I read. I read a lot and always have. Growing up, whether it was during the school year or summer break, I read almost anything I could get my hands on. Armed with a pile of library books (does anyone still get library books?), my summer days slid away.
I know we’re all beyond busy these days – didn’t we wish for this just over a year ago? But we all could use an escape and I find a book does that for me – and sometimes as a bonus reading helps me fall asleep as well!
Here are some of the books that I’ve found inspirational, both personally and professionally, as well some that are just good reads. So, rig up that hammock, grab your favourite beverage and read on!
SELF HELP
Getting Naked: A Business Fable about Shedding the Three Fears that Sabotage Client Loyalty by Patrick Lencioni
Client retention is so important to us, and so fragile at the same time. Lencioni writes how small businesses can beat out the big competition and gives lots of tips on how to inspire your clients – and keep them coming back.
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Also watched as a TED talk by 28 million people, Start With Why is a great summertime read because it suggests we all take a step back and examine what we might just have in common with inspired leaders including Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs and even the Wright Brothers of aviation fame. Plus you’ll learn how to gain client buy-in when they understand the Why behind your role.
How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
A great book for dipping, How to Talk to Anyone is bursting with suggestions that will build your confidence. The 92 bite-sized chapters include “How to find out what they do (without even asking)”; “How to listen between the lines on the phone”; “How to turn their anger around”; and “How to prepare them to listen to you.”
Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success by Colleen Stanley
What’s the difference between you and the internet? You can employ human emotions of caring with a desire to fix problems and build relationships. This book teaches us how to become better listeners and overcome tough selling situations.
MEMOIRS
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
At 26, American Cheryl Strayed decided she would hike more than 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State. And all this despite the fact that she had zero experience and absolutely no training. And she would do it alone. She survived – with brushes with mother nature and even death. Told with guts, determination and humour, this is a tale you’ll never forget.
FICTION
If you love books set in a destination, and you love murder mysteries, you’ll enjoy anything by Tana French. All of her books take place in Ireland (Dublin and outskirts usually) and are even written with an Irish accent.
The Secret History and The Goldfinch, both by Donna Tartt, are two of my favourite books. Kevin Kwan’s books are good beach reads, same with those by Liane Moriarty and Jennifer Wiener (sorry not sorry). And then there are some great reads that came out during the past few years – when we really had time to read – including Deacon King Kong, The Vanishing Half and American Dirt.
Yes, I have a very diverse and varied reading collection and it’s a rare instance that I’ll not finish a book. What are your favourites? Please let me know!
Happy reading!
