Lessons learnt (My best books for 2024)


Hello Reader,

I hope you had an amazing Christmas, and wishing you well for the new year that’s imminently upon us.

Now, I always have and always will be a massive fan of reading. The knowledge you can gain from a properly good book is simply brilliant.

As we close out 2024, I wanted to share some of the most impactful books I read this year and the lessons I took from each one.

Now, apart from these books being packed with insights that helped me shape how I approach business, mindset, and growth…

They’re also really enjoyable to read.

So here’s the list, plus my key takeaway from each:

The 5am Club by Robin Sharma

My Key Takeaway: Take control of your mornings, and you’ll take control of your life. This book reinforced the power of morning routines to achieve clarity, focus, and results. The story’s narrative style made these lessons stick, inspiring me to refine my own habits – and I did.

$100M Leads by Alex Hormozi

My Key Takeaway: High-quality lead generation isn’t just an art; it’s a science. Alex Hormozi shares practical, high-value strategies for driving leads and scaling businesses. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about growth. Whether you’re reading or listening, it’s packed with actionable insights.

What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You by Melina Palmer

My Key Takeaway: Behavioural economics is the hidden secret to better conversations and outcomes. Melina’s explanation of how our brains make decisions was a game-changer. Learning to frame discussions the right way is something we can all benefit from – in sales, leadership, and life.

Cold Calling Sucks… But That’s How It Works by Armand Farrokh and Nick Cegelski

My Key Takeaway: Cold calling isn’t dead; it’s just misunderstood. This book validated what we know at Growth Resourcing (a calling business I have down in South Africa): a well-executed, targeted approach to outreach works. It’s not only about volume; it’s about quality and relevance.

Never Finished by David Goggins

My Key Takeaway: The journey to success is endless; keep pushing. David’s lessons on mental resilience hit home. Growth – whether physical, mental, or professional – requires consistent effort. It’s a mindset I aim to carry into every challenge.

These books taught me so much this year, and I hope they inspire you as well. Oh, and if you’ve read any of these or have a recommendation for 2025, hit reply and let me know. Here’s to growing stronger, smarter, and more resilient together in the year ahead!

James

How would you rate this edition?

🤏🏻 So-So

🙂 🙂 Useful

🎩 🎩 🎩 Top Drawer!

James White

The Sales and Business Development newsletter that is targeted at Ambitious Business Owners who sell high value services and who want to drive Sales Growth. I share EVERYTHING you require to LEARN buyer behaviours, ATTRACT more clients and GROW your business in less than 4 minutes per week. Current subscribers gain ideas and insights to save time and implement practical tips to grow their business. Why not join them?

Read more from James White

In today’s edition, we explore why so many people think they can’t sell. Why they put barriers in their own mind and tell themselves they can’t when in reality they can if they take the action they need to. Let’s get to it. Hello Reader, I attended an event a few weeks ago and did a presentation with a group of finance professionals. People who need to build relationships and who want to grow a book of business. They wanted to know HOW to become better at Business Development, but so many of...

In today’s edition, we explore why so many people who need to sell can’t stop their immediate desire to be right in sales situations. Even when that impulsive urge can very often cause them to lose or put the deal at risk.Let’s get to it. Hello Reader, Very often in sales, you have to lose the battle to win the war. Let me share a story which explains what I mean and why this concept is so critical in selling. A few weeks ago, I met with a potential client. He is a business owner who owns a...

In today’s edition, we explore why FEAR is the greatest barrier to us achieving anything in sales and how if you don’t conquer those fears (which are often irrational), you are unlikely to achieve the goals you have. How can you overcome them though? Let’s get to it Hello Reader, A few weeks ago, I went down to South Africa to visit my team at Growth Resourcing. I always enjoy my visits there but each time I go, there is always a little bit of nerves. Let me explain why. I have a fear of...