How are books relevant? They help us all effectively shape the way our business operates. And, often, books help shape what business systems we use and how we use them. Let’s take advantage of the tools we have available to us and grow, baby, grow (see our Education core value)!
These books have really hit home, had us thinking about long after we finished them, or had some nuggets that we found very valuable. They’re sorted by the author’s last name & we’ll continue to add books along the way — in the event they help you get a step closer to where you’re headed.
Fanatical Prospecting
Jeb Blount
If you were never really formally taught how to prospect, effectively, then this is a wonderful substitute for a teacher. Jeb lays out how to really turn your sales prospecting into a powerful tool you consistently engage with to fill your pipeline and close deals. Jeb’s got a few other books with similar names and he likes to repeat himself, but if you pick up any of his books, I think this is the one to grab.
The AI Edge
Jeb Blount & Anthony Iannarino
This time, Jeb’s got a buddy, Anthony. These two tackle the subject of AI paired with an effective sales strategy. They go back & forth between technical workings of the process and the practical side but the focus, really, is on selling & how to leverage this technology in a meaningful way. You’ll likely find some similar subjects discussed to what’s included in Fanatical Prospecting, just through the lense of AI.
The 10X Rule
Grant Cardone
Okay, hear me out. Grant Cardone can be abrasive, ridiculous, and cagey. His brand is definitely hit or miss for some folks. For me, however, I like his energy. Especially in The 10X Rule. It all comes down to taking action, not just talking about it to death. Y’know the types “we should this” “we should that”, then nothing gets done. I think this is a great kick-in-the-rear take action book for any professional.
Sell or Be Sold
Grant Cardone
Okay, hear me out again. I was in sales a long time ago and received, essentially, the worst advice ever from a set-in-his-ways order taker. Sell or Be Sold was another great sales book that helps get your head right. If you were saddled with weak habits or advice that makes “sales” a four letter word, this is a great addition to the journey to understanding how important your role is to get right.
The Road Less Stupid
Keith Cunningham
Keith Cunningham is an easy read. This guy is not only successful, but he has also failed, spectacularly, throughout his life, and he’s happy to share that with you. He’s also a big fan of making blunt observations, sometimes at his own expense. Be warned, he will challenge you with questions that you’re to actively think about & answer for yourself. Take the road less stupid, avoid “Dumb Tax”.
The Millionaire Fastlane
MJ DeMarco
Sort of a good news, bad new thing here. There’s not really a fast lane. BUT there is a more efficient way to get there. In The Millionaire Fastlane, DeMarco tackles things like the ridiculous things we’re taught, when it comes to fiscal decisions, and how to, instead, make the RIGHT decisions for you and yours. It’s a great companion to any financial literacy development you’re pursuing.
Obviously Awesome
April Dunford
This is a fairly short read, but it really focuses on your product positioning. This is particularly valuable when you find yourself struggling to see valid reasons why your product differs from the competition. You know your product and/or service is awesome, isn’t it obvious? No! That’s where April’s expertise really come in handy while you navigate figuring this out for yourself.
The Emotionally Abusive Relationship
Beverly Engel
Oof, I know right? This one is a heavy subject. Why include it here in this list of mostly business books? Because it’s critical. Beverly Engel has gifted us with some brilliant insight into mental health that everyone, especially leaders, need to pour over… & then work on. Everything we do is tied to who we truly are. Without doing the work, you will constantly get in your own way (and everyone else’s).
The Next Conversation
Jefferson Fisher
Have you interacted with a difficult person? Do you struggle with effective communication or making conversations yield actual results? How often have you thrown up your arms in frustration at another person and feel like it’s hopeless? Yeah, it sucks, we’ve been there. We just want to connect. Understand. Be heard. Jefferson Fisher is a brilliant man who opened my eyes to HOW to effectively communicate.
The E-Myth Revisited
Michael Gerber
Michael Gerber delves into why most small businesses simply don’t work, how to fix what doesn’t work, and how to avoid pitfalls that continue to plague businesses. This was a major lightbulb moment where I figuratively saw the writing on the wall where. It was like reading the blueprints on how to escape from prison. Work ON your business, not IN it. This is an absolute must read.
Superconnector
Scott Gerber & Ryan Paugh
This book focuses on how to effectively build business relationships that actually matter. Essentially, it’s the antithesis of the typical networking process where you creepily trade business cards like they’re Pokemon cards. I like how these guys provide you with ways to handle this wonderful part of business that actually make sense & are easily put into practice. More authenticity, less fake crap.
The $100 Startup
Chris Guillebeau
This was one of the earlier books I included in my repertoire while I explored my professional options. Chris explores a multitude of startups that succeeded and common patterns founders can expect along the way. Chris digs into the how the founders accomplished the success they were after. The idea is to show you that you can take control and pave your own path through this life.
$100M Offers
Alex Hormozi
If you’re familiar with Alex, you’ll know what’s headed your way– an insane amount of business knowledge in an easy to follow package. This is all about making offers to your customers that are so good, they’d feel stupid saying no. It’s all about value and common sense. Alex has this great way of breaking down complicated subjects into its most basic ingredients. Easy recommend here.
$100M Leads
Alex Hormozi
Alex’s follow-up to $100M Offers, $100M Leads focuses on getting strangers to want to buy your stuff. He goes very in-depth about things like advertising, marketing, and, overall, how to effectively keep leads pouring in. There is a lot of actionable things he lays out so if you’re not ready to take action now? You may want to pause until you are. But once you’re ready, boy, have this by your side.
Gap Selling
Keenan
Keenan breaks down effective selling techniques in his book here and he does NOT pull punches. What makes this book so engaging is that he provides clear structure and methodology you can immediately implement. Gap Selling is an easy recommend, sales or not, it is worth your time because, frankly, we’re all in sales (i.e. trying to mutually benefit by effectively solving problems).
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Robert Kiyosaki
This was one of the first professional books I read and it stuck out to me because it was the first time I was ever provided actual guidance with regards to financial literacy. I don’t agree with everything Kiyosaki has to say (particularly in some of his follow up materials), but he provides some valuable insights into how to look at money. This is an easy recommend for those just starting out.
Built From Scratch
Bernie Marcus, Arthur Blank, & Bob Andelman
Home Depot’s story is a fascinating one. Its odds of success was next to nil. At the time, a big-box hardware store of the like was insanity and just not done. Seeing how these guys essentially lost everything only to turn it all around and change the landscape of their industry is just fascinating. Nothing is by design and it’s a masterstroke at effective branding, culture, and execution.
How to Run Your Own Life
Jut Meininger
How to Run Your Own Life is brilliant guidance towards how to truly see clearly… like a Martian. You’ll begin to learn who you truly are and understand yourself and others on a much deeper level. Complex topics are covered yet they remain easily approachable – this masterpiece is a must to experience. For your sake. Your future self with thank you. Download the free ebook below.
Building a Story Brand
Donald Miller
Do you ever sort of cringe when someone asks you what your business does? Do you have to pull out a bulky scroll from biblical times to read off all the crap your business sells or does? Then pick up this book. Tell your customers and prospects a story they care about. Understand this is not about you. Explore how to establish effective messaging across your organization that is actually engaging.
F the Funnel
Jeff Pedowitz
The man who started my journey of professional development. When it comes to sales and marketing, F the Funnel is like the holy grail. Too long did I suffer dopes that don’t have a clue. It was my own fault, I simply believed their way was the right way. Thankfully, Pedowitz here outlines how to really build a successful marketing and sales arm that’s an integral part of your strategy.
Start with Why
Simon Sinek
Start with Why really digs into corporate identity and, really, figuring out your purpose in this life. The fascinating thing about your “Why” is that it essentially answers every question you’ll ever have. Simon points out some very profound aspects of this subject and this was actually something I referenced while developing the Alpyne brand, mission statement, and core values.
No Excuses
Brian Tracy
Brian Tracy has been at it since the 60’s and his lessons never cease to be relevant. He offers sage advice to professionals that can be applied not only to their careers, but also to their personal life. This book is all about self-discipline and removing excuses from achieving the success you want out of this life — in particular, your personal, business and money goals, and overall happiness.
Never Split the Difference
Chris Voss
So this one is a doozy, as are most FBI-related books. You get a little insight into the FBI’s negotiating practices (and a glimpse at some wild stories) that you can also apply to your personal and business life. It’s a brilliant study of, you guessed it, effective communication and making deals. I think the best parts about this book revolve around better understanding the folks you want to work together with.
The SaaS Playbook
Rob Walling
While this book primarily focuses on the world of Saas (Software as a Service) businesses, the lessons can be applied to pretty much any smaller operation (fewer than 20 employees). Rob entertainingly digs into structuring a business without the need for venture capital. He also shows you how to compete with huge companies and how to do that effectively while avoiding common pitfalls.
The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together
Sherry Walling, PHD
If ever there was a title that encapsulates its contents, Sherry nailed it on the head. As a founder or key stakeholder in a business, you can really be prone to some nasty habits, behaviors, negative emotions, depression– just the full gambit. It’s a lot for any one person to handle and Sherry does a wonderful job mixing her business prowess with her skills as a psychologist. This is a must read.
Made in America
Sam Walton with John Huey
Walmart is a behemoth today. But it didn’t used to be. How’d it get where it is now? Do you know about the man behind the name? Sam Walton’s story is both insightful, amusing, sad, and brilliant. I think Walmart has kind of lost its way since the day of Mr. Walton, but his lessons are powerful and worth keeping in mind as any leader runs their business. This man’s story is worth your attention.
Am I Being Too Subtle?
Sam Zell
Sam Zell was a billionaire you probably never heard of. He was well-known for constantly seeing what others missed. He often said things like, “if everyone is going left, look right.” What’s fascinating about Sam’s story isn’t just that he made tons of money, which he did, but how he maintained his humanity and had an absolute ball living his life. This is a great lesson in finding opportunity anywhere.