Business books that have created huge leaps forward

Written by Karen Skidmore on - 17 Comments
Categories: Business Attitude

If you are not learning new stuff, you’re not moving your business forward.

It’s as simple as that!

Don’t give me that “I haven’t got time to pick up a book”.

If you are stuck in the endless cycle of answering emails, updating your Facebook Page, going to meetings and then rushing back to answer more emails, then yes, I can see you probably haven’t got time to pick up a book.

But … problems start if you never come up for air. You are so busy doing the doing, that if someone waved a better way of doing that doing, you’d probably not even notice.

And this why I believe 100% that reading (or audio if you prefer to listen) is absolutely good for business.

Even me … a self-confesses web tech geek who loves everything Apple and Google … loves the smell and feel of a new book (although I do have my eye on that new Kindle – will be asking Santa for one of those!).

If I look back over the past seven years I have been working for myself, the times that I have had those Eureka moments – when my business has shifted forward in a leap – have almost all been created because of a book I was reading.

So I thought it may be helpful to share some of the books that shifted great things for me in my business.

February 2005 – The Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

I was feeling pretty crappy at this stage. 6 months young and very little in the way of any business success, my new business coach recommended I read this book. I was downward spiralling and had no belief in my ability to create a successful business but this, albeit cheesy and super-American book, gave me bite-sized nuggets that I still use today. My favourite being “Some will, some won’t, so what, someone else is waiting”.

March 2005 – Multiple Streams of Coaching Income by Andrea J Lee

There are dozens of books on this topic today, but this was a very new concept back in 2005 (especially for UK based coaches). I still refer back to my original scribbles from time to time and Andrea opened my eyes to Pink Spoon taster offers.

October 2005 – E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

An oldie but a classic that absolutely should be read by anyone and everyone who wants to run a business, rather find themselves trapped in to a self-employed job. This book was like coming home after a long, long trip. The content just made total sense to me and it gave me a way forward to act big, whilst still being small.

April 2006 – Permission Based Marketing by Seth Godin

I had been committed to building my database via my newsletter for more than a year before I read this book. But this is my favourite of all Seth’s books. Practical, advice – perfect for the small business owner – on how to market to people who give you permission. So much more effective than thrusting unwanted spam in to their inboxes!

July 2007 – Yes! 50 secrets from the science of persuasion by Goldstein, Marting and Cialdini

I struggled with the classic “Influence” by Cialdini which is a popular recommendation. But it was a little too scientific and heavy going for me so I was delighted to get my hands on this book. I soaked in the stories and this book has greatly influenced the way that I write today. If you are struggling to find a writing style that sells without being “in your face salesy”, then this is a top read.

October 2010 – UnMarketing – Stop Marketing Start Engaging by Scott Stratten

I read plenty of books in between but this was the next big book that stopped me in my tracks. Like Gerber’s E-Myth, this book just felt so right. Scott’s writing style is refreshingly honest and I loved the way he stuck two fingers up at the internet marketing guru way of making money – which to be honest I was having enough of too.

August 2011 – The Botty Rules by Nigel Botterill

This summer I needed a kick in the right direction and this book woke me up and booted me up the backside with just the right amount of force! Honest and practical, Nigel’s big mantra is focused around getting stuff done. There are plenty of Botty Rules but my favourite is Number One “As a business owner, you are 100% responsible for what happens in your business. It’s all your fault!”

There are many more books but these where the ones which jump out from my bookshelf. Some have been read on more than one occasion.

So which ones are you going to order and read?

And which books have transformed and change the way you do business?

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17 Responses to “Business books that have created huge leaps forward”

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Lesley Howes

August 5, 2012 at 1:14 pm

Great list Karen, thanks,some of my favourites but several there that I will add to my list.Just finished Think & Grow Rich ( again ) by Napoleon Hill, a classic but I am glad I have revisited it as I have learnt much much more 25 years on.

Best wishes,

Lesley

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Leanne Dal Santo

April 15, 2012 at 6:32 am

I have listened to as well as bought the book “Free Marketing 101 Low and No-cost Ways to Grow Your Business online & off line by Jim Cockrum” – Brilliant – so much to take in and apply.

warm regards

Leanne

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Mark

December 21, 2011 at 9:53 am

Thanks for the E myth recommendation Karen. Nearly finished it and love it! Very, very helpful.

One book I enjoyed recently is the Myth of the Mousetrap by Anne Miller. This is a fun and engaging look at how you can get new ideas accepted. It’s probably of most value to those starting more novel or unusual businesses – but I’d recommend it as a good and engaging read to anyone: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Myth-Mousetrap-Ideas-Adopted-Change/dp/0462099156/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324460854&sr=8-1

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Karen Skidmore Reply:
December 22nd, 2011 at 10:43 am
Thanks for the recommendation Mark – hopefully another one to add to my Kindle shopping list ready for my Kindle Christmas present! Karen

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Claire

November 3, 2011 at 5:41 pm

I’m a lover of Seth Godin too – I have a well thumbed copy of his Purple Cow! My other recent fave is The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, about conquering those deep seated limiting thoughts that prevent you pushing your business forward without you even realising – it’s been hugely influential to me in the past few months.

Really useful list, thanks

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Alicia Cowan

November 3, 2011 at 5:40 pm

Lots of E-Myth fans! I lost my copy having only read half of it. I should buy it again for my Kindle…

I read Unmarketing earlier this year and loved it. It was so refreshing and honest with loads of great soundbites.

Another book I enjoyed reading is A Book About Innocent (y’know, the smoothie co). A really interesting look behind the curtain at how the business runs while remaining true to their core values.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-About-Innocent-Things-Learned/dp/071815317

I’m now reading Launch by Mike A Stelzner but haven’t read enough to comment more on that yet!

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marina

November 3, 2011 at 2:18 pm

thank you Karen, I love business books, and this is a great list! I will buy some, and check out my local library for others!

the really great book I read, and actually using every day is Attracting Perfect Customers by Stacey Hall.I created my strategic customer attraction plan based on it, and read it every day to remind me what my ideal clients are!!!

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Karen Skidmore Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Like the sound of this one, too Marina. Thanks for stopping by and recommending it.

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Sean

November 3, 2011 at 10:25 am

Hi Karen – I love to continually read a little each day, but if I don’t have time then audio books are my next choice.

Absolutely the best Audio book I have listened to is the E Myth by Michael Gerber with the presentation he gave live in Australia being the best one.

You can get it here (not an affiliate link) http://www.nightingale.com/prod_detail~product~E-Myth_Seminar.aspx and I implore any small business owner to listen to it before returning to the office

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Karen Skidmore Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Thanks for the heads up on this one Sean. Great idea to listen to the audio too – I’m going to check this one out.

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Wendy

November 3, 2011 at 9:29 am

Oooh lots of good suggestions Karen…I’ve also just finished Zappos book, Delivering Happiness that you recommended. Couldn’t put it down and galloped thought it at break neck pace. Funnily enough picked up Botty’s Rules last night and loving it already. Always love getting new book recommendations Karen so love this article!

Wendy

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Karen Skidmore Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 3:27 pm
I thought about adding that one, too! Pleased you’ve read it, Wendy

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Rory Breen

November 3, 2011 at 8:20 am

Another book worth reading is “How to Get Your Competition Fired (Without Saying Anything Bad About Them): Using the Wedge to Increase Your Sales” by Randy Schwantz…

It basically shows you how to focus on your strengths against the incumbents weaknesses without saying a bad thing about them.

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Rory Breen

November 3, 2011 at 8:02 am

Hi Karen,

I have also recently read E-Myth revised and it was very inspiring. Another book which is loosely based upon the E-Myth approach is a superb book named “Built to Sell” http://www.builttosell.com/ by John Warrilow…

He sets out common-sense rules and approaches to building a saleable business, and how to avoid being one of the 99% of service related organisations that are unsaleable..

Both books have really aided me with a new direction and outlook on my business. I have also recently signed up for a 12 Month E-Myth Group Mastery Course. Reading both books has really taught me that the majority of small business owners need external help and assistance.

Have a great day
Rory.

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Karen Skidmore Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 3:26 pm
Thks for that recommendation Rory – I’ll be having a look at that one from John, to be sure!

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Lesley Sargeant

November 3, 2011 at 7:57 am

Hi Karen,

Thanks for the great list, I’m ALWAYS reading non-fiction books, my favourite being ‘Awaken the Giant Within’ by Anthony Robbins.

E-Myth Revisited looks really interesting and helpful, so I shall be ordering from Amazon today! Then I think I’ll go for ‘The Botty Rules’.

Best Wishes, Lesley

[Reply]
Karen Skidmore Reply:
November 3rd, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Good old Amazon! They are so easy to spend money with!

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