With a New Year almost upon us, and some respite from the daily grind with the Christmas break, it is likely many of us will give some thought to our working lives and our next career move. Those thinking of moving jobs, shaking up their careers or switching industries next year could probably do with some decent advice from the right places.
With the help of our friends at Booktopia we’ve compiled a selection of books to read over the holidays, or even during your lunch break, that’ll guide your return to work with some new perspectives, confidence to grow your ideas or just provide some plain old career inspiration.
The Secrets of My Success The Secrets of My Success and the story of Boost Juice – juicy bits and all — Janine Allis
In 2000, Janine Allis created the iconic Australian juice brand Boost, alongside her husband Jeff. Neither had experience in food, retailing or franchising, but with more than 250 Boost bars around the world and $160 million in global sales, the pair have certainly done something right. Now Allis in a good position to share what worked and what didn’t as they built their empire, which she relays in The secrets of my success. The book covers her personal journey from housewife with no formal business training to successful entrepreneur, and the 30 business and leadership tips she calls her ‘recipes for success’.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lean — Sheryl Sandberg
There’s been plenty of discussion around this book and Sheryl Sandberg’s hugely successful career as the COO of Facebook, and if you haven’t been following in on the conversation, there’s no better time to catch up than now.
The book provides some serious career inspiration to those seeking permission to take risks and career challenge and digs deep into the issues surrounding women in the workplace. The book covers a range of topics from encouraging your partner to help out more at home, getting heard in a meeting or how to handle your next pay rise review with Sandberg injecting some of her own personal experiences on the way to success, as well as research and data that cuts through to the real issues surrounding the choices of working women.
Power Stories The 8 Stories You Must Tell to Build an Epic Business — Valerie Khoo
Valerie Khoo is a journalist, speaker and small business commentator and her book combines all her expertise into a guide on how words can transform your professional brand. Storytelling is an often forgotten skill in business, but Khoo believes that when you telling right stories holds some significant weight in revamping businesses, turning customers into advocates, and give your business – and yourself – an unbeatable advantage.
If you want to spend the next year building your profile, selling your business or marketing your brand, this book is a great great place to start.
Stop Playing Safe: Rethink Risk. Unlock the Power of Courage. Achieve Outstanding Success — Margie Warrell
If you’re going after success you need to be willing to stand out — and have the courage to quit playing it safe for the sake of your career. That’s according to Forbes columnist and author Margie Warrell, who wants more of us to address the culture of fear that surrounds us in the workplace. Warrell uses neuro-research to highlight her argument throughout the book while also offering stories on overcoming fear and finding success from well-known businessmen and women. It’s a book for those who want more from the career.
Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies Book + DVD Bundle — Jan Zimmerman, Deborah Ng
It’s no secret that the world of social media is eclipsing traditional communication and those who aren’t embracing it now will be left behind in business. This book-and-DVD combo provides you with everything you need to know in order to plan grow your business through effective marketing strategies across social media.
How to Present — The Ultimate Guide to Presenting Your Ideas and Influencing People Using Techniques That Actually Work — Michelle Bowden
Does the thought of public speaking fill you with dread? It’s good news then, that Michelle Bowden, internationally renowned presentation expert has condensed her two-day presenting course into a practical, easy to follow book .The book guides readers through identifying their presentation objectives, structuring their message, designing and scripting their message and then a range of delivery techniques to help you cope and perform well during a presentation.