My top 5 books for business

I am often asked which books have influenced me the most and would recommend to others. There are so many great authors out there and one day I hope to join that list. For now here are my top 5 books for anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur and investor.

I will not do a huge summary of each, cause where’s the fun in that? I already read them multiple times, and so should you!

Ok, drum roll please…

#5 “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson

While this might be an inspirational fable, and the characters might seem suited for kids, this short book is much deeper than that. It talks about our mentality and attitude towards change and expectations. I find this book very closely correlated to the victim mentality. You can actually read more about this mentality and my thoughts on it in my blog titled “The one thought that changed my life”.

#4 “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill

I have a love/hate relationship with this book. Let’s start by saying that this book was originally published in 1937. The writing is a little outdated and even a little, say, male orientated. Today we live in a world of equality, or at least in one that strives towards it.

Putting that aside, this book is an all time classic. No entrepreneur can look into the future without at least studying the history of those who have paved the way for us. A must read.

#3 “Sale or Be Sold” by Grant Cardone

When it comes to authors that get you pumped up and excited to “go get it”, Grant Cardone is at the top of the list. Not only is he living proof of what one can accomplish, but his passion reverberates throughout this book.

I won’t share any details on this one, but honestly get ready to feel excited and reignite your drive for business!

#2 “The 4-Hour Work Week” by Tim Ferris

I cannot stress enough how much this book has influenced me. Some people might find Ferris and Cardone polar opposites, but I actually find them more of a compliment for one another.

Tim’s concept of living in segments is fantastic and something I have adopted in my life. I will never retire the traditional way, but in his way (and now mine) I have been retired for three years and counting. There are moments in the year where business is the main obsession, and also moments where it simply runs on automatic and continues to make money (aka the “Cardone” way), allowing me the time to focus on other aspects of life, like surfing for a month in Mexico or enjoying summers in the amazing Okanagan.

I fully suggest you read this book. It paves the path for efficiency and deliberate decision making about where you spend your most precious resource, your time.

#1 “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaky

“The rich don’t work for money…” and you better remember that. The rich know how to play the game. The rich know the rules of the game and use them to their advantage. The rules are constantly changing and you must understand them to use them to your benefit.

Doing real estate 20 or 30 years ago was different than it is today or even 5 years ago. So many factors are at play that you simply cannot play a new game with old rules and expect to win.

I have read every single piece Kiyosaki has published and I have given this book as a gift to so many people. I cannot stress enough the amazing value you’ll find in this very simple and yet life changing piece of art.

There you have it… my top 5.

Mucho amor,

Abe