With so many great books out there, where do you start?
If you’re anything like me, I choose my reading material based on recommendations. That’s what we’re doing here. Just like a real book club! We’ll give you suggestions based on the recommendations we’ve received.
Recommended books
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz is a very good and easy read. Ben tells the story of his startup journey. The trials, tribulations, and how he navigated those choppy waters. Whether you agree with his point of view or not, there is an abundance of tips and indeed points to ponder. I particularly liked the quote from his old boss, Jim Barksdale; “We take care of the people, the product and the profits, in that order.”
The Click Moment by Frans Johansson made me feel a little better about the fact that I’m not yet a billionaire 🙂 He tells a number of incredible stories where the stars align and a bit of luck helped some companies and individuals realize amazing success. The story about how Microsoft got their lucky break is incredible.
How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie This old classic is one of those books that everyone says they have read (or thinks they have) but actually haven’t. Even though it’s old, it is still super relevant! As with most of these types of books, it does go on a bit, but to his credit, Carnegie does tell you how best to use the book (like a reference guide). There are just so many nuggets in here, it’s an absolute must-read/have. I’m actually having my teenage son read it now. Good lessons for broader life that can absolutely help your career especially in sales!
Influence – The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini is another classic which can also be used as a reference book. Cialdini explains the psychology of why people say yes. He breaks it down into six key elements; 1. Reciprocity, 2. Commitment, and consistency, 3. Social proof, 4. Authority, 5. Liking and 6. Scarcity. It’s quite scary realizing how true it is. You’ll find yourself thinking; wow that’s really true! And as a result, pick up some good tips to develop your persuasive powers.