The Perfect Business Book
597245
What a great find. Whether you're in the Strategy or consulting business or play a leadership roll in your organization, Achieving Strategic Alignment is the perfect read. 1. it's only a 100 pages or so, 2. it lays out everything you need to keep in mind when it comes to rolling up your sleeves and doing the tough work of a re-org, re-brand, or a re-position and 3. I've never seen a book that keeps everyone involved, accountable for their actions. Most people leave half day or two days sessions, pumped for just a few weeks, then they run back to their corners and back to 'work'. This books keeps everyone at the table accountable for change through goal setting and follow through. This is the perfect business book.
2923561
I know I'm biased on this as I'm part of the TAB organisation in the UK, but this really is my kind of business book!  Because each chapter stands alone it's easy to dip in and out of.  Because it was written by lots of people it's in a number of different styles which makes each chapter more interesting and it never repeats itself.  And because all the contributors are out there all day every day working with real businesses, all the stuff is practical and based on real world experience.  My personal favourite is chapter 5 by Malcolm Webster - who talks about the fact that if you're the smartest person in the room you're probably in the wrong room.  Despite his references to Liverpool Football Club (which as a life long Leeds United supporter could have been an issue...) the sentiment of his chapter really resonated with me - and reminded me that the biggest benefit I can bring to my business is to make sure I'm always surrounded by people a lot smarter than me!!
4518742
I love this book! The core concept of translating presentation from the boring to something of interest is not a new idea. However, this book book draws on many of the gems where I have found brilliant thought such as Joseph Campbell and Richard Feynman.

It's not just another business book. It runs deep and helps with a thought process. It brilliantly and visually presents concepts. I'm struggling for words because, oddly, I don't want to give away any of it! Can you give away the plot of a 'business' book? Well, if the book tells a story you could. So I won't.

I want to say this too. I read a lot of business related books and lately have been just burned out by all the shallow stuff and rehashes of old ideas. I mean really burned out from hearing the same old stuff. That said, I was thrilled from the first page of this book to find good, solid thinking presented in a fresh and exciting way. Also, my biggest fault with business type books is that they are long on what we should not do, short on what to do and completely lacking on HOW TO. Not this book. You get plenty of "how to."

My best clients will get this book as gift.

Chris Reich
3675931
The best book on business. I read it once and need to read it another 5 times because the information will transform your business and your life for the better.
3598107
I read this book.  It was exactly what I was looking for.  How to get more business using my business cards.  No stupid studies, graphs, charts or scientific BS.  Just things to do to find customers, build business, and get my name out there.  If you can't find a few ideas to put to use, you shouldn't be in business.  I liked this book so much I ordered a few more as gifts.  Gave one to my boss.  He held it up at a sales meeting and said everyone should read it.  Mentioning that it came from me didn't hurt.  I am glad I took the advice of the other postive reviewers of this book!  Get one for yourself!
3116488
I can't say enough good things about this book. I've read and reread it multiple times to keep me on track with my business/career goals. Whether you're just starting out or need a push to get you back on the right path, this book is just what you need.
3421914
This book is full of inspirational ideas, motivational techniques, and straight-forward, practical ideas. Unlike other business books, it's funny, witty, sassy and clever and easy to implement. This is all the unwritten rules that we all wish we knew. I highly recommend it to anyone trying to get ahead in business.
347150
One of the best business books I have read. Short, concise and practical. It thoroughly explains the concept of a platform, its benefits, key success factors and risks. I already successfully used the concepts described there in discussions with clients. I sincerely recommend reading it!
4051108
The Forrest Deep written by Gaylen K. Bunker is the perfect business book for those who would love to learn about the skills necessary to be a leader but get lost in the dull, dreary and mundane text of the usual book.  The Forrest Deep combines relatable characters, a fictional plot and a unique writing style that anyone can comprehend.  Each chapter in the book addresses important skills, characteristics or knowledge that many of todays top business leaders practice. The information is presented in a way that reminds you of the joy of learning just like when you were a kid, each page you race through to find out what Rabbit is going to learn next.  Rabbit the main character in which the narration follows finds himself on a quest to find what it takes to be a leader.  Rabbit speaks to, listens to, and interacts with many characters along his journey to find his answer.  Bunker subtitles the book An Epic Business Fable, to which the book lives up too.  I recommend the book to all who are looking for a light hearted approach to learning about True Value.
2661737
This is the quintessential revolutionary business book for the 21st Century. If you want to learn to be an effective CEO and lead your team to excellence, I highly recommend this book. Ms Thornton details an exemplary and honest account of her own trials and tribulations running her own business that ultimately resulted in her losing $1M. What I enjoyed most about reading her story is that she gives the reader "Reality Checks," which are signs she ignored because she was too emotionally or subjectively involved in her business. All of us leaders have been there and I wish this book had been available to me years ago when I started my own business. Ms. Thornton's simple, insightful writing style made this book such a delight to read. Unlike most business books, you can even read it on the beach during a vacation. In summary, I loved this book.
4475303
I own a small business that currently has 3 employees and is rapidly growing.  I read this book a year ago at the recommendation of another small business owner and found it to be the most helpful book I've ever read on business, though the&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-E-Myth-Revisited-Why-Most-Small-Businesses-Don-t-Work-and-What-to-Do-About-It/dp/0887307280/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It</a>&nbsp;is a very close second.  I've read dozens of business books and this is the best.  Every single one of his chapters sets a solid framework for the essential elements of running a business.  It starts with setting goals and making them clear and trackable.  He give tips for prioritizing and time management.  He helps with how to hire employees, train them, communicate to them, encourage them, compensate them and fire them if necessary.  He goes through marketing, sales, accounting, financing, and vendors.  Basically, every single aspect to running a business is covered, and Dave walks you through step by step how to implement these principles.

If I hadn't read this book last year, there's no way I would be where I am today.  I wouldn't have had a plan, been able to motivate employees, or handle the growth we experienced.  I even had one of my employees read certain chapters of this book throughout the year to get us on the same page and help him grow in his leadership capabilities.  I'm planning to read it again this year in order to try to take my business to the next level again.  I compiled in the back a list of other books that he cited in the book as I read - in itself it is a great bibliography for business and leadership.  And be sure not to miss the bonus chapters online, they're just as good as the rest of the book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who owns a business or is in management to any degree.
3379241
I ran across a talk with Mike Michalowicz on one of my favorite business coach's Facebook pages and listened. I knew right away that his revolutionary approach to business finances was something I needed to implement immediately. I bought Profit First and dove right in. For reference, I'm in direct sales and own a small, pop-up clothing boutique. I've been in business for almost two years, and last year saw the dreaded "paper profit" where I showed a profit at year end and owed in taxes, but didn't actually SEE that money in any real way. Mike's straightforward approach to analyzing my cash flow was eye-opening. Even better, his easy-to-implement plan to change things begins working IMMEDIATELY. I've been using his plan for two months now and my business has money in its Profit account, money in its Taxes account, and I've taken a paycheck from it every two weeks. I know exactly how much I have to spend on inventory and on other expenses. And I'm adjusting those amounts each month to meet my goal percentages without it feeling like a big pinch.

Mike's conversational, self-deprecating, irreverent tone makes reading his books enjoyable as well as life-changing. I felt like I knew him within the first chapter, and the fact that he has actually been accessible to me for communication as well makes it even more true. Mike is the real deal, y'all. He is invested and cares about changing your business for the better. I have already recommended his book to several people, and I will continue to do so. If and when I sign other folks up with my company, this book will be the welcome-to-the-business gift I give to every one of them.

Mike, I can't thank you enough for the gift you've given me by writing this book. Small business owners, it doesn't matter what you do, this book WILL help your company and you, from the first day you read it.
3719177
The book Scale is one of the best business books I've read (and I read a lot). Packed full of actionable ideas, and plenty of theories to keep you thinking. My favorite part of the book is the first half where Finkel and Hoffman discuss the concepts of smart business growth, how to make it through the three stages of the business cycle and the predictable business challenges along the way. How to analyze your customers, your competition and how to best position your business and your marketing messages.  And how to scale your business the smart way. It's rare I mark up a book with so many notes, I really enjoyed this one!
2489737
I am familiar with Carol Tice's articles and freelancer business tips, but this book takes it to a new level.  This book showcases all the tricks and skills she's learned as a business journalist over the years.  It may not be long for the number of topics it covers, but every page is filled with value.  There's no fluff here.

She covers every aspect of starting and owning a business.  Even important topics you may not have considered.  This is perfect to read if you're still in the planning phases.  It will help you decide whether your business plan is viable or not.  She tells you how and where to find research and data about your industry.  She discusses budgeting, marketing, renting, financing, taxes, tax deductions, different types of businesses.  It is written in simple language that anyone can understand.  People who know little about the financial aspect may even find more value in this.

The guide applies to all types of businesses.  For example, she talks about considerations for renting space.  As a freelance writer, this doesn't apply to me.  So I could've skipped this section, but it was so interesting to learn that I read it anyway.  Thanks to this book, I also have new resources for local mentoring and small business help.

She covers many case studies -- both successes and failures.  She breaks down their smart decisions or exactly where they went wrong.  She gives tips on who, where, and when you should hire labor to save money.  For example, she discusses the pros and cons between hiring student, intern, temporary, remote, or veteran help.  She tells you exactly where to look in your community or which websites to visit.  She even informs you of special tax breaks you can receive if you hire veterans, the unemployed, or those with disabilities during certain times.

There are even chapter synopses at the end.  If you're spending a research day on the Internet, this is a convenient way to see all the resources and web addresses from each chapter laid out.  The index is comprehensive, so it's easy to reference specific topics alphabetically.  Also, in the conclusion section there is a link to download the companion workbook for free.

This book is worth it's weight in gold for any prospective business owner.  I would recommend it to anyone thinking about starting a business.

Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
1821575
Brian G Johnson has written a comprehensive business book for the 21st Century. He covers everything from mindset and attitude to focusing on one thing at a time to actually building your website! He tells us when to go cheap and when it's worthwhile to spend the bigger bucks. I feel like I've found the perfect business coach for my scattered brain, and now wish I had found him sooner. I've spent so much time on one-hint webinars when this guru spills his guts unhesitatingly. He seriously wants us all to succeed. Thanks, Brian! Can't wait for your next book ...
354870
There are not enough business books that focus on the smaller business owner/manager like this one. This book tells several stories--first there is a lot about Jim who tells his story, not as an idealized here is why I am so great style, but with humor, keen observation, and a deep sense of truth about what is real, rather than what we wish. He is a scion of a large family business, and his story is about the struggles and pitfalls that arise as a business struggles between generations. After leaving Olan Mills, Jim has gone on to work with other family and non-family businesses, and his book is from the perspective of an executive who has gone on to help and mentor others. The other attraction of the book are clear pcinciples. always illustrated with telling vignettes, about the principles that create a successful and sustainable small to medium sized family or non-family business. Jim combines strong business principles, with a sense of the personal psychological reality of running a business. I have not seen a better personal account of key practical principles for business success, in these days of sobering and tougher times.
1208756
If you own a business, you need to read this book. This book is not flashy or glamorous, the business that these authors were in is obviously not sexy. But the insights that they shared are the basic things relative to any small business out there from used auto parts to a lumber yard. As a business owner myself, I have been in the habit of reading any book I feel would be valuable to my personal and business growth. This book fits that description. There are too many books out there written by PHD's and the like that have never really had success in the private sector and don't know what tools I need to succeed. The book is written in a format that is easy to read and gets right to the point. You immediately get the sense that these guy's are regular folks just like us, and with that you can picture yourself achieving the success that they have. there advice is a mixture of basic commonsense and some very intelligent business skills only aquired through trial and error. If your looking for a book hyped up with the latest fads of business theory, look elswhere. this book is excellent because it's just downright basic nuts and bolts of everyday business.essentially the stuff you need to succeed. I highly recomend it.