You may or may not be working today. Particularly if you work for yourself, then I think the concept of the working week is somewhat fluid. But I do think it’s vital to try and carve out some time both to rest and also to continue to learn new stuff.
So just in case you can combine the two today, then I thought I’d share some of my favourite inspiring reads for marketing and more for business and life. Let’s face it, the average British bank holiday seems always to deliver more rain than the previous two months combined. Curling up somewhere with a good book, real or electronic, can be a very good option. Here’s some I’d choose:
Packed – The Food Entrepreneur’s Guide by Tessa Stuart
The secondary titles to this tell you why you need this: how to get noticed and how to be loved. Tessa’s knowledge for those of you in food and drink is worth every penny and more of the cost of this book. Many of the lessons can be applied to other sectors, but she really knows her stuff in food. So much information in one book. As the other secondary titles say, contains no-nonsense and 100% tried and tested. What more could you ask for?
How to Style Your Brand by Fiona Humberstone
It’s not often that a business marketing book falls into the beautiful coffee table type book category. I think Fiona’s book definitely could, but I wouldn’t expect anything less. Fiona is an expert in brand identity, covering everything from the psychology of colour to the impact of texture and pattern. It’s worth also checking out her website, The Brand Stylist, and signing up for her newsletter for plenty of hints and pointers.
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
I always think this is worth a read to discover the seven universal elements of powerful stories. Then dissect your favourite films and books to see how they connect with those things. From Star Wars to the Wizard of Oz, you’ll see the connections. You can even take the story of something like Innocent and see how those elements are interwoven into their story. Which ones could you weave into yours?
Free! Love Your Work, Love Your Life by Chris Baréz-Brown
I will freely admit to being a big fan of Chris’ work, so could have chosen any of his books, from the What If days onwards. I did both some training and some work with Chris in my corporate life, and the lessons of both have stuck with me. I think Chris is one of those people who really seem to have life sussed (although equally sure there are days when even he doesn’t feel that way). Reading his books are inspiring and like a shot of sunshine on a grey day. They are also very actionable.
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
This one seems appropriate as might have managed a lie in this morning. Given a lie in these days is managing to sleep beyond 7 am then still plenty of time for reading. I think the role of sleep in so many aspects of our mental and physical health is fascinating. This book does a great job of delving into it. Just don’t stay up late reading it!
Whatever you are up to today, I hope you make some time for something restful, something stimulating and something fun. I’m off to mess around with a dachshund called Arnold, as well as my nephew and niece and the rest of the tribe. It’ll be the best time for new ideas. I’d love to know what you make of any of these books, and also recommend some to me too. What’s been your latest read?
Thank you, Helen, what an interesting combination of books!
Following from “Why we sleep” you might like “The power of When” by Michael Breus. My husband and I have both made lots of changes to how we spend our days (and when we aim to be asleep) based on our “chronotypes.” (He has a free quiz to identify yours, here: https://thepowerofwhenquiz.com/ )
It’s a fascinating and life-changing read.
Thank you for the recommendation, that sounds fascinating. I’m off to find out my chronontype, I’m intrigued!