Studying Business encompasses a wide variety of subjects ranging from finance to areas of marketing and various types of international practices, as well as management. Studying business is a passion of mine, and even after several years, I feel as if I only uncovered the tip of the iceberg. Like many other fields of study, the ever-changing nature of Business suggests that innovation takes the forefront of progress. It is important to understand evolving concepts in the business world. With numerous internet “gurus” at every website, it is very difficult to find authentic information. I had the great opportunity to speak with Austin Smitherman, the Head Managing Technician at Command Mac Parts, a small computer startup located in the heart of Chico, California. After hours of discussion, he recommended these 3 books to give me a better perspective on the concepts behind viral marketing and personal finance. After reading these books, I couldn't help but encourage other aspiring business professionals to also pick up a copy.
Purple Cow by Seth Godin
Understanding, a good business always provides a good product should be somewhere along the lines of the foundation of many business practices. While this may not always hold true, Seth Godin does a remarkable job of emphasizing the importance of providing a remarkable product to the consumer. Godin shows practical ways on how to stand out among the crowd by illuminating the sad truth of modern marketing. Marketing done right is when the marketer changes the product, not the ad. The fairly short novel ends with a 10 step plan on how to ultimately "raise a purple cow." Remarkably, Godin takes a tip from his own book and sells the book free of charge through Fast Company leaving you to only pay the shipping and handling. Honestly, the book is a little dry, but the material is beyond priceless.
Contagious by Jonah Berger
Jonah Berger addresses the main question behind, why people talk and why people share things they like. Why do ideas become viral? By using the simple acronym S.T.E.P.P.S, Berger discovers how these six principles can cause products and ideas to become contagious. At the young age of 32, the Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School of Business suggest that the word of mouth is responsible for 20% to 50% of all purchasing decisions. Also emphasizes that understanding STEPPS creates ways to engineer content to make it more viral. Berger introduces the reader to concepts such as social currency which identifies the fact that people often share things that make themselves look good in the light of other. As a result, what we choose to share our peers often allows ideas to spread like wildfire. I promise this one is very much worth the time and money.
Millionaire Next Door by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley
Some of you may already be familiar with this classic New York Times’ best seller. If you’re new to the book, Dr. Thomas J. Stanley identifies seven very common traits that are seen time and time among those who have accumulated incredible wealth. Some of these include living well below you means and having the belief that financial independence is more important displaying social status. The idea is that not everybody wants or even needs to live a wealthy lifestyle. Some people don't want more money in their life. That is perfectly okay. However, this book is for those who would like some insight on personal finance and are currently unsatisfied with their current situation. Stanley wants to emphasize to the reader that not every millionaire lives in Beverly; sometimes they just so happen to be closer than you think. Despite the recent death of the author, the title continues to inspire people everywhere who need tips on how to maintain a sizable wallet.
