I am a strong believer that leaders are readers and that if you want to get ahead in anything, in business or in your personal life, then you need to be reading. In fact, according to Tim Sanders, the average business person reads seven books every five years, whereas the average Fortune 1000 executive reads 6.7 books a year.
While reading is definitely an investment, both financially and time wise, a lot of people overuse the claim that they don't have time to read. The truth is that they have the time, it is just not a priority for them. That may be a hard truth to swallow, but the fact remains that we make time for what is important to us. If the success of your business is important to you, then you will make time to be continually educating yourself, learning, and growing. I personally recommend creating a line item in your operating budget specifically for books on business. They are worth every penny and the lessons within can save you from some costly mistakes later on down the road.
One way to soak in the knowledge of some of the great business books on the market is to listen to them via audio book or iTunes download. You can easily play them instead of music for portions of time while you're working, listen to them while you are driving, or load them on to your ipod and listen to them while working out at the gym. You can find the audio version of some of the books I recommend by clicking here and some good old-fashioned regular books by clicking here.
What are some of the books you've found most useful over the years? Share your favorites in the comments section below and I'll add them to the list along with a note of who recommended each one. To see what other readers of The Smart Planner are recommending, click here.
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We believe that social media is a return to old-fashioned roots of real conversations rather than a high-tech race to keep up with the next big thing. While the tools will always evolve, the need for businesses to communicate effectively and deepen relationships with their customers will remain.
We believe that the world is a bakery that produces fresh opportunities each day and not a fixed pie where each person has to fight for the last crumb. Our purpose is to encourage you to Think Splendid; both in business and in life.
5 comments:
Great subject! I enjoyed reading Bankable Business Plans by Edward G Rogoff and I just started Purple Cow, which you recommended. Love your blog!!
I highly recommend "The Trendmaster's Guide: Get a Jump on What Your Customer's Wants Next" by Robyn Waters. Robyn is the Former Vice President of Trend, Design, and P & D at Target. Her advice for aspiring trendmasters is both simple and deeply sublime! Great advice Liene!
Great post Liene! Although I love to read, I am guilty of using the term "I don't have time". I like to read the Food Lover's Companion. It's more of a glossary of food terms and it's helpful since I am a big foodie. I think I'll take your advice and get some audio books to listen to while driving! Thanks!
I really enjoyed Winning by Jack Welch. It was an easy read, but very 'in your face' truth about management and business. This post has made me want to read it again!
Like you, I am a fan of Tim Sanders. So I am pretty sure that your list already includes "Love is the Killer App" and the "Like-Ability Factor."
Your Blog style is very similar to the thought process of Chris Anderson's "Long Tail Theory." Do you agree?
Another favorite of mine is "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I didn't consider this to be a business book when I started reading it, but I have found it to be extremely when I am required to manage or work on a team. <-- Especially, a team of equals.
Other favorites include "Magnetic Services" by Chip Bell; "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell; "Primal Leadership" by Daniel Goleman; and "The Wisdom of Crowds" by James Surowiecki.
Love & Soul Always, Kay
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