Lots of Great Reads

Readers often indicate that they appreciate my regular listings here in BookShelf, but one asked for a comprehensive list. Great idea. Here you go …

  • ‘Your Call Is Important To Us – the Truth About Bullsh*t’, Laura Penny, Random House, NY, 2005.  I picked up this book for the title and actually read it while traveling. An interesting study of the steaming piles of BS found in advertising, institutions and government.
  • ‘People Styles at Work and Beyond – Making Bad Relationships Good and Good Relationships Better’, by Robert Bolton & Dorothy Grover Bolton, American Management Association, NY, 2009.  An excellent discussion of four basic workplace communication styles – Driver, Expressive, Amiable and Analytical – their strengths, weaknesses and need for adaptation.
  •  ‘Good in a Room – how to sell yourself and your ideas and win over any audience’, by Stephanie Palmer, Tantor Media, Inc., 2003. A most interesting take on high stakes pitches and meetings from a former Hollywood studio executive who listened to a lot of pitches in a lot of meetings.
  • ‘The Maker Movement Manifesto – Rules for Innovation in the New World of Crafters, Hackers and Tinkerers’, by Mark Hatch, McGraw-Hill Education, Brilliance Audio, 2013.  A fascinating discussion of the Maker Movement and how it’s changing the world with its new, easy to use and inexpensive tools and technologies.
  • ‘Speaking is an Audience-Centered Sport – How to create and deliver presentations that make people sit up, take notice and beg for more!’, by Marjorie Brody, Career Skills Press, Jenkintown PA, 2001.  I re-read Brody’s book while traveling. It’s an excellent basic overview with some content contributed by her professional speaking colleagues. Well worth the read.
  • ‘Growing Your Business!’, by Marc LeBlanc, Beaver’s Pond Press, Edina MN, 1999.  Thought it was time to re-read LeBlanc’s excellent book while on vacation. It’s the smallest, shortest and one of the best resources for small businesses ever. Great idea!
  • ‘Sales Bible – the Ultimate Sales Resource’, by Jeffrey Gitomer, HarperCollins, NY, 2008.  Re-read Gitomer’s great book and his 10.5 Commandments of Sales Success while on vacation. Great idea!
  • ‘Making Presentations’, by Tim Hindle, part of the DK Essential Managers series, DK Publishing, NY, 1998.  A quick review of 101 tips for creating and delivering presentations … a good simple refresher.
  • Conquer the Chaos – How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy’ by Clate Mask & Scott Martineau, Gildan Media Corp., 2010.  Six strategies to make your business run smoothly and help you conquer the chaos. Lots of useful take-aways. Well worth the read or listen time.

And do send in your recent reads so I can share them with everyone. Happy reading and learning.