What it is: This book provides an easy-to-use template for thinking through what kind of a person is your “perfect customer” and even more importantly, how you might attract that “perfect customer” into your life. And even though they use the word “customer,” it’s really about attracting whatever you want into your life: the perfect partner, job, friend…whatever!
Growth Potential: Wouldn’t you know, it turns out that my perfect customer is a lot like me! So according to the authors, it helps to get really, really clear about my own deepest desires before I can identify what makes my perfect customer tick. To get there, he authors ask you to reflect on four key questions, and by the time you’re done, you’ve created a 1-page Strategic Attraction Plan that (if you follow it) can be quite transformative. And if you’re like me and you don’t exactly follow it, at least you’ve learned more about yourself in the process.
Pop Potential: If the mainstream audience is business-oriented, then yes! It’s probably similar stuff to the Secret (which I haven’t read/watched), but much less pop friendly. I DO have to say, though, that the lighthouse metaphor on pp. 12-13 is AWESOME! I tell this story over and over again to all kinds of “regular” (read: not hippy dippy) people in my life. They seem pretty inspired by it…
“Get Real” Potential: The word “perfect” is somewhat problematic. I was trying to tell my dad about their whole premise, and he couldn’t get past his idea that there is no-such-thing-as-perfect, and seeking perfection dooms us all to dissatisfaction. I see his point, but I also think that it’s really refreshing to inquire, “What’s perfect for me?”
What I Got out of it: Well, that lighthouse metaphor I mentioned earlier has been the most lasting gift of the book. I remember it whenever I notice that I’m getting overly frenetic, searching relentlessly for something I can’t find (e.g. that perfect job on Craigslist). Asking myself, “How can I be more of a lighthouse than a searchlight right now?” has always succeeded in slowing me down, reminding me that the more brightly and consistantly I can embody my values in my own life, the more I’ll easefully attract what I desire. PLUS, I got a really cute set of lighthouse salt/pepper shakers from my boss, who appreciated the metaphor as much as I did.

Buy the book from Amazon.com