There is one common habit that most successful personalities possess. And that is learning through reading books. Of course, not just read, but to apply what is learned. Consume, learn and apply. That’s what the greats do throughout their lives.
Are we reading enough books? In the words of Franz Kafka, “A book must be the ax for the frozen sea within us.” Renowned novelist Jane Hamilton also said, “It is books that are the key to the wide world; if you can’t do anything else, read all that you can.”
In recognition of Read Across America Day, we would like to help raise awareness of the importance of reading and how it can lead to a better life. Here are three of our favorite books for business owners.
1. Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable (Seth Godin)
“In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is failing. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.” – Seth Godin
You may have heard of Seth Godin as a phenomenal marketer, but if you haven’t read his book, Purple Cow, you’ve missed a significant ingredient for your business. Seth Godin reveals the secrets of what makes a successful brand. It’s not just the efficiency or durability, but also being noticeable. It’s being a purple cow.
2. Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future (Peter Thiel)
“Doing what someone else already knows how to do takes the world from 1 to n, adding more of something familiar. But when you do something new, you go from 0 to 1.” – Peter Thiel
A New York Times bestseller, Zero to One provides mind-blowing insights that reinvent our old mental frameworks about starting a business, what to avoid, and when to move forward. Peter Thiel also offers his business philosophy, which is indeed powerful and interesting.
3. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey)
“To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.” – Stephen Covey
Being an entrepreneur also means cultivating self-growth. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic self-help guide that is one of the most effective personal development books ever written. Stephen Covey was phenomenal in providing insights and practical tips that everybody, not just entrepreneurs, can apply in life. A must read.
Other books to read are Good to Great by Jim Collins, Ignore Everybody by Hugh Macleod, and How to Make Your Money Last by Jane Bryant Quinn.
