Staff Picks
An Economist Walks Into a Brothel (& other new business titles that might interest you)
- Bland L.
- Sunday, May 05, 2019
Collection
The new business titles recently added to our collection include a study of risk management in daily life, advice for building a thriving “tiny business,” and personal-finance tips from the likes of Jill Schlesinger and Jean Chatzky. In The Prosperity Paradox, Clayton Christensen makes the case for fostering business innovation in developing countries as a means of reducing poverty, while Shoshana Zuboff explores how the digital economy compromises our privacy in The Age of Surveillance Capitalism.
Scan the list below to find these and other books that will satisfy your curiosity about the business world.
The Visual MBA
Two Years of Business School Packed into One Priceless Book of Pure Awesomeness
Published in 2019
"Jason Barron spent 516 hours in class, completed mountains of homework and shelled out tens of thousands of dollars to complete his MBA at the BYUMarriott School of Business. Along the way, rather than taking boring notes that he would never read (nor use) again, Jason created sketch notes for each class--visually capturing the essential points of his education--and providing an engaging and invaluable resource.<BR /> <BR /> Once finished with his MBA, Jason launched a widely successful Kickstarter campaign distilling these same notes into a self-published book to help aspiring business leaders of all backgrounds and income levels understand the critical concepts one learns in business school.<BR /> <BR /> Whether you are thinking about applying to business school, are currently in college studying business,or have always wondered what is taught in an MBA program, this highly entertainingand visual book is for you.<BR />"-- Provided by publisher.
Firefighting
The Financial Crisis and Its Lessons
Published in 2019
"From the three primary architects of the American policy response to the worst economic catastrophe since the Great Depression, a magnificent big-picture synthesis--from why it happened to where we are now In 2018, Ben Bernanke, Tim Geithner, and Hank Paulson came together to reflect on the lessons of the 2008 financial crisis ten years on. Recognizing that, as Ben put it, "the enemy is forgetting," they examine the causes of the crisis, why it was so damaging, and what it ultimately took to prevent a second Great Depression. And they provide to their successors in the United States and the finance ministers and central bank governors of other countries a valuable playbook for reducing the damage from future financial crises. Firefighting provides a candid and powerful account of the choices they and their teams made during the crisis, working under two presidents and with the leaders of Congress"-- Provided by publisher.
Growth IQ
Get Smarter About the Choices That Will Make or Break Your Business
Published in 2018
"Why do so many of the most promising businesses fail to achieve consistent, sustainable growth? Tiffani Bova, the Growth and Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce, draws on her expertise as a consultant and practitioner to devise a new framework for business leaders looking to pursue growth. We're witnessing an age of endless customization, and growth strategy is no exception. There's no one size fits all strategy; a winning strategy for one business may spell doom for another. Bova determines that there are ten simple--but easily misunderstood--growth paths, and explains how companies can get a handle on their particular business context, and use it to determine the right combination and sequence of growth paths to take them into the future. Bova breaks down the strategies deployed by a wide range of companies to show you how: GE and John Deere have lasted over a century and continue to thrive by combining their strategy of innovative product development with a renewed focus on R&D and customer experienceMarvel transformed from a struggling comic book publisher to a global entertainment behemoth by realigning their market penetration strategy to focus on comic book characters, instead of just comic books Gateway's attempt at market expansion into brick-and-mortar retail led to its failure, while the same move by Apple has accelerated its growth Whether your company is on a growth spurt, in a worrying stall, or showing signs of decline, GROWTH IQ is your map to charting the course of your company's future"-- Provided by publisher.
Sell Online Like a Creative Genius
A Guide for Artists, Entrepreneurs, Inventors, and Kindred Spirits
Published in 2019
"Building an online business is something every creative person can pursue, and Brainard Carey is here to show you how to sell your work independently and efficiently. You'll learn how to develop a presence, promote your business, and reach customers. Carey draws from his own extensive experience and real examples of artists and entrepreneurs who succeeded in selling their work online"--Page [4] of cover.
Women with Money
The Judgment-free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and, Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve
Published in 2019
Draws on the insights of leading economists, financial planners, and other experts to outline recommendations to help women understand themselves in relation to money, get paid what they deserve, and invest for the future.
The Prosperity Paradox
How Innovation Can Lift Nations out of Poverty
Published in 2019
Discusses why investments in the economic development of poor countries rarely see positive change or improvement over time and offers a new framework for spurring growth and prosperity based on entrepreneurship and market-creating innovation.
The New Silk Roads
The Present and Future of the World
Published in 2019
"A revelatory vision of the world today, as it is seen by the rising powers of the East. "All roads used to lead to Rome. Now they lead to Beijing." So argues Peter Frankopan in this timely and visionary new book about the present and future of a world that is changing dramatically before our very eyes. In this age of Brexit and Trump, the West is buffeted by the tides of isolation and fragmentation. Yet to the East, this is a moment of optimism as a new network of relationships takes shape along the routes of the ancient trade routes. In The New Silk Roads, Peter Frankopan takes us on an eye-opening journey through the region, from China's breathtaking infrastructure investments to the flood of trade deals among Central Asian republics to the growing rapprochement between Turkey and Russia. This important book asks us to put aside our preconceptions and see the world from a new -- and ultimately hopeful -- perspective"-- Provided by publisher.
Jump-starting America
How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the American Dream
Published in 2019
100 Side Hustles
Unexpected Ideas for Making Extra Money Without Quitting Your Day Job
Published in 2019
"Best-selling author Chris Guillebeau presents a full-color ideabook featuring 100 stories of regular people launching successful side businesses that almost anyone can do. This unique guide features the startup stories of regular people launching side businesses that almost anyone can do: an urban tour guide, an artist inspired by maps, a travel site founder, an ice pop maker, a confetti photographer, a group of friends who sell hammocks to support local economies, and many more. In 100 Side Hustles, best-selling author of The $100 Startup Chris Guillebeau presents a colorful "idea book" filled with inspiration for your next big idea. Distilled from Guillebeau's popular Side Hustle School podcast, these case studies feature teachers, artists, coders, and even entire families who've found ways to create new sources of income. With insights, takeaways, and photography that reveals the human element behind the hustles, this playbook covers every important step of launching a side hustle, from identifying underserved markets to crafting unique products and services that spring from your passions. Soon you'll find yourself joining the ranks of these innovative entrepreneurs--making money on the side while living your best life"-- Provided by publisher.
The 30-minute Money Plan for Moms
How to Maximize Your Family Budget in Minimal Time
Published in 2018
"...Catey Hill has created smart, simple strategies to help you maximize your money in minimal time. Drawing on extensive research on the actual cost of raising a child at each age, she'll show you how to save in every area of your life, from lowering your grocery bill (without coupons!), to saving on education and childcare, to dealing with high-interest credit card debt, and more. And she'll show you how to do all that in less than half an hour."--Page 4 of cover.
The Future is Asian
Commerce, Conflict, and Culture in the 21st Century
Published in 2019
The "Asian Century" is even bigger than you think. Far greater than just China, the new Asian system taking shape is a multi-civilizational order spanning Saudi Arabia to Japan, Russia to Australia, Turkey to Indonesia--linking five billion people through trade, finance, infrastructure, and diplomatic networks that together represent 40 percent of global GDP. China has taken a lead in building the new Silk Roads across Asia, but it will not lead it alone. Rather, Asia is rapidly returning to the centuries-old patterns of commerce, conflict, and cultural exchange that thrived long before European colonialism and American dominance. Asians will determine their own future--and as they collectively assert their interests around the world, they will determine ours as well. There is no more important region of the world for us to better understand than Asia - and thus we cannot afford to keep getting Asia so wrong. Asia's complexity has led to common misdiagnoses: Western thinking on Asia conflates the entire region with China, predicts imminent World War III around every corner, and regularly forecasts debt-driven collapse for the region's major economies. But in reality, the region is experiencing a confident new wave of growth led by younger societies from India to the Philippines, nationalist leaders have put aside territorial disputes in favor of integration, and today's infrastructure investments are the platform for the next generation of digital innovation. If the nineteenth century featured the Europeanization of the world, and the twentieth century its Americanization, then the twenty-first century is the time of Asianization. From investment portfolios and trade wars to Hollywood movies and university admissions, no aspect of life is immune from Asianization. With America's tech sector dependent on Asian talent and politicians praising Asia's glittering cities and efficient governments, Asia is permanently in our nation's consciousness. We know this will be the Asian century. Now we finally have an accurate picture of what it will look like.
Broke Millennial Takes on Investing
A Beginner's Guide to Leveling Up Your Money
Published in 2019
"A guide to investing basics by the author of Broke Millennial, for anyone who feels like they aren't ready (or rich enough) to get into the market Millennials want to learn how to start investing. The problem is that most have no idea where to begin. There's a significant lack of information out there catering to the concerns of new millennial investors, such as: *Should I invest while paying down student loans? *How do I invest in a socially responsible way? *What about robo-advisors and apps--are anyof them any good? *Where can I look online for investment advice? In this second book in the Broke Millennial series, Erin Lowry answers those questions anddelivers all of the investment basics in one easy-to-digest package. Tackling topics ranging fromcommon terminology to how to handle your anxiety toretirement savings and even how to actually buy and sell a stock, this hands-on guide will help any investment newbie become a confident player in the market on their way to building wealth"-- Provided by publisher.
Buy the Change You Want to See
Use Your Purchasing Power to Make the World a Better Place
Published in 2019
"Eager to change the world? Learn how you can have a greater social impact through your everyday purchases. The money we routinely spend on food, clothes, gifts, and even indulgences is an untapped superpower. What would happen if we slowed down to make more thoughtful decisions about what we buy? For "mom and pop" stores across the country, and artisan and agricultural communities around the world, every purchase matters. Consumers--whether individuals, small businesses, or corporations--are paying more attention than ever to how their goods are made; and retailers--large and small--are responding by investing in ethical and eco-friendly production. Yet figuring out which brands to support can feel overwhelming. Jane Mosbacher Morris has devoted her career to creating economic opportunities for vulnerable communities around the world, and in this valuable book, she shares her passion and insights on how we, as consumers, can create positive change too. Covering topics that range from why not all factories are evil, to how our morning coffee can be the easiest way for us to use our purchasing power for good, Buy the Change You Want to See makes us better informed consumers. Morris tells inspiring stories about how victims of human trafficking and natural disasters have been empowered by economic opportunity, and she offers practical ideas about how we can support these communities through our purchases--whether it comes to jewelry made from recycled materials in Haiti, sustainably grown and ethically sourced coffee and chocolate from farmers in some of the poorest regions of the world, or mass-produced jeans and shoes made in factories where workers are guaranteed decent working conditions and a fair wage"-- Provided by publisher.
The Enlightened Capitalists
Cautionary Tales of Business Pioneers Who Tried to Do Well by Doing Good
Published in 2019
Millennial Money Makeover
Escape Debt, Save for Your Future, and Live the Rich Life Now
Published in 2019
"A financial guide for the American millennial. A relatable, easy-to-read, sequential, and comprehensive approach to paying off debt, building an automated savings system, buying life's early stage big purchases, and teaching readers how to live the true millionaire lifestyle"-- Provided by publisher.
Playing with Fire (financial Independence Retire Early)
How Far Would You Go for Financial Freedom?
Published in 2019
"A detailed profile of an alternative lifestyle known as FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early), in which participants strive to retire in their 30s or 40s by living frugally, saving creatively, and investing efficiently. Participants in the movement share personal stories and financial strategies with the author"-- Provided by publisher.
The Magic of Tiny Business
You Don't Have to Go Big to Make a Great Living
Published in 2018
"Too many of us feel trapped by work that doesn't allow us to live our purpose, feed our passions, or use our gifts. We fantasize about starting our own business, but we're told this will mean going deeply into debt, spending years working eighty hours a week, and coping with the relentless pressure to grow. Sharon Rowe says there's another way: go tiny. She is here to show you how. Tiny isn't a size--it's a state of mind. Like a tiny house, a tiny business is built on maintaining a laser focus on what is absolutely essential to you. It's defined by your priorities and intentions, not by how many employees you have. As a young mother with a newborn child, what mattered to Rowe when starting Eco-Bags Products was having a flexible schedule, time for her family (one of her mantras was "Never miss a school play"), time for herself, and financial security and doing something that made the world a better place. Lacking an angel investor and starting from scratch, with limited capital or business experience, Rowe created a company that enabled her to achieve all those goals. Using the story of Eco-Bags Products as a case study, Rowe takes you step-by-step through the process of creating a successful tiny business. She shows how to test your concept, convey your values, prepare for upturns and downturns, manage your money, create alliances, and more, always staying true to the "tiny" ethos. You'll learn how to grow sustainably, practice patience, and be consistent and persistent with what you stand for. Featuring cartoons and illustrations by New Yorker cartoonist Julian Rowe, The Magic of Tiny Business is a breath of fresh air for business owners and entrepreneurs who want the freedom and autonomy of owning their own business without compromising their personal values"-- Provided by publisher.
The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money
Thirteen Ways to Right Your Financial Wrongs
Published in 2019
"Do you have a "friend" who is super smart, has a great career, holds a graduate degree, has even saved a chunk of money for retirement, but who keeps making the same dumb mistakes when it comes to money? Is this "friend" you? After decades working as a Wall Street trader, investment adviser, and money expert for CBS, Jill Schlesinger reveals thirteen costly mistakes you're probably making right now with your money without even knowing it. Drawing on heartfelt personal stories (yes, money experts screw up, too), Schlesinger argues that it's not lack of smarts that causes even the brightest, most accomplished people among us to behave like financial dumb-asses, but simple emotional blind spots. By breaking bad habits and following Jill's pragmatic and accessible rules for managing your finances, you can save tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention avoid countless sleepless nights. Practical, no-nonsense, and often counterintuitive, The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money tells you what you really need to hear about retirement, college financing, insurance, real estate, and more. It might just be the smartest investment you make all year"-- Provided by publisher.
An Economist Walks into a Brothel
And Other Unexpected Places to Understand Risk
Published in 2019
"Is it worth swimming in shark-infested waters to surf a 50-foot, career-record wave? Is it riskier to make an action movie or a horror movie? Should sex workers forfeit 50 percent of their income for added security or take a chance and keep the extra money? Most people wouldn't expect an economist to have an answer to these questions--or to other questions of daily life, such as who to date or how early to leave for the airport. But those people haven't met Allison Schrager, an economist and award-winning journalist who has spent her career examining how people manage risk in their lives and careers. Whether we realize it or not, we all take risks large and small every day. Even the most cautious among us cannot opt out--the question is always whichrisks to take, not whether to take them at all. What most of us don't know is how to measure those risks and maximize the chances of getting what we want out of life. In An Economist Walks into a Brothel, Schrager equips readers with five principles fordealing with risk, principles used by some of the world's most interesting risk takers. For instance, she interviews a professional poker player about how to stay rational when the stakes are high, a paparazzo in Manhattan about how to spot different kinds of risk, horse breeders in Kentucky about how to diversify risk and minimize losses, and a war general who led troops in Iraq about how to prepare for what we don't see coming. When you start to look at risky decisions through Schrager's new framework,you can increase the upside to any situation and better mitigate the downsides"-- Provided by publisher.
The Theft of a Decade
Baby Boomers, Millennials, and the Distortion of Our Economy
Published in 2019
The Myth of Capitalism
Monopolies and the Death of Competition
Published in 2019
"The Myth of Capitalism tells the story of how America has gone from an open, competitive marketplace to an economy where a few very powerful companies dominate key industries that affect our daily lives. Digital monopolies like Google, Facebook and Amazon act as gatekeepers to the digital world. Amazon is capturing almost all online shopping dollars. We have the illusion of choice, but for most critical decisions, we have only one or two companies, when it comes to high speed Internet, health insurance, medical care, mortgage title insurance, social networks, Internet searches, or even consumer goods like toothpaste. Every day, the average American transfers a little of their pay check to monopolists and oligopolists. The solution is vigorous anti-trust enforcement to return America to a period where competition created higher economic growth, more jobs, higher wages and a level playing field for all. The Myth of Capitalism is the story of industrial concentration, but it matters to everyone, because the stakes could not be higher. It tackles the big questions of: why is the US becoming a more unequal society, why is economic growth anemic despite trillions of dollars of federal debt and money printing, why the number of start-ups has declined, and why are workers losing out"--Goodreads.com.
55, Underemployed, and Faking Normal
Your Guide to a Better Life
Published in 2019
"For the millions of people in their fifties and sixties who find themselves out of work or undermeployed and financially incapable of retiring, here's a practical plan for getting past blame and shame, overcoming denial, and finding a path to a new normal. Elizabeth White has an impressive resume, which includes advanced degrees from Harvard and Johns Hopkins and a distinguished employment history. She started a business that failed and then tried to re-enter the work force in her mid-fifties, only to learn that there is little demand for workers her age, even with her outstanding resume. Her retirement savings account was largely depleted by her business. For a while Elizabeth lived in denial, but then had to begin to adjust to her new reality, shedding the gym membership, getting a roommate, forgoing restaurant meals, and so on. She soon learned she wasn’t alone: there are millions of Americans in her predicament and worse, exhausted trying to survive and overcome every day. In 55, Underemployed, and Faking Normal, Elizabeth invites you to join her in looking beyond your immediate surroundings and circumstances to what is possible in the new normal of financial insecurity. Maybe you’re in your fifties and sixties, like Elizabeth, and you have not saved nearly enough to retire. It’s too late for blame or shame—and it wouldn’t help anyway. What you want to know is what you can do now to create a decent third act."--Container.
The Curse of Bigness
Antitrust in the New Gilded Age
Published in 2018
"We live in an age of extreme corporate concentration, in which global industries are controlled by just a few giant firms -- big banks, big pharma, and big tech, just to name a few. But concern over what Louis Brandeis called the 'curse of bigness' can no longer remain the province of specialist lawyers and economists, for it has spilled over into policy and politics, even threatening democracy itself. History suggests that tolerance of inequality and failing to control excessive corporate power may prompt the rise of populism, nationalism, extremist politicians, and fascist regimes. In short, as Wu warns, we are in grave danger of repeating the signature errors of the twentieth century"--Publisher's description.
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism
The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power
Published in 2019
"Shoshana Zuboff, named "the true prophet of the information age" by the Financial Times, has always been ahead of her time. Her seminal book In the Age of the Smart Machine foresaw the consequences of a then-unfolding era of computer technology. Now, three decades later she asks why the once-celebrated miracle of digital is turning into a nightmare. Zuboff tackles the social, political, business, personal, and technological meaning of "surveillance capitalism" as an unprecedented new market form. It is not simply about tracking us and selling ads, it is the business model for an ominous new marketplace that aims at nothing less than predicting and modifying our everyday behavior--where we go, what we do, what we say, how we feel, who we're with. The consequences of surveillance capitalism for us as individuals and as a society vividly come to life in The Age of Surveillance Capitalism's pathbreaking analysis of power. The threat has shifted from a totalitarian "big brother" state to a universal global architecture of automatic sensors and smart capabilities: A "big other" that imposes a fundamentally new form of power and unprecedented concentrations of knowledge in private companies--free from democratic oversight and control"-- Provided by publisher.