Here’s a brief list of books that I’ve recently read and recommend (in no particular order):

1. Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill (Marketplace Classic)

From Napolean Hill’s 20+ years of research into the characteristics of what launched people he studied into greatness and wealth, Hill developed 13 universal principles. They are meant to inspire any individual to a richer, fuller life. The true genius of his writing is the simple way in which he explains that wealth comes from seeing your goal in your mind and making it happen, no matter what. No doubt they didn’t just think it, though.  They also took action!

2. How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie (The Timeless Best Seller)

They say that this book is just as useful today as it was when it was first published, because Dale Carnegie had an understanding of human nature that will never be outdated. I agree wholeheartedly. He tells us that financial success is due 15% to professional knowledge and 85% to “the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people.” He teaches these skills through underlying principles of dealing with people so that they feel important and appreciated. He also emphasizes fundamental techniques for handling people without making them feel manipulated. A must read!

3. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Robert Cialdini, PH.D., National Best Seller

Described in detail (a chapter for each) Cialdini introduces us to the six principles of ethical persuasion: reciprocity, scarcity, liking, authority, social proof, and commitment/consistency. Cialdini looks at influence as a science as opposed to an art and you’ll see why in the book. Makes sense to me!

For marketers, this book is among the most important books written in the last ten years. (Journal of Marketing Research)

4. Brain Rules, John Medina – New York Times Best Seller

John Medina explains the 12 principles on how our brain works and how we can use them to our benefit. For instance, he talks about how our visual sense trumps all others. We are drawn to “eye candy.”  Many of his findings will be familiar to us with varying degrees, but he has such a wonderful writing style and he makes great suggestions on how to apply his principles. I highly recommend this book. Intriguing!

5. The Go Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea, Bob Burg and John David Mann

Rather than help Joe snag a fast sale, the consultant he goes to for help introduces him to series of “go-givers” who personify the “Five Laws of Stratospheric Success.” Over the course of five days, a restaurateur, a CEO, a financial advisor, a real-estate broker and the mysterious “Connector” teach Joe about the laws of value, compensation, influence, authenticity and receptivity-concepts that make more immediate sense in this fictional context than they would in a formal business book. Loved it!

6. The Creative Habit, by Twyla Tharpe

This deeply personal book is not a memoir but reveals much about Twyla’s own struggles, goals and achievements. The book is also a contemplation on the nature of creativity itself. In it she says one of my all time favorite quotes, “Creativity is not a gift. It’s a habit.” The book reflects her very personable tone and contains a gold mine of information for creative people in any field.

7. My Unfinished Business, Dan Kennedy

The contents of this book is a collection of “Autobiographical Essays” by Dan Kennedy. Frank Kern actually sent it out to his Mass Control Monthly subscribers a couple of months ago.  I didn’t think I’d like it, but I did. It’s organized into 8 sections and 81 chapters. They provide many insights into Dan’s personal and professional life that are enjoyable, fascinating, entertaining, in parts sad and, in my opinion, a little strange! He also openly talks about some of his personal and professional challenges, failures, times when he disappointed others, and regrets.

8. Predictably Irrational, Dan Ariely

I enjoyed this book a lot but it was at times a struggle to read.  It gets rather dry in some places, but contains a huge amount of information and details (stories) about how we are predictably irrational. I do recommend it. You’ll learn a lot that needs to be applied to your marketing.

“Dan Ariely is a genius at understanding human behavior: no economist does a better job of uncovering and explaining the hidden reasons for the weird ways we act, in the marketplace and out. Predictably Irrational will reshape the way you see the world, and yourself, for good.”
James Surowiecki, author of The Wisdom of Crowds

9. Life’s Golden Ticket, An Inspirational Novel by Brendon Burchard

In his first published book, Brendon narrates a fantasy trip through a strange mountain carnival that offers visitors a “golden ticket,” or second chance at transforming their lives. The price of admission is to agree to be open to possibility, face the truth and give up believing that change equals pain. He is guided through most of the story by his host into the park, Henry, who turns out to be a very wise man, of course. Interesting read.

10. Instant Wealth: Wake Up Rich! Chris Howard

This is an uplifting read and motivational. I bought it during Chris’ book launch, before it was actually available.  It says that once you identify your passion and endow it with purpose, you have a clearly defined vision and money is simply the natural reward. When you bring the value of passion and purpose to the marketplace, financial prosperity is the instant result. It’s like awakening to a new reality—not just for yourself, but for everyone who shares in your success. And make no mistake: sharing is a key element in the success of Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, and the other billionaire entrepreneurs Chris introduces in these pages.

Feel free to add to this list by leaving a comment below…  What have you read recently that you would recommend?