5 Books Every Inspired Entrepreneur Shall Read

A good portion of your business decisions are usually influenced by personal experiences. However, as a budding entrepreneur, you will be able to grow by seeking the knowledge and advice of the successful people before you. What better way to start than by reading books that can inspire you?

That said, here are “5 Books Every Inspired Entrepreneur Shall Read”:

1. THE EFFECTIVE EXECUTIVE BY PETER DRUCKER

For Peter Drucker, an effective execute gets the right things done. To do so, he identifies the five practices that are essential to the business, namely: setting right priorities, managing time, making effective decisions, knowing how and where to deploy strength, and choosing what to contribute to an organization.

Image Credits: facebook.com/UnleashUrBiz

Image Credits: facebook.com/UnleashUrBiz

Filled with insights and perspectives into seemingly obvious scenarios, this book has been inspiring people for over 45 years.

2. TRIBES BY SETH GODIN

In this book, Seth Godin argues that with our modern world, everyone has the opportunity to start a movement and to bring a group of like-minded people together. He refers to this fanatical group of people as a tribe. Examples of tribes are those who follow the latest offerings of Apple and Starbucks.

Image Credits: facebook.com/tribesbysethgodin

Image Credits: facebook.com/tribesbysethgodin

According to him, if you are an entrepreneur who wishes to have a loyal following, a great tool to use is the Internet. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of uniqueness and fulfilling unmet needs to the overall growth of the business.

3. THE INNOVATOR’S DILEMMA BY CLAYTON CHRISTENSEN

“The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” is a bestselling classic by the businessman and Harvard professor – Clayton Christensen. This book comes from the idea that businesses will decline innovations based on the assumption that consumers cannot currently use them. Thus, these potentially great ideas only go to waste.

Image Credits: facebook.com/HBR

Image Credits: facebook.com/HBR

By knowing this dilemma and using it to your advantage, you can be able to beat other businesses in their own markets.

4. TO SELL IS HUMAN BY DANIEL PINK

In this fascinating read, Daniel pink offers a fresh perspective at the science and art of selling. Although you may not consider yourself as a salesman or saleswoman, all entrepreneurs must understand how to sell and this book teaches you how to. It breaks down the stigmas about salesmanship and manifests the uncomplicated strategy for moving others.

Image Credits: facebook.com/ToSellIsHumanTheSurprisingTruthAboutMovingOthers

Image Credits: facebook.com/ToSellIsHumanTheSurprisingTruthAboutMovingOthers

5. CREATIVITY, INC. BY ED CATMULL AND AMY WALLACE

“Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration” is one of the small amount of prime books about creative leadership and business. It is filled with meaningful insights about what develops, drives, and sustains an innovative culture.

Written by the Co-founder and President of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios Ed Catmull with the help of a journalist named Amy Wallace, this interesting read is a must not only for entrepreneurs but also for business leaders!

Image Credits: facebook.com/CreativityIncBook

Image Credits: facebook.com/CreativityIncBook

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Boost Your Health And Wealth Through Running

It is never too late to catch up on your “2015 New Year’s Resolution”!

And if losing weight or keeping a healthy physique is a part of your list, try crossing it out by running regularly. Running is a convenient and affordable option. You can do it almost anywhere without the need of costly equipments – aside from a pair of running shoes.

There are fewer barriers in maintaining a running regimen too! I know this personally because my sister and I make it a point to run outdoors as much as possible. Aside from this, running boasts with many benefits from strengthening your finances to overall health!

Read for yourself:

1. WEIGHT LOSS

High-intensity exercises stimulate more “afterburn” of calories than low-intensity exercises. In fact, a long-term comparison study of runners and walkers showed that calories burned through running resulted to 90% more weight loss than walking. Thus, running regularly helps you to shed and maintain your desired weight.

If you are still skeptical, here are 15 inspiring weight loss stories aided by running.

2. ENHANCE YOUR HEALTH

Running regularly has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the muscles, and increase the levels of good cholesterol. It also aids in building stronger bones, as it is a weight-bearing exercise.

With health benefits like these, how can you not love running?

3. REDUCES STRESS AND DEPRESSION

Aside from its physical benefits, running radiates emotional benefits too!

Running outdoors and feeling the glimmer of the sun can make you feel better. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day (5 times/week) can alleviate the symptoms of depression and sunlight reduces stress and improves one’s mood, according to the researchers from University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

What’s more? Since running helps emit endorphins or “happy hormones” without the need of prescription drugs, you can reduce the symptoms of depression naturally.

4. HELP YOU EARN MORE

If you are still contemplating on whether or not you must run or not then, you must know that regular exercise helps to increase your salary.

In 2012, a study published under the Journal of Labor Research found that employees who exercise regularly earn 9% more than their lazier or sedentary counterparts. This may be due to the enhanced mental function, energy levels, and mood. These improvements make them more valuable to their employers.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

What are you waiting for? Grab a good pair of shoes and start running at your nearest town park!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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Learn To Play A Musical Instrument For Free In 5 Ways

There is something extraordinary about being able to learn a new skill or achieve something new on your own, especially if you started from scratch. For instance, self-made millionaires are so admirable that we want to know their secret to success.

If you aspire to become a self-taught musician, look no further because this article will give five ways to achieve your dream. Start by finding the right instrument for you. The instrument that you shall choose must dictate the type of music you like or must resonate the type of music you visualize recreating.

1. EXPLORING THE WORLD OF MUSIC

If you want to explore the world of music, it is a good idea to start with the history first. Annenberg Learner’s Exploring the World of Music consists of a series of half-hour videos that examine topics such as sound, melody, harmony, music memory, music composers, and so on.

The featured artists perform music from Bosnia to India and Ireland to West Africa. Learn even more with the related printable materials that are available on the website for free.

2. ONLINE MUSIC THEORY GAME

With its simplistic lessons and user-friendly interface, a beginner can truly appreciate the “Online Music Theory Game”. Online Music Theory Game offers a myriad of lessons on multiple instruments such as keyboard and guitar. Its lessons include the discussion of the music fundamentals such as note duration, major and minor scales, and key signatures.

Try browsing through the lessons, here.

3. SELFTAUGHTGUITARLESSONS.COM

If you are eyeing on the sleek guitar as your instrument of choice, SelfTaughtGuitarLessons.com is a good place to start because it covers everything from the basics including how to purchase your first guitar and what its parts are. Little by little, you will be able to learn the chords and scales with the informative articles and videos. A glossary that includes the musicians’ lingo is just an added bonus of the site.

4. PLAYPERFECT MUSIC PRACTICE SOFTWARE

PlayPerfect Music Practice Software allows you to practice musical pieces by setting its speed, tempo, and visual cues. Notes display a change of color as you play and you can practice playing with or without the metronome. You can use it for any instruments such as violin, guitar, piano, cello, bass, flute, or saxophone. It is available to download for free on your Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, and XP.

5. YOUTUBE

YouTube, a video-sharing website, is not limited to the cute cat or provocative music videos. It stores a lot of tutorials too! Simply type the musical instrument you want to play on the search tab and put the word “tutorial for beginners” beside it and click enter. Now, you will see a screen full of tutorial videos you can choose from.

Here are just some of them:

a. Flute Tutorials

b. Violin Tutorials

c. Piano Tutorials

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Have fun learning! 🙂

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4 Futuristic Products That Are Worth Your Bucks

Maximize your life with these futuristic products and gadgets that are available now…

1. SILVERAIR SOCKS

Getting tired of those smelly socks? Well, Y Athletics is a game changer! Y Athletics pioneered the SilverAir Socks, which are high performance sports socks made with pure silver and merino wool. The same material is used by astronauts in their space suits! Isn’t that fantastic? It comes with various colors such as Jet Black, Graphite Grey, Electric Blue, Sedona Red, Ithaca Green, and Glacier White.

You may pre-order now at US$18 (about S$25) as the retail price will be US$22. Every three pairs of socks come with a beautiful travel case.

2. 3DOODLER PEN

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to scribble something in the air and make it come to life? 3Doodler pen is making that happen! Simply trace or wave your fingers in the air with the 3Doodler 2.0. pen. With over 65 available colors, the possibilities are endless! Furthermore, you may check out the community page for free downloadable stencils and inspirations.

Order yours today at US$99 (about S$137) per piece.

https://www.facebook.com/3Doodler/videos/vb.464802356894648/932685013439711/?type=2&theater

3. PLAYBULB LITE

Wouldn’t it be nice to play your tunes at a well-lit room? Mipow had that in mind when they made the PLAYBULB Lite. PLAYBULB Lite is a LED lightbulb with Bluetooth speaker. It is ideal for dormitories, apartments, and condominiums. Its LED power is 3W while its voltage is 50-60Hz. Get yours at US$39.99 (about S$56) each!

Image Credits: store.mipow.com/ww/en/playbulb-lite-led-light-with-bluetooth-speaker.html

Image Credits: store.mipow.com/ww/en/playbulb-lite-led-light-with-bluetooth-speaker.html

4. GLOW HEADPHONES

Gorgeous and brilliant, Glow uses state of the art technology and Corning Fibrance to make the brightest headphones in the world! Glow Headphones pulsates to the beat of your playlist by using its laser lights. Also, you may control the laser intensity by using the Glow App on your iOS or Android device. Take control of your rhythm by pre-ordering one at US$169 (about S$235).

 

 

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5 Affordable & Free Ways To Play Awesome Video Games

Video games are defined as any form of interactive games that utilizes a specialized electronic device, a computer, a mobile phone, a television, or other display screen. Committing to the gamer life can be expensive at times because a console can cost over S$399 while it can cost S$60 per game.

Thankfully, you do not have to spend too much to enjoy awesome video games, because there are several ways to play without emptying your wallet or breaking the law. Here are some of them:

1. GET FREEMIUM

Freemium are mobile phone or Smartphone gaming Apps that are free to download but require payment to unlock additional features. Most of the times, you do not need to spend a dollar if you are really patient in waiting. Besides, you get to play famed games such as Angry Birds Star Wars II, Real Racing 3, and Candy Crush Saga for free!

2. GO RETRO

Go retro by purchasing cheaper and older Nintendo models or game consoles online. For example, I found a red Nintendo DS for S$50 and Nintendo DS games for S$5. But, I am sure that you can still bargain for a better price.

3. PLAY ONLINE

As a teenager, I frequent online websites that offer wide collections of free video games. And, my favorite of those websites are: free80sarcade.com, y8.com, and girlsgogames.com.

If you like old school arcade games such as Donkey Kong, Star Trek, CosmoFighter, Dig Dug, Adventure Island, Super Mario Brothers & Duck Hunt, PacMan, and Tetris then, you would love free80sarcade.com! This website caters to your 80’s nostalgia as it brings you 100% safe and free arcade games online.

Next, y8.com boasts with over 50,000 free online video games that include shooting games, simulations, makeovers, and so much more. Lastly, girlsgogames.com caters to what every girl wants! It has a beautiful collection of dress up, cooking, simulation, and makeover games.

4. VISIT STEAM

Steam is an online video games store wherein you can access and purchase affordable Indie and mainstream games. Steam sales are ongoing all year round so, keep an eye to catch really great prices! Furthermore, Steam offers free to play games such as DOTA 2, adVenture Capitalist, Trove, and Clicker Heroes.

5. PLAY AT CHANGI AIRPORT

Entertainment Deck in Terminal 2 of Changi Airport is the place where the children and child at heart can go wild! Get caught in an action game while playing with the XBOX 360, Playstation 3 consoles, or LAN gaming. All this for free!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1&2

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