Today, we’ve invited our friends at R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison, CT to guest blog and share with us their top ten picks for business books. If you aren’t familiar with this Connecticut shoreline institution – run, don’t walk – to Madison and check out R.J. Julia. Opened 21 years ago by owner Roxanne Coady, the store is more than a place to buy books. They host over 300 authors throughout the year in a variety of genres. There is always something inspiring going on at R.J. Julia, and their mission is to connect readers with, literally, Just the Right Book (their unique gift book package). We admire Roxanne and her staff’s business moxie, so who better to suggest the very best in business reading than the team at R.J. Julia. Enjoy!
R.J. Julia Booksellers’ Top 10 Business Books
The Mesh by Lisa Gansky
Mesh companies use social media, wireless networks, and data crunched from all sources to provide people with goods and services exactly when they need them.
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
This book teaches business owners to discard common assumptions that can get in the way of running a business. If you own a small business or are considering starting one, put this book at the top of your “must read” list.
Linchpin by Seth Godin
A linchpin, as Seth describes it, is somebody in an organization who is indispensable, who cannot be replaced—her role is just far too unique and valuable. And then he goes on to say, well, seriously folks, you need to be one of these people. You really do.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Jim Collins, co-author of Built To Last, has done it again! This time he spent 5 years trying to find out what differentiates good companies from great companies. This study can be applied to entrepreneurial ventures and to current corporate America. After reading this book you may see your company from a much different perspective.
Switch by Chip and Dan Heath
It is all about creating situations that bring about positive and (relatively) painless change. It is for anyone who is a boss or has a boss, is a teacher, serves on a Board of Directors, has a significant other, has a child, is trying to break a habit, is trying to lose weight, or trying to change their customers’ habits.
Too Big to Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin
An extraordinary “fly on the wall” account of how the most powerful men in finance and government were blindsided by the near-total collapse of Wall Street’s house of cards. As a New York Times’ reporter, Sorkin witnessed the day-today events unfold. Astonishing far-inside coverage of moment-to-moment decisions to save major financial institutions and the whole system from total collapse. Riveting.
Drive by Daniel Pink
Not only has Pink done an excellent job of summarizing key research related to extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, but he does so in a very refreshing easy-to-read style. The insight he shares have major relevance for the home, school, and work environment, especially as we consider how best to create “motivating environments”.
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
This book is about the use of checklists in surgery, but the experiences shared would be applicable in any endeavor (think shopping list!) It was so very helpful in giving a framework in which to make plans. Simple,straight-forward and also very powerful.
The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk has proven that he is ahead of his time. If you don’t think a society-changing, social media revolution is underway, read this book. If you are already a believer, this book may affirm what you know and give you some great information to back-up your argument. (Editor’s Note: The Elements team had the opportunity to meet Gary Vaynerchuk at a reading – it was awesome and Gary was very inspiring!)
Reinventing the Wheel by Chris Zane
This book is a great reminder and provides great insight for business people on how important creating an outstanding customer service experience is from local Zane’s bike shop owner. (Editor’s Note: We’re excited to have a local Branford business owner’s book featured on this list!)
