Here are  4 books (unrelated to philanthropy) that made me a better fundraiser:

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Fundraising is all about relationship building and relationship building is what this book is all about. First published in 1936, this is one of the best selling self-help books ever published with 15 million copies in print.  The book touches on the fundamental techniques of handling people, six ways to make people like you, and the twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking. For me, the book reinforced that people support people and causes they like and know.
2. Get to the point..how to say what you mean and get what you want Andrew D. Gilman and Karen E. Berg Passionate about a cause or issue?  Its easy to get extra loquacious if given the chance to share that passion. As you build relationships with individual and corporate sponsors, you want to use your face time with them in the most efficient way. This book will encourage you to be concise and direct in promoting your ideas and keeping your audiences interested and engaged.
3. The Seven Minute Difference by Allyson Lewis Budgets, and grant proposals and board meetings…oh my. In the non profit sector, its so easy to get burned out when you are short on staff and financial resources. The Seven Minute Difference gave me great advice and tips for improving my business habits and personal life.
4. The New Rules of Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott This book revolutionized the way I think about marketing and public relations.  Mr Scott tells you why you need to adopt the new rules of marketing and what things your organization can do now to practice those rules. If you want to make a name for your organizations ideas, programs or projects, the New Rules of Marketing and PR is an invaluable guide. 

What books have influenced your work?