First on the list is The E-Myth Revisited  by Michael E. Gerber. Gerber speaks about why most small businesses fail and what to do about it. The author explains how every business needs three skill sets: 1. The entrepreneur (the dreamer and visionary), 2. The manager (the organizer) and 3. The technician (the worker). The technicians, who love what they do, decides to start a company on their own instead of making someone else rich (great!). Now the reason that this business will most likely fail is due to micromanaging by the technician (not so great). They will want to make sure everything is done the way they have always done it. Gerber explains the issue here and expands on what corrective action should be taken. It is a great book for anyone thinking of opening his or her own business. The E-Myth will teach you lessons that you would most likely learn the hard way.

The 4 Hour Workweek: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich (Expanded and Updated) by Timothy Ferriss (what a title) may catch you off guard as you read it. Some of the things he preaches seem a bit outlandish at first, but will eventually strike a cord. The book is split into four sections: 1. Defining your goal and figuring out what you really want (and for those of you who cannot decide, he helps you figure it out), 2. Eliminate your distractions by learning how to be effective instead of just efficient, 3. Automate your cash flow, resulting in an increase of income and finally, 4. Liberate yourself by increasing mobility. He speaks about how he went from monotonously working for someone else for 40 hours a week to starting his own business and working 80 hours a week. The 4 Hour Workweek tells you the story of how he eventually transformed his life to working just a few hours a week while also making money and enjoying life. This book will inspire you to take charge of your life. If you work at a deadbeat job that doesn’t appreciate your work or if you are struggling to live your life while running your own business, The 4 Hour Workweek is for you.

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is one of the first business books I ever heard about. A friend introduced it to me when I was unsure of where my professional life would take me after college. It is the story of the author and a comparison of his “rich dad” and “poor dad.” It just so happens that his biological father, who has a doctorate, went to Ivy League universities, believes in working hard and saving money was the “poor dad.” Who would have thought? All the while, his “rich dad” (his friend’s father) who dropped out of school in the eighth grade builds an entrepreneurial empire by using his financial literacy and street smarts. Kiyosaki walks you through his life experiences to offer you a new perspective. Some people have criticized him about whether he was completely truthful in his book, but his message is loud and clear no matter what. I still believe that this book is a must read for anyone.

Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. No, this is not the movie with Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. This is a book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, the essayist, scholar, statistician and risk analyst. The book dives into how unpredictable severe events are and how people underestimate their significance. These events are referred to as Black Swans. The three attributes that define Black Swan events are those that are irregular, have an extreme impact, and are eventually explainable (only in hindsight). Taleb’s writing style is very smooth and easy to read. You really feel like you are there with him when he explains some of his life stories. The Sunday Times even placed the Black Swan among the 12 most influential books after WWII.

Hold: How to Find, Buy, and Rent Houses for Wealth by Steve Chader is my usual real estate plug-in. Hold is the opposite of a get rich quick book, rather it focus’ on how one can create a lifetime of wealth through rental real estate investments. The book also comes along with downloadable content that puts the book into better perspective. As some of you know, along with business consulting, I have been heavily involved with rental real estate properties for years. This book has played an important role in my recent real estate knowledge while also continuing to offer inspiration.

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Al Switzler and Ron McMillan explains a skill that is very important in business, communication. In work settings, it is not uncommon that you will come across a number of critical conversations. Whether this be about a raise, a business deal or even heated conversations with a business partner it is vital for you to know how to approach the subject. I have experienced instances at my old jobs where tensions were high due to deadlines and cooler minds have prevailed. This book goes over certain techniques that will allow you to have a leg up in these instances.