I’ll be taking the next two weeks off here at Crafting an MBA, first to rest, rejuvenate, and read (or, in other words, take a vacation) and then to exhibit at the Buyers Market of American Craft (will you be there, I’d love to meet up).
As usual, I’m headed into vacation with a pretty lengthy reading list, and I thought I’d share it with you. I’m not sure I’ll get to all of them (I might tackle some recreational reading too) but I’m hoping to get to at least a few of the books on my list:
Influence
by Robert Cialdini – I’ve been slowly working my way through this classic marketing text on the art of persuasion, but I’m looking forward to devoting some uninterrupted time to explore how I can use some of these strategies for my business.
Anything You Want
by Derek Sivers – I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about this latest book published as part of Seth Godin’s Domino Project. Sivers is the founder of CD Baby, and this short read features some of the do’s and don’ts he learned while launching and selling his company.
Built to Love
by Peter Boatwright and Jonathan Cagan – This book has been on my radar for a while, and I’m finally hoping to dive in. The book looks at the idea that creating products that are designed to captivate customers is a much more effective strategy than trying to market uninteresting and unmemorable products.
Not for Free: Revenue Strategies for a New World
by Saul Berman – This book looks at how new media has disrupted old business models (think about how the internet has changed newspapers) and how this has changed perceptions of value. It then goes on to look at how you can create new revenue strategies in this changed landscape of free.
Double Double
by Cameron Herold – I’ve had this book on my list since Laura Roeder recommended it. The strategies in the book are designed to help you double your revenue and profit in 3 years or less – something I’m sure we’d all like to do.
How about you? Have you read any of the books on my list, and what did you think? And what’s on your summer biz reading list?
Want more summer reading? Download my free ebook – Skill, Price, and Profit: The Best of Crafting an MBA or check out my recommended reading list for some of my favorite biz books.
I’m reading “The Boss of You – Everything a Woman Needs to Know to Start, Run, and Maintain Her Own Business” by Lauren Bacon & Emira Mears. Thank you for the book recommendations. “Built to Love” sounds interesting enough to come along to the beach with me.
That is a fantastic book! Got it from the library then purchased it, so I can have it as a reference. Thanks for the reccomendations Megan!
So far I’m reading facebook marketing for dummies! LOL… Why not right?
Megan, I sell digital scans online of restored antique French postcards. Just discovered a new shop on Etsy yesterday that sells scans for $1 each. And she was offering a sale of buy 3, get 2 free. I just wanted to scream:) Someone needs to write a book about the new business model of competing with those who are willing to work for nothing!ha! Or write a book on the growing phenemenon of people in business who have no business having one:)
Anyway, thanks for the suggested reads! An enticing list!
Trishia
Thanks for sharing this list! I’d like to share one that I recently finished…quite inspiring reading! REWORK by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
I’m reading WordPress Websites for Dummies. I’ve never read a Dummies book before, but had picked up some other WordPress books and discovered they were very in-depth.
This book is great for beginners who want to create a website with the WordPress platform. I also recently finished HeadFirst: HTML & CSS. It was a good primer for understanding the coding of building a website. Obviously, I’m about to build my brand website and am opting to do it myself!
Oooh! Good stuff Meagan.
I always hope to do more reading so this is certainly a true wish list
– The Accidental Entrepreneur: The 50 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Starting a Business by Susan Urquhart-Brown
– Little Bets by Peter Sims
– Do the Work by Stephen Pressfield
– something by Seth Godin (other than Graceful – was not impressed)
– something by the Heath brothers (most likely Made to Stick)
I will be happy if I get through one of them this summer
I’ve read and re-read the Cialdini book a few times. Definitely one for anyone running a business who wants to understand the psychology behind persuasion.
I haven’t read the other 4. Will definitely be checking them out.
I’m reading the Kaizen Way, and Search Engine Optimization in One Hour a Day. My problem is not knowing what to do, but motivating myself and focusing long enough to do it 🙂
Just got out of a biz relationship with a friend. I can write a bestseller on ALL the ways to screw yourself by trusting the friendship and ignoring the “watch your own back” details. Everything you’ve ever heard about going into business with friends, believe it!
I’ve received a couple of these books for my summer reading list, and I’m excited to read them! I’m excited to curl up by the pool with these, my reading sunglasses , and a margarita! Thanks for the other suggestions!
There’s lot of good info here. Thanks everyone! Sandra’s remarks about WordPress for Dummies has inspired me to first-find the book since I have it, and second-to actually read it during the ride to and from Vegas this weekend. I just bought a heat press so that I can apply and sell rhinestone transfers along with embroidery, so any other marketing books and ideas would be very welcome!
as much in my post. Seriously though, isn’t it stonboahiwg, even when you’re participating of your own free will and not being “egged” on. You yourself that said you used to do it to get attention, it was only one of your reasons. Do you get the feeling that though that men, “straight men”, may also be a little repressed themselves when it comes to sexuality. Not as repressed and in the same way as women, but repressed non the less. Think about it.Meanwhile it’s a pleasure to meet another blog buddy. I did question one of the other blog buddies when they suggested that Davey’s blog was oriented toward gay people in the same post you responded too. You’re response has proved my point, that Davey’s blog is for everyone who wishes to participate.I don’t think it’s old fashioned to only want to be with and desire your husband. I think it’s honourable and I wish you all the love in the world. He’s a very lucky man and you a lucky womanBeing in love, that’s the good thing!
“All Marketers Tell Stories” by Seth Godin is on my list. Thanks for the suggestions…
🙂 Sarah Jane
A suggestion I have for reading is for everyone one here to get bifocal sunglasses for women. I have a pair and they are great and so helpful!
Hi – would love to catch up at BMAC this summer. I’ll be in booth 3718. Hope to see you — Jan