In our mission to advise, inform and inspire business owners and managers we offer these ideas for your consideration. 

You too should think "Back-to-School"

At the end of every summer everyone is focused on getting kids "back-to-school" but it's also a good time of year for you and your business to go back to school.  Organize the time to take a refresher in some of the fundamentals for better personal and business performance.

You may have been inspired by your summer reading list, but more likely enjoyed some light fiction, historical novels or biographies. If you are now ready to consider some "back-to-business" reading, here are my personal recommendations for this year.

Some business classics to review again:

In Search of Excellence Tom Peters and R.H. Waterman Jr.
The original business management best-seller and still the best presentation on the principles of managing for success.

Built to Last Jim Collins and Jerry Porras
A fascinating study of the principles and practices of long-term business success stories.

From Good to Great Jim Collins
Another well-written analysis of the leadership qualities and style that take large enterprises to higher levels.

Swim with the Sharks - Without Being Eaten Alive Harvey Mackay
Wide ranging advice from a successful entrepreneur with a gift for creative approaches presented in memorable phrases. (Like his book titles.)

Some disappointments to avoid:

The E-Myth Michael Gerber
Not as good as its popularity would suggest. Pretty basic stuff that most entrepreneurs have already learned the hard way. Maybe some useful messages for those who haven't yet launched their own business.

Small Giants Bo Burlingham
An interesting idea to study small eccentric companies that decided to succeed by staying small, but the conclusions are a stretch to fit the hypothesis that small is better and they won't fit for most of us.

For your personal management issues:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Stephen R Covey
More spiritual than you might expect, but some great insights and tools for personal management.

The 8th Habit Stephen R Covey
A follow-up on the values of "principle centered" leadership.

Awaken the Giant Within Anthony Robbins
The original concepts that launched Tony Robbins and the self-help industry. You can also try his tapes or CD's.

The Intelligent Investor Benjamin Graham
From the professor who taught Warren Buffet how to grow his investments to billions. Buffet calls it "By far the best book on investing ever written."

The Wealthy Barber David Chilton
An easier read and a great basic handbook for personal financial management. Should be required reading in every high school.

If you have others to recommend I would be pleased to hear from you, but any of these books will help you focus on the fundamentals and achieve more successful approaches to your personal and business growth. It's worth finding the time to get back to them.

Del Chatterson

 © September 2008

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