Business Book Gift Guide

Hi Annie. Nice site. Good use of tools, language, and technique. Really...

Those other people are right...definitely read E-Myth if you haven't already (don't wait 20 years to understand this concept like I did) - and Tipping Point, and Radical Leap - all good books. Make sure you check out "Life's Greatest Lessons" by Hal Urban. It's a keeper...

Also, because you asked for "budding entrepreneur" books inside a post asking for performance development books, here are my recommendations: "The Art of the Start" by Guy Kawasaki, "The Knack" by Norm Brodsky, "Take the Risk" by Ben Carson, "The Difference Maker" - John Maxwell, "Start Where You Are" - Chris Gardner. I think you will like them. Every entrepreneur should read the first two. Carson's book shows you how to assess a situation and remove the perceived risk from a situation. Maxwell's book is just plain good. Gardner is the Pursuit of Happyness guy and very motivating.

My own personal recommendation for best all-time book on personal development is "Integrity" by Dr. Henry Cloud. It has changed my life. Seriously. The book is not about doing what you say you will but rather, being complete - becoming whole.

I've read hundreds of books on change, behavior, motivation, personal development and more - and nothing came close to this book because none of the others helped me deal with "root' issues that were holding me back in life, in business, and in relationships. This book is meant to help you grow. It will help you see yourself (for better or worse) in reality. It holds a mirror up to your face, and it forces you to deal with past issues and shows you in example after example what a broken, unhealthy person looks like - and the mistakes people make in business - and there are many. This book helps you understand your "self" better.

If you take the time to read and thoughtfully consider this book, it will change your life for the better. Trust me. Not many books do that. Based on the books you've read, this is one for your library. Good luck!

Christopher - LOVING the look of Integrity by Dr Cloud. Thanks for your thoughts and for stopping by, I appreciate it!

Gotta add Crush It, in there, such a great book. Their are others, that I enjoyed reading as well, but to many to list them all.

Couldn't agree more.

Crush It for sure. E-myth. And for those who seek to build an empire, many lessons can be learned in the classic Corporate Lifecycles.

Never heard of EMyth, Josh, will have to check that one out!

Yay I'm writing a post about books too. I hope too finish soon

Crush it: This is a small book and really quick to read, what makes this a good gift for somebody that don't like to read that much. I already gave couple of this book to some friends and they red it because is a quick read.

Trust Agents is not for everybody. If you are not into the online social media thing, people will not understand what trust agent means :)

How to Win Friends and Influence People: I like this book, is a good choice.

Outliers: never heard about this one


@Bush Mackel: The Alchemist is always a good choice


Have a good night Annie.

Re: Trust Agents

I politely disagree - I mean, don't you think that the concept of a Trust Agent can have just as many applications offline as on? I do. :)

Send us your list when it's complete!

I actually agree with you in that part. The thing is a friend of mine was just reading it and he think the book is for "geeks" and "internet people", because he don't know a lot of the stuff they talk, but the essence of the book applies everywhere. Is like any other book, what is important is the main message.

btw I hope I can finish that list, I'm deep trouble business lol I was without internet for a week and now I'm behind everything. I'm going to an effort today and post that in my blog ;)

Blink and Tipping Point are both outstanding as well. Gladwell is fantastic.

I have not read "The Traveller's Gift." I read "The Noticer" earlier this fall and enjoyed Andrews writing and story telling style. I've read somewhere he sort of rehashed the message from TG in Noticer.

I read Widener's "Art of Influence" over the summer. He is another outstanding author. I'm sure I would enjoy "The Angel Inside."

I've never read anything by Jim Rohm...but you might just have inspired me to. Quickly looking at his books on Amazon leads me to think "Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle " might be my first.

Acres of Diamonds looks interesting as well.

Of all the books we have mentioned, 7 levels of intimacy and the Farber series (radical Leap, radical edge, greater than yourself) have been my favorite gifts to people. I have given over 30 of these books as gifts. Each recipent have thanked me for providing with this life changing material.

Farber inspires you to find and share your heart and passion with others. Teach people all you know and encourage them to teach people to the same.

Kelly's 7 levels will change your perspective on what is important in a relationship and how to build more deep and meaningful relationships. I have witnessed readers of this book recommit to their relationship with themselves and to their spouse. It is quite possibly the most important book I have ever studied. I'm pretty sure Farber was deeply influenced by Kelly's work.

If you or your readers choose to read this book, then I would be happy to organize a call to discuss it's tenants a reactions.

I've written a little bit about this on my site. Here's a link to the post. http://bit.ly/grow_up

I've read 2-5. They are all wonderful books. At some point, you must take the time to read Outliers. It's about much more than you have written.

My favorite social media books are (in order) Tribes, 6 Pixels, Trust Agents, Crush it. My favorite relationship book is 7 levels of Intimacy, and Greater than Yourself. For Personal development parables, I gonna go with Alchemist, Go-giver, Radical Edge, Radical Leap, The Traveler, and the Janitor. So many more too mention and so little time.

Thanks so much for the kind words, David! Needless to say, I'm always glad to hear my work is making a difference--and I'm honored to be mentioned in such great company. BTW, I've never read 7 Levels of Intimacy, but I'm not surprised to hear of the parallels. Matthew and I are kindred spirits on a lot of levels.

Steve, thanks for stopping by! I have to admit that before David posted his comments I wasn't too familiar with your work. I was excited to add it to my 2010 list and will be sure to report back with my thoughts!

After I read Radical Leap, I gave a copy to a good friend. He passed the copy to another friend who read it, loved it, and then gave the copy to his Minister. 2 weeks later in front of a crowd of 2000, the minister urged his congregation to buy a copy and read it. You are doing some great work. We never know how our words travel in this viral society. Keep up the good work.

AWESOME list David, love it. Tribes is on my wish list, 6 Pixels of Separation is on my shelf to-read. Crush It is obviously a fantastic pick, but I've talked so much about it this year I thought I'd give some love to others. :) Have you read Gladwell's others - Blink & Tipping Point? I loved those, but I think I'll like Outliers even more.

For personal dev parables, have you read The Traveler's Gift? It's a goodun. As are The Angel Inside, 12 Pillars, and Acres of Diamonds.

Thanks for stopping by. "So many more to mention and so little time." <-- Yup, but we won't stop trying, will we? :)

Thanks for the list. I am putting my together and will link you list on our blog post. I am with you on the The Go-Giver but have 4 others of my own that I would recommend.

You have "How To Win Friends" in your hand but it did not make your list. It is definitely on my list.

what was I thinking it is on your list DOH!

Yes it did, it's #3 on the list. :)

Look forward to seeing your list!

The Alchemist!

Ohh, good one!