Welcome to The Toy Coach’s Book Club!
Much like Oprah’s book club, (except for the small bit about me not being Oprah) I have selected a few of my favorite and highest recommended books. Each of these titles below are currently a part of my personal library.
Every one of them has helped shape my business mindset, and subsequently my toy career and online businesses. Check them out along with my personal descriptions below!
These books aren’t all toy specific but if you’re looking for a jumpstart to starting your small business, or for some inspiration and motivation. This list is an excellent place to start.
The books below are ones I’ve enjoyed and found the most applicable to my business and career. I have read, re-read and highlighted each book many times over. And only after seeing significant change in my life and my career from the lessons in these books, I am bringing them to you. The links below are paid links, so if you make a purchase you are supporting The Toy Coach, and all of our free content. Thank you!
Game Changer: The Story of Pictionary and How I Turned a Simple Idea into the Bestselling Board Game in the World (paid link)
As a toy inventor, it was refreshing to read a story about an unconventional path to major toy success. If you’ve ever invented a toy or game product, you’re going to see yourself in these pages. You’ll walk through every moment from that first ah-ha! to that first oh-no! to that final YES! and enjoy all the peaks and valleys in between. This book is truly an enjoyable and inspiring read, I’m sure you’ll finish it in one sitting.
Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace (paid link)
In interviews, people often ask me what it’s like to be a black woman in the toy industry. And my answer is always the same… it isn’t easy. This book by Minda Harts, really helped me feel “seen” as a black woman in a corporate setting. I’ve also got to credit this book with helping me get the help that I needed to be a stronger and more proud woman of color and in business. If you are a black woman, I encourage you to check out this book.
(paid link)
The Art of the Click: How to Harness the Power of Direct-Response Copywriting and Make More Sales
I purchased this e-book and the audible version. It’s a great listen but the e-book includes a number of worksheets to put everything you learn into action. The tips here can easily be translated into sales pitch techniques.
(paid link)
Strategic Market Research: A Guide to Conducting Research that Drives Businesses
If you’re struggling to find ways to come up with NEW product ideas that your market actually needs, then this is the book for you. I bought the 2nd edition of this book at the start of my career and it’s tips and tricks have helped me form more effective teams and research strategies to this day.
(paid link)
Everything Is Figureoutable
Marie Forleo is a master of motivation and inspiration. This book will help you identify what you truly want, and realize that you already have the tools you need to get it. Must read.
(paid link)
Process, Materials, And Measurements: All the Details Industrial Designers Need to Know but Can Never Find 1st Ed Edition
Highly detailed, perfect for beginners to the industry. If you are just starting to understand the manufacturing process and materials used in the toy industry, this is the book for you.
(paid link)
Why We Buy: The Science Of Shopping Kindle Edition
I first discovered this book in college, recommended to me by a professor. It’s got great insights into the minds of consumers. It’s more of a retail-focused book, so you can rely on the insights when defining your product’s try-me features or packaging design.
(paid link)
Generating Breakthrough New Product Ideas: Feeding the Innovation Funnel
This is an ideal book if you’ve got a successful product or brand and you’re looking for ways to expand it. This text will teach you how to analyze your customers to define your specific market opportunities.
The books below are ones I’m currently reading. Unless I’m on a mission to finish a particular book, I tend to pick at them like popcorn. Here are a few books that are currently in my rotation, that I haven’t yet finished. The links below are paid links, so if you make a purchase you are supporting The Toy Coach, and all of our free content. Thank you!
