Now Reading: The 100 Best Business Books of All Time (literally)

23 Feb 2010

I got turned on to a book a little while back that was written by Jack Covert and Todd Sattersten. The book is called ““The 100 Best Business Books of All Time”.”

As I mentioned back in January, I’ve been reading like a maniac, but there was no real rhyme or reason to what I was reading. I would simply start browsing through Amazon, look for or pick books recommended by others, and go from there. But then I started thinking that following a roadmap, like the one Jack and Todd have provided, may make my reading a little more interesting.

I’ve decided to set a goal and read all of Jack and Todd’s 100 recommended books between now and the end of the year. I sent Jack and Todd an email to let them know of my intentions. A nice little blog post showed up on 800ceoread (Jack’s company) about my endeavor. You can read that here.

I’ve set up a group page on Shelfari where anyone can join the group and take part in reading some of these books. Shelfari is a great social networking site for people who love to read. It took me a bit of time to add all the books to the Shelfari group page. You can check it out on here. I urge you to join the group and take part. If you’re not interested in taking part but you enjoy reading, join Shelfari and connect with me as a friend on there. I want to see what you’re reading regardless.

Jack and Todd have broken down “The 100 Best Business Books of All Time“ into the following categories.

You
Improving your life, your person and your strengths.
Leadership
Inspiration. Challenge. Courage. Change.
Strategy
Eight organizational blueprints from which to draft your own.
Sales and Marketing
Approaches and pitfalls in the ongoing process of creating customers.
Rules and Scorekeeping
The all-important numbers behind the game.
Management
Guiding and directing the people around you.
Biographies
Seven lives. Unlimited lessons.
Entrepreneurship
Seven guides to the passion and practicality necessary for any new venture.
Narratives
Six industry tales of both fortune and failure.
Innovation & Creativity
Insight into the process of developing new ideas.
Big Ideas
The future of business books lies here.
Takeaways
What everyone is looking for.

You can see the full list of the top 100 books here. Thankfully I’ve already read a few of them.

I’m honestly not sure if I can read them all between now and December 31st, but I’ll try my hardest.

What are you currently reading and why?

Share and Enjoy:

Jamie

In the same boat, going for at least one book per month this year. Not too overboard, but so far I've read 4 (including the updated 4HWW) and it's only February. Finished reading Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" last week. Don't see it on the list, but it's a must read from an inspirational/leadership/success perspective (IMHO). Originally written in the 1930's, but the latest edition is littered with fantastic editor's notes to bring it into the 21st century. Currently reading some Anthony Robins - "Ultimate Power". gold.
Will definitely take a look at this list to pick out a few more.
Noah Fleming

Hey Jamie

I've read a Think & Grow Rich and also a couple of Robbin's books.
I agree that Think & Grow Rich should have made the list.

This is an interesting list for sure. It should be interesting to explore some books I normally never would have picked up.
lindsaymarilyn

Noah what a great undertaking. I just finished The Five Dysfunctions of a Team last week and you can have my hard copy.

I didn't see Linchpin on the list but it should also be on the lsit of must reads.
Noah Fleming

Thanks (and agreed 100% Linchpin)

This book was released last year and other books have come out since. This is also just the take on two authors who love business books.

I' sure I'll disagree with many of the selections as I make my way through all 100.

Thanks for offering up the hard copy of 5 dysfunctions...
Laura Kimball

The best advice I received from a former manager was to read. She learned a ton of books as she built her career and even had a "business library" when she started her own company (which was B2B book sales, actually).

I'm in.
Noah Fleming

Awesome.

Whatever books I actually have to buy in hard copy and can't get on the kindle I'm willing to give away and share with others who want to take part.
Shawn Veltman

There are LOTS of fantastic business books that should replace some on that list - but if you're going to stick with that list, make it a point to read these 2 first:

Crossing the Chasm (Try to get the most updated/revised edition - the one I had was from 98 rather than the original publishing date)

First Break all the Rules (one of the BEST books on management & what's required for any organization to succeed)

Also - skip In search of excellence. Definitely skip it. :P
Noah Fleming

Hey Shawn

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to take up your suggestion and go with those two right after I finish a few that I own and have in front of me.

For the first time ever I'm going to get "getting things done" done!

What's wrong with "In Search of Excellence?"
Shawn Veltman

Lots - basically, there've been some accusations that he just pulled a lot of stuff out of his ass for the book. More importantly, the book is OLD, and it focuses on areas/strategies/etc that are either simply outdated & useless, or counterproductive and harmful.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Search_of_Excel...
Noah Fleming

Thanks for the clarification and the link.

This quest will follow my rules I've applied to other books. I will read at least 100-200 pages and if the book totally sucks I will practice the "Art of non-finishing."

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Now Reading: The 100 Best Business Books of All Time (literally)

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