98 books like Sales Secrets

By Brandon Bornancin,

Here are 98 books that Sales Secrets fans have personally recommended if you like Sales Secrets. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Book cover of Spin Selling

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?

In selling high-value products or services, closing increases your chance of success. It is essential to describe the benefits of your product or service to the customer. Objection handling is an important skill, and open questions are more effective than closed questions.

I recommend this book because it focuses on customer conversation and the art of asking questions, identifying the hook, and “turning the knife.” I like how Neil harnesses the power of listening techniques to identify customer pain points. Then he teaches you how to exploit their pain to leverage your sale in a very positive manner that is win-win. It’s a must-read for any seller that interfaces with customers.

By Neil Rackham,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The international bestseller that revolutionized high-end selling!

Written by Neil Rackham, former president and founder of Huthwaite corporation, SPIN Selling is essential reading for anyone involved in selling or managing a sales force. Unquestionably the best-documented account of sales success ever collected and the result of the Huthwaite corporation's massive 12-year, $1-million dollar research into effective sales performance, this groundbreaking resource details the revolutionary SPIN (Situation, Problem, Implication, Need-payoff) strategy.

In SPIN Selling, Rackham, who has advised leading companies such as IBM and Honeywell delivers the first book to specifically examine selling high-value product and services. By following the simple,…


Book cover of The Challenger Sale: Taking Control of the Customer Conversation

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?

I recommend this book because it gives the seller the courage to challenge the customer's thoughts. I like how Brent describes the seller as the expert, and as experts, we need to make the right recommendations to our customers that will help them achieve their goals. It flips the sales process upside down, and you can start selling as an advisor, as opposed to a vendor. Very inspirational!

By Matthew Dixon, Brent Adamson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The need to understand what top-performing reps are doing that their average performing colleagues are not drove Matthew Dixon, Brent Adamson, and their colleagues at Corporate Executive Board to investigate the skills, behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes that matter most for high performance. And what they discovered may be the biggest shock to conventional sales wisdom in decades. Based on an exhaustive study of thousands of sales reps across multiple industries and geographies, "The Challenger Sale" argues that classic relationship building is a losing approach, especially when it comes to selling complex, large-scale business-to-business solutions. The authors' study found that every…


Book cover of The New Strategic Selling: The Unique Sales System Proven Successful by the World's Best Companies

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?

I have used the teachings from this book for every stage of my sales career. The way Miller-Heinman breaks down an opportunity helping to identify the strengths and the weaknesses of your position is so basic yet groundbreaking. Anyone in the technical sales world must pick up this book.  

By Robert B. Miller, Stephen E. Heiman, Tad Tuleja

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Learn from one of the bestselling books on sales ever published, which has cemented itself as the must-read for any sales or marketing professional, written by leaders at Miller Heiman - the global lead in sales and development. Strategic Selling presented the idea of selling as a joint venture, introducing the influential concept of 'win-win' and making it one of the bestselling books on sales ever published. The response to 'win-win' was immediate and fundamentally changed sales and marketing with its rejection of manipulative tactics, in turn positioning Miller Heiman as a global leader with the most prestigious client list…


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 Twelve and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success

Alan Stein Jr. Author Of Sustain Your Game: High Performance Keys to Manage Stress, Avoid Stagnation, and Beat Burnout

From my list on managing stress and beating burnout.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a professional keynote speaker and author that has long been fascinated with tenants of high performance. When I began, I was curious about how high performance could lead to increased achievement and accomplishment. Now, I am fascinated by how high performance can lead to heightened happiness and fulfillment. Thus, I love reading, watching, and listening to any resource that can help improve the quality of my life… so that I can pay that forward and improve the quality of life for those I serve. I believe a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. 

Alan's book list on managing stress and beating burnout

Alan Stein Jr. Why did Alan love this book?

I am confident I can make a very compelling argument that the most important skill set we need to develop as human beings is our Emotional Intelligence. Our EQ lays the foundation for both our personal and professional success… as well as heavily influences our happiness and fulfillment. Twelve and a Half uses humor and practical stories/examples to break down a dozen of the most important traits we need to develop to become our best selves (traits like empathy, compassion, curiosity, ambition, and gratitude). I read this book cover to cover in less than 24 hours… it’s that good!

By Gary Vaynerchuk,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Twelve and a Half as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

USA Today Bestseller

In his sixth business book, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and investor Gary Vaynerchuk explores the twelve essential emotional skills that are integral to his life-and business-success and provides today's (and tomorrow's) leaders with critical tools to acquire and develop these traits.

For decades, leaders have relied on "hard" skills to make smart decisions, while dismissing the importance of emotional intelligence. Soft skills like self-awareness and curiosity aren't quantifiable; they can't be measured on a spreadsheet and aren't taught in B-schools or emphasized in institutions. We've been taught that emotional intelligence is a "nice to have" in business, not…


Book cover of The 10x Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure

Steve Mastroianni Author Of Hobby Boss: Turn Your Passion Into Profits Online

From my list on to kick you into high gear.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been interested in motivation, productivity, and growth my whole life. I find it fascinating how we all have 24 hours; however, some people can maximize that time to create success while others let it go to waste. It all comes down to mindset. As an entrepreneur, I’ve consumed countless books, courses, and coaching programs to create what I call the “Rockstar Mind.” It has helped me tour the world opening for bands like KISS, write two best-selling books and 3 hit songs, and run two online businesses while supporting my young family during a global pandemic. I’m always looking for the edge to create more impact in my day.

Steve's book list on to kick you into high gear

Steve Mastroianni Why did Steve love this book?

This is my go-to book to feel motivated and get back into taking action (or “massive action” as Grant calls it). I highly recommend getting your hands on the audiobook version and setting the speed to at least 1.5x to get a world-class pep talk from one of the most energetic and best action-takers out there. I guarantee it will inspire you to get more out of your day.

By Grant Cardone,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The 10x Rule as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Achieve "Massive Action" results and accomplish your business dreams! While most people operate with only three degrees of action-no action, retreat, or normal action-if you're after big goals, you don't want to settle for the ordinary. To reach the next level, you must understand the coveted 4th degree of action. This 4th degree, also know as the 10 X Rule, is that level of action that guarantees companies and individuals realize their goals and dreams. The 10 X Rule unveils the principle of "Massive Action," allowing you to blast through business clich s and risk-aversion while taking concrete steps to…


Book cover of The Wolf of Wall Street

Robert Kerbeck Author Of RUSE: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street

From my list on cons and scams.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up in the automobile business (my great-grandfather sold horse carriages before cars were invented!), I’ve always been fascinated by salesmen and con artists, and the very thin line that often separates the two. What is a sales pitch, for example, and what is an outright lie? Where does the truth live anymore? Media? Politics? Business? None of the above? It has never been more important to learn the truth, and never has it been harder to find it. And it’s this very issue that is dividing the world. We think the other side has been conned. They think we’ve been conned. One thing’s for sure—someone’s getting conned. And that’s why I love con books! 

Robert's book list on cons and scams

Robert Kerbeck Why did Robert love this book?

Wolf of Wall Street author Jordan Belfort and I shared more than a few things in common. First off, we were both using the telephone for illegal purposes: me to con executives and gatekeepers to reveal corporate secrets; Belfort to defraud mom-and-pop investors to the tune of $200 million or so. And we both spent time in Beverly Hills: me while playing a desk clerk in a couple of episodes of Melrose Place; Belfort while living there after his pump-and-dump outfit Stratton Oakmont was shut down. Belfort’s Midas-gone-rogue story is chock full of sex, drugs, and sinking ships, and The Godfather of con stories. 

By Jordan Belfort,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Wolf of Wall Street as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Now a major motion picture directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio
 
By day he made thousands of dollars a minute. By night he spent it as fast as he could. From the binge that sank a 170-foot motor yacht and ran up a $700,000 hotel tab, to the wife and kids waiting at home and the fast-talking, hard-partying young stockbrokers who called him king, here, in Jordan Belfort’s own words, is the story of the ill-fated genius they called the Wolf of Wall Street. In the 1990s, Belfort became one of the most…


Book cover of A Mind for Sales: Daily Habits and Practical Strategies for Sales Success

Mike Esterday Author Of Listen to Sell: How Your Mindset, Skillset, and Human Connections Unlock Sales Performance

From my list on improving sales performance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve built my career around the belief that sales is a noble profession and that selling is about uncovering needs, filling needs, and creating value for customers. Things like purpose, ethics and values should be at the center of why someone sells. And those that do will be far more successful. I love these books because they all support these ideas of sales as a career to be proud of, that is necessary and that good salespeople truly put the best interests of their customers first. 

Mike's book list on improving sales performance

Mike Esterday Why did Mike love this book?

Too many salespeople are burning out. Often, it’s not because they lack basic selling skills and product knowledge but because they haven’t developed a success mindset and a sense of purpose, passion, and accountability that drive the habits required to achieve breakthrough levels of sales performance. Mark clearly lays out the daily habits needed to maximize sales productivity and potential. 

By Mark Hunter,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

For salespeople feeling stressed and disappointed that their customers don't want to hear from them, this guide is the key to developing the mindset and habits required to reach a new level of sales success.

The world of sales can be tough, so it's easy to get discouraged when the rejections start piling up and your customers stop answering the phone. This allows the wrong thought patterns to start developing, soon you aren't making quotas and then you begin looking at job listings waiting for your next downfall.

Sales expert Mark Hunter can relate as his start to sales was…


Book cover of The Yes Syndrome: A Complete Guide to Selling Professionally

Wayne Moloney Author Of The Wentworth Prospect: A novel guide to success in B2B sales

From my list on B2B salespeople to stay relevant and successful.

Why am I passionate about this?

Everyone survives by selling something whether we wear the title or not. Selling has been my career, even before I was a salesperson. I started my career in engineering but quickly realised my passion was in developing business, not designing industrial ventilation systems. Helped by a boss who also saw I was better suited to roles other than engineering (he wasn’t so polite) I went on to enjoy a successful career spanning 4 decades working in Australian, Asian, and European markets that embraced all facets of sales and business development. Helped by great mentors and learning from the experience of others, I have endeavoured to give back by mentoring business owners, salespeople, and writing.

Wayne's book list on B2B salespeople to stay relevant and successful

Wayne Moloney Why did Wayne love this book?

The YES Syndrome could have been written yesterday.

But it was first published in 1982. Proof that the basics of good selling are not new, but have been the foundation of successful, ethical selling for decades, if not longer.

Combine the timeless customer-focused sales skills that Beveridge shares with the emerging technologies of the 21st century and salespeople will not only remain relevant, but indispensable and invaluable to buyers.

By Don Beveridge,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'The YES Syndrome' is much more than simplistic selling techniques or more "HOW-TO." It is a unique, complete system, from the initial "customer needs analysis" through to the sophisticated 'customer focused proposal.' These systems work. They have been proven and Don Beveridge's concepts have been embraced by corporated America.


Book cover of The Only Sales Guide You'll Ever Need

Rob Walling Author Of Start Small, Stay Small: A Developer's Guide to Launching a Startup

From my list on building and growing a startup.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a serial entrepreneur who’s built and sold several startups. I’ve been helping non-venture-backed startup founders since 2005 and now I run the first startup accelerator for bootstrappers, called TinySeed. I’ve invested in 57 startups, but I don’t believe the only way to start a SaaS company is to raise money. I host the most popular podcast for bootstrappers, called Startups for the Rest of Us. I also run the most well-known conference and online community for non-venture-track SaaS founders, called MicroConf.

Rob's book list on building and growing a startup

Rob Walling Why did Rob love this book?

Selling is and always has been about the personal relationship between the buyer and the seller. People buy from people they know and trust. Iannarino does a fantastic job outlining the essential behaviors (self-discipline, accountability, competitiveness, resourcefulness, storytelling, diagnosing) for effective sales and these principles will be requisite for all startup founders.

By Anthony Iannarino,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Only Sales Guide You'll Ever Need as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The USA Today bestseller by the star sales speaker and author of The Sales Blog that reveals how all salespeople can attain huge sales success through strategies backed by extensive research and experience.
 
Anthony Iannarino never set out to become a salesman, let alone a sales manager, speaker, coach, or writer of the most prominent blog about the art and science of great selling. He fell into his profession by accident, as a day job while pursuing rock-and-roll stardom.
 
Once he realized he'd never become the next Mick Jagger, Iannarino turned his focus to a question that's been debated for…


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