International Book Day is a time to celebrate the joy of
books, the books you choose- the knowledge, the inspiration and with that the growth they bring. Are you a devourer of books or do you see them as a necessary need of transferring information? It has been said most business books are largely
a regurgitation of the same information and material. But from my 20 years’ experience working with start-ups to
corporate companies, no business is the same or needs the same advice at the same time. There are always different variable, whether it’s the product or service, the industry, the business stage, or the people behind
the brand.
We are always seeking ways to improves our skills and knowledge
in a constantly evolving economic climate but the information needs to match where we are at the time of our business journey. With that in mind, I’ve complied a list
of 6 books that inspire me and bring their unique stance on communication and perception, covering a range of topics from psychology and
design to PR and branding.
In "Thinking,
Fast and Slow," Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman explores two systems of thinking that influence our behaviour and complex decision-making. He states that the human brain operates on two levels: one that is fast,
intuitive, and emotional, and another that is slow, deliberate, and logical. Understanding
these two modes of thinking helps us make better decisions, avoid common
biases that affect our everyday, and improve our overall decision-making abilities. It's a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, decision-making, or personal
growth.
Cognitive scientist Don Norman explores how good
design impacts our daily lives, from buying coffee to choosing a toothpaste, and these affect our buying choices. His point is that design is
not just about aesthetics, but also about functionality, usability and the definition we as users put on these brands. By
understanding the psychology behind how people interact with products and
services of brands, designers can create more effective and efficient solutions that
improve our lives and in turn the bottom line. This book is ideal for anyone
interested in design, UX (user experience) CX (customer-experience), and strategy.
Madonna's
"Sex" book is a controversial masterpiece of art and PR. Originally
published in 1992, this provocative book features explicit and intimate photos of Madonna and Vanilla Ice (90's rapper) explores
themes of sex and power. Vanilla Ice was also unaware that the shoot was for a book, which added another level of shock. The book was also larger than A3 and designed for 'coffee table' reading. While it was met with criticism and outrage at the
time, "Sex" is now seen as an iconic part of Madonna's legacy and a
powerful example of how a public figure can use PR and controversy to rebrand and change the public perception.
Entrepreneur Eric Ries first introduced the concept of the lean
start-up methodology, which prioritizes rapid experimentation, iterative
development, and customer feedback over traditional business planning. This
approach allows start-ups to test their ideas and adapt quickly to changing markets and react to customer needs. This book is a great resource for entrepreneurs and
anyone interested in taking an idea to market fast. It focuses on innovation, product development, and lean business
strategies.
In "The Power
of Habit," investigative journalist Charles Duhigg explores the science of
habit formation and how we can use this knowledge to change behaviour and daily actions. He says that habits are the key to success in business,
personal growth, and overall contentedness, and provides practical tips and tools
for developing positive habits and breaking bad ones. This book is a must-read
for anyone interested in personal development, behaviour change, or the
psychology of success.
This book explores the
six key principles of persuasion and how they can be used to influence people's
behaviour and decision-making. These principles include reciprocity, authority, scarcity, liking, consistency, and consensus. These 6 areas are often applied to business-from sales and marketing (social media and community management) to leadership and negotiation. It's a great resource to have a better handle on leadership skills, the psychology of an audience and community, and prominent communication skills.
I hope you have enjoyed our alternative selection of books and what they mean to me. What books would you include in your list? Email me or let me know in one of our Facebook or LinkedIn pages or group.
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Do you need regular support and clear direction on your business journey?
Join my new Accelerate Business coaching group for experienced business support, direction and guidance, peer-to-peer network support, and regular sanity check-in with 4 sessions p/week. We all need it. I also offer a money-back-guarantee and discounted digital training with Think King Institute. It is currently on offer at £350 p/month. Visit Accelerate Business
page and contact Kathryn direct to get the offer.
