The Ripple Effect profiles four books for success that were recommended by our members.
What’s the one or two books that have made the biggest impact on your professional or business success?
We recently asked this question to our members, and their responses didn’t disappoint. A total of 30 books for success were recommended, ranging from business books, to self-help, to biographies to fiction. This month in The Ripple Effect, we highlight a few of those books. You’ll also find a link to the full list of 30 books recommended by Ripple members. Perhaps your next inspirational read is among them!
Click here to read a PDF version!
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson
Two mice coexist with two tiny people in a maze. The mice and the people each discover stashes of cheese (a metaphor for their desires in life), and settle into separate comfort zones. When the inevitable happens and the cheese runs out, the practical and adaptable mice swiftly head into the maze in search of new cheese. The little people, who had become complacent in the idea that the cheese would always be there, refuse to adapt and expect that more cheese will magically appear as it always has. Eventually, one of the people breaks through their fear and ventures into the maze in search of new cheese. A classic among books for success.
“The first time I read this, I just became board certified, which raised my hourly rate 25%, only to have the legislature remove statutory hourly fees from the workers’ compensation law a few months later. I learned to prepare for, and adapt to, inevitable changes. The second time I read it, I was in a much different place as a new parent. “What would you do if you were not afraid?” was the takeaway. I left behind the white noise and opened my own little shop here at Ripple. I can’t be more glad I did!”
Matt Romanik, Esq., Working for Workers Law Firm
“I used this book for my new manager training for decades. It is a wonderful, lighthearted way to broach hard-to-discuss topics and give insight into how others may think. It is a fun book that brought our teams closer together and gave a few laughs along the way.”
Donna Rodriguez, Monroe Insurance
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This book for success contrasts the financial philosophies of the author’s “rich dad” and “poor dad.” Kiyosaki highlights the importance of financial education, asset-building, and the mindset of making money work for you. The book challenges traditional beliefs about money, advocating the reader to cultivate financial intelligence to achieve long-term financial success.
“In this book you learn a bigger picture about money: you can work for it like the poor Dad, or you can have assets that earn money even when you aren’t working, like the rich Dad. It’s an eye-opener that simply working for a living is not going to make you wealthy. This was a very good lesson that my father instilled in me in my teenage years. Even though the times have changed, it’s still a must read!”
Rhonda Lawhun, High Seas Roofing
“This book for success taught me the importance of buying assets over liabilities. As an example, instead of spending $30,000 on a vehicle that depreciates, spend that $30,000 on a rental property that will appreciate in value. Then use the positive cash flow each month to make the payments on a car. This way you basically get the car for free!”
Mitch Bubb, CPAccounting Solutions
5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
Of the books for success, this insightful one delves into the interconnectedness between leadership levels and the types of relationships we foster with others. By exploring these dynamics, it illuminates the profound influence leaders wield and underscores the pivotal role of effective leadership in every endeavor. With its core message that leadership equals influence, this book is essential reading for team members, current leaders, business owners, and executives alike.
“Discovering “The 5 Levels of Leadership” was a transformative moment in my career, setting me on a trajectory of success within the business realm. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone striving for leadership excellence.”
Denzyl Prentice, Real Time Acquisitions
Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months by Melinda F. Emerson
This book offers advice for new and ‘experienced’ business owners alike. It contains a comprehensive view of the basics of being an entrepreneur. Similarly, it addresses life-planning goals in addition to planning for a business/entrepreneurship. The author shares practical steps in a sequential order and uses simple language for an easy-to-interpret manual to success.
“This book was tremendously helpful to me as a guide and a reference in starting my CPA firm. I also recommend the podcast by the same author!”
