3 B2B Books You Need to Read This Summer



The summer is a great time to learn something new or to deepen your knowledge where it matters most. Crack open a cover while vacationing at the lake. Dig into a chapter on a quiet evening on the back porch. Assign your team an inspirational read to empower them to end the year strong. Here are three titles worth adding to your to-read list.

1. Fast Start to Career Success by Ron Kurtz

In 36 tips, Ronald Kurtz can change the trajectory of your career. He has learned and applied these lessons himself, as an entrepreneur, business leader and father. Kurtz also shared these tips with his children as they were preparing to enter their careers. In fact, it was his children, Jason Kurtz and Carrie Kurtz Turner, who helped compile these tips into a full book and included examples of how they applied them or later realized their significance. Read the full story of this book’s incredible conception and creation on Jason’s LinkedIn post.

You may be thinking, “This is not my first job; I have held my position for years,” but these tips offer a chance for any business leader to learn something new or to feel inspired to reflect on career performance and opportunities for improvement. In Fast Start to Career Success, you will:

  • Gain essential tips to make the most of your own strengths
  • Navigate challenges and opportunities presented in the workplace
  • Interact successfully with others within or outside of your organization
  • Accomplish work-life balance while advancing your career

Find the book here.

2. 5 Paths to Persuasion: The Art of Selling Your Message by Robert B Miller

I reference this book often. It has been on my bookshelf for years, and it has taught me the fundamentals of conversation. The lessons learned in this book assisted me in better implementing Mereo’s Seek to Serve, Not to Sell™ philosophy by teaching me that persuasion is less about coercion and more about conviction.

5 Paths to Persuasion: The Art of Selling Your Message identifies five types of executive decision-making styles and recommends approaches that cater to charismatics, thinkers, sceptics, followers and controllers. Different executive decision-makers prefer to be presented information in different ways. This book will help show you how to identify and adjust your selling approaches to each.

Check out this title here.

3. The Road to J.O.Y.: Leading with Faith, Playing with Purpose, Leaving a Legacy by Scott Drew

Recently released, The Road to J.O.Y. is a title I am looking forward to reading this summer. Scott Drew became the head basketball coach of the NCAA National Championship–winning Baylor Bears in 2003. When he took the position, the Bears were considered one of the worst teams in college sports and were hit with a serious scandal. Drew changed that by introducing the philosophy of putting Jesus first. With Drew’s coaching, the Baylor Bears were able to beat the — once undefeated — Gonzaga Bulldogs. His methods instilled a sense of brotherhood in his team and every time they stepped on the court, they were playing for each other. As a Baylor alumnus, this book holds a special place in my heart.

This title is more than a book about basketball. Drew shares his personal experience and how leading with faith will benefit you in business and every aspect of your life. The Road to J.O.Y. outlines several guidelines for success such as:

  • Biblical principles that helped Drew lead through difficult times
  • How the “others-first” culture incited Baylor’s turnaround
  • Drew’s knowledge in investing in others
  • The lessons Drew learned in being a successful leader from his family and coaching
  • How faith is the basis for everything Drew does

Get a copy of the book here.

Grow Professionally, Personally — and Meaningfully

A final title to add to your to-read list? Look to the Mereo Seek to Serve, Not to Sell™ eBook.

In this value-packed book, I share actional steps to applying the Seek to Serve™ approach to your selling strategy. Enable your sales force to build trust and foster relationships with buyers. Instill in them a buyer-first, value selling strategy grounded in authenticity. Do not settle for quick sales that fizzle out. Gain a more-meaningful way to work and live — and win with sustainable revenue performance.

 

GET THE eBOOK