Posted: December 17, 2010

NEED GIFT IDEAS for a businessperson? Here are some ideas about business and medical books that might help. You've heard a lot of things about "branding." But did you know that you've been branding all your life? So says "The Shark" Daymond John in his book "The Brand Within." Perfect for young entrepreneurs or anyone who wants to learn more about this business staple, it's also an easy, entertaining read.

Also look for "Do More Great Work" by Michael Bungay Stanier. This quick-to-read book with lots of sidebars and little chapters will help your giftee focus on what's important in work and life.

Does your giftee need a boost in the butt to get over the fear of success? Then wrap up "Life Unlocked" by Srinivasan S. Pillay MD. Using research in neuroscience, this book lays out seven principles and lessons to overcome fear and embrace possibility for a much happier new business year.

Also look for "Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office 101" by Lois P. Frankel. This is a book that helps businesswomen avoid the pitfalls that sabotage success in the workplace. It's also a great book for a newly graduating MBA.

I also like "I See Your Dream Job" by Sue Frederick, a book that can help your giftee to find the perfect-fit new job.

If your boss is green-minded, he might appreciate unwrapping "The Positive Deviant: Sustainability Leadership in a Perverse World" by Sara Parkin. Filled with stats, stories and ideas to make your business a leader in this new movement, this book is a little on the drier side but for anyone who's interested, it's perfect. Keep in mind that it's quite U.K.-centric, but that won't matter to your like-minded giftee.

Speaking of leadership, look for "American Entrepreneur" by Larry Schweikart and Lynne Pierson Doti. This big, fat book is filled with stories behind movers and shakers in the history of the U.S. business world, and is a gift that will last a long time.

Who started this economic meltdown? If there's someone on your gift list who's fascinated by it all, then you can't go wrong when you wrap up "Big Bad Banks" by C.R. "Rusty" Cloutier. This skinny little book offers an explanation from a banker's POV, info your giftee will want to know.

Wrap it up with "Financial Serial Killers" by Tom Ajamie and Bruce Kelly, an inside story of Wall Street, con-men, hustlers, swindlers, and other nasties.

Is there someone you know who works too hard? Then wrap up "The World of Business" by The Economist. This pocket-sized hardcover book is filled with light-hearted tidbits about business, finance, money, scandals and other fun stuff. Hint: It makes a great stocking-stuffer, and it's not just for a businessperson, either.

I also liked "Tweetonomics" by Nic Compton, Adam Fishwick and Katie Huston, illustrated by Daniel Mackie. This light-hearted book is filled with advice and answers to important questions in 140 characters or less.

If your giftee is struggling with the generation gap at work, "Generations, Inc." by Meagan Johnson and Larry Johnson is a great book to give. Specifically meant to clear up generational confusion, this book answers the question: "Can't we all just get along?"

Also look for "Consequential Strangers" by Melinda Blau and Karen L. Fingerman, a book on paying attention to everyone you come in contact with at work and away.

At this point in your life, you can recognize an overworked friend from a mile away. So you'll easily recognize that "More Time for You" by Rosemary Tator and Alesia Latson is a great gift. This book teaches your giftee how to manage life and work and merge both to make more time to enjoy things... like reading.

Wrap it up with "Overcoming Buffaloes At Work & In Life" by Dr. Vincent Muli Wa Kituku. It's a skinny book on keeping up with work so it doesn't overtake life.

No doubt your giftee knows that the world is a big place and that the "home office" may be far away from home.

Help out by giving "Managing International Business in Relations-Based versus Rule-Based Countries" by Shaomin Lin. This skinny little book with the serious title is packed with advice on approaching clients and colleagues with culturally different business styles. Hint: Anyone traveling abroad might like the insight, too.

Mama always said you never have a second chance to make a first impression. Show your giftee that you're helping make that first impression a lasting one by wrapping up "The Image of Success" by Lizandra Vega. This book starts with the basics and moves up to the clothes you wear, the etiquette you practice, and the things you should definitely not do at an interview.

So how did the mortgage crisis happen? Would your giftee like to know more about the industry? Then wrap up "Mortgaged and Armed" by Peter Hebert. This brick of a book explains the insides and upsides to the mortgage industry, including some cautionary tales and a few things to watch. It's great for a businessperson, and useful for a curious homeowner.

Is there someone on your list who has always aspired to a medical profession? Even if he or she has attained the dream, your giftee will love "Becoming a Doctor," edited by Lee Gutkind. This book consists of many kinds of stories from all kinds of MDs, and tells the good, the bad and the ugly - all in an entertaining way.

Also look for "What's New, Doc?" by Elaine Myrie-Richards MD. This fun, quick-to-read book is filled with stories that will make you smile, gasp or shake your head - and they're all true!

If there's a doctor-wanna-be on your gift list, look for "So You Wanna Be A Doctor?" by Richard S. Daniel and Shermian P. Daniel MD. This book is filled with stories from medical, dental and - surprise - veterinary residents and may help your future MD decide on a plan of A-C-T-I-O-N.