ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income by Darren Rowse, Chris Garrett

Released: 2008 (First Edition)

ProBlogger is written by two professionals and experts on the act of blogging to generate income; Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett. An updated second edition of this book was released in April 2010, although now a year later the industry has changed further, as it continuously does. Nevertheless, ProBlogger is a great how-to guide for those who aren't quite as business-savvy when it comes to blogging as a means for regular income.

From instructions on how to channel and find your blogging "niche", to selecting the perfect blog platform to social networking, ProBlogger shares valuable tips and tricks of the trade. Stressing on how content is key and touching on SEO strategies, ProBlogger hits the nail on the head -- although much of it is common sense for those who regularly spend their time online reading and writing blogs.

My So-Called Freelance Life by Michelle Goodman

Released: September 2008

My So-Called Freelance Life is written by full-time freelancer Michelle Goodman. With over fifteen years of experience under her belt at the time this book was published, Goodman provides tips, tricks and advice on how to set yourself up for success in the world of freelance.

My So-Called Freelance Life is divided up into three main sections: Section One explains how to adjust to a work-from-home lifestyle after being caught up in the 9-to-5 rat-race for your entire working life. Section Two explains how to market yourself effectively using social networking skills both online and in person, while Section Three teaches how to manage your career once you're up and running and your freelance business is thriving.

Wired for Work: Get a Job FAST using LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter by Steve Weber

Released: 2010

Wired for Work is perfect for any job-hunter trying to establish themselves (and their online presence) in today's job market. The author touches base on the most important piece of getting hired: effective online social networking including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and even MySpace.

Before Weber jumps into how to use all of these websites as tools in searching for a job, he explains to us why this method is incredibly important. The majority of employers today will conduct web searches on your name as part of their background check. Weber stresses the do's and don'ts in regards to maintaining your personal profiles on these networking sites and gives pointers on how to professionally market yourself.

Classic Wisdom for the Professional Life by Bryan Curtis

Released: 2010

Classic Wisdom for the Professional Life is a collection of inspirational quotes compiled by Bryan Curtis aimed for career-minded professionals. However, despite its title, this book can be utilized to engender inspiration for anyone ready for a lifestyle change as well as a career change.

A large number of the quotes in Classic Wisdom for the Professional Life stress how massively important it is for people to work at what they love doing best in order to gain the most out of their lives. Loving what you do for a living equals success, and this is very true!

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John C. Maxwell

Released: 2010

John C. Maxwell's latest installment focuses on improving speech and presentation to connect with people. Although we may be great at our careers and niches, some lack the skills to connect with people, which can make or break our advancement.

Maxwell's writing style always flows and reads like a story we'll remember as opposed to a boring business lecture, and this is what makes his books great! Maxwell incorporates personal stories and experiences that make reading the book fun to those who stray away or are intimidated by business tomes. Maxwell's message is so simple and sinks in, the knowledge easy enough to understand without note-taking.