10 Business Books You Should Read in 2014

Competition.

It forces you to give your best. It sometimes drags you out of your comfort zone.

It pushes you over your limits.

But where do you get ideas, the fuel to get you through all this?

My answer has always been the same, books. Read even one book a month and in a few months you will see a difference in a way you perceive the world.

And, if you are wondering which book to choose, here’s a handy list of the best business books you should read in 2014 (and really hope your competitors doesn’t).

In no particular order then :

How To Write Short, by Roy Peter Clark

Regardless of whether you are a marketer, business owner, freelancer, who knows what else, you need to learn the short form of writing. The way we communicate has changed and it is quite rare that we have time to absorb longer copy (unfortunately).

Writing short however, isn’t easy (I can honestly attest for that). Well, at least there is a book that can show you how to do it.

The Business of Belief, by Tom Asacker

In todays world, getting people to pay attention to you doesn’t seem enough. To thrive, you need to get them to believe. You need them to choose you, support you and recommend you. And none of this is possible without belief.

“The Business of Belief” is not a long book. About 138 pages it’s not overwhelming to read it. It is long enough though to present enough great ideas on how to motivate yourself and others to believe.

Contagious, by Jonah Berger

Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing technique. Everyone strives for it. Yet, hardly anyone knows how it works and how to entice it.

That’s exactly what Contagious is all about. In his book Jonah Berger outlines why some ideas or products are more talked about than others, why do some videos go viral and well, why some ideas are … contagious.

Made to Stick, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Have you ever wondered why some ideas, from stories to newspaper articles to anything else you hear get stuck in our mind? Why do you remember them and go back to them? In their book Chip Heath and Dan Heath present the findings of their 10 year long study on the subject. The book is an easy read, filled with stories, anecdotes and case studies that will outline how to create ideas people believe in.

Blue Ocean Strategy, by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne

If I was to tell you something about this book in just few words, it would be: just read it!

Blue ocean strategy is not a new book (like few other titles on this list). It is however a timeless canvas for creativity in business.

Every company has two options. Either to compete with other similar companies in the same market space or create their own market. Blue ocean strategy is about the latter. In their book W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne present a way to stop competing in existing markets and create your own one. Intrigued? Well, as I said, just read the book.

Lateral Thinking, by Edward de Bono

A classic and one of the books I strongly feel everyone should read. Edward de Bono teaches how to approach and solve problem through an indirect and creative approach using ideas you wouldn’t normally come up with using a more traditional step-by-step approach. As I said, a classic and must read.

The Long Tail, by Chris Anderson

This is a must-read book if you are selling or planning to sell online. Chris Anderson’s Long Tail concept isn’t new nor is the book (originally published in 2006, revised few times afterward). Yet what he says about our culture, the way we choose what we buy and how business can gain from this still holds true.

Get Content Get Customers, by Joe Pulizzi and Newt Barrett

The old rules of marketing are gone. Customers no longer want to be interrupted with bold claims about products, they want information that will enrich their lives. And, they expect that from you too. Get content get customers explains how to create a content in the content marketing times.

Launch, by Michael A. Stelzner

Another gem of content marketing. Michael Stelzner presents a new way to grow a business and gain new customers, through creating compelling content focusing on the needs of your customers.

Influence, by Robert B. Cialdini

Lastly, a book on persuasion. Find out why we say yes and how to use that knowledge to persuade others. An invaluable skill in business, if you ask me.

Source: Pawel Grabowski.via Industry’s Insights

Image: 123rf.com

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