Reading books is essential for personal and professional development. I know there are blogs and tutorials but nothing can replace a well written book. Over the course of years I’ve found a lot of in-depth, informative books that helped my freelance business to grow. Read more to see a list of 7 books I consider the best.
Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
by Gary Vaynerchuk
A great business/social media book in which Gary Vaynerchuk will show you how to turn your passion into an income stream and how to build online community around your personal brand.
Making Ideas Happen
by Scott Belsky
In this book Scott Belsky illustrates why most great ideas fail and how to turn idea generation into idea execution. A must read!
Rework
by 37signals
If you’re an app developer, read this book. Even if you’re not an app developer, read this book too. “Rework” is full of advice for people who want to start their own business.
Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
by Seth Godin
Seth Godin is a marketing prodigy. In “Linchpin” he explains what does it mean to be indispensable in your workplace whether you’re an employee or a freelancer.
How to Be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul
by Adrian Shaughnessy
This book is just like a manual for being a graphic designer. It answers all the questions about being in graphic design business that you were afraid to ask.
How to Be a Rockstar Freelancer
by Collis & Cyan Ta’eed
Written by Collis & Cyan Ta’eed the founders of Envato network. This book is a guide filled with information on how to start and expand your freelance business.
Talent Is Not Enough: Business Secrets For Designers (2nd Edition)
by Shel Perkins
Just as the title states, your talent is not enough to run a successful business. You need a solid understanding of how business works. Want to know about establishing your fees, contracts, business plans and many more? Read this book.
What are your favourite business and marketing books? Please tell us in the comments.
Great list. I had to read “how to..losing your soul” for college, and really enjoyed it. It’s such a quick read.
I have a post on my blog titled “21 Must-Read Books for Designers”
http://blog.leegustin.com/books
Cheers
Good dispatch and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you for your information.
I sent my sister this list asking for a couple as Christmas gifts. She ended up buying me them all! LOL She’s so generous! Thank you for the recommendations! I can’t wait to read them all!