Ever since I was a little girl, I have LOVED books. There is something about holding them and the smell of them. Right? I loved curling up with a book and escaping to a new world as a kid. Even now, I can’t deny a page-turner most especially if it talks about business.
As a kid, I was a Nancy Drew fanatic, and then I progressed to Dean Koontz and Stephen King. But listen! I’m the scariest boldest person you’ll ever meet. lol! I wasn’t drawn to Stephen King because of the gore and explicit vocabulary he likes to use, but I was impressed that anyone could write over 1,000 pages and make you want to turn each one.
With my love for reading in mind, I am so excited to start sharing some books that have made my life easier, inspired me, or just made me smile. It is my hope that this post will grow and become a major point of discussion between you and me. As a single mom and entrepreneur, I encourage reading in my home. In fact, my younger son only wanted picture books but has progressed to 300 pagers with no pics. (Shouts Yay silently) So, get your kids to read as well even if you have to make it a 30-minute mandatory activity to say…? Get dessert? Play a game? Get them involved. Readers are Leaders!
So, read on to see what’s on my list of MUST reads for women in business.
The 5 books to read for summer: The business list
1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This book was recommended by @PaulCBrunson. I follow him and believe in what he is doing to support entrepreneurs and the family unit. Check him and @ellalaverne out on #MentorMonday. So, I must say that I have not finished this book, but it is so full of common sense that I think you would enjoy it. I pick it up when I’m not writing and it is an interesting page-turner. Try it out if you want to sharpen your people skills and become more adept at listening to your customers.
2. Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
I loved this book! I finished it in no time. @GaryVee is a fave of mine and he really nails passion as a driver if you want to succeed and enjoy what you are doing. Two words- Buy it! Pick this one up today if you need a little guidance on how to get started in this social media world and connect with customers period. Let’s be honest. People are in business to make money, provide services and goods, and customers need to know you care. I identified with it because I’m a huge proponent of purpose and passion. This book has it. Click here to check out Gary Vee’s books.
3. Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson
This little book was another recommendation of Paul C. Brunson. It parallels relationships, business, and every area of life. Taught in the form of a modern parable, it is an amazing short read that will leave you invigorated and inspired. Change can be good. Pick it up to see how! I loved it as well!
4. The 80/20 Rule by Perry Marshall
As a budding entrepreneur, I highly recommend this short read. Perry gives examples from his own life and explains how 80/20 applies in so many areas of life. A short principal in this book is figuring out what your customer needs and do that. For all my entrepreneur single moms, this is one to get! It can be a little technical but my book club/group I’m in loved it. We had great discussions and it really hit home how not to spend time on the wrong things. Delegate them. If you are a business, to survive you must make money. Period.
5. Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne
This one is pretty cool. Loved reading it in my book club. It’s all about how to create something that doesn’t exist (which fills a need) and make it successful. Or should I say utilize what exists and expand upon it to make your own new ocean instead of swimming in a red one that is overpopulated. Pick this one up knowing it is lengthy but well worth it. It includes over 20 years of research watching big power players in the business. It compares how the market was when the research started and how some of those titans are no longer around in the same capacity mergers, takeovers, out of business, etc. But, how do you create a totally different concept where you are not worried about the market or industry you are in? They use Cirque du Soleil as an example. Read up on their story. It’s amazing! Recommended. Click here for more.
UP NEXT!: The 5 Books I Want to Read in Business:
1. How to Be a Power Connector by Judy Robinett
2. Purple Cow by Seth Godin
3. Built to Last by Gary C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras
4. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
5. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
What would you add to the list? Since I’m a mompreneur, I’m really heavy into researching business, technology, relationships, etc. and working with people who know what they are doing. As a Single Mom Coach, I continue to invest in my personal growth and pour into myself. You should, too!
I know this is a different post, but know that I want to motivate you in life, love, faith, and business. You can excel in them all!
Comment below and let me know what you are reading and how it has helped you! Happy reading and until next time…
DO IT ANYWAY!
