The best of business books

Words of Advice:

The best of business books

When it comes to business advice, there’s a lot of information available, but knowing where to start can be a challenge. Phil Nassau gave us his recommendations

THE BOOKS I RECOMMEND HERE GIVE YOU THE CONFIDENCE TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Most of us go into business believing our ability will bring success, yet the vast majority are shocked to discover that ability only carries us so far, causing some to give up.

When asked what brought him success, Warren Buffet answered “compound interest”. The idea is that if you invest £10,000 in year one, 30 years later it will be worth over £1m. The same principle works with learning; if you read one book, it won’t change your life, but read a book a month and – five years later – you will have read 60. Each one will have only changed how you think a little, but after five years, you’ll act, think and work very differently and will be vastly more successful than if you’d never started the journey.

The books I recommend here give you the confidence to believe in yourself. Confidence starts with the absence of negative thoughts. These five books will give you lots of positives, and by starting your learning journey, I can guarantee you will think and act smarter than your competitors.

Phil’s five book recommendations to get you started are:

THE E MYTH

by Michael E Gerber I send this book to every business owner I coach. It covers the foundation of how to run a successful business and the steps of how to build it. It will reveal the mistakes you are making and how to change direction. If there’s one book every business owner should read, it’s this one.

THINK AND GROW RICH

by Napoleon Hill This book taught me about consistency. One of the most common reasons for a business to fail is the habit of quitting when faced with temporary defeat. We change direction and don’t stick to the principles that we know bring success. The book shares how success comes for those who lay out a plan and focus on their daily goals. Business owners who focus on this principle are those who find real success.

EAT THAT FROG by Brian Tracey A little book you can read in under an hour, and – if you take on its learnings – will bring organisation to your life. You will get more done, and what you get done will move your business forward.

THE ROAD LESS STUPID

by Keith J Cunningham This book teaches us how to run a business and avoid the mistakes that could hold you back. Most of us start our morning by reading emails and reacting to what the business day is throwing at us. When I hear a business owner say ‘I was too busy’, what they’re really saying is ‘my day took control of me’ – this book teaches how to take back control. One strategy is ‘The Three Pillars to Success’. ◆ Write down your major outcomes that must be achieved that day ◆ Plan your day before it starts ◆ Be accountable to someone for your plans, commitments and results

HIGH PERFORMANCE:

LESSONS FROM THE BEST ON BECOMING YOUR BEST

by Damian Hughes & Jake Humphrey This book will show you that successful people are not superhuman. They don’t have magical powers or greater intelligence than you. What eludes most people is grasping an opportunity. The skill is to focus on what you are good at, and become great at it. The book’s first action teaches us to focus on what you can control and less on the things you can’t.