Books are an extraordinary way to level up your business game.
You may not immediately see the benefits of reading them, but I know for a fact they impact the work I do and the way I see the world.
Here are a few that have made a big impact for me. If you’re a consultant of any kind, these are definitely worth reading.
1. Value-Based Fees by Alan Weiss
This was a game changer when I got into consulting and started doing value-based fees for custom engagements. I’ve since switched more to productized services, but this one still sits as one of the most impactful books in terms selling and pricing based on value.
Great for newer and veteran consultants.
2. Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne
This one really clarified the need to put yourself into a “category of one”, as I call it. Great for positioning yourself or your clients to make you the obvious choice for your best clients.
3. Trade-Off by Kevin Maney
This one is more about seeing business in a way that explains why some businesses succeed and some never take off. It talks about going to the edges of either convenience (i.e. ease of getting a result) or fidelity (the total experience of working with you).
I can’t see the world the same way after this book.
4. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
I read this maybe once or twice a year. Well, I listen to the audiobook, but same idea. It gets you focused on doing only the essential things that make the biggest impact in your business.
If you feel out of control or like you’re doing too much, read this one.
5. The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz
This one is a story about a pumpkin grower. In order to grow award-winning pumpkins, you need to be prepared to cut loose the ones that will never be your prize pumpkin in order to allocate resources to the ones who can be.
The business analogy will help you focus your work and your clients.
6. The Passion Economy by Adam Davidson
This book is about those who create niche businesses around their passions that result in massive success. It’s about creating remarkable businesses around the work you love doing.
I just read it and was blown away, especially by the first half. Don’t sleep on this one!
7. Getting Naked by Patrick Lencioni
This book taught me a lot about taking a service-oriented approach to consulting. It’s definitely one to pick up and read next time you need some inspiration. It’s told in a story format, so the lessons are super easy to digest.
8. The Practice by Seth Godin
This book really resonated with me. It’s the latest from Seth Godin, and definitely one of my faves by him.
The book inspires you to create work regardless of the outcome. To do it for those who resonate with it and being okay with most people not liking it. To try things, even without a guarantee it will work. And so much more.
I listened to it twice, bought the hard cover, then bought two more as a gift. That should tell you enough.
And that’s the list! I’m sure there are many more. These are just a few books that come to mind without looking at my bookshelf or Audible app.
If you haven’t read some of these, I highly recommend them.
What are your game-changers that everyone must read?