2009 is the year to take your knowledge to the next level!  Motivated real estate agents understand that the  challenges ahead carry unique opportunities as well.  What you know and When you know it will be as important as What you do in the year ahead! 

Education is rapidly emerging as a top priorty for real estate professionals because of the enormous challenges in our industry and the business community at large. 

If you're a real estate blogger, you've got a head start.  The knowledge shared on the blogosphere easily exceeds what is available through many local brokerages. 

But, it is always good to supplement online information with good books. Throughout the year, I enjoy reading a variety of books. 

I'd like to share with your some books which have been especially helpful to me.  If they're not on your reading list, you might check them out for 2009!  I've broken up my selections by general subject area, so skip around and peruse at your browsing pleasure. :)

Blogging & Social Media:

Blogging with Moxie by Jeolle Reeder & Katherine Scoleri

This fun book is chock full of helpful tips on blogging.  It's written by two ladies who indicate that they're dishing up the "IT Girl's Guide" to blogging, but there really is a lot for everyone..guys & gals in this entertaining and well written book. I'd especially recommend this book for newbie bloggers...but I definitely picked up some useful tips too.

ProBlogger Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett

If you're been blogging for a while or are really serious about blogging for business..that is making your blog pay you as a business investment, I'd highly recommend taking a look at this book.  I've just recently picked it and am working my way through it...gives you a lot to think about with practical tips and insights.

Trend Setters:

Grown Up Digital by Don Tapscott

The Net Generation (defined as those b/w 11-30) is changing the world as we know it dramatically.  It is imperative that real estate professionals understand this generation and the way in which they are re-shaping the context and methods of communication.  If you don't think that you will be affected, your model may already be irrelevant and you're simply unaware...

Nextville by Barbara Corcoran

On the other end of the continuum is Nextville by Barbara Corcoran.  This book talks about the trends impacting another large demographic...baby boomers and their retirement plans.  Written by someone who has had her hand on the pulse of what makes the real estate market tick, I appreciated her insights and engaging way of communicating where she thinks the values and movements of retirees will be trending in the future.

A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink

This book was given to me as a gift when it first came out in 2006.  Since then, I've bought several copies which I've given out as gifts.  It's just that good.  Pink's ideas about the paradigm shift which is occurring and will necessitate that we evaluate our problems and decisions differently is fascinating.  He uses examples for the world of storytelling, design and symphony to engage you in re-thinking your world.

Mortgage Crisis & Financial Markets:

When Markets Collide by Mohamed El-Erian

This is an interesting book to read if you'd like to understand more of what is happening in the world of global investing.  As it became painfully apparent this year, what happens in this world can dramtically impact our lives as real estate professionals.

Confessions of a Subprime Lender by Richard Bitner

Reading this book was an eye opener.  Enough said.

Consumeritis:

Affluenza by John DeGraaf, David Wann, Thomas H. Naylor

This book really made me think about what drives us to buy to live.  It's a thoughtful book which will cause you to examine your live or more simply put, what surrounds your life.  It's really a book about the stuff of our lives and why this has crippled us as we have continued to strive for more & more & more...

Deep Economy by Bill McKibben

In the real estate industry, we're seeing a shifting focus towards neighborhoods and communities.  Here on Active Rain, Localism was revamped in view of this trend.  Deep Economy explores how local communities and grassroots movements can be mutually beneficial for society and business and sustainable environmentally.  A thought provoking read...

Inspiration & Spirituality:

Lifetime Guarantee by Bill Gillham

I read this book in my early 20's.  It remains a favorite as one of the books which most impacted my journey of faith.

The Spiritual Man by Watchman Nee

This three volume series (bound into one book) is one of the most profound spiritual books that I have ever read.  It's not a quick nor easy read.  It took me a year to read it the first time and I've pondered on the depth of truth revealed many times.  Nee's expose of the inner life of man is one of the most exhaustive and exquisitely mapped guides that I've ever encountered.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

This book is about the perils of Resistance.  We read through much of it as a group this year.  It forced us to look at the myriad of clever obstacles that we were continually putting in our own paths.  As we enter another year, I would highly recommend this book to jump start your thinking in the right direction.

Just for Fun...

The Good Husband of Zebra Drive & all books in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series by Alexander McCall Smith

I love this series!  The story line encompasses the life of an African lady detective whose wisdom and wit have a way of leading her to the root of many of the problems which arrive in her office.  Smith writes with such humor and insight that one cannot resist becoming immersed in the whatever the No. 1 Ladies Detective, Precious Ramotswe is involved in at any given moment.   

At Audu Real Estate, we encourage our agents to invest in their education.  In fact we believe in this so strongly, the company provides qualifying agents with a generous credit towards educational classes on a yearly basis.  An investment in knowledge is an investment in your future welfare.  With the exception of the series, every single book on this list could be obtained for an investment of less than $150. 

Have you read a book which you'd like to recommend.  Please post it in the comments below.  I'm always open to recommendations!  Here's to more growth, insights and inspired learning in 2009.