Written by Jade Bonacolta
1. Sales (without being salesy)
- How to listen for real problems, not just pitch
- How to handle objections with confidence
- How to build trust before asking for the sale
Recommended reading: To Sell Is Human — Daniel Pink
2. Difficult conversations
- How to say no to clients without burning bridges
- How to negotiate contracts that protect you
- How to give feedback to new hires who aren’t performing
Recommended reading: Crucial Conversations — Kerry Patterson
3. Financial literacy
- How to manage cash flow (not just revenue)
- How to build wealth through assets
- How to make data-driven decisions
Recommended reading: Rich Dad Poor Dad — Robert Kiyosaki & Sharon Lechter
4. Scaling your business
- How to delegate without micromanaging
- How to scale beyond your own working hours
- How to exclusively spend time on your zone of genius
Recommended reading: Buy Back Your Time — Dan Martell
5. Strategic networking
- How to build relationships before you need them
- How to ask for help without feeling desperate
- How to add value first, then ask for value
Recommended reading: Give and Take — Adam Grant
6. Adaptive leadership
- How to pivot when your plan isn’t working
- How to make decisions with incomplete information
- How to stay calm when everything is on fire
Recommended reading: The Lean Startup — Eric Ries
7. Keeping clients organized
- How to track customer interactions without losing context
- How to automate follow-ups so nothing falls through the cracks
- How to connect your marketing, sales, and payments in one place
Recommended reading: Skip the book — use HubSpot Starter.
HubSpot Starter keeps marketing, sales, payments, and customer management in one platform. Simple setup, affordable, and no need to juggle multiple tools.