Recommended Business Books

Over the years, I’ve done a variety of reviews. I’ve also consumed a lot more books, music, movies and websites than I’ve managed to review or mention here. I’ve decided that I’d really like to highlight some of the great things that I’ve found along the way.

Marketing

Purple Cow by Seth Godin

This is one of those books that will have you thinking “well, duh! Of course, you should do that!” But then you’ll realize that most companies don’t do these things. This is important stuff to read and ponder if you’re a product manager or starting your own product business. I actually listened to the audio book of Purple Cow as a Free Prize Inside / Purple Cow combo audiobook. These books will help you think better about your products, whether you’re in a big company or a one man show. You can check out my January 2005 review. Even better, keep an eye on Seth’s blog, where you can regularly get it drummed into you that being different and better is the key to success. (Added January 1, 2006)

The Strategy and Tactics of Pricing by Thomas Nagle and Reed Holden

This was a recommendation from Joel Spolsky, and it’s a good one. Nagle and Holden give you plenty to think about and ideas on how to approach the problem of pricing. If you think cost + some profit margin is the way to price your product, you owe it to yourself to buy this book. It has the potential to make you a ton of money or save you a ton on a wasted product development effort.

Management

Winning by Jack Welch

This book has one of the most compelling testimonial quotes you’ll ever see: “No other management book will ever be needed”, said by none other than Warren Buffett. I’ve read a number of management books, mostly in the realm of software team management. Truly, though, this book covers the essence of management far better than the others I’ve read. Jack Welch gives people management the kind of attention it deserves, and this book is a must read for anyone that is managing other people. (Added January 1, 2006)