Gary Vaynerchuk

Social Media Pioneer, CEO of VaynerMedia and Vayner Capital

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Book Recommendations:

GV

Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Charity is an unapologetic, self-made entrepreneur carving out her own lane in the plant-based space. This book represents that in every way. (from Amazon)

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • 100+ big, bold, sock-you-sideways plant-based vegan recipes from the star of Unbelievably Vegan on Max “Charity is taking a practical approach to a plant-based diet. . . . She provides support and encouragement as she guides you through this exploration.”—Venus Williams, from the foreword Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or already a convert, when you cook vegan with Charity Morgan, private chef to elite athletes and rock stars, you may be leaving out the meat, dairy, and eggs, but you won’t be missing out on the flavor and indulgence of all your favorite comfort foods. In her first cookbook, Charity lays out a plan for anyone who wants to eat less meat—whether they are looking to go completely vegan or just be a little bit more meat-free. Pulling inspiration from her Puerto Rican and Creole heritage as well as from the American South, where she lives with her family, Charity’s recipes are full of flavor. Think Smoky Jambalaya; hearty Jerk-Spiced Lentils with Coconut Rice & Mango Salsa; Jalapeño-Bae’con Corn Cakes with Chili-Lime Maple Syrup; and a molten, decadent Salted Caramel Apple Crisp. Unbelievably Vegan offers more than 100 recipes for living a meat-free life without giving up your favorite comfort foods. Charity guides readers on how to use oyster mushrooms to stand in for chicken and how to spice walnuts to taste like chorizo! She proves that vegan food can be fun, filling, healthy, and above all else unbelievably delicious.

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Buy the book! I promise if you are doing YouTube [you need] YouTube Secrets. (from Amazon)

YouTube has changed our world—from how we view video to how we connect and market—opening a new entrepreneurial landscape to ambitious individuals. Millions of people generate six to seven figures annually from online video content. And, with the right roadmap, you too could be en route to real influence and income. In the NEW and EXPANDED edition of YouTube Secrets, online video experts Sean Cannell and Benji Travis draw on almost two decades of experience as well as interviews with more than two hundred top creators to give you a step-by-step YouTube success playbook. You’ll learn The seven essential ingredients for a profitable channelNew strategies for getting views and subscribersTen ways to make money on YouTubeAnd much moreWhether you’re a beginner or a veteran, this book will show you how to use YouTube to build a following, create a lucrative business, and make a massive impact in people’s lives.

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Ryan Serhant is the authority on all things selling. If you want to sell more than anyone else, read this now. (from Amazon)

This national bestseller is a lively and practical guide on how to sell anything and achieve long-term success in business. Ryan Serhant was a shy, jobless hand model when he entered the real estate business in 2008 at a time the country was on the verge of economic collapse. Just nine years later, he has emerged as one of the top realtors in the world and an authority on the art of selling. Sell It Like Serhant is a smart, at times hilarious, and always essential playbook to build confidence, generate results, and sell just about anything. You'll find tips like: The Seven Stages of Selling How to Find Your Hook; Negotiating Like A BOSS; How to Be a Time Manager, Not a Time Stealer; and much more! Through useful lessons, lively stories, and vivid examples, this book shows you how to employ Serhant's principles to increase profits and achieve success. Your measure of a good day will no longer depend on one deal or one client, wondering what comes next; the next deal is already happening. And Serhant's practical guidance will show you how to juggle multiple deals at once and close all of them EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Whatever your business or expertise, Sell It Like Serhant will make anyone a master at sales. Ready, set, GO! Sell It Like Serhant is a USA Today Bestseller, Los Angeles Times Bestseller, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller.

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Simply put, Bobby Hundreds is a social beast. He knows how to tell a story, where to tell that story, and he's great at bringing people together. He's also crazy dedicated to his work and has the laser-focused attention to detail needed to not only build an everlasting globally relevant brand, but any successful business. (from Amazon)

The story of The Hundreds and the precepts that made it an iconic streetwear brand by Bobby Hundreds himself Streetwear occupies that rarefied space where genuine "cool" coexists with big business; where a star designer might work concurrently with Nike, a tattoo artist, Louis Vuitton, and a skateboard company. It’s the ubiquitous style of dress comprising hoodies, sneakers, and T-shirts. In the beginning, a few brands defined this style; fewer still survived as streetwear went mainstream. They are the OGs, the “heritage brands.” The Hundreds is one of those persevering companies, and Bobby Hundreds is at the center of it all. The creative force behind the brand, Bobby Kim, a.k.a. Bobby Hundreds, has emerged as a prominent face and voice in streetwear. In telling the story of his formative years, he reminds us that The Hundreds was started by outsiders; and this is truly the story of streetwear culture. In This Is Not a T-Shirt, Bobby Hundreds cements his spot as a champion of an industry he helped create and tells the story of The Hundreds―with anecdotes ranging from his Southern California, punk-DIY-tinged youth to the brand’s explosive success. Both an inspiring memoir and an expert assessment of the history and future of streetwear, this is the tale of Bobby’s commitment to his creative vision and to building a real community.

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Mastering the art of the 'jab' through vlogging means learning from Amy Schmittauer. I don't consume a lot of video, but Amy knows how to crush it to get attention. She got mine. Take notes. (from Amazon)

Vlog Like a Boss is the complete guide to video blogging. Amy Schmittauer is the Vlog Boss. As a new media triple threat -- YouTuber, keynote speaker and author -- she coaches people to go after what they want in life and leverage online video to make it happen. Creator of the popular YouTube series Savvy Sexy Social, her channel boasts a global community and millions of views. Now, in her first book, she will show you how to Vlog Like a Boss and get the attention you deserve. A collection of strategies and tactics from years of experience in online video, Schmittauer shares time-tested, proven methods to creating brand awareness with vlogging that will build a loyal community for years to come. This complete guide will show you how to: overcome the 3 major fears that hold many people back from making videos create your most engaging vlog every time with the Authority Video Formula achieve your on-camera talent (and no, you don't need to be a natural!) leverage the "secret" to video success that creates fans for life and much more!

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

I firmly believe that you should only read business books from people who have actually built businesses. Daymond has done just that, and here he breaks down the thesis and the religion behind exactly how he did it. You have to understand that ‘broke’ isn’t what happens in your wallet; ‘broke’ is a mind-set. It’s about tapping into that state of desperation that leads you to tremendous creativity. I was in the game of broke before I even knew what the game was, and, here, Daymond John deconstructs this crucial concept in detail. (from Amazon)

The instant New York Times bestseller from Shark Tank star and Fubu Founder Daymond John on why starting a business on a limited budget can be an entrepreneur's greatest competitive advantage. Daymond John has been practicing the power of broke ever since he started selling his home-sewn t-shirts on the streets of Queens. With a $40 budget, Daymond had to strategize out-of-the-box ways to promote his products. Luckily, desperation breeds innovation, and so he hatched an idea for a creative campaign that eventually launched the FUBU brand into a $6 billion dollar global phenomenon.  But it might not have happened if he hadn’t started out broke - with nothing but hope and a ferocious drive to succeed by any means possible. Here, the FUBU founder and star of ABC’s Shark Tank shows that, far from being a liability, broke can actually be your greatest competitive advantage as an entrepreneur. Why?  Because starting a business from broke forces you to think more creatively.  It forces you to use your resources more efficiently. It forces you to connect with your customers more authentically, and market your ideas more imaginatively. It forces you to be true to yourself, stay laser focused on your goals, and come up with those innovative solutions required to make a meaningful mark. Drawing his own experiences as an entrepreneur and branding consultant, peeks behind-the scenes from the set of Shark Tank, and stories of dozens of other entrepreneurs who have hustled their way to wealth, John shows how we can all leverage the power of broke to phenomenal success. You’ll meet: · Steve Aoki, the electronic dance music (EDM) deejay who managed to parlay a series of $100 gigs into becoming a global superstar who has redefined the music industry · Gigi Butler, a cleaning lady from Nashville who built cupcake empire on the back of a family  recipe, her maxed out credit cards, and a heaping dose of faith · 11-year old Shark Tank guest Mo Bridges who stitched together a winning clothing line with just his grandma’s sewing machine, a stash of loose fabric, and his unique sartorial flair When your back is up against the wall, your bank account is empty, and creativity and passion are the only resources you can afford, success is your only option. Here you’ll learn how to tap into that Power of Broke to scrape, hustle, and dream your way to the top.

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Wall Street Journal BestsellerMake Your Mark in the World with the Five Success Principles of the World-Changing Social Media Site If Facebook were a country, it would be the third largest in the world. Facebook accounts for one of every seven minutes spent online. More than one billion pieces of content are shared on Facebook. There’s no doubt about it. Mark Zuckerberg’s creation has changed the world. Literally. Facebook has singlehandedly revolutionized the way more than one-seventh of the world’s population communicates, engages, and consumes information. If you run a business or plan to start one, you’re probably asking yourself the same question organizational leaders worldwide are asking: What did Mark Zuckerberg do right? At long last, the answer is here. Think Like Zuck examines the five principles behind Facebook’s meteoric rise, presented in actionable lessons anyone can apply―in any organization, in any industry. Written by social business trailblazer Ekaterina Walter, this groundbreaking book reveals the five “P”s of Facebook’s success: PASSION―Keep your energy and commitment fully charged at all times by pursuing something you believe in PURPOSE―Don’t just create a great product; drive a meaningful movement PEOPLE―Build powerful teams that can execute your vision PRODUCT―Create a product that is innovative, that breaks all the rules, that changes everything PARTNERSHIPS―Build powerful partnerships with people who fuel imagination and energize execution Packed with examples of Facebook’s success principles in action―as well as those of Zappos, TOMS, Threadless, Dyson, and other companies―Think Like Zuck gives you the inspiration, knowledge, and insight to make your own mark in the world, to build a business that makes a difference, and to lead your organization to long-term profitability and growth. “Think Like Zuck is a fascinating look at how entrepreneurial vision drives success. If you want more out of work than just a job, if you have the burning desire to build something of lasting value, then this is your guide.” ―DAVID MEERMAN SCOTT, bestselling author of The New Rules of Marketing and PR “Whether you’re a seasoned business executive or the next Mark Zuckerberg in your dorm room right now, this book is a must-read! Two likeable thumbs up!” ―DAVE KERPEN, New York Times bestselling author of Likeable Social Media and Likeable Business “True success lies at the place where passion and purpose collide―this book will help you uncover yours.” ―JOHN JANTSCH, bestselling author of Duct Tape Marketing and The Commitment Engine “Think Like Zuck is a must-read for any innovator, social entrepreneur, or business owner looking to capitalize on the success of Facebook to propel and realize their own vision.” ―SIMON MAINWARING, New York Times bestselling author of We First “This book takes you on the ride of a lifetime and shows you how YOU can be successful! The question is: What does it take? Ekaterina gives us the answers!” ―JEFFREY HAYZLETT, bestselling author of Running the Gauntlet and global business celebrity “In Think Like Zuck, you will find important principles to infuse meaning into your business strategies and inspire change. Don’t just read this book; use it.” ―SHAWN ACHOR, author of the international bestseller The Happiness Advantage

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Bestselling author Jeffrey Toobin takes you into the chambers of the most important—and secret—legal body in our country, the Supreme Court, and reveals the complex dynamic among the nine people who decide the law of the land. Just in time for the 2008 presidential election—where the future of the Court will be at stake—Toobin reveals an institution at a moment of transition, when decades of conservative disgust with the Court have finally produced a conservative majority, with major changes in store on such issues as abortion, civil rights, presidential power, and church-state relations. Based on exclusive interviews with justices themselves, The Nine tells the story of the Court through personalities—from Anthony Kennedy's overwhelming sense of self-importance to Clarence Thomas's well-tended grievances against his critics to David Souter's odd nineteenth-century lifestyle. There is also, for the first time, the full behind-the-scenes story of Bush v. Gore—and Sandra Day O'Connor's fateful breach with George W. Bush, the president she helped place in office. The Nine is the book bestselling author Jeffrey Toobin was born to write. A CNN senior legal analyst and New Yorker staff writer, no one is more superbly qualified to profile the nine justices.

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Steve Jobs book cover

by Walter Isaacson·You?

Walter Isaacson’s “enthralling” (The New Yorker) worldwide bestselling biography of Apple cofounder Steve Jobs. Based on more than forty interviews with Steve Jobs conducted over two years—as well as interviews with more than 100 family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues—Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing. At a time when America is seeking ways to sustain its innovative edge, Jobs stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination. He knew that the best way to create value in 21st century was to connect creativity with technology. He built a company where leaps of the imagination were combined with remarkable feats of engineering. Although Jobs cooperated with the author, he asked for no control over what was written. He put nothing off-limits. He encouraged the people he knew to speak honestly. And Jobs speaks candidly, sometimes brutally so, about the people he worked with and competed against. His friends, foes, and colleagues provide an unvarnished view of the passions, perfectionism, obsessions, artistry, devilry, and compulsion for control that shaped his approach to business and the innovative products that resulted. Driven by demons, Jobs could drive those around him to fury and despair. But his personality and products were interrelated, just as Apple’s hardware and software tended to be, as if part of an integrated system. His tale is instructive and cautionary, filled with lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values. Steve Jobs is the inspiration for the movie of the same name starring Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, and Jeff Daniels, directed by Danny Boyle with a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin.

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

The New York Times best seller, and #1 Amazon best seller"Jay Baer's Youtility is arguably the greatest contribution to the field of social media marketing since 2012." ~ Dr. Jim Barry, Top 25 Social Media Books for Academia" If you haven't bought Jay Baer's book "Youtility," stop what you're doing and do that. I swear, this is the next big thing." ~ Chris Brogan, Owner Magazine The difference between helping and selling is just two letters, but those two letters make all the difference. What if - faced with more competition than ever before - you stopped trying to be amazing, and just started being useful? Jay Baer's Youtility offers a new business approach that cuts through the clut­ter: marketing that is truly, inherently useful. If you sell something, you make a customer today, but if you genuinely help someone, you create a customer for life. Drawing from real examples of companies who are practicing Youtility as well as his experience helping more than seven hundred brands improve their marketing strategy, Baer provides a groundbreaking plan for using information and helpfulness to transform the relationship between companies and customers. See why Jay Baer's Youtility framework is now a standard part of the marketing framework in many of the world's leading companies, powers the marketing approach of thousands of small businesses, and is part of the curriculum of dozens of college and university business schools.

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

A game-changing book that outlines the ways in which technology has transformed how brands and businesses innovate and connect with consumers: "An indispensable read for a time when so much is in transition" (Arianna Huffington). The DNA of business has changed. Forever. You can blame technology, smartphones, social media, online shopping and everything else, but nothingchanges this reality: we are in a moment of business purgatory. So, what are you going to do about it? Mitch Joel, one of the world's leading experts in new media, warns that the time has come to CTRL ALT DELETE. To reboot and to start re-building your business model. If you don't, Joel warns, not only will your company begin to slide backwards, but you may find yourself unemployable within five years. That's a very strong warning, but in his new book, CTRL ALT DELETE, Joel explains the convergence of five key movements that have changed business forever. The movements have already taken place, but few businesses have acted on them. He outlines what you need to know to adapt right now. He also points to the seven triggers that will help you take advantage of these game-changing factors to keep you employable as this new world of business unfolds. Along the way, Joel introduces his novel concept of "squiggle" which explains how you can learn to adapt your personal approach to your career, as new technology becomes the norm. In short, this is not a book about "change management" but rather a book about "changing both you AND your business model."

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Now a New York Times bestseller! Fantasy football, fantasy baseball, fantasy basketball, even fantasy sumo wrestling: the world of fantasy sports is huge, and still growing. Today, more than 35 million people in the United States and Canada spend hours upon hours each week on their fantasy sports teams. And as the Senior Fantasy Sports Analyst for ESPN, Matthew Berry is on the front lines of what has grown from a niche subculture into a national pastime. In Fantasy Life, Berry celebrates every aspect of the fantasy sports world. Brilliant trash talk. Unbelievable trophies. Insane draft day locations. Shake-your-head-in-disbelief punishments. Ingenious attempts at cheating. And surprisingly uplifting stories that remind us why we play these games in the first place. Written with the same award-winning style that has made Berry one of the most popular columnists on ESPN.com, Fantasy Life is a book for both hard-core fantasy players and people who have never played before. Between tales of love and hate, birth and death, tattoos and furry animal costumes, the White House Situation Room and a 126-pound golden pelican, Matthew chronicles his journey from a fourteen-year-old fantasy player to the face of fantasy sports for the largest sports media company in the world. Fantasy will save your life. Fantasy will set you free. And fantasy life is most definitely better than real life. You’ll see.

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Recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happenAmazing Things Will Happen offers straightforward advice that can be put into action to improve your life. Through personal anecdotes from the author's life, and interviews of successful individuals across several industries, this book demonstrates how to achieve success, in all aspects of life, through hard work and acts of kindness. Split into five sections, this book details how to begin the self-improvement journey. Explains how to cope with the situation you are currently in, and how to make the most of it until you can break freeShares exercises and practices that can help define your goals and how to set realistic tasks to reach themHelps you to navigate the seas of doubters and obstacles to get to where you want to beEnsures that you help others, once you have reached your goalsEach of us has different goals in life, but everyone wants to succeed, and have as much fun as possible along the way. Amazing Things Will Happen shows how to get on this path to success.