About a year ago I released a blog entry on various books I recommended to my colleagues and clients to help them with inspiration, motivation, idea generation, business development and the like. You can read the original list by click the link here.
I’ve decided to make this an annual entry! So what follows are the latest pieces which I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying and have benefited me and my business. Hopefully you find some in here that you like and can grow from as well. For your convenience, I’ve included links to the Amazon listings for each of these books.
The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
I recently attended the book tour from Chris Guillebeau in which he talked about the launch of his latest book which gives practice and implementable advice and ideas on how to launch a project of your own. You can read about the book tour here. This book gives a bevy of examples on how those with the entrepreneurial spirit launched their own successes and the challenges they faced along the way.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
I came across the works of Steven Pressfield through my constant devouring of Seth Godin books (see below for a recommendation on one of them). The War of Art was the first of several Pressfield books I read through and still one of my favorites. The title plays on the book The Art of War by Sun-Tzu. This fantastic (kick in the pants) book discusses the struggles we face when we go to do something unique, something different, something that matters. It also puts forth useful (and blunt) recommendations on how to overcome these inner and outer battles we face.
How to Drive Your Competition Crazy by Guy Kawasaki
Looking to launch a successful business venture? Step 1 come up with a great idea. Step 2, pick up a few Guy Kawasaki books to learn from the master. When it comes to his various titles (two of which appears in the 2011 list) you really cannot go wrong. This book is about how to keep yourself (or your company) at the forefront of your clients/customers mind over your competition.
Rules for Revolutionaries by Guy Kawasaki
Alright so I had to actually put two Kawasaki titles in this 2012 list. This book is split into three major sections, Create Like A God, Command Like a King, Work Like A Slave. You get the picture.
Rework by Jason Field and David Heinemeier Hansson
I stumbled across this book simply by being bored in a bookstore one day and browsing titles in the business section. So glad I did as this book is a very straight-forward guide to developing a businessd (any business) by cutting out all the archaic time-wasting fluff.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
There is a reason this book still sells millions upon millions of copies since its original release in 1936. Solid advice on how to build lasting relationships.
Freedom is Blogging in Your Underwear by Hugh McLeod
Witty, fast-read about establishing and growing your brand online through the use of a well orchestreted blog. Also check out his other two books which are available on the 2011 list.
All Marketers Tell Stories by Seth Godin
Originally titled, All Marketers are Liars, this 2009 re-release explores the stories we tell of our brands and how that is vastly more important than focusing on simple facts.
Hope you enjoy!
James Patrick
www.jamesmpatrick.com
