Investor · Maui, HI · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 3k+ votes
Hey Folks,
I thought it would be interesting to share what book you are currently reading (or have just finished reading.)
It does not need to be real estate related.
If you want to share more information about it, feel free - but you don't have to.
(Also, please, no affiliate links! :) )
I'll start - I'm currently reading "Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook" by Gary Vaynerchuk. It's not a Real Estate Investing book - but it has everything to do with running a successful business that deals with consumers. Specifically, it deals with social media and how people are presenting their companies to the world. Most companies simply "attack" all the time with a sales pitch (the right hook) but should instead focus on providing value (the Jab). Gary gives a TON of real-life examples of companies doing great (and terrible) social media outreach. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who have a business that has a brand name to build or protect. Flippers, property management companies, large landlords, wholesalers, etc.
Investor · Riverside, CA · Member since 2011 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
12y
After reading well over 100 real estate books including almost all mentioned in this thread, I learned there are only 4 ways to buy a piece of real estate;
cash, loans, trade, or any combo of the previous 3.
So, I don't read many real estate books any longer. I do enjoy motivational/self help and business topic books such as marketing, management, etc., but I've started reading classics that I've always wanted to tackle.
Just finished The Count of Monte Cristo. At 1,250 pages, it was the longest book I've ever read and a real page turner even though it is more than 150 years old.
For business/self help I'm currently reading;
Leading and Inspired Life by Jim Rohn
Modern Persuasion Strategies by Donald Moine
Heat Up Your Cold Calls by George Walther
I also just finished The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & David Mann
Donald Trump once said he could tell how successful a person is by what three books he is reading and that is one of his favorite questions to ask someone when he meets them for the first time. So, if you are only reading one or two, up your game. Never know when you might bump into Mr. Trump.
Also, a strategy I heard recently, but can't recall who said it, is to buy all the books you hear about and add them to your library. If you read one from cover to cover, you won't remember most of it any way so there really isn't any point in doing so and there isn't enough time to read all the great books out there. It is better to build your library and randomly select books and chapters to read. Also, when you need help in a specific area, you will have your library available to you to do your research. I liked that idea so much I cash in some reward points from my credit card for Amazon gift cards and purchased 100 books from Amazon.
Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 17k+ posts · 13k+ votes
12y
Currently reading Lifeonaire - about the importance of making living a priority over money.
Next up reread The Entrepreneur Trap - great book on focusing what is important in Business.
After that finish The One Thing - I lost my copy before finishing it. Fantastic book about the importance and how to focus on your most important tasks.
Involved In Real Estate · Mc Kinney, TX · Member since 2014 · 48 posts · 8 votes
12y
I just realized that my real estate agent gave me The MIllionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller, when I met with him a couple weeks back. From the responses on this thread, I better crack it open.
San Antonio, TX · Member since 2013 · 20 posts · 6 votes
12y
Just finished Mastery by Robert Greene
Spark, the revelutionary new science of exercise and the brain by John J. Ratey. This has prompted me to start cardio exercising again because of the benifits not only on our health but its positive effects on the brain.
currently reading Things That Matter by Charles Krauthammer
Investor · Rockford, IL · Member since 2013 · 63 posts · 41 votes
12y
Reading a book about raising chickens in the backyard that I got for Christmas. I love to garden (flowers and vegetables) and raising my own eggs and roasters sounded like a logical extension. There is more to life than making money and real estate. You have to relax somehow.
I just realized that my real estate agent gave me The MIllionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller, when I met with him a couple weeks back. From the responses on this thread, I better crack it open.
It's one of the best. I'm surprised at how many in this thread are reading it now.
Lexington, KY · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
12y
I am reading "The Road to Serfdom" by F.A. Hayek, excellent read so far but incredibly tough. It is also not a real estate book, but the more I can understand economic theory and philosophy, the better.
Rental Property Investor · memphis, TN · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
12y
I am reading "Family Fortunes - How to build family wealth and hold on to it for 100 years" by Bill Bonner and Will Bonner.
So far it is an excellent book for thinkers who like to plan. I will say, the best part of the whole book so far has been there insistence on learning to deprive yourself of a little satisfaction now, so your family can benefit later. Like planting an oak tree today so your great-grandchildren can sit in the shade.
I recommend it to any entrepreneur or investor who is truly trying to build generational wealth or a generational business.
Ellicott City, MD · Member since 2013 · 46 posts · 5 votes
12y
I will be finishing Chris Gardner's "Start Where You Are", which was his follow up book from his "Pursuit of Happyness". Thus far I love this book, because the message is to use your current network and your life experiences to move forward and expand your business and life potential. I think this is a book I will come back to throughout my life for refreshers on believing in my own abilities.
San Antonio, TX · Member since 2013 · 20 posts · 6 votes
12y
@Jon Klaus I am enjoying Things that Matter. Krauthammer is an excellent writer and his psychiatry background gives him a unique take on things. I agree with a lot of what he says but not everything. If you are conservative you will like it. If liberal not so much although he does back up most of his ideas on reasoning that will at least make you think a little.