As a voracious reader, I love discovering great books on a multitude of subjects, from health, cooking and nutrition to psychology, business and personal development. More often than not, I scour the internet review sites such as Amazon’s Listmania and Goodreads.com with a specific keyword or topic in mind. Occasionally, however, I find that some of the most valuable and insightful books for a particular subject are actually about another subject entirely.
For example, a quick search on Amazon will result in dozens of recommendations for books on meeting and event planning. Now while the information is certainly worthwhile, I find that many of these books are written for people simply thinking about becoming a planner or getting into the industry for the first time. Most of them contain the same information and advice that does little to expand the skill set or knowledge base of the veteran planner.
A quick search of my office bookshelf at home, on the other hand, resulted in dozens of books that have essentially nothing to do with event planning but contain plenty of information that could prove invaluable for any successful planning business. Since I obviously can’t loan my copies to everyone (besides they are far too clogged with bright yellow highlighter markings to be of much use to others), I thought I would share a few of my favourites that you might find helpful.
Million Dollar Habits – By Brian Tracy
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership – By John Maxwell
The Likeability Factor – By Tim Sanders
How to Work a Room – By Susan RoAne
Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude – By Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone
Working with Emotional Intelligence – By Daniel Goleman
5 Minds for the Future – By Howard Gardner
Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change – By Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler
Motivational Marketing – By Robert Imbriale
Influence – By Robert Cialdini
Mastery – By Robert Greene
So, let’s keep the conversation going – what non-event-planning books do you find helpful in running or building your planning business or corporate career? I’d love to hear your recommendations – after all we’ve still got a few weekends left for some illuminating summer reading!
