As musician Frank Zappa once said, “So many books, so little time.” For a business owner or budding entrepreneur, books can be life preservers. 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- “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki
This book shifted my perspective on money and investing. It emphasizes the importance of financial education and understanding how to make money work for you rather than just working for money. The contrasting advice from Kiyosaki's two “dads” offers valuable insights into building wealth through smart investments and asset management. The lessons on thinking differently about assets and liabilities that it has influenced my approach to real estate and finance.
Thanks to Austin Rulfs, Zanda Wealth Mortgage Brokers!
#2- “A Tale of Fast Business Growth” by Pete William
It’s a book that doesn’t just tell you what to do but walks you through the practical application of a framework for growth — the 7 Levers has been instrumental in the growth of our eComm business. The framework helped us identify untapped potential in our product lines. What I love about Cadence is how it breaks down complex business growth strategies into actionable steps that any entrepreneur can follow. If you’re serious about scaling sustainably, it’s a must-read.
Thanks to Henry Reith, Oh Crap!
#3- “Cult Status” by Tim Duggan
It’s an inspiring guide for entrepreneurs looking to build brands that create a loyal and engaged community. As the founder of Rachel Beth Jewellery, I’ve applied many of the lessons from this book, particularly around the importance of storytelling and creating an emotional connection with customers. Duggan’s insights into building purpose-driven brands have helped me refine how I communicate my brand’s values and mission, creating deeper relationships with my clients.
Thanks to Rachel Lake, Rachel Beth Jewellery!
#4- “SEO 2023” by Adam Clarke
It’s updated every year, which keeps it incredibly relevant, and that’s key in an industry that moves as fast as SEO. In this book, Clarke breaks down complex SEO techniques into actionable steps, particularly when it comes to link-building strategies that actually work in today’s landscape. What struck me most is how he emphasizes the importance of creating content that naturally earns links, rather than chasing them. It’s helped us build more sustainable, lasting results for our clients.
Thanks to Paul Demott, Helium SEO!
#5- “True North” by Bill George
This a powerful guide for executives seeking authentic leadership in a complex world. No quick fixes or “magic steps” here. Instead, George challenges you to navigate your own unique path by aligning with your core strengths and values and provides a road map for you to do so with plenty of real-life stories. In my experience working with business leaders, this book resonates with those committed to leading with purpose, courage, and integrity. All of which enables you to build genuine trust, authentic collaboration, and voluntary accountability in your teams.
Thanks to Repa Patel, Leading Mindfully!
#6- “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr
The OKR framework mentioned in the book is something we’ve implemented at HEAVY Equipment Appraisal, and it’s helped keep us focused and aligned as a team. Everyone knows what the goals are and how their work ties into them, which has made a huge difference in how we operate. It’s simple, but having clear objectives that are tracked regularly has elevated our business to greater heights.
Thanks to Tracie Crites, HEAVY Equipment Appraisal!
#7- “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
It’s a practical guide on how to adapt, experiment, and keep moving forward in uncertain times. I think what really resonated with me is how it encourages you to focus on the process over the outcome. Whether you’re starting something new or trying to innovate in an established business, that “build-measure-learn” cycle teaches you to test small, learn fast, and pivot as needed. I’ve applied that in my own ventures, knowing that the ability to adjust quickly can often make or break a business. For me, this book helps turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Thanks to Roland Jakob, BlazeKin Media!
#8- “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber
Running a business can be overwhelming, and this book helped me understand the importance of creating systems. At Theme Park Brochures, we’ve set up processes that allow things to run smoothly without me having to be involved in every little detail. It’s made scaling much easier and given me more time to focus on growing the business. The book has been a huge influence on how I approach the day-to-day operations.
Thanks to Rhett Crites, Theme Park Brochures!
#9- “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
This book challenges traditional thinking by encouraging businesses to step out of the “red oceans” of intense competition and create “blue oceans” – new, uncontested markets. Blue Ocean Strategy presents a different approach: focusing on innovation and value creation rather than getting stuck in rivalry. I found its concepts refreshing, particularly the idea of making competition irrelevant by understanding customer needs uniquely. It resonates to transform patient care and services beyond the usual benchmarks. This strategic focus has influenced my view on expanding services and building meaningful relationships.
Thanks to Daniel Higham, Hightown Pharmacy!
#10- “The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek
Sinek explores what it means to build a company with a lasting, impactful vision. He argues that business is an “infinite game” with no clear finish line, and leaders need a different mindset to thrive. The idea of prioritizing long-term resilience over short-term results has reshaped my perspective on growth and competition. It’s a refreshing approach that reminds us: that real success isn’t just about outperforming competitors today but creating something meaningful that stands the test of time. This mindset of persistence and purpose-driven leadership feels more relevant than ever.
Thanks to Christian Espinosa, Blue Goat Cyber!
#11- “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz
What I love about it is how brutally honest he is about the challenges of running and scaling a business. It’s not one of those books that sugarcoat the entrepreneurial journey. Instead, it talks about the tough decisions and uncomfortable moments, like laying off employees or dealing with failures, that a lot of people avoid discussing. What stuck with me was his advice on how to lead when things aren’t going well, which is something every entrepreneur will face at some point. Horowitz gives practical insights that go beyond theory.
Thanks to Spencer Romenco, Growth Spurt!
#12- “False Economy” by Alan Beattie
It explores a wide range of economic topics – from business and economics, all the way to history and politics while keeping things light and understandable. In addition to learning why Africa doesn't grow cocaine, why our keyboard spells QWERTY, and why corruption is way more complicated than we think, this book will help you create a mental frame of reference for evaluating other books on business so that you can quickly get the most out of them.
Thanks to Velin Dragoev, Era Locums!
#13- “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber
Gerber dissects the myth that most business owners are adept at the operational side without realizing the importance of a robust system. As a lawyer, this resonated with me when I founded Andrew Pickett Law, ensuring that each aspect of my practice—from client acquisition to case management—operates like a well-oiled machine. Gerber’s insights into creating consistency through systems allow me to focus more on advocating for my clients while trusting my team to handle everyday operations seamlessly.
Thanks to Andrew Pickett, Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC!
#14- “Good to Great” by Jim Collins
It dives into what differentiates great companies from good ones, emphasizing the importance of disciplined people, thought, and action. The concept of “Level 5 Leadership” particularly resonates with me—leaders who are ambitious for their company, not themselves. In building Edstellar, these insights guide us toward creating sustainable, scalable success driven by a team of empowered individuals. It’s a reminder that true business excellence doesn’t come from shortcuts but from consistent, well-placed efforts over time.
Thanks to Arvind Rongala, Edstellar!
#15- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
“Atomic Habits” shows us how tiny, consistent habits can shape our lives in powerful ways. Clear even points out how something as simple as which shoe we put on first is an ingrained habit, reflecting the bigger patterns that drive our success or failure. I love how he reminds us to enjoy the process, not just chase the result. That’s key for entrepreneurs especially when business throws us those inevitable ups and downs. Focusing on habits keeps the motivation going!
Thanks to Mangla Sachdev, Expat Business In A Bag!
#16- “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber
Many people think that if you’re passionate about something, success will just follow. But Gerber flips that idea on its head and emphasizes that being good at your craft doesn’t mean you’ll be great at running a business. What struck me was his concept of creating a franchise prototype. He suggests that every small business should operate as if it were a franchise, setting up standard processes that anyone can follow. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, and I think that’s something we can all benefit from.
Thanks to Laurie Williams, Man and Van Greenwich!
#17- “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight
It’s not your typical “how-to” or step-by-step guide for success, and that’s what makes it so powerful. The way Knight shares the story of building Nike from scratch, including all the mistakes, the near failures, and the messy parts, makes it feel real. What stuck with me is how he embraced uncertainty and kept pushing forward, even when the future of the company looked shaky. It’s a reminder that the entrepreneurial journey isn’t always glamorous, but those tough moments can lead to something amazing if you keep at it.
Thanks to Mushfiq Sarker, LaGrande Marketing!
#18- “Good to Great” by Jim Collins
One of my top business reads is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It provides clear, research-backed insights on how companies transition from being good to exceptional. Collins explores common traits among top-performing businesses and focuses on disciplined leadership, consistent focus on core strengths, and creating a culture of excellence. It's a straightforward guide for anyone looking to scale a business and ensure long-term success through structured and thoughtful leadership decisions.
Thanks to Kellianne Fedio, Kellianne.Me!
#19- “The Social Trade Show” by Traci Browne
A great business book that I recommend to other leaders is The Social Trade Show: Leveraging Social Media and Virtual Events to Connect With Your Customers by Traci Browne. Trade shows have huge potential for businesses but they can also be a huge investment, especially for small and medium-sized companies. These are the places where your prospects, customers, and partners are communicating. Leverage these platforms to build excitement, draw crowds, increase engagement, and close sales is crucial.
Thanks to Thomas Samuels, Cardinal Expo!
#20- “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker
This book opened my eyes to the power and purpose behind gathering with intention. I find that creating meaningful experiences for clients and teams is essential in both floral design and business. Parker’s insights on crafting transformative meetings and events have inspired me to think differently about connecting personally and professionally with others. Her approach aligns perfectly with maintaining genuine connections, which is at the heart of what we do here at Kate Hill Flowers.
Thanks to Kate Hill, Kate Hill Flowers!
#21- “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger
It dives into the psychology of why certain products or ideas catch on, and that shifted how I create campaigns. After reading it, I started to think more about how to weave in social currency and emotion into content, creating moments where people feel naturally inclined to share. That change in approach led to a noticeable increase in how customers engage with our brand and each other, driving more organic traffic. It's tempting to get buried in data, but his strategies helped me strike the right balance between creativity and analytics.
Thanks to Chris Bajda, GroomsDay!
#22- “Finite and Infinite Games” by James P. Carse
It offers a philosophical exploration of game theory. It shifted my focus from short-term metrics to the broader mission. Instead of merely aiming to outperform competitors or achieve immediate financial targets, I began to consider how our work contributes to the ongoing “game” of education and knowledge dissemination. This has led us to prioritize user experience, accessibility, and innovation over immediate gains. This mindset fosters a culture of continuous learning and openness, which I believe is crucial in today's fast-paced environment.
Thanks to Derek Pankaew, Listening.com!
#23- “The Ultimate Sales Machine” by Chet Holmes
In the book, Holmes lays it all down, if you wanna dominate your market, it’s not about doing everything, it's about going all-in on the right things with that “pig-headed discipline.” Holmes shows you that with focus, discipline, and relentless execution, you’re not just making sales, you’re building an unstoppable machine. It’s about mastering time, building up your people, and turning leads into lifelong clients. It is a very teaching book about growing any service business.
Thanks to Sasha Berson, Grow Law Firm!
#24- “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
This book dives into the importance of identifying and communicating a clear purpose—your “Why.” Sinek explains that the most successful leaders and companies inspire others by grounding their work in a core mission, beyond profits. For business leaders, this book emphasizes building loyalty and trust, showing that when teams and customers understand the purpose behind a company’s actions, they connect more deeply, leading to lasting growth and impact.
Thanks to Aspen Noonan, Elevate Holistics!
#25- “Spin Sucks” by Gini Dietrich
Dietrich’s insights help marketers handle today’s fast-paced landscape with integrity, and that’s something I genuinely appreciate in my work. It digs into real-life scenarios and offers actionable steps you can apply right away. One of my favorite parts of the book is how naturally Dietrich blends PR with marketing. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about building connections that last, even when things get complicated. It’s a practical guide to balancing impact with ethics.
Thanks to Denise Murray, Microdose Mushrooms!
#26- “Epic Content Marketing” by Joe Pulizzi
It’s a must-read for anyone serious about building trust and authority with their brand. Pulizzi shows you that if you want to stand out, it’s not about pitching, it’s about creating content people genuinely value. He takes you step-by-step on crafting a content strategy that attracts, educates, and keeps your audience engaged. Pulizzi’s approach is all about consistency and longevity, making this book a blueprint for turning your brand into a trusted go-to in your field.
Thanks to Ivan Vislavskiy, Comrade Digital Marketing Agency!
#27- “Good to Great” by Jim Collins
It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to take a good organization and turn it into something great. A major takeaway for me was the emphasis on having the right people on your team. It's important. Without a great team, long-term growth is a dream. The book also drives home the importance of making thoughtful, disciplined decisions and keeping your eyes on the long game instead of just scrambling after the latest trend. It’s not about those one-off wins; it’s about how you play the long game.
Thanks to Dr. Don Beasley, Boise ENT!
#28- “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt
Explained challenges of Gen Z recruitment and staff retention: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. I understood finally the initial enthusiasm of new employees who suddenly left with no explanation except ‘it's not for me.' The results of ‘swipe culture' where we're always onto the next thing no matter how good the thing of a second ago was, conflict avoidance from increased device interactions rather than human- interactions, digital additions impacting work ethic, and more.
Thanks to Gigi Pinwill, DunnART!
#29- “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
Many would classify it as a self-help book. While self-help may be one of the uses for that book, it is not the only use. It has served me well as an entrepreneur to manage and build business relationships. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” speaks to the psychology of self-governance and introspection required to establish and manage business relationships to be successful. The book transcends generational bounds with principles that are still applicable and helpful modernly.
Thanks to Catherine Delcin, Delcin Consulting!
#30- “Anything You Want” by Derek Sivers
Derek Sivers teaches you that to run a successful business, you need to have a clear understanding of yourself, the things you love, and what you aspire to be in your life. He argues that most of us spend our time doing things that don’t actually make us happy. A former musician, Sivers ran a successful venture as a music retailer for independent musicians. He emphasized starting a business based on passion, not conventional rules or trends. Entrepreneurs who believe in customer-focused business ideas can read this book for a fresh approach.
Thanks to Soubhik Chakrabarti, Canada Hustle!
|