by Carla Howard

Have you ever had a Book Mentor?

I have!

Books can be the best way to get the coaching and guidance we crave. Where else can you find a coach who:

• Makes themselves available 24 hours a day
• Provides targeted advice on exactly what you need… when you need it
• Keeps you company in waiting rooms, on lunch breaks, and during quiet times at home

I’ve seen many women overlook books when lamenting about the difficulty in finding a mentor. There have been several fantastic books published specifically for professional women over the past 3 years, and many general leadership books that are ideal candidates to be your next Book Mentor.

Here are a few of my favorites:

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job

Authors: Sally Helgesen & Marshall Goldsmith

Great for women who feel stuck in their careers and young professionals starting out. This book shines a light on the habits that hold us back and small adjustments that help move us forward. The stories help bring the advice to life and make the book fun to read.

Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead

Author: Tara Mohr

There is so much in this book for women at every stage in their careers! The advice on how to quite your inner critic and speak in ways that demonstrate confidence is spot on. It includes a link to a guided meditation that will help you connect with your inner mentor… pretty darn cool!

Entrepreneurial You: Monetize Your Expertise, Create Multiple Income Streams, and Thrive

Author: Dorie Clark

You can’t go wrong with any of Dorie Clark’s books! This book is great for people who have considered jumping into entrepreneurship, want to start a side hustle, or have a business that isn’t making the gains you hoped for. Dorie shares her hard earned advice and guidance with a dose of realism that makes this book a must read.

Badass Your Brand: The Impatient Entrepreneur’s Guide to Turning Expertise into Profit

Author: Pia Silva

While this book is written with the small service business owner in mind. Most of us step into starting a business because we are passionate about a product of service, and likely don’t much about how to market that specialty to customers. Pia bridges the gap with a fun and entertaining approach. I found the content also relates to professionals running a team within a corporation, because marketing the value your team produces is critical (and often overlooked).

Book Mentors can play an important role in your professional development. They also make great Christmas, Birthday, or “Thank You for Your Support” gifts for friends and colleagues.

You can see a full list of my favorite reads by clicking on this link.

Consider adding a few book members to your support team, and please share your favorite business reads in the comments below!

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Carla Howard is a professional speaker and mentor. Her passion is helping professional women become more influential and promotable so they can rise with confidence and grace. You can learn more about her and the services she offers by visiting her website at TheProfessionalWomansMentor.com. Carla would love to answer your questions in future articles, so please email them to Carla@TheProfessionalWomansMentor.com.