13 Business books to fire up your inner spark at work

The first half of the year is already done, and if you’re doubting your effectiveness at your job or your impact to your work, maybe you should set aside some time for reading and re-motivating yourself.

Check out these books that will provide you with fresh knowledge and insights to get you all fired up and raring to work!

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C. Maxwell

Much of any business’ success depend upon its leaders. By outlining the principles for empowered and empowering leadership, John C. Maxwell’s book has changed the way leaders see themselves.

This thoroughly revised and updated edition packs in new leadership insights and best practices that he has gathered since the first edition was published in 1993 to help guide and inspire a new generation of leaders on their challenging but ultimately rewarding journey.

What Are Your Blind Spots? by Jim Haudan and Rich Berens

Even the most well-intentioned and competent leaders can be led astray by seemingly benign assumptions that can ultimately harm or derail the enterprise.

Authors Jim Haudan and Rich Berens refer to these old ways of thinking as “blind spots.” By identifying and overcoming blind spots identified in the book, leaders can learn to welcome and adopt new and forward-thinking practices that will propel their organizations towards growth.

Growing Influence by Ron Price and Stacey Ennis

This is a how-to book disguised as a fable.

In a series of transformative meetings between a career-driven young woman and her wise respectable mentor, mirroring and building on the interactions between the co-authors Ron Price and Stacey Ennis, arise lessons on cultivating influence fed by both character and competence.

Interestingly, the fable also tackles gender dynamics in the workplace.

Iterate by Ed Muzio

To keep up with today’s fast-changing and fast-charging world, companies must learn and adapt fast.

Central to this agile quality is the ability, whenever faced with a problem, to make the next most reasonable step from there, i.e, to iterate.

Author Ed Muzio lays down a research-based guide to help leaders equip their teams to do just that.

The Innovation Navigator by Tucker J. Marion and Sebastian Fixson

Business leaders agree that innovation is the key to survival and further growth and in many companies, it is a top strategic priority.

Tucker J. Marion and Sebastian Fixson showcases the different modes that innovation can take and guides readers on how to take advantage of each mode’s inherent pros and cons. The book also walks through ways to effectively shift between modes or employ multi-mode strategies to foster innovation.

Your Invisible Toolbox by Rowena Crosbie and Deborah Rinner

According to authors Rowena Crosbie and Deborah Rinner, we all have two sets of the tools: while the first toolbox contains the technical skills, devices and equipment necessary to perform our roles, the second one – the invisible toolbox – contains the tools necessary for human interactions.

The contents of the second toolbox figure prominently in many workplaces, especially now that the business environment is not only a global one, but a multi-generational one as well.

B State by Mark Samuel

Oftentimes, in business, the path from Point A to Point B is not as simple or straightforward as we would like.

To be able to move forward, Mark Samuel encourages readers to engage themselves in a true transformation, removing old mindsets and replacing inefficient behaviors with new ways of thinking and more desirable habits to bring about a highly productive culture that breeds business success.

Leading Loyalty by Sandy Rogers, Leena Rinne and Shawn Moone

Customer loyalty does oftentimes seem like an unreachable dream given today’s volatile market situation.

Authors Sandy Rogers, Leena Rinne and Shawn Moone dove into the results of the Franklin Covey studies that show how “campfire stores” achieve revenue and profitability goals thanks to fiercely loyal customers and the employees that prioritize the happiness of those customers.

Wise Guy by Guy Kawasaki

Technopreneur Guy Kawasaki reflects upon his life and his many adventures (or misadventures) in the a series of vignettes.

Some may be light-hearted, others may recall actions with lasting consequences, but all served to inspire and build him up to the person that he is today.

Scramble by Marty Neumeier

Marty Neumeier tells the story of a young CEO as he is faced with the demand to turn the company around, otherwise he loses his job.

As the story progresses, his journey illustrates the principles of agile strategy, a way of building business that is more collaborative and produces quicker results.

Built to Suck by Joseph Jaffe

We see it more and more often: large companies – behemoth enterprises – are crumbling to the ground in light of declining revenues and business growth.

In this book, Joseph Jaffe outlines the four key pillars that will transform ailing companies from ailing to thriving, from obsolescence to relevance.

The Art of Preventing Stupid by Matthew Neill Davis

Matthew Neill Davis’ Preventing Stupid Method is all about solving common problems before they become insurmountable roadblocks.

By quickly identifying, categorizing and prioritizing the business’ threats and weaknesses – forward-thinking risk management – business leaders can devote more energy towards maximizing opportunities as they appear.

Sticks and Stones by Nick Powills

Author Nick Powills showcases how his childhood experiences of struggling with his weight and getting bullied by his peers all propelled him towards being a successful entrepreneur later in life.

While the old wisdom is to keep personal and professional lives separate, the author instead proposes transforming painful memories, harsh lessons and old disappointment into motivation, coupled with the strong foundation of family and friends, into the strength and courage to pursue business success and personal fulfillment.

Enjoy reading with Kindle

With a wealth of enriching and informative books waiting for you, I’m sure you’re raring to get into reading them. However, if you are concerned about the space you will need to store your growing library, or being able to bring your books wherever you go, getting a Kindle just may be the perfect solution for you.

Kindle is a line of portable and wireless electronic reading devices (e-readers) produced by online retailer Amazon.com. They make use of a display technology called electronic paper which produces a sharp screen image that resembles text printed on paper, ensuring an easy and comfortable read.

It is advisable to have a Kindle, specifically for reading, instead of relying on your other personal mobile devices because:

  • It is purpose-built for reading with a glare-free display that reads real paper, even in direct sunlight. You can also adjust its brightness to let you read comfortably – indoors and outdoors, day and night.
  • A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours.
  • You get less distractions as you can highlight passages, look up definitions, translate words, and adjust text size—without ever leaving the page.

Ready to get this new nifty reading device for yourself? Check out your various options below!

Kindle
Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
Kindle Oasis

Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day deals

Ready to shop for your books and Kindle devices? The good news is that you can enjoy great discounts on your Amazon.com purchases during Amazon Prime Day!

On July 12 and 13, 2022, Amazon.com will hold a mega summer sale offering lots of deals on its myriad of products, exclusively to Amazon Prime members.

To take advantage of the awesome deals that await you during Amazon Prime Day, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.

You can also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

  • Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
  • Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
  • Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
  • and more!

Header photo by cottonbro on Pexels

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Level C Media, Penguin Group Portfolio, Harper Collins, Business Publications Corporation, Inc., Ideapress Publishing, Greenleaf Book Group, University of Toronto Press and McGraw Hill Education for the advanced copies of the books mentioned here.

This post contains affiliate links.

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#AmazonPrimeDay finds for your home office

One of the few positive outcomes brought about by the global pandemic is the realization that working from home is a viable option for many office workers.

Aside from allowing you to keep yourself safe by practicing social distancing, it also eliminated the costs and stresses of the daily commute, maintaining a work wardrobe and office meals. This setup also made for a smoother integration of your work life into your home life and vice versa.

As you may have already discovered, having a suitable work space at home is crucial to making a success of your WFH arrangement. Setting up your home office as a space for productivity and efficiency, while still imbuing your space with your personality, will help you perform in this kind of system.

In setting up your home office, you might want to keep these tips in mind:

  • Optimize your workspace. Your work area at home may not be as spacious as the one you had back in your office, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be as hardworking. This can be achieved by ensuing that all you need for the day’s tasks are within easy reach and then neatly stored when not in use.
  • Plan to be mobile. The best part of working from home is the flexibility, right? Who says you can’t work on that report while still in bed, or attend that meeting while also meeting your daily steps in the treadmill? Try to envision what you will need to be able to work anywhere in your home.
  • Consider your comfort and ergonomics. Your comfort level can greatly affect your concentration and creativity. Maintaining proper posture and having appropriate lighting as you work will help you get your work done more efficiently.

Excited to furnish your home office with items to spur your productivity? Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day!

What is Amazon Prime Day?

On July 12 and 13, 2022, e-commerce giant Amazon.com will hold a mega summer sale offering lots of deals on its myriad of products, exclusively to Amazon Prime members.

Whether you’re transitioning from an on-site arrangement or upgrading your existing work-from-home setup, shopping on Amazon Prime Day will let you score a haul that get you ready and raring to work!

Add these must-have home office accessories to your cart in preparation for the big sale:

Standing Desk. Also called a “stand-up desk,” this home office furniture allow for greater movement and circulation for your lower body, thus easing aches and pains. You may opt for one that can be adjusted if you do want to take a sitting position.

Klvied Mobile Standing Desk
Urban Deco Adjustable Standing Desk

Side Table Laptop Desk. Hunching over your laptop while on your bed is a no-no so if your home office is your bedroom, get a desk that can be slid into place when you need it and stowed to the side when not in use.

LASZOLA Side Table
Micoe Side Table

Lap Desk. If you don’t have space for a table or if you prefer to work while sitting on the couch, bed or rug, then a lap desk should be just right for you. Aside from helping you maintain a good posture and supporting your wrists as you type, a lap desk could also minimize the heat coming from the laptop towards you.

HUANUO Lap Desk
Gimars Home Office Lap Desk

Laptop Stand. If you do have a desk at home, it may be positioned too low for you to work on your laptop comfortably for extended periods of time. Something to raise your laptop screen to eye level will prevent strain on your back and neck muscles.

LIFELONG Portable Laptop Stand
SOUNDANCE Adjustable Laptop Stand

Desk Organizer. You do need other things for work aside from your laptop. However, if these knick-knacks are cluttered around your desk, they could hamper your focus. Tidying them up into a desk organizer will give you a neater work space that will do wonders for your concentration.

VEDETT Office Supplies Desk Organizer Caddy
AUPSEN Mesh Office Supplies Desk Organizer

Desk Pad. Far from being just a cosmetic touch to your workspace, a desk pad will prevent damages to your table surface from imprints by pen marks and also provides a non-slip surface for papers and small items.

Gallaway Leather Desk Pad
ITZELYICHAN Leather Desk Pad

So, are you now excited to shop for these items on Amazon Prime Day? Be sure to mark July 12 and 13 on your calendars!

Not yet an Amazon Prime member?

To take advantage of the awesome deals that await you during Amazon Prime Day, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.

You can also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

  • Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
  • Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
  • Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
  • and more!

Now, how to get your goodies home…

You might be getting worried about how much your Amazon Prime Day haul will set you back when it comes to shipping.

One way to minimize your shipping costs is by consolidating your packages via ShippingCart. It allows you to have your orders from e-commerce sites based in the US, UK, Australia and Japan delivered to a single shipping address in those countries where they are consolidated, then carefully packed into one parcel before shipping to your home address in the Philippines.

This also means that you can also purchase items that are not eligible for shipping to the Philippines!

Know more about ShippingCart and sign up for the service here. Indicate the US address provided by ShippingCart when you checkout your purchases on Amazon.com. Plus, use my code JELLYB to enjoy 15% off when you ship your consolidated parcels to the Philippines. (Discount will apply to first-time Shipping Cart users only. Code is valid until December 31, 2022.)

Happy shopping!

This post contains affiliate links.

Header photo by tirachardz on freepik

#ISpawnedAReader: How to encourage kids to love reading

We all know that reading is a fundamental skill that not only facilitates more effective learning at school for our kids, but may also set them up for greater success in life.

Reading helps to improve vocabulary and language skills, stimulates imagination and creativity and promotes stronger analytical thinking.

However, with many distractions as well as alternatives for entertainment or information-gathering, reading is often not given priority by youngsters.

This may be because, to them, reading is not a fun activity, or they may be experiencing difficulties in reading that curtail their enjoyment.

As a parent, here are ways you can encourage your kids to love reading:

  • Being a role model. Show them that you also get entertained and well-informed through reading. Read newspapers or magazines and share tidbits that could interest them. Apply what you read in a joint activity by following a recipe to bake your children’s favorite treat or an instruction manual to assemble a toy.
  • Make it reading a priority activity. You can establish a “reading time” at home when you can read to your little one, or you and an older child can read side by side. Having some snacks in-hand, as well as a comfortable reading are, will help make reading a special bonding activity between and you kids.
  • Give them the right tools. If your child doesn’t relish the idea of lugging around books throughout the house or when you go outside, an e-reader may be your best bet.
  • Expose your children to different book genres. Join your kids in exploring different genres, especially those that they have expressed prior interest in like mystery, science fiction adventure or non-fiction books related to their interests.

What is a Kindle?

Kindle is a line of portable and wireless electronic reading devices (e-readers) produced by online retailer Amazon.com. They make use of a display technology called electronic paper which produces a sharp screen image that resembles text printed on paper, ensuring an easy and comfortable read.

For kids, an Kindle is more appropriate as a reading device as opposed to other personal mobile devices because:

  • It is purpose-built for reading with a glare-free display that reads real paper, even in direct sunlight. Its brightness van be adjusted to let the little ones read comfortably – indoors and outdoors, day and night.
  • A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours.
  • The kids are subjected to less distractions as there are no games, ads or videos to go to and they can highlight passages, look up definitions, translate words, and adjust text size—without ever leaving the page.
  • Purchase of Kindle Kids includes a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, where they can explore popular titles and series. It also includes access to the complete Harry Potter series, and the first book from other popular series such as Artemis Fowl. Parents can purchase additional titles from the Kindle Store.
  • It can hold hundreds of e-books, encouraging the little ones to grow their library which they can take with them wherever they go.
  • It comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee. If it breaks, Amazon will replace it for free.

Ready to get this new nifty reading device for the kiddos? Check out your options below!

Kindle Kids
Kindle Paperwhite Kids

Get ready to build your kids’ library with the best-selling books below, available in both print and e-book versions.

For kids ages 1 to 3 years old

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth
If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul
How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace

For kids ages 3 to 5 years old

A Frog Ate My Sandwich! by Christine Durkin
The Angry Dragon by Michael Gordon
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Elvin and Brayden, Friends Forever by Sandra Morrison
Do Not Wish for a Birthday Unicorn! by Sarina Siebenaler

For kids ages 6 to 8 years old

The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids by Carole P. Roman
You are an Amazing Girl: A Collection of Inspiring Stories about Courage, Friendship, Inner Strength and Self-Confidence by Nadia Ross
Oh No! My Dinosaur Is Sick! by JE Comet
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

For kids ages 8 to 12 years old

The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick
Wish by Barbara O’Connor
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson

Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day deals

Ready to shop for your books and Kindle devices? The good news is that you can enjoy great discounts on your Amazon.com purchases during Amazon Prime Day!

On July 12 and 13, 2022, Amazon.com will hold a mega summer sale offering lots of deals on its myriad of products, exclusively to Amazon Prime members.

To take advantage of the awesome deals that await you during Amazon Prime Day, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.

You can also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

  • Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
  • Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
  • Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
  • and more!

This post contains affiliate links.

Header photo by cottonbro on Pexels

Shop for amazing new kitchenware on #AmazonPrimeDay

Did you use to have all these exciting plans of preparing fantastic meals at home but get bogged down by old-fashioned or obsolete kitchenware?

Are you planning to remodel and revamp your kitchen into a place where you can let your creative culinary juices flow?

Then you should start shopping for new and modern kitchen appliances soon. And there’s no better time to shop than on Amazon Prime Day.

What is Amazon Prime Day?

On July 12 and 13, 2022, e-commerce giant Amazon.com will hold a mega summer sale offering lots of deals on its myriad of products, exclusively to Amazon Prime members.

Whether you’re considering a minor kitchen upgrade or gunning for a major overhaul, shopping on Amazon Prime Day will let you score a haul that will make you excited to work in your kitchen!

Add these must-have kitchen appliances to your cart in preparation for the big sale:

Induction Cooktops

These are a type of electric cooktops which use electromagnetic waves to heat the cookware, as opposed to gas or or other electric stoves which conduct heat to the cookware. Induction cooktops have faster boiling times as well as precise temperature control, and are very easy to clean.

NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop
  • Ceramic Tempered Glass Induction Cooktop
  • Simple Electronic Plug-in Flameless Burner Design
  • (2) Circular Top Panel Heating Zones
  • Independent Configurable Temperature Zone Setting
  • High-Powered Heating Elements
  • Quickly Heats for Instant Food Prep
  • Safety Certified & Approved
AMZCHEF Double Induction Cooker
  • Silver edge and black polished crystal glass surface
  • Two independent heating zones
  • Power Mode and Temperature Mode
  • Comes with a countdown digital timer
  • Compatible with cast iron, iron, enameled iron, stainless steel manufactured with a magnetic bottom

Espresso Machines

If you ever dreamed of enjoying a freshly brewed cuppa – just like what you would get from a cafe barista – right in the comforts of home, an espresso machine may be just what you need.

Espresso machines brew coffee by forcing pressurized, nearly-boiling water through ground coffee and a filter to produce a thick and concentrated coffee called espresso.

Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Beverages: Espresso, Hot water, Coffee, Americano, Espresso Lungo
  • User Interface: Touch screen display
  • Milk Solution: Classic Milk Frother
  • Product dimensions: 246x371x433 mm
  • 3 Aroma Strength Settings
  • 12 Grinder Settings
  • 3 Temperature settings
Tchibo Fully Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine
  • Bean-To-Brew.
  • Single Serving.
  • No Pods. No Waste.
  • German Technology.
  • Compact Size: (W) 7” (H) 12.4” (L) 15.6”

Kitchen Mixers

As appliances that grind, beat, stir and whip food, kitchen mixers have made the process of preparing dishes and culinary creations so much easier for many home cooks.

If you’re planning to try your hand at baking breads or making mousses and meringues, a higher-powered stand mixer will prove to be your best friend.

Kitchenaid Artisan Mini Plus 3.5-Qt.
  • 3.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl
  • Flex Edge Beater
  • Coated Dough Hook
  • 6-Wire Whip
DOBBOR 9.5QT Stand Mixer
  • 9.5-quart large capacity to meet the daily use of the family which can up to 10 people.
  • 660W power of planetary mixing system to evenly mix the ingredients in the bowl with low noise (<40dB).
  • Tilt-head design helps the kitchen electric stand mixer to lift its head smoothly.
  • Five silicone suction cups on the bottom to keep it secure to your countertop with no moving.

Multi-Cookers

Do you recall the times when home cooks used to slave all day in the kitchen, using various pots, pans and cooking equipment just to produce one complicated dish?

Multi-cookers do away with all of that with its ability to boil, simmer, bake, fry, grill roast, stew or steam food, all in the same device!

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker
  • Easy to use, easy to clean, fast, versatile, and convenient
  • Functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker & warmer
  • With 13 built-in smart programs
MasterChef Electric 10 in 1 Multifunctional Cooker
  • Combines many kitchen appliances in one
  • Has a range of 10 smart cooking programs 
  • Energy saving

Air Fryers

Healthy eating is becoming a way of life for many of us and one way to do so is by reducing our use of oil in our cooking.

Air fryers help us achieve this by simulating deep-frying without submerging the food in oil. Hot air is circulated within the device at high speeds, resulting in crispiness that you usually get from deep-frying, but with much less oil.

COSORI Air Fryer 6.8 Qt
  • Patented 360 ThermoIQ Technology
  • Customize and save 10 cooking functions with your preferred time and temperature
  • Free VeSync app lets you control your air fryer remotely
Chefavor Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
  • Wide temperature range of 200°-450°F
  • The high-speed convection fans speed up cooking for a quick fried finish
  • Equipped with advanced over-heat protection for added safety
  • Watch your foods cook to crispy perfection with wide windows and an interior light
  • Includes wire rack, baking tray, air fry basket, removable crumb tray and tray handle

Smokeless Grill and Hotpot

We’ve all fallen in love with Korean barbecue, but can you imagine the sheer gastronomic pleasure of enjoying your freshly grilled meats while slurping on freshly made soup from a Chinese-style hotpot, right at your dining table?

That’s what a smokeless grill and hotpot can do. With this gadget in your arsenal, an Asian-style food party can be done in a jiffy.

Food Party 2 in 1 Electric Smokeless Grill and Hot Pot
  • Fast and Even Heating Technology
  • Easy to Clean
  • Multi-functional cooker
4YANG Hot Pot with Grill
  • Multi-function Hot Pot
  • Independent Dual Temperature Control
  • 8-seconds rapid heating
  • Smokeless and safe

So, are you now excited for Amazon Prime Day? Be sure to mark July 12 and 13 on your calendars!

Not yet an Amazon Prime member?

To take advantage of the awesome deals that await you during Amazon Prime Day, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.

You can also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

  • Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
  • Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
  • Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
  • and more!

Now, how to get your goodies home…

You might be getting worried about how much your Amazon Prime Day haul will set you back when it comes to shipping.

One way to minimize your shipping costs is by consolidating your packages via ShippingCart. It allows you to have your orders from e-commerce sites based in the US, UK, Australia and Japan delivered to a single shipping address in those countries where they are consolidated, then carefully packed into one parcel before shipping to your home address in the Philippines.

This also means that you can also purchase items that are not eligible for shipping to the Philippines!

Know more about ShippingCart and sign up for the service here. Indicate the US address provided by ShippingCart when you checkout your purchases on Amazon.com. Plus, use my code JELLYB to enjoy 15% off when you ship your consolidated parcels. (Discount will apply to first-time Shipping Cart users only. Code is valid until December 31, 2022.)

Happy shopping!

This post contains affiliate links.

Header photo by pvproductions – www.freepik.com