I’ve been an Amazon customer since 1996. I was living in rural Ontario, Canada and I was thrilled that I could order books online and they would be delivered to my remote mailbox…the mailman had to drive 1 mile down a dirt road to but our mail in the box.

It was a major convenience for us since we were a 45-minute drive from the nearest small town with a small bookstore.

Fast forward to 2019 and I use many of the services provided by Amazon as a Prime member. I thought free 2-day shipping was pretty awesome and now I watch movies, get free Kindle ebooks, and have groceries delivered.

Since I frequently get questions about what products and books I recommend, so I make recommendations on Amazon. And, yes, I’m an affiliate for Amazon so if you do click on one of my links and make a purchase, I will get a small affiliate commission. In no way does that affect the price you pay.

First, to take advantage of Amazon Prime deals, you must be a Prime member. If you’re not already a Prime member you can get a free 30-day trial and take advantage of all the deals. You can always cancel the membership if you don’t like it. Click here to get the free 30-day Prime Membership trial.

I’ve set up what Amazon calls a storefront that includes lists of products I recommend for Marketing Books, Marketing Tools, Travel & Adventure stuff, resources about Intermittent Fasting (I co-host a Facebook group on IF), and Coffee.

Go forth and enjoy! I’ll be watching for deals on some business books that are on my reading list!

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

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Last year I read an article somewhere (forgot to keep a link) by a woman who tracked all the books she read during the year. If I recall correctly, she had read 165 books in 2015! That’s astounding. And, it inspired me to start a spreadsheet to track the books I read in 2016.

I’ve come nowhere close to 165 books… more like 52. My reading list is eclectic. From police thrillers to memoirs. From literary fiction to non-fiction. My tastes are diverse. 

When I was a kid, I read all the time. That was my favorite thing to do and the neighbor kids teased me a lot, calling me a bookworm. At age 6 and 7, I didn’t like that nickname, though it was spot on.

Then, as I spent more and more time working online, I found I read fewer and fewer books. I read all day long on a monitor so I didn’t have the desire to read at the end of the day.

I changed that this year. I watched fewer escapist shows on Netflix and read more. And, I loved returning to my long-time reading habit. 

Reviewing my reading spreadsheet a few days ago, I was reminded of a few business-oriented books that I read and loved. That got me wondering about the best business books others in my networks had read this past year. I asked on Facebook and LinkedIn. I created a survey and sent it to a few people on my email list. [You’re invited to add your fave biz book to the survey at the end of the post.]

And now, I present the list of best business books recommended by your peers, for your consideration… which ones intrigue you… which ones would make good gifts for the entrepreneurs in your life? 

Best Business Books I Recommend

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande

I loved this book for the story of a simple tool — the checklist — that Gawande relates. Through research and case studies, Gawande reveals how important checklists are applied to diverse businesses in an attempt to deconstruct complexity, save lives and avoid errors. 

Non Obvious 2017: How to Think Different, Curate Ideas & Predict the Future by Rohit Bhargava

This brand new book quickly became one of my favorites of the year. I’ve known and followed Bhargava’s work for years. His annual Non Obvious trend reports are a fascinating look at what we can expect in the coming years. This year’s book takes his work a step further because Bhargava pulls back the curtain to show us exactly how he discovers and curates the trends most forecasters don’t see. This book is one to read over the holidays so you’re ready to take advantage of deep insights that can impact your business.

Best Business Books Recommended by Biz Owners

In no particular order of importance, the following are business books read and recommended by colleagues and clients. You’ll note that not all the books were published in 2016. That was not the question I asked. Many books offer timeless wisdom and I was curious to know what my colleagues and clients had read in 2016 that they considered the best.

I offer no opinions on these books since there’s only one that I’ve read… Getting Things Done by David Allen … and that was quite awhile ago. However, you’re welcome to share your opinion in the comments, on any of the books you’ve read. 

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown – recommended by 5 people! I put a hold on this one at the library and there’s a long wait.

Sacred Success: A Course in Financial Miracles by Barbara Stanny

Beyond Satisfaction: The Secret to Crafting a Profitable Online Course That Will Change Lives by Breanne Dyck

Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal by Oren Klaff

Born For This: How to Find the Work You Were Meant to Do by Chris Guillebeau

The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage by Daymond John

Get It Done: From Procrastination to Creative Genius in 15 Minutes a Day by Sam Bennett

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks

Conscious Capitalism, With a New Preface by the Authors: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business by John Mackey

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

Scaling Lean: Mastering the Key Metrics for Startup Growth by Ash Maurya

The Miracle Morning for Network Marketers: Grow Yourself FIRST to Grow Your Business Fast by Hal Elrod

The Secret of the Ages by Robert Collier

Unleash Possible: A Marketing Playbook That Drives B2B Sales by Samantha Stone

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal

Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum by Neil Patel

Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation by Tim Brown

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others by Daniel Pink

The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell

The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness by Jeff Olson

Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps: Get Funding from Sponsors Even if You’re Just Getting Started by Linda Hollander

Add Your Favorite Business Book

Want to add your favorite business book to the list? Use the form below.  Periodically I’ll check and add new titles to the list.

Many thanks to the following folks for their contributions to the list: Liana George, Lou Bortone, Lorenda Phillips, Paula Gregorowitcz, Kim Ravida, Jo Guerra, Lisa Douthit, Doug Peterson, Linda Dessau, Yvonne DeVita, Terry Loving, Jeremie Miller, Robin Forster, Bill Irwin, Stephan Hovnanian, Kay Newton, Kay Ross, Shawn Shepard, Judy Rodman, Trudy Von Buskirk, Chris Mattison, Michelle Goodhew, and Dale Susan Edwards. A few others contributed as well but did so anonymously.

Note: All titles are linked to Amazon.com with my affiliate link. The few pennies I earn on a book sale help me sustain my bookworm habit!

The post Best Business Books in 2016 Recommended Just for You appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.

So mark your calendar for November 26, the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the U.S., and get ready to Shop Small® with us. In this post, I’ve put together a selection of offers from some of my clients. One of the things I LOVE doing is championing my clients and this is a perfect way to share what some of them are up to and how their work can support you and your business.

Keep on reading and take advantage of some great consulting and training deals as well as several books I recommend…

Small Business Saturday Consulting Special

I wouldn’t be a very good role model for my clients if I neglected to make you an offer, too.  😆 

It can be a little lonely and frustrating trying to figure out how to market your business or product on your own. Most of the time, you get it done, but sometimes, you need some input to help get you through a difficult patch when you’re not quite sure what to do or which path to take.

To support you, I’m offering a super deep discount on a one-hour private consultation – just $97, a 68% discount.  Get the details and book your consult here.

Online Courses and Freebies

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2017 Kickstart your Coaching Business
Three on-demand video based courses for coaches who are looking to grow their coaching businesses, from Jennifer Britton.

The three courses are The Solopreneur Primer™, the Coaching Business Builder: 12 Tips, and the Marketing Tips for Your Team and Group Programs on-demand course. It will be of interest to coaches who want a booster shot for their coaching business and who are also thinking of including workshops, retreats, webinars, and/or group and team coaching in their mix. Each program includes a number of worksheets and/or a workbook which will support coaches in moving these ideas into practice in their work.

The courses taken separately cost $297 US and are currently bundled for $197 US.

For Small Business Saturday you get an additional 25% savings and invest only $147.76 US. Use coupon code DENISE… click here for details.

Jennifer Britton is the author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2009) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013). For more than a decade she has supported coaches at all stages of their business to expand their offerings to groups and teams, while also expanding their businesses.

TOP Ten FREE Image Sites Ebook

We studied and searched for the best resources to bring you this book. LOOK like a Rock Star and use great images for your content but don’t get in trouble because you used the wrong images. FREE! Click here to get your free ebook.

Jo Guerra with Kick A Marketing is a WordPress web designer, marketing consultant and writes copy that doesn’t suck-the-life out of prospects. She works with young-at-heart female prime time entrepreneurs. 

DIY SEO Course and Workshop

MaAnna Stephenson is my go-to tech geek. When I saw she was offering her SEO courses at a special deal for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I had to let you know about them too. Check out her new SEO Workshop and full DIY SEO course. [affiliate]

MaAnna Stephenson helps non-geeks with WordPress, SEO, conversion, blogging, site security, and performance.

Recommended Books

In the last year, I’ve worked with several small biz owners who also published their first book. From building their audience and creating their online presence to developing launch plans, it’s some of the most satisfying work to do. To celebrate their publishing successes, here are three books that debuted on Amazon during the past 15 months. Each book is worthy of your attention if you or someone you know is looking for expertise in dealing with autoimmune disease, parenting sons, and preparing for the aging process. And, books always make great holiday gifts!

#1 Bestseller Wellness Warrior – Fighting for Life in Fabulous Shoes is FREE on Small Business Saturday! The holidays are stressful enough, it’s time you gave yourself a little TLC too. Kick off the holiday season by downloading this award winning ebook to save for later when you have a little me time. But hurry, offer ends on 11/27/16.  

Lisa Douthit is a Master Healer and Author who is passionate about healing from all perspectives. She is an expert at turning limitations into superpowers and has made it her mission is to empower anyone that wants to have boundless energy and live a more vibrant life.

Age Your Way – Create a Unique Legacy, by Debbie Pearson, RN
Age Your Way is the first step of a unique program designed to address the problem of people losing control over their lives due to aging, injury or illness. The book is filled with true stories from forty years of experience on the front lines of health care and patient advocacy.

NOTE: The Kindle version of Age Your Way will be free on Amazon on November 28 and 29.

Debbie Pearson has spent more than 40 years caring for others, as a hospital nurse, a home health care nurse, and finally, as a case manager and court appointed guardian. She founded Nurses Care Management in 2000 to advocate for people who can no longer care for themselves due to age, injury or illness.

Saving Our Sons – A Parent’s Guide to Preparing Boys for Success, by Clayton Lessor, MA, LPC
Based on years of research, study and practical application, Saving Our Sons provides mothers — as well as fathers and other caregivers — with the expert guidance, they need to help their sons navigate the turbulent transition between boyhood and manhood.

Clayton J. Lessor is creator/facilitator of the Quest Project Adolescent Outpatient Program. Clayton is a therapist in private practice for over 20 years in St. Louis, MO and specializes in the treatment of adolescents, families, and couples. He is also a consultant and facilitator in clinical and school settings of behavior and attention problems with adolescent boys.

I’d love to know which of these Small Business Saturday offers appeals to you or as a gift for the favorite entrepreneur in your life. Let me know in the comments!

And please don’t forget to share your favorite Small Business Saturday moments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with #ShopSmall.

Thanks for your support small business, entrepreneurs and authors!

The post Celebrate and Support Small Business! #ShopSmall appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.

This is personal…

If you’ve been following me around the Web for the last three years, you know I’m passionate about Peru. I made two trips in the space of three months, both of which changed my life in many profound ways. You can read about my trek to Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Amazon, but what I want to share with you now is the experience I had on my second visit, to Amaru, what’s become my passion project.

High in the Peruvian Andes, about two hours north of the sprawling city of Cusco, Peru, is Amaru Village, the tiny mountain home of a cooperative of Quechua (pre-Inca culture) women who work together weaving and providing an authentic ‘homestay’ experience for travelers who want to stray off the beaten path.

The ladies of Amaru are budding entrepreneurs, learning how to create and run a hospitality business, as well as sell the gorgeous woven items they create. After spending two days in the village at the home of Rufina Cruz Ccana, president of the women’s’ cooperative, I longed to bring back a little bit of this enchantment and beauty to my friends and colleagues.

During my stay in Amaru, the ladies patiently showed me how to find and gather the special plants they use to create natural dyes for the wool they card, spin and dye, before hand weaving it into gorgeous belts, clothes, and bags. I was simply entranced as I watched them dye and spin the wool, then create and weave their intricately beautiful patterns that unfolded like multicolored magic before my eyes.

In 2013, working with my Peruvian guide, Silver Ballón Valenzuela, and my dear colleague Ellen Britt, we commissioned the ladies of Amaru to create a special woven pouch just for you. This 6” x 10” pouch is made of hand-woven wool dyed using plants native to Amaru.

It’s my dream to help this cooperative of Peruvian women realize their dream of building viable businesses which can help to support themselves and their families while allowing them to preserve their way of life and culture. In 2013, we commissioned 68 pouches. It was the biggest project the ladies had done as of that date.

Peru Passion Project Update 2016

I’m doing it again! I’m going back to Peru. I’ve been in touch with the women in Amaru and they are eager to do another weaving project. This time, I’ll be picking up the pouches in person and bringing them back to California to deliver directly to you. You can help me help my friends by ordering one or more of these special pouches. You can get all the details here.

The offer is only available through Friday, June 10. Then I’ll place the order with the ladies. My goal is to give them an order of at least 100 pouches!

Thank YOU, for supporting these wonderful women weavers as they expand their entrepreneurial skills to provide for themselves and their families! Just go to this URL to get your hand woven pouch and beaded wrap bracelet.

This post was originally published on September 13, 2013, and updated on May 22, 2016.

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There are so many business advantages to doing video marketing, it’s no longer a question of IF you should be using video, but HOW to best use it to your advantage.

Video accelerates the sales process, drives traffic to your website and turns leads into loyal customers! Online Video creates a strong connection with your prospects, and provides opportunities to get seen, get known, get ahead and get paid!

Despite the effectiveness of online video as a powerful marketing tool, many entrepreneurs are still hesitant to dive in. Most are intimidated by appearing on camera, or just don’t know where to begin. That's how I felt a few years ago.

Fortunately, Lou Bortone has created the new Online Videopolis Video Resource Center that makes it easy to get started.

Online Videopolis is the new one-stop destination on the web for online video tools, tips and tutorials. The website features everything you need to maximize your video marketing efforts, including a free “Easy Online Video Editor,” so you can edit your videos right on the site without having to download software. This is a really cool feature. Video editing has never been easier!

In addition, there are tons of video “how-to” tutorials, a video “vault” full of marketing tools, and even a video “wiki” to help get all your video questions answered. AND new content will be available every month!

Some of the resources are free, but if you want full access – including monthly coaching calls with Lou and other exclusive benefits, then you’ll want to bump up to “Mogul” or “Maven” status to access all the extras. (I’m one of Lou’s promotional partners and I get a piece of the action if you join – you can too!) Check it out today at http://www.LouBortone.com/OnlineVideopolis – you can't lose with a free membership!

Related posts:

More YouTube Views Equals More Visibility for Your Business

Online Video for Branding and Visibility – An Interview with Lou Bortone

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