Fans pick 80 books like Negotiating with Backbone

By Reed Holden,

Here are 80 books that Negotiating with Backbone fans have personally recommended if you like Negotiating with Backbone. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't

Rusty Komori Author Of Superior: Creating a Superior Culture of Excellence

From my list on building excellence in leadership.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was the Head Coach of the Punahou School Boys Varsity Tennis Team for 22 years, and we were fortunate to win 22 consecutive State Championships. Since retiring as head coach in 2015, I felt compelled to become an author and share my system of coaching excellence which led to this unprecedented winning streak. I know there are distinct differences between great and superior which can be applied to everyone in business, sports, and life. I want to inspire everyone to maximize their potential and have peak performance as a parent, son or daughter, coach or player, leader or team member.

Rusty's book list on building excellence in leadership

Rusty Komori Why did Rusty love this book?

I loved this book because we all want to achieve greatness, and it clearly identifies practices, strategies, and habits that can take a good team and make them great. It’s a reminder for me to be disciplined as a person, control myself with disciplined thoughts, and exhibit disciplined actions.

I like how Jim Collins emphasizes strategic focus, disciplined decision-making, and the importance of sustained excellence for long-term success. His "Hedgehog Concept" is a great reminder for me to reflect on what I’m deeply passionate about, what I can be the best at, and what drives my economic engine.

By Jim Collins,

Why should I read it?

16 authors picked Good to Great as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

________________________________
Can a good company become a great one? If so, how?

After a five-year research project, Jim Collins concludes that good to great can and does happen. In this book, he uncovers the underlying variables that enable any type of organisation to make the leap from good to great while other organisations remain only good. Rigorously supported by evidence, his findings are surprising - at times even shocking - to the modern mind.

Good to Great achieves a rare distinction: a management book full of vital ideas that reads as well as a fast-paced novel. It is widely regarded…


Book cover of Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors

Jeet Mukherjee Author Of Pricing with Confidence: Ten Rules for Increasing Profits and Staying Ahead of Inflation

From my list on make an impact in your organization through pricing.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been working in value-based pricing for over 20 years and I’ve seen firsthand how it can transform a company’s profits when done right and executed properly through sales. While the specific strategies and tactics vary across industries, company size, and product offerings, many of the foundations and logic behind those strategies can be learned, and must be understood in order to grow a company’s revenue and profit growth in today’s markets. I’d love to connect about any of these topics – feel free to reach out on LinkedIn!

Jeet's book list on make an impact in your organization through pricing

Jeet Mukherjee Why did Jeet love this book?

Porter’s five forces have been around a long time–and they’re an important and timeless framework for strategy.

It helps companies focus on where to improve as they look to dominate a market, understanding the ecosystem of competitive threats, entrants, and substitutes.

By understanding what contributes to your pricing power and knowing your stance in different environments, leaders will learn to discern what your pricing power is and how to build and maintain it over time.

By Michael E. Porter,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Competitive Strategy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Now nearing its sixtieth printing in English and translated into nineteen languages, Michael E. Porter's Competitive Strategy has transformed the theory, practice, and teaching of business strategy throughout the world.

Electrifying in its simplicity-like all great breakthroughs-Porter's analysis of industries captures the complexity of industry competition in five underlying forces. Porter introduces one of the most powerful competitive tools yet developed: his three generic strategies-lowest cost, differentiation, and focus-which bring structure to the task of strategic positioning. He shows how competitive advantage can be defined in terms of relative cost and relative prices, thus linking it directly to profitability, and…


Book cover of The Strategy and Tactics of Pricing: A Guide to Profitable Decision Making

Jeet Mukherjee Author Of Pricing with Confidence: Ten Rules for Increasing Profits and Staying Ahead of Inflation

From my list on make an impact in your organization through pricing.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been working in value-based pricing for over 20 years and I’ve seen firsthand how it can transform a company’s profits when done right and executed properly through sales. While the specific strategies and tactics vary across industries, company size, and product offerings, many of the foundations and logic behind those strategies can be learned, and must be understood in order to grow a company’s revenue and profit growth in today’s markets. I’d love to connect about any of these topics – feel free to reach out on LinkedIn!

Jeet's book list on make an impact in your organization through pricing

Jeet Mukherjee Why did Jeet love this book?

While pricing has evolved in many ways, the tenets of this book will be referenced in nearly every modern-day pricing strategy.

It’s important to understand these foundations and their logic as you build out your own strategy. The book walks through the effects of price, how it reflects on your brand, and the art of price setting and differential value as important parts of the broader picture of pricing.

By Thomas Nagle, Reed Holden,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Strategy and Tactics of Pricing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Practical in focus and lively in style, this book provides a comprehensive, managerially-focused, integrated, step-by-step guide to pricing analysis and strategy development. Numerous walk-through examples show how companies successfully or unsuccessfully implement pricing strategies. Strategic Pricing; Costs; Financial analysis; Customers; Competition; Price-center strategy; Life Cycle Pricing; Managing Value Perceptions; Segmented Pricing; Pricing in and through Distribution Channels; Competitive Advantages; Customer Research for Pricing; The Law and Ethics. For Marketing Managers, Product Managers, Managers of Pricing, Managers of Strategic Planning.


Book cover of Getting Price Right: The Behavioral Economics of Profitable Pricing

Jeet Mukherjee Author Of Pricing with Confidence: Ten Rules for Increasing Profits and Staying Ahead of Inflation

From my list on make an impact in your organization through pricing.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been working in value-based pricing for over 20 years and I’ve seen firsthand how it can transform a company’s profits when done right and executed properly through sales. While the specific strategies and tactics vary across industries, company size, and product offerings, many of the foundations and logic behind those strategies can be learned, and must be understood in order to grow a company’s revenue and profit growth in today’s markets. I’d love to connect about any of these topics – feel free to reach out on LinkedIn!

Jeet's book list on make an impact in your organization through pricing

Jeet Mukherjee Why did Jeet love this book?

This book takes a deeper look into the psychology of choices and pricing.

It helps provide more context and understanding around some familiar tactics and what drives buyer’s decisions. While price setting can be a technical activity, leaders need to understand the softer/behavioral skills to sell that price both internally and externally. Both components are important in order to get your pricing right.

By Gerald Smith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Getting Price Right as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Winner, 2022 Leonard L. Berry Marketing Book Award, American Marketing Association

How do leaders, managers, and proprietors go about the essential task of setting prices? What biases enter into this process, and why? How can a business debias its price setting to become more productive, strategic, and profitable?

Combining perceptive insights from behavioral economics with leading-edge ideas on price management, this book offers a new approach to pricing. Gerald Smith demonstrates why understanding, reframing, and refining everyday pricing processes-a firm's or manager's pricing orientation-results in a better long-term pricing strategy. He explores how pricing actually happens in practice and shows…


Book cover of Dirt Cheap

Cathy Ballou Mealey Author Of Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle

From my list on entrepreneurship and jobs for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have never picked a peck of pickles, but I have been a crossing guard, pet-sitter, and professional gift-wrapper. I’ve worked in department stores, banks, libraries, colleges, and even a middle school cafeteria. Every job has taught me about the value of hard work, allowed me to pursue a passion, and inspired me to connect with all kinds of people. My current job - picture book author - is my favorite! I write to empower and inspire readers with new ideas and encourage them, like my characters, to succeed by maintaining a positive attitude and a growth mindset!

Cathy's book list on entrepreneurship and jobs for kids

Cathy Ballou Mealey Why did Cathy love this book?

Birdie really wants a special soccer ball, the XR1000 Super Extreme. She starts selling dirt at 25 cents per bag, and soon has plenty of customers. While she does earn enough to buy the ball, she inadvertently creates a big problem. She has no yard left for playing soccer! What can she sell next in order to buy new soil for her lawn? This determined, creative soccer star’s story will inspire readers to persevere and amend for any oversights in their entrepreneurial ventures.

By Mark Hoffmann,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dirt Cheap as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A young entrepreneur sets out to earn some money and discovers the value of a dollar (and of dirt)! Perfect for fans of Lemonade in Winter, The Most Magnificent Thing, and Rosie Revere, Engineer.

Birdie doesn't know much about money. All she knows is that she wants a new soccer ball that costs $24.95. The fastest way to that $24.95 is going into sales, but what to sell?

All her belongings?
Not much of a market for those.

Birdie needs something that she has in abundance and that everyone needs. So when she sees everyone in her neighborhood working on…


Book cover of How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling

Dave Kurlan Author Of Baseline Selling: How to Become a Sales Superstar by Using What You Already Know about the Game of Baseball

From my list on to become a sales superstar.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been selling professionally since 1973, and in the sales training and development business for more than 36 years. I founded Objective Management Group, the world’s leading provider of sales force evaluations and sales candidate assessments, and we have data on 2.2 million salespeople. OMG measures 21 Sales Core Competencies, so that’s around 250 findings on 2.2 million salespeople or close to 500 million data points! I've personally trained and coached tens of thousands of salespeople, sales managers, and sales leaders and I have published nearly 2,000 articles on my multi-award-winning blog, Understanding the Sales Force. I was installed in the Sales & Marketing Hall of Fame in 2013. 

Dave's book list on to become a sales superstar

Dave Kurlan Why did Dave love this book?

Frank Betger was a sales guru before there were sales gurus! Most of his insights, despite being sixty years old, are still spot on and he influenced my sales consulting and writing career of thirty-five years and counting. Frank was a professional baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals prior to becoming a sales guru and everyone will relate to his story of failure and how he made himself successful.

By Frank Bettger,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

What are the selling secrets that raised Frank Bettger from initial failure to unparalleled success, and fame, as one of the highest paid salesmen in America? Encouraged to tell his story by admiring colleague Dale Carnegie, Bettger reveals his proven success formula so that you too can work magic with sales - and multiply your income and happiness a thousandfold! Inside you will find instructive examples and step-by-step guidelines on how to develop the style, spirit, and techniques of a first-rate salesperson. No matter what you sell, your on-the-job performance and profits will increase dramatically when you apply Bettger's keen…


Book cover of New Sales. Simplified.: The Essential Handbook for Prospecting and New Business Development

Dave Kurlan Author Of Baseline Selling: How to Become a Sales Superstar by Using What You Already Know about the Game of Baseball

From my list on to become a sales superstar.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been selling professionally since 1973, and in the sales training and development business for more than 36 years. I founded Objective Management Group, the world’s leading provider of sales force evaluations and sales candidate assessments, and we have data on 2.2 million salespeople. OMG measures 21 Sales Core Competencies, so that’s around 250 findings on 2.2 million salespeople or close to 500 million data points! I've personally trained and coached tens of thousands of salespeople, sales managers, and sales leaders and I have published nearly 2,000 articles on my multi-award-winning blog, Understanding the Sales Force. I was installed in the Sales & Marketing Hall of Fame in 2013. 

Dave's book list on to become a sales superstar

Dave Kurlan Why did Dave love this book?

Everyone needs a handbook and New Sales. Simplified. is a good choice! I like Mike Weinberg’s book for several reasons, the first being his emphasis on Prospecting. While most sales experts have caved to the mob that runs the online marketing platforms that promised to replace salespeople, Mike flies in the face of the “prospecting is dead” crowd and shows you how to do it and how to get results. A must-have in any salesperson’s library!

By Mike Weinberg,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked New Sales. Simplified. as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

No matter how much repeat business you get from loyal customers, the lifeblood of your business is a constant flow of new accounts. Packed with tested strategies and anecdotes, New Sales. Simplified. offers a proven formula for prospecting, developing, and closing deals.

With refreshing honesty and some much-needed humor, sales expert Mike Weinberg examines the critical mistakes made by most salespeople and executives, then provides tips to help you achieve the opposite results.

In New Sales. Simplified., you will learn how to:

Identify a strategic list of genuine prospects Draft a compelling, customer focused "sales story" Perfect the proactive telephone…


Book cover of Hacking Sales: The Playbook for Building a High-Velocity Sales Machine

Ryan Buckley Author Of The Parallel Entrepreneur: How to start and run B2B businesses while keeping your day job

From my list on how to start a side hustle.

Why am I passionate about this?

I studied economics and environmental policy but landed in entrepreneurship. I wrote The Parallel Entrepreneur after I sold my first company and continued to work on Rbucks, my blog, after I joined the next company. Outside of work I volunteer frequently in my community. I’m an Associate Professor in the Business Department at Diablo Valley College, where I teach marketing and sit on the advisory boards for both the Business and Computer Science departments. I also lead the Diablo Valley Tech Initiative (DVTI), an economic development organization incubated at DVC. Related to DVTI, I run Lamorinda Entrepreneurs, a community group that promotes and supports local entrepreneurship. I have a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and a MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Ryan's book list on how to start a side hustle

Ryan Buckley Why did Ryan love this book?

Max is one of the thought leaders in modern sales development and acceleration. His book is full of actionable advice for the modern sales rep – and entrepreneur – to blast through the building and closing of a sales pipeline. Since entrepreneurship requires selling, I highly recommend this book.

By Max Altschuler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hacking Sales as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Stay ahead of the sales evolution with a more efficient approach to everything

Hacking Sales helps you transform your sales process using the next generation of tools, tactics and strategies. Author Max Altschuler has dedicated his business to helping companies build modern, efficient, high tech sales processes that generate more revenue while using fewer resources. In this book, he shows you the most effective changes you can make, starting today, to evolve your sales and continually raise the bar. You'll walk through the entire sales process from start to finish, learning critical hacks every step of the way. Find and…


Book cover of Little Red Book of Selling: 12.5 Principles of Sales Greatness: How to Make Sales Forever

Ed Brodow Author Of Negotiation Boot Camp: How to Resolve Conflict, Satisfy Customers, and Make Better Deals

From my list on how to negotiate for personal success.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ed Brodow is one of the world’s leading experts on the art of negotiation and the bestselling author of eight books, including the business classic Negotiation Boot Camp. SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt dubbed Ed “The King of Negotiators.” Forbes Magazine agreed, ranking Ed as one of the nation’s leading dealmakers. A nationally recognized television personality, Ed has appeared as a negotiation guru on ABC National News, Fox News, PBS, Inside Edition, and Fortune Business Report. For more than two decades, his acclaimed seminars have set the standard for "how to make a deal" in Corporate America. Ed is a former U.S. Marine officer, Fortune 500 sales manager, and Hollywood movie actor.

Ed's book list on how to negotiate for personal success

Ed Brodow Why did Ed love this book?

My good friend Jeffrey Gitomer is the man when it comes to sales training. His colorful book aims to demystify the basic principles of selling. The amusing cartoons and pithy advice make this fun book appealing and accessible. Gitomer is unashamedly enthusiastic about sales and sales negotiation. His prose is straightforward and realistic. The Little Red Book includes plenty of advice and practical ideas on every aspect of the sales process.

By Jeffrey Gitomer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Little Red Book of Selling as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Until now, there has been no definitive "little red book" for the millions of sales-people across the globe. In the tradition of Harvey Penick's Little Red Book, New York Times bestseller and the best selling sports book of all time. The Little Red Book of Selling by sales master Jeffrey Gitomer fills that void with an edgy, practical, and fun resource that salespeople will love-and sales managers will buy by the case. Salespeople hate to read. That's why The Little Red Book of Selling is short, sweet, and to the point. It's packed with answers that people are searching for…


Book cover of How To Be A GREAT Salesperson...By Monday Morning!

Nico D'Alessandro Author Of People Buy from Me: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Sales by Building Lasting Connections with your Customers

From my list on sales fundamentals.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a youth, I was very athletic and always aspired to be the captain of the team. I worked hard and was very driven to earn this right. As a sales professional, I have continued that passion and channeled it into sales. In addition, due to my experience in sports, I am really passionate about coaching others. I feel that with the right direction, the right motivation, and the right information, anyone can be successful in sales. All of the authors for the sales books I have recommended are also giving back to society in their own way. 

Nico's book list on sales fundamentals

Nico D'Alessandro Why did Nico love this book?

There are many closing techniques in this book your sales reps can start using immediately to increase their sales.

I recommend this book because David does a really good job describing closing techniques. I like how he gives readers the confidence to have impactful conversations with customers that will yield immediate results. If you are in a sales funk and need help closing deals, this is a must-read.

By David Cook,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How To Be A GREAT Salesperson...By Monday Morning! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"I love Dave's book. Now he has an online Master Class!"
- Jack Canfield - New York Times Bestselling Author, Chicken Soup for The Soul.

THE PERFECT GIFT!!! - ORDER FOR YOUR ENTIRE TEAM! - YOU HAVE FOUND THE BOOK YOU ARE LOOKING FOR!! - JUMP-START YOUR 'NEW YEAR' SALES NOW!! - Selected Top 10 "Must-Read" Book by Top Sales World!

- Over 100,000 Books and Master Classes Sold! - Read The Reviews. Read The Table of Contents. If you are looking for ways to increase your sales, you have found THE BOOK you are looking for. Period!After Reading This…


Book cover of Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't
Book cover of Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors
Book cover of The Strategy and Tactics of Pricing: A Guide to Profitable Decision Making

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5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in sales, negotiation, and pricing?

Sales 80 books
Negotiation 27 books
Pricing 19 books