In a previous post, where I showed pictures of my new office, a reader of mine asked me to list the books on my bookshelf. Now I have already listed about 3 books that I highly recommend that everyone read.
However, I read A LOT. In fact over the years I’ve had to give away dozens and dozens of books, or put them in storage since I don’t have the room to store them in my place.
I can’t overemphasize the importance of reading books about business success and personal growth; it’s really the BIGGEST key to my success.
If you’re not reading you might as well shoot yourself in the foot, because you’re at best slowing down your business and at worst outright sabotaging your own success.
So here’s just a handful of books on my bookshelf that I highly recommend that you read, that is, if you’re serious about becoming a super affiliate and living the super affiliate lifestyle!
I’m not including the 3 books I previously recommended, so if you haven’t read my post about those 3 books, you can read it here.
Here’s the list of the books I recommend in addition to those 3 (NOT in any particular order):
- Tested Advertising Methods by John Caples
- Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz
- The Long Tail by Chris Anderson
- Being Happy! by Andrew Matthews
- Build to Last by James Collins & Jerry Porras
- How to Have Power & Confidence in Dealing with People by Les Giblin
- Marketing Sherpa’s Landing Page Handbook
- Eat that Frog by Brian Tracy
- Kick-Ass Copywriting Secrets of a Marketing Rebel by John Carlton
- No B.S. Wealth Attraction for Entrepreneurs by Dan Kennedy
- Change Your Thinking Change Your Life by Brian Tracy
- No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs by Dan Kennedy
- Influence by Robert Cialdini
- Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
- Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing by Robert Kiyosaki
- No B.S. Business Success by Dan Kennedy
- Secrets of a Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
- Retire Young Retire Rich by Robert Kiyosaki
- Infinite Wealth by Barry Carter
- Ultimate Guide to Google Adwords by Perry Marshall
- Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug
“But Amit, that’s a lot of reading! It’s gonna take me forever!?!”
Better get busy then!
These books will change your business, and most importantly, change your life.
Happy Reading!
The problem is that reading too much takes time away from DOING. I would not recommend the 4-hour work week (great title, but terrible book!). Think I’ll get: tested advertising methods (that sounds intereting).
Question:
What was your initial investment when you first started your AM business?
I took Amit’s advice and read “Eat That Frog” by Brian Tracy.
This is the BEST business book I’ve ever read, period. And I’ve read a lot of books. Each line is easy to understand and powerful. If you apply the simple changes recommended by the book you will double or 4x+ your productivity.
-J
Wow, that is a BIG list. I better get started!
I think that list is great, I have read many of those books and you are correct, they WILL change your life.
Although, I’m shocked not to see any of Seth Godin’s books on your list. He has a great marketing mind and his principles apply directly to internet marketing.
If you haven’t read any of his stuff, just pick one, he has about 8 books out right now but I would start with Purple Cow or Permission Marketing. They are great and I’ve used the principles in my affiliate marketing programs.
Thanks for the list!
Mike
Story-time with Amit…
I love it!
I decided to pick it up “Tested Advertising Methods” after a very trusted blogger also mentioned this book as one of his favorites.
My first read, it seemed okay: nothing jumped out at me, no “a-ha” moments…
Would have been easy to just forget about it, right?
My point: there is so much out there that it is really hard to know where to start, what is worth one’s time, what to trust.
If the book seems only “okay” to me, and everyone is raving about, then that tells me that my reference point is off, that my thinking needs a bit of “seasoning”.
I read it again (wash, rinse, repeat as needed)…
Funny thing is, Krug’s book struck my as gold the second I laid eyes on it.
Go figure,
-leo
Hi Amit,
Would you recommend buying MarketingSherpa’s Landing Page handbook? I’m looking into information on landing page optimization (past using google analytics and crazy egg), and it looked like their book had some good info. Thanks!
Hey Amit,
Great list, and I don’t just say that because there is over 90% overlap with mine.
I would add:
read a Zig Ziglar book on selling
- Sun Tzu, the Art of War
- Schopenhauer: How to argue and win every time
And you’ve mentioned it before but it’s not on the list, so add “Think and Grow Rich”
Micheal : Yes, I need to read Seth Godin, that’s on my list!
PK : Get the Landing Page Handbook, worth every cent
I can personally vouch for the effect of reading books(which can help you). I personally like autobiographies of successfull people from business and leadership.
I know it is not easy to culitvate a reading habbit, but it is worth the effort and time.
Vijay
What’s the landing page handbook?
nm:
I thought the 4 Hour Work Week was great and really
suited to affiliate marketers. What about it do you
find terrible?