Some Book Recommendations

Dear Import/Export Compliance Manager,

I’m going to have some vacation time to burn and want to take advantage of it by reading a few good books.  Do you have any particular ones you would recommend for those of us in the import/export compliance field?

Homebound in Hillsboro

Dear Homebound,

The Import/Export Compliance Manager has read a few books that he can wholeheartedly recommend.  One caveat, however, is that the degree of usefulness may be different based on how many years you have had out in the work world.  Have you ever seen the movie ‘Office Space’?  The Import/Export Compliance Manager first watched it when he was still probably 19 and still in college.  It was enjoyable, but he really didn’t get the jokes and understand how great it was at depicting certain aspects of corporate life until he watched it again in his mid-20s, after being in a real job for a few years. 

It’s the same way for certain books.  It’s almost like you need to read them twice: once when you’re just starting out for ideas and inspiration and a second time, well into your career, to provide immediate help for situations you’re dealing with now, as well to provide confirmation that you’ve learned a thing or two.  Yes, I have already been using that technique with much success and I hadn’t even read your book.  I am, after all, a professional. (stroking chin)  OK, maybe that’s just the Import/Export Compliance Manager. 

The Import/Export Compliance Manager's full book recommendation list is here and below is a list of his favorites, with some background for each:

Freakonomics, by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner.  This awesome book explains the basic theory of economics, “People respond to incentives”, by laying out multiple ingenious and memorable real-world examples, such as the incentives for sumo wrestlers to throw a match.  Since it’s essential for import/export compliance professionals to understand other peoples’ incentives in order to get them to do what you want, this book is a must-read.

The Undercover Economist, by Tim Harford.  If you liked Freakonomics and want to get into a little more detail on economics and incentives, this book is a great next step. 

How To Win Friends And Influence People, by Dale Carnegie.  Published in 1936 (1936!), this is the ultimate book on getting things done when working with others.  Hint: be nice.

First, Break All The Rules, by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman.  Excellent book on managing people that’s good even for non-managers.  Teaches the essential differences between talents and skills, a topic the Import/Export Compliance Manager has waxed ecstatic on before.

A Whack On The Side Of The Head, by Roger von Oech.  Creativity is an underrated skill; this book teaches you how to find yours and channel it.

What Color Is Your Parachute?, by Richard Bolles.  This career search/determination book is so beloved by the Import/Export Compliance Manager, he devoted a whole post to it.

Ca$hvertising, by Drew Eric Whitman.  This quick book will help you add marketing skills to your import/export compliance arsenal.

The Prince, by Niccolo Machiaveli.  Sure, Machiaveli has a negative reputation, but the guy understood humans and our tendencies very, very well.  Read this book from the 15^th century to get insights on how to get things done in the 21^st.  For one of the best lessons from the book, read this previous Import/Export Compliance Manager post.

Delirious Delhi, by Dave Prager.  OK, this one’s not so much a career aid, but it’s great for those who work or have worked with people in India to better understand the country and the culture (and emphasize the importance of understanding other cultures in general). 

And for grins, read some Calvin & Hobbes comics.  Now there’s a comic strip that seems sort of funny as a kid, but is a spot-on take about both childhood AND adulthood.  Luckily, it’s funny because otherwise some of it would be depressing.

For additional titles, if you haven’t done so already, find someone in your workplace whom you respect and want to learn from and ask them for THEIR list.  You might be surprised with the results you get.  Regardless of the source, happy reading and keep up the self-improvement!