What We're Reading From the Feb. 1, 2012, Issue of CIO Magazine
Books on innovation, leadership and careers chosen by the editorial staff of CIO magazine
CIO —
The Power of Foursquare
Seven Innovative Ways to Get Your Customers to Check in Wherever They AreBy Carmine Gallo
Book Monetizing location-based social media is a hot topic for CIOs, and this book shows how checking in can be a useful tool for brand distinction. Gallo gathered insight from merchants, marketers and the founders of Foursquare. She also shares case studies from companies such as Jimmy Choo, which had employees check in at fashionable hangouts and rewarded customers who met them there. McGraw-Hill, $25
Break Your Own Rules
How to Change the Patterns of Thinking that Block Women's Paths to PowerBy Jill Flynn, Kathryn Heath and Mary Davis Holt
Book As more women move into leadership roles at top companies, they gain the power to not only influence the future of their companies but also change the mind-set that says men must rule the world. The authors, who have coached over 5,000 women, believe that once women make up 30 percent of the top leaders in America, the country will reach a tipping point wherein women will have lasting influence. But until we get there, women should be careful to put their needs first, as that's critical to their success. Wiley, $25.95
Find Your Next
Using the Business Genome Approach to Find Your Company's Next Competitive EdgeBy Andrea Kates
Book Netflix and iTunes are regularly held up as innovative business ideas within industries in flux. Kates, known as "the brand whisperer," examines how the services were developed to keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape. Her framework, called the business genome, lays out six steps to staying competitive, including finding that one intangible thing, "the secret sauce," that differentiates you from your competitors. You don't want to copy what others are doing; real innovation comes from starting your own trends. McGraw-Hill, $30
The Start-Up of You
Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform Your CareerBy Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha
Book Co-written by LinkedIn founder Hoffman, this book advises professionals to manage their careers the way they would manage a startup. Adopt an entrepreneurial mind-set, they say, by quickly adapting to change and building strong connections. Twitter founder Jack Dorsey is cited as an example because he explored other ventures alongside his career priorities. The book also shares specifics, such as the best time to make strategic moves. Crown Business, $26
The Customer Experience Edge
Technology and Techniques for Delivering an Enduring, Profitable and Positive Experience to Your CustomersBy Reza Soudagar, Vinay Iyer and Dr. Volker G. Hildebrand
Book One of the first things you do when considering buying a new product is check out the price, right? These authors say consumers are now more concerned with the quality of the experience, citing Apple as a prime example. To succeed the Apple way, they say companies should bond with customers so they grow loyal to your products. McGraw-Hill, $30
Follow Editorial Assistant Lauren Brousell on Twitter: @lbrousell.
