April 29, 2011

We live in a fast-paced business world where information seems to increasingly move in short e-mails, texts and Facebook or Twitter posts. With over 1 million book titles published every year, how can the average business owner read all of the new relevant books and still have time to run their business?

This is my primer to your summer reading list that will allow you to get smart and grow your business. Here are the summaries of 10 books I recommend in 140 characters or less.

1.  Do the Work by Steven Pressfield 

We over-think everything and our biggest enemy is the resistance from our brain that produces excuses. Start before you are even ready.

2.  The Entrepreneur Equation by Carol Roth

Should you be an entrepreneur? It’s not for everyone. Roth talks about the risks and rewards based on your personal situation and how to stack the odds in your favor.

3.  Today We Are Rich by Tim Sanders

Put only positive thoughts into your mind. Go on a “mind diet” so you can possess a confident outlook to perform at your highest level.

4.  Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki

Kawasaki shows the path to achieve likability and trustworthiness in business. He demonstrates how to enchant customers and employees.

5.  Poke the Box by Seth Godin

Godin wants you to “start a ruckus." He explains how to create and learn from change right now. His advice is simply to “Go-Go-Go”.

6.  Double Double by Cameron Herold

As the former COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK, Herold outlines the exact steps to growing your business fast. No fancy theories in this book.

7.  The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk

Vaynerchuk, the Twitter superstar, explains how companies can compete on authenticity with one-on-one attention.

8.  Rise by Patty Azzarello

Azzarello ran a $1B software business at age 33. She shows how to deal with obstacles, stupid people and avoid career dead ends.

9.  The Now Revolution by Amber Naslund and Jay Baer

Social media has changed business forever. This book teaches the seven shifts that will allow your business to adapt.

10.  Content Rules by Ann Handley and CC Chapman

They teach how to make the shift from “marketing-speak” to becoming a publisher of great online content that your customers will love.

What are you reading this summer?

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Join the conversation ( 7 )

• Barry Moltz 1 year 0 months and 21 days ago

  

  Will do Tom!!

• Tom Abbott 1 year 0 months and 24 days ago

  

  Great list Barry! This weekend I'm starting with your book, 'BAM!' to pick up some great tips on customer service. Look out for the copy of my book 'The SOHO Solution: 21 Selling Strategies For Growing Your Small Business" I sent you a few days ago. Any small office and home office entrepreneurs looking to stop struggling and start selling can watch my interview and preview chapters at http://www.thesohosolutionbook.com

• community manager 1 year 0 months and 24 days ago

  

  Hey, Barry - your article prompted me to start this discussion - What book has been most inspiring or valuable to you as a small business owner?http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/lifestyle/discussion/what-book-has-been-most-inspiring-or-valuable-to-you-as-a-small-business-owner

• Barry Moltz 1 year 0 months and 28 days ago

  

  Brandon- Chris' and Malcolm's are great adds! thanks

• Barry Moltz 1 year 0 months and 28 days ago

  

  Thanks- got to read your review on Gary Vee!

• Brandon Yanofsky 1 year 0 months and 28 days ago

  

  I must read both of chris andersons books, as well as finish all of gladwells books. It's a summer of lots of reading.

• LEVI SMITH 1 year 0 months and 28 days ago

  

  I've got 4, 5 & 7 on the list. Maybe when I finish those, I might pickup some of the others!For a recent post I wrote in regards to #7, checkout http://bit.ly/mbMwxY