Suggested Reading

Oftentimes, Austin Communication Group team members ask us what books we suggest reading that can help someone advance in our industry. We have realized that most of the books we recommend transcend our industry, and pertain to anyone who wants to communicate effectively or lead people in any organization: sports, religious, or business. Here are our top three reading suggestions:

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. As the title suggests, this book centers around Mr. Carnegies principles of making friends. Since many of Austin Communication Group’s team members have roles in sales, we feel that this book is a great first read for anyone starting out in our company. Mr. Carnegie’s stories are fun and easy to read, and really deal with the psychology of small talk and human interaction. He suggests very basic principles like smiling, repeating someone’s name, and speaking in terms of the other person’s interests rather than just your own, when building relationships.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. We believe an individual’s success has much more to do with his habits than his skill. Mr. Covey’s book outlines the seven fundamental habits that anyone who desires success in his organization should have: 1. Be Proactive 2. Begin with the End in Mind 3. Put First Things First 4. Think Win-Win 5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood 6. Synergize 7. Sharpen the Saw.

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover. This is an intense read by a man who personally trained superstars like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwayne Wade. For these basketball legends to take their skills to the next level, they put their bodies in the hands of Mr. Grover. His stories and advice will show you what it takes to take your talent from good to unstoppable. This, of course, transcends from the basketball court into the business boardroom. We suggest this for our more experienced team members, who are seeking the next level, rather than fundamentals.

Have you read any of these books? If so, tell us what you think in our comments section. Also, tell us what reading you suggest!

Copyright 2013 Austin Communication Group, Inc.