With 2021 in the rearview, most people are looking to create an amazing 2022. One of the best ways to prepare for success in the new year is by reading good books. However, there are a plethora of available options so sifting through the various titles can be a challenge.
To help give you a place to start, we reviewed all of the 2021 episodes of the Multifamily Insights podcast, which included over 100 guest interviews. On each episode, I ask guests to share the book they recommended most in the last year. From those discussions, we’ve compiled a list of the books that were mentioned most frequently.
These books range in categories from self-help to business and real estate. The top seven books are highlighted below, so review the list and see which ones might help you crush your goals in 2022.
Coming in at number seven is the book that I’ve probably recommended the most. Atomic Habits is a great depiction of how small habits can lead to big results. The thing that readers love most is the immediate application of the lessons in the book. I highly recommend it, as did other investors including Brian C. Adams.
This is a fundamental book on apartment investing. While it was originally published in 1993, the principles are timeless. This one was recommended by multiple investors, including Lee Johnson and Samson Jagoras.
This has become a favorite book for real estate investors for the insights it provides on negotiations. Author Christopher Voss leverages his experience as an international hostage negotiator for the FBI to share insights to help you get what you want out of a negotiation.
This book breaks down the process for raising capital for real estate deals. Thompson does an excellent job of detailing key steps and important aspects of capital raising. Brian Briscoe is one of the guests who recommended this book and mentioned that he likes it so much that he has a hard copy, the Kindle version, and the audio version.
This is a classic and classics never go out of style. This book has been the authority on networking and influence for sales professionals for generations. Originally published in 1936, this book has stood the test of time sharing some of the best tips and insights to build credibility and connections with others. Lee Kiser is one of the guests that listed this book as his most recommended of 2021.
This book was recommended so much that it quickly leaped from my “wish list” to my library. Jonathan Greene and Larry Pendleton are just two of the guests who raved about the impact this book has had on their businesses and approach. In the book, Sullivan shares a formula to help you build a successful business without killing yourself in the hustle and grind culture of entrepreneurship.
The most popular book of 2021 was The ONE Thing by Gary Keller. The book’s focus and clarity helped make it a #1 Wall Street Journal Best Seller, New York Times Best Seller, and USA Today Best Seller — and the most recommended book on the Multi family Insights podcast. Gustavo Munoz Castro is one of many who selected this as their most recommended book of 2021.
While this is a list of the top seven, there are certainly other noteworthy books you should check out. The first one I want to suggest is the Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book by Joe Fairless and Theo Hicks. This is an excellent guide on apartment investing, even if you don’t plan on syndicating deals with other investors. Joe and Theo do an excellent job of detailing the key steps of apartment investing, including selecting a market, building your team, finding a deal, and raising capital.
This is another bonus book. David shares his journey filled with abnormal perseverance and struggle. He shares how he built up his mental toughness to push through all sorts of obstacles and challenges. I highly recommend the audiobook as the additional commentary serves as a podcast within the book and David’s commentary is engaging. His language is colorful, but the message is powerful.
The last book has nothing to do with real estate or business but does focus on relationships. The 80/80 Marriage is an excellent read on strengthening your most important relationships. It’s not solely for married couples and touches on the mindset of doing what’s best for the partnership, as opposed to seeking equality.
Our top seven recommendations along with these bonus books can give you the clarity, motivation, and/or insights you’re seeking. Be sure to add these books to your list for 2022. Do you have a favorite book from the list or one that wasn’t listed? Tell us about it in the comments.
About the Author:
John Casmon has helped families invest passively in over $90 million worth of apartments. He is also the host of the #1 rated multifamily podcast, Target Market Insights: Multifamily + Marketing. Prior to multifamily, John was a marketing executive overseeing campaigns for Buick, Nike, Coors Light, and Mtn Dew: casmoncapital.com
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action.