I believe that reading should be a huge priority for professional and personal development. For this reason, I don’t just read for pleasure when I feel like it. One of my new year’s resolutions every year is based around reading – generally a book count. As I near that time of the year again – time to start thinking about resolutions – I’ve been reviewing 2014. The books I read this year ranged from novel to memoir to self-help. They ranged from “can’t put it down!!” to “when will this be over??!.” I’ve enjoyed scrolling through my Kindle home screen and remembering the good ones, reviewing excerpts that I highlighted, and planning for the upcoming year. I’ve also culled the list down to just business and marketing books and selected the 4 best books I’ve read this year. See my top 4 below:
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1) The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki
“Some people believe that if they change, God will love them. Others believe that since God loves them, they should change. The latter theory is the prototype to keep in mind for how to get going and keep going for startups.
It begins with a dream that just won’t quit, the once-in-a-lifetime thunderbolt of pure inspiration, the obsession, the world-beater, the killer app, the next big thing. Everyone who wants to make the world a better place becomes possessed by a grand idea.
But what does it take to turn your idea into action?
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2) Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy
“Ad writers forget that they are salesmen and try to be performers. Instead of sales, they seek applause.”
A candid and indispensable primer on all aspects of advertising from the man Time has called “the most sought after wizard in the business”.
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3) Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
“It wouldn’t take much for an office furniture retailer to engage with people who mention “work, employee, employer, office, desk…and other related terms. Think of all the interesting ways it could engage with people with these words on their mind, however: deadline, backache, fluorescent, happy hour…”
New York Times bestselling author and social media expert Gary Vaynerchuk shares hard-won advice on how to connect with customers and beat the competition. A mash-up of the best elements of Crush It! and The Thank You Economy with a fresh spin, Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook is a blueprint to social media marketing strategies that really work.
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4) Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo
“Following your passion takes courage, especially if you don’t see the results as quickly as you’d like.”
Public speaking coach and bestselling author of The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs Carmine Gallo has broken down the top TED talks and interviewed the most popular TED presenters as well as the top researchers in the fields of psychology and communications to get their cutting-edge insights and to reveal the nine secrets of all successful TED presentations. From “Unleashing the Master Within” and “Delivering Jaw Dropping Moments” to “Sticking to the 18-minute Rule,” Gallo provides a step-by-step method that makes it possible for anyone to create, design, and deliver a TED-style presentation that is engaging, persuasive, and memorable.
BONUS READS – I didn’t read these two this year, but I highly recommend them
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5) How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
“Hurting people not only doesn’t change them, it is never called for.”
Since its release in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People has sold more than 15 million copies. Dale Carnegie’s first book is a timeless bestseller, packed with rock-solid advice that has carried thousands of now-famous people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives (If you haven’t read this book, you’re missing out).
As relevant as ever before, Dale Carnegie’s principles endure and will help you achieve your maximum potential in the complex and competitive modern age.
Learn the six ways to make people like you, the twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking, and the nine ways to change people without arousing resentment.
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6) The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
“At the end of the each day, we asked ourselves how well we did, discovered the disparity between where we were and where we had committed ourselves to be, and, at the start of the following day, set out to make up for the difference.”
An instant classic, this revised and updated edition of the phenomenal bestseller dispel the myths about starting your own business. Small business consultant and author Michael E. Gerber, with sharp insight gained from years of experience, points out how common assumptions, expectations, and even technical expertise can get in the way of running a successful business.
Did you read anything really great this year? Comment here, connect on Facebook, or tweet me on my personal twitter!