The end of the year is fast approaching, and right now is the perfect time to reflect over the past year and put a plan in place to make next year even better.
It’s also a great time to kick back and relax so we’re rejuvenated to launch into another year with a bang, and what better way to relax than curled up with a book which will fill us with new information, tools and inspiration?
I’ve always loved to read for as far back as I can remember, although the day I opened my first business back in the early ’90’s was the day I swapped fiction for non-fiction. Now my bookcases are filled with business and personal development books to help keep me educated, informed and motivated. (Although no matter how many times I try to clear my bookshelves, I still can’t get rid of my Grisham collection!)
If you’re looking for inspiration for your holiday reading list, I’ve compiled a list of titles that I have enjoyed, and believe would offer any thought leader some new insights and resources to grow their business.
So here goes and in no-particular order…
Book Yourself Solid (Illustrated) – Michael Port
This is one of my most “dog-eared” and loved books in my book shelf! It’s not just a step-by-step system for getting more clients, but explains how to attract your ideal clients so life is great for everyone. With topics like “don’t try to please everyone or your can kiss your ass good-bye” and “perfect pricing”, this book will take you through a reliable system for getting more clients than you can handle, even if you hate marketing and selling.
Tribes – Seth Godin
In this day and age, more than ever before, people are craving connection and community. Everyone has an opportunity to start a movement, and as a passionate thought leader, there is a tribe of people waiting for you to lead them, to bring them together to do amazing things, and lead them where they want to go. As always, Seth Godin brings together concepts in an easy to understand manner, and fills the pages with stories to keep you entertained throughout.
The 3 Minute Coach – Marcus Bird
There is nothing more draining than spending hours on end in back-to-back coaching sessions full of idle chatter. Learning how to be more effective, efficient and productive with your conversations will help to propel your success even faster. Using the principles in The 3 Minute Coach will have you speeding up your coaching sessions, have you filled with energy at the end of your sessions, and have your clients experiencing super fast break-throughs which leaves your clients the time they need to actually implement! Win / Win all round.
Show Your Work – Austin Kleon
As thought leaders we need to share our idea’s in an open, generous and brave way – not hoard them by being too fearful to share them and stand for something. Or even worse, waiting for them to be “perfect”.
This book explains the difference between sharing and stealing, and clearly articulates how to share your creativity and get discovered. This little book is full of gems, like “Make stuff you love and talk about stuff you love and you’ll attract people who love that kind of stuff. It’s that simple.”
The 4 Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
I was introduced to this book years ago, and am I sure glad I was! We all have days where things just don’t go the way we want, or where we feel frustrated, upset and powerless. Understanding and living by the Four Agreements has helped me to build more solid personal connections, and make better business decisions rather than decisions purely based on emotion. This book reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering.
Share Your Passion – Reneé Hasseldine
Having an online course is an absolute must if you want your message to have a global reach. In this book, Reneé breaks down The 7 Stages Of Course Creation into a step-by-step process so you can get your message out sooner rather than later, and in a way that will have you living and sharing your passion.
High Performance Habits – Brendon Burchard
Brendon Burchard is a true cheer-leader for championing people to acknowledge their strengths and talents, and step up to the next level. We know that certain habits give people a competitive advantage and turns an average performer into a high performer, and Brendon walks us through the six habits he’s discovered which high performers do continually. This is the perfect book if you’re ready to create something extra-ordinary.
The Me Myth – Andrew Griffiths
We can only grow our business to the extent we can grow ourselves, and this is an excellent book to reflect on the stories in our head that are holding us back. Are you able to grow to the level you want? Or do you have some “me myths” holding you back? The exercises that Andrew Griffiths shares in this book will help you step up and take control of your life, by accepting the world doesn’t revolve around ‘me’.
The Pumpkin Plan – Mike Michalowicz
“What got you here, won’t get you there”…
Mike Michalowicz explains the Pumpkin Plan brilliantly, and helps you get clarity on your business offerings. Who knew that pumpkin farmers were holding the secret formula for big-time entrepreneurial success? If increasing profits is on the cards for your business for next year, as well as spending less time doing the stuff you hate to do, then you need to pick up this book. This was my favourite book of 2017!
The Heart Of Entrepreneurship – Samantha Riley
How could I leave this book out? This book is based on my personal experiences and insights of my life as a business owner and entrepreneur for over twenty years. With topics like how to build a business which fills you with passion and purpose, how fear is holding you back, and why you need to stop being vanilla, and differentiate yourself and your message, my message to you is “Stand up and change the world. It’s your time to shine”.
To create anything of value, it takes a village. I’d love to give a shout out to Michael Griffiths, Jeff J Hunter, Reneé Hasseldine, Taki Moore and Nicole Fleet, for each suggesting I pick up one of these books at some stage along the way.
What books do you think should have been included in this list and how have they impacted your business? Would love you to join the conversation below.
Happy reading,
Samantha