Book Reviews
THE TIPPING POINT: HOW LITTLE THINGS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE - MALCOLM GLADWELL
The book is about the "tipping point", that is, that moment when an idea or social behaviour has reached a level where it "tips" and spreads like crazy. Fun and interesting, if this kind of topic appeals to you, you'll like the book- its well written and an easy read.
BLINK: THE POWER OF THINKING WITHOUT THINKING - MALCOLM GLADWELL
Which is better, thinking deep and hard or making snap judgements on instinct? Gladwell makes the case for quick thinking in his book of thinking without thinking. Gladwell argues that in many cases - emergency heart attack diagnosis being a good example - too much information not only doesn't help a bit, but actually makes decisions worse.
OUTLIERS: THE STORY OF SUCCESS - MALCOLM GLADWELL
This book takes you through what drives success. Arguing that it's a combination of intelligence (both IQ and emotional intelligence), luck (opportunities and timing), cultural context and hard work.
WHY WE BUY: THE SCIENCE OF SHOPPING - PACO UNDERHILL
When I was in retailing, this book was essential reading - I found myself constantly thinking about signage, store layout, point-of-sale location, etc. This is something I never did before and it is now obvious to me that a lot of stores absolutely miss out on these basics. The book is easy to read and provides a good mix between anecdotes and principles. The book is well structured and it covers just about every area in retail you can think about in a well researched way.
AFFLUENZA - OLIVER JAMES
There is currently an epidemic of 'affluenza' throughout the world - an obsessive, envious, keeping-up-with-the-Joneses - that has resulted in huge increases in depression and anxiety among millions. Over a nine-month period, Oliver James travelled around the world to try and find out why.
FREAKONOMICS: A ROGUE ECONOMIST EXPLORES THE HIDDEN SIDE OF EVERYTHING - STEVEN D. LEVITT AND STEPHEN J. DUBNER
This book is a general interest book- and it certainly is interesting. In a nutshell, the book takes a look at all sorts of things in society, from crack gangs to parenting, and then attempts to make sense of them by applying economic principles.
EXPLOITING CHAOS: 150 WAYS TO SPARK INNOVATION DURING TIMES OF CHANGE - JEREMY GUTSCHE
This definitely makes it into my top 5 business books.
This book is about generating new ideas, finding new trends and how to apply them. It's full of useful advice; all the chapters in this books are interesting, from the start till the end.
BUSINESS AS UNUSUAL - ANITA RODDICK
The author's way of running her businesses is radically different to how most businesses are run, and her way has worked successfully for her. I suspect that her way would work for many other companies, if only people would keep their minds open enough to try some of the techniques discussed in this book.
This book is not just a business biography. It is also the biography of an activist.
FUNKY BUSINESS FOREVER - NORDSTROM KJELL
A really stimulating book that might even just make you feel excited about business life again. When's the last time a business book made you feel that?
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL - E.F.SCHUMACHER
This book is a call to arms, to understand things we all seem to have forgotten: what is value?; what actually matters in life?; should the means always justify the ends?; what is work for?; and who put all these economists in charge?
Instant Stress Management - Brian Clegg
A useful handbook packed full of tools to help you assess your personal stress levels and to provide you with techniques to help you deal with unwanted stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Be Your Own Life Coach: How to Take Control of Your Life and Achieve Your Wildest Dreams - Fiona Harrold
A great accessible reach that provides practical tools and techniques to help you really go for it!
Living Your Best Life: 10 strategies to go from where you are to where you are meant to be - Laura Berman Fortgang
Laura's books are always inspirational and this one provides some useful techniques to help you to step back and refocus on your goals and priorities.
The Small Business Start-up Workbook: A Step-by-step Guide to Starting the Business You've Dreamed of - Cheryl D. Rickman & Dame Anita Roddick
A comprehensive guide to starting up your own business - packed full of useful tips and activities to help you get clear about what you want and how you are going to achieve it!
The E Myth - Michael E. Gerber
This is a great afternoon read. Take a step back, look at McDonalds and then see how their business model can apply to Sarah's making pies!! Its all in the systems or is it - you decide. Look out for the hotel which remembers what drink you had on your last visit! (Thanks to Michele M. for this recommendation)
You can heal your life - Louise L Hay
A thought-provoking book that argues that thought patterns can affect how your body feels and becomes ill and all the little signs your body gives you that often you just ignore!! ‘I find it inspiring being able to understand the thinking behind illnesses and this helps me understand clients and their businesses more.' (Thanks to Michele M. for this recommendation)
Awaken the Giant Within - Anthony Robbins
Anyone who has read or listened to anything Anthony Robbins does can not fail to be inspired. This book was the one that helped me make real changes in my life. It takes many small sessions to get though it but is well worth persevering with as bit by bit you can change your life. If you want inspiring anything by him normally works!! (Thanks to Michele M. for this recommendation)