Top 10 Must Read Business Books for 2018

The first term of 2018 is almost done and it’s time to reassess whether you are on track for the year. If you feel that you need to make a few tweaks to your business strategy, we’ve gathered a list of 10 books that can assist you.

It’s always refreshing to hear someone else’s perspective on the same things that you are going through. Read these for inspiration to end 2018 with a bang.

#1 Cryptocurrency: Advanced Strategies and Techniques to Learn and Understand the World of Cryptocurrency by James C. Anderson

Cryptocurrencies are becoming more popular by the minute and they are taking the business world by storm as well. Early investors who saw the potential of this new wave of technology can now boast about becoming self-made millionaires before the rest of the world sat up and took notice.

If you want to learn more about the technicalities surrounding cryptocurrencies, this book will take you beyond the basics. In-depth questions are tackled such as why it has any value. Explore the behind the scenes of this breakthrough technology and its impact on modern economy. Other aspects discussed in the book include the growth and effect on finance and the big question is tackled – is it sustainable in the long run?

Who should read this book: People bored with conventional investment strategies and those who want to explore a different way of making money that will also slowly change the world.

#2 When to Jump: If the Job You Have Isn’t the Life You Want by Mike Lewis

Mike Lewis founded the When to Jump project. The book outlines the four basic steps of the “Jump Curve”. It draws from the experiences of a wide variety of individuals who took the plunge and followed their dreams.

If you feel that you are a crossroad with your career, this book will inspire you to take the plunge and pursue your true passion. The conundrum lies between sticking to financial security or living your dream. The stories of people who have successfully transitioned into their dream jobs will give you hope to do the same. Mike recently won the “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs” Goldman Sachs accolade.

Who should read this book: People stuck at an office desk, busy reading this post, wondering “what am I doing with my life?”

#3 Crushing It! How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence and How You Can, Too by Gary Vaynerchuk

Explore the journey of influencers and entrepreneurs that steered away from the typical career path and created their own path, building successful businesses. Gary is a four-time New York Times bestselling author. He hopes that this book will inspire business women and men with dreams of pursuing their true passions.

The book offers a unique perspective on pursuing success, as well as principles that can be followed to reach a new career level. It contains stories of people who have followed the principles and achieved success. Gary also investigates social media platforms to show how technology can be harnessed to build a brand presence for any type of business.

Who should read this book: People who see themselves as go-getters, on the lookout for something new to get involved with, even if it’s not all about the financial gains.

#4 The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google by Scott Galloway

We all use them every day – to buy, share our thoughts, and answer all our questions. But have you considered the real power of these 21st century technology giants? The book questions our daily interaction with these formidable entities that have entwined themselves with our everyday lives, becoming almost unmissable.

Scott is a big name in the business world, in this book he deconstructs each giant, scrutinizing their strategies and business methods. After reading more about the inner workings of each company, you will be able to apply the principles to your own business venture.

Who should read this book: We all either love or hate these companies, but everyone is curious about how they became so successful. Learn their secrets now!

#5 Business for Bohemians: Live Well, Make Money by Tom Hodgkinson

The renowned journalist combines all his know-how about tax returns, cash flow forecasts, and other business-related topics in this informative book. He offers practical advice to aspiring business people, adding applicable anecdotes to provide a unique viewpoint on creating more freedom in your career.

Whatever your business dream, after reading this book you will be equipped with the skills needed to take your talent and turn it into a viable business. Tom navigates the reader through various aspects of a successful business such as using Excel and social media effectively, negotiation with clients and suppliers, and much more.

Who should read this book: People who want to remain true to themselves and not fall into the trap of becoming entrenched in the corporate lifestyle.

#6 The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone, by Brian Merchant

The first iPhone was launched 29 June 2007, and since then billions of people around the world have jumped on the technology bandwagon that changed our communication forever. The success story behind one of the most profitable products ever invented, remains fascinating. How did one person succeed to create such a powerful tool, reinventing how we view human contact?

In this book the veteran technology journalist explores the huge cultural impact of the iPhone. He shares insight from exclusive interviews with a wide variety of people involved in the creation process – from inventors and engineers, to developers. Find out more about the creation process of the little device that made a huge impact on the world.

Who should read this book: People who love nitty-gritty tech details, finding out more about what makes things tick. And for those fascinated with Steve Jobs, wanting to learn the secret to his success.

#7 Reset: My Fight for Inclusion and Lasting Change, by Ellen Pao

She might not have won her case against the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, but it became an extremely high-profile case in America. In this book, Ellen recounts her experiences and struggles in Silicon Valley.

The book traces her journey through the hub of the technology sector. Facing various levels of discrimination, from gender to culture bias, this feisty woman still managed to make her mark in the business world. The book was shortlisted for the acclaimed FT/McKinsey award.

Who should read this book:  People supporting the #TimesUp campaign, agreeing that the time has come for a change of perspective on gender and other discriminations in the business world.

#8 Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street, by Sheelah Kolhatkar

It seems that a new billionaire financier pops up almost every month, but how exactly did they make so much money? The Wall Street legend Steven Cohen had his hedge fund of $15billion investigated for insider trading. He was found guilty of using “black edge”, or illegal inside information. It was his secret to beating the market.

The fund was indicted, and he pleaded guilty to the charges of wire fraud and securities. He had to pay an estimated $2billion in criminal and civil fines. Although his company was torn apart, he was never personally charged. Despite this, the Hedge-Fund King was allowed to start trading again beginning 2018. This book investigates the grey areas of the world’s wealthiest communities and uncover exactly how the wealth was acquired.

Who should read this book: People who enjoyed The Wolf of Wall Street, wanting to learn more about the journey of a fraud to a successor.

#9 High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way by Brendon Burchard

Habits are part of our daily lives. We all have a few good ones and a few we would rather not admit to having. Brendon became fascinated with the role habits play in the lives of successful people. He has spent close to 20 years asking questions to determine how a person moves from ordinary to extraordinary.

He asked three questions to find habit patterns. Firstly, why do some people become successful quicker than others, and how do they maintain the success? Secondly, from the successful individuals, why are some still unhappy with their lives? Thirdly, what motives people to strive towards success, and what do they do to continually improve their lives? From all the feedback he gathered, he discovered six habits that will change your life.

Who should read this book: People who want to succeed and are not afraid to put in the hard work.

#10 The Upstarts: How Uber, Airbnb and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley are Changing the World by Brad Stone

Would you like to share a ride with a stranger? How about crashing on their couch for a night or two? These sound like foreign concepts, until you realise the first is a definition of Uber and the second Airbnb. Strangers are now united by a common cause.

Both companies challenge our concept of communicating with strangers, our perception of travel, and general social integration. The book investigates the people behind these revolutionary technology concepts. How did they come up with the business ideas? Learn more about how the companies were conceptualized and grew into world-wide success, and how they are challenging our world views.

Who should read this book: People who were first hesitant about the invasion of app technology, but now can’t imagine everyday life without it.