DISQUS

Romana Mirza · 1 year ago

Creative Habit is on my reading list and I loved Good to Great but the book that really helped me focus my vision so that I could see a clear bright future for my company was the E-myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber. Brilliant. Now I'm almost ready to tackle my hedgehog concept!

Laurel · 1 year ago

Fire Your Boss. It will give you a kick in the pants if you're over-identifying with your employer; it will also motivate you to think of yourself as a free agent. I think it's a very good book for women to read; every time you catch yourself thinking the authors' advice is too cynical or mercenary, it will help you do a reality check and remember that the company for which you work is *not* your family.

Kristin · 1 year ago

The Mind Gym. Awesome ideas through challenging contexts. Uses the Web (much like Style Statement) to present similar ideas and continue the 'workout' long after the book is finished. I find myself returning to its pages when stuck in a rut. This book changed the way I approach about my thoughts, actions, and ideas, and has helped to balance my brain and believe in my competency.

Debra Lermitte · 1 year ago

"Little Black Book of Connections" by Jeffrey Gitomer is one of many good books to read. After all, much of business has to do with making connections and building relationships. I think women (in general) intuitively know this for themselves and seek out relationships in their professional and personal lives. Gitomer's suggestions are humorous, well-written and easy to put into practice.

braziliana · 1 year ago

E-myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber. Brilliant.

Kirsty · 1 year ago

Let My People Go Surfing. I'd work for Patagonia in a heartbeat. This guy is the real thing.

Mini · 1 year ago

"The Success Principles" by Jack Canfield. It was inspiring and made me think about my definition of success in all areas of my life. The best part was looking at my intentions and authenticity and looking at where I wanted to go in life. Was I being true to myself?
I recommend it all the time to people. Life changing on so many levels.

Chantal · 1 year ago

I'd Rather Be In The Studio - The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion
by Alyson B. Stanfield

Heather Allard · 1 year ago

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris.

Kristin · 1 year ago

This is one of my all time favorites as well!! I had never read any of his other books, but this one was spectacular.

Karen Bruce · 1 year ago

Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life) by Cathie Black

Stacy · 1 year ago

Love the Right to Write by Julia Cameron. It's very inspiring not only for dreaming writers but anyone who wants to pursue an art. And Carrie, I've been eyeing that Twyla Tharp book for some time. I'm going to go buy now!! Thanks. :)

Dave · 1 year ago

Good to Great, without a doubt. Another one to check out is "Proceed With Confidence" by A. Ray Dalton. I don't think you can buy it at book stores, but you can from his company's website at www.partssource.com. Both Ray's personal and professional stories are extraordinary and inspiring. For the record, I don't work for him or anything like that, he is just well known and respected in my community and I read his book. Enjoy!

mary · 1 year ago

rules for revolutionaries and selling the dream and the art of the start all by guy kawasaki--great writing, makes sure you don't make mistakes the way the mac/apple guys did. a good read even if you've had a business for years!

Karen · 1 year ago

Now, Discover Your Strengths and Go Put Your Strengths to Work by Marcus Buckingham, and the related book Strengthsfinder 2.0. When you focus more on what you're good at, you'll improve more than when you try to improve your weaknesses. And you're a lot happier when you spend more time doing what you love and what you're good at. I'm a huge fan of Marcus Buckingham!

Karen · 1 year ago

I also love Goals by Brian Tracy. Using the power of your mind to make things happen.

Jen · 1 year ago

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip and Dan Heath. A quick read that gives concrete examples for getting your ideas and points to be remembered, whether it be marketing tactics for a start-up, for presentations, communicating with your children... really any area of your life.

lisaohhh · 1 year ago

"Get Clients Now!" by CJ Hayden... www.getclientsnow.com... I loved this book because it was not a cookie-cutter solution, but an individualized recipe based on my personal strengths and gravitations. a 28 day plan that you create yourself that honors the individual. and it really works! highly recommended!

Krystl · 1 year ago

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra.

kerrymac · 1 year ago

I enjoyed the Tipping Point...and also The Republic of Tea, and any Faith Popcorn books on business trends. I am going to reserve your picks at the library, I could use some new advice as I am phasing out my biz of almost 10 years and making changes....www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com

Ngonzi Truth Crushshon · 1 year ago

"Girl, Make Your Money Grow" by Glinda Bridgforth and Gail Perry-Mason is an EXCELLENT book about getting your personal finances together so you can create generational wealth.

Julie · 1 year ago

"Do You: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success" by Russell Simmons

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

Ditto. Everyone on our team does the Strengths Finder.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

Ahhh...Deepak. This is a classic now. One of his best. I'm going to dust off my copy...

Krystl · 1 year ago

I'll be dusting mine off, too. I hadn't actually thought about this book recently, but it popped into my mind immediately upon reading today's question. Thanks for reminding me!

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I'm not down with the heavy consumption/bling-to-the max message that Simmons supports in his artists, but I think what he's conveying in Do You is a stellar message.

Linda · 1 year ago

The Accelerated Learning Handbook by Dave Meier.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

these guys have a great monthly column in Fast Company.

Daniel Gibbons · 1 year ago

I'm not sure that you could really call it a business book, but The New New Thing contains both a fantastic story about Jim Clark, the founder of Netscape, Silicon Graphics and WebMD (formerly Healtheon), and profound insights into what drives entrepreneurs.

Rushmi · 1 year ago

I'm with Danielle - Good To Great! Great research, great examples and it's an excellent tool that I use as I re-design my business. Passion, Economic Engine, Right people on the bus...and forever striving for Leadership 5 principals...

Susie Hutchinson · 1 year ago

How to Think Like a Millionaire by Mark Fisher & Mark Allen

Not sure why I stopped living by this, but obviously it's time to read again.

Ellen · 1 year ago

I second this...the most fun I ever had at work was with a company that adhered to these principles!

Lynda · 1 year ago

I've got to agree with Danielle....Good to Great would be my favorite...another author I think is terrific is David Whyte and his book Heart Aroused.....:-)

Ruth · 1 year ago

Time Power by Brian Tracy
The Networking Survival Guide by Diane Darling
Both my favorite books at the moment.

Lynda · 1 year ago

Absolutely! What were your five top strengths????

Carrie McCarthy · 1 year ago

Balancing your brain is a must for me. Thanks Kristen, I am going to read over the weekend!!

Carrie McCarthy · 1 year ago

This was the first book my dad bought me. Thanks for the reminder I am going to crack it open again.

Carrie McCarthy · 1 year ago

We refer to the culture at Patagonia regularly. This book inspires making a difference, making money and having fun!

Connie · 1 year ago

NOW DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS by Buckingham and Clifton; it's a test that you take with purchase of book, online, and it feeds back all kinds of interesting info about you in the business world and elsewhere; it's a real help for finding a job or a new career or updating a resume. Highly recommend for managers, too.

Connie · 1 year ago

Also was perusing LESSONS FROM A LIPSTICK QUEEN by Poppy King, haven't read it but it looks like fun with some good advice thrown in the mix.

Liz · 1 year ago

Re-Imagine, by Tom Peters. Blows the traditional business book out the water. Written for here, now, and beyond.

Jamie · 1 year ago

I'm in on this one too and recommend it to many of my clients.

For me, discovering that one of my characteristics was actually a strength was a revelation! Knowing that "significance" is of value encouraged me to brush away any remaining "who do you think you are" gremlins and shine.

Caroline · 1 year ago

I agree- this one definitely spoke to me. Not necessarily because I think of getting my work down to 4 hours at the moment, but certainly in terms of really assessing what is real work, and what is busywork to allow me to feel that I am being responsible or "in work mode" and therefore valuable. i also really appreciate the concept of getting clear about what we want to do with time off and having goals in that area, so that open time isn't simply a source of anxiety and distress.

Heather Allard · 1 year ago

Absolutely. And, as a mom entrepreneur, I loved all the tips on automating much of your "busy work" with things like email auto responders and FAQ sections on your website. There's simply no need to be "open" 24 hours.

Lee-Anne · 1 year ago

Who's the author Kristin? I loved what you had to say about the book and when I looked it up there are a few that go by similar titles? Is the cover bright pink with a clock? Thanks in advance for your reply.

Allan · 1 year ago

Unabashed self promotion here. I do hope Danielle and Carrie don't mind. Sent a copy to Danielle. If she hasn't read it yet I'm happy to send a complimentary copy to the first e-mail I receive, on condition you do a future review (good or bad) and share with everyone. "Zentrepreneurism"-A 21st Century Guide to the New World of Business". Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. In Zen

Kristin · 1 year ago

That's their second book, subtitled "Give Me Time". I haven't read that yet - the first one, called "The Mind Gym: Wake Your Mind Up", is bright green with a dark green circle with the title in the middle. It's published by Little, Brown. I highly recommend it - happy reading!

Janice · 1 year ago

One of my favourite business books is "The Art of The Start" by Guy Kawasaki. He has a very simple way of stating what is necessary for you to succeed in business, whether you're selling a product or a service. No fancy shmancy complicated business plans with mission statements etc. It's more about helping you find your niche, branding your self and/or your product, capturing your audience and being successful. I refer back to his book quite often to stay fresh and still find ideas for my business as a Mortgage Specialist. He's an easy read as well. Some business books can be quite dry. Guy is certainly not that!

Alanna · 1 year ago

I agree with Danielle's answer of "Good to Great". I read it almost 5 years ago for a senior seminar class in college and still think about if I am a hedgehog or a fox.

karen · 1 year ago

One I come back to again and again is The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin. Time to read it again as I feel an infusion.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

ahh...David. He's a force. You'd also love John O'Donahue and his book, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace (John was a mentor to David Whyte.)

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

Moi: Achievor. Furturist. Relator. Strategy. Intellection.

Relator was a big surprise, but deeply true (when I'm interested, I'm REALLY interested, otherwise...I just keep walking.)

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

And what's also brilliant about this approach is the "build on your strengths" premise. Yes! Carrie and I talk about this all the time. The pursuit of being well rounded is so overrated.

Lee-Anne · 1 year ago

Thanks Kristin; I'm looking forward to reading it.

Lee-Anne · 1 year ago

Raising your business: a Canadian woman's guide to entrepreneurship - it's Canadian, written by two women, funny and parallels creating a business to raising a child - what could be better?

I completely agree with Good to Great, Tipping Point, Blink & Made to Stick- they're all terrific.

Beth C. · 1 year ago

The Rules of Work by Templar. I read it at a time when I was taking everything in the office way too seriously and I needed something to help remind me that I had a life outside of the office. It helped to remind me at that point in time that I needed to continue to do my best at work, but that I also needed to refocus on my life outside of the office too because I felt like I was surrounded by people who were arbitrarily getting ahead as a result of doing little to nothing.

Beth C. · 1 year ago

I read a little about the hedgehog principle on the Good to Great web site and I'm really afraid that I'm a fox. Is that a bad thing?

Virginie · 1 year ago

The Market for Virtue by David Vogel (sustainability & CSR).
About the complex challenges faced by different business sectors on the long path to responsibility & respect.
Because only with better understanding can we start seeing through the blinding consumption world we live in.