It’s time to amass your reading list for any time you can manage to steal away during the holiday break. Here are a few suggestions!
4 Great Books for Leveling Up Your Thinking and Your Business
Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen by Steve Sims. I really enjoyed reading about the mindset and business choices that helped this former bricklayer build an ultra-successful experiential company. It was an easy and enjoyable read, but also had some great takeaways.
Win Fast: Quick Ways to Achieve More, Earn More, and Be More by Siimon Reynolds. Full disclosure: I’m only halfway through this one, but that’s only because I’m trying to implement all of the techniques he suggests. Even just implementing one could have a major impact on your life, so the book is certainly worth a read!
Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol. I really enjoyed the combination of real-world practical tactics and stories about how scientists have (and haven’t) thought out of the box. It’s an invaluable read for learning to approach projects and challenges from a totally new angle.
The Catalyst: How to Change Anyone’s Mind. One of the most interesting things I took away from this was just how resistant humans are to changing their minds—and why. The ideas and strategies in this book have all kinds of practical applications for our copywriting…and for our lives.
A Book Every Copywriter Should Have on Their Office Shelf
Design Basics Index by Jim Krause. As a copywriter, you do NOT need to learn design. However, it can be very helpful to know some of the fundamental elements—especially when you’re collaborating with designers. This book does an amazing and thorough job of explaining and illustrating many of the most important ones. According to Amazon, I bought this book in 2007 and it’s *still* the one I recommend to copywriters the most.
A Book to Get You Motivated
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo. I just love the concept of everything being “figureoutable”—it challenges us to change any question of “can I do it” to “how can I do it?” and that, alone, could lead to major breakthroughs. It’s an easy read but very enjoyable and very inspirational. It’ll be one that’s good to pick up every few months or so to remind yourself of just how capable you are.
Next on My To-Read List
The Power of When by Michael Breus. It’s all about arranging your day based on when your energy is prime for the task—I love that concept.
The Consultant Next Door by Taylor Welch and Chris Evans. I think this book was referenced in a podcast I listened to… Heck, it’s just always good to learn more about consulting tactics!
Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman. My business coach raved about this one, so it’s definitely on my list!
And a Few Fun Favorites Reads of 2020 from the FRW Team
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd. This is easily one of the most unique and imaginative books I’ve read. The author’s style is enthralling and it’s also a mystery (of sorts). What more could you ask for? — Nicki Krawczyk, Founder
“The Dutch House by Ann Patchett is a beautifully written fairytale filled with grief, loss, love and forgiveness – and the impenetrable bond between a brother and sister. It was the perfect book to escape into this year!” — Kate Kaschenbach, Business Operations Manager
“Anxious People by Frederik Backman. In a rollercoaster of a year, Anxious People was a joyous reminder that at the core, all of us are just doing the best we can to navigate constant uncertainty in our own lives and the world around us. This isn’t my personal favorite of Backman’s novels, but it made me feel empathy and hope when I needed it most. And then, because I’ve probably mentioned it more than once on the podcast: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. I started rereading this one this year with a highlighter in hand. As it turns out, how we think we think isn’t actually how we think at all! Through research studies and exercises you can do yourself, Kahneman shows you how we make judgements and decision. It’s hugely beneficial for your personal life, but also wildly helpful to writing copy that hones in on the wants and needs of the intended audience.” — Kate Sitarz, Marketing Manager
“I don’t think I have any standout favorites from this year but this is the book I’ve been carrying around that I’m planning to read over my break: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. Not a new one but has been highly recommended. When it comes to certain topics in my life, I can get stuck in a fixed mindset myself so I’m hoping to expand my mindset and abilities in the new year.” — Julie Hershman, Media Producer
“Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein. It’s about behavioral economics and how little ‘nudges’ can be used to design better solutions for all types of problems. It was really eye-opening and inspiring.” — Elly VanVranken, Business Assistant
Your turn! Are there any we missed? (Of course there are!) Let us know in the comments below…
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