Take time away from your deadlines for a page-turner fit for professionals.
Kick back and flick through some of our favourite business literature…
The Freelancer’s Bible – Sara Horowitz
The Freelancer’s Union was formed in 1995 to give independent workers access to education, resources and a host of other benefits. Some 17 years later, group founder Sara Horowitz released her comprehensive guide to life in the gig economy. Scaling up your business, marketing yourself, even planning for retirement – all of these subjects feature in a book that’s equally as helpful to newbies as seasoned solo pros.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey
Not specifically a freelancer resource, but a must-read for anyone looking to change their ways for the better. Author Stephen Covey spent his time studying self-help books and high achievers before identifying the “character ethic”. A set of universal principles that have stood the test of time and underlined major religious and social systems. His carefully-chosen and easy-to-follow advice, is designed to refine the reader’s thinking to achieve sustainable success.
Stop Thinking Like a Freelancer – Liam Veitch
Author Liam Veitch learnt to turn his web developing skills from a hobby that almost pays the bills to a million-dollar operation, via a brief spell at a larger business. It was during his time in a big corporation that he started to understand his freelance work through a different lens. ‘Stop Thinking Like a Freelancer’ urges readers to rethink their approach to work with the five phases of running and growing your business.
ReWork: Change the Way You Work Forever – Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
This Sunday Times bestseller has won the approval of the greatest business minds. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, holds the authors’ work in high regard: “Their approach turns out to be as successful as it is counter-intuitive”. Time-poor professionals can dip into one of many short and straightforward essays covering a broad range of subjects. Titles include ‘Resumes are ridiculous’, ‘Decisions are temporary’ and ‘The myth of an overnight sensation’.
Dear Freelancer – Brittany Melton
For all the books offering practical freelancing advice, there seems to be a lack of literature geared towards the emotional struggles of going it alone. Melton refers to the unpredictable nature of freelance work as the ‘feast and famine cycle’ – a host of trials and tribulations to be conquered by all self-employed professionals. The author’s encouraging words will give readers the toolbox needed to tackle difficult times and build a more resilient mindset, and business.
Posted by Alex Abdelaziz
Image credits: eggeeggjiew via iStock & vadimguzhva via iStock