The Richest Man in Babylon

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Nick Murray’s " The Excellent Financial Advisor"

Matt Oeschli’s " Hpw to Master the Art of Selling to the Affluent."

Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

Beyond Greed and Fear  Finance and the Psychology of Investing: Hersh Shefrin

The Greatest Salesman in the World Og Mandino

The Intellegent Investor: Benjamin Graham

Free to Choose: Milton Friedman

The Millionaire Mind and The Millionaire Next Door, both by Tom Stanley

[quote=logan]

What 2-3 books should a person interested in becoming a Financial Advisor read?

Understand that there are hundereds of books/publications that should be read/reviewed but looking for the "must read" list to begin with.

Can include sales books but most interested in good ole basic financial planning type of books.

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Stocks For The Long Run  by Jeremy Siegal

The Bond Book   by Annette Thau

Selling is a large part of what you'll be doing day to day. Unless you've got that base covered take a look at books about sales.

If selling is a large part of what we do everyday- which it is, 24/7- why would you recommend they read Siegel and Thau first? This profession is about learning how to start relationships, manage expectations, prospect, gain referrals, etc, etc, etc. I believe the foundation is to become at least somewhat comfortable with these activities before focusing on specific investment thoughts by those such as Siegel. Please do not think that I do not value learning these concepts, its just that the first priority is to determine whether you feel comfortable doing the things that books such as Murrays "excellent financial advisor" addresses.

[quote=blarmston]

If selling is a large part of what we do everyday- which it is, 24/7- why would you recommend they read Siegel and Thau first? This profession is about learning how to start relationships, manage expectations, prospect, gain referrals, etc, etc, etc. I believe the foundation is to become at least somewhat comfortable with these activities before focusing on specific investment thoughts by those such as Siegel. Please do not think that I do not value learning these concepts, its just that the first priority is to determine whether you feel comfortable doing the things that books such as Murrays "excellent financial advisor" addresses.

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I agree that Murray's books are among the best. That book was already mentioned. The thread starter asked for investment based books, not sales books, thus Siegal and Thau. I'm looking at what I posted to see where I said read these books first. Can't find it.

"Storyselling for Financial Advisors" - Mitch Anthony & Scott West

"High Trust Selling" - Todd Duncan (Not FA specific)

Also,

Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends & Influence People

A pretty good book on how to communicate with people/prospects. It explains how to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to get people excited to talk to you.

In the original post they stated that they were looking to become an FA. I took that as “what books would benefit me the most in learning about the business”. I agree that most of the books mentioned are valuable in that they enhance our knowledge and expose us to different investing ideologies. But the best way to help “fast track” any success and help a new advisor learn the ropes are general books based on selling concepts and strategies. Just my thought.

No one should be allowed to even have a job interview until they have read either:

Excellent Investment Advisor or The New Financial Advisor by Nick Murray

Nothing paints the picture about the reality of this business better than these books.

Div- I agree… the overnight package full of pennies is on its way.

J. Paul Getty’s “How to be Rich”. I like the original printing because it was done in six issues of Playboy magazine. The advice is TIMELESS and so are the pictures . It was reprinted in paperback…Read it.

J. Paul Getty’s “How to be Rich”. I like the original printing because it was done in six issues of Playboy magazine. The advice is TIMELESS and so are the pictures . It was reprinted in paperback…Read it.