The 5 Best Business Books
We all love a good recommendation right?
Whether it’s for a great restaurant, destination to travel, or even just a good book. Many of you have asked me what books I think are a must read, so I decided today to share with you my 5 favorite business books.
This book is one of my all time fav’s because it reinforces a very important opinion of mine that success can be simplified. In “Rework” many popular myths like “bigger is better” are completely busted as Fried teaches us a faster and easier way to be successful in business.
Learn why you don’t need outside investors, and why you’re better off ignoring the competition. The truth is, you need less than you think. You don’t need to be a workaholic. You don’t need to staff up. You don’t need to waste time on paperwork or meetings. You don’t even need an office. Those are all just excuses.
This is a great read for those of you looking to streamline your businesses and your life.
2. “The $100 Start Up” by Chris Guillebeau
I’m a big believer in starting with whatever you’ve got. So many people think that they can’t overcome the barrier of entry to start their own businesses by themselves. They let their idea die because they think that they need investors and outside funding to get their idea off of the ground.
Did you know that 33% of the companies on the Inc 500 list were started with less than $10,000?
In preparing to write this book, Chris identified 1,500 individuals who have built businesses earning $50,000 or more from a modest investment (in many cases, $100 or less), and from that group he’s chosen to focus on the 50 most intriguing case studies. In nearly all cases, people with no special skills discovered aspects of their personal passions that could be monetized, and were able to restructure their lives in ways that gave them greater freedom and fulfillment.
3. “Imagine: How Creativity Works” by Jonah Lehrer
This is a definite MUST READ. I was thrilled to learn in this book that creativity can be learned! It is not some talent that you either have at birth or have to learn to live without.
Creativity is an essential skill that can lead to making more money and enjoying your life more overall.
Lehrer demonstrates that creativity is not a single gift possessed by the lucky few. It’s a variety of distinct thought processes that we can all learn to use more effectively.
4. “The Martha Rules” by Martha Stewart
Now I know that people’s feelings about Martha are mixed, but no one can argue that this woman knows how to build a brand and a business. In “The Martha Rules” you’ll learn 10 essentials for achieving success as you start, build or manage a business.
This is an easy read that is packed with valuable insights from the mogul herself.
After reading this book, you’ll understand how Martha has been able to set herself apart in an competitive industry and hold her ground for decades.
5. “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss
I know, I know. You’ll seen it on almost every “must-read” list. But I couldn’t take the chance that one of you might not have heard about it yet. It’s THAT good.
This book will change your life. Seriously.
Forget the old concept of retirement and the rest of the deferred-life plan–there is no need to wait and every reason not to. Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, experiencing high-end world travel, earning a monthly five-figure income with zero management, or just living more and working less, The 4-Hour Workweek is the blueprint.
Get ready to have every cultural norm when it comes to work and your career turned on it’s head.
Now I’d love to hear from you! Comment below and tell me what business books you recommend.
I’m always looking for new ideas & inspiration.
I look forward to reading each and every one of your responses.
Melanie …
I’ve done reviews of a couple of those:
Rework – http://btripp-books.livejournal.com/98114.html
4-hour Work Week – http://btripp-books.livejournal.com/93466.html
Also, a friend of mine recently came out with “Pinterest for Business” – http://btripp-books.livejournal.com/137299.html
Thought you might find those of interest.
- B.T.
Thanks for sharing B.T.
This is a great list and I definitely want to check out B.T.’s pinterest for business.
~ Eva
Thank you. I only knew about “The Martha Rules” and “The 4-Hour Workweek” but not the other 3 books. Time to add to my library. My home business started taking off and I want to keep things in order before they get chaotic.
Congratulations!
Thanks for the recommendations. I’m not a fan of the 4-Hour Workweek, but I might check out the others.
I am just finishing the For Hour Work Week which truely is a life changer. I am thinking so differently about work, business and life. I am looking forward to reading the other book in the list.
I also really enjoyed The Richest Man in Babylon as a book that is simple to read but changed my perception of saving and investing. Many thanks Melanie. Will now Pin this!
Vicky
Thanks Vicky! I’ll have to check that one out.
That’s great Vicky, think I’m going to get myself a copy. I have only browsed through it.
~ Eva
These are all really great contemporary picks. The one I give to up and promising young people? Actually, there are seven, but the main one is “The Greatest Salesman In The World” by Og Mandino. The other six have more to do with living a happy and successful life than business, but there’s some spill over. The Bible, As a Man Thinketh, The Richest Man In Babylon, The Greatest Thing In The World, The Greatest Secret In the World, and The Greatest Miracle In The World.
Wow. So many great ones I’ll have to add to my list. Thanks Earle!
Thank you Earle for mentioning Og Mandino, not enough people know about him. I have a copy of The Greatest Secret in the World in paperback and on my Nook. Have you read his book University Success? I have been contemplating that one for a while.
Great list!
I love the $100 Startup, so much so I’ve read it twice so far. It’s more than a book, it’s a blueprint for starting a business around something you’re good at, *that other people are willing to pay for.* : ) Which I think is an important distinction.
I also really love “Book Yourself Solid” by Michael Port — it’s a must-read for service-based businesses and solopreneurs. Doing the exercises in this book got me clients, so I know it works!
One more I’d suggest, though it’s not really a business book, is “Code to Joy: The Four-Step Solution to Unlocking Your Natural State of Happiness.” It’s about clearing blocks to find your natural, innate sense of happiness and joy. I suggest this book because, as we all know, happiness and success comes from the inside out, and once you clear some of the things that are blocking your path to greater joy, then success in business, relationships, health, and everything else comes more easily. After doing the exercises in this book, things in my business started to improve, almost as if my magic. I gained more confidence, felt lighter and happier, and landed two stellar clients that I know I wouldn’t have had the guts to go after if not for reading this book and applying what I learned! So yeah, this book is good for business. ; )
Love your new site, by the way — gorgeous!
That is awesome! Thank you Kimberly.
Thanks for the recommendation on Code to Joy- just bought a copy. It’s exactly the kind of book I’ve been looking for recently!
Melanie, such a great list. I love non-fiction books and the titles and descriptions of all of these have definitely sparked my curiosity. Your recommendations have never let me down and I know these recommendations will be no different. Oh, and I’m one of those who had not heard about the Four Hour Wok Week, so I think I will start there.
Yes, you must! Thanks Connie.
Hi Melanie,
interesting choices
I will have a closer look to 1 to 3…
others I have red or next picks:
“The seven habits of highly effective people” by Stephen R. Covey
“Ready, Fire, Aim” by Michael Masterson
“Good To Great” by Jim Collins
Have an AWESOME day
Thanks Paul!
I have to say, “The Power of Positive Thinking” recommended by my mentor James Paul and his own book “Constant Content:The Google Gift” made a world of difference in my business
Thanks Jenny!
Hi Melanie,
great article, great books!
I have already read “The $100 start up” and “The 4 hour Week” and I agree with that first, we don’t need investors to start our business and second, that there is no need to wait for a retirement plan. Live here and now, enjoy life and work shall be part of it.
I don’t know the other three books but I am going to read them as I find your way to intend work and life very similar to mine so I think I am going to love these books.
Pamela
I think you will too Pamela!
Oh yeah! Thanks for sharing I am reading the 100$ startup at this moment and I really like it. His previous book was a true delight to me as well “The Art of Non Conformity” I recommend it to everyone in need of a little kick in the b…..
“Rework” sounds amazing.
Cheers!
Nice! I hope that you enjoy it.
I absolutely recommend Brian Tracy’s “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life”.
Thanks Art!
Hi Melanie, I was very eager to see what the five books were that you wrote about here. I have heard of almost all of them but haven’t read them. I just finished reading “Start with Why” – have you read that one? Excellent. And Now I am reading “The Speed of Trust.” I’ll be sure to check these out too. Love following you!
That one is definitely on my list Amy.
Thanks! Two books I was not familiar with on here.
Great suggestions! One of my favorite entrepreneurs, Tina Forsyth, just finished her new book, she has not even officially launched yet but it is up on Amazon….. In The Entrepreneur’s Trap, Tina a/k/a/ the online business authority shares her years of experience and teaches entrepreneurs to take back their time by building systems and using automation. LOVE this book, so practical, check it out! Plus during the month of November she is going to donate 25% of all book sales to heifer.org!
http://www.entrepreneurstrap.com/
Ooo I’ll have to check that out! Thanks Donna!
Thx sounds like good reading during shut in times like these!! Hope other ppl are as lucky as us!
Rich Dad, Poor Dad really got me started and I went to see Robert Kiosaki live. At that event I meet a group of real estate investors and things started to happen from there.
That is a good one!
I just read “The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olson. Very motivating! Also like “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy which I loved. Believe it or not, these were my “summer beach reads” while everyone else was reading “50 Shades of Grey”….I was the beach dork, but I know that these two books filled my head with information to push me forward. Seriously, Jeff Olson and Darren Hardy are MY Christian Grey! (haha)
Good for you Sarah!
Hi Melanie,
LOVE your new site. It looks so gorgeous.
Thanks for the list. I knew only 4HWW and love it so much. Just added the others to my list.
Nui
Thanks Nui!
I share your enthusiasm for “The 4 Hour Work Week” and I will have to try the others.
I like “Think & Grow Rich” and “Rich Dad Poor Dad” among others.
That’s a good one Ron!
Thanks ,Melanie.
I have read two of the books already. I will check out the others.
Hope all ia well for you on the East Coast.
My thoughts and prayers to all who are
touched by the storm in any way.
Deen
California
Thanks Deen!
Hi Melanie, I purchased your course and am an affiliate of yours. Your affiliate link is in my above website under the “courses” tab. I recently wrote a book “Realistic Home Businesses” that I would like for you to consider as a business book you recommend. It was published April 28, 2012. I wrote the book for the many out of work people who needed ideas. The book covers how to select, start, and operate a home business. Over 80 different businesses are detailed using actual business owners information. Businesses range from low to high tech, full to part time, and many require only a small investment. You can look inside the book at Amazon and it is available as a paperback or Kindle. The website http://www.realistichomebusinesses.com is for the book alone without business info and links and http://www.patsbookshop will also point you to the business site. Thank you for your consideration, Pat Sloss
I LOVE the new look! Beautiful! The 4-Hour Workweek was awesome, the Imagine one looks very good and I believe my hubs read Re-Work and enjoyed it. I will have to read The Martha Rules it looks good! Thanks!
Thanks Mae!
Great list Melanie…thanks for sharing the books and your description. “Rework” is the first one I’m looking for and one of my faves is “Work the System” by Sam Carpenter. As someone who sees processes and systems in her sleep after years of reworking and documenting them for clients, his is the first book I read that equated “boring old processes” to freedom. Was definitely an eye opener for me.
Stay safe and may your day be igKnighted with passionately powerful possibilities!
MamaRed Knight
Thanks MamaRed!
My most marked-up and referred-to book is Crucial Conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high; by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler. I recommend it to anyone with a tongue. It will definitely change how you communicate. Thanks for starting this conversation.
Nice reviews. I’m always so wordy it feels like a job when I write a book reveiw. You’ve capture the essence of each book making them interesting enough for someone to want to have a look at. THANK YOU Melanie ~Roz Fruchtman
Thanks Roz!
Hi Melanie,
Hope you are snug and safe in NY (sending prayers from London!)
TYSM for the book recommendations. I’ve seen some of these recommended elsewhere before. I’ll take that as a sign to start reading them (especially No.1 + 2)
Thank you Vanessa!
I’m happy to see an addition that I rarely see anywhere else, The Martha Rules. I’ll be adding that to my reading list.
Melanie, I love this list and definitely want to check out all the books, especially Martha’s!
I’d recommend the business book our company produced, “Start Right: Build Your Own Business.” It’s perfect for people who want to run businesses but have little or no business experience. It’s easy to understand and it walks people through the nuts and bolts (business plan, finances, licenses, office organization, marketing, etc.) that are essential to developing a solid business. I helped write it and I learned a LOT! It’s available at our website, http://www.financialeducationprograms.com
Thanks Tanya!
Great list – thanks! I know this for sure because I’ve read two of the five books, and can vouch that they are useful reads for anyone in business.
Thanks Melanie! I also really liked REWORK. Still need to read the others though.
I also recommend:
Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
Good to Great (mentioned by Paul)
Rich Dad Poor Dad (mentioned by Dan)
Thanks Kim!
I’m reading The 4-Hour Workweek currently. I agree with you, it is life changing. Other business books that have inspired me are Rich Dad Poor Dad, Think And Grow Rich, The Slight Edge, The Richest Man in Babylon, and The Automatic Millionaire.
Thanks for your suggestions. I’ll include them in my upcoming reads.
Thanks Joani!
Thanks for all the information you have been giving to me and others. I have just started a Pinterest account and learning how to run my business like a business. I have always wanted to read the 4 Hour Workweek so with your recommendation I will put it on the READ list and do it! Thanks again and you brighten my day!
Awesome Sondra!
I’d have to add Rubies in the Orchard by Lynda Resnick, to the list; she’s the owner of POM Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, Fiji Water, Teleflora, Cuties, and so many more. There are tons of great, clearly communicated business and marketing tips in this book. Melanie, you’d especially enjoy it.
Adding it to the list! Thanks Rochelle.
Well now I have to go get more books! My faves? “Feel the Fear, & do it Anyway,” by Susan Jeffers, PhD “The Mary Kay Way,” by Mary Kay Ash. Let’s face it, Melanie–without Mary Kay blazing that female entrepreneurial way, it may have taken the rest of us a LOT longer to get out of the kitchen! Make it a great day!
Donna
So true Donna.
I’m a consultant, helping people get healthy and manage their weight. My parent company “insists” that Challenge parties are the best way to present the products and the business opportunity to others. My problem with this method is actually getting people to attend the parties.
Which of your 5 recommended best for business books would you suggest I start with? Something that would help me sell my products without holding parties…or that might help me have a better attendance at my parties.
Thanks Melanie. Have a great day.
The Martha Rules.
Great suggestions. One of my favorite productivity books is Eat that Frog by Brian Tracy – it’s a simple read with some excellent ideas!
I’m adding some of these to my Top 50 list and I’m adding YOU to my email inbox. You really knocked it out of the ballpark. I don’t know how anyone can read the 4-Hour Work Week without it completely changing their life. I can usually tell when a book’s going to be great by the end of the first page. My talent scout “Spidey Senses” start tingling. Rework is another one. Everything else listed here is just gravy on top.
Glad to find you.
Thanks Roger! It’s great to have you here.
I am so glad you sent this I was just looking for some new business books to read!
Wonderful!
Congrats on your new site, Melanie. I’m getting ready to go live with my new site AND start a new one!
I’ve read The Martha Rules. Love it! So practical and right on. Off to read the others.
Robin
springboardforsuccess.com
Good luck with your launch Robin! I’m sure that it will be fabulous.
Nice new site! I would also recommend “Good to Great” by Jim Collins – excellent fact-based review of what makes really great businesses tick. Also “E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber is a great read. I did a similar post a few months ago: http://smartbusinessrevolution.com/what-books-do-you-have-on-your-bookshelf-competition/
Thanks John!
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for the business book reviews. I have heard of The $100 Startup and actually saw an interview with Chris. He seems really down-to-earth and his book is on my list to read. Have you read The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle Laporte? Excellent read for entrepreneurs! It is beautifully written and inspiring. Thanks for all you do!
Catherine
I’ll have to check that out. Thanks Catherine!
Thanks for that great list, Melanie. I’ll pick up some of those, especially The 4-Hour Workweek (and probably not the Martha one). Here’s my list.
For my idea colleagues out there who have great ideas but they’re still on the drawing board or even still in the brain cells:
MAKING IDEAS HAPPEN Scott Belsky (founder of Behance)
For the creatives (I’m a graphic designer) this is the BIBLE to running and marketing your business:
THE BUSINESS SIDE OF CREATIVITY Cameron S. Foote
THE CREATIVE GUIDE TO MARKETING Cameron S. Foote
Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines (13th Ed. is most current)
For us procrastinators, distracted types and other bad habits of the typical creative person:
THE POWER OF FOCUS Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield, Les Hewitt (my other business bible)
And for a fascinating, inspiring story on how to be successful by practicing sound principles, including those found in the bible (yes, THE bible):
MARRIOTT The J. Willard Marriott Story Robert O’Brien
Those sound great! Thanks Chaz!
Did you know that the Imagine book was recalled by the publisher after it was found that some of the quotes and information were made up by the author?
I’ll put the other books on my reading list though. Thanks for sharing!
I did hear that, but I find the concepts in there fascinating regardless.
Hey Melanie.
Love your stuff! You should add 1-THE LEAN START UP by Eric Ries and 2- THE ART OF THE START by Guy Kawasaki. Ok – 1 more. My favorite book in the “customer service” realm (and the story of the ZAPPOS start up… (drum roll please, rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr) DELIVERING HAPPINESS
Yes! I love both “The Lean Start Up” and “Delivering Happiness.”
This is such a great list! $100 Startup is one of my favorite books and I’m currently reading the 4-hour work week! I’m doing something right! lol thanks, Melanie, for sharing
xoxo
What a great list and description of the books. Looks like I’ve got a few to order and put in my reading pile.
I just finished the “Midas Touch” by Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki. A MUST read for any entrepreneur or someone looking to make that shift.
Also the “One Minute Manager” series by Ken Blanchard are fantastic books for business, coaching and personal development.
Thanks for the inspiration Melanie.
Paul
Thank you Paul!
I always love seeing other business owners’ book recommendations – thanks for these! Buying #3 and 4 now:)
you’re a good chuffer.I’ll sure to try these books, i don’t know what book are my favorite.
thank for the tips.
Thank you for the list of “must read” books. I have never heard of any of them and I have been in network marketing for some time. I would never have picked up a book about Martha Stewart on my own but I will get it from the library today. I have a great imagination but I am going to read the book just in case there is something I don’t already know about imagination
I am glad you mentioned the 4 day work week because I really like books that can change my life. I so appreciate you shareing your knowledge with others. I also love to help educate others so they can learn to live their dreams. You freely giveing your knowledge about pinterest has shown me how I can help others achieve their dreams.
Have a great day
Dawn
Hi Melanie,
Thanks so much for sharing your list of business books that have inspired you. I’m going to check out “Rework”.
I’ve recently published my first business book “5 Easy Steps to Financial Freedom: Do What You Love & Get Rich Doing It” (http://tinyurl.com/ansmjqd). You are a great contribution to our community and I really value your opinion. How can I get a copy of my book to you for your critique?
Hi Melanie,
Great suggestions and will definately take a look at them. I LOVE the Slight Edge by Jeff Olson and The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy which the two go hand-in-hand. Anything by Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar are great.
Thanks for being an inspiration in this online world as I start learning more about social media…It is definitely not my area of expertise but as you said start where you’re at.
In Health & Prosperity,
Kristen
Hi Melanie
Great webiste you have and more important great content on it.
I just finished reading $100 startup Amazing book with many awesome real life examples in it.
Infact i am going to meet chris on his India tour next month.
Also attended your and amy’s webinar on pinterest marketing. must say it was awesome and helpful. Thankyou. Looking forward to more such insights from you.
Cheers !!
Thank you Amit!
The Flip-Flop CEO and Beach Money are the 2 newest ones I’m reading!
I really liked and beneffited from reading “Why People Fail” by Siimon Reynolds
[...] my mind. When I’m in a funk I pick up a new book (you can see my favorite business books HERE), take a class or even go to a museum. I’m sometimes hesitant, but it’s amazing how [...]
[...] http://www.melanieduncan.com/the-5-best-business-books/ [...]
I love the fact that I have already read two of them! I will have to add the other three to my holiday wish list!
Hi Melanie
I’m looking for an on-line social media course that would teach me Facebook, twitter, Linkedin & pinterest.
Do you offer such a course or can you recommend someone who does?
Thanks,
Marg
I Marge! I have a Pinterest course here: http://powerofpinning.com/p2/
Two of my all time favorites:
The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson (Amazing!!)
The Energy Bus, by Jon Gordon
Thanks for your recommendations! Will be ordering them!
Suzanne Krygier
I read Rework 13 times and still learning a lot from it. The “Four Hour Work Week” is the book that got me on the journey to entrepreneurship and I found out about Rework from Timothy Ferris’ blog, where he had Jason Fried and DHH on as guest writers.
I would like to add, Michael Ellsberg’s “The Education of Millionaires” because he gives sound advice from his interviews with 100 millionaires and billionaires.
Purple Cow: Transform your Business by being Remarkable by Seth Godin – LOVE IT!!
Hi Melanie! These are solid recommendations especially REWORK which has been appearing in a lot of lists lately and you’ve just convinced me to get it this month after putting it here. ha! thanks!
Anyway, I’ve just finished reading Peter Bregman’s 18 Minutes and I highly recommend it for business people like you who’s always trying to juggle different things all at once.
I hope you would write a business book in the near future so I could also add your name in my business bookshelf.
That would be awesome!
Best,
Chris
Hi Melanie, Great book ideas…love books, I have a whole library. I highly recommend The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen and also The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. there are so many I recommend but these two are top on the list.
kristen
I’m reading the Impact Equation right now. Have you ever read that one? I love books. Thanks for this list.
Thanks for the recommendations!
At the moment I am reading “Start with thy” by Simon Sinek.
I am actually doing just what you said – curling up on the sofa reading.
LOVE it!!!
xox,
Ursula
Dear Melanie Duncan, I’m in the process of starting a new business as a Real Estate Investor . With many years of experience as a general contractor and having been mostly self employed with a variety of business which were successful by providing me a relatively good income, but were esentialy exchanges of my time and labor for money . I’m studied new ideals of businesses that are structered to produce passive income as well as active income and how to leverage assets to increase investments into more passive income businesses. Any way , I just wanted to thank you for reminding me that I don’t have to have more than what I have to get started in my new business, and I will be reading some if not all of these 5 books that you’ve suggested. THANK YOU Mark Dare.
I bought, Rework, $100 Start Up and Martha Rules from Kindle.
[...] 6. The 5 Best Business Books: Melanie Duncan [...]
[...] my mind. When I’m in a funk I pick up a new book (you can see my favorite business books HERE), take a class or even go to a museum. I’m sometimes hesitant, but it’s amazing how [...]
Hi Malanie,
Thank you for the book list, I am always looking for those inspiring book recommendations! will defo go through them. I just found you after listening to Jamie Hardy’s podcast yesterday. you are amazing to start up businesses at a young age. love it! thank you for sharing
I would also HEAVILY suggest the following books to grow your business
1. “The Ultimate Blueprint For An Insanely Successful Business” by Keith Cunningham (known as RICH DAD from Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” book.
2.”The Ultimate Sales Machine” by Chet Holmes
3.”Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You Got” by Jay Abraham
4.”Managing In A Time Of Great Change” by Peter Drucker
5.”The Sticking Point Solution” by Jay Abraham
THE SLEEPER: “AWAKEN THE GIANT WITHIN” By Anthony Robbins. (This book is more guided to the peak-performance strategies to unlock and unleash the best within ourselves. Since success in business is 80% psychology (our emotional state, and the story we tell ourselves on what things mean) 20% strategy, this book hits that 80% or that 20% that brings 80% of the results.
Enjoy
Linker Casas
Hi Melanie. This is a good resource. I have The $100 Start Up and love it, but I will have to put these other books on my list. I’m reading a book now that I just stumbled across called Waiting For Your Cat to Bark? by Bryan and Jeffrey Eisenberg. Kind of a funny title, but lots of good information. It’s a book about how the consumer has changed in today’s market place, and it’s very interesting.
Thanks for sharing this list with us.
All the best,
Leslie Denning
P.S. Here is a link to a post I wrote on Pinterest and Power of Pinning: http://lesliedenning.com/do-you-pinterest-for-business/
Thanks Melanie, I didn’t know about some of these. My most recent book i’m loving is “Content Rules” which is part of the “New Rules Of Social Media”.
I’m reading Guy Kawasaki and Shawn Welch’s APE: Author Publisher Entrepreneur How to Publish a Book
Great tips, ideas and info if you’re interested in self-publishing
I BEST BOOK BAR NONE –THINK AND GROW RICH BY NAPOLEON HILL
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for all your recommendations, I am putting them on my “to read” list.
One book I got a lot out of is the Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. It’s about how simple daily disciplines can turn into massive success.
thanks again!
Carmen
Nail It Then Scale It. It’s practical, tactical & has examples of application. I’ve come to the conclusion business books are a lot like business ideas…worthless. Unless there are real world examples showing how to apply concepts… borderline wasting your time.
I’ve read Rework by Jason Fried and think it’s a great — and easy — read. This is the first I’ve heard of that Martha Stewart book but agree she certainly knows how to build a brand. Thanks for sharing!
And I’m currently reading PLATFORM by Michael Hyatt. I haven’t finished reading thru once, but can highly recommend it already. I know I’ll be re-reading it.
The $100 start up must be a very inspirational book for the enthusiastic and ambitious people with less money to start their business to fulfill their dreams and get happiness.
I will definitely read all the above books. But first one will be $100 start up.
Thank you very much for the information of inspirational books for the person like me.
Wish you will continue to encourage ambitious person who lost own faith, self confidence but still want to do something in their life.
Gr8 job by you. Appreciate. Thanks again
Thank You Melanie,
for those list of 5 GREAT choice books! ALL books THAT ARE added ON MY TO DO LIST NOW!!!!!!!!!!! TERRIFIC Support for me to Keep Charging Ahead with my mission and SUCCESS PLANS and PATH!!!!!
LOVES IT!!!!!!!!!!
-patrick G.
P.S. A SUPERB Way of Paying it forward!!!!!!
Some more business must reads:
The Art of the Start [Guy Kawasaki]
The Lean Startup [Eric Ries]
E-Myth Revisited [Michael Gerber]
Duct Tape Marketing [John Jantsch]
Hi Melanie! Thanks for the recommendations – I’m going to add them to my list.
I liked the Little Red Book of Selling. Lots of good tips for someone like me who doesn’t know how to sell.
Also just read Blog, Inc. for people starting a blog, and How to Sell your Crafts Online (for Etsy sellers) – amazing.
Thanks!
Melanie, I so appreciate you, your motivation, and your expertise. Thanks very much for this list of books. I’m familiar with 2 of them, but never read any of them (I’m ashamed to say!). I’ll get right on it!
Thanks, again!
Melanie, got the chance to hear you speak today at the Social Media conference in San Diego. Am exploring your website this evening and though I don’t know much about you, this book list recommendation makes me totally sure I’ll love you! LOL I’ve read 3 of these 5 and can’t wait to read the other 2 you recommended. Thanks for sharing!
Just started reading “Crush It” and loving it.
Hi Melanie
I’ve read Rework and the 4-Hour Work Week. They’re both fantastic books.
Thank you for your recommendation of the other 3 books. They’re on my book list now!
Cheers Rachel
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
I love these recommendations Melanie, and I plan on grabbing a few of these to read this summer! I’d like to add a few to your list: Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield (wrote The War of Art), Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port and The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. All really good! Thanks for the suggestions, I LOVE to read good business books
Thanks Melanie I’ve heard about a few of these great books… concerning Martha Stewart.. I see her as a successful woman .. who was made a scapegoat out of.. when most of our govt offiicals can get away with what she did it didn’t seem fair that she had to even be treated such.. (my opinon)
Thanks Again want to read a few of these.
Bud from Sacramento
I love A.L.Williams…..”All you can do it all you can do, but all you can do is enough” It’s from 1988, but I think it’s a gem!
I signed up for your Power of Pinning course July 16, 2012. Life happens and except for the initial webinar through GIFTE I have done nothing but create an account. I took on too many projects at once. I plan on logging into the opportunites you included in my “package” before my year is up. Catherine
Great list, I have read 3 of these, going to have to get rework and Marta Rules next. Thanks for the list.
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
Wishcraft by Barbara Sher
The One Page Project Manager by Clark A Campbell
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
All these I have reread so many times I will soon have to buy new ones! And I do implement many of the ideas
Manda
Thank you Melanie.
“Surely You’re Joking Mr Feynman!” by (The Late Prof. ) Feynman
~ ‘Creativity Walking in Flesh & Blood’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioJ6zSDLiCg
I recently started a business out of college but I never have heard of any of these books! Can’t wait to get reading! Thanks Melanie