10 Business Books You Should Have on Your Shelf Right Now
With the new year comes fresh opportunities to grow your business. Depending on what your goals are for 2015, you may need to learn something entirely new or just expand your knowledge.
A great place to start, of course, is by reading a book (or two) on the subject. But a quick glance at Amazon and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Sure, you could look through all the reviews to find the best ones, but that would take precious time you simply don’t have.
So to make it easier for you, we’ve narrowed the list down to 10 of our absolute favorites (in no particular order):
Book Yourself Solid, Michael Port
Self-promotion is critical to success, but it can often be uncomfortable. Through written and verbal exercises, Port helps business owners discover the keys to developing a strong marketing plan and brand image.
Duct Tape Marketing, John Jantsch
One of the most popular business books of all time for a reason, Duct Tape Marketing is a collection of proven tools and tactics that shows small business owners exactly what to do to market and grow their businesses.
Launch, Jeff Walker
Whether you’re ready to introduce a new product, service or a whole new business, a successful launch is imperative. Jeff Walker changed the way things were sold online and he takes the reader through the wildly successful process he created.
The Thank You Economy, Gary Vaynerchuk
No longer are businesses and advertisers in control. We are now in a full-fledged consumer economy. Vaynerchuk explains how businesses can succeed by embracing a corporate culture of personal, one-on-one customer attention.
Start with Why, Simon Sinek
Why are some people and organizations more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others? Why do some command greater loyalty? Sinek weaves together a clear vision of what it truly takes to lead and inspire.
Purple Cow, Seth Godin
Cows never catch our attention. But a purple cow definitely would. Godin uses the analogy of the purple cow to describe something phenomenal, counterintuitive and exciting. And he urges businesses to “purple cow” everything they build.
Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard, Chip and Dan Heath
Why do so many of us fear change? Why is it so hard to make a lasting change? The Heath brothers examine these questions and provide a blueprint for altering our mindset and using change to our advantage.
The Obstacle Is the Way, Ryan Holiday
This quick, inspirational read will help you if you feel like you’re in a rut or need a little push. The book centers around three disciplines: perception, action and will. Holiday uses anecdotes from historical figures to illustrate how obstacles don’t hinder success…they create it.
The Secret of Selling Anything, Harry Browne
The word “selling” can have a negative connotation, evoking images of a sleazy car salesman. Browne argues that it doesn’t have to be this way, and you don’t have to change your personality to be successful.
Trust Agents, Chris Brogan and Julien Smith
Everyone says that you should be using social media. But do you really know how to use it? Or why? Social media veterans Brogan and Smith show you how to tap into the power of social networks to build your brand’s influence, reputation, and, of course, profits.