Book Yourself Solid & Get More Clients
Review

The proven system for getting more clients than you can handle, even if you hate marketing and sales

Medium
  • Last updated 06/11/2025
by Michael Port

What you'll learn ? Overview

We tested Book Yourself Solid, Michael Port's flagship program that promises to help service professionals build a full client roster without resorting to pushy sales tactics. The course transforms Port's bestselling methodology into 36 video lessons across four comprehensive modules, supplemented by fillable PDF workbooks.

What caught our attention immediately was the "Velvet Rope Policy", the program's signature approach to client selection. Instead of chasing every possible lead, Port teaches you to filter clients strategically, working only with those you serve best. This counterintuitive approach actually increases both satisfaction and business sustainability (we found this refreshing compared to the typical "sell to everyone" mentality).

The curriculum walks through four key phases: foundation building, trust and credibility establishment, seven core self-promotion strategies, and a non-manipulative sales process. We particularly appreciated how Port addresses the elephant in the room, many service professionals hate traditional sales. His system focuses on relationship-building and demonstrating expertise rather than aggressive closing techniques.

During our review, we noticed the material emphasizes consistent implementation over quick wins. Port provides actionable frameworks for identifying target markets, developing compelling offers, and utilizing diverse marketing channels including networking, direct outreach, and content creation. The exercises for refining offers and building sustainable pipelines felt practical rather than theoretical.

One interesting aspect: while the book version has been around since 2006, the online course format includes updated examples and digital strategies that weren't in the original text. The visual learning experience through video lessons adds a dimension that many users find more engaging than reading alone.

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Is this course for you?

👉

Prior experience needed

Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)

👉

Time commitment

light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)

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Learning style

Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)

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Goal

Make Money

Best suited for:

Ideal for consultants, coaches, freelancers, and service-based entrepreneurs who want a systematic approach to client acquisition without aggressive sales tactics

Instructor

Michael Port

Bestselling Author and Public Speaking Expert Legitimacy Score: 9/10
Michael Port is a renowned public speaking expert, bestselling author, and former professional actor. With an MFA from NYU's Graduate Acting Program, Port has seamlessly transitioned from acting to becoming a leading authority in business communication and public speaking. His expertise spans across authorship, entrepreneurship, and transformational training, making him a sought-after speaker and coach in the business world.
Port's career began in acting, featuring in shows like Sex & The City and Law & Order. He pivoted to business, authoring nine books including the bestseller 'Book Yourself Solid'. From 2014 to 2024, he served as CEO of HEROIC, achieving significant growth and establishing a reputation for integrity and transformational training. Port has delivered keynote speeches globally and built multiple successful companies, showcasing his versatility in business and communication.
• New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author
• Authored nine books translated into 29 languages
• Named a 'marketing guru' by The Wall Street Journal
• Founder of Heroic Public Speaking
• Built and sold multiple successful companies
• Achieved double-digit growth in 9 out of 10 years as CEO of HEROIC
• Regular appearances on MSNBC and CNBC as a business development expert
• Keynote speaker at major global conferences
• Host of the podcast 'Steal the Show with Michael Port'
• Featured speaker at The Art Of events
• Presenter at IMPACT Summit
• Guest on numerous business and entrepreneurship podcasts
Port cultivates a robust digital footprint, regularly sharing insights on public speaking and business development across various platforms. He frequently posts educational content and event announcements on LinkedIn and Twitter, while his YouTube channel features in-depth speaking tips and excerpts from his live presentations.

Course Details

  • ⏱ Duration60
  • 📶 DifficultyMedium
  • ⌛ Access Lifetime
  • ⏰ Time investmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)

🧠 Prerequisites

None specified, designed for new and early-stage service providers


💻 Requirements

Computer or mobile device with internet connection


💸 Hidden Costs

None required, though investing in basic website or marketing tools may enhance results


🙋‍♂️ Support Options

Online community forum for peer support, periodic webinars in higher-tier workshops

Course content

  • Module 1: Your Foundation (The Red Velvet Rope Policy) - Defining ideal clients, establishing your "why," creating filters to attract only clients you want to work with
  • Module 2: Building Trust & Credibility - Trust-Building Trilogy, brand identity creation, writing compelling "Who and Do What" statements, establishing niche credibility
  • Module 3: The Book Yourself Solid 7 Core Self-Promotion Strategies - Networking Strategy, Direct Outreach Strategy, Referral Strategy, Keep-in-Touch Strategy, Speaking Strategy, Writing Strategy, Web Strategy
  • Module 4: The Sales Cycle (The Super Simple Sales Process) - Four-part non-pushy sales process, service pricing strategies, sales conversation scripts, closing techniques without pressure
  • Module 5: Implementation & Action Planning - Weekly tracking tools, action steps for client acquisition, troubleshooting common obstacles, building sustainable pipelines

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Feedbacks

Overall sentiment

After analyzing hundreds of reviews across Goodreads, coaching forums, and social media, we found overwhelmingly positive sentiment toward Book Yourself Solid. Most users praise the practical, no-nonsense approach, though debates emerge about whether the course offers enough value beyond the much cheaper book version.

Praised points

  • Ethical, relationship-based approach that resonates with professionals uncomfortable with hard selling
  • Clear, actionable frameworks that demystify the client acquisition process step-by-step
  • Flexible strategies adaptable to different service businesses and personality types

Criticisms

  • Not revolutionary content for experienced marketers who may find concepts familiar
  • Requires significant effort to implement, not a quick-fix solution (weeks of consistent work needed)
  • Price point debate when the book contains the same core system for $10-$20

Testimonials

"Great for clarifying your target client, practical, not fluff." - Goodreads reviewer

"I keep coming back to it because it works, but it's a lot of work." - curtismchale, Goodreads

"Nothing revolutionary, but very actionable and ethical." - The Coaching Academy

"Helped me get over my fear of self-promotion, highly recommend for freelancers." - Jonathan Stark

"Uplifting read with solid marketing strategies for service pros." - Copyblogger reader

Social insights

Reddit discussions in r/consulting and freelance communities consistently recommend the system, with one user noting, "The book is fantastic. I'd imagine the course is just as good but probably not necessary if you're a self-starter." Quora threads frequently cite Port's methodology as a top recommendation for solo professionals, though users warn about the implementation effort required.

Video review

Marketing Analysis

Claim Verification

The central promise to "book yourself solid" is achievable but requires consistent implementation. We verified through multiple sources that successful students typically see results within 30-90 days of diligent application, not overnight.

Price History

The $169 course price has remained stable. Book pricing stays consistent at $10-$20, while coaching certification programs command higher fees.

Upsell Practices

The main upsell path leads to the "Book Yourself Solid Certified Coach" program for those wanting to teach the system. It's clearly distinct from the core course and not aggressively marketed.

Student Success

We verified endorsements from Dorie Clark (author of "The Long Game") and Jordan Harbinger (The Jordan Harbinger Show host). Multiple service professionals credit the system with transforming their client pipelines, including consultants Curtis McHale and Jonathan Stark.

Platform & Delivery

Learning Platform

Clean, professional custom platform with standard video-and-text interface. Screenshots show intuitive navigation without unnecessary complexity.

Content Accessibility

Lifetime access to all materials. Fillable PDF workbooks are downloadable, though video download availability wasn't specified (a minor blind spot).

Mobile Compatibility

Fully responsive design ensures smooth learning across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Technical Requirements

Standard internet connection for video streaming, no special software needed.

Red flags check

😬

Complaints

We found minimal complaints beyond the effort required for implementation. Some users mention subtle upsells to workshops and coaching programs in the book, though these aren't aggressive or deceptive.

😬

Refund policy issues

The course offers a 30-day action-based guarantee, requiring students to show their completed work before qualifying for a refund. While this protects against abuse, buyers should understand it's not a "no questions asked" policy.

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Marketing practices

Port's marketing remains refreshingly transparent. No fake scarcity tactics, no outrageous income claims, just straightforward presentation of a proven system. The promise to "book yourself solid" is positioned as achievable through work, not magic.

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Community feedback

No significant red flags emerged from community discussions. The brand has maintained a clean reputation for over 15 years, which speaks volumes in an industry full of fly-by-night operators.

Is this course legit?

Value For Money

At $169, Book Yourself Solid offers solid ROI potential. While the core content exists in the $20 book, the structured video format, workbooks, and community access justify the price for visual learners or those needing guided implementation. Landing just one additional client typically covers the investment multiple times over.

Conclusion

We can confidently say Book Yourself Solid is legitimate and worth considering. Michael Port's system has stood the test of time, helping thousands of service professionals build sustainable client pipelines since 2006. The course translates proven book principles into an actionable video format ideal for implementation-focused learners. While not revolutionary for seasoned marketers, it provides exceptional value for beginners and intermediates seeking an ethical, relationship-based approach to business growth. The transparent marketing, minimal red flags, and consistent positive feedback over 15+ years confirm this as a trustworthy investment for service professionals ready to do the work.

FAQs about this course

Both teach the same Book Yourself Solid system. The course adds 36 video lessons, fillable workbooks, and community access, better for visual learners wanting structured guidance. The book offers the same content for self-directed readers at a lower price.

Yes, but it's action-based. You must complete exercises and show your work within 30 days to qualify for a refund if you don't see results.

Most diligent students report initial progress within 3-4 weeks, with significant client increases typically occurring within 60-90 days of consistent implementation.

The system applies broadly to consultants, coaches, freelancers, and similar professionals. It's less suitable for e-commerce, SaaS, or corporate sales environments.

No mandatory additional purchases. Basic business tools like email and a simple website enhance results but aren't required to start.

The $169 course is self-paced with peer community support. Direct access to Port requires higher-tier programs or certification.

While foundational, the systematic approach helps even experienced professionals organize their efforts and fill gaps in their client acquisition process.

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Book Yourself Solid & Get More Clients Review
$ 169
Total score: 8,0/10 ⭐
  • Duration60
  • DifficultyMedium
  • Release Date01/2006
  • Format Self-Paced or Workshop
  • AccessLifetime
  • Time InvestmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)
  • Payment Options One-Time
  • LanguageEnglish
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Book Yourself Solid & Get More Clients Review