As musician Frank Zappa once said, “So many books, so little time.” For a business owner or budding entrepreneur, books can be a life preserver. Of course, valuable lessons often come from doing. Business lessons can be learned by trial and error and by putting yourself out on the line. But the same lessons can also be learned from a book. Reading about the errors and triumphs of other business leaders can prevent you from making mistakes and push you in the direction of success. Beyond lessons, a good business book can inspire you to lift your business to an even higher level.
Below is a selection of business books chosen as favorites by entrepreneurs and business owners.
#1- The Business Case for AI
“The Business Case for AI: A Leader's Guide to AI Strategies, Best Practices & Real-World Applications” by Kavita Ganesa is one of my favorite business books. AI has recently made a huge impact on businesses across industries and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. This book is a great primer on how AI can be used in a business setting and can help business leaders in all industries understand the potential benefits of AI.
Thanks to Erica Mobley, Sentient Digital Inc.!
#2- Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
My favorite business book is “Rework” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. While starting a business can be a challenge, this book can help you turn your dream into a business. This book discusses topics such as how to keep your marketing within budget, how to keep your schedule on track, and more. “Rework” encourages readers to boldly start a business without letting their detractors discourage them.
Thanks to Lauren Gast, Truck Driver Institute!
#3- Healthcare Disrupted: Next Generation Business Models and Strategies
Jeff Elton and Anne O'Riordan’s “Healthcare Disrupted: Next Generation Business Models and Strategies” is one of my favorite business books. If you want to revolutionize the way things are done in health insurance, you need to be ready to disrupt your industry. This book provides advice on how to think outside the box and develop new ways of operating, so you can turn your innovative ideas into business success.
Thanks to Tim Johnson, Health In Tech!
#4- Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
One of my all-time favorite business books, particularly relevant in the service industry, is “Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos. This book resonates deeply with me, especially in my role at Ecoline Windows where delivering top-notch service is paramount. The core philosophy of Tony Hsieh, emphasizing the importance of company culture and customer satisfaction, truly resonates with me. He advocates for the pivotal role of employee contentment in enhancing productivity and customer service, leading to greater business success.
Thanks to Alexander Havkin, Ecoline Windows!
#5- God in the Marketplace
“God in the Marketplace” by Henry and Richard Blackaby is a book that has deeply influenced my journey as the founder of BibleKeeper. It puts together the concepts of faith and business in a way that's both enlightening and impactful. It tackles the real challenge of integrating faith into the business sphere. The authors don't just acknowledge the difficulties; they offer tangible, practical advice for aligning business practices with spiritual values.
Thanks to Kimberly Wall, Bible Keeper!
#6- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Choosing a favorite business book is a tough call, especially when you're a veterinarian deeply involved in both clinical practice and running a website. However, one book that stands out for me is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. While not specifically about veterinary practice, its principles have been incredibly influential in how I approach both my clinic and online endeavors. What makes “The Lean Startup” so impactful is its focus on agility and efficiency, principles that are essential in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of veterinary medicine.
Thanks to Dr. Mollie Newton, PetMeTwice!
#7- The Art of Deception by Kevin Mitnick
When it comes to business books, one that stands out for me, especially in the context of security, is “The Art of Deception” by Kevin Mitnick. This book delves into the intriguing world of social engineering and the human element of security. What makes this book a favorite is its insightful look into how easily information security can be compromised through human psychology, rather than technical means. This book strikes a chord with me as it underscores a facet of security that is frequently overlooked – the human element. In the operation of our firm, grasping and mitigating human susceptibilities stands as equally pivotal as addressing technological elements.
Thanks to Eugene Klimaszewski, Mammoth Security!
#8- Zero to One by Peter Thiel
If I had to pick my favorite business book, it would be Peter Thiel's “Zero to One”. He talks about how to create a unique and valuable business, and it really resonates with me because I've seen how to push boundaries and be creative in my own business. It's a book that challenges how we think about business and is a great way for entrepreneurs to find new ways to succeed. As a tech lover, I'm always talking about how AI will change how businesses operate. Looking into AI solutions can be helpful if you want to stay ahead of the game in this ever-changing world.
Thanks to Max Maybury, Ai-Product Reviews!
#9- Head and Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership by Kirstin Ferguson
As a fellow Aussie, I loved learning her insights that draw from decades of research and her own experiences. This is the best book I’ve ever read on holistic leadership, with evidence-based strategies to help you become a better leader. Ferguson stresses the importance of integrating the head and the heart to become a leader who inspires people and makes positive change, rather than just hitting business targets. While most business books emphasize one or the other, Ferguson strikes a perfect balance and this book has shaped my leadership style.
Thanks to Brandon Green, Let's Go Brandon Green!
#10- Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson
As an entrepreneur, one book that has definitely influenced my approach to business is ‘Ready, Fire, Aim' by Michael Masterson. This book really impacted me because it's all about the importance of action over endless planning. Masterson's main idea of ‘doing first and adjusting later' aligns perfectly with the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of owning your own business. What I took away from it the most is the book‘s practical framework for managing a business through different stages of growth, from startup to maturity.
Thanks to Kemal Whyte, Grassroots Harvest!
#11- Six Figures in School Hours by Kate Toon
My current favorite business book would have to be Six Figures in School Hours, written by Kate Toon. She’s insightful, and relatable and writes with honesty about things, decisions, and paths we have to take to juggle parenthood, life, and business. She understands the guilt of attempting to balance the two and strips that off to help you be an effective and successful business owner (without losing your identity). It’s practical advice delivered with sensitivity, sense, and humor. I wish this book was around when I first started my business 4+ years ago.
Thanks to Anu Sawhney, Bidiliia!
#12- Tim 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris
I enjoyed reading Tim Ferris's “The 4-Hour Workweek”. It's an eye-opener and a must-read for entrepreneurs seeking to craft their lives on their terms. What I like about this book is that Ferris delves into the concept of a mini-retirement lifestyle and the art of working smarter rather than harder. While I was acquainted with some practical tips, the wealth of insightful information made it a rewarding read.
Thanks to Andre Oentoro, Breadnbeyond!
#13- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
The book examines the two modes of thinking we use in our daily lives. These would be the impulsive decisions described as System 1 and the deliberate calculations described as System 2. In the book, Kahneman unveils the psychological foundations of both of these systems of thought. Besides improving my ability to make informed decisions, the book also sharpened my perception of consumer behavior and market dynamics, which is precisely what I needed as a young and aspiring owner of an e-commerce business when I first read it more than a decade ago.
Thanks to Niall John Lynchehaun, Midland Stone!
#14- Traction by Gino Wickman
‘Traction’ by Gino Wickman is one book that significantly influenced my approach to business. It's a quick yet potent read for entrepreneurs, offering a no-nonsense approach to gaining traction and getting your business on the right track. Wickman breaks down the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in a way that's not just practical but downright inspiring. Whether you're a startup enthusiast or a seasoned business owner, ‘Traction’ is a roadmap to organizational success – concise, inspirational, and actionable.
Thanks to Viktor Meier, Glice!