One of my favorite things to do is read. It's relaxing, and it requires me to focus. When I get a book that really seems to be talking to me (and gets me thinking), I can't wait to get back to it and I end up taking my Kindle with me everywhere I go. Sadly this year I got out of the habit as my schedule was full of coaching clients and webinars. This is something I'm going to remedy in 2014. My mantra is always “Constant Improvement,” and books are an easy and inexpensive way to “go to school.” With this in mind, I wanted to share some of my favorite books that I've read this year (or maybe slightly before).
Platform: Michael Hyatt 
This is a book (Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World ) by Michael Hyatt. I have both the audiobook and the Kindle version. Why? Because when I listened to his book in the car I wanted to highlight areas. While you can put markers in the audible app, it's not the same (and probably not safe while you're driving). Michael worked in the publishing business and he knows what makes good content. He is now a successful speaker and author. I am a member of his Platform University. His section on your about page is worth the price of the book. The book is broken into five parts:
1. Start with the Wow
2. Prepare to launch
3. Build Your home base.
4. Extend your reach
5. Engage your tribe.
[easyazon-block asin=”159555503X” align=”none”]
Crush It! By Gary Vaynerchuk
While I love this book, the audiobook is even better. Why? Because Gary will be reading his own book and go, “OK, I'm going off script because there is more to say here since the book was published.” He is all about giving great content. In Crush it! you will:
Learn: Why social media has evened the playing field, destroying the “gate-keepers” who had previously dictated the distribution of content.
Learn: How to beat unemployment and create wealth-building opportunities by building and maintaining a personal brand.
Learn: Why storytelling is the most important business concept in the current marketplace.
Learn: How you can build an online business around your passion without quitting your day job.
Learn: Why Twitter and Facebook are just tools and not a social media strategy.
Learn: How to take advantage of the half-billion dollars in advertising that are moving to the internet.
Learn: Why transparency and being true to yourself are now winning marketing formulas.
Learn: How to build and maintain an online community around your passion and brand.
Learn: Strategies for turning attention into money.
Learn: Why the legacy element of the internet era is so underrated
[easyazon-block asin=”B003WUYQSW” align=”none”]
Writing Riches by Ray Edwards
I have a huge amount of respect for Ray Edwards. Here again, his podcast lead me to his book. His book (Writing Riches: Learn How to Boost Profits, Drive Sales and Master Your Financial Destiny With Results-Based Web Copy
) lead me to his courses. Ray is THE MAN when it comes to writing copy that motivates people to move. He has a whole section on writing headlines which podcasters could use to write better blog titles. To be honest, I've not finished this book. According to my Kindle I'm 38% done and I've learned so much if the rest of the book tanked, I'd still recommend it.
[easyazon-block asin=”1600377556″ align=”none”]
Tribes by Seth Godin
This book (Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us
)talks about how your “tribe” is out there looking for a leader. It points out the HUGE opportunity there is with the Internet to connect with people, and how you could easily position your self as a leader in your area. Seth is a Marketing God, and any book that makes me thing (as all of these do) is worth the buying price.
[easyazon-block asin=”1591842336″ align=”none”]
Jab Jab Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
OK, I just got this book. I'm 27% done with it. So far this book (Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World
) appears to be a great book. It is Gary‘s blueprint of HOW to connect. It's all about storytelling. I'm getting ready to dive into chapter 2 and its all about what makes a great story. People are calling this book “is a blueprint to social media marketing strategies that really works.” Much like Ray's book, I got to inspired by the opening and first chapter that even if the rest of the book sucks, its worth the price. Sadly, there is no audio version of this book (but when it comes out I'm buying it – no questions asked). When I listened to Gary on Pay Flynn‘s show he explained how this is kind of a Social Media 102 (not for beginners) as it really gets into the HOW to construct a successful social media campaign. From what I've read so far, there is testing, testing, testing, and if you're using the same message on Facebook, Twitter, etc. You are causing your audience to yawn.
[easyazon-block asin=”006227306X” align=”none”]
Conclusion
All these books talk about the importance of GREAT content. They talk about crafting your content (great content doesn't happen by accident). They talk about making connections with people (as relationships don't happen by accident and they need attention to be relevant). In other words, it is going to take some work.
If you'd like to purchase any of these books, please consider using the Amazon.com link (and a small portion of the sale goes to me). Also, consider signing up for an Audible Account (I love my audible account) where you can get a free book just for signing up. If you're not interested, you can cancel and keep the downloaded book for free.
HAPPY READING!
Hi David,
I’m such a bookworm and yes, I also enjoy listening to audio books and podcasts while driving, cooking, cleaning, or taking my dog Thor for a walk. All of the book listed above are excellent. I haven’t read Gary’s book but I have listened to his interviews about his book. Maybe a surprise stocking stuffer…hmm. Anyway, I really like your reviews because it’s well written. Thanks for that. I would really like to read more book reviews written by you.
To Your Success,
Stacie Walker
Woman in Leadership Founder
Great Suggestions Dave, I bought the iBook for Crush It and then due to time, I began listening to it on the audio version. It’s SO much better. I then find myself going back into the ibook and taking notes based on the audio files.
Gary rocks