Here are my notes from books I've read to help me become a better professional and a better human. Taking notes while reading and then trying to extract the big concepts afterwards has made it easier for me to apply the book's most important ideas in my business and in my life.
Click on the book title to view a summary and detailed book notes.
Decision Making
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz9/10 Lessons in the art of negotiation by a former FBI hostage negotiator told through stories of real hostage negotiations. Not only are the lessons highly applicable to business and relationships but it's just a fun read.
Entrepreneurship
The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber9/10 The E-Myth is a toolkit to help founders and small business owners reimagine their businesses independent of themselves as self sustaining organizations.
Marketing
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Reis & Jack Trout9/10 The most interesting idea in Reis & Trout's laws of marketing is the idea that fundamentally marketing is all about the perceptions of a prospect and very little with the actual quality of features of the product.
Marketing
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller8/10 Building a Story Brand was great because it lays out a theoretical framework for thinking about marketing and then gives really concrete, tactical steps to clarifying your branding and marketing copy for customers.
Sales
Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount8/10 For someone who knew literally nothing about sales this was the best introduction I could have hoped for. It's a complete crash course in how to be successful at selling.
Marketing
Content Inc by Joe Pulizzi9/10 A fascinating guide to building an entrepreneurial venture before creating any products or services. Whether you want to go all in on the Content Inc. business strategy or you're looking to improve the content marketing strategy at an existing business this is a must read.
Marketing
Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan HeathLearn how to overcome the Curse of Knowledge and make your messages understandable, memorable, and effective in changing thought or behavior. A great framework for leaders, marketers, and anyone looking to inspire change.
Marketing
Marketing Rebellion by Mark Schaefer7/10 A compelling case for how marketing as an industry must change to reflect technology driven cultural shifts. While there is some tactical advice for boots on the ground marketers the primary audience is CMOs and leaders in marketing organizations.
Marketing
Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares7/10 Traction is a great introductory overview of all the marketing channels available to early stage founders looking to get their first customers.
Business
The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman7/10 An encyclopedic overview of the major business concepts, mental models and terms which any serious business person should be aware of. Because of the book's breadth of scope Kaufman can't go too deep on any one topic but it's a valuable reference and starting point for further research.