Beach Reads for Business Bookworms

by Isla Wilson | 
So.... you've packed the sunscreen, your flippers and your flip flops..... can you squeeze just one more book into your holiday suitcase? We've raided the Business BookWorms archives to recommend some business-related holiday reading, if you really can't bear to leave work behind all together.

If you..... hate to sell but know you need to get your head round it before you return to work

Read: To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink 

Of the 4 books recommended here this is the "heaviest read", but it's so well written and the message is so strong that we hope you'll forgive it. This book gives a review of the very latest research thinking about sales and selling and helps you to ditch the habits (and fears) that you may have picked up from populist views of who salespeople are (Hint: It's all of us, yes, even you there on the sun lounger)

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If you..... can't stand your boss and might be ready to take the plunge into working for yourself

Read: The $100 Startup,  by Chris Guillebeau

The relentlessly upbeat and encouraging tone of this book might do your head in if you try and read it on the daily commute to work, but read it on the beach with a cocktail in hand and it'll feel about right. Packed full of genuinely useful tips and insights, it may be the boost you need to take the plunge. Just make sure you take a few notes of what you want to do, or your inspiration will fade faster than your tan.

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If you.... like your input to be bite-sized

Read: Rework, by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

Reading a business book on holiday can be a perilous business.... not only may your loved ones disapprove but you run the serious risk of dozing off mid chapter. Worry no more, not only does this book not look like a business tome, but inside every chapter is a tiny chunk of inspiration or genius – you can dip in and out no matter how short your attention span.

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If you..... prefer to read stories

Read: Who Moved My Cheese, by Dr Spencer Johnson

Written as a novel, this is an oldie, but kind of a goody. An allegorical novel about change which should allow you to reflect on your own approach to change in work and in life. Be warned the cheese isn't just in the title, but don't let that put you off, besides...... we can all see that straw donkey balanced on your suitcase, a teeny bit more cheese won't hurt.

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Kindle: Not available.

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Get stuck in, and when you get back from your hollibobs we'd love to hear what you thought of them over at www.businessbookworms.co.uk

Isla Wilson in an entrepreneur, and founder of Ruby Star Associates – the UK's Ooomph tank. Ruby Star Associates also run The Accidental Business School (training for people who want to make a living doing what they love, without having to dress up in pinstripes) and Business Bookworms (a free online business book club). www.rubystarassociates.co.uk @RubyStarTweet.