Growing your job into a career you’re proud of requires a combination of many things – building your skills, developing good professional relationships and hard work. Amidst all of the hard work it can be hard to find the time and the money to attend professional courses or acquire the services of a professional career coach.
But, that doesn’t mean that your professional growth has to suffer! As with many of life’s issues, a book is actually your best friend. If you want to grow, excel and make your career something to be truly proud of, read on to find out five of the best books to inspire and motivate you.
Webs of Influence: The Psychology of Online Persuasion by Nathalie Nahai
Drawing on worlds as diverse as behavioural psychology, neuroscience and economics, in Webs of Influence web psychologist Nathalie Nahai has created the ultimate tool for getting ahead online and off. It’s all about the psychology of how we do business. This book is perfect for you if you want to understand what makes people tick, how to nurture valuable relationships and connect with the people that matter.
Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo
Anyone looking for a dose of inspiration or simply for some food for thought has surely indulged in a TED Talk. Featuring 20 minute talks from some of the world’s most influential and leading thinkers, these talks set the world alight and have become the gold standard in public speaking. If you want to deliver talks that are engaging, memorable and persuasive, grab this step-by-step guide and you’ll be talking like TED in no time.
The Chimp Paradox by Dr Steve Peters
It would be crazy of us to not mention this one. While not strictly a business book, Peters’ Chimp Paradox has revolutionized many disciplines with its quirky and unique way of approaching the mind and reaching full potential. A better understanding of how you and those around you think, is bound to revolutionize not just your career but your whole life. Get ready to rediscover your brain.
Become a Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley
Read this book and become a key person of influence in mere months! That’s what Daniel Priestley’s book promises and it’s a convincing read, that’s for sure. In it, he explains how to leave a ‘worker bee’ life behind and start working your way into the inner circle of influence in your industry. If you’re looking to get connected, this is the book for you!
Pitch Anything by Oren Klaff
Want to generate millions of pound worth of business using a flawlessly simple pitching technique? Pretty redundant question, right? Oren Klaff has boiled down the science of pitching to its very essence in his bestselling book that’s sure to leave anyone who has to sell ideas, pitch clients or negotiate truly inspired. His signature STRONG method of pitching (Setting the Frame, Telling the Story, Revealing the Intrigue, Offering the Prize, Nailing the Hookpoint, Getting a Decision) can be applied to (as the name suggests) anything to help you ride the wave of success.
So, what do you think? Feeling inspired to go out and conquer your corner of the world? Have you got any other literary suggestions you think would help to kick your career into high gear? Let us know in the comments.
About the Author
This blog post was written by Nationwide. Discover career opportunities at the world’s largest building society. Follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus and Facebook.
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A consideration: there is a lot of data out there to support the link between reading fiction and the development of social skills. If you were going to switch out, or add, one novel or short story, what would it be?
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