If you ever step foot into my office, the first thing you’ll notice about me is that I ALWAYS have a bazillion and one tabs open on my Internet browser.

I’m sure it explains why my computer crashes almost monthly, but that’s not the point. The point is that my mind is always turned on, taking in as much information as I possibly can. It’s how I function as a leader and an entrepreneur. So what do I read on a day-to-day basis?

For those of you who truly want to know, here is a list of some of my favorite blogs of all time that cover innovation, creativity, marketing, entrepreneurship, and everything in between:

1. How to Change The World - Guy Kawasaki

I remember the first time I heard Guy Kawasaki speak many years ago. It was when I was just hitting the ground running as an entrepreneur, and I’ll never forget how I felt when I walked out of his seminar. Not only is he one of the most inspiring people I know, but he’s a great writer. And even though he doesn’t publish a lot of posts these days, it’s worth going through and reading all of his work. His words are truly timeless, and they’ve left such an impact on me that I have a few of his quotes printed out and hanging in my office. How’s that for inspiring?

You should probably read this post: What I Learned From Steve Jobs

 

2. Experiments In Lifestyle Design - Tim Ferriss

It was around 2007 when Tim Ferriss published one of my favorite books of all time - The 4-Hour Workweek. While reading it, a few excerpts really struck me - here’s one of them:

For all of the most important things, the timing always sucks. Waiting for a good time to quit your job? The stars will never align and the traffic lights of life will never all be green at the same time. The universe doesn’t conspire against you, but it doesn’t go out of its way to line up the pins either. Conditions are never perfect. “Someday” is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you. Pro and con lists are just as bad. If it’s important to you and you want to do it “eventually,” just do it and correct course along the way.

There’s something about the way Tim writes that makes you want to get off your ass and just do whatever you want to do, already. His out-of-the-box thoughts on work, life and everything in between are the reason why his blog has a spot on my top blogs list. While you’re reading his blog, you might as well check out of some of his books, too.

You should probably read this post: Going From Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur — A Challenge

 

3. Signal Vs. Noise - Jason Fried (Basecamp)

37 Signals is one of those companies everyone could learn a lesson from. Their simple, humble, no BS approach to business and entrepreneurship is truly amazing. Read a few of their posts, or snag one of their books on Amazon (I always opt for the audio books because they’re a great way to spend your commute), and you’ll understand why just about every business person out there can find inspiration from them.

You should probably read this post: Giving less advice

 

4. Blog Maverick - Mark Cuban

Everyone knows Mark Cuban is a bad ass. Although some of his topics can be a little off the wall or controversial, I’ve got to say that I appreciate his ability to speak his mind and not give a crap about what anyone else thinks. I admire Mark’s blog because he provides a stark contrast to most of the content I read on the web these days. His opinions aren’t recycled (like most blogs), and his articles are as entertaining as they are thought-provoking.

You should probably read this post: Don’t Follow Your Passion, Follow Your Effort

 

5. Both Sides Of The Table - Mark Suster

Mark Suster has seen it all in business. He’s been in the startup world, the world of big corporations and everything in between. I don’t know a lot of people who have been “on both sides of the table” as he says, so I really appreciate his opinions. Mark’s got a way of taking complicated ideas and transforming them into seemingly simple concepts. If you’re looking for advice on starting your own business, marketing, sales, and leadership, Mark’s blog is a must-read.

You should probably read this post: Lead, Follow or Get the Fuck Out of the Way

 

6. The Brian Solis Blog

Brian Solis is one of those people who can truly see the big picture. One of the things I admire most about him is his take on the future of his business. It’s a simple idea (and it’s the title of his latest book): The future of business is experiences. This idea is one that I’ve been preaching for years. So, the little kid in me jumped up and down when I discovered his blog several years ago. Maybe after you read his blog (or any of his books), you will jump up and down, too.

You should probably read this post: Stop Talking About Technology and Start Designing Experiences

 

7. Seth Godin’s Blog

What’s a post on innovation without Seth Godin’s name on it? I’ve been in love with Seth’s big ideas on marketing, business and innovation since the days of the Purple Cow. In fact, if you’ve ever been present for one of my infamous inspirational speeches (they usually occur over a large Supino’s pizza at lunch time), you’d know that I quote Seth Godin just about every chance I get. His blog passed the “test of time”, probably because of his basic approach to big ideas. Take his latest post, for example (below). I don’t know about you, but I can certainly respect someone who can make such a big statement with only 75 words:

You should probably read this post: Make something happen. (an oldie but a goodie)

 

Don’t ask me why I stopped at 7 blogs

Like most matters of the heart, it just felt right. Hopefully these blogs will give you the inspiration you need to innovate, create, or just make shit happen. If not, tell me what blog inspires YOU  in the comments below.