Whether you need a book to read on your family vacation or you’re looking to fill some leisure hours after work, you need a good list of recommendations from which you can refer, over and over again. Here are 5 recommendations designed with the small business owner in mind:
Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition by Guy Kawasaki (Portfolio, 2008)
Guy Kawasaki is well known as an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, popular public speaker, and best-selling author. His newest book provides useful, humorous, and in-your-face advice about thriving in today’s market. This book will share (among many other things) the art of schmoozing, the top ten lies of entrepreneurs, and pointers for creating a community. If you’re interested in knowing how business really functions and how you can take advantage of that knowledge, Kawasaki’s book belongs on your nightstand.
The Illusions of Entrepreneurship: The Costly Myths that Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Policy Makers Live By by Scott Shane (Yale University Press, 2008)
Mark Hendricks, in his review of this book in “Entrepreneur Magazine,” explains, “Business scholar Scott Shane debunks popular theories with research-based answers to questions such as why people start businesses, which industries are most popular for startups and what are the most common characteristics of the typical entrepreneur.” This book, which garnered many such rave reviews, demonstrates just what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur.
The 7 Triggers to Yes: The New Science Behind Influencing People’s Decisions by Russell Granger (McGraw-Hill, 2007)
For those looking to hone their sales skills and use techniques designed to better secure clients, you might be interested in Granger’s book, which argues that logical strategies are not as persuasive as emotional ones. Using research in neuroscience, this book outlines a sales approach designed to help you take advantage of the brain’s 7 natural triggers for making decisions. Listed as number two on Small Biz Trends Best Small Business Book List, this book is certain to provide practical advice on applying a new and effective approach to sales and marketing.
Smart Networking: Attract a Following in Person and Online by Liz Lynch (McGraw-Hill, 2008)
If you need a timely book that will help you take advantage of the online social networking craze while fine-tuning your face-to-face skills, this just might be the book for you. Author Liz Lynch shares business strategies that will enable you to take advantage of opportunities in a wired world, launching your practice to new heights by making valuable connections, both online and in person.
Red to Black in 30 Days by Allen Bostrom (Universal Accounting Center, 2008)
The recession is hitting small businesses hard, and many are failing right and left; we hope yours is not one of them. Red to Black in 30 Days enables readers to learn the Universal Project Management Model that will enable them to save failing businesses. This book is a guideline for financial professionals who work with disheartened small business owners in need of a good turnaround plan.
Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process. Simple steps are outlined from initial contact through stabilization and profitable growth. This can be the guide through your first turnaround experience or it can enhance the management skills of even the seasoned contract accountant. You may find that in offering turnaround services your business (and those of your clients) will be the few that thrive in these difficult financial times. For the cost of this one book you can enhance your value to current and prospective clients. Order your copy now.
Resources
Danielson, Diane K. “Top Shelf Reading Picks: Book and Blog Reviews for Savvy Entrepreneurs.” Entrepreneur.com Blog Network
Taylor, Ivana. “Best Small Business Books.” 6 Jan. 2009 smallbiztrends.com
