I’ll venture to say it is fairly widespread conventional wisdom that neraly 100% of people who are considered successful in business are avid readers. This is underscored best by a quote from Charlie Munger: “In my whole life, I have known no wise people who didn’t read all the time-none, zero. You’d be amazed at how much Warren reads-and at how much I read.”

Needless to say, I am quite obsessed when it comes to my attempt to be “well read” and I make it a point to read at least four of five book a month on a variety of subjects (but very disproportionately skewed towards investing related topics). I am curious to hear to what is on everyone’s reading list for 2009, as well as any books you have already read that have been very influential on your life.

To get it started I will say one book that has been very inspirational to me and will encourage you to get out and re-focus on meeting new people is Never Eat Alone, by Keith Ferrazi. A book on my near term “to read” list is Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger, by Peter Bevelin (http://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Wisdom-Darwin-Munger-3rd/dp/1578644283).

I’d love to get some input from everyone. Perhaps everyone could list their three favorite/most influential books and list three that are on their “To Be Read” list.

The holidays are behind us and it is time to focus on the new year. I love the holiday season but it is hard to start new programs and stay focused on the business. This year promises to be full of challenges. With the economy down I have decided to increase my advertising to get to the customers who are still willing to spend money. I am planning on keeping my prices the same as last year to keep us competitive for each dollar out there. I want to get through this year and be positioned when the economy turns around so we can get a jump on the competition

I hope everyone had a very happy holidays.  Heres to a prosperous 2009!

Also as a reminder, TTEA is available to assist new entrepreneurs as they are starting/growing a business.  If you have any questions or need help with any part of forming/growing/managing your new enterprise, please contact TTEA and let us know how we can help.

Best,

Chad