What’s the best business book you’ve read?
Daily | June 25th, 2008
Those who’ve gone before…
Carrie says: The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. Although not a business book the message of structuring creative time in ones life would benefit any entrepreneur. “Finding the spine of your work and getting out of ruts into productive grooves”
Danielle says: Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t by Jim Collins. Built our business on it. Brilliant research. Excellent tools.The copyright of the article What’s the best business book you’ve read? in Daily is owned by Carrieanddanielle.com. Permission to republish What’s the best business book you’ve read? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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June 25th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Creative Habit is on my reading list and I loved Good to Great but the book that really helped me focus my vision so that I could see a clear bright future for my company was the E-myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber. Brilliant. Now I’m almost ready to tackle my hedgehog concept!
June 25th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Fire Your Boss. It will give you a kick in the pants if you’re over-identifying with your employer; it will also motivate you to think of yourself as a free agent. I think it’s a very good book for women to read; every time you catch yourself thinking the authors’ advice is too cynical or mercenary, it will help you do a reality check and remember that the company for which you work is *not* your family.
June 25th, 2008 at 2:27 am
The Mind Gym. Awesome ideas through challenging contexts. Uses the Web (much like Style Statement) to present similar ideas and continue the ‘workout’ long after the book is finished. I find myself returning to its pages when stuck in a rut. This book changed the way I approach about my thoughts, actions, and ideas, and has helped to balance my brain and believe in my competency.
June 25th, 2008 at 3:05 am
“Little Black Book of Connections” by Jeffrey Gitomer is one of many good books to read. After all, much of business has to do with making connections and building relationships. I think women (in general) intuitively know this for themselves and seek out relationships in their professional and personal lives. Gitomer’s suggestions are humorous, well-written and easy to put into practice.
June 25th, 2008 at 3:26 am
E-myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber. Brilliant.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:31 am
Let My People Go Surfing. I’d work for Patagonia in a heartbeat. This guy is the real thing.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:51 am
“The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield. It was inspiring and made me think about my definition of success in all areas of my life. The best part was looking at my intentions and authenticity and looking at where I wanted to go in life. Was I being true to myself?
I recommend it all the time to people. Life changing on so many levels.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:52 am
I’d Rather Be In The Studio – The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion
by Alyson B. Stanfield
June 25th, 2008 at 4:52 am
The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris.
June 25th, 2008 at 5:21 am
This is one of my all time favorites as well!! I had never read any of his other books, but this one was spectacular.
June 25th, 2008 at 5:56 am
Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life) by Cathie Black
June 25th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Love the Right to Write by Julia Cameron. It’s very inspiring not only for dreaming writers but anyone who wants to pursue an art. And Carrie, I’ve been eyeing that Twyla Tharp book for some time. I’m going to go buy now!! Thanks.
June 25th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Good to Great, without a doubt. Another one to check out is “Proceed With Confidence” by A. Ray Dalton. I don’t think you can buy it at book stores, but you can from his company’s website at http://www.partssource.com. Both Ray’s personal and professional stories are extraordinary and inspiring. For the record, I don’t work for him or anything like that, he is just well known and respected in my community and I read his book. Enjoy!
June 25th, 2008 at 6:30 am
rules for revolutionaries and selling the dream and the art of the start all by guy kawasaki–great writing, makes sure you don’t make mistakes the way the mac/apple guys did. a good read even if you’ve had a business for years!
June 25th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Now, Discover Your Strengths and Go Put Your Strengths to Work by Marcus Buckingham, and the related book Strengthsfinder 2.0. When you focus more on what you’re good at, you’ll improve more than when you try to improve your weaknesses. And you’re a lot happier when you spend more time doing what you love and what you’re good at. I’m a huge fan of Marcus Buckingham!
June 25th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I also love Goals by Brian Tracy. Using the power of your mind to make things happen.
June 25th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip and Dan Heath. A quick read that gives concrete examples for getting your ideas and points to be remembered, whether it be marketing tactics for a start-up, for presentations, communicating with your children… really any area of your life.
June 25th, 2008 at 7:47 am
“Get Clients Now!” by CJ Hayden… http://www.getclientsnow.com... I loved this book because it was not a cookie-cutter solution, but an individualized recipe based on my personal strengths and gravitations. a 28 day plan that you create yourself that honors the individual. and it really works! highly recommended!
June 25th, 2008 at 8:07 am
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra.
June 25th, 2008 at 8:28 am
I enjoyed the Tipping Point…and also The Republic of Tea, and any Faith Popcorn books on business trends. I am going to reserve your picks at the library, I could use some new advice as I am phasing out my biz of almost 10 years and making changes….www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com
June 25th, 2008 at 8:43 am
“Girl, Make Your Money Grow” by Glinda Bridgforth and Gail Perry-Mason is an EXCELLENT book about getting your personal finances together so you can create generational wealth.
June 25th, 2008 at 8:57 am
“Do You: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success” by Russell Simmons
June 25th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Ditto. Everyone on our team does the Strengths Finder.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Ahhh…Deepak. This is a classic now. One of his best. I’m going to dust off my copy…
June 25th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I’ll be dusting mine off, too. I hadn’t actually thought about this book recently, but it popped into my mind immediately upon reading today’s question. Thanks for reminding me!
June 25th, 2008 at 9:07 am
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I’m not down with the heavy consumption/bling-to-the max message that Simmons supports in his artists, but I think what he’s conveying in Do You is a stellar message.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:07 am
The Accelerated Learning Handbook by Dave Meier.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:08 am
these guys have a great monthly column in Fast Company.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I’m not sure that you could really call it a business book, but The New New Thing contains both a fantastic story about Jim Clark, the founder of Netscape, Silicon Graphics and WebMD (formerly Healtheon), and profound insights into what drives entrepreneurs.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I’m with Danielle – Good To Great! Great research, great examples and it’s an excellent tool that I use as I re-design my business. Passion, Economic Engine, Right people on the bus…and forever striving for Leadership 5 principals…
June 25th, 2008 at 9:43 am
How to Think Like a Millionaire by Mark Fisher & Mark Allen
Not sure why I stopped living by this, but obviously it’s time to read again.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:12 am
I second this…the most fun I ever had at work was with a company that adhered to these principles!
June 25th, 2008 at 11:26 am
I’ve got to agree with Danielle….Good to Great would be my favorite…another author I think is terrific is David Whyte and his book Heart Aroused…..:-)
June 25th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Time Power by Brian Tracy
The Networking Survival Guide by Diane Darling
Both my favorite books at the moment.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Absolutely! What were your five top strengths????
June 25th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Balancing your brain is a must for me. Thanks Kristen, I am going to read over the weekend!!
June 25th, 2008 at 11:31 am
This was the first book my dad bought me. Thanks for the reminder I am going to crack it open again.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:33 am
We refer to the culture at Patagonia regularly. This book inspires making a difference, making money and having fun!
June 25th, 2008 at 11:40 am
NOW DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS by Buckingham and Clifton; it’s a test that you take with purchase of book, online, and it feeds back all kinds of interesting info about you in the business world and elsewhere; it’s a real help for finding a job or a new career or updating a resume. Highly recommend for managers, too.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Also was perusing LESSONS FROM A LIPSTICK QUEEN by Poppy King, haven’t read it but it looks like fun with some good advice thrown in the mix.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Re-Imagine, by Tom Peters. Blows the traditional business book out the water. Written for here, now, and beyond.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:56 am
I’m in on this one too and recommend it to many of my clients.
For me, discovering that one of my characteristics was actually a strength was a revelation! Knowing that “significance” is of value encouraged me to brush away any remaining “who do you think you are” gremlins and shine.
June 25th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I agree- this one definitely spoke to me. Not necessarily because I think of getting my work down to 4 hours at the moment, but certainly in terms of really assessing what is real work, and what is busywork to allow me to feel that I am being responsible or “in work mode” and therefore valuable. i also really appreciate the concept of getting clear about what we want to do with time off and having goals in that area, so that open time isn’t simply a source of anxiety and distress.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Absolutely. And, as a mom entrepreneur, I loved all the tips on automating much of your “busy work” with things like email auto responders and FAQ sections on your website. There’s simply no need to be “open” 24 hours.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Who’s the author Kristin? I loved what you had to say about the book and when I looked it up there are a few that go by similar titles? Is the cover bright pink with a clock? Thanks in advance for your reply.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Unabashed self promotion here. I do hope Danielle and Carrie don’t mind. Sent a copy to Danielle. If she hasn’t read it yet I’m happy to send a complimentary copy to the first e-mail I receive, on condition you do a future review (good or bad) and share with everyone. “Zentrepreneurism”-A 21st Century Guide to the New World of Business”. Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. In Zen
June 25th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
That’s their second book, subtitled “Give Me Time”. I haven’t read that yet – the first one, called “The Mind Gym: Wake Your Mind Up”, is bright green with a dark green circle with the title in the middle. It’s published by Little, Brown. I highly recommend it – happy reading!
June 25th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
One of my favourite business books is “The Art of The Start” by Guy Kawasaki. He has a very simple way of stating what is necessary for you to succeed in business, whether you’re selling a product or a service. No fancy shmancy complicated business plans with mission statements etc. It’s more about helping you find your niche, branding your self and/or your product, capturing your audience and being successful. I refer back to his book quite often to stay fresh and still find ideas for my business as a Mortgage Specialist. He’s an easy read as well. Some business books can be quite dry. Guy is certainly not that!
June 25th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I agree with Danielle’s answer of “Good to Great”. I read it almost 5 years ago for a senior seminar class in college and still think about if I am a hedgehog or a fox.
June 25th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
One I come back to again and again is The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin. Time to read it again as I feel an infusion.
June 25th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
ahh…David. He’s a force. You’d also love John O’Donahue and his book, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace (John was a mentor to David Whyte.)
June 25th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Moi: Achievor. Furturist. Relator. Strategy. Intellection.
Relator was a big surprise, but deeply true (when I’m interested, I’m REALLY interested, otherwise…I just keep walking.)
June 25th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
And what’s also brilliant about this approach is the “build on your strengths” premise. Yes! Carrie and I talk about this all the time. The pursuit of being well rounded is so overrated.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Thanks Kristin; I’m looking forward to reading it.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Raising your business: a Canadian woman’s guide to entrepreneurship – it’s Canadian, written by two women, funny and parallels creating a business to raising a child – what could be better?
I completely agree with Good to Great, Tipping Point, Blink & Made to Stick- they’re all terrific.
June 26th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
The Rules of Work by Templar. I read it at a time when I was taking everything in the office way too seriously and I needed something to help remind me that I had a life outside of the office. It helped to remind me at that point in time that I needed to continue to do my best at work, but that I also needed to refocus on my life outside of the office too because I felt like I was surrounded by people who were arbitrarily getting ahead as a result of doing little to nothing.
June 26th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I read a little about the hedgehog principle on the Good to Great web site and I’m really afraid that I’m a fox. Is that a bad thing?
June 30th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
The Market for Virtue by David Vogel (sustainability & CSR).
About the complex challenges faced by different business sectors on the long path to responsibility & respect.
Because only with better understanding can we start seeing through the blinding consumption world we live in.