Work Smarter: 5 Business Books You Should Read Right Now

Every entrepreneur has days when they don’t want to get anything done. It might be that you’re tired, stressed, or just plain overwhelmed. If that describes you, you’re not alone.

One of the best ways to overcome these emotions is to read a few pages of a book that you find motivational. Here are five books that won’t only inspire you, they’ll also help you work smarter, too…

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T Harv Eker

If you’ve ever wondered why one person is financially successful while the other struggles for years despite having similar business models, this book is for you. In it, the author tackles the biggest predictor of financial abundance—your mindset.

With a down-to-earth style, T Harv Eker explains the importance of preparing your mind for success and anticipating big business growth. If you’re tired of struggling and need a motivational book, reach for Secrets of theMillionaire Mind.

Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo

Communicating clearly is an important part of getting what you want from your life and your business. In Talk Like Ted, you’ll learn the secrets of public speaking from some of the world’s most inspirational minds.

This book will give you the tools to improve your public speaking and you’ll find the more confident you become with your speaking, the easier it is to embrace other forms of marketing like video streaming and podcasts. If you want to refine your communication skills, grab this book today.

Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Alter

Drunk Tank Pink is a fascinating read that discusses why humans behave in certain scenarios. This type of behavior analysis can be helpful for entrepreneurs as they make everyday decisions like what colors to use in their branding and what words will evoke the best response on their sales page.

Although the book references numerous scientific studies, it never slows down or gets dull. Instead, the author deftly explains the results of these experiments in terms that every layman can understand. If you’re curious about what drives customers’ behavior, this is the book you’ll want to read.

The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone

Setting your goals too low is a common cause of mediocrity. In The 10X Rule, Grant Cardone focuses on the importance of setting big goals and taking action toward them every single day.

His high-energy style and enthusiasm for business have inspired readers around the world. The author also touches on why some people succeed in business while others fail despite their efforts. If you’re looking to be challenged to dream bigger, this is the book you want on your nightstand.

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

If you’ve ever felt like something was holding you back from hitting the next level, then you need to check out The Big Leap. In it, Gay Hendricks discusses the four false beliefs that can hold you back and sabotage from success.

As you examine these beliefs and how they’re formed, you’ll discover how to overcome them so you can live in your zone of genius. Be prepared to dig deep into your mindset to uncover the hidden obstacles that are keeping you from the life and business you want.

Make it a habit to take time to read each day. Doing this regularly refreshes you and gives you inspiration to work smarter on your business.

5 Book Recommendations to Grow Your Business

Reading is one of the easiest ways to grow your business. That’s because reading can help you see a problem from a different perspective, approach a customer complaint with wisdom, and provide you with the insight you need to do something new. 

But picking a book to read is hard. There are thousands of books already out there and dozens are being published weekly. So what should you read next? How about trying one of these?  I recommend each one of them!

The Power of Moments by Dan & Chip Heath

In this gripping book, Dan and Chip Heath examine what makes some moments memorable while others seem to slip by entirely unnoticed. In the book, the authors describe the four elements that create a special moment—elevation, insight, pride, or connection.
You can use the insights from Dan and Chip to create special moments for your subscribers, clients, or customers. These moments can strengthen and deepen your business relationships in exciting, new ways.

Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed

Kristen Hadeed’s book on how to fail is not only laugh out loud funny, it’s also authentic and inspiring. In Permission to ScrewUp, Kristen recounts how she began her business and the mistakes she made along the way.

But Kristen doesn’t just share her journey. She goes on to explain the mistake she made and what she should have done instead. This book will encourage entrepreneurs who are floundering in their business and give them insights into how to course-correct.

Ask by Ryan Levesque

Some entrepreneurs waste months or even years trying to guess what their community wants from their business. But with Ask by Ryan Levesque, you’ll be armed with the information you need to get real answers that can transform your business.

Ryan breaks down how to create surveys that give you valuable data about your customers and shows you how to create customized sales funnels that turn visitors into raving fans.

The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan

The One Thing is a short and simple no-fluff guide. The idea behind it is that you can only focus on doing one thing well at a time. So, the authors recommend cutting out many modern-day distractions so you can get the work done that really matters.

But if you don’t know what those activities are, the book will help you sift through and identify the activities that will give you the biggest return on your time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your business, this book is the essential guide you need to get back to basics.

Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller

One of the biggest challenges for an entrepreneur is defining their brand so that customers can understand it. With Building a StoryBrand, you’ll discover how to clarify your brand and share it with your customers.

The author gives clear advice on how to share the message that you’ve been struggling to communicate. Plus, he devotes plenty of time to the seven story points that allow customers to truly connect with your brand. If you’re ready to level up your marketing, grab this book today.

Don’t put off learning from these fantastic authors. Pick one book and get started reading today!

Getting To Yes: Overcoming Network Marketing Objections

The anticipation is building!  I've come such a long way.  And now it's finally coming to fruition.  My book launch is just around the corner!

Whether you have been involved in network marketing for 10 days or 10 years, have earned $100 or $100,000, you all have something in common.  Just like me, you all have heard the dreaded network marketing objection.  Perhaps it was the "I don't have time" objection.  Or maybe it was the "Those things don't work" speech.  Or my personal favorite, "Network Marketing?  Isn't that illegal?"

Chances are you were also taught to overcome those objections the same way I was.  Simply overpower your prospect with what an amazing opportunity they are missing out on, how they will soon be richer than Midas with no effort, and how they will soon be able to quit their jobs and be laying on a beach somewhere, living a life of leisure.  And if that doesn't work, get them on yhe phone with someone in your upline so they can tell them the same thing. 

If you have been in this situation - and we all know you have - then you have discovered the same thing I did.  This doesn't work.  Even if you do manage to sign up your prospect, they are unlikely to go on to build a successful business of their own.  Why?  Because you never really addressed their objections.  Prospects who become recruits because of unrealistic promises or bullying are unlikely to stay or build a strong team of their own.  And if you ever want to build your business to the point that you don't have to be recruiting 24/7, then you need strong teams under you.

That's why I wrote this book.  Over the course of my 15+ years in the business, I discovered something.  Most of these objections aren't even real.  They are simply masks for an underlying fear.  Address the fear and the objection vanishes.  Now you have a willing recruit, ready to get to work to create a new lifestyle for herself and her family.

So here's the deal.  You can continue prospecting as you have been.  You might get lucky and even get one or two recruits that stick around and build something.  But once you've gone through all of your friends and family and those recruits you did have quit and start badmouthing you and your business because they didn't make any money, what are you going to do? 

If you want a better way, you can start on the right foot with your prospects and help them understand and truly overcome the fear that keeps them captive in their current situation.  Yes, it requires that you really understand the industry and your company BEFORE you start prospecting.  And you will have to actually spend time with prospects.  The days of sitting them in front of a video, then pushing for that "yes" before letting your upline have a shot at them are gone forever.  But you will be rewarded with a team that trusts you, understands what they are getting into, and are ready and willing to get to work.  And that can make all of the difference in your business.

I will be releasing "Getting To /Yes" in the next few weeks.  I'd like to be sure you get your copy and some really cool bonuses with it.  Simply click here and complete the form at the bottom of the page.  I'll keep you updated on when the book is released and where you can get it.  And I'll tell you all about those bonuses. 

Remember - the only way to fail at network marketing is to QUIT!  

Get Caught Reading Books to Grow Your Business

Every May, I celebrate Get Caught Reading Month by sharing some of the best new business books that I have read recently.  And this May is no exception.  There were several books written this year that need to be part of every booming-preneurs reference library.  If they aren't yet part of yours, I have only one question for you.  Why not?

Let's start the list with yet another winner by the ever-amazing Felicia Slattery. #1 on this year's list is "Kill The Elevator Speech."  I know what you're thinking.  You've spent countless hours perfecting your elevator speech.  Isn't that what all the business experts tell you to do?  And now someone is telling you to throw it all away?  Yes!  And when you read Felicia's book, you'll understand why the elevator speed needs to go the way of the dinosaurs.  Because it just isn't made for today's business environment.  Follow Felicia's advice instead and start really connecting with your prospects.

If you follow me on any of the social media sites, then you will often see me exchanging banter with a wild-haired fellow who is often in the company of rather large poodles.  Well don't let the silliness deceive you.  Beneath all that lurks the mind of a business genius.  And he has written book #2 on my list - "Trust Funnel:  Leverage Today's Online Currency to Grab Attention, Drive and Convert Traffic, and Live a Fabulous Wealthy Life" by Brian G. Johnson (aka The Poodle Wrangler).  Every business person has heard that people do business with those they know, like, and trust.  Getting to know someone is relatively simple.  It isn't even hard most of the time to get them to like you.  The tricky part is getting them to trust you.  Brian will show you how to do that and how to create your own "trust funnel". 

Two years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Debra Jason and I was instantly impressed with her knowledge, spirit, and eagerness to share.  So when she published her book, "Millionaire Marketing on a Shoestring Budget: How to Attract a Steady Stream of Happy Clients, Make More Money and Live Your Dream," I knew it would be a winner.  And I was right!  I wish I had this book when I was starting out because it tells you exactly what you need to do to successfully market your business.  The exercises at the end of each chapter will help you put your business on the right track.  All you have to do is follow them.  Does that mean experienced marketers don't need it?  Absolutely not!  Debra can teach you a few things too.

Product launches.  Everybody does them.  But not everybody does them well.  If you are getting ready to launch your new business, or a product or book, then you want it to be successful.  Read Jeff Walker's book, "Launch: An Internet Millionaire's Secret Formula To Sell Almost Anything Online, Build A Business You Love, And Live The Life Of Your Dreams" to learn how to make it more than just successful.  Follow his advice and you'll be off-the-charts, out-of-this-world successful!

What recommended reading list would be complete without a book by Joel Comm?  This year's recommendation is the newly updated "Twitter Power 3.0."  Using Twitter for business is a skill.  And Joel teaches it like only he can.  If your tweets consist mostly of links to your blog posts with the occasional retweet thrown in, you're doing it wrong.  Let Joel show you the right way.  Whether you are a Twitter novice or an old-timer with a large following, there is something in this book for you.

Now - get caught reading!

AdSense and Social Poetry

Winter has finally come to Northwest Arkansas.  Which means I've been spending a lot of time curled up with a cup of tea and a good book.  Coincidentally, two of my recent favorites have been written by the same man - bestselling author, Joel Comm.

Several years ago, I read a book called the AdSense Code, written by Joel Comm.  I immediately put AdSense ads on all of my sites.  And I was so excited when I received my first check from Google!  Granted, it was only for $100.  But it was official!  I was making money online!  I was now a real internet marketer.  Unfortunately, I was in such a hurry to make money, that I did not actually implement everything in the book the way Joel explained it.  As a result, I'm sure now that I left money on the table.  So when I heard that Joel had written another AdSense book, I knew I had to have it.  And I was not disappointed!

AdSense Secrets 6.0 explains everything you ever wanted to know about Google AdSense.  This is not just an update of Joel's previous books on AdSense.  It is a complete AdSense how-to guide.  It starts with the very first step to making money online, building a website.  I already have several websites, so I almost skipped this chapter.  I'm glad I didn't! 

Once you have your site built, Joel goes on to explain everything else you need to know - things like how to optimize your ads, how placement affects your results, how to understand Google Analytics, the value of content, using AdSense on mobile devices and how to create a content hub.  There's a chapter on troubleshooting, if you use all his suggestions and don't get the results you expected.  He even provides several case studies from others who are successfully using AdSense.

I can't wait to go through this book again.  This time I'm going to do it right.  I'm starting with Chapter 1 and implementing every tip, suggestion, and piece of advice Joel has to offer.  I can't wait to see what that does to my next check from Google!

Joel's other book is a bit different.  I've been following Joel on various social media platforms for years.  And one of the things I look forward to are his photoquotes.  Joel uses photoquotes to share some of his best tips, his most profound thoughts - and his best jokes.  His book, Social Poetry, is a collection of some of his best.

Now I know what you're thinking.  Why would I be recommending a book of photoquotes?  Because I love Joel's photoquotes.  I see every day how he uses them to engage with people and build relationships.  And that is what social media is all about.

I've heard some say they were disappointed that Social Poetry wasn't more of a how-to book.  That was not its purpose.  That was not the purpose of this book. The intent of this book is to illustrate the power of photoquotes to capture the hearts and minds of your followers. But for those of you who desperately need that information, Joel does list the app he uses, as well as a similar app for Android, in the back of the book. So if you really need to know how to do this, download the apps. Meanwhile, I loved seeing some of my faves as well as some new photos and hearing the inspiration behind them. I am now inspired to create my own photoquotes, thanks to this book.

For once, I'm grateful for the last few cold and snowy days.  It gave me a chance to read two awesome books by one amazing man.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go optimize a few AdSense ads, find some cool photos for photoquotes, and start making more money!

What's On Your Reading List?

As a boomerpreneur, you know that reading is important.  And I'm sure you have made a resolution to read more this year.  Of course, actually reading is tougher than resolving to do so.  Use this problem-solving guide to help you on your way to keeping that resolution:

If you think you don't need to read: The average adult reads fewer than two books a year.  If you read a book a month, you are automatically in the top 5% of the population when it comes to educating yourself.  Reading informational, educational, or inspirational books is one of the easiest, least expensive ways to give yourself a competitive edge.

If you think you don't have time to read: No free time to crack open a book?  I have one word for you: AUDIO.  Books on CD, books on tape, books downloaded from places like audible.com, podcasts... you have lots of choices for listening to books.  Borrow a few from the library, download a book from the Internet, and load up your MP3 player.  Listen away while you're mowing the lawn, exercising, watching the kids' soccer practice, or driving around town.

If you don't know what to read: If you don't know where to start, choose one area you'd like to improve upon, whether it's public speaking, networking, technical skills, or time management.  Then head over to Amazon.com and look at top-sellers in that field, or put out a call for suggestions on your Twitter stream, Facebook page, or blog.  Pick one and go.  What are some of my recommendations?  Check out my list of books you should read!

If you forget what you read: Even the most dedicated readers can burn through books, then move on the next, only to forget what you read in the first volume.  While knowledge is great for knowledge's sake, it really only becomes wisdom when you put it to use.  By reflecting on what you read and choosing one or two lessons to implement in your own life, you will convert your knowledge to wisdom and improve your business.  Think about joining a business book club where you read a business-related book a month or quarter, and discuss what you're learning.  That will also help the lessons sink in.

There's a famous quote that says that a year from now, you'll be exactly the same as you are now, except for the people you meet and the books you read.  Start now on your path to a bigger and better you.

 

What are some of your recommendations for a great read this year? 

Books You Should Read

Today is World Book Day! To celebrate, here's my list of the must-read business books! How many of them are on your bookshelf??

Basic Business Books:?

The Impact Factor (Ken McArthur) -Ken's book is loaded with advice on how to get your message heard. Step-by-step plans, lists, and bullet points are provided to help you put his advice into action. He illustrates everything with personal examples from his own experience and the experiences of others. A must read for anyone trying to stand out in the online business crowd.

Conversations with Millionaires (Mike Litman) - The first business book I ever read. It is filled with secrets from successful millionaires that will help you skip lots of struggle and wasted time and help you get started making money.

The E-Myth (Michael Gerber) - Just because you have a skill or knowledge or a great business idea, doesn't mean it will be a success. If your business is totally dependent on you being there to make money, it's not much better than a normal job. This book will show you how to turn your business into a system, like Starbucks or McDonalds, which anyone can run.

Take Action! Revise Later: A Simple Guide to Success in Business (Bob Jenkins) - I bought this only because I met Bob at a jvAlert event. I saw the book and since I learned quite a bit from him at the event, decided it might be a worthwhile read. And it was. Not only did he show me I didn't have to get it exactly right the first time because I could always change it later, it is filled with tips to help you take the action necessary to get your business going. I even have TARL posted on the wall in my office as a reminder to Take Action! Revise Later.

Marketing Books:

Guerilla Marketing (Jay Abraham) - My business bible-every small-business owner should have it on their bookshelf.

Duct Tape Marketing (John Jantsch) - Practical advice on creating a marketing system that won't cost you a fortune to implement.

Testosterone Free Marketing (Denise Michaels) - One of the best business books I have ever read. If you have ever dreaded having to get out there and ask for the sale, this is the book for you.

It's Not About You, It's About Bacon: Relationship Marketing in a Social Media World (Brian Basilico) - If you are looking for a “How-to” social networking book, then this is not for you. This is a “Why-to” book. If you have been overwhelmed and confused by all the conflicting examples and theories about why social networking works for some and not for others, this book will be an eye-opening breath of fresh air.

31 Days to Millionaire Marketing Miracles (Tracy Repchuk) - I love books that give tell you why and how something works. I also love books that give you definite steps to follow to make that something work for you. This book does both!

PR:

How to Get On The News Without Committing Murder (Beverly Mahone) -This book is simply brilliant. Bev tells you exactly what you need to know and shares her personal secrets on getting media attention. With all of the information she provides, she makes it easy to gain the publicity you need to shine the spotlight on yourself and your business.

Customer Service:

The Celebrity Experience (Donna Cutting) - Customer service should be a red carpet experience. At least that's what author Donna Cutting believes.

Absolute Must Reads:

21 Ways to Make Money Speaking (Felicia Slattery) - No matter what business you start, you can expand it and promote it through public speaking. And Felicia will show you 21 different ways to do it!

The Money Book for Freelancers, Part-Timers, and the Self-Employed: The Only Personal Finance System for People with Not-So-Regular Jobs (Joseph D’Agnese and Denise Kiernan) - The title says it all. If you are self-employed, you need to read this book!

The AdSense Code: What Google Never Told You About Making Money With AdSense (Joel Comm) - Google AdSense was one of the first ways I tried to make money online. Emphasis on the "tried." Because I failed miserably. Then I heard about this book. Now, while I'm not in the ranks of the six-figure earners - yet - Google does pay me regularly. This book will show you how you can do it to!

Do you have a book to add to the list? Please share!

How Do You Like Your Bacon?

I enjoy my bacon in a couple of different forms. When I want full bacon flavor, I go for strips of bacon. And when I want to highlight the flavor of what else I'm eating I use bacon bits. So it is with Brian Basilico's books. When I want to dig deep into his knowledge and get the full experience, I reach for his book, "It's Not About You, It's About Bacon" with it's new companion workbook. And when I just want a taste, a tidbit to satisfy an immediate craving, I reach for his new book, "It's Not About You, It's About Bacon Bits."

In my earlier review of his first book, "It's Not About You, It's About Bacon," I stated it was page after page of information. It explains all of the "WHYS" of Social Media and Relationship Marketing. But if you're new to this concept, the book can be a bit daunting. The solution? Brian's new companion Workbook and Guide. It's the perfect tool to help you get as much out of Brian's book as possible.

Just as in the original book, each chapter starts with a list of points to take home. Called "Bacon-izms," these are the important ideas in each chapter. Things like "Social Networking is about the message, not the tools." And "Give the people YOU want what THEY want from your website." Or "Social networking is a process, not an advertisement." All important points. But what do you do with them? How do you incorporate them into your business? That's where the workbook is so helpful. We know that social networking is about the message, not tools." We just learned that from Brian. But the workbook goes on to explain that the key concept here is focusing your message. So as we read the chapter, we now know what we are trying to learn - how to focus our message. And as you go through the chapter, the workbook provides you a place to jot down notes from your reading. complete with the page number, so you don't have to try and remember everything you read or mark up your book with underlines and highlighter.

After you have read your latest chapter and taken note of what's important to you, Brian helps you apply what you have learned. The next section of the workbook contains questions designed to help you think about these concepts and apply them to your business. How do your messages get your audience to KNOW you? How do they get those who know you to LIKE you? How do they get those who know you and like you to TRUST you? And again, there is space to write down your thoughts and ideas as they come to you so you don't lose them. And once you have gathered every piece of information from Brian that you possibly can, there is a place to create an action plan or to-do list to ensure you put it to use. After all, all the information in the world is pointless if you don't use it!

"It's Not About You, It's About Bacon" really is 276 pages of solid information. Add the companion workbook, and it's a full-blown course in relationship marketing. But if you prefer your bacon - and your information - in smaller bites, then "Bacon Bits' may be more suited to your taste. "It's Not About You, It's About Bacon Bits" contains 101 relationship marketing tips. Things you really need to know and can use. Find your niche. Kill the elevator speech. Set reminders. All great tips if you want to succeed. But as usual, Brian takes it one step further. Instead of just listing 101 tips, he tells you how to do it. Kill the elevator speech. Great! But what do you say instead? Brian tell you. Do you frequently forget your business cards? Brian tells you how to solve that problem. Speaking at a networking event and want to take a giveaway? Brian has a suggestion for the perfect item!

Whether you like your information in-depth or in bite-sized bits, Brian Basilico has just what you need. If you are like me and like it both ways, depending on your mood, then these three books are the perfect combination to learn about, and more importantly, learn how to use, relationship marketing. "It's Not About You, It's About Bacon" gives you the information you need to lay the foundation. The companion workbook and guide shows you how to use what you have learned. "It's Not About You, It's About Bacon Bits" provides the tips and ideas you need to take it over the edge. I have all three books in my resource library and I refer to them often. You should also!

31 Days to MillIonaire Marketing Miracles

I am a certified bookworm.  I would almost rather read than eat or sleep.  In fact I have sometimes chosen to do just that.  That's why I love being part of the jvAlert family.  Whenever a "member of the family" publishes a new book, the rest of us are often the first to hear about it!

That is exactly what happened when Tracy Repchuk published her book, "31 Days to Millionaire Marketing Miracles."  And of course, since Tracy is "family", I hurried right over to buy my copy.  I am so glad I did!

If you're like me then some of this Internet marketing stuff is still a mystery.  We've read all the books that tell you what to do and why to do it.  But there are many that tell you HOW to do it. 

Tracy covers every aspect of Internet marketing.  From something as simple as your email signature (mine needs an overhaul) to article marketing to product creation to PPC, Adwords, and Facebook - Tracy covers each one in depth.  But the best part is that she means it when she says 31 days!  And so she leads you by the hand, step-by-step, telling you what you need to do each and every day. 

Each chapter is devoted to a particular step in the process.  Chapter 2, for example, tells you how to prepare by finding your market and creating your brand.  In Chapter 4, you learn how to create products, set up a sales page, and perhaps even start an affiliate program.  Then at end of each chapter is your Action Plan.  Steps to take to move to the next level.  Things like create your Facebook page.  Join an affiliate program.  Set up a sales page. 

Many books I have read do something similar.  What makes Tracy's book different is what comes inside those chapters.  For example when your Action Plan says create your Facebook page, she doesn't just leave you there.  She tells you exactly how to do it - even what to use as the name for your page.  She even describes the difference between a personal page and a business fan page - and why you want to have both. 

I absolutely love this book.  I think I might finally understand Internet marketing!  Day 1 and counting.  See you in 31 days!

Book Smarts

Not all business and marketing books are created equal.  Some are much better than others!  You can learn a great deal from the right book.  The wrong one can cause you to make some huge mistakes.

I read some amazing books last year.  Each one helped me improve my business in some way.  I highly recommend them to anyone seeking to gain some "book smarts" about the business world!

1.  The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red Carpet Customer Service - Donna Cutting:  Although this book is a few years old, it is still relevant.  Good customer service will always be a key to growing your business.  The stories Donna tells really illustrate how any business can give red carpet customer service.

2.  21 Ways to Make Money Speaking - Felicia Slattery:  I've been speaking publicly in some form for many years and yet even I found some ideas I had never thought of.  If you want to make public speaking part of your business, then you need to buy this book. 

3.  How to Get on the News without Committing Murder - Beverly Mahone:  Bev is a PR genius.  If you want to stand out from your competitors, this book will show you how to use the media to get noticed.

4.  Facebook Marketing All-in-One For Dummies - Amy Porterfield, Phyllis Khare, and Andrea Vahl:  Everything you need to know to succeed in marketing on Facebook.  

5.   $ell More eBook$: How to increase sales and Amazon rankings using Kindle Direct Publishing - Laura Dobbins and Lucinda Sue Crosby:  If you sell ebooks, you should read this book.  All the information you need on how to market your books online and how to successfully use KDP to increase your book sales.

6.  Book Yourself Solid: The Fastest, Easiest, and Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even if You Hate Marketing and Selling - Michael Port:  Full of advice and hands-on exercises that will help you fill your business with leads and then turn those leads into long-term clients.

7. Likeable Social Media: How to Delight Your Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (And Other Social Networks) - Dave Kerpen:  There's a right way and a wrong way to use social media.  This book will teach you how to do it right. 

8.  Red Fire Branding: Creating a Hot Personal Brand so that Customers Choose You! - Liz Goodgold:  Your brand is more than your logo or your tagline.  It's your overall image.  This book will help you create a red hot brand for your business. 

9.  It's Not About You, It's About Bacon: Relationship Marketing in a Social Media World - Brian Basilico:   It's Not About You, It's About Bacon explains networking in all its forms. Not just social media. Face-to-face networking. Blogging. Websites. But don't worry all of you Facebook fanatics and Twitter addicts. Brian devotes entire chapters to each of these, as well as LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest. And yes, he even tells you why-to (and how-to) use YouTube.

Read a Book Day - These are my Faves!

Today is Read a Book Day.  It's a day to curl up in a comfy chair with a nice cup of tea, pick up that book you've been meaning to start, and spend the day - or at least a few hours - relaxing, learning something new, or just being entertained by a good book.

If you are looking for some good reads to help you with your business, here are my top ten favorites.  These are in any particular order (other than the order they appear on my bookshelf!)

1.  The Impact Factor (Ken McArthur) - Ken's book is loaded with advice on how to get your message heard. Step-by-step plans, lists, and bullet points are provided to help you put his advice into action. He illustrates everything with personal examples from his own experience and the experiences of others.  A must read for anyone trying to stand out in the online business crowd.

2.  Testosterone Free Marketing (Denise Michaels) -  One of the best business books I have ever read.  If you have ever dreaded having to get out there and ask for the sale, this is the book for you.

3.  Guerilla Marketing (Jay Abraham) - My business bible-every small-business owner should have it on their bookshelf.

4.  Conversatons with Millionaires (Mike Litman) - The first business book I ever read.  It is filled with secrets from successful millionaires that will help you skip lots of struggle and wasted time and help you get started making money.

5.  Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki) - I didn't read this until I heard Robert Kiyosaki support network marketing as a viable business model.  Since that's how I got my start, I had to read this book at that point.  So glad I did.  It taught me a lot of things I didn't know (like my house is not an asset!). 

6.  Multiple Streams of Income (Robert Allen) - Creating more sources of income.  What a concept!

7.  The E-Myth (Michael Gerber) - Just because you have a skill or knowledge or a great business idea, doesn't mean it will be a success.  If your business is totally dependent on you being there to make money, it's not much better than a normal job.  This book will show you how to turn your business into a system, like Starbucks or McDonalds, that anyone can run.

8.  Duct Tape Marketing (John Jantsch) - Practical advice on creating a marketing system that won't cost you a fortune to implement.

9.  UnMarketing: Stop Marketing. Start Engaging (Scott Stratten) -  I admit it.  The only reason I read this book the first time is because I follow Scott on Twitter.  When I saw his book on Amazon, I figured what the heck.  Let's see what he wrote.  Now it is one of my all time favorites.  Why?  Because he told me I could stop all of the traditional marketing techniques I so hated (cold calling, putting up flyers, posting hundreds of ads), and taught me that it's actually all about connecting and building relationships with my customers.  Thank you!

10. Take Action! Revise Later: A Simple Guide to Success in Business (Bob Jenkins) - Ditto.  I bought this only because I met Bob at a jvAlert event.  So once again I saw the book and since I learned quite a bit from him at the event, decided it might be a worthwhile read.  And it was.  Not only did he show me I didn't have to get it exactly right the first time because I could always change it later,  it is filled with tips to help you take the action necessary to get your business going.  I even have TARL posted on the wall in my office as a reminder to Take Action! Revise Later.

Do you have a favorite business book?  I need something new to read for Read a Book Day.