Books make great gifts.
This is especially true in the business world. Climbing the corporate ladder is hard. In fact, it can be maddeningly frustrating. There’s nothing so painful as watching your friend (or worse, your nemesis) move up the ranks while you get left behind.
Even if you are thriving and getting ahead, that doesn’t mean the path is primrose. There’s always room to grow in life, not only professionally but personally.
One of the reasons books are such an excellent gift for business people is that they can provide motivation, encouragement, and advice to help them succeed. Countless memoirs of personal success, tomes of sage advice, and vaunted self-help guides have been published to help individuals grow in their personal and professional lives.
With so many books out there, picking the right gift for your friend, colleague, or coworker can be challenging. So if you’re looking for inspiration, here are some suggestions!
Presidential Advice
Both former president Barack Obama and current president Donald Trump have written several books, but each author has written one title that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
For former President Obama, that book is “The Audacity of Hope,” a gripping story of how Obama overcame many obstacles in life, and against all the odds became the first African-American president in history. Obama’s inspirational story serves as a reminder that anyone can become president.
Donald Trump’s magnum opus was his first book, “The Art of the Deal,” which blended memoir with business advice and topped the New York Times bestseller’s list in 1987. The book helped make Trump a household name, providing advice on how to succeed in the business world.
Timeless Classics
If you’re looking for books with less of a political tinge, there are several classic novels by extraordinarily successful businessmen that would fit perfectly in any collection.
In 1937, journalist Napoleon Hill published “Think and Grow Rich,” a collection of essays and personal stories inspired by his friendship with famed industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie was a man who had it all; he was one of the richest men of his era. Carnegie was also a renowned philanthropist, dedicating the last 30 years of his life to philanthropy. “Think and Grow Rich” is based on Carnegie’s advice to the journalist, making this a must-read for any serious business person.
Another good book from the same era is “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie. This landmark publication sold 250,000 copies in just three months, success anyone would envy. The book was so influential that it ultimately defined the genre of self-help, effectively jump-starting a brand new type of book. The book remains a classic to this day. And, while some of the language may be dated, the advice is timeless.
Books for Businesswomen
Men and women have different experiences when it comes to business. If you’re looking to buy a book for a female friend or colleague, you might want to consider a book that will speak to their own personal experiences.
In 2013, Sheryl Sandberg wrote “Lean In,” a somewhat controversial self-help book that examines some of the unique challenges women face in pursuing careers and parenthood. Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer at Facebook, has certainly found success in her professional career. The book has received criticism from several circles, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of useful advice.
If you’re looking for a less controversial option, consider “Unfinished Business” by Anne-Marie Slaughter. Based on an extremely popular article she wrote for the Atlantic, it was also written to challenge some of the ideas presented in “Lean In.” Written from the perspective of a middle-class woman rather than a wealthy executive, “Unfinished Business” offers a different perspective on how career women can succeed.
Not Feeling a Book?
While a book can be a great gift, you might be leaning in a different direction. If you’re looking to try something different, try Knack. Knack makes customized corporate gift solutions that are tailor-made to your specifications. They have gifts for clients, colleagues, employees, and more. With a massive selection of gift boxes and collections, Knack is the perfect place to go when you want to show someone you care. Because sometimes, a book just isn’t good enough.