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I’ve always believed that part of my job (and anyone who wants to work for me) is to keep feeding my brain. If you aren’t reading a new book, learning how to do something new, checking out a webinar or enrolling in a class — you are sliding backwards on an incline that is incredibly steep. And almost impossible to recover from.
I’ve always been a very fast reader — so I am able to consume at least a book a week. But there are so many out there that I want to read….the stacks by my desk and bed (not to mention what’s on my iPad) is crazy.
But there are a very small handful of books that I re-read at least once a year. They feed my brain and fuel my spirit. So when Mike Sansone, over at Converstations created the Fave Four book readers meme and tagged me — I knew immediately what my answer would be.
The meme asks — what are my top 4 cornerstone business books?
These are the books that I believe every business leader and owner (or those who aspire to be either) should read and re-read:
Radical Leap/Radical Edge by Steve Farber: I think of these two books as a single book — just parts 1 and 2. It is without a doubt, the best business/leadership book I have ever read. Enough said.
Becoming a Category of One by Joe Calloway: This is the book on branding that I wish I had written. It’s the how and the why — all wrapped into one very inspirational read.
Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith: Today, most of us do not sell widgets. We sell a service, our ideas or our counsel. This field guide will help you understand just how to sell what no one can see or touch.
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann: This is a leadership book that, if you let it, can change everything. It’s about vision, generosity and the real truth.
My bonus/surprise best business book: The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. I know you’re going to think I am crazy — but this series actually takes the lessons from the four books above and puts them into action. It’s a book about love, courage, knowing yourself and being true to that, knowing your audience, doing what’s right, and getting the job done. It is a wonderful business primer.
(To buy any of these books, click on the title.* To read more about the authors, click on their name)
All of these authors have written other books that I love as well. But these are not only their best — the are simply the best.
Jump in…and tell us (either in the comments or on your own blog) what are your Fave Four. If you tweet about it, use hashtag #fave4books.
*Yes, those are affiliate links.