Bob Ravasio left his favorite book recommendation as a comment, since his blog is about real estate, but I thought it was too good not to post.
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After much reflection, I realized there is only one answer: The Godfather, by Mario Puzo. Not a traditional business book, to be sure, but just think about some of the amazing lessons:

1. Competition breeds innovation. (Everyone else is into prostitution? Let’s smuggle guns!)

2. Peaceful coexistence is more profitable than war…but when the time comes, don’t be afraid to go to the mattresses.

3. A good attorney can help you get away with…well, murder.

4. And my favorite for survival in corporate America…

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

That’s just scratching the surface. Think about the lessons for succession in a family-run business, expansion into new territories, franchising, etc. You could do a whole book on the topic.
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A very elegant description of a very inelegant book. And, I think Bob’s on to something. Who’s going to write the Godfather Business Manual?

More fascinating business book recommendations are coming in. I’ll post a summary later this week. Thanks to all for participating, and keep the recommendations coming!

Black Hat SEO–perfect for the Godfather Business School Grad!