To become a recognized expert in any subject, a professional has to stay on top of the latest developments in their area of expertise. For this reason, I am constantly reading books, motivational articles, reviewing research studies, and scanning papers on leadership, employee motivation, and work environment.
The following business strategy books are very supportive of the concepts that I speak about in my professional activities, and I am pleased to recommend them to you. Also, check out these recommended titles on leadership and personal effectiveness and success!
I am interested in continuing to enhance and share this list with others. If you have a recommendation for a motivational book or book about building loyalty that you feel belongs on this list, please send me the information!
* For more information on a book, hover over or click on the book image.
The E-Myth Revisited Michael Gerber
This is a business classic. Gerber outlines the difference between working for yourself and building a business model that will stand the test of time. In particular, his focus on building consistent systems to handle recurring business processes has had a dramatic positive effect on our business and those of many of our clients.
E-Myth Mastery Michael Gerber
In this book, Gerber takes E-myth to the next level. E-myth Mastery delves deeply into just how to go about mapping out and establishing business systems in every step of the value chain. This is essentially a detailed workbook to get you through every aspect of your business.
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference Malcolm Gladwell
The tipping point examines how some ideas (business or otherwise) behave like an outbreak of a virus. The author talks about how to connect an idea with a group of influencers and how to leverage this into a viral outbreak of your product, service, or idea. More of a conceptual book, The Tipping Point is an interesting read and will get you thinking.
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t Jim Collins
Another classic business book. Collins presents the case of 11 companies who turned around sub-par performance and transitioned into greatness. The book focuses closely on the type of leadership required to make this transition happen, key strategies for getting the right people in the right roles, creating a strategic focus on what people are passionate about, and leveraging discipline and technology to get the job done.
Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies Jim Collins and Jerry Porras
This book focuses on research that the authors conducted on companies that have stood the test of time – over many years, product lifecycles and multiple leaders. It includes ideas about making business about more than profits, encouraging process without losing your core values, committing to continuous improvement, and the importance of vision.
Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used Peter Block
A colleague recommended this book to me when I started my business, and I recommend it to anyone who intends to work as an independent professional or wants to build a knowledge-based business.
