Holiday Gift Guide
The Success Center is proud to present the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Entrepreneurs. Last week we went through the best in tech gifts for any small business owner and today we’re going to review some awesome books.
I love books because they wait on you (unlike movies where you have to rush out and meet “it” to be on-time). A book sits quietly on your table until you’re ready to pick it up. Here are some awesome books to grab for yourself or your entrepreneur friend this holiday season.
Note: The opinions of each product are my own. Amazon affiliate links are in full effect. If you decide to purchase a product, sales are used to further the growth and work here at The Success Center. Thank you for your support!
Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust
If you’re a web 2.0 entrepreneur (or know of one that can’t get his or thumbs off of Twitter) then you’ll love this great read from Chris Brogan and company. What I love about the book is the tone in which it’s written. Chris has mastered the art of teaching through conversation. I think the guy is so cool, I wrote “A Love Letter” to him.
The book shows how people use online social tools to build networks of influence and how you can use those networks to positively impact your business. Because trust is key to building online reputations, those who traffic in it are “trust agents,” the key people your business needs on its side.
8 Steps to Create the Life You Want: The Anatomy of a Successful Life (Faith Words)
This book is great for anyone, not just entrepreneurs, however, I find it especially powerful to the Christian entrepreneur. I’m actually on the last chapter and even though it’s taken me some time to get there, it’s worth taking your time to absorb all the wisdom within!
This is a blueprint to follow for anyone who wants to take their life to the next level. What more could you want from a man as successful as Creflo Dollar. His ministry reaches millions around the world. Your business is your ministry don’t you want to do the same?
Speaking of wanting to take your life to the next level. Let me ask you a question, Does God Want You to Succeed?
Twitter Tips, Tricks, and Tweets
Are you maximizing Twitter yet for your business? I’ve declared it as my social media platform of choice for 2009 and it’s only going to grow in 2010.
What’s great about this book is it’s simplicity of the complex world of Twitter and some great beginner and expert advice. You’ll have everything you need in one book to help you build your brand and generate awareness to your web presence.
It’s written for newbies so if your small business buddy doesn’t know what a tweet is, this is definitely the book to get him. If you’re already using Twitter it outlines some advance tricks to maximize it for business as well.
Want a primer until you can get your hands on the book? Read, Are you a Twitter Newbie or Power User?
ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income
This is the book that started everything you see here at The Success Center. I picked it up at a bookstore late last year and instantly my blogging ideas begin to flow. I still reference it every once in a while for advanced blogging tips and tricks.
This practical guide to creating and marketing a blog with the potential for generating a six-figure income shows you how to choose subject matter that works for you, handle technical issues, and evaluate your blogs success so that you can use your blog to generate income indirectly.
Want some of my best blogging advice? Read, 5 Keys to Blogging Success
Battlefield of the Mind Devotional : 100 Insights That Will Change the Way You Think (Meyer, Joyce)
Did you know that success is all in the way you think and the words you speak? Yea, seriously! I’m a firm believer in our words having the power to change things around us.
Joyce Meyer’s book, Battlefield of the Mind is great, but the devotional has nothing but the good stuff in it. Jam packed with 100 keys of wisdom to help you conquer your thought life. It really is powerful for anyone aiming for the stars!
When it comes to conquering any battle you’ve got to stay focused! My friend Steve Borgman wrote some excellent advice on How to Stay Focused on THE Main Thing
The Art of the Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything
This book should be required reading for all entrepreneurs. Seriously, Guy Kawasaki breaks it down in a way that propels you to success!
The Art of the Start will give you the essential steps to launch great products, services, and companies—whether you are dreaming of starting the next Microsoft or a not-for-profit that’s going to change the world. It also shows managers how to unleash entrepreneurial thinking at established companies, helping them foster the pluck and creativity that their businesses need to stay ahead of the pack.
Want my best advice on starting your dream business? Check out, Quit Your Job and Make Millions
When I launched my seminar series back in 2007 this was the book I bought to help me develop my marketing strategy. It’s absolutely invaluable to the solo-preneur or (if you’re like me) the broke-preneur!
What’s great about it is, everything it outlines is “do-able.” There’s nothing too hard or too simple, but it all works if you’re willing to put a little effort and time into it.
Here’s my best advice for being a smart marketer, 5 Free Ways to Market Your Business
Small Business For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))
Starting a business is really a “big idea.” And there are so many twists and turns within the idea that you can get lost before you even get started. This book is great because it breaks it all down for you even the idea stage itself.
This completely practical, no-nonsense guide gives you expert advice on everything from generating ideas and locating start-up money to hiring the right people, balancing the books, and planning for growth. You’ll get plenty of help in ramping up your management skills, developing a marketing strategy, keeping your customers loyal, and much more.
Starting a business? Read, 5 Ways to Start a Business without Going into Debt
I’m proud to say that I found my purpose in life through entrepreneurship. However, it wasn’t an easy discovery. I’ve always been a business owner but I didn’t always know what I was here to do. Through a small church group I picked this book up and it really helped to put the pieces together.
Even though the book tackles life from a Biblical perspective the practical wisdom and exercises within are great outlines for business as well. Trust me, pick it up . . . I dare you!
I can’t tell you what your purpose is like the book above by I can help by showing you how to Reposition Yourself for Success
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
What’s a business book list without something about money? When you start a business money becomes your best friend and your biggest enemy. However, as Dave Ramsey explains, handling money is more behavioral than principle.
In this book, financial expert Dave Ramsey offers a comprehensive plan for getting out of debt and achieving financial health. If you can’t handle your personal finances, how are you ever going to handle your business finances?
Here’s a free gift for you, 7 Tips on Becoming the Master over Debt
Well, there you have it. My top book picks for entrepreneurs this holiday season. Christmas is this Friday so go ahead and order your favs now to get them in time for the holiday. By the way, if you missed the first part of this series check out some of my tech suggestions. Did some of your favorite books make the list? Which ones did I miss? Share your thoughts below.
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About the Author
Rod
