Photography by Chris
I’m always fascinated by how very successful people reach their success. I thought I’d share some of my favorite reads with you about some of the world’s most recognizable business professionals.. Not only are the books interesting; some offer success strategies that are very useful and ones that I’ve applied to achieve some of my own milestones.
The Facebook Effect by David Kirkpatrick.
This is the book to read about how Facebook got started, how it’s changing the world, how we do business and how it’s going to affect the future. According to this book, in June of 2010 there were 500 million users and it adds 25 million users a month. Kirkpatrick enlisted the help of Facebook’s CEOs, including Zuckerberg to write this book. It dispels some of rumors and hoopla that the movie represented, but it gives us access into Zuckerberg’s personal and professional life. It’s an absorbing, well-written account of how Facebook has changed the world.
The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller.
This book is about Gary Keller’s road to success of creating the second-largest real estate company in the nation. It has simple yet profound business concepts. There’s a section on “myths,” or how thoughts can make or break us. There’s invaluable information here for seasoned professionals and real estate novices. It’s easy reading and Keller gives examples of the “Four Fundamental Business Models of the Millionaire Real Estate Agent.” His models exemplify the art and science of achieving your greatest potential, citing billionaire Warren Buffet being a big proponent of studying specific models in order to reach his goals. Plus, there’s great, inspiring quotes from some of Keller Williams’ mega brokers. Great read–you’ll fly through the pages!
Shift–How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times by Gary Keller.
A great book that relates to the current situation of real estate. It not only spells out the “core competencies” of what we do as brokers but it explains how we have to rethink those things in relation to current situations. As a “shift” occurs in business, we’ve got to shift our perception on how to not only generate leads but how to ride the tide of real estate changes. Keller explains the anatomy of a shift in terms of supply and demand and how these shifts have occurred throughout history. There’s strategies for preparing for future “shifts.” Keller explains the fundamental models are the same, the tactics just change. Excellent read with insight, good common sense and, as all of Keller’s writing, positive and inspiring.
The Real Book of Real Estate by Robert T. Kiyosaki.
From the author of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad books, Kiyosaki has put together a book that has chapters written by a team of real estate experts. There’s great information from 22 experts in these pages (including Donald Trump) that gives real stories from their own experiences–how they survived tough times and how they developed “creative ways” in which to generate revenue. You’ll be fascinated by the stories of these hugely successful millionaires and billionaires and learn some tips along the way. Inspiring and entertaining.
Good to Great by Jim Collins.
Jim Collins, the author of several best-selling books that have been on the New York Times bestseller lists and whose work has been published in Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Harvard Business Review, and Fast Company, examined over 1,400 companies to determine what makes an organization great. His book illustrates the myths of operating procedures and makes suggestions on how to relearn what we’ve always believed to be true. He and his team of experts undertook a five-year project and what he finds may surprise you. Comparing several national companies, he lists what they did and didn’t do to elevate from good to great. What’s the common thread? In a nutshell–”a down-to-earth, pragmatic, committed-to-excellence process.” The processes he discussed for going from good to great can be applied to not just business, but any endeavor in life. A great read that’s filled with common sense, tried and true business methods and an inspiring message about how to create your own “pocket of greatness.”
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These are just a few of the books on my reading table and ones that I reread and refer to often. What books have inspired or motivated you?
Share them with me by leaving a comment!
