September 6th is National Read-A-Book Day. I already have my selection ready; do you? 

You may not spend much time reading books, since the business of doing business can be pretty time-consuming (especially if it’s done right!). As a wise business owner, though, you are aware that taking the time to recharge yourself is just as important as taking care of your business enterprise. National Read-A-Book Day is a great opportunity to recharge your mind by gaining knowledge that can help you today, tomorrow, and in the future through reading. If you don’t yet have anything in mind, I can help you here with some suggestions. 

Here are 3 great (under-rated) books on business for you to choose from:

• “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini (Collins, 2006)
  • “Cialdini combines evidence from experimental work with the techniques and strategies he gathered while working as a salesperson, fundraiser, advertiser, and in other positions inside organizations that commonly use compliance tactics to get us to say ‘yes.’” – from the Publisher
  • Excerpt: “There are many situations in which human behavior does not work in a mechanical, tape-activated way. What is astonishing is how often it does. For instance, consider the strange behavior of those jewelry-store customers who swooped down on an allotment of turquoise pieces only after the items had been mistakenly offered at double their original price.”
  • I chose this book because it is based on scientific research in sales, and that’s something a business owner can never know too much about! You may never have heard of this book, but you will learn a lot from it that will be of great use to you in your endeavors. 

• “Small Business Finance All-In-One for Dummies” by Faith Glasgow 
  • “Keeping track of the finances is fundamental to the success of every business, but tackling the task yourself can be intimidating. Help is at hand, however, with this complete guide to small business money management. Packed with expert advice on all aspects of business finance, including basic bookkeeping and accounting, monitoring profit and performance, managing payroll, tackling tax, and forecasting for growth, Small Business Finance All-in-One For Dummies helps you to take control of your finances, stay on top of the paperwork, and keep the cash flowing.” – Amazon synopsis/review
  • Everyone has read a “Dummies” book at some point; never mind the title – you can actually learn quite a bit about many subjects by approaching them with the view that you’re not expert and must start from scratch. You may think you know a ton about finance; you’re a business owner, after all. This book, and what you learn from it, may surprise you!

• “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and  Renée A. Mauborgne 
  • “In this perennial bestseller, embraced by organizations and industries worldwide, globally preeminent management thinkers W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne challenge everything you thought you knew about the requirements for strategic success. Recognized as one of the most iconic and impactful strategy books ever written, Blue Ocean Strategy , now updated with fresh content from the authors, argues that cutthroat competition results in nothing but a bloody red ocean of rivals fighting over a shrinking profit pool. Based on a study of 150 strategic moves (spanning more than 100 years across 30 industries), the authors argue that lasting success comes not from battling competitors but from creating “blue oceans”—untapped new market spaces ripe for growth.” – Barnes and Noble synopsis/review
  • I realize this last suggestion is not exactly under-rated, but it is worth checking out. As times change and the business world changes with them it’s always a good idea to be looking at the horizon. 

I’m AnnaVija McClain. It’s my absolute pleasure and honor to work with and support Nashville’s small business community. I would love to sit down with you and talk about ways I may be able to help you do business. Happy National Read-A-Book Day!