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- “Against the Gods” by Peter Bernstein
This book is a deep talk about how risk management and probability theory have evolved over the years. I love how it breaks down where these ideas came from and spells out why they're important in today's business scene—especially in insurance. It has a great way of making complicated topics easy to understand and shows why knowing your way around risk assessment tools is a must for making smart business moves.
Thanks to Brent Thurman, Keystone insurance!
#2- “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson
It explores how we deal with change, which is a constant in the entrepreneurial world. The story uses simple characters and scenarios to show that adapting quickly to new situations can be the key to success. This book taught me that staying flexible and being ready to shift strategies is crucial. When we face unexpected challenges, like market shifts or industry disruptors, it's essential to embrace change rather than fear it.
Thanks to Sara Millecam, Lash lift store!
#3- “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr
The concept of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can transform how you set goals and measure success. It's easy to get lost in the day-to-day tasks, but this book taught me to focus on what truly drives progress. Implementing OKRs in the Lido.app helped align our team and keep us focused on our most crucial objectives. This clear, structured approach has enabled us to innovate faster and meet our milestones more efficiently
Thanks to Mary Tung, Lido.app!
#4- “Good to Great” by Jim Collins
The book‘s emphasis on the importance of disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action has been instrumental in shaping our organizational culture and decision-making processes. One key takeaway that has been particularly relevant for our business is the concept of the Hedgehog Concept. The idea is that the most successful companies focus on doing one thing exceptionally well rather than trying to be all things.
Thanks to Josh Qian, Best online cabinets!
#5- “Graphic Connections in Architecture” by Suzanne Schwartz
I truly believe it is a valuable resource for a wide range of businesses. By creating a branded destination whose experience is worth sharing, you can connect people to a place and gain valuable word of mouth. Through examining the field of environmental graphic design and its connection to architecture, this book helps you understand the psychology of design and how to apply it to the built environment.
Thanks to Holland Keller, RSM design!
#6- “Traction” by Gino Wickman
It introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a framework for running a business that can be understood and executed by everyone in the company. The strength of this book lies in its simplicity; it breaks down complex business concepts into manageable, actionable steps. Implementing EOS has provided clarity in roles, accountability across the board, and a streamlined process that aligns everyone.
Thanks to John Gluch, Gluch Group!
#7- “Lawyer Forward” by Michael Whalen
This unique book explores how lawyers can innovate and adapt to the changing landscape of the legal profession. Whelan offers practical advice on business development, leveraging technology, and creating client-centric practices. It's a must-read for legal entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Thanks to Steven Rodemer, Attorney at Rodemer & Kane!
#8- “The Science of Getting Rich” by Wallace Wattles
Since reading this book, I've integrated several key practices into my business and life. One major practice is gratitude: the more you focus gratefully on the good things that come your way, the more good things you will attract, and they will come more quickly. Another important takeaway is to focus on what you can control, avoiding time spent worrying about negative influences. Things don't come into reality by thinking about their opposites.
Thanks to Danielle Hu, The Wanderlover!
#9- “The First 90 Days” by Michael Watkins
It offers practical guidance for anyone navigating career transitions, whether starting a new job, earning a promotion, or taking on a leadership role. Watkins provides a structured approach to making a successful transition, focusing on key areas like learning, securing early wins, and building valuable relationships. The book‘s strategies are grounded in real-world examples and can help avoid common pitfalls, making it a valuable read.
Thanks to Mia Mancinelli Cloud, Cloud Law Firm!
#10- “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
This book is a game-changer for anyone serious about starting a business. Instead of spending years building a product based on assumptions, it champions the idea of building a minimal viable product (MVP) and learning from real customer feedback. This approach saves you time and resources because you quickly find out what works and what doesn’t.
Thanks to Josh Bluman, Hoppy Copy!
#11- “Leading Change” by John Kotter
This book brilliantly outlines an eight-step process for leading change, offering practical strategies and time-tested principles. What I find most impactful is its focus on creating urgency and building a guiding coalition, two elements often overlooked but crucial for effective change. Kotter's insights are invaluable for understanding the human side of change management, making it easier to get buy-in from all levels of an organization.
Thanks to Sam Rock, Infinity Laser Spa!
#12- “Intention” by Wayne Dyer
This book explores the power of setting clear intentions and aligning actions with goals which helps anyone in the business realm to learn how to set meaningful objectives, stay focused on priorities, and take consistent steps towards success. The teachings in this book emphasize the role of habits in shaping behavior and outcomes which can help anyone discover how to cultivate positive habits that support their professional growth.
Thanks to Wayne Mills, Seven Seas Worldwide!
#13- “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
This book fundamentally changed how I approach leadership and branding. Sinek’s idea that people are inspired by a clear sense of ‘why' rather than ‘what' or ‘how' aligns perfectly with our mission to promote wellness. It serves as a reminder that articulating our core values can motivate our team and attract like-minded customers. Understanding our purpose helps me make better decisions, from product development to marketing strategies.
Thanks to Daisy Cabral, Teami Blends!
#14- “Invisible Selling Machine” by Ryan Deiss
This book is an excellent resource for mastering automated marketing strategies. Deiss offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to building a perpetual sales machine that operates 24/7, making it ideal for eCommerce experts. His practical advice on email marketing, customer acquisition, and retention will assist you in establishing a sustainable and profitable online business. It's a must-read for anyone aiming to enhance growth and efficiency.
Thanks to Britton Speciale, Sign Warehouse!
#15- “The 4 Disciplines of Execution” by Jim Huling
I know it sounds like a typical “business self-help” book, but trust me, it's not. As a lawyer, I've found that the principles outlined in this book have been instrumental in helping me and my team at Schmidt & Clark LLP achieve our goals and stay focused on what's truly important. The book provides a simple, yet effective framework for executing your most important goals, and I've seen it pay dividends in my own practice. It's a must-read for any business leader looking to drive results and achieve success.
Thanks to C.L. Mike Schmidt, Schmidt & Clark!
#16- “The Millionaire Real Estate Agent” by Dave Jenks
This book provides a wealth of knowledge and strategies for succeeding in the real estate industry. It’s not just about selling properties, but also about building a sustainable business and creating wealth over time. The insights and practical advice in this book have been instrumental in shaping my approach to real estate sales and have contributed significantly to my success in the field. I find myself constantly referring back to it and applying its principles in my daily work.
Thanks to Samantha Odo, Precondo!
#17- “Rework” by David Hansson
I love how it challenges conventional business wisdom and encourages entrepreneurs to think outside the box. The book‘s emphasis on simplicity, flexibility, and doing things your own way really resonates with me, especially as a culinary entrepreneur who's built a brand around bold flavors and unconventional cooking methods. It's a refreshing read that always leaves me feeling inspired and motivated to shake things up in my own business.
Thanks to Gabrielle Marie Yap, Carnivore Style!
#18- “A Richer Way To Think” by Rik Schnabel
In my journey to grow my business, everyone shared strategies for what to do. That got me to 6-figures. No one told me that mindset was the critical piece to take you into 7-figures. Until I sought out multi-millionaire mentors who shared it's not so much about ‘what' you think, but ‘how' you think that's all-important. Then BOOM! I hit 7-figures. I was so excited that I wrote, “A Richer Way To Think” and it became a best-seller.
Thanks to Rik Schnabel, Life Beyond Limits!