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Before I get into today’s post I would just like to recommend a quick piece of software with you guys, which also happens to be free.

The software in question is spotify. For those of you who don’t know what spotify is – basically it lets you stream music via your computer or smartphone on the go and all for free – there are premium versions which give you extra perks, like no adverts, so you can also look into those.

The reason I want to give spotify a quick mention is because it recently released here in Ireland and I have been using it since day one. I listen to an aweful lot of music, in fact I am using spotify as this post is being wrote, and I find this simple piece of software very handy for letting me listen to some new artists which I may have never come across before.

If you have not downloaded Spotify already then go do so now, especially if you love music, and after all – it’s free. Also you can see what I am currently listening to via the Spotify widget in the sidebar to the right.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled blog post.

One thing, besides music, I love is reading. I also love writing – hence the blog.

But I don’t just read any books – 50 Shades of Grey, I’m looking at you here – I mainly read books related to business, social media and blogging. I really just eat, sleep and breath my job – after all, I love it!

So since the holidays are coming up I decided a few weeks back to compile a list of books I found both interesting and helpful for you guys to check out.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the below links are affiliate links and at no extra cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase. Also note that I have experience with all of the products below and only recommend them to you because they have been of great help and useful to me in the past or present, not because of the small commission I make if you decide to make a purchase.

1. The 4 Hour Workweek.

I am a huge Tim Ferriss fan. I bought his book ‘The 4 Hour Workweek‘ a couple of weeks ago and ever since implementing a number of his strategies in the book I have way more free time on my hands.

I can now work on other projects and even spend more free time with friends and family – which was a big thing for me.

As I mentioned in a blog post before I only work on this blog for around 4 hours a week. I got that from Tims book ‘The 4 Hour Workweek‘.

Not only do I not waste time staring at a computer screen waiting for something to come to mind to write about I implemented a number of strategies from Tims book and things have been so much more efficient since.

I cannot recommend ‘The 4 Hour Workweek‘ enough. Also Tim just released a brand new book ‘The 4-Hour Chef‘ which is about becoming a master at anything in life in six months. I have not picked the book up yet, but I will be very soon.*

2. The $100 Startup

I think this video by the author, Chris Guillebeau, explains the book ‘The $100 Startup‘ a bit better than I could.

3. The First Week of Blogging

This is mainly for the blogger, rather than the business man. But if you’re interested – by all means go pick it up, it’s a good read.

The book ‘The First Week of Blogging‘ does exactly what it says on the tin, or the paper in this case. It guides you through your very first week of blogging.

From domain names, hosting, picking a niche and all the way up to writing your very first blog post.

If you’re a blogger and you have not picked this book up – you may learn a thing or two with ‘The First Week of Blogging’.

4. The Lean Startup

You may have already heard of this book, but that does not come as a surprise to me. The book ‘The Lean Startup‘ by Eric Reis is a massive best seller and has been on list after list of the top books in business – for a reason.

The Lean Startup is about a new approach to business and how companies are being built.

It’s all about what your customer actually wants versus what you think they want. All making for a more sucessful business.

5. The Impact Equation

The author of ‘The Impact Equation‘, Chris Brogan, is possibly one of my most favourite people on the planet right now.

Not only is Chris an awesome writer, but also an awesome guy in general.

That is why I look forward to his email from his mailing list each week – because they’re awesome and interesting.

The Impact Equation is all about the impact you’re making with your business and how you can improve it. This is definitely worth a read over the coming holidays!

*I am writing this a week after the above piece*

I am currently in the middle of reading the book ‘The 4-Hour Chef‘. And wow, just wow. Tim Ferriss has made me more of a fan, if that was even possible.

If you pick up any of the above books then please let me know in the comments below what you think about it, or them! I would love to know which is your favourite and what you found helpful/interesting about them.

I will see you guys Friday.