These Six Books Are Must Reads
OK, I admit it, I have a Kindle and I’ll probably buy I bought an iPad. I’ve been a voracious reader ever since I can remember. Here’s a list of books I’ve read that have really made an impression on me, some new, some older, but all still available. I’ve listed them below in no particular order.
Please let me know what you’re reading in the comments, I’m always looking for a few suggestions!
Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? (Hardcover)
by Seth Godin
A linchpin, as Seth describes it, is somebody in an organization who is indispensable, who cannot be replaced—her role is just far too unique and valuable. They are, after all, the essential building blocks of great companies. To not be one is economic and career suicide. Learn about your “lizard brain”. Seth’s on the A-list of speakers for business and he’s the only speaker I know of that has his own action figure! You read his daily blog don’t you?
Negotiating For Dummies (Paperback)
by Michael C. Donaldson
Yes, it one of the yellow “For Dummies” books we’ve all seen, but this quick read will get you from “zero to sixty” in no time at all. Read it and put the concepts into practice, you’ll amaze yourself at how well they work and help you to get what you want in a negotiation!
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Paperback)
by Stephen R. Covey
One of the must-haves for anyone in business. It’s one of those I go back to from time to time for a quick re-focus of what I need to do to be successful. Enough said.
Value-Added Selling : How to Sell More Profitably, Confidently, and Professionally by Competing on Value, Not Price (Hardcover)
by Tom Reilly
Hands down, the book that’s helped me the most in my business. Adding perceived and actual value to the product we sell, photography, is the key to being able to increase your fee on a per job basis. I’ve just ordered Tom’s new book, Crush Price Objections: Sales Tactics for Holding Your Ground and Protecting Your Profit but haven’t started it yet. I’ll probably get started on it this weekend on my flight to WPPI in Las Vegas.
The Little Big Things: 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence (Hardcover)
by Tom Peters
We’re in a people business. Next to your creative eye, your “people skills” are the most important asset you own. I managed to secure a pre-publication copy of this fantastic book. You can pick it up, read a few tips, leave it and come back to it any time. Tom is one of the best writers around on business management, his real-world examples are worth the look, I guarantee you’ll learn something.
Little Red Book of Selling: 12.5 Principles of Sales Greatness (Hardcover)
by Jeffrey Gitomer
No matter what you do for a living, you’re a salesperson first. You’re selling every day, whether it to potential clients or your spouse and children. This is a book that you can pick up and read for five minutes between calls or read from cover to cover in a few hours. It’s a treasure trove of inspiration for every photographer out there who has lost a bid for whatever reason.
groozi.com is a blog about negotiating and web marketing. Weekly posts are written primarily by me, Blake J. Discher, a 
8 Comments
Rigette
about 13 years agoI was able to get a copy of Negotiating for Dummies. It's a good read and a great help in enhancing your skills especially during business deals and help you set your objectives.
Paul
about 13 years agoThe Little Red Book of Selling is indeed amazing. I just got a Kindle myself -- while I'm mostly happy with it, it's disappointing when some of the books I'd love to pick up for it aren't yet available.
Daniel Rose
about 13 years agoThanks for the list. I was interested to see 7 habits in your list. I tried to read it a few years ago, but found it a little dry. It might be about the right time for me to have another look. Thanks
Von R Buzard
about 14 years agoRead this First by Ron Ploof, World Wide Rave & New Rules of PR and Marketing by David M Scott
Bryan Mitchell
about 14 years agoI don't read many books. Mostly blogs, newspapers and mags. Linchpin is the first book I have read in a long time where I don't want to put it down and when I do I can't wait to get back to it. http://www.sethgodin.com
Mike Tittel
about 14 years agoGreat list Blake. I also highly recommend "The Dip" by Seth Godin and "Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive" by Harvey Mackay. For photogs "VisionMongers" by David duChemin is another great one.
Jenni
about 14 years agoGreat list! I have Linchpin on my kindle but haven't read it yet (I'll be picking up an iPad, too). Some business books you should look into (all of them are pretty easy reads, too): Predictably Irrational Too Big to Fail Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion What the Dog Saw