It’s that time of year, when the impulse to reflect on what has happened over the past 12 months is too strong to ignore. Thus, as the final days of 2010 come to an end, I will add my own lists to my blog showcasing what has influenced me and my work in the last year.
I begin the series with books, as books continue to be my go-to source for reliable information despite the surge of Internet-ready resources. This list is in no particular order:
1. The Long Tail by Chris Anderson
2. The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert W. Bly
3. WordPress for Dummies by Lisa Sabin-Wilson
4. No B.S. Sales Success in the New Economy by Dan Kennedy
5. No B.S. Wealth Attraction For the New Economy by Dan Kennedy
6. Linchpin by Seth Godin
7. Dan Ariely’s Predictably Irrational
8. Branding for Dummies by Bill Chiaravalle and Barbara Findlay Schenck
9. Crush It by Gary V
10. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larson
What’s interesting to me as I write up this list is its ratio between non-fiction and fiction: Nine of the ten books on this list are non-fiction, which reveals to me how much of my time I now invest in learning new strategies I can directly apply into my business. Yet the fiction I read in many ways is far more valuable in the long run for a number of reasons. That is why I am vowing to read more fiction in 2011 than I did in 2010.
Why?
First, fiction gives me a great escape from the routines of running a small business. These periodic mental breaks are invaluable to my long-term energy reserves and stamina. I put in more hours these last 12 months to increase my knowledge and skill base than I have in a long time. The pay off for this time investment has already proven to be significant, so no regrets there. Still, making time to read more fiction over the next 12 months will pay off in other ways.
Second, fiction reminds me of what it means to be human. At the end of the day, being more human carries more weight in my eyes than having another non-fiction “how-to” under my belt. Stories are the universal language we all speak and the lessons stories teach can provide powerful insights into complex problems.
Finally, fiction provides one of the most direct mirrors of who we really are than any non-fiction tome could ever hope to do. A story can showcase for us our deepest desires, fears, and wishes, giving us the strength and fortitude to push forward when times get tough.
None of this is to negate the power of “true stories” and their value to our collective human experience. It is simply to say that fiction has its place on the bedside table next to the latest best-selling self-help or business book.
What books influenced you this last year, either fiction or non fiction or both?
Mary Lou,
Great list of books. I just picked up Linchpin and am planning on starting that tonight. Reading is a great way to expand your knowledge base in your area of expertise, that’s for sure. Allows you to get a feel for what has been followed throughout time.
I’m like you, haven’t read as much fiction. My tastes have changed. LOL
Have a great holiday Mary Lou,
Val 🙂
Know Your Personality – http://www.valwilcox.com/personality/
I’m flattered to see Branding for Dummies on your great reading list! If any of your blog readers want to read the first chapter of that book or any of my others (Small Business Marketing for Dummies, Selling Your Business for Dummies, and Business Plans Kit for Dummies) for free, there are links on the home page of my website, http://www.bizstrong.com.
Another good book I’ve been recommending is Scott Berkun’s Confessions of a Public Speaker.
And on the non-business front, the re-edited version of Ernest Hemingway’s memoir A Moveable Feast is even more amazing to read than the original.
Thanks for your post, and your support. All best wishes for 2011! Barbara
Hi Barbara, Your book has been instrumental to my business life in 2010. Thanks for your wisdom and great support! I will be sure to visit Powell’s over this holiday break and find myself a copy of Scott Berkun’s book. It sounds like a good one to add to my library!
All the best to you in 2011! Mary Lou
Hi Val, You are one of my kindred book lovers. Let me know what you take away from Linchpin. It was a game changer for me!
Happy Holidays and the Best to you in the coming year! 🙂
Mary Lou,
The Language of Love by Gary Smalley and John Trent and Anna Quindlen’s book titled Being Perfect.
Have a great 2011! ~Ziz
Hi Mary Lou,
I too believe there is a definite place for ‘fiction’ in the form of books, movies, etc in my life, because it keeps me in touch with the spirit of adventure, make believe and taking time out from real life, like all the things we do to be successful and have to do to put bread on the table.
I have to admit I have only read one non fiction book in 2010, but a book I believe is the ‘bible’ of how to interact with anyone we meet in day to day life.
The book is ‘How To Win Friends and Influence People’ by dale Carnegie
best regards
John
Dale Carnegie’s classic is indeed one that can be read many times, and always with new insights with each new read. It should be required reading for all young people before leaving high school, and that comment is coming from a former English teacher who loves the power of fiction! There are just certain books that need to be read and you have showcased one of them. Thank you, John!