2009 is the year to take your knowledge to the next level!  Having the right information at the right time can be the difference between success and failure. Motivated real estate agents understand that the  challenges ahead carry unique opportunities as well.  What you know and When you know it will be as important as What you do in the year ahead! 

Education is rapidly emerging as a top priorty for real estate professionals because of the enormous challenges in our industry and the business community at large. 

If you're a real estate blogger, you've got a head start.  The knowledge shared on the blogosphere easily exceeds what is available through many local brokerages. 

But, it is always good to supplement online information with good books. Throughout the year, I enjoy reading a variety of books. 

I'd like to share with your some books which have been especially helpful to me.  If they're not on your reading list, you might check them out for 2009!  I've broken up my selections by general subject area, so skip around and peruse at your browsing pleasure. :)

Blogging & Social Media:

Blogging with Moxie by Jeolle Reeder & Katherine Scoleri

This fun book is chock full of helpful tips on blogging.  It's written by two ladies who indicate that they're dishing up the "IT Girl's Guide" to blogging, but there really is a lot for everyone..guys & gals in this entertaining and well written book. I'd especially recommend this book for newbie bloggers...but I definitely picked up some useful tips too.

ProBlogger Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income by Darren Rowse and Christ Garrett

If you're been blogging for a while or are really serious about blogging for business..that is making your blog pay you as a business investment, I'd highly recommend taking a look at this book.  I've just recently picked it and am working my way through it...gives you a lot to think about with practical tips and insights.

Trend Setters:

Grown Up Digital by Don Tapscott

The Net Generation (defined as those b/w 11-30) is changing the world as we know it dramatically.  It is imperative that real estate professionals understand this generation and the way in which they are re-shaping the context and methods of communication.  If you don't think that you will be affected, your model may already be irrelevant and you're simply unaware...

Nextville by Barbara Corcoran

On the other end of the continuum is Nextville by Barbara Corcoran.  This book talks about the trends impacting another large demographic...baby boomers and their retirement plans.  Written by someone who has had her hand on the pulse of what makes the real estate market tick, I appreciated her insights and engaging way of communicating where she thinks the values and movements of retirees will be trending in the future.

A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink

This book was given to me as a gift when it first came out in 2006.  Since then, I've bought several copies which I've given out as gifts.  It's just that good.  Pink's ideas about the paradigm shift which is occurring and will necessitate that we evaluate our problems and decisions differently is fascinating.  He uses examples for the world of storytelling, design and symphony to engage you in re-thinking your world.

Mortgage Crisis & Financial Markets:

When Markets Collide by Mohamed El-Erian

This is an interesting book to read if you'd like to understand more of what is happening in the world of global investing.  As it became painfully apparent this year, what happens in this world can dramtically impact our lives as real estate professionals.

Confessions of a Subprime Lender by Richard Bitner

Reading this book was an eye opener.  Enough said.

Consumeritis:

Affluenza by John DeGraaf, David Wann, Thomas H. Naylor

This book really made me think about what drives us to buy to live.  It's a thoughtful book which will cause you to examine your live or more simply put, what surrounds your life.  It's really a book about the stuff of our lives and why this has crippled us as we have continued to strive for more & more & more...

Deep Economy by Bill McKibben

In the real estate industry, we're seeing a shifting focus towards neighborhoods and communities.  Deep Economy explores how local communities and grassroots movements can be mutually beneficial for society and business and sustainable environmentally.  A thought provoking read...

Inspiration & Spirituality:

Lifetime Guarantee by Bill Gillham

I read this book in my early 20's.  It remains a favorite as one of the books which most impacted my journey of faith.

The Spiritual Man by Watchman Nee

This three volume series (bound into one book) is one of the most profound spiritual books that I have ever read.  It's not a quick nor easy read.  It took me a year to read it the first time and I've pondered on the depth of truth revealed many times.  Nee's expose of the inner life of man is one of the most exhaustive and exquisitely mapped guides that I've ever encountered.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

This book is about the perils of Resistance.  We read through much of it as a group this year.  It forced us to look at the myriad of clever obstacles that we were continually putting in our own paths.  As we enter another year, I would highly recommend this book to jump start your thinking in the right direction.

Just for Fun...

The Good Husband of Zebra Drive & all books in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series by Alexander McCall Smith

I love this series!  The story line encompasses the life of an African lady detective whose wisdom and wit have a way of leading her to the root of many of the problems which arrive in her office.  Smith writes with such humor and insight that I love become immersed in the whatever the No. 1 Ladies Detective, Precious Ramotswe is involved in at any given moment.   

At Audu Real Estate, we encourage our agents to invest in their education.  In fact we believe in this so strongly, the company provides qualifying agents with a generous credit towards educational classes on a yearly basis.  An investment in knowledge is an investment in your future welfare.  With the exception of the series, every single book on this list could be obtained for an investment of less than $150. 

Have you read a book which you'd like to recommend?  Please feel free to share it or your list!

Touching the Holy...

From time to time, you find a book that truly nourishes the soul.  The book, Touching the Holy, by Robert J. Wicks is one of these gems.  According to Dr. Wicks, "True ordinariness is tangible holiness". He explores with profound insights, the works of the ancient dessert Fathers and incorporates he contemporary themes in psychology to bring powerful insights about why it is important to truly embrace who we are called to be as ordinary human beings! I'm not even sure how this book was recommended to me, but I'm so thankful to have the gift of reading & re-reading it.   

The clarity of conviction with which the ideas are expressed grant profound insight into understanding how important and necessary it is that we embrace who we are truly called to be...unmarred or diminished by a plethora of vain & tarnished misconceptions. I am struck by the fact that while there are so many "voices" that would try to manipulate or influence us, there will always resonate at the core...if we we will listen...the true calling of our ordinary being.

Quote from "Touching the Holy"  on Creative Positive Imagery:

 Writing by poet & Anglican divine Thomas Traherene:

You never enjoy the world aright

till the sea itself floweth in your veins,

till you are clothed with the heavens

And crowned with the stars,

And perceive yourself to be the sole heir of the whole world;

and more so,

Because men are in it who are

Everyone sole heirs as well as you...

till your spirit filleth the whole world,

and the stars are your jewels,

till you are familiar with the way of God

in all ages as well as with your walk and table

...till you delight in God for being good to all,

You never enjoy the world.

This quote from Touching the Holy spoke so expressively to me today.  I pass on the gift to you as well. 

  Poet Patricia Jabbeh Wesley

Visit Patricia's Website:  http://www.pjabbeh.com

Patricia Jabbeh Wesley is a prolific and powerful poet from Liberia, West Africa.  Before the Palm Could Bloom: Poems About West Africa is a collection of poems about her country and how her life was changed and affected by the Liberian Civil War.  The poems engage you with their simplicity and poignancy about how the normal mundane elements of life can be transformed symbolically when life and circumstances change dramatically.  They resound with hope, expectation and courage in the midst of danger and despair.  The lyrical quality of Ms. Wesley's work is punctuated by African prose, idioms and sayings which add richness and flavor to her writings.  For those who have traveled or lived in West Africa, these touches will make you smile and remember.... 

I highly recommend Patricia Jabbeh Wesleys books and encourage you to branch out of your comfort zone even if you are not a poet enthusiast.  Her writing will make you think, reflect, laugh and perhaps cry.  You can also purchase her books at good bookstores and on-line at www.amazon.com.

"The Healing Light" by Agnes Sanford

The author has also written another book entitled "The Healing Touch of God".  I have not read that book, but picked up "The Healing Light" many years ago and have enjoyed re-reading it periodically.  It is a simple, small classic.  It's size would make it readable in 1-2 sittings, but the profound nature of the truths that Ms. Sanford explores in her writing cause me to put down the book and think deeply.  Her style is almost conversational, but she writes with such beautiful clarity about sacred truths that you know that she is one who has deeply experienced healing and grace from the Creator, Regenerator and Sustainer of All Things, God Himself.  I higly recommend this book to anyone seeking knowledge, inspiration and encouragement in the area of healing, God's love, His Power and Forgiveness.

   The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, a National Bestseller written by Alexander McCall Smith is the first in a series of 6 books about the first lady detective in the African country of Botwsana.  This is delightful fiction at its' best.  My attention was drawn to this series by some good friends who thought I would enjoy it having grown up in West Africa.  Although, this tale is set is southern Africa, lovers of all that is good and wholesome in the African continent who are indigenes or expatriates will delight in the homespun wisdom and humor as this intelligent African lady with a "traditional figure" uses common sense (which unfortunately is no longer common) to find creative solutions to human dilemmas. 

I warn you, if you start the 1st one, you will not want to put this series down.  This series is charming and heartwarming, offering the reader a wonderful look into what provides heart & soul in African life and culture.  You can preview this book on-line at:

http://www.amazon.com

Enjoy!

PS. Other Books in the series include"

"The Tears of the Giraffe"

"Morality for Beautiful Girls"

"The Klahari Typing School for Men"

"The Cupboard of Life"

"In the Company of Cheerful Ladies"