what is one of the best resolutions you can make for the new year? to read more yes… I know you’re busy enough already, but even adding just *15 minutes of reading a day can help you :
- reduce stress
- slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and possibly prevent it
- expand your vocabulary and improve your writing skills
- increase your knowledge
- improve your memory
- strengthen analytical thinking skills
- improve focus and concentration
- encourage creativity, imagination and new ideas
To help you create a 2015 reading list filled with the most inspiring, educational, and valuable books out there, I spoke with 12 entrepreneurs and business professionals to get their recommendations on what absolutely must read in the new year.
You are reading: Life changing books 2015
and whether you hit 12 (a very good goal) or even just a couple, know that with every word you read, you’re improving yourself, your mind, and your business, and that’s a resolution of a year you can be incredibly proud.
check out the 12 best books to read in 2015 below:
1. the four agreements, don miguel ruiz
joey wilhelm, scott’s market vice president of technology, says, “the best way i can describe this book is that it contains four agreements to make with yourself on how to live your life so it sucks less.” These four simple things in mind every day have improved every aspect of my life, both personally and professionally, and I find new ways to apply them daily. I can truly say that I would not be who I am. today, and in the position I find myself in, without the guidance provided in this book.”
2. how to win friends and influence people, dale carnegie
michael maguire, director of michael maguire consulting, believes the teachings in this book are timeless and beneficial to all small business owners. he says, “I know old school, but no less valuable in terms of easy and effective management of customers, vendors, and staff.”“
3. dataclysm: who we are (when we think no one is watching), christian helm
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daniel leeman, entrepreneur, recommends this book, written by the founder of okcupid, because “it shares fascinating insights into the human condition, gleaned from the millions of users of the okcupid dating website. equally important is its focus on the big data , and I think it paints an exciting picture for the future of small businesses to turn aggregate data into meaningful stories.”
4. reworking, jason fried and david heinemeier hansson
Since long books can often seem overwhelming to business owners with busy schedules, Matt Simpson, a sales and marketing consultant, recommends Back to Work, which he says is more of a daily meditation book for entrepreneurs. “Provokes enough thought to push buttons without overwhelming an already overloaded mind. Read a passage each morning and spend five minutes reflecting. Perhaps, like me, you’ll feel inspired, too.”
5. act like a leader, think like a leader, herminia ibarra
Cindy Boynton, VP of Operations at Scott’s Market, notes: “The saying goes ‘think first, act later,’ but this book challenges you to do the opposite: act first, think later. Learn from your experiences and your environment is a great way to learn about you and your business as a small business owner, you’re more likely to think first because there’s a lot to consider before you act take advantage of the opportunity by reading this book and challenge your leadership style as you build your small business.”
6. simple numbers, straight talk, big wins, greg crabtree
As an entrepreneur and CEO of web design company, Crosshatch Creative, John Durso highly recommends simple numbers, straight talk, and big perks to new entrepreneurs. he says, “the author is a CPA and a business owner, and the book makes business finance and the effect of his decisions on his business very, very clear. I would give anything to have read this two years ago years beginning .”
7. the four steps to epiphany, steve blank
“This is probably the most influential book I’ve ever read in terms of its relevance to starting a technology company,” says Scott Curry, founder of Scott’s Market. “The customer development process is something I fully support and highly recommend. You have to build a business on what your customers need, not what you think they want.”
8. the grammar devotional: daily tips for writing success, mignon fogarty
This book’s recommendation comes from me (shannon willoby) and the reason I like it is that it refreshes you on grammar basics you may have forgotten and elevates your knowledge by teaching you tidbits interesting that you probably didn’t even know. I’ve learned so much and I love that it’s broken down into daily tips, which makes it more manageable as it’s designed so you can read a little every day.
9. The Electronic Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Fail and What to Do About It, Michael E. gerbera
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walter lim, founder of cooler insights and chief content strategist at hashmeta, said this is one of the few books that has resonated with him and he highly recommends it. “The key points of the book are beautifully presented in the form of a captivating narrative involving the author and a small business owner named sarah. I was taken on a delightful entrepreneurial journey as I learned the techniques necessary to build a better business.”
10. strength finder 2.0, tom rath
“This is by far the most influential book I’ve ever read as a small business owner,” says katy blevins, co-owner of the hampton road studio. “I find myself coming back to it again and again. Understanding my unique talents and areas of strength has made me a more effective and focused leader. Bringing this book into my business partnership has allowed us to explore the best ways to apply our individual skill sets to complement our business relationship, communicate more honestly and effectively, and enhance our organizational management. This book gave us the perspective and direction to maximize our ability to serve our clients with excellence, and ultimately ultimately grow our business together.”
11. ogilvy in advertising, david ogilvy
brian lafrance, how at authority labs, says: “ogilvy on advertising is probably one of the most important books anyone in business can read. which is from the days of print advertising, but the ideas and principles of the book still apply to any type of advertising or website today.Good/excellent advertising can make a big difference to any business and bad advertising can do more harm than not boost sales.”
12. getting real, jason fried, david heinemeier hansson and matthew linderman
“In business, it’s easy to try to do too much,” says brian poole, full developer at bx3 interactive, a web development company. “Making It Happen” inspires you to focus your efforts on creating products that are simple, useful, and successful. The book is written for web application developers and project managers, but its principles can be applied to almost any process you your business can face.”
Which of these books will you read in 2015?
*sources: current psychology, entrepreneur, help guide
shannon willoby is the director of content marketing for scott’s marketplace and has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. (or crayon). when she’s not blogging, you can find her daydreaming that she’s khaleesi from game of thrones.
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