Bookshelf
Welcome to our bookshelf, a listing of titles which we believe are useful (and may be essential!) reading for all business people. We often recommend many of these titles to our clients and associates.
In association with Amazon each title has a link to the Amazon web site so that you can easily purchase the book!
Happy reading!
E-myth Revisited
Michael Gerber's The E-Myth Revisited should be required reading for anyone thinking about starting a business, those who have already taken that fateful step or those who are advising them. The “E” refers to entrepreneurs, and Gerber explains how businesses are, in fact, often not created by entrepreneurs but by those with technical skills rather than perhaps business skills. This is his explanation for why many smaller businesses simply don’t work. He then goes on to discuss his solution to this problem and his “Turn-Key Revolution”. A superb read and very highly recommended.
The Beermat Entrepreneur
This superb title again considers the elements that go to make a business work. The authors consider the development of a business through three stages, the seedling, the sapling and finally the mighty oak. Each with its own unique characteristics and needs. This book contains a great deal of excellent advice for any business owner, as well as those thinking about starting a business, with some controversial ideas included as well for good measure. We are privileged to know one of the authors, Chris West, and to have heard both he and Mike Southon present their ideas on stage. Highly recommended.
Finance on a Beermat
This book could be a purpose made advertisement or brochure for that which Insight Associates stands for and the work that we do. It should be essential reading for all business owners and managers, as it helps demystify the world of business finance and gives some excellent pointers as to how do deal with this often difficult area for non financial types. We were privileged to have read a prepublication copy of the text, and one of our partners, Garry Mumford is quoted on the cover as a result!
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
An extremely well known title, and a very worthwhile read. The author looks at the very root of human nature and what makes us unique amongst other animals – self awareness. Through self awareness we can change the “habits” that we have and make ourselves more effective. Powerful stuff, but Covey manages to make it sound as if changing the way we look at ourselves and the world around us so that we can become more successful both personally and professionally an absolute doddle!
Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life
From the author of the well known “One Minute Manager” this excellent small book looks at the difficult issue of change. Change can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your perspective. The message of Who Moved My Cheese? is that all can come to see change as a blessing, if they understand the nature of cheese and the role it plays in their lives.
Fish!: A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results
A powerful parable that will help you love the work you do - even if you can't always do work that you love. A short but thought provoking read!
Turning Your Business Around: How to Spot the Warning Signs Andkeep Your Business Healthy
Written by a good associate and colleague of ours, this guide covers issues such as spotting the warning signs of business failure, understanding your immediate financial position, managing a real cash crisis, and setting your strategy. Aimed at the manager whose business is experiencing difficulties, and on the premise that we don’t set out to have financial problems in our businesses, the book explains many of the principles that will help bring an enterprise back to health. A good read!
The Tools of Leadership: Vision, Inspiration, Momentum
Having realised that the initials of the three qualities of leadership discussed by Landsberg in this book is “VIM” (an old household cleaning product), our partner, Sheila Ledain, did a number of talks around this book some time ago entitled “Spot the Scourer”.
This book should be essential reading for anybody managing or leading people, some excellent ideas on improving effectiveness.