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of the best business books often influence us in our chosen career path though it may seem that some people are born with a career path in mind. The girl who loves to play with blocks becomes an architect, for example, or the boy who loves to draw becomes a graphic designer. But for others, the path is not quite as clear, especially for those who later become to be part of industries such as eCommerce.
Often, the inspiration we need in order to find our ideal careers comes in the form of a book. The best business books can change the way we think about the world, our careers, and even ourselves. Three staff members from The Workplace Depot weighed in on the insightful books that changed their careers, and offer advice to those who are still seeking the perfect path. Read along and maybe you’ll get inspired especially if you are part of the eCommerce World.
Soros on Soros: Staying Ahead of the Curve by George Soros
Richard Bloomfield, our website editor here at The Workplace Depot, named “Soros on Soros: Staying Ahead of the Curve” by George Soros as one of the most important books in his life.
Before coming to The Workplace Depot, Richard held two different careers. First, he sold shares for a Japanese stockbroker. Then, he managed websites for two charities. Finally, he decided to make the switch to online marketing with The Workplace Depot. His passion for reading made him come across Soros on Soros-a book that became a point of reference for his career thereafter.
Richard remembers when he bought the book “I actually queued up at a Waterstone’s and got a personally signed copy of the book. Soros is a powerful Hungarian trader and a big name in the financial world, as well as a Holocaust survivor. His book encourages businesspeople to ignore others’ opinions and make decisions based on facts.
“It changed my way of thinking,” says Richard. “Especially in finance, but in other businesses as well as well. For instance, in business you will never succeed by just listening to widely held opinions- do your own research and draw evidence-based conclusions.”
As for those still searching for the perfect career, Richard emphasizes the importance of being in the right place at the right time. Additionally, he encourages job seekers to look for jobs they enjoy, and to consider working in charity.
Web Analytics 2.0 by Avinash Kaushik
The Workplace Depot’s Head of Digital, Matt Janaway, is one of those special people who started on his career path at an early age, knowing exactly what he wanted to do.
“When I was 15, I saw an interview with Richard Branson talking about how eCommerce will change the shape of the economy”, says Matt. “This interview helped me form my career plan and put me on the path of owning my first eCommerce store.”
While Matt was lucky enough to have a career plan at a very young age, he understands the importance of keeping an open mind, reading, and experimenting. He tries to read at least an hour every day, mostly blogs- keeping himself updated to what is currently known to be the fastest industry to change-digital marketing. He also encourages others to keep themselves informed and read as much as possible. He only recently gave me a copy of his digital marketing Feedly subscriptions- we are talking hundreds of them without even counting the Entrepreneurial and Growth Hacking blogs.
As for a book that personally influenced a professional life change, Matt recommends “Web Analytics 2.0” by Avinash Kaushic, who works for Google. Although Matt hasn’t changed his career path, his way of thinking changed as Kaushik’s book influenced understanding of data analytics and online marketing.
“Kaushik’s book has some fascinating insights” Matt says “and it gave me the opportunity to re-train my thought process and reinforced my belief that testing and analysing data is absolutely vital to success”.
Losing my Virginity by Richard Branson
Matt is not the only staff member here at The Workplace Depot who’s been influenced by billionaire Richard Branson. Steve Miller, Managing Director at The Workplace Depot, cites Branson’s book “Losing My Virginity” as being highly influential. Branson’s book encourages readers to overcome personal and professional struggles.
“Being dyslexic myself, I was inspired to see how Richard Branson tells his story of being dyslexic in the book” Steve says. “It is an empowering book and urges everybody to follow their dream career path”.
Steve says he never intended to work for The Workplace Depot when he was a child. In fact, he wanted to be a secret agent, but started The Workplace Depot because he was determined to develop an eCommerce offering within an otherwise slightly-dated business model. “I came across Losing my Virginity during my early years of being involved with The Workplace Depot and it has completely shifted my way of doing and perceiving business. What inspired me was Branson’s technique of driving massive success within his area by exactly not doing things the “normal” way”. Steve encourages others to take a note from Branson’s book, and never hesitate to take risks.
If you’re struggling to find the perfect career path, perhaps one of these books just might be the inspiration you need. Even if you’ve already found your path, reading and staying informed will keep you heading in the right direction.
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