Often times I get inquiries about the sources of my inspiration or where some of my marketing knowledge comes from. Apart from leaning by doing, I am a voracious reader and put down quite a few books a year. I decided to develop a list (complete with links to purchase) of great books to help you in your journey to do great things. I chose to list these books because they are general enough to apply to nearly any industry, business or freelance venture and important enough that they should be digested. Hope you enjoy! Should you have any other suggestions, please add in the comment section.

Books about Being an Entrepreneur and a Business Owner
The Art of Non-Conformity– Chris Guillebeau
Comments: Inspirational information on how to chart the course you want to live the life you desire whether it be in your personal and/or your professional side.

The Art of the Start – Guy Kawasaki
Comments: So you want to start something? Anything. This clever and well-written book can give you guidance on where to begin.

Enchantment – Guy Kawasaki
Comments: Another fantastic read from Kawasaki about developing and enriching the relationships you have with your clients.

Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose– Tony Hsieh
Comments: It doesn’t matter to me what type of business you are looking to do, you will not only enjoy reading this hilarious (and well written) book; but you will glean a lot of information from someone who took some fantastic chances in life and succeeded.

Books to help you in Marketing
Permission Marketing – Seth Godin
Comments: This book was written more than 10 years ago and it is still extraordinarily applicable. It is so easy to start blasting our pitches or marketing messages to people if we find their e-mail address or phone number. But how often do we stop to think about asking permission? This book addresses how to improve your marketing by gaining permission from your prospective clients. Perhaps my favorite of all of Godin’s bestsellers.

Word of Mouth Marketing– Andy Sernovitz
Comments: How to generate, orchestrate and amplify the buzz about your business. Lot of applicable ideas in this book.

Six Pixels of Separation – Mitch Joel
Comments: Easy to read book on connecting people to whatever it is that you choose to do (online and offline).

The Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell
Comments: Learn how a business, a virus, a fashion trend, or a lifestyle can become an epidemic. What causes it to reach the tipping point? Brilliant premise on how little things can create giant chance.

Books that go across lines and serve to help with you Creativity and Inspiration
Ignore Everybody And 39 Other Keys to Creativity – Hugh McLeod
Comments: Snarky and often offensive, this great read addresses how we are all creatives and what we can do to better tap into our creative side.

Evil Plans: Having Fun on the Road to World Domination – High McLeod
Comments: Another fun read from McLeod about setting your plans in motion to do whatever it is that you want to do.

Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite – Paul Arden
Comments: How to overcome common sense and achieve great things.

It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be – Paul Arden
Comments: How to change your perspective on what you do, before you can actually change what you do.

A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future – Daniel Pink
Comments: Doesn’t matter what you choose to do in your professional life. This book addresses why you must leverage (and how to use) the right side of your brain to be successful.

The Adventures of Johnny Bunko – Daniel Pink
Comments: A career guide in the format of a manga comic? Enough said.

Exploiting Chaos – Jeremy Gutsche
Comments: Couldn’t put this book down and read it cover to cover in a single afternoon. How to turn risky thinking into benefits for your business.

JP
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