Since I was a small child, I've always loved reading. Even though I don't buy as many books as I used to (I've learned that the real 'meat' is contained in the higher priced home-study courses and trainings offered by these authors), my love of books has contributed to quite a bulging book collection over the years.
Every couple of months I create space on my bookshelf by having a good clear out and donating the books to my local Oxfam shop. Yet, no matter how many times I've done this over the years there are some books that ALWAYS make the cut. I was reflecting on this when I realised that there is a reason these books have a special place in my heart. Each one of them helped me make an important distinction or gave me an idea that helped me to transform my business - and life.
So in no particular order, here they are and the reason why they've earned a lifetime membership on my bookshelf:
'How to Make Millions With Your Ideas' by Dan Kennedy
The book that opened my eyes to the power of information marketing and showed me how it was possible to profit from my expertise, instead of my time. Not only did it open my eyes to the power of information marketing, it was also my first experience with Dan Kennedy. I've done very well out of my association with both in the ensuing years.
'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' by Robert Kiyosaki
Helped me to make the distinction between earned income and leveraged income. Honestly I didn't get it on my first encounter, although it definitely planted a seed about passive income. This book was the reason I stopped offering one-to-one coaching.
'The Great Formula' by Mark Joyner
Gave me a major 'ah-ha' moment, when the author pointed out that infomercial giant Guthy-Renker has one main criteria when evaluating new products: is there potential for continuity income? That 'ah-ha' led me to reconsider my entire product range and replace one-off purchase opportunities with programmes that provided support and advice on an ongoing basis.
That one simple change has transformed my entire business - until you know the feeling of starting each month with a significant chunk of guaranteed income, you have no idea what you're missing.
'Getting to Yes' by Roger Fisher and William Ury
I was always intimidated by the idea of negotiating until I came across this book. Everything changed when the authors provided me with one simple question "How did you arrive at that figure?". I've never looked back!
'The Portable Coach' by Thomas Leonard
Where do I start? There were so many light-bulb moments when I read this book I could have been a Christmas tree! Misnamed in my opinion (it's subtitle 28 Principles of Attraction might be a better description) this is one I return to over and over. Even today it is ahead of its time.
If these books haven't made it onto your reading list yet, I recommend that you check them out soon!
(c) Bernadette Doyle, 2008. Reprints welcome so long as by-line and article are published intact and all links made live.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Bernadette Doyle
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