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10 Books That Helped My Business (and Might Help Yours Too)

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Services for Real Estate Pros

I love to read. My Kindle is filled with at least a hundred books at any given time, covering all sorts of topics. 

Whenever I'm online and see one of the many posts out there listing great books, I always make sure to bookmark it for later.

So I figured, why not create my own?

I've read a ton of books on all sorts of topics. From business to selling to networking, and some have really been stand out amazing. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller

A classic of course, and a book everyone who is interested in real estate should read.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Another classic, in it Hill interviews many of the successful business titans at the time and shares their secrets, hint: it's all about mindset.

The Millionaire Next Store by Thomas Stanley and William Danko

A fascinating look at the common characteristics of many millionaires and what separates them from the rich in name only. Lots of tips on how to approach success and manage money.

Choose Yourself by James Altucher

Great for anyone who has struggled with confidence at times. James tells his story and helps you focus on what really matters: you.

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk

If you want to get into social media of any kind, this is the book to read. It has tons of photos and case studies. Gary V, as he is known, is one of the best social media experts out there.

80/20 Sales and Marketing by Perry Marshall

Perry got me into the 80/20 Rule and there has been no looking back. Learn to make more sales doing less work. This really helped me focus in on the things I do well.

How to Be a Power Connector by Judy Robinett

Judy is a super connector, and in this book she shares her secrets of building an amazing "power grid" of people. Perfect for anyone in a business where your network matters.

Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

There are actually two in this series (on real estate focused), it's a program to get focused and motivated, and there's also a Facebook group.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Brown teaches us how to stop trying to be perfect, accept our mistakes and embrace our authenticity. It's great for anyone who is in the sales industry.

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

Must read for business onwers teaches the concept of working for your business vs working on your business and the huge differences between them.

These are just a couple of my favorites, of course I have plenty more I'm still waiting to read. 

What about you, what are some of the books you've found really helped you grow your business and brand?

Show All Comments Sort:
Anonymous
Rich Milam

Great list. I've read a couple of these and heard good things about a few of the others. Now, I just need to find the time to read them all.

Jan 20, 2015 06:41 AM
#32
Scott Seaton Jr. SLS Home Insp
SLS Home Inspections-Kankakee Will Iroquois Grundy Counties - Bourbonnais, IL
The Home Inspector With a Heart!

One Thing - Gary Keller

7L- Michael Maher

Jan 20, 2015 06:44 AM
Tabitha Richardson
NextHome Leaders - Owings Mills, MD
NextHome Leaders (443) 415-4215

Thanks for sharing your list.  I've read a few of the books on your list.  I posted a list of books I plan to read for 2015 as well.  Here is my list:

1.    The One Thing by Gary Keller
2.    How Successful People Think by John Maxwell
3.    The E-Myth Revisited:  Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
4.    How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie
5.    The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller
6.    The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
7.    The Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer
8.    The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield
9.    Sell With Soul by Jennifer Allan
10.    The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
11.    Shift: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times by Gary Keller
12.    21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me by Frank Cook

Jan 20, 2015 07:04 AM
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

I have most of your books in my library, however, the most interesting and fascinating book is "The Creature from Jekyll Island".

This book IMO should be read by every American regardless of profession.

Jan 20, 2015 10:05 AM
Marilyn O'Donoghue
Long & Foster Avalon - Avalon, NJ

Thanks for your list.  Here is one more to add:

Game  Changers - The Unfounded Fears and Future Prosperity of the Residential Real Estate Industry

Jan 20, 2015 10:38 AM
Pam Dent
Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc. - Charlottesville, VA
REALTOR® - Charlottesville Virginia Homes / Horse

Thanks for sharing your list.  There are several on there that are new to me.  My favorite real estate book is Shift.

Jan 20, 2015 12:04 PM
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I've read Keller's book. I see a lot of people talking about the 7 Levels of Communication. I think I'll look into it!

Jan 20, 2015 12:06 PM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Liz,  these are all great books.  I would add "Real Estate the Rome Way," written by Margaret Rome to the list.

Jan 20, 2015 12:30 PM
Jordon Wheeler
The Jordon Wheeler Group - Fairburn, GA
J W Group Real Estate Sales and Service

Hi Liz Froment ,

I have read a few of the books on your list.  I would add The Richest Man Who Ever Lived by Steven Scott.  Expounds his personal journey and the wisdom of Proverbs.

Have an AWESOME 2015!

Jan 20, 2015 07:24 PM
John Grissom
Berkshire Hathawy HomeServices Elite Properties - O'Fallon, IL

Wow, Fairly new.  Looks like my next stop is the library!

Jan 21, 2015 12:53 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Kimo Jarrett in his comment above hit the nail on the head.  The Creature from Jekyll Island is one of the most important books I ever read.  If you ever want to understand our economy, politics, and money you need to read this book.  Thanks for the list.

Jan 21, 2015 01:53 AM
Travis "the SOLD man" Parker; Broker/Owner
Travis Realty - Enterprise, AL
email: Travis@theSOLDman.me / cell: 334-494-7846

Sharon Parisi - that's a very good book that I'm reading right now! I'll add this list of books to the one I've already started.

Jan 21, 2015 11:07 AM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Travis "the SOLD man" Parker; Associate Broker Seeing "How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age" on your list,  prompted me to dust off another Carnegie authored book that my dad gave me many years ago, "Public Speaking and How to Influence Men in Business," first published in 1926!  Looks like he received it as a gift when he was in law school in the 1950s.  Except for the reference to influencing men, I'm betting it still has relevance.  It's been years since I read the book.  I think I'll read it again. Worst case scenario, I can learn how to influence men!

Jan 21, 2015 11:50 AM
Liz Froment
Boston, MA
Real Estate Content Creation (Blogs, Emails, Copy)

Wow everyone, thanks for all the comments. As well as all of your book recommendations, I might have to make another post featuring the books all of you loved!

Jan 22, 2015 01:06 AM
Tere Rottink
CoastalVa Realty Inc - Virginia Beach, VA

I need more time in my day.

Jan 26, 2015 03:05 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Love having lists of books from other folks. Thanks for putting this together. A person could get REALLY smart reading all of these books!

Sincerely, Lynn

Jan 26, 2015 08:59 AM
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE FARMER" Folayan
Samson Properties - Bowie, MD
I don't make promises.I deliver results.SOLD HOMES

 Tabitha Rector-Richardson -Two of the six books that I read last year on your list Numbers 3 and 8 are two really good books. My goal is to read 20 books this year and I haven't even decided the first book that I'm going to read. I need to to ASAP.

Jan 27, 2015 03:41 PM
P. Joy Siegel
Siegel & Associates - Bethesda, MD

 Excellent list.  I've added several to my personal reading list that I haven't read plus some from the great comments.   This year as a goal/treat I decided to buy all the books I've wanted to read at one time and have them ready to go...back to back.  No downtime.  Thanks for sharing. 

Jan 29, 2015 06:53 AM
Liane Thomas, Top Listing Agent
Professional Realty Services® - Corona, CA
Bringing you Home!

Great list, I have ready 5 of them and agree with you. I would add "Eat That Frog" to the list, and will seek the others on you list that I have missed. thank you!

Feb 02, 2015 01:39 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors

I've read the first 3 and The E-Myth revisted, was the book that got me started many years ago! I have met with Michael Gerber many times, his company was my first coaching experience back in 1995! I'm about to start 80/20 Sales and Marketing by Perry Marshall

 

Mar 02, 2015 02:52 PM