I Was Asked to Create This List...

 Greetings All,

It is important to have real friends and those you have known for several years. They are the kind that are genuine and won't gaslight you. We talk about several topics, one of them being business. I was asked to create a recommended reading list by such a friend and here it is.

John’s Recommended Reading List on Business

1) How to Win Friends and Influence People - by Dale Carnegie is a timeless classic that offers practical advice on improving interpersonal skills and building positive relationships. The book is divided into several parts, each focusing on different aspects of human relations:

1. Fundamental Techniques in Handling People: This section emphasizes the importance of avoiding criticism, giving honest and sincere appreciation, and arousing in others an eager want. Carnegie believes that these techniques can help in dealing with people effectively.
2. Six Ways to Make People Like You: Carnegie outlines six principles to make people like you, including becoming genuinely interested in others, smiling, remembering people's names, being a good listener, talking in terms of the other person's interests, and making the other person feel important.
3. How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking: This part provides strategies to influence others without causing resentment. It includes principles such as avoiding arguments, respecting others' opinions, admitting wrong, and letting the other person feel that the idea is theirs.
4. Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment: Carnegie offers advice on how to lead effectively by praising and encouraging others, pointing out mistakes indirectly, and giving others a fine reputation to live up to.

The book is filled with anecdotes and examples that illustrate these principles in action, making it a practical guide for anyone looking to improve their social skills and build better relationships.

2) The Laws of Success - by Napoleon Hill is a comprehensive guide on achieving personal and professional success. First published in 1928, the book is structured around 15 core principles that Hill believes are essential for success. These principles are based on his extensive research and interviews with successful individuals from various fields.

1. The Mastermind: Hill emphasizes the importance of forming a mastermind group, which is a harmonious alliance of individuals working together towards a common goal. This collective effort can lead to greater achievements than working alone.
2. A Definite Chief Aim: Having a clear and specific goal is crucial. Hill advises readers to define their chief aim in life and focus all their efforts on achieving it.
3. Self-Confidence: Building self-confidence is essential for success. Hill provides techniques to develop and strengthen self-confidence.
4. The Habit of Saving: Financial discipline and the habit of saving are important for long-term success. Hill discusses the benefits of saving and managing finances wisely.
5. Initiative and Leadership: Taking initiative and demonstrating leadership qualities are key to achieving success. Hill encourages readers to be proactive and take charge of their lives.
6. Imagination: Creative thinking and imagination are vital for problem-solving and innovation. Hill highlights the importance of using imagination to achieve goals.
7. Enthusiasm: Maintaining enthusiasm and a positive attitude can greatly influence one's success. Hill explains how enthusiasm can be a driving force in achieving goals.
8. Self-Control: Exercising self-control and discipline is necessary for staying focused and avoiding distractions. Hill provides strategies for developing self-control.
9. The Habit of Doing More Than Paid For: Going the extra mile and exceeding expectations can lead to greater opportunities and success. Hill advocates for always giving more than what is expected.
10. Pleasing Personality: Developing a pleasing personality can help in building positive relationships and influencing others. Hill offers tips on how to cultivate a likable personality.
11. Accurate Thought: Thinking accurately and making informed decisions are crucial for success. Hill emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between facts and opinions.
12. Concentration: Focusing on one's goals and avoiding distractions is essential for achieving success. Hill provides techniques for improving concentration.
13. Cooperation: Working well with others and fostering a spirit of cooperation can lead to greater achievements. Hill discusses the benefits of teamwork and collaboration.
14. Profiting by Failure: Learning from failures and using them as stepping stones to success is important. Hill encourages readers to view failures as opportunities for growth.
15. The Golden Rule: Treating others with respect and fairness is fundamental to building positive relationships and achieving success. Hill advocates for practicing the Golden Rule in all interactions.

The book is filled with practical advice, anecdotes, and examples that illustrate these principles in action, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their personal and professional lives.

3) Think and Grow Rich - by Napoleon Hill is a seminal self-help book that outlines 13 principles for achieving personal and financial success. Hill's work is based on his research and interviews with over 500 successful individuals, including Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. Here are the key principles:

1. Desire: The starting point of all achievement is a burning desire to be and to do. Hill emphasizes the importance of having a clear and definite goal.
2. Faith: Visualization and belief in the attainment of desire are crucial. Hill discusses the power of self-confidence and faith in achieving one's goals.
3. Auto-Suggestion: Hill explains the practice of influencing the subconscious mind through repeated affirmations and positive thoughts.
4. Specialized Knowledge: Acquiring specialized knowledge and continuous learning are essential for success. Hill encourages readers to seek knowledge and expertise in their chosen field.
5. Imagination: The ability to create and visualize ideas is vital. Hill highlights the importance of using imagination to turn desires into reality.
6. Organized Planning: Hill stresses the need for a concrete plan of action. He advises readers to form a mastermind group to help achieve their goals.
7. Decision: The mastery of procrastination and the ability to make decisions promptly are key to success. Hill emphasizes the importance of decisiveness.
8. Persistence: Hill underscores the importance of persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
9. The Master Mind: Hill discusses the power of a mastermind group, a collective effort of individuals working towards a common goal.
10. The Mystery of Sex Transmutation: Hill explores the concept of channeling sexual energy into creative and productive outlets.
11. The Subconscious Mind: Hill explains the role of the subconscious mind in shaping one's reality and achieving goals.
12. The Brain: Hill discusses the brain as a broadcasting and receiving station for thought, emphasizing the importance of mental clarity and focus.
13. The Sixth Sense: Hill introduces the concept of the "sixth sense," a form of intuition and creative imagination that guides individuals towards success.

The book is filled with practical advice, anecdotes, and examples that illustrate these principles in action, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their personal and professional lives.

4) Rich Dad, Poor Dad - by Robert Kiyosaki is a personal finance classic that contrasts the financial philosophies of two influential figures in the author's life: his biological father (Poor Dad) and the father of his best friend (Rich Dad). The book provides valuable lessons on financial literacy and wealth-building through the following key points:

1. The Rich Don't Work for Money: Rich Dad teaches that the wealthy focus on creating assets that generate income, rather than working for a paycheck. This mindset shift is crucial for financial independence.
2. The Importance of Financial Education: Kiyosaki emphasizes the need for financial literacy, which is often neglected in traditional education. Understanding how money works and how to make it work for you is essential for building wealth.
3. Mind Your Own Business: Instead of solely relying on a job, Kiyosaki advises readers to build and invest in their own businesses and assets. This approach helps create multiple streams of income.
4. The History of Taxes and the Power of Corporations: The book explains how the rich use corporations and tax laws to their advantage, paying less in taxes legally. Understanding these strategies can help individuals manage their finances more effectively.
5. Rich Invent Money: Rich Dad encourages creativity and innovation in finding ways to generate income. This involves taking calculated risks and seizing opportunities.
6. Work to Learn, Not for Money: Kiyosaki advises gaining skills and knowledge that will help in building wealth, rather than just working for a paycheck. Continuous learning and self-improvement are key to financial success.

The book is filled with anecdotes and practical advice, making it an engaging and informative read for anyone looking to improve their financial situation and achieve financial freedom.

5) Secrets of the Millionaire Mind - by T. Harv Eker explores the mindset and habits of successful millionaires. The book delves into the psychology of wealth and how it can be achieved by anyone willing to change their thinking patterns. Here are the key points:

1. Your Money Blueprint: Eker explains that everyone has a financial blueprint, an internal script that dictates how they handle money. This blueprint is shaped by early life experiences and can be changed through awareness, understanding, disassociation, and reconditioning.
2. The Wealth Files: Eker outlines 17 ways in which rich people think and act differently from others. These principles include believing in one's ability to create wealth, focusing on opportunities rather than obstacles, and committing to continuous learning and growth.
3. The Process of Manifestation: Eker introduces the concept that thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to actions, and actions lead to results. By changing one's thoughts and beliefs about money, individuals can change their financial outcomes.
4. Declarations: Eker emphasizes the power of declarations; positive statements of intention that help reprogram the subconscious mind. He provides specific declarations for each principle to help readers internalize and act on them.

The book is filled with practical advice and exercises to help readers identify and change their money blueprints, ultimately leading to financial success.

6) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - by Stephen Covey is a renowned self-help book that outlines seven key habits for personal and professional effectiveness. These habits are designed to help individuals achieve their goals and improve their relationships. Here are the seven habits:

1. Be Proactive: This habit emphasizes taking responsibility for your actions and behaviors. It encourages individuals to focus on what they can control and influence, rather than reacting to external circumstances.
2. Begin with the End in Mind: Covey advises readers to define their vision and goals clearly. By having a clear understanding of what they want to achieve, individuals can make decisions that align with their long-term objectives.
3. Put First Things First: This habit is about prioritizing tasks and activities based on their importance, rather than urgency. Covey introduces the concept of time management and encourages individuals to focus on activities that contribute to their goals.
4. Think Win-Win: Covey promotes the idea of seeking mutually beneficial solutions in interactions with others. This habit encourages a mindset of abundance and collaboration, rather than competition and scarcity.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Effective communication is key to building strong relationships. Covey emphasizes the importance of empathetic listening and understanding others' perspectives before expressing your own.
6. Synergize: This habit focuses on the power of teamwork and collaboration. Covey explains that by working together, individuals can achieve greater results than they could alone. Synergy involves valuing and leveraging the strengths of others.
7. Sharpen the Saw: Covey highlights the importance of self-renewal and continuous improvement. This habit encourages individuals to take care of their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being to maintain effectiveness in the long run.

The book is filled with practical advice, anecdotes, and exercises to help readers internalize and apply these habits in their daily lives. By adopting these habits, individuals can achieve personal and professional success while building meaningful relationships.

7) The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player - by John C. Maxwell outlines the key characteristics that make an effective and valuable team member. Here are the essential qualities:

1. Adaptable: Willing to change and adjust for the benefit of the team.
2. Collaborative: Understands that working together precedes winning together.
3. Committed: Shows dedication and does not give up easily.
4. Communicative: Keeps open lines of communication with team members.
5. Competent: Possesses the necessary skills and abilities to perform well.
6. Dependable: Reliable and consistent in their contributions.
7. Disciplined: Maintains self-control and focus to achieve goals.
8. Enlarging: Adds value to teammates and helps them grow.
9. Enthusiastic: Brings energy and positivity to the team.
10. Intentional: Makes every action count towards the team's goals.
11. Mission Conscious: Keeps the big picture in mind and works towards it.
12. Prepared: Always ready and well-prepared for tasks.
13. Relational: Builds strong relationships with team members.
14. Self-Improving: Continuously seeks to improve themselves.
15. Selfless: Puts the team's needs above their own.
16. Solution-Oriented: Focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
17. Tenacious: Persistent and determined, never gives up.

These qualities help create a cohesive and effective team, where each member contributes to overall success.

8) 9 Things A Leader Must Do - by Dr. Henry Cloud outlines nine essential behaviors that successful leaders exhibit. These behaviors are designed to help leaders achieve their goals and inspire others to do the same. Here are the key points:

1. Excavate Your Soul: Leaders must understand their own passions, strengths, and weaknesses. Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
2. Yank the Diseased Tooth: Leaders should address and remove negative influences or toxic elements from their lives and organizations.
3. Play the Whole Movie: Leaders need to consider the long-term consequences of their decisions and actions, rather than focusing solely on immediate results.
4. Put Superman Out of a Job: Effective leaders empower others and delegate responsibilities, rather than trying to do everything themselves.
5. Embrace Your Inner Insect: Leaders should be diligent and persistent, much like an ant, to achieve their goals.
6. Earn a Black Belt in Hate: Leaders must learn to hate the right things, such as injustice and mediocrity, and take a stand against them.
7. Forget About Playing Fair: Leaders should focus on doing what is right and necessary, rather than worrying about being fair to everyone.
8. Quit Self-Exaggeration: Leaders need to be humble and realistic about their abilities and achievements.
9. Ignore the Popularity Polls: Leaders should not be swayed by public opinion or the desire to be liked. Instead, they should focus on doing what is best for their organization and team.

These behaviors help leaders navigate challenges, make better decisions, and inspire their teams to achieve success.

9) Winning: The Ultimate Business How-To Book - by Jack Welch and Suzy Welch is a comprehensive guide to achieving success in the business world. The book offers valuable insights and practical advice on leadership, building high-performing teams, and excelling in business. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Mission and Values: The book emphasizes the importance of having a clear mission and values. A mission statement explains how a company intends to win, while values are actionable and measurable behaviors that support the mission.
2. Candor and Transparency: Communicating with candor and transparency is crucial for building trust and fostering an open environment where ideas can flourish.
3. Facing Challenges with Optimism: The book encourages leaders to bravely face challenges with optimism and to see change as an opportunity for growth.
4. Continuous Learning and Growth: Staying curious and committed to continuous learning and growth is essential for long-term success.
5. Hiring and Firing: The book provides guidance on hiring the right people and making tough decisions when it comes to firing employees who do not align with the company's mission and values.
6. Integrity and Honesty: Integrity and honesty are fundamental to building a successful company. Leaders must ensure that these qualities are upheld at all levels of the organization.
7. Empowering Employees: Effective leaders empower their employees and create an environment where everyone can contribute ideas and improve them.

The book is filled with practical advice, anecdotes, and examples that illustrate these principles in action, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the business world.

10) Living an Exceptional Life (Audiobook) - by Jim Rohn is a self-help book that aims to guide readers towards achieving success and living an exceptional life. Rohn, a renowned motivational speaker and author, shares his insights and strategies for personal and professional growth. The book is divided into four parts, each focusing on different aspects of exceptional living.

In Part One, Rohn emphasizes the importance of personal development and the power of setting goals. He encourages readers to take responsibility for their own lives and to constantly strive for improvement. In Part Two, Rohn discusses the significance of attitude and its impact on success. He emphasizes the need to cultivate a positive mindset and to surround oneself with positive influences. Rohn also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal growth.

Part Three delves into the concept of financial independence and the importance of financial planning. Rohn provides practical advice on managing money, investing wisely, and building wealth. He emphasizes the importance of financial discipline and the need to create multiple streams of income. In the final part of the book, Rohn explores the importance of relationships and the impact they have on our lives. He emphasizes the need to surround oneself with supportive and positive individuals, as well as the importance of giving back to others. Rohn also discusses the significance of time management and the need to prioritize activities that align with one's goals and values.

Throughout the book, Rohn shares personal anecdotes and stories to illustrate his points and provide practical examples. He also provides actionable steps and exercises for readers to implement in their own lives. The book offers valuable insights and strategies for personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life, cultivating a positive mindset, managing finances effectively, and building meaningful relationships.

11) Motivation: The Key to Accomplishments (Audiobook) - is a book that delves into the importance of motivation in achieving success and reaching one's goals. The book emphasizes that motivation is the driving force behind all accomplishments and provides insights into how individuals can harness and maintain their motivation to achieve their desired outcomes.

The book explores various aspects of motivation, including intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how they influence behavior and performance. It highlights the significance of setting clear and achievable goals, as well as the role of self-discipline and perseverance in maintaining motivation over time.

Additionally, the book discusses the impact of positive thinking and a growth mindset on motivation. It encourages readers to adopt a proactive approach to challenges and to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.

Throughout the book, practical strategies and techniques are provided to help readers boost their motivation and stay focused on their goals. These include visualization exercises, goal-setting frameworks, and methods for overcoming procrastination and self-doubt.

Overall, Motivation: The Key to Accomplishments serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to enhance their motivation and achieve their personal and professional aspirations.

12) The Personal MBA - by Josh Kaufman is a comprehensive guide to mastering the fundamentals of business without the need for a formal MBA degree. The book distills essential business concepts into an accessible format, making it a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Value Creation: The core function of any business is to create value. This involves developing products or services that meet the needs and desires of customers.
2. Marketing: Effective marketing is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. It involves understanding customer needs, creating compelling messages, and delivering them through appropriate channels.
3. Sales: Sales are the lifeblood of any business. Kaufman emphasizes the importance of building relationships, understanding customer needs, and closing deals.
4. Value Delivery: Ensuring that the product or service is delivered in a way that satisfies customers is essential for long-term success. This includes logistics, customer service, and quality control.
5. Finance: Understanding financial principles is critical for managing a business. This includes budgeting, forecasting, and managing cash flow.

Kaufman also highlights the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. He encourages readers to develop a growth mindset and to seek out new knowledge and skills to stay competitive in the business world.

 13) The Book of Proverbs - is a collection of wise sayings and teachings attributed mainly to King Solomon, with contributions from other authors like Lemuel and Agur. It is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible and aims to impart practical wisdom for living a righteous and fulfilling life. The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of wisdom and moral conduct:

1. Chapters 1-9: These chapters emphasize the importance of wisdom for younger people. They highlight the value of godly living, heeding parental advice, and the foundational principle that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). The teachings encourage trust in the LORD and reliance on His guidance.
2. Chapters 10-24: This section contains proverbs that apply to everyday life and cover various topics. Many of these sayings contrast the behavior and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, urging readers to commit their ways to God and avoid paths that lead to destruction.
3. Chapters 25-31: These chapters offer wisdom specifically for leaders. They include warnings and instructions to help leaders walk in godliness and seek a righteous life. Proverbs like "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17) illustrate the importance of mutual support and accountability.

The Book of Proverbs provides timeless advice on morality, discipline, justice, and integrity through short, memorable sayings. It encourages readers to seek wisdom, live righteously, and trust in God's guidance in all aspects of life.

14) Becoming a King - by Morgan Snyder is a transformative book that speaks directly to men, teaching them about the power and responsibility that God intends for them to step into for His Kingdom. The book also offers women an honest insight into the lives and hearts of the men they know and love. Snyder emphasizes that it is God's design, desire, and intention to empower humans and entrust them to participate in the ongoing creativity of the universe.

The book addresses the issue of men being entrusted with power and how it often brings harm to themselves and those under their care. Snyder suggests that the problems within our souls are the root cause of the external problems around us. However, there is hope in an ancient path that leads men to become trustworthy kings. The journey involves a radical reconstruction of much of what we have come to believe about God, ourselves, and the meaning of life.

“Becoming a King” is an invitation to a rare and remarkable fellowship of like-hearted kings and an honest conversation about what power and responsibility look like for men in today's world. The path to becoming a king is not cheap, easy, or quick, but it is a heroic journey that leads to real life. It aims to help men become as solid and mighty as oak trees, teeming with strength and courage to bring to a hurting world. The book encourages men to become the kind of kings to whom God can entrust His Kingdom.

15) How to Be a Gentleman: A Contemporary Guide to Common Courtesy - by John Bridges is a practical guide that outlines the essential qualities and behaviors of a modern gentleman. The book emphasizes the importance of respect, consideration, and proper etiquette in various social and professional situations. Here are some key points:

1. Respect and Consideration: The foundation of gentlemanly behavior lies in showing respect and consideration for others. This involves being attentive to people's needs, offering assistance when appropriate, and knowing when to step back. A gentleman's actions are guided by empathy and a desire to make others comfortable.
2. Mastering Social Etiquette: A gentleman navigates social situations with ease and confidence. This includes making proper introductions, engaging in meaningful conversations, and knowing how to gracefully enter or exit social interactions. Key aspects of social etiquette include making proper introductions, starting conversations, active listening, and ending conversations politely.
3. The Art of Dressing: A gentleman understands that his appearance is a form of respect for himself and others. He dresses appropriately for every occasion, knowing that his attire reflects his attention to detail and consideration for the event and its participants. Guidelines for dressing well include knowing the dress codes, investing in quality basics, maintaining cleanliness and neatness, and adapting to the situation.

The book is filled with practical advice and examples that illustrate these principles in action, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their social skills and build better relationships.

16) How to Be a Lady Revised and Expanded: A Contemporary Guide to Common Courtesy (The GentleManners Series) -  by Candace Simpson-Giles is a modern take on traditional etiquette. The book provides advice on how to conduct oneself with grace and dignity in various situations. It covers topics such as social interactions, dining manners, communication etiquette, and appropriate behavior in different settings. The author emphasizes the importance of kindness, respect, and consideration for others. The book also includes practical tips for dressing appropriately, hosting events, and navigating social media etiquette. Overall, it aims to help readers embody the qualities of a true lady in today's world.

The following link goes to my blog where I share my recommended reading list on relationships.

https://johnwilliamsauthor.blogspot.com/2020/11/my-recomended-reading-list-for-books-on.html

Full disclosure: The links in this document are affiliate links. If you appreciate my information and work, I kindly ask that you click them so I may receive a small commission of the sale. Thank you.

- John