Reading books is one of those things that I hated most for almost 28 years. And I couldn’t believe that now I am addicted to one of my biggest boring obsession. In another post, I’ll share more on how to develop the discipline of “Interest” in something that you hate the most. Though my reading has been slowing down I managed to read 10 new books in the combination of kindle, audible and hardcover books this year. And there are 4-5 other books, I am about to complete in this or next month. Slowly and gradually moving closer to my goal of 25 books of this year.
And instead of writing a full book review this time, I am giving you the teaser of the book. Who should/must read these books and why? I guess this is what I am looking for in the book summary so I can decide whether I should read that book or not.
Building A Story Brand
Your customer should be the “Hero,” not your brand/Product. As Brand, your role is to be a guide/mentor so that the customer (The Hero) can solve complex problems of their life. Must read great little guide for people in the Marketing, Creative Writing, Designers on how to build and present a compelling brand story especially for the website and marketing campaigns.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Scientifically simplified how our brain system perceives and reflects the information. The book reveals an interesting functional behavior of two key system in our brain. The System 1 acts based on instincts and with little efforts, assumptions and tends to take quick conclusions and rapid-fire decisions on the things. The System 2 is rooted, takes the decision based on the data and facts, it takes more time but also has high accuracy rate then System 1. The book revolves around when, why and how to use this two systems – as both the system are for a purpose. If you want to improve your decision making, want to understand how your brain works, when to act fast and when you should go slow or if you are kind of me who thinks their brain is complex to understand then this book is perfect for you.
The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage
Consider this book as one of those “Hack” that you can use in order to act on the things that matter. The book explains how you can activate a few neurons in your brain to act on something in the simple but scientific way. The key is to “Count from 5 to 1” before taking any decision and then boom – do it. I tried a few times and it really worked but will require a lot of practice. But certainly, recommend to read this book and try this “5-second rule” to act. You can read this book in order to develop a habit and hack your mind or thoughts so that it leads you to act.
Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big
It was a nice little inspiration to dive into the stories of a few real-world entrepreneurs who decided not to grow big, not to go public, not to involve venture capitalist. Their key reason to stay small was to protect the key culture and values of the company, they had the high and personal level of care and connection with their employee and wanted to be a great, not big. If you are in a state where you are planning to scale your company by involving outside investors and going public or finding a right reason to stay small and still maintain high brand value, revenue and profit then I would recommend to check out the stories of this entrepreneur.
Sell or Be Sold: How to Get Your Way in Business and in Life
Super inspirational. Selling is the very essential skill that everyone should have. In everyday life, we always have situations where either we have to sell (convince) our idea, thoughts, choice or preferences or get ready to be sold. Grant Cardone explains different myths and methods about sales with real-world examples, his charismatic and energetic voice (this one I would recommend to listen over audible instead of reading). Highly recommend to people in Sales & Marketing, Customer Management, Business Owners.
The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels
Must read for people in HR, Operations and literally anyone who gets a promotion to new role or department or change the company. The book provides a very structured and systematic process and guide that can prevent failure in the new job/role and increase chances to succeed. All those methods and techniques have been supported and simplified with practical scenarios. Will be a great read and essential read for all doing job or managing business.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE
One of my favorite autobiography. Very honest and inspiring. Learn from the legend himself Mr. Phil Knight about the different stages and struggles in business and how to deal with it? If you love the NIKE brand and would like to see how it evolved as one of the loved brands in the world – you must read. If you also looking for a source of inspiration to start or run a business – you should read.
The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
As you can guess from the title, the book is all about dealing with the obstacles or problems in our life. You should read this book if you think your life is full with unexpected, uninvited and unknown obstacles and you don’t find a way to go through it and then this will certainly be a sort of motivation for you. The book tries to lift your spirit up to find a way to victory despite all the odds against you.
Finance Essentials for Entrepreneurs
A small but power-packed guide to understand few essentials financial terms, report, and terminology. As an entrepreneur, you can’t run away from Finance. Though you can hire and rely on the advice of qualified CPAs you still have to understand some essentials of the finance. If you don’t have a proper financial educational background or experience then this little guide will be perfect for your to be 101 with the business finance with small time investment. Highly recommended to all the seasonal entrepreneur and the new one.
Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
I was so curious to know about this man – Elon Musk. After, Steve Jobs, I am looking at Elon Musk. Serial entrepreneur who has started and managed a very Internet, Automobile, Energy and Space enterprise. Very hard-working and inspiring person himself. Read this book to learn all about Elon Musk as a person, his management and leadership style. You will surely enjoy learning about his persistence and passion, perception and perspective of people and problems around him.
Have a good reading!
