Click on the cover or title to buy now from Amazon! |
It Ain't All About the Cookin' by Paula Deen
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| Whether or not you like to cook, you'll likely enjoy this inspiring "rags to riches" story of the poverty-stricken, phobia-riddled housewife Paula Deen. I actually met her once, briefly back in 2001, before she was a big star. I had no idea she'd become a celebrity, and only saw her as the owner of a restaurant I really enjoyed in Savannah, GA (the now famous "Lady & Sons"). But she had an extra sparkle of life in her that struck me. Her story, candidly told in this autobiography, informs that sparkle greatly, giving you a good sense of what gives rise to it. I always tell clients one of the best things you can do is read the biographies of people you admire to see how they overcame their adversity. This lady has overcome quite a lot, and most of that adversity was within herself. She was her own worst enemy, and once she got out of her own way, she soared. Now one of the Food Network's biggest stars, entrepreneur, restaurateur and author Paula Deen says it best when she comments, "The harder I worked, the luckier I got." So too with us all.
P.S. I recommend the audio version, in her own voice, words and classic Southern drawl. It's powerful.
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Click on the cover or title to buy now from Amazon! |
Inside the Magic Kingdom: Seven Keys to Disney's Success by Michael Dell, Catherine Fredman (contributor)
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| Specifically, this book is about how Disney achieves such high standards. The wider issue is excellence, including how to apply the principles upon which excellence depends to business and, potentially, all of life. It’s a relatively quick and easy read, informative as it is profound. |
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Click on the cover or title to buy now from Amazon! |
Direct From Dell: Strategies That Revolutionized An Industry by Michael Dell, Catherine Fredman (contributor)
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| Excellent insight into the psychology and philosophy behind success. No pandering to ignorant, anti-business politicians or intellectuals for this guy: "I didn't ask for permission or approval. I just went ahead and did it." He also stresses the importance of using facts and reason, not just emotion and intuition. Inspiration and lessons for anyone interested in success, in any area of life.
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Click on the cover or title to buy now from Amazon! |
Economics In One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt
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| Most people simply have no clue about how economics really work. For example, they think the economy is as capricious and as unpredictable as the weather. Not true. They believe that recessions and depressions do not happen for objective reasons. Not true. Hazlitt’s genius lies in his ability to explain complex economic principles in layman’s terms. Read this book not to become an economist, but simply to have a better grasp of how and why a market economy works. Then you might send a copy to your Senator or Congressman; chances are that he or she understands economics even less than you do.
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Click on the cover or title to buy now from Amazon! |
The Prime Movers: Traits of the Great Wealth Creators by Edwin A. Locke
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| The super-rich really aren't like other people. They're a rare breed that inspire awe, envy, admiration--sometimes even hatred. They're idolized, criticized, and demonized. In short, they stand out from the rest of humanity. This book takes a penetrating look at some of these remarkable people--and reveals seven attributes common to all great wealth creators: independent vision, an active mind, competence and confidence, the drive to action, egoistic passion, love of ability in others, and virtue. In the right mix, these traits are what makes someone a Bill Gates, Sam Walton, Mary Kay, or Ross Perot. |
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Click on the cover or title to buy now from Amazon! |
Why Businessmen Need Philosophy by Ayn Rand (and others)
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| A collection of essays to help today's businessman understand the crucial role of philosophy in free trade, free markets, health care and business ethics. The book includes a title essay by Leonard Peikoff and two essays by Ayn Rand never before published in book form: "The Money-Making Personality" and "An Answer for Businessmen." Twelve additional essays by Leonard Peikoff and other contributors are included. |
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Click on the cover or title to buy now from Amazon! |
The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy by Thomas J. Stanley, William D. Danko
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| Suppose you had a chance to interview hundreds of people who had succeeded in building wealth on a scale that placed them among the richest people in America. What if you could get inside their heads, and find out what they think, how they behave, and how they feel about money? Imagine how your chances for success would improve if you could adopt the attitudes and mindsets of those who have proven their ability to achieve the kind of financial security that escapes nearly all of us. What makes a millionaire is not the Armani suit or the diamond pinky ring. In fact, most self-made millionaires know the value of a dollar and shun these superficial trappings. By modeling their behavior and principles you, too, can see a marked improvement in your ability to generate wealth.
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Click on the cover or title to buy now from Amazon! |
Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow
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| More than a biography, the story of John D. Rockefeller is a useful guide to discovering principles of successful living. He did not listen to the opinions of others; instead, he relied upon long-range planning and his own best observation of the facts. He balanced work and family, yet still managed to achieve phenomenal success. He was hated for his accomplishments by do-nothing intellectuals/politicians and envious competitors. Sounds a lot like today, doesn’t it? Contrary to popular opinion, Rockefeller was not a true monopolist. He did not use force to keep others from competing with him. He used uncompromising excellence.
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Click on the cover or title to buy now from Amazon! |
The Microsoft Way by Randall E. Stross
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| Randall Stross rejects the common wisdom that paints Microsoft as an evil corporate empire. Due to the extraordinary access he was given to the company's archives, personnel, and chairman for more than three years, he's in a position to know. His conclusion is that Microsoft does well because it hires the best and brightest, and then acknowledges their contribution and rewards them accordingly. Be inspired by Microsoft’s success; not envious. Learn how to make Microsoft’s principles of success work in your own life and business.
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Click on the cover or title to buy now from Amazon! |
Strategies: Getting & Keeping the Job You Want by Sharon K. Ferrett, Ph.D.
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| More than a bland listing of job-search strategies, the book's title understates its value. Dr. Ferrett anticipates the thoughts and feelings involved in a job search, and helps you confront these thoughts and feelings so they will not overpower you. STRATEGIES is loaded with useful suggestions as well as introspective coaching. Its nice spiral binding adds to its practicality.
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