~\New Biz (Books) From Olde/~

?? ??????????? ? It's one thing to look towards the future.

But what about a business book that draws on the wisdom of decades or centuries ago, even ancient times?? Welcome to 'forward into the past' (as a historical re-enactment society I belonged to in my days of yore was fond of saying).

? ?? One source of inspiration in motivational, inspirational biz books is the 5th-century BCE Sun Tzu, Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher and writer, and his "The Art of War." https://lnkd.in/g28uaWbu. What's relevant today in his advice/strategy? Plenty, apparently, as it's often quoted in biz books.

? ?? And 21st-c. US author Mukul Sheopory gives us "Bucephalus’ Shadow: Ten Business Lessons from the Life of Alexander the Great" https://lnkd.in/gwFs6WCr – with some strong lessons to be learned from this ancient king/military commander:

Here, you'll learn "how the siege of an island fortress is similar to a pair of hedge fund managers taking on the mighty bank of England"...or "how his battle strategy at Gaugamela is similar to how Elon Musk went about space exploration."

? ?? Prefer something for the middle ages? Try the medieval Code of Chivalry and how it drives business in tech CEO/pop culture-preneur Jason Kingsley's "Leading the Rebellion: Questing To Succeed In Work and Life" –https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Rebellion-Questing-Succeed-Work/dp/1781089183.

? ?? Does all this have you thinking how your biz book could have some unique past perspective? It can be a great way to combine your natural leanings toward business, the world you work in – and your love of history.

And it can make a distinctive mark upon a publishing marketplace saturated with business books.

? ?? One influence could be that of World War Two (a subject prevalent on LinkedIn), both in Europe/Britain, and in the Far East. You don't have to go far to find how 'strategy' was key in success or failure here.

There are so many strong examples in this more recent history for a book on biz advice. And the strong, sometimes controversial leaders of fighting armies might be compared to corporate leaders of today.

? ?? Or, how about Caesar and Cleopatra? Some biz authors have taken basic stories like Aesop's Fables, or Indian kingdoms of the 4th-century BCE.

Or perhaps your interest is tweaked by the English Civil War or 15th-century York/ Lancastrian Wars of the Roses...or the 11th-c. Battle of Hastings and all that led up to it...or the more mythical Arthurian sagas reflecting the 5th century and given 13th-c. embellishments?

Or any of many histories that involved warring countries and cultures, as well as the struggle of emigration and building up of biz in a new world.

And these diversely colourful kinds of histories can stir some stimulating conversations in media, forums, at author talks, and on social media.

? ?? The key, I think, is balance. Never let the history and its stories overwhelm your business message...but weave and incorporate enough to make your book distinctive with its past focus and relevance for today. It's like creating and seasoning a unique dish – unique, but palatable and accessible.

? ?? Too, you may find some relief in not having to worry about filling a biz book with 'modern' examples, some of which may come with legal entanglements.

Instead, letting the past inspire the message and 'lessons' of your book may allow you to write more creatively, and in an even fictional way.

Of course you don't want to remain in the 7th or 17th century or wherever, for the duration of your book. The comparison of that world and this one, of olde and contemporary-futuristic can make your book fresh and memorable. And there are those timeless principles of how to get ahead and succeed.

? ?? Have questions about doing a modern non-fiction biz book with a historical angle? I can help with writing, editing, publishing options and promo – and I'd love to help you do a biz book that truly makes history.

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'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu – https://lnkd.in/g28uaWbu

"Bucephalus’ Shadow: Ten Business Lessons from the Life of Alexander the Great" by Mukul Sheopory – https://lnkd.in/gwFs6WCr

"Leading the Rebellion: Leading the Rebellion: Questing To Succeed In Work and Life" by Jason Kingsley – https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Rebellion-Questing-Succeed-Work/dp/178108918 (inspired by the medieval code of chivalry)

"Aesop & The Ceo: Powerful Business Insights From Aesop's Ancient Fables" by David C. Noonan – https://www.amazon.com/Aesop-Ceo-Powerful-Business-Insights/dp/0785260102

"Ancient World's Richest Entrepreneur: A magical fable with the success secrets to transform your life" by Khun S Kamar – https://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Worlds-Richest-Entrepreneur-transform-ebook/dp/B019JJ2B4K

"The Business Pilgrim's Progress: From a World of Mediocrity Towards the Land of Prosperity" by Colin Turner – https://www.amazon.ca/Business-Pilgrims-Progress-Mediocrity-Prosperity/dp/03407289

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