80 books like Spin Selling

By Neil Rackham,

Here are 80 books that Spin Selling fans have personally recommended if you like Spin Selling. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Melina Palmer Author Of What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You: Unlocking Consumer Decisions with the Science of Behavioral Economics

From my list on brainy branding that results in buying.

Why am I passionate about this?

The more I learn about the brain, the more I want to dig in and discover more. Why do we procrastinate? Why do people buy things? Why do some people love unlocking these topics weekly on The Brainy Business podcast (where each person on this list has been a guest) and sharing those insights with the world? When it comes to selling and buying in a brainy way, behavioral economics is the best way to get there, and these books are all a great first step into learning what behavioral science is, how the brain really works, and up-leveling your brand. 

Melina's book list on brainy branding that results in buying

Melina Palmer Why did Melina love this book?

No list on behavior, sales, and brand messaging would be complete without including Robert Cialdini on the list. Concepts like social proof, scarcity, and reciprocity are key for getting customers to buy in on your product or service before they even get to the buying moment.

If you are one of the millions of people who has already read Influence, his other book Pre-Suasion is amazing as well and so helpful for brands!

By Robert B. Cialdini,

Why should I read it?

24 authors picked Influence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The foundational and wildly popular go-to resource for influence and persuasion-a renowned international bestseller, with over 5 million copies sold-now revised adding: new research, new insights, new examples, and online applications.

In the new edition of this highly acclaimed bestseller, Robert Cialdini-New York Times bestselling author of Pre-Suasion and the seminal expert in the fields of influence and persuasion-explains the psychology of why people say yes and how to apply these insights ethically in business and everyday settings. Using memorable stories and relatable examples, Cialdini makes this crucially important subject surprisingly easy. With Cialdini as a guide, you don't have…


Book cover of The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

Denise Brinkmeyer Author Of Project Orienteering: A Field Guide For Project Leadership

From my list on servant leaders who get things done.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the oldest child, and former teacher turned technology innovator. As the only girl, growing up with three brothers gave me the tenacity to overcome limiting beliefs. Information technology has helped me create an environment where I can help a lot of people. At the end of the day, what I love most is helping someone turn an idea into a tangible solution while motivating team members to see the beauty and joy in this type of service.  

Denise's book list on servant leaders who get things done

Denise Brinkmeyer Why did Denise love this book?

This book inspires me to look at how I spend my time at work. I do many things that could be automated so that I can spend more time doing things that machines are not great at. 

While I do not intend to work only 4 hours a week, I use the inspiration for this book to move from 75-hour weeks to a more practical 40-50 hours that allow me to have time for my non-business roles (wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, etc.). Note that some technologies are outdated, but the concepts are golden.

If you like this book, you might like his Tools of Titans, as well.

By Timothy Ferriss,

Why should I read it?

12 authors picked The 4-Hour Workweek as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A new, updated and expanded edition of this New York Times bestseller on how to reconstruct your life so it's not all about work

Forget the old concept of retirement and the rest of the deferred-life plan - there is no need to wait and every reason not to, especially in unpredictable economic times. Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, experiencing high-end world travel, earning a monthly five-figure income with zero management, or just living more and working less, this book is the blueprint.

This step-by step guide to luxury lifestyle design teaches:

* How Tim went from…


Book cover of Secrets of Power Negotiating

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always tried to be "the best that I can be'' at anything. These books helped me be the best that I could be at commercial investment real estate sales...without hype...just good solid advice.

Adam's book list on books for anyone looking to begin a career in commercial investment real estate by authors who "have been there and done that"

Adam Von Romer Why did Adam love this book?

The Secrets of Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson in one of the best books I have ever read on the topic. Roger’s take on the process of negotiations is refreshing and user-friendly.

The book isn’t a stuffy academic tome about what could happen in a negotiation; it is about what does happen on a daily basis. I read the book, bought the cassette tapes (that’s how old I am), and learned all the “gambits” I could. I have used his tips and techniques daily ever since…everything is a negotiation. Plus, he has a really cool accent! 

By Roger Dawson,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Secrets of Power Negotiating as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?


“This is perhaps the best book on negotiating ever written. Roger’s powerful, practical principles will save or make you a fortune in the months and years ahead.” —Brian Tracy, author, Eat That Frog! and Million Dollar Habits

“This is the one negotiating book that really opened my eyes and gave me practical tools I could use immediately.” —Timothy Ferriss, bestselling author of The 4-Hour Work Week

“A fast, entertaining read that should be required reading for anyone who deals with people. Highly recommended.” —Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager

“I can’t believe it! Here’s a book that is…


Book cover of Winning Through Intimidation: How to Be the Victor, Not the Victim, in Business and in Life

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always tried to be "the best that I can be'' at anything. These books helped me be the best that I could be at commercial investment real estate sales...without hype...just good solid advice.

Adam's book list on books for anyone looking to begin a career in commercial investment real estate by authors who "have been there and done that"

Adam Von Romer Why did Adam love this book?

This is the “playbook” for commercial real estate. Even though Robert Ringer wrote this book in 1973 he absolutely hit the nail on the head.

He teaches you “straightforward, easy-to-understand terms, how to defend yourself against the intimidators of the world.” Robert Ringer even identifies the “intimidators” and in a humorous and entertaining way.

The most amazing part is that once you have read the book, you will instantly recognize the characters from the book in your daily life.

By Robert Ringer,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Winning Through Intimidation as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 New York Times Bestseller! Why is Robert Ringer's classic Winning through Intimidation still one of the most talked about personal-development books of all time? Because it teaches you how to defend yourself against the intimidators of the world.

Believe it or not, the results a person obtains are inversely proportionate to the degree to which he is intimidated; it's not what you say or do that counts, but what your posture is when you say or do it! Those who choose to be ostriches and believe they can wish away these realities invite an enormous amount of unnecessary pain…


Book cover of Move the Sale Forward: Position Yourself and Your Business to Make Things Happen

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always tried to be "the best that I can be'' at anything. These books helped me be the best that I could be at commercial investment real estate sales...without hype...just good solid advice.

Adam's book list on books for anyone looking to begin a career in commercial investment real estate by authors who "have been there and done that"

Adam Von Romer Why did Adam love this book?

I have read and re-read possibly dozens of books on selling and cold calling and John Klymshyn is the only author, speaker, and seminar leader that I really align with. He is straightforward about sales while being non-confrontational and non-manipulative.

He also writes with a great deal of humor and insight. I have had dinner with John and some long conversations and the most amazing thing is that John walks the talk and is the real deal.

Want to know how to connect with people in a sales situation and have them feel better for it…read this book! 

By John Klymshyn,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A sales cycle is a conversation that the sales person manages...and moves forward. --wisdom from a veteran of 250,000 cold calls! And the hardest part of selling is getting that conversation started. Though most sales gurus emphasize the closing process, John Klymshyn says that closing is easy...but setting things up the right way is hard. He offers * practical secrets--how to open the conversation and ensure it travels the right direction * tools for salespeople at any level: CEO, Manager, or frontline newbie * exercises to raise and keep spirits high and practice in keeping one's edge, because maintaining focus…


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 Sales Secrets: The World's Top Salespeople Share Their Secrets to Success

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?

This book is the ultimate playbook from hundreds of sales experts, sharing their top secrets to increasing sales no matter what you sell or who you sell to.

I recommend this book because it offers a way to learn from the success of others. Brandon does a great job harnessing the experience of so many successful sellers. I like how we, as readers, can learn from other sellers and then try it out for ourselves. It is a fun and exciting read.  

By Brandon Bornancin,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

“Sales Secrets” unlocks all the secrets to sell anything to anyone from interviews with the world’s top sales experts.

This book is the ultimate playbook from hundreds of sales experts on their top secrets to increasing your sales no matter what you sell or who you sell to.

For the last two years, Brandon Bornancin has interviewed hundreds of world-class sales performers for his #1 podcast “Sales Secrets.” The guests range from infamous celebrities like Gary Vaynerchuk, Jordan Belfort, and Ryan Serhant to legendary sales performers like Heather Monahan, Trish Bertuzzi, Anthony Iannarino, Jeffrey Gitomer, Jarrod Glandt, and others.

This…


Book cover of Unlimited Selling Power: How to Master Hypnotic Selling Skills

Bernie De Souza Author Of Getting "Yes" Decisions: What insurance agents and financial advisors can say to clients.

From my list on closing skills for insurance agents and network marketers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I see salesmen talking and selling, but never being able to close. They use outdated techniques from 30 years ago. The world now is over exposed and over marketed to. Buyers are more sophisticated. We have to change.

Bernie's book list on closing skills for insurance agents and network marketers

Bernie De Souza Why did Bernie love this book?

Focus and controlling our prospects’ attention is the first step. Add some conversational hypnosis and we will have more influence over the outcome.

The authors believe in carefully crafted sales scripts to talk to the unconscious mind of our prospects. While these structure sentences seem challenging at first, we gradually become aware of their power as we progress through this book.

By Donald Moine, Kenneth Lloyd,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Provides salespeople with information on hypnotic techniques and how to use them in sales presentations and script books to win the customer's trust and make sales.


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in sales, Neil Armstrong, and higher education?

Sales 75 books
Neil Armstrong 8 books
Higher Education 38 books