I asked Anne Samoilov what books were on her short list that really helped her finally launch – if any (Note: Anne will also be giving another workshop at thinkspace next Wednesday – click here to register and find out more).  Anne’s a bit of a book worm, and here is her “short list” of books that really pushed her to launch:
Launch, by Michael A. Stelzner
The Firestarter Sessions, by Danielle LaPorte
Linchpin, by Seth Godin
Tribes, by Seth Godin
4 Hour Work Week, by Timothy Ferriss
Double Double, by Cameron Herold
Do The Work, by Steven Pressfield
Inbound Marketing, by Brian Halligan, Dharmesh Sha, and David Meerman Scott
By Invitation Only, by Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson
$100 Startup, by Chris Guillebeau
Uncertainty, by Jonathan Fields
I decided to start with a book that gets referenced a lot at thinkspace: Linchpin.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a linchpin as “one that serves to hold together the parts or elements that exist or function as a unit.”
In his book, Linchpin, Seth Godin defines a linchpin as someone who is indispensable.
Godin challenges the old mindset of thinking that there are two divisions of labor in the workforce – management and workers.  Linchpin argues that a new team has risen: those who are innovators, leaders (regardless of hierarchy and position), and those who are not easily replaced – the linchpins.
Godin reflects on this new arising team, “Every day I meet people who have so much to give but have been bullied enough or frightened enough to hold it back.  It’s time to stop complying with the system and draw your own map.  you have brilliance in you, your contribution is essential, and the art you create is precious.  Only you can do it, and you must.” 
I know that I’m biased, but it is so amazing to work in a community like thinkspace where I daily meet and interact with these so-called linchpins.  Being surrounded by like-minded, creative innovators is inspiring and drives me to be indispensable as well.
What else have I read during my yearlong reading project?
–> Week 1  –> Week 2  –> Week 3