When the word ‘business’ is thrown around, you may roll your eyes from the impending boredom. However, business is actually a really broad subject, and books about business come in many forms — even some entertaining ones!
To start, there are success stories and how-to books. Then there are also self-help books and personal journey stories that you can relate to on a work or business level. Just because the word business makes us think of finances and the difference between calendar and fiscal years, doesn’t mean that’s all there is to it. Business is everywhere, folks, and here are 8 books to help you, your business, and your perception of business in general, grow and develop.
1. Pre-suasion: A Revolutionary Way To Influence And Persuade by Robert Cialdini
Sales and Marketing are the backbone to any successful business. If you don’t get your name out there, no one will know what you offer. Caildini wrote this 2016 Best Sales and Marketing Book, and New York Times Bestseller, to help others learn the power of what he calls “pre-suading.” His clever take on persuasion is about setting the pace for your intended audience. We could all learn a thing or two from this persuasive read!
Source: Amazon
2. All About Them: Grow Your Business By Focusing On Others by Bruce Turkel
The concept of this well-written business book by Bruce Turkel is quite simple, and yet it can determine the failure or success of just about every business in the world. All About Them focues on the concept of directing all your business energy towards the customer — taking “the customer is always right” one step further! With stories and anecdotes, this is one business book that won’t leave you bored to tears.
Source: Amazon
3. What Works: Gender Equality By Design by Iris Bohnet
It’s 2016 people, and What Works is here to guide you to an equal workplace. Iris Bohnet writes of research based advice on how to run a business—from hiring, to management—without bias. It’s about time everyone gets on board with gender equality in the workplace!
Source: Amazon
4. Gift-ology by John Ruhlin
This book can make a boss stand out, or a co-worker get serious brownie points. Gift-giving is a great way to boost many things in the workplace, but as John Ruhlin warns in this smart read, gifts with strings attached can backfire. Luckily, he explains how to give right, and gain tons of workplace happiness in return!
5. Stand Out by Dorie Clark
Entrepreneurs unite – this book is totally for you. If you have ideas, and lots of them, chances are you need honing. Dorie Clark’s book, Stand Out, is the answer. Just as the title suggests, this book was made to help you pick an idea that’s truly unique to you, and launch it into the world. If you ever get the chance, go see Dorie speak — you will thank me!
Source: Amazon
6. Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it forever, marketing is so important to any successful business. Jonah Berger writes about a form of marketing that we often take for granted. Forget advertising, and think word of mouth. Chances are pretty high that you have bought something specific because your friend told you how great it was. That is the secret: spreading the word actually sells (move over, sex).
Source: Amazon
7. How To Wow: 68 Effortless Ways To Make Every Customer Experience Amazing by Adrian Swinscoe
Customer experience weighs heavily on many businesses. In a world where we can leave reviews about anything, all over the internet, it’s important to keep your customers happy. Having a good overall experience is part of that intention. This book has so many ideas that you are bound to take away something positive from it.
Source: Amazon
8. The Confidence Game: Why We Fall For It… Every Time by Maria Konnikova
Konnikova dives head first into the psychology behind cons, and why we fall for them. This may seem like an odd book to add to a business list, but let me assure you it isn’t. The world has its share of con artists and scams, and to know a little more about how they do their thing – and why we easily fall for it — will only give you a leg-up in the workplace, and society as a whole.
Bonus: This book is a great brain workout too!
Source: Amazon
From helping you get that innovative idea off the ground, to customer service tips and tricks, and ways to keep your workplace happy and equal, this group of 2016 business boosting books is truly the cream of the crop. Do you have any titles you would add to the list?
YouTube Channel: Ameer Rosic
Featured image via Business Insider
h/t Forbes
