Want to be RICH? - How many books do you read?

24 replies
Hey everyone,

I've yet to meet other successful entrepreneurs and wealthy people that don't read self-development books. I am always looking to broaden my skills and mindset to becoming a better person in general and in growing my business.

So everybody -

What is your favourite book?
Why?


Mine is Go Givers Sell More - By Bob Burg.

I love the fact it describes giving value to customers rather than just pitching offers and products etc. By giving away free value and other stuff to people, you will get more sales, without having to sell!

Looking forward to learning more titles!
#books #read #rich
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Meaney
    The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

    It helps me get more of what I want without annoying people or making enemies.

    And taught me how to turn complainers into customers.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
      [DELETED]
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  • Profile picture of the author George Schwab
    these days: there are many "best" ones

    the days of print: I am looking at:

    "getting everything you can out of all you've got"

    by Jay Abraham

    "21 ways you out-think, out perform, and out-earn the competition"

    first edition 2000
    Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author TheWealthWoman
    The 4 Hour Workweek is still a good one. It is a little heavy handed, but the message is still great and gets you in a good mindset as a marketer.
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  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    Idea Virus by Seth Godin

    It really revolutionized how I write sales copy and book descriptions
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  • Profile picture of the author positivenegative
    Books are there purely to make money for the authors. If you believe "self-development" books are the route to success then you're in for a big shock. Most of these type of books are cobbled together crap from other similar books - and put together by someone who's never done anything with their own life.

    "Self-development" comes from within, as does ambition, belief and action.

    An exceptional book may give you inspiration, but only YOU can move your ass to do something about it... not the book, author, content, etc...
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    • Profile picture of the author John Cho
      Originally Posted by positivenegative View Post

      Books are there purely to make money for the authors. If you believe "self-development" books are the route to success then you're in for a big shock. Most of these type of books are cobbled together crap from other similar books - and put together by someone who's never done anything with their own life.

      "Self-development" comes from within, as does ambition, belief and action.

      An exceptional book may give you inspiration, but only YOU can move your ass to do something about it... not the book, author, content, etc...
      True. I know many folks who's just hooked on getting daily inspiration. I was once too posting inspirational posts on Facebook and reading and watching videos to boost up my motivation without doing anything to change my life.. only to realize I still had zero's in my bank account.

      BTW - my book is Dotcom Secrets and Cashvertising.

      There's such a wealth of great books out there. I'd love to have more time to read.
      Signature

      Learn how I built a 14k email list and monetized it.

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    • Profile picture of the author Reimaru
      Originally Posted by positivenegative View Post

      Books are there purely to make money for the authors. If you believe "self-development" books are the route to success then you're in for a big shock. Most of these type of books are cobbled together crap from other similar books - and put together by someone who's never done anything with their own life.

      "Self-development" comes from within, as does ambition, belief and action.

      An exceptional book may give you inspiration, but only YOU can move your ass to do something about it... not the book, author, content, etc...
      THIS. DEFINITELY.

      I've read a LOT of self-improvement books (these are my top 25) and most of them have the same topic. They are, however, like different paintings made by different artists so each one still has its distinct "flavor."

      Anyway, they are still fun to read for inspiration and motivation. After those, however, it's best to then read books that can teach you new skills which you can actually use. Reviewing old books that you've read helps too.
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  • Profile picture of the author The Oilman
    I believe in studying peoples courses and taking rigorous notes

    But I feel the retention on reading books (for me at least) is pretty low.

    I'd say its better to actually work on something and learn that way.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by The Oilman View Post


      But I feel the retention on reading books (for me at least) is pretty low.

      .
      Yes it can be difficult . That's why I also take notes on Books. Sounds a little redundant but it works for me. And it is good fodder for my general Content needs



      - Robert Andrew
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      • Profile picture of the author Johnny Slater
        Originally Posted by discrat View Post

        Yes it can be difficult . That's why I also take notes on Books. Sounds a little redundant but it works for me. And it is good fodder for my general Content needs
        - Robert Andrew
        That makes sense. A lot of people, myself included, learn better by writing something down rather than by just reading it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
      Originally Posted by The Oilman View Post

      I'd say its better to actually work on something and learn that way.
      Yep of those I know that did not inherit money they were out in the market place - saw a need or an opportunity and ran with it full speed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Ray
    My favorite book on the subject:

    Uncontrollable Desire To Be Rich - Is it a new religion or a mental illness?

    I highly recommend it! It's over 900 pages, not an "easy read" but definitely worth reading it.
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  • Profile picture of the author madhu sudhan
    Think and Grow Rich: The Original 1937 Unedited Edition
    by Napoleon Hill
    it is one of the best book as it covers all the basics from planning, decision making and persistence.
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I have lots of favourite books. One author I really like is the late Richard Carlson.
    He wrote a series of books that all started with "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff..."
    He has titles such as ..."at work;" "..."and it's all small stuff;"
    "with your family?" ..."in love; ..."about money;" ..."for men:"..."for women," and "what about the big stuff.' These are only a few in his collection, which his wife, Kristine, has taken over and continues to write.

    Google him to see all his titles and they're all easy to read books but with specific powerful messages, depending on their titles."
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
    Originally Posted by Andrewsfm View Post

    Hey everyone,

    I've yet to meet other successful entrepreneurs and wealthy people that don't read self-development books.
    I've met a ton of them. In fact no businessman I know spends much time with their head in a book. They are too busy making deals and working on their business.
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    The author/publisher is making money telling you how to make money. Meanwhile you're looking to buy more books.
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  • Profile picture of the author ContentPro22
    I'm more of a video kinda guy. AuthorityHacker.com has some great videos. Watched all of them and learned a lot. I'm also a big Tai Lopez fan. But as far as books go, I don't do much reading anymore. Used to, but no more.
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  • Profile picture of the author Royell
    I totally agree with you. So few people understand the direct correlation between self improvement and Success in Life.

    I have several.
    Think and Grow Rich
    How to win friends and Influence People
    and My Favorite of all time The Richest Man in Babylon
    That in my opinion is the greatest book on financial matters ever written.
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    LifeStyleTraining101.com
    Empowering Internet Marketing Success!
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by Andrewsfm View Post

    I've yet to meet other successful entrepreneurs and wealthy people that don't read self-development books.

    Andrewsfm,

    I don't see a direct correlation here, as you suggest. Granted, many successful and wealthy entrepreneurs read self-improvement books . . . but I don't see any evidence that doing so is the reason for their success. If it were that easy, everyone could be successful! But look at the numbers and you will find that very few entrepreneurs are able to create a full time income for themselves. It takes a heck of a lot more to be profitable online.

    I like reading business books, but I would be the first to echo what others have said about the importance of "doing" business rather than merely reading what others have done.

    For online marketing, I like all the books authored by Seth Godin.

    Another top author is Robert B. Cialdini - I like his Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.

    Another great marketing book that every online business owner should read is Positioning by Al Ries and Jack Trout.

    Finally, I would recommend Jeff Walker's Launch.

    The best to all of you,

    Steve

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    Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
    SteveBrowneDirect

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  • Profile picture of the author Vincent Freeman
    Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
    inspire me
    "stay hungry , stay foolish"
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  • Profile picture of the author tyronne78
    My favorite business book is 80/20 Sales and Marketing by Perry Marshall because it's all about working less and making more money.
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  • Profile picture of the author james flynn
    Originally Posted by Andrewsfm View Post

    Hey everyone,

    I've yet to meet other successful entrepreneurs and wealthy people that don't read self-development books. I am always looking to broaden my skills and mindset to becoming a better person in general and in growing my business.

    So everybody -

    What is your favourite book?
    Why?


    Mine is Go Givers Sell More - By Bob Burg.

    I love the fact it describes giving value to customers rather than just pitching offers and products etc. By giving away free value and other stuff to people, you will get more sales, without having to sell!

    Looking forward to learning more titles!
    Same as Michael mentioned above: The art of war. I came across this book through a movie titled 'Wall street' starring Michael Douglas. The book undoubtedly has some serious motivational stuff in it. I think every starter should give it a read.

    Cheers-James
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  • Profile picture of the author CityCowboy
    Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz - A great classic copywriting book.

    It's quite expensive for a book but it has some very high-quality information about 'Advertising' and fulfilling your customers' unmet needs.

    Eugene Schwartz says that Advertising should be exploiting an already-existing mass desire and that Advertisers who try to create that desire will not make a good ROI''
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  • Profile picture of the author brianapatt
    I read a chapter in the book of Proverbs every night in my never ending desire to gain more wisdom. If it's the first day of the month I read chapter one. If it's the last day of the month I'll read one or two chapters, depending on how many days are in that month.
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