Actually, the whole ‘top 6’ thing is just a trick to get you to open this article. I’ll admit it-I just want to get you reading here! There are more than 6 books that are relevant to me and my entrepreneur’s brain right now, so hopefully, you too will find some impact by adding them to your nightstand.
It almost seems like an anachronism to read actual books in 2019, but I’m sure glad to go against the grain if that’s true. I LOVE how books smell and how they feel in my hands. Nothing beats being able to dog-ear a corner or write notes in a margin. In fact, if you wonder why you can’t seem to retain information any longer, consider that perhaps you’d do well to read on paper instead of screens (those of us who are primarily kinesthetic learners do better OFF electronics!)
(If you’re not super familiar with the NLT, here’s a great article for you! CLICK HERE!)
Without further ado, here’s my personal list of the books that matter most right now (to me, anyway). Feel free to add your own favorites in the comments!
- Bluefishing by Steve Sims. Easily the best business book I’ve read in a long time. I found Steve when I heard his episode on my favorite* podcast, I Love Marketing (created by Dean Jackson and Joe Polish). I quickly developed an entrepreneur’s crush AND managed to help secure him as a keynote speaker for the CRS Sellabration event in February (you can still register at crs.com). I read it three times in a row without stopping, it’s that good. I finally felt like there might be someone out there in the world who would *get* me-and we ALL need that. *You know my second favorite podcast is my own, Crazy Shit In Real Estate.
- Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It’s a long book, yes, but it’s an important read in any time but particularly in today’s very weird political climate. Read it and think about how you can be a part of the solutions today and tomorrow – and also how you can help to create the next generation that can think critically.
- Start With Why by Simon Sinek. I have recommended this so many times that Mr. Sinek should probably pay me some royalties for selling books for him. Seriously, though, until REALTORS® and other salespeople realize WHY they are doing what they do for a living, they’ll continue being undermined by the internet and VC interlopers. It’s late for you to read this now but you have no choice! Read it!
- What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Vintage International), by Haruki Murakami. It’s not just for runners (although I imagine it’s a bit more poignant if you are!). I asked a question last year about whether it’s harder for you to get started or keep going or stop. As someone who struggles with that, this was a great read for thinking and making personal strides.
- Think Like a Freak by Steven Dubner. It’s probably a compliment to be a freak now, kind of like it’s a compliment to be a nerd or geek… completely opposite of what was meant by those monikers back when I grew up in the 80s! Seems that right now, though, I need to be thinking differently about a lot of things. It’s so easy to fall into a rut and let the days pass through your fingers like the sands of the hourglass (extra credit if your mind immediately went to Days of Our Lives), but that’s not the way to achieve goals that mean something and I need to MEAN something.
- Destiny and Power by Jon Meacham. The ultimate biography on President George H.W. Bush. I initially read this after hearing Mr. Meacham speak at a President’s Circle conference for RPAC, after sitting there in tears hearing about the greatness of this quietly great man. Of course, after President Bush’s passing, it was time to read it again. I realize that I’ve not done a fraction of what I can do in life and this is just overall inspiring about living better.
My original list from 2017 has many more sales books on it, and you can access that post here:
And frankly, I’d be silly not to ask you to check out my two books as well! You can get them HERE!
Hoping your 2019 will be filled with great moments, whether in your personal or professional life. I hope to be an encouragement to you as you are encouragers to others!