With the holidays rapidly approaching, we thought this would be a great time to look at some incredible reads for business owners and CEOs. Don’t be afraid to add them to the Amazon wish list that you share with the family – they are far more practical than neckties and scarves! Our top four reads for your gift list will absolutely set you up for a profitable, productive, and inspiring 2020 … which is quite possibly the best gift of all.
- The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
From the author of “Start With Why”, Simon Sinek’s newest book, “The Infinite Game”, is a must read. Finite games, like sports, have known players, fixed rules, and a clear endpoint with winners who are easily identified. On the other hand, infinite games (like business and life) have players who come and go. There are no winners or losers – only ahead and behind – and there’s no definite end point. So, if life and business are infinite games, how do you play to succeed? In this book, you’ll learn how to think and lead with an infinite mindset. Sinek believes that leaders who embrace the infinite mindset build stronger, more innovative, more inspiring organizations. And we think he’s right!
- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
We talked about Mike Michalowicz’s book at great length during several LXCouncil meetings. Members who implemented his Profit First model reported incredible results. The idea is that traditional accounting uses the logical (but flawed) formula: Sales – Expenses = Profit. The problem is, businesses are run by humans, and humans aren’t always logical. Michalowicz developed a behavioral approach to accounting to flip the formula: Sales – Profit = Expenses. Profit First teaches you how to flip the script and always take your profit first. By making this simple adjustment, you can transform their businesses from a cash-eating monster to a profitable cash cow. Put this one on your MUST READ list, whether or not it’s gifted to you!
- Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
If you confuse, you lose. And most businesses absolutely do confuse prospects with their messaging. “People buy things because they read words that make them want to buy things.” In Donald Miller’s book, “Building a Story Brand”, you’ll learn how to clarify your business message so that customers will listen. Using the seven universal story points that all humans respond to, you will change the way you talk about who you are, what you do, and the value you bring to your customers. After YOU read this one, you’ll want to make sure your marketing team and managers read it too.
- Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
How would you like a total productivity system to achieve more by doing less? Michael Hyatt delivers in this great read! As a busy CEO or business owner, this one is not to miss. Hyatt helps you redefine your work so it works for you by filtering your tasks and commitments, eliminating interruptions and distractions, setting boundaries, leveraging time, and building momentum for a lifetime of success. It could very well be the best gift you’ll ever receive (or give)!
If you’re lucky enough to receive all four of these incredible reads and implement even a fraction of the advice from each, by this time in 2020 you’ll have:
- dramatically improved your company culture
- greatly improved the profit and cash in your business
- forever improved your messaging and marketing
- profoundly improved your productivity
Now THAT’S a gift every CEO and business owner should wrap their arms around.
Here’s to your incredible year!
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If you’re ready to take your business and leadership skills to the next level, and if you think your business could benefit from more insights like what’s offered in this article, let’s start a conversation. LXCouncil may be the perfect next step!
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