as “the EMT,” or the three roles every small business owner plays: the Entrepreneur, the Manager, and the Technician. Defining the business is entrepreneurial work, doing the hands-on work is technical work, and managerial work is the bridge between the two. To create and maintain a successful business requires the contributions of all three roles.

It is, however, the Technician who usually dominates a business owner’s personality. The Technician is the doer, the producer, and the “tinkerer.” The Technician is the one who gets the work done. Chances are good that if you’re a business owner, you can relate to this role; it’s where most of our clients live when they join one of our coaching programs.

If you’re a Technician, or you know somebody who is, never fear: this holiday list is just for you. These suggestions come straight from E-Myth Business Coaches who work with clients like you every day. Whether you’re buying for that Technician on your list, or you need to leave some suggestions for Santa, a gift from this list is sure to make the new year a little brighter.

The Top 10 Gifts for for the Technician on Your List

10. StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath This book helps you discover your strengths and how to use and improve them. It also includes access to a personalized assessment and 50 ideas for action based on your specific results. Available online here.
9. Managing By The Numbers: A Complete Guide To Understanding And Using Your Company's Financials by Chuck Kremer, Ron Rizzuto, John Case This “self-help guide to the ins and outs of corporate finance” will improve your financial literacy and your basic financial management skills. Available online here.
8. Plants by Mother Nature Wait. Did we just say plants? Why, yes we did! Interior designers and architects know that plants can have a huge impact on the overall “flow” of a building. The same holds true for your office. Not only will greenery improve the look (and likely mood) of your team, studies by NASA have shown that some interior plants act as natural air filters removing dangerous volatile organic chemicals (or VOCs) from the air. Read more.
7. *The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich* by Timothy Ferriss Ready to think differently about time management? This book by our friend Tim Ferriss is a popular one with our clients and coaches alike. Available online here.
6. PlanPlus™ Online by Franklin Covey A powerful, web-based Organizer and CRM that helps you manage tasks and projects based upon your overall mission, values and goals. Learn more.
5. *Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not!*by Robert T. Kiyosaki A philosophy and Point of View that aligns with the work we do at E-Myth, this is a book that should be a part of everybody’s library. A great gift for the young entrepreneurs on your list too! Available online here.
4. A Strategic Day For a "technician addict" sometimes the best thing is to remove yourself completely from the office. Why not check into a local hotel for the day and get away from your business to work on your business. No distractions, no routine... Just you and the strategic work that deserves your attention. Need help letting go? Join E-Myth for a two-day Leadership Intensive Seminar, we'll get that Technician in you working strategically.
3. iPhone or Blackberry® Today your mobile phone can do darn near anything except maybe pick up your dry cleaning (and they’re probably working on an “app” for that). But for the busy business owner a state-of-the-art phone gives you freedom to be a leader from a distance… and that’s a good thing.
2. Three Hats Yes, hats. This is a great way to recognize and manage your three business personalities. Buy three distinctively different hats (a baseball cap, a sombrero and a sailor’s cap; or a top hat, a beret, and a ski beanie), one for each role. Any three hats will do. Then, wear each hat throughout your day to help you realize when you are being the Entrepreneur, the Manager, or the Technician. This simple trick will be informative for you, and entertaining for your team
1.The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber You didn't think we'd forget our own book did you? Admittedly, we're a little biased on this one. But the book remains on the business bestseller list more than a decade after publishing and experts like Dave Ramsey, Robert Kiyoskai, Tim Ferriss and Jack Canfield all recommend it, so we're not alone when we say this is one for the library. Inspired by our work with business owners just like you, this book will introduce you (or that Technician on your list) to the E-Myth Point of View. Read the first chapter here or buy the book directly from us.

Share Your Story

What gifts would you add to our list? Did you get a special something that helped you move past the mindset of the Technician? Post a comment and share with the E-Myth community.