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I have been in the entrepreneur spirit since January 2011. During that time I have read 7 books from management to emotional stability. All these books have been great in inspiring me and giving me direction. Here is a little recap of these books and what I took from them. Please note; the one major lesson that I am learning during this experience is that it is not about just growing your business, it is about growing you. Emotionally, as a small business owner you go thru just the same amount of ups and downs that your business goes through. What I am finding no ones tells you about this part of the business experience, it is organic to say the least but not for the faint of heart. So entrepreneurs beware! On your shoulders actually does sit the negative you and the positive you and it gets crazy fast. On to my reading list…
(Disclaimer: All books were purchased on sale at Books A Million and Big Lots, remember your budget people)
1. Russell Simmons – Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success
This was a good book where I felt like he was more open and honest about the emotional journey you go through in the hustle game and staying to true to yourself. Not a lot of business resource advice, but definitely got my mojo going.
2. Glinda Bridgforth and Gail Perry-Mason – Girl, Make Your Money Grow!
This book is special to me, I had the pleasure of having dinner with the amazing Gail Perry Mason in Savannah, GA and she signed this book. There is a simple premise in this book, financial empowerment but with a minority voice for the tone of the book. I loved it, clear debt understanding the market and the next thing you know you are on Scott Trade. Not that simple but a great 101 Intro to securing your financial freedom.
3. Rhonda Byrne – The Secret
I read this book when it first came out. What works for me most in my journey is the practice of envisioning your dreams, staying focused and meditating.
4. Jeffery Gitomer – The Sales Bible
The Bible is The Bible; I will never replace that in my life. However, The Sales Bible is a great road map to selling yourself and your business. It is easy to read. It is written in more of a resource style that you can pick up and read a chapter to help you at that moment.
5. Kevin Phillips – Bad Money
Great read! Talks about the rise and fall of the American economic system 2006 – 2008. This gave me great perspective as a business owner in a global economy and shit does roll down hill.
6. Marcus Buckingham – GO Put Your Strengths To Work
Just like the title says it puts you to work on a series steps to achieve success. I am still a work in progress on this book because you have to keep working on it and remembering to do it.
7. Tyler Cowen – Discover Your Inner Economist
There is nothing wrong with thinking like an economist, economy =money hello? This book helped me understanding my motivations and potential consumers or business partners motivations and how you can motivate people to your way.
This is just the beginning of my reading journey. I plan on journaling this process which I think will help with the moments of doubt or concern. I recommend everyone start their own reading adventure in life, you never know what you might learn or the knowledge you might gain. I do not think one person has the one right answer for you. But through research and having a good perspective, I believe we all can find the answers we are look for.
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