Bob Burg: Overflowing With Motivational Reads

I’m an author, and speaker on business development.

I’m re-reading The Secret of Selling Anything by the late Harry Browne. Published posthumously in 2008 the content is from two brief unpublished manuscripts the author wrote in the 1960’s. It’s one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read on understanding, respecting, and working within the principles of human nature in order to be successful. Despite the title, sales professionals are not the only ones who will benefit from reading (studying!) it. Anyone in leadership; anyone who must work, live, and relate to others, will have their lives deeply touched as a result of reading this masterpiece.

Anything on sports. That’s about all I read back then.

I wanted to be the 3rd baseman for the Boston Red Sox. Could have been, too. I was lacking just one thing…any semblance of talent!

I think I would be proud in certain regards and not so much in others. On the other hand, my high school teachers would be astounded.

I would gift myself How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

I read constantly, and pretty much everywhere. And, typically have a number of books going at one time.

I wish I could name just one but since my mid-twenties – when I really began reading for personal development – there have been so many books that have so deeply touched me and helped to transform my life there’s no way I could name just one. Had I read Harry Browne’s book back then, however, I have a feeling that would be my answer.

Pirke Avot by William Berkson (Hebrew for Wisdom of the Fathers) which is part of the Jewish Talmud reminds me of my Dad who used to continually ask me four questions from that book throughout my childhood. “Who is wise?” (The one who learns from all others) , “Who is rich?” (The one who rejoices in their lot), “Who is mighty?” (The one who can control their own emotions and make, of an enemy, a friend), “Who is honored?” (The one who honors others), and one that Dad made up along this theme, which is, “Who is brave?” (The one who is smart enough to be afraid, and still do their job).

I have recommended many, it seems as though whenever I fall in love with a new book…it gets recommended a lot!

Non-fiction but only because – with rare exception – I don’t take the time to read fiction anymore. Though, I don’t think that decision was a correct one. I should have been interspersing some fiction within my reading and realize that I’ve missed a lot of great reading (and thinking). My plan is to make up for it.

YES!

The best book I’ve read in the last 6 months is Originals by Adam Grant.

Real books. Though, I’ve never even tried to read a digital book so my answer is not based on a true comparison.

As strongly as I feel about a number of amazing books, I can’t think of any book that warrants government force.

Same answer as the question to which has had the single biggest impact on my career. I’ve read and been deeply touched by so many, and in many different ways, I couldn’t possibly choose just one.

Tons! But just a few are:

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek, Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman, Leading with Noble Purpose by Lisa Earle McLeod, Psycho-Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, Peace, Power and Plenty by Orison Swett Marden, Career Moves by Dondi Scumaci, Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt, The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin.

And, so, so many more!

History, sales, leadership, politics, biographies. So, same as always, plus planning to include some fiction.

Hmmm, not so easy to come up with a title for that one.