We get frequently asked which business books we enjoyed reading. And I am not afraid to say that the book I enjoyed the most was "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki. Not because it has any earth shattering business ideas (it doesn't). I enjoyed it because it is inspiring and it motivates you to look beyond your horizon and maybe start something new.
I read the book shortly after Enron went under and both Carol and I were trying to figure out where to go from here. One thing we knew for sure. We didn't want a downtown job and continue to be part of the masses that drive there in the morning, hide in the 32nd-floor cubicle, and then drive back at night. We wanted to do our own thing. In that general mood, we both read Kiyosaki's book and it inspired us even more to do something on our own. It is also well written and easy to read. Unlike many other business books, I actually read this one to the last page.
Now, on the flip side, I don't fully grasp the popularity of "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson. It's short, but I still found it boring to read. The message is to be flexible and keep your eyes open because your cheese (standing for money or job or whatever you want it to stand for) may be moved and you may have to move, too. Frankly, in today's environment that's a matter of fact for every professional.
