Staff Picks

Women Authors, Business Women

By Sally Haldorson

Upon first glance at this post, you may feel compelled to ask: why are you singling out business books written by women authors about women in business, directed (at least to some degree) to a female audience? Well, because the reality is that, according to the U. S.

Staff Picks

The Everything Store by Brad Stone

By Sally Haldorson

So, how does a specialty bookseller like 800-CEO-READ tackle reviewing Brad Stone's new book on the biggest bookstore in the world? We could ignore the book. We could deride the book.

Staff Picks

Minding Your Manners

By Sally Haldorson

Sometimes it seems like business has two faces. One is ruthless; ambitious people are encouraged to be relentless, take-no-prisoners assertive. The "soft stuff" is considered just that: soft.

Staff Picks

Zentrepreneur: Create a Culture of Innovation and Fearlessness by John J. Murphy

By Sally Haldorson

Rather antithetically, Murphy isn't suggesting we get out in front of the pack to lead it, but instead step aside by creating a system that allows for change.

Staff Picks

Saatchi & Saatchi: A Love Affair

Love. It’s what smart companies want from their customers, followers, and fans. Many companies successfully establish their brands, but don’t take the extra steps to earn love from their audiences.

Staff Picks

Creativity: The Psychology of Discovery and Invention

By Sally Haldorson

In 1990, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi wrote one of the classic books on creativity, Flow. We opened our tallying of The 100 Best Business Books of All Time with Flow because the book is about optimal experiences, "those times when people report feelings of concentration and deep enjoyment," and many people

Staff Picks

Amaze Every Customer Every Time

By Sally Haldorson

Customers don't do business with a company. They do business with the people who work for the company. Everyone seems to have a story about their favorite Ace Hardware store.

Staff Picks

You Are Now Less Dumb

I like to think. At least I like to think that I like to think. This idea I have about myself is exactly what drove me to pick up David McRaney’s new book, You Are Now Less Dumb.

Staff Picks

Take a Day Off: Read a Book!

By Sally Haldorson

It is nearing the end of summer, at least in these parts, but there is still time to whittle down that long "to-read-on-vacation" list that you might have created in May, imaging long hot days laying in the sun, book in hand. If you are like me, summer is never quite the vast wasteland of time during

Staff Picks

Become the Real Deal

I’ve recently caught myself using the phrase, “(s)he’s the real deal,” when talking to friends and colleagues about people who have distinct reputations for success or innovation. It’s somewhat aphorismic, but what does this phrase even mean? Off the bat, there’s one word that comes to mind: authenticity.