February 2010: Updated Book List

Below is a working list of books that we have developed either from books we have read, want to read or have been recommended to us. Some of them are specific business books, but there are a few that tell a story with a lesson that can be applied to business. Please feel free to click through the links and provide feedback on the books on this list in the comment section. Also, feel free to add to the list, be sure to include a link as well.

• “Broken Windows, Broken Business” by Michael Levine (2006)
• “Buyology: Truths and Lies About Why We Buy” by Martin Lindstrom and Paco Underhill (2008)
• “E-Myth: Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber (1995)
• Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner (2009)
  
• “Free!” by Chris Anderson (2009)
• “First, Break All the Rules” by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman (1999)
• “Groundswell” by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff (2008)
• “Idea Spotting” by Sam Harrison (2006)
• “In-N-Out Burger: A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules” by Stacy Perman (2009)
• “Juicing the Orange: How to Turn Creativity Into a Powerful Business Advantage” by Pat Fallon and Fred Senn (2006)
• "Linchpin" by Seth Godin (2010)
  
• “Made to Stick” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath (2007)
• “Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions” by John Kotter, Holger Rathgeber, Peter Mueller, and Spencer Johnson
• “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell (2008)
• “Nuts! Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success” by Kevin Freiberg and Jackie Freiberg (1998)
• “Rich Dad's Conspiracy of the Rich: The 8 New Rules of Money” by Robert Kiyosaki (2009)
• “Simple Truths of Service: Inspired By Johnny the Bagger” by Ken Blanchard & Barbara Glanz
• "Small is the New Big" by Seth Godin (2006)
  
• "Super Freakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Insurance" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner (2009)
  
• “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (2009)
• “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni (2002)
• “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss (2007)
  “The Experience Economy: Work Is Theater & Every Business a Stage” by B. Joseph Pine and James H. Gilmore (1999)
• “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference” by Malcolm Gladwell (2002)
• "The Third Wave" by Alvin Toffler (1984)
  
• "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill (2009)
  
• "Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust" by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (2009)
  
• “What Got You Here Won't Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith (2007)
• “What Would Google Do?” by Jeff Jarvis (2009)
• “Powerlines: Words That Sell Brands, Grip Fans and Sometimes Change History” by Steve Cone (2008)

March Book: "Linchpin" by Seth Godin

What is a "linchpin?" According to author Seth Godin, it is somebody in an organization who is indispensable, who cannot be replaced—her role is just far too unique and valuable. And then he goes on to say, well, seriously folks, you need to be one of these people, you really do. To not be one is economic and career suicide.

The Business Book Club will discuss "Linchpin" at its next meeting on Tuesday, March 2 at the Green Valley Library at 6 p.m. The book club is free and open to the public.

The book not only hits on who is a linchpin in an organization but provides guidance on how to be indispensable in a time where this concept couldn't be more important. Godin discusses the changing workforce from blue collar to white collar and suggests that the new working class is the artist. In his terms, artist doesn't necessarily refer to someone who creates beauty with a paintbrush but rather anyone who is doing "emotional work"and contributing to the world in a positive meaningful way.

Below are some online resources that further explore the concepts in the book:
Seth's Blog
An eight page manifesto from Changethis
What is a Linchpin? Video with Gary Vee
A Brainstorming Video

If you would like to check-out a copy of "Linchpin," contact Rachelle Smith for details. If you have any questions about The Business Book Club email Megan Lane.