Richard BransonThe Virgin Way & 4 Other Business Leader Titles Collection Every Entrepreneur Should Read

About

Sir Richard Branson: The Virgin Way: How to Listen, Learn, Laugh and Lead 

In September 2012, a YOUGOV poll conducted in Britain found that the person British workers would most like as their manager was Sir Richard Branson.

With over 40 years in business, Richard Branson is an inspiring pioneer of humanitarian projects and an iconic business leader. In The Virgin Way: How to Listen, Learn, Laugh and Lead, Richard shares and distils his secrets of leadership and success. Featuring anecdotes from his own business dealings, as well as his observations of many others who have inspired him – from politicians, business leaders, explorers, scientists and philanthropists – Richard reflects on the qualities he feels are essential for success in today’s world.

This is not a conventional book on leadership. There are no rules – but rather the secrets of leadership that he has learned along the way from his days at Virgin Records, to his recent work with The Elders. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career, or head of a Fortune 500 company – this is your guide to being your own CEO (Chief Enabling Officer) and becoming a true leader – not just a boss.

Rob Yeung: I Is For Influence: The New and Surprising Science of Persuasion

Some people are naturally gifted in the art of influence and persuasion. Why do some have it and others don't? And what is it, exactly, that makes someone and their point of view so irresistible? 

In fact, anyone can master the power of influence and Rob Yeung shows you how. Delving into fascinating psychology, he reveals unexpected insights including: 

* Why giving people more choice might make them less happy 

* Why telling people they 'should' do something makes them less likely to do it 

* Why offering something for free makes it less desirable 

* When 1 is more persuasive than 50 

Revealing the secrets behind effortlessly winning trust and support, "I is for Influence" will open doors to endless potential in your life, whether it's getting that promotion, winning that business contract or finding your perfect match. 

By the bestselling author of "Confidence" and "The Extra One Per Cent" (Macmillan, 2010). 

Rob Yeung: You Can Change Your Life

Looking to make a positive change in your life? Maybe you’ve read a few self-help books and think you know what you need to do – maybe some positive thinking, making a resolution or simply wishing for happiness? Well, here’s some news: none of this is going to help; you simply don’t get things in life just by wishing for them.

In You Can Change Your Life top psychologist Rob Yeung investigates ways of making change stick. He offers the most up-to-date thinking on the skills, beliefs and methods that will help you to change your life. Rooted in evidence-based research and based on proven strategies and treatments, Rob offers a new perspective and new techniques to enable you to transform your life, or simply work out what’s stopping you from achieving your goals.

You can lose weight, feel more positive, give up a bad habit, get ahead at work or improve anything about yourself. Whatever you want to achieve, you will feel inspired by the practical advice in this fascination book and be able to tackle change with confidence.

Michael Mazzeo, Paul Oyer, Scott Shcaefer: Roadside MBA: Back Road Lessons for Entrepreneurs, Executives and Small Business Owners

While playing hooky from a conference in Boston a few years back, three former colleagues from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management hopped in a car and headed on a road trip. They pulled into a shoe store in Maine and noticed that the sales help was unusually pushy. After a few questions, they discovered the store had a "secret shopper" program, in which employees would be marked down if they were not sufficiently aggressive with customers. A lightbulb went off.

Instead of teaching the tried-and-true case studies involving GE and Microsoft, these three wise men decided to pull their heads out of their ivory towers and go in search of insights about product differentiation, pricing, brand management, building a team, and a host of other topics. Why take your cues on employee compensation from Wall Street when you can learn from a Main Street company like Couer D'Alene's best crime-scene cleaner? Want to learn about scaling a business? Come meet Dr. Burris, the flying orthodontist, who operates multiple, profitable practices in rural Arkansas.
The book isn't all egghead; the chapters are spiced with the type of vehicular mishaps and Maalox moments that are common on any road trip.

Barry Taylor: Start Importing On A Small Budget: Be A Winner Pocket Books For All South Africans

If you are looking to start a business that is low on capital expenditure, low on risk and high in flexibility, then the import and distribution industry is well worth considering. This book covers all aspects of starting an import business; from selecting a viable product and prospecting potential buyers, through to managing relevant documentation and navigating your way through international terminology and volatile exchange rates.