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My Top 7 Highly Recommended Books for Business Growth.



I have a saying


‘Where you are today is directly related to how you have been thinking and what you have been doing!”


When you think about it, I'm sure you will agree with me!


Our minds are a bit like a computer,

feed good information in and you will get good information out,

whereas, if you feed bad information in, you will get bad information out.

 

One point is absolutely certain, what we fill our minds with, followed by the actions we take defines our outcome. Therefore, the quality of the information we read and then apply has a large impact on our lives.


With that in mind, I have compiled this list of my top 7, highly recommended books for business growth. Pick just 1 or 2, read them and most importantly, consistantly apply what you learn, and within a short period of time, you will see the results! 

 

Books about Your Mindset & Energy.

 

Think & Grow Rich, Revised edition by Dr Arthur Pell.


"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, originally published in 1937, is a classic personal development and self-help book that outlines principles for achieving success and wealth.


The revised edition by Dr. Arthur R. Pell updates the original text with modern examples and insights, making it more relevant to contemporary readers while preserving Hill's core philosophies.


Key concepts include:


  1. Desire and Faith: A strong desire and belief in oneself are crucial for success.

  2. Autosuggestion: Using positive affirmations to influence the subconscious mind.

  3. Specialized Knowledge: Continuously acquiring knowledge related to one's goals.

  4. Imagination and Planning: Using creativity and organized planning to achieve objectives.

  5. Decision and Persistence: Making firm decisions and persevering through challenges.

  6. The Mastermind Principle: Collaborating with others for support and ideas.

  7. The Subconscious Mind and Intuition: Harnessing the subconscious and developing intuition for inspiration.


Dr. Pell updates the original with modern examples, making Hill's timeless principles more relevant to today's readers and easier to read.

 

The Secret By Rhonda Byrne



"The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne is a popular self-help book and video that focuses on the concept of the Law of Attraction. The central idea is that thoughts have the power to influence reality, and by thinking positively, individuals can attract good things into their lives.


Key concepts of the book include:


1.)   Law of Attraction: The principle that like attracts like, meaning positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person's life.


2.)   Visualization: Byrne emphasizes the importance of visualizing goals as if they have already been achieved, helping to manifest desires into reality.


3.)   Gratitude: Practicing gratitude is highlighted as a powerful tool for attracting more positive experiences and fostering a positive mindset.


4.)   Belief and Focus: Strong belief in one's goals and maintaining focus on positive outcomes are crucial for harnessing the Law of Attraction.


5.)   Energy and Vibration: Byrne discusses the idea that everything in the universe is made of energy and vibrates at certain frequencies, and aligning oneself with positive frequencies can bring about desired changes.


"The Secret" combines anecdotes, quotes, and insights from various thought leaders to present a formula for personal transformation, encouraging readers to harness the power of their thoughts to create the life they desire.


In my own experience, when I first received The Secret dvd, I watched it 5 times in the fist 2 days I had it. As I watched The Secret, suddenly I realised, that's what the 'hidden meaning' in Think & Grow Rich that is mentioned no less than 100 times throughout the book. 

Take it from me, Think & Grow Rich and The Secret are both intertwined and are about ENERGY...

 

Books about Personal Development.

 

Awaken the Giant Within By Tony Robbins




"Awaken the Giant Within" by Tony Robbins is a self-help book that aims to empower readers to take control of their lives and achieve personal and professional success. Robbins provides strategies and techniques for mastering emotions, finances, relationships, and overall life purpose.


Key themes of the book include:


1.)   Decision-Making: Robbins emphasizes the power of decisions in shaping one's destiny. He advocates for making conscious choices and taking responsibility for one's life.


2.)   Belief Systems: Changing limiting beliefs and developing empowering ones is crucial for personal growth. Robbins provides methods for identifying and transforming these beliefs.


3.)   Emotional Mastery: Understanding and managing emotions is essential for achieving happiness and success. Robbins offers tools for transforming negative emotions into positive ones.


4.)   Goal Setting: Robbins outlines a process for setting and achieving clear, actionable goals, encouraging readers to align their actions with their core values.


5.)   Neuro-Associative Conditioning: This technique involves changing patterns of thought and behavior by associating pleasure with desired actions and pain with undesired ones.


6.)   Values and Standards: Identifying and aligning with personal values and raising personal standards can lead to a more fulfilling life.


7.)   Personal Growth and Contribution: Robbins encourages continual learning and contributing to others as a path to personal fulfillment and societal impact.


The book combines practical exercises with motivational insights, aiming to inspire readers to unleash their potential and live a more intentional and fulfilling life.

 

Books About Productivity.

 

The 4 Hour Work Week By Tim Ferriss



"The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss is a self-help book that challenges traditional work models and presents a blueprint for achieving a lifestyle of freedom and flexibility. Ferriss introduces the concept of "lifestyle design" to help individuals escape the 9-to-5 grind and live more fulfilling lives.


Key concepts of the book include:


1.)   The New Rich (NR): Ferriss defines the New Rich as those who prioritize time and mobility over money, focusing on experiences and freedom rather than traditional career success.


2.)   DEAL Framework: The book is structured around the DEAL framework:

·         Definition: Redefining success and setting clear goals.

·         Elimination: Removing unnecessary tasks and focusing on what truly matters.

·         Automation: Delegating and automating tasks to free up time.

·         Liberation: Achieving the freedom to work from anywhere and enjoy life.


3.)   Outsourcing and Automation: Ferriss advocates for outsourcing tasks to virtual assistants and using automation to handle routine work, allowing more time for personal pursuits.


4.)   Mini-Retirements: Instead of waiting for traditional retirement, Ferriss suggests taking frequent "mini-retirements" to travel, explore, and enjoy life now.


5.)   Time Management and Productivity: The book offers tips on maximizing efficiency, such as the 80/20 rule (focusing on the 20% of work that produces 80% of results) and batching tasks.


"The 4-Hour Workweek" inspires readers to rethink their approach to work and lifestyle, encouraging them to pursue their passions and design a life that aligns with their values and desires.

 

Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss



"Tools of Titans" by Tim Ferriss is a comprehensive compilation of insights, strategies, and advice from high-performing individuals Ferriss has interviewed on his podcast, "The Tim Ferriss Show." The book distills wisdom from more than 200 world-class performers, including entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and scientists.


Key elements of the book include:


1.)   Three Sections: The book is divided into three main sections—Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise—reflecting different aspects of success and well-being.


2.)   Health: This section includes advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental health. Contributors share their routines and tips for maintaining physical and mental well-being.


3.)   Wealth: Here, Ferriss explores strategies for building wealth, productivity, and career success. The section includes insights on entrepreneurship, investing, and personal finance.


4.)   Wisdom: The final section focuses on personal development, mindfulness, and philosophy. It includes advice on building resilience, creativity, and life satisfaction.


5.)   Actionable Tips: Each section is packed with practical tips, routines, and tools that readers can apply to their own lives. Ferriss emphasizes actionable insights that have been tested by the successful individuals he interviews.


6.)   Diverse Perspectives: The book features a wide range of perspectives, offering readers a variety of approaches to achieving their personal and professional goals.


"Tools of Titans" serves as a resource for readers seeking inspiration and practical guidance from some of the world's most accomplished people, aiming to provide them with tools to enhance their lives in multiple dimensions.

 

Books about Increasing Your Sales.


What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" by Mark McCormack



"What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" by Mark McCormack is a book that offers practical insights and real-world advice on succeeding in business, focusing on the interpersonal skills and street smarts that aren't typically covered in academic settings. McCormack, a pioneer in sports marketing and the founder of IMG, draws on his extensive experience to provide lessons on negotiation, selling, managing, and understanding people.


Key themes of the book include:


1.)   Understanding People: McCormack emphasizes the importance of observing and understanding people's behavior and motivations. He suggests that knowing what makes people tick can give you an edge in business interactions.


2.)   Selling and Negotiation: The book provides tips on how to be an effective negotiator and salesperson. McCormack shares strategies for closing deals and persuading others, emphasizing the value of preparation and intuition.


3.)   Decision-Making: McCormack discusses the art of making decisions, highlighting the need for balancing analysis with instinct. He advises readers to trust their gut feelings while also considering the available data.


4.)   Managing Relationships: The book offers advice on building and maintaining professional relationships. McCormack underscores the importance of networking and keeping connections strong.


5.)   Practical Business Insights: Throughout the book, McCormack shares anecdotes and examples from his career to illustrate his points, making the advice relatable and actionable.


Overall, "What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" is a guide to the unwritten rules of business success, providing readers with valuable insights that complement formal education.

 

The Challenger Sale: Taking Control of the Customer Conversation" by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson




"The Challenger Sale: Taking Control of the Customer Conversation" by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson is a groundbreaking sales book that introduces a new approach to selling, based on extensive research conducted by the Corporate Executive Board (CEB).

The book challenges traditional sales methods and provides a framework for achieving higher sales performance.


Key concepts of the book include:


1.)   The Challenger Sales Model: The authors identify five types of salespeople: The Hard Worker, The Lone Wolf, The Relationship Builder, The Problem Solver, and The Challenger.


They argue that Challengers consistently outperform the others, especially in complex sales environments.


2.)   Teaching, Tailoring, and Taking Control: Challengers excel by teaching their customers new insights and perspectives, tailoring their sales approach to each customer's specific needs, and taking control of the sales conversation to guide it toward a successful outcome.


3.)   Commercial Teaching: Instead of focusing on relationship building, Challengers teach their customers about new ways to think about their business and offer innovative solutions to problems they may not have realized they had.


4.)   The Constructive Tension: Challengers use constructive tension to push customers out of their comfort zones, helping them see the need for change and the value of the proposed solution.


5.)   The Challenger Sales Process: The book outlines a sales process that includes building credibility, identifying key stakeholders, delivering tailored messages, and driving action.


"The Challenger Sale" provides a fresh perspective on sales strategy, emphasizing the importance of insight-driven selling and challenging the status quo to drive customer value and sales success.

 

Back in my early consulting days, over 20 years ago, I used to recommend to clients


‘I don’t care which ‘Personal Development’ book you read, just apply it and learn.


In summary, these days we live in the 'information age, whereby so much information is available to us at the touch of our fingertips, via our keyboards, PC's phones etc. 


So you have access to the information, you have your dreams and aspirations, all you need to do next is apply what you learn.... 


Here's to your continued LinkedIn for business success.


Regards from


Derick


P.S. Follow me, Derick Mildred for More LinkedIn for Business Tips & a Daily Dose of Inspiration. 😎😎


P.P.S. Learn more about my Linked Into More Business – Kickstarter course here


P.P.P.S Subscribe to Derickmildred.com here.

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