Actually, the whole ‘top 6’ thing is just a trick to get you to open this article. I’ll admit it-I just want to get you reading here! There are more than 6 books that are relevant to me and my entrepreneur’s brain right now, so hopefully, you too will find some impact by adding them to your nightstand.
It almost seems like an anachronism to read actual books, but I’m sure glad to go against the grain if that’s true. I LOVE how books smell and how they feel in my hands. Nothing beats being able to dog-ear a corner or write notes in a margin. In fact, if you wonder why you can’t seem to retain information any longer, consider that perhaps you’d do well to read on paper instead of screens (those of us who are primarily kinesthetic learners do better OFF electronics!)
(If you’re not super familiar with the NLT, here’s a great article for you! CLICK HERE!)
Without further ado, here’s my personal list of the books that matter most right now (to me, anyway). Feel free to add your own favorites in the comments!
QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability at Work and in Life by John G. Miller for its insights into personal accountability.
Never Finished by David Goggins for its motivational content.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield to address creative resistance.
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz for its financial strategies.
The 80% Approach by Dan Sullivan which offers a unique perspective on achieving results efficiently.
And frankly, I’d be silly not to ask you to check out my three books as well! You can get them HERE on my website or from Amazon.
OUTRAGEOUS AUTHENTICITY® You Are Your Best Sales Weapon Do you feel pressured to always be “on” when you are in sales? Do folks cringe and shy away from you when they find out what you do for a living? If that has happened to you, join me and learn how to be OUTRAGEOUSLY AUTHENTIC®
The 7 Deadly Sins of Sales: and the Deceptively Simple Strategies to Solve Them You have heard about the seven deadly sins, which are abuses of one’s natural passions, but have you heard about the 7 deadly sins of SALES? Leigh Brown will introduce you to the classic mistakes salespeople make and will provide you with techniques and ideas for correction. The end result? A more professional business and the happiest clients on the planet!
Peeling the Onion: Bring Your Relationships Back, Layer by Layer Leigh Brown shares how we can break the chains that bind us to social media platforms to engage in real relationships.
The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan. Sullivan, a seasoned entrepreneur coach, offers valuable insights in a concise and impactful format.
Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze. Horst Schultz, the founder of Ritz-Carlton, is suggested as a transformative read that can revolutionize both business practices and personal life.
Overall Must Reads:
Bluefishing by Steve Sims. I found Steve when I heard his episode on my favorite* podcast, I Love Marketing (created by Dean Jackson and Joe Polish). I quickly developed an entrepreneur’s crush AND managed to help secure him as a keynote speaker for the CRS Sellabration event in February 2019. I read it three times in a row without stopping, it’s that good. I finally felt like there might be someone out there in the world who would *get* me-and we ALL need that. *You know my second favorite podcast is my own, Crazy Shit In Real Estate.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It’s a long book, yes, but it’s an important read in any time but particularly in today’s very weird political climate. Read it and think about how you can be a part of the solutions today and tomorrow – and also how you can help to create the next generation that can think critically.
Start With Why by Simon Sinek. I have recommended this so many times that Mr. Sinek should probably pay me some royalties for selling books for him. Seriously, though, until REALTORS® and other salespeople realize WHY they are doing what they do for a living, they’ll continue being undermined by the internet and VC interlopers. It’s late for you to read this now but you have no choice! Read it!
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Vintage International), by Haruki Murakami. It’s not just for runners (although I imagine it’s a bit more poignant if you are!). I asked a question last year about whether it’s harder for you to get started or keep going or stop. As someone who struggles with that, this was a great read for thinking and making personal strides.
Think Like a Freak by Steven Dubner. It’s probably a compliment to be a freak now, kind of like it’s a compliment to be a nerd or geek… completely opposite of what was meant by those monikers back when I grew up in the 80s! Seems that right now, though, I need to be thinking differently about a lot of things. It’s so easy to fall into a rut and let the days pass through your fingers like the sands of the hourglass (extra credit if your mind immediately went to Days of Our Lives), but that’s not the way to achieve goals that mean something and I need to MEAN something.
Destiny and Power by Jon Meacham. The ultimate biography on President George H.W. Bush. I initially read this after hearing Mr. Meacham speak at a President’s Circle conference for RPAC, after sitting there in tears hearing about the greatness of this quietly great man. Of course, after President Bush’s passing, it was time to read it again. I realize that I’ve not done a fraction of what I can do in life and this is just overall inspiring about living better.
My original list from 2017 has many more sales books on it, and you can access that post here:
Oh and did I mention...be sure to check out my three books as well! 😉
Hoping your year will be filled with great moments, whether in your personal or professional life. I hope to be an encouragement to you as you are encouragers to others!
By the way — if you have any buying or selling questions, you can call on this girl! www.leighsells.com.
And if your association or brokerage needs a speaker, DM me!
~ Leigh Brown
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REALTOR®. Author. Coach. Keynote speaker. Leigh Brown is laser-focused on inspiring people to be better, strive for more, and to take the reins and lead!
