As I’m writing this, it’s mid-May and like you, I’ve been living in quarantine for the better part of two months. Like me, I’m sure you’re looking for new ways to occupy your time when not working or spending time with your families/quarantine-mates.
If you find yourself with some spare time, why not check out one, two or all of these great business books recommended by members of Proforma’s Marketing Team?
#1. The E-Myth: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It – Michael Gerber
Originally published in 1986, The E-Myth has been helping small business owners find success for over 30 years. Author, Michael Gerber explains why most small businesses fail and how you can avoid those pitfalls by detaching yourself from your business and organizing it logically rather than emotionally.
#2. Essentialism – The Disciplined Pursuit of Less – Greg McKeown
Essentialism – The Disciplined Pursuit of Less is about focusing on what you really want in life and cutting out everything else. In the book, Greg busts the myth that to be successful in business or any other area of life, you need to constantly say “yes”. In Greg’s own words, “The Way of the Essentialist involves doing less, but better, so you can make the highest possible contribution.”
#3. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. – Brené Brown
As a Research Professor at the University of Houston, Brené Brown spent seven years researching what qualities are present in great leaders. In Dare to Lead, she shares what she learned, arguing that real leadership isn’t about fancy titles or other status symbols. It’s about having the courage to step up when you’re needed most.
#4. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World – Gary Vaynerchuk
It was true in 2013 when this book was written and it’s even more true now. The world of social media is cluttered with everybody and their mother trying to push their message out. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook teaches readers the deceivingly simple strategy to cut through the clutter so your message is not only heard but listened to by the people you want to hear it.
#5. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck
In Mindset: The Psychology of Success, Stanford University Psychologist, Carol S. Dweck proves that the only thing stopping you… is you! Her book explains the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and why you should focus on having the latter.
#6. The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea, at the Right Time – Allen Gannett
In The Creative Curve, author and data fiend Allen Gannett uses big data to prove that creative genius isn’t something you either have or you don’t. Using science, he reveals that there’s a clear formula for creating mainstream and popular work that will make you successful.
#7. UnMarketing : Everything Has Changed and Nothing is Different – Scott & Alison Stratten
UnMarketing asks the question, “Why do we market to people in the same stale ways that we, ourselves hate being marketed to?” This book takes a deep dive into how you can start talking with your audience rather than just talking at them and how every business, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, can take advantage of this theory of “UnMarketing”.
#8. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion – Robert Cialdini
New York Times Bestseller, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion is about why people say “yes” and how you can tap into this understanding in the business world. Based on years of research and data, Dr. Robert Cialdini teaches readers the six key principles you’ll need to become a master persuader.
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