Freedoma's Blog

At Freedoma.com, I’d like to think that we like to think. Therefore I’m often down at Borders having a good read over a coffee, and I’ll be chewing ideas over with anyone who cares to listen…..the guy who wants a peace and quiet, the barista, the family with kids running around.

So when someone asked for a few books to recommend, I thought I’d jump to jot down some of the best 10 business, marketing & leadership books to read. All stimulating books, and all get you thinking in some interesting directions. To be fair, these wont be my only favourites business books- there would be lots more, but I like these ones. I’ll build up our best book list sometime, or those that have been the most significant. But if you’re after a good book for the holidays, and you like reading about business, marketing, web2.0 and dreaming of the future- then you’ll enjoy these titles:

1. Tipping Point- Malcolm Gladwell

Ok- it’s been talked about all over the place. The man is now a presentation superstar going from one city to the next sharing his fresh thoughts on success and business. He recently wrote a long piece for the Independent about Gordon Brown. But he’s got some great little thoughts and this is a great quick flick. Sometimes the points are made relatively quickly and then you’re wading through stories to back up the points. Tis great, but if you’re in an impatient mood, grab something else or skim read. What are the key factors to seeing something Tip? When does it reach a tipping point? Allow Malcolm Gladwell to share his helpful insights.

2. Wikinomics-Don Tapscott

I love this book and the opening story about Gold Corp; a mining company. Gold Corp were finding it hard to make money, and then the young boss took an unconventional approach by publishing their most valuable data online: maps and geological surveys and offered a reward to anyone who helped them hit gold! Yes, you’re right. It worked and this ‘open source’ approach nailed it, raking in millions for the company and shareholders…as well as those who helped them through the internet! Really challenged the presumption that control is the best approach! Great read…..don’t fight where it takes you…it’s good! A lot of the thinking of Freedoma.com has come out from the thoughts in this.

3. Purple Cow- Seth Godin

I was introduced to Purple Cow through my friend Paul Robinson, and have since been an avid Seth Godin apprecionado with his blog posts and other books. Purple Cow is a simple but great concept asking us to think through what the exceptional things we do are and how  you make something stand out. It’s not enough to have a field of cows… where’s your purple cow? I like Seth’s writing style and approach- straight talking, a collection of thoughts and not unline have an enjoyable conversation with a great thinker. I often end up talking back to him when I’m reading! Don’t argue, but have a good old discussion! Ok….perhaps that’s why everyone walks to the other side of the coffee shop when I’m reading. (Note to self- much stop that!).

4. The Wisdom of Crowds- James Surowiecki

Simple concept, and the title says it all. Why rely on one or two people’s concepts when instead you could hear the thoughts and wisdom of the masses? It’s a good point that is argued through comprehensively. This book has naturally echoed the approach we’re taking with Freedoma.com as we are not looking for one or two people’s expert opinions but those valued reviews from all walks of life. It’s a good one to help you re-think engagement with society at large.

5. Never Eat Alone- Keith Ferrazzi

OK- This book is good in its concept, but with a little more time I’d probably lift this one out of my best 10 business books list. It’s a good practical guide, helping you max out meal times to engage with people and invite people around to network. However, it’s a little narrow in its outlook. Life is more than meetings and intentional conversations, and although I’m an extreme extrovert, I have had many enjoyable meals alone! Tongue and cheek but I think the danger is sometimes its easy not to hold the tensions of other important factors in life. I enjoyed this book and recommend it on the basis, that it’s a good concept but don’t swallow it all hook line and anchor.

6. The Long Tail- Chris Anderson

You read this and it makes sense. It fine tunes what you’re doing and you’re grateful to the author as a result! So what’s he on about? Anderson explains, “The theory of the Long Tail can be boiled down to this: Our culture and economy are increasingly shifting away from a focus on a relatively small number of hits (mainstream products and markets) at the head of the demand curve, and moving toward a huge number of niches in the tail.”

1. More stuff is being produced. Technology and the internet make it cheaper and easier to record and distribute your own songs, publish your own writings and so on. This lengthens the tail.
2. There is better access to niches, again thanks to the reach and economies on the net. This fattens the tail.
3. Search and recommendations connect supply and demand. This drives business from hits to niches.

Can you see the influence this has had on our thinking? Get the book and let me know your thoughts!

7. Starfish and the Spider- Ori Brafman

Oh yes! I loved this book. It was a fantastic read that really looks at businesses trying to hang onto control and those who are looking to more flexible, where it doesn’t matter if a limb gets chopped off because it will grow back into a new starfish! It tracks through some examples of Spider businesses and Starfish businesses. The point is argued through well, with a balance as to what elements of ‘Spider’ activity can be helpful! Ok- so those last sentances wont have made sense- but they will do once you have read it. So go read it!……..I want to be a Starfish!

8. The E-Myth Revisited- Michael Gerber

Great practical guide and often recommended on best business book lists. Gareth Mulhulland recommended this one to me. It helps you assess how you can automate your processes and ensure that your customers get the same enjoyable experience every time. Once you have the basics in place, than you have head-space and time to create the WOW factor by gathering in data that people have given. The example he’d give would be the story of someone arriving  into their hotel and the staff already knowing their preferences and acting on them from their previous visits. It’s a book that will drive you into further action, so one that is best for the second half of a holiday, not the beginning of one!

9. Developing the Leader Within You – John C. Maxwell

John Maxwell is clearly a great writer- thoughtful, carrying integrity and investing his understanding into us young wipper snappers.  He explores the true definitions of leadership, the traits of leadership and the difference between managers and leaders. This helped me discover which camp I best fit into. A lot of books focus on new initiatives and practices, time saving devices and new concepts. What I love about John Maxwell, and why he should always be one of the best business authors to read- is he focuses on you as an individual and looks to challenge issues regarding to your character.

10. Guerilla Marketing- Jay Conrad Levinson

I like this book! I’m loving this book! And with 14 million others who have bought the book I’m part of the club. It’s a fantastic book, giving good direct challenging and affirming insights into how to go about finding new clients for SME’s. I challenge you to pick up this book for 30 minutes at a book shop and not walk out with it. So many practical and well thought through approaches. It’s written with that fire that gets you wanting to jump up on your chair and shout to everyone- COME ON YOU BEAUTIES! Well maybe that’s just me! COME ON!

Marketing, Leadership, Business, Entrepreneurs, Web 2.0 Books

Hope you like the top 10 business, marketing & leadership books list I’ve made…..but I know there are so many more that are out there. I don’t think I can stop there, so I will add some more in due course and fine tune it down. Please add to the list any you can recommend in return? What have I missed out, what would you add? I’m looking to stock up for a good read this Summer. And by the way, if you’re short of the old bob or two, and you want to borrow some books, we’ve got a Freedoma library, so do get in touch, head over and take your pick. There’s quite a selection and it would be great if you could make use of them. And I might just corner you and try and get you into a conversation about the future of alternative economies.

Cheers, Caleb