For the longest time I’ve always wondered how others found time to read…
yet today, you’ll find my iBooks and Audible app chock full of finished books. In a previous life, I couldn’t read two books in a year to save my life but then something struck me this year… There’s so much I don’t know about running a business, which left me defeated, pondering how I could possibly figure it all out in so little time. As soon as I turned to books, life took a dramatic turn. If you’re raising the same questions about your own life, career, or business, then I’m happy to plant the seeds in today’s post.
I’ve come to see power of books and I’m baffled I didn’t get started sooner. I wish more people would ask about the books I read rather than the business I’m in so we can converse around a greater purpose. Several of you love getting lost in tales of fiction & romance, but enter the world of business and change your life forever. This is the fairytale I prefer to live in and you should too. Whether you need a beacon to guide you or a jolt of motivation to propel you forward, these are the BEST entrepreneur books to help you navigate success in business and in life.
For Self-Awareness: Outlier
I’m so glad to have finally read this book. It gave me a lot of comfort and confidence in knowing that I have a high chance of success at this business thing. Outlier opened my eyes to the deep, personal issues in me that I never knew existed. I love how Malcom Gladwell explores various cultures, classes, and icons – and the idiosyncrasies intrinsic to them that benefit or hinder individuals. This truly helped me become more aware of my personality as it is today through the conditioning that occurred in my upbringing and cultural legacy. Extremely thought provoking and mind moving – a must-read for everyone!
For Mindset Training: Psycho Cybernetics
Although Outlier brought several of my personal issues to light, I wasn’t exactly sure how to “fix” myself. I’ve read other books like the Law of Attraction and Power of Intention, but something seemed to be missing. That thing was Psycho Cybernetics! No diss on the other two books mentioned but I just couldn’t figure out how to “attract” desired results especially when I felt like shit. What this book does differently is explain how your perceived self-image in tandem with affirmations, intention, attraction, et al is what makes the gears move faster to bring about manifestation. The tactical advice given throughout the book – though seemingly silly – actually work and changed my outlook in business and life entirely. This book is great for anyone struggling with self-image, confidence, or feeling stuck. It’s def the missing link that got me unstuck.
For Copywriting: The Adweek Copywriting Handbook
I knew it was time for a refresher on writing when I started to loathe it (umm, it’s what I do for a living). I researched a few options before ultimately deciding on this one. Though more expensive than I had hoped for, it’s been 100% worth it. If you’re a content writer or copywriter, this will be a refreshing read on generating better and more effective copy that gets read. I love Mr. Sugarman’s axioms and how it forces me to look at writing in a different way. Note – I haven’t finished reading it yet but always have a hard time putting it down when I do.
For Financial Reframing: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind OR Rich Dad Poor Dad
Who knew mindset can fall into so many different realms. Although I don’t think either of these books are perfect, I cannot discount the great job they do of forcing the reader to get real with money. I’ve never looked at money in such a complex and dynamic way – hell I’ve never even considered the fact that my money management habits, yet again, stemmed from my upbringing, social class, and cultural background. From a business perspective, this is incredibly important. Do yourself a favor and understand your money mindset and blue print now.
For Business: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
I’m reading this book simultaneously with the copywriting one and it’s been mind boggling. All these marketing gimmicks I’ve fell victim to and never even knew… But now, I need to know the gimmicks so I can use them (and you can too since I’m sharing the book with you). I’m only a quarter of the way through, but have been blown away with the context and techniques covered. Remember – I went to business school and didn’t even learn the strategies I’m reading here. If you’re a digital entrepreneur, then the chances of you being in the business of “influence” is high…so I think this book goes without saying.
For Freelancers: The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It
(Confession time: I’m reading three books at the same time. This is the last one, but I’m almost finished with it.) I’m a new freelancer and was feeling head under water yet I couldn’t figure out why. I thought it was a lack of time and resources – and then this book happened. Nope, it was me all along. The problem with running a business when you’re new is that you don’t know how to detach yourself from it. All this time, I associated myself with my work and that singlehandedly was my #1 mistake. This book sat me down and taught me to approach my biz as an entrepreneur – and not as myself. I love the author’s explanation of the 3 personalities required to run any business: the entrepreneur, the manager, and the technician. Too many of us starting out play the role of the technician when our business really needs an entrepreneur. Highly recommended for all freelancers or new business owners.
Well, there goes the rest of your year. If you have any mindset or entrepreneur book recommendations at all, please share! Hoping I can squeeze in 20 books by December and that’ll be a record high in all my life 🙂 Talk soon xx
P.S. If you’re only looking to grab ONE book off this list, then let it be Psycho Cybernetics!
