My Top 5 Book Recommendations for Freelancers (2020 Edition)
I started 2020 determined to read at least one book each month.
Let’s just say that didn’t work out too well. Instead of reading 12 books, I read seven books. That’s 58% of my goal. Yikes!
What matters though is that I actually read some good books. Five of those books stood out to me as beneficial resources for freelancers.
These good books for freelancers cover our multi-dimensional needs. Reading them from cover to cover will help you increase sales, make better financial decisions, and expand your network.
Disclaimer : I am an Amazon Associate. Therefore, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through some of the links included in this article.
#1 : Increase Sales Through Better Copywriting
Christine with Copywriting Secrets by Jim Edwards
Copywriting is the basis of marketing. It, therefore, impacts your ability to attract clients as an online freelancer. That’s why I believe all freelancers need to understand and implement copywriting fundamentals into their client acquisition efforts. It’s not a skill limited to writers.
Jim Edwards demystifies copywriting in this easy to read book. I’ll be honest; I initially bought this book to improve my copywriting skills since I am a freelance writer. I wanted to expand my services. But, reading this book opened my eyes to many lessons I believe are important for all freelancers.
[Copywriting] has more impact on how much money you make with your company than anything else.
- Russell Brunson, Co-Founder of ClickFunnels and Funnel Scripts
Let that sink in. Your ability to write good copy impacts your earning potential. Sure, you can hire a great copywriter but you also need to know how to write your own copy. You’re the person who understands your target audience better than anyone else.
There are several nuggets of wisdom in this book. What stood out to me the most in the first few pages was the process of identifying why people buy. I tend to focus on one pain point when I consider my target customer. But, Edwards suggests that there are actually eleven possible pain points. Your aim should be to touch on several of these pain points in your copywriting, not just one.
Trust me, you need a copy of this book if you’re a freelancer focused on growth. Get your copy by clicking the link below.
Kindle Version
Paperback Version
#2 : Increase Productivity By Focusing on Your One Thing
The One Thing by Gary Keller
I don’t know about you, but working from home is sometimes a struggle. There are days when I have laser-like focus that helps me get a lot done. Other days I feel like shit because I’ve accomplished nothing.
This book helped me realize a major part of the problem - I was focusing on too many things. According to Keller, multitasking is a myth. The trick is to set aside at least four hours daily to achieving the one relevant thing that will help you fulfill your purpose. He works with Jay Papasan to clearly explain how you can do this.
You can read other lessons I learned from this book in another article I wrote by clicking here. Get your copy today by clicking the link below! You’ll thank me because your productivity will dramatically increase.
Kindle Version
Paperback Version
#3 : Become Better at Networking Online
Taking the Work Out of Networking
I am an introvert, so networking is one of my greatest challenges. Wickre has some good tips in this book that can help introverts get better at networking online. One of the best tips offered was to focus on the quality of your network instead of the quantity. Having 10,000 followers on LinkedIn, for instance, is great if those people are your target audience.
Some additional lessons I garnered from the book are explained in this article. Get your copy by clicking the link below.
Kindle Version
Paperback Version
#4 : Move From the Left Side of the Cashflow Quadrant
Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant.jpg
Robert Kiyosaki is best known for his book Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant extends the concepts presented in Rich Dad, Poor Dad. It guides the reader through understanding how to move from being an employee and/or self-employed individual to becoming a business owner and/or investor.
I believe most freelancers fall into three categories. Some freelancers are masters at transforming their side-hustles into full-fledged businesses while being successful investors. Other freelancers are employed and balancing their freelance work as a side hustle. These freelancers limit themselves to the left side of the quadrant. The final group of freelancers are self-employed and also dabble in investing. Where do you fall?
Your aim should be to move from the left side of the quadrant to the right side of the quadrant. This is how you create wealth.
Some of the lessons I learned from this book are outlined in this article. Purchase your copy by clicking the link below if you’re serious about generating wealth.
Kindle Version
Paperback Version
#5 : Put In the Practice Necessary to Become a Master
The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
This book was a hit or miss for me. I was looking for some concrete strategies for success. Gladwell didn’t really provide that. He argues that the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) isn’t a true determinant of success. Ultimately, success depends on:
when and where you were born
your parents’ career choices
the circumstances of your upbringing
But, you can become an expert by practicing for at least 10,000 hours. This was one of the main points in the book and it was the point that stood out the most to me. How can you structure your days so that you build up 10,000 hours of practice? People pay attention to experts and Gladwell explains
Kindle Version
Paperback Version
Final Words
These five books will be good additions to your library. They aren’t specifically about freelancing but they have some solid life advice that every freelancer should know. I also love that they’re easy to read. Remember to not only read but also apply the lessons learned.
Happy reading!
Are you thinking about writing a nonfiction book? Check out this comprehensive guide. It provides everything you need to write a nonfiction book that sells!