In a New York Times interview, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the most successful people in our generation, said he reads about 50 books a year. Although reading 50 business books may be startling at first, Bill Gates explains how reading is one of the chief ways he learns new things and tests his understanding. As an Entrepreneur and basic human being, you may often fall into a “I know it all” mindset. You’re closed off to taking on new ways of doing things or reject advice and feedback from others. It’s normal to sometimes put up a wall or get defensive at times.
That’s what comes with Entrepreneurship. You are blessed to have an unstoppable drive and extreme passion for your ideas. Which is why it may be difficult when someone tells you to remove, edit, or change something in your lifestyle or routine. Being able to change your mindset from “I’m being attacked” to “I’m being helped” is essential. Take the opportunity to learn from mentors, get a new perspective on things, or develop skills in things outside of your comfort zone.
Authors take the time to put their years of hard work and knowledge into a few chapters for us to read. So with so many books out there on the market, which books are exactly the Best Business Books for Entrepreneurs? We broke down a list of 20 Top Entrepreneur Books from the most inspirational books to how to be an entrepreneur. Our list ranges from business books, negotiation tactics, and famous books on mindfulness.
Starting out as an entrepreneur can be overwhelming, but the right guidance makes all the difference. These beginner-level books focus on foundational skills like mindset, productivity, and profitability. They’re perfect for those just starting their entrepreneurial journey or looking to solidify the basics.
Crush It is a great book for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to get their business the recognition it deserves. The book helps business owners make more sales and market their products through various available online. It was originally published in 2004 and is considered one of the most helpful books in this field.
Have you ever felt like your plate was too full and your priorities were all mixed up? The ONE Thing discusses the importance of focusing on, you guessed it, ONE THING. Whether it may be focusing on a single task or one project, this business book teaches you how to achieve the perfect work-life balance.
By only focusing on one thing, you’re able to increase your productivity and start building habits. This is a great business book that explains the step by step concept of “time blocking” and how to focus on one thing to eliminate distractions so you can focus on growing your business.
This book is the best for young entrepreneurs with a small business. teaches you a counterintuitive cash management solution that transforms your business from a cash eating monster to a cash cow. When running a business, you are the first to take profit, then you’ll be able to limit your portions into things like expenses.
Michalowicz also simplifies a way to set up your accounting to make it easier to manage your business’ expenses and balances.
As a Man Thinketh is a beautiful book on the power of thought and application of it. The book was published in 1903 and explores how the mind holds the key to success. The book helps readers understand how to apply their thoughts and use the power of the mind to achieve success.
Packed with thought-provoking essays, this book challenges your mindset and provides fresh perspectives on growth and change. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs seeking clarity and inspiration.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to dive deeper into strategies for branding, persuasion, and business growth. These intermediate books provide actionable insights to refine your skills, expand your business, and develop a competitive edge.
Dr. Robert B. Cialdini, a seminal expert in the field of influence and persuasion, explains what makes people say “yes” and why. Using psychology, the book illustrates how to apply these principles of persuasion to your business and everyday situations.
Let me show you an example. Have you ever felt like you HAD to do someone a favor because they did you a favor before? That’s called Reciprocation, the rule states “...we should try to repay, in kind, what another person has provided us.” By learning the principle of reciprocation, we’re able to see the power of being able to produce a “yes” response and change behaviors easily. If you're currently running a business or about to start a business, we recommend you read this book.
Whether you’re an expert copywriter or someone looking to improve their skills, The Copywriter’s Handbook covers all the essential information to master copywriting. You’ll be able use these practical advice and copywriting techniques to create better headlines, write ads to increase conversions, or ensure your e-mail messages get opened. Copywriting may seem simple, just a few words on an ad right? Wrong. “A copywriter is a sales person behind a typewriter”.
Copywriting can make or break your ads. Your copy must be able to grab attention, communicate what your product does, and persuade your consumer to buy it. The book states, “According to Dr. Leo Bogart of the Newspaper Advertising bureau, consumers are exposed to more than twice as many ads today (2020) as fifteen years ago, but pay attention to only 20% more.” So with all that competition out there, learn how to stand out and convert more sales.
Branding is essential when building a business to be recognized by consumers. This great book explains why your brand should be a leader and dominate a certain category. The ultimate goal is for your consumers to have the idea that there is no other product on the market quite like your product. And once you conquer that goal, you’ll have the ability to influence purchasing behavior and create a powerful brand and structured business plan.
The book states “you know your brand owns the category name when people use your brand name generically.” For example, most people will often say “Q-tip” over “cotton swab” even though Q-Tip is actually the name of a cotton swab brand. Another example would be “tape” and “Scotch tape”, Scotch being a brand that produces tape.
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Discover the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to streamline business processes and foster growth. This book offers actionable tools for achieving clarity, accountability, and long-term success.'
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This no-nonsense guide helps entrepreneurs overcome self-doubt and take action. It’s a motivational push to get out of your own way and unlock your potential.
Learn how to create wealth by acquiring and growing small businesses. The book provides a step-by-step guide to spotting opportunities and building financial success without starting from scratch.
Overworking is common among entrepreneurs and professionals. It is not uncommon for people to invest more than 10 to 15 hours a day into their business, which can be very stressful. This book is a self-help guide to spend less time working and more time just living your life. It involves outsourcing to virtual assistants, methods to get work down quickly, and spending only four hours every day working.
For seasoned entrepreneurs ready to take their expertise to the next level, these advanced books explore high-level concepts in negotiation, leadership, and mindset mastery. These reads will challenge your thinking, enhance your skills, and inspire you to achieve even greater success.
Written by a former international hostage negotiator for the FBI, Chris Voss breaks down the principles of negotiation he used as the FBI’s lead international kidnapping negotiator. He reveals tactics and strategies that will give you the upper hand in discussions you may have.
You may be wondering...why would I need to know to negotiate? Well you can learn how to negotiate when buying a car, getting a promotion, or talking business with clients. By learning these negotiation techniques, you’ll have the competitive advantage in every situation. Chris breaks down real world situations and how he was able to use his negotiation tactics to win in business.
Besides being skilled in business, your mind should be trained to handle negative thoughts. Michael A. Singer tells his story of what happened after he learned to let go and surrender to life’s experiences. I won’t ruin the book for you, but how could the story of a man who had decided to live alone in the middle of the woods, meditate, and embrace a life of solitude - lead to a thriving spiritual community on over 600 acres of forest, a cutting-edge software package that transformed the medical-practice management industry, a billion-dollar public company, and a massive raid by the FBI with accusations by the US government? The story teaches you the journey of a deep spiritual awakening because of a man that let life call the shots.
This book was published in 2013 and is considered one of the best motivational books for entrepreneurs. Tim Grover explains how great people in some of the most competitive fields achieve their success. He showcases how to adapt to different situations and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. The goal is to teach you how to attain completely physical and mental dominance.
A deep dive into mindfulness and emotional freedom, this book equips entrepreneurs with tools to manage stress and maintain clarity. It’s a valuable read for those navigating high-pressure environments.
A fable about pursuing dreams and trusting the journey, Coelho’s work inspires resilience and self-discovery. Entrepreneurs will find lessons on perseverance and purpose.
Joe Navarro, a former FBI counterintelligence officer and a recognized expert on nonverbal behavior, teaches you how to “speed-read” people. By reading their body language, you’ll be able to look for deceptive behaviors, show powerful behaviors that reveal confidence, and instantly establish trust. Of course, body language could vary per person, but having a general knowledge of it can influence what your boss, family, friends, and strangers think of you.
Did you know that feet could reveal a lot about a person’s mood? Let’s say there’s a couple out for dinner. By analyzing their feet positions, you’ll know if that date is going good or bad. If their feet are facing towards each other and even touching each other, that’s a great sign of comfort and trust between those two people. On the other hand, if their feet are looking away from each other’s, an argument or disagreement could be happening.
Have you heard the quote, “If you don’t come from a rich family, a rich family must come from you”? This book teaches you about the method the Rockefellers have used to protect and grow their wealth for generations. Imagine being able to leave behind a financial legacy of wealth and empowerment for your kids and future generations to come.
Something to keep in mind, you aren’t creating “trust fund babies”. With the Rockefeller Method, you decide the terms of where your wealth goes. So you can set it up in a way for your kids to only receive their family fortune if they finish their education or start a charity foundation. All in all, this book teaches you exactly what to do with your money and change your family’s financial destiny.
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Ben Horowitz delivers a brutally honest take on the challenges of building and running a business in this must-read for entrepreneurs. The book dives deep into the often unspoken struggles of leadership, including making tough decisions, managing through crises, and navigating uncertain times. Horowitz draws from his own experiences as a CEO, providing real-world advice on topics like hiring, firing, and scaling a company. Unlike many business books, it doesn't sugarcoat the reality of entrepreneurship, offering practical wisdom for overcoming obstacles and embracing the chaos of leadership. It's a powerful guide for anyone facing the unique and unpredictable challenges of running a business.
In conclusion, the journey of entrepreneurship is one of constant growth, learning, and adaptation. As Bill Gates exemplifies, reading is a powerful tool to expand your knowledge, refine your skills, and challenge your perspectives. The curated list of books above offers a wealth of insights, ranging from negotiation strategies and branding techniques to mindfulness and financial management. Each book is a stepping stone toward becoming not only a better entrepreneur but a more well-rounded individual. Add these to your reading list, dive into the wisdom they offer, and let them inspire and guide you on your path to success. Which entrepreneur book will you start with? Let us know how it transforms your entrepreneurial journey!
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Alex Quin is a full-stack marketing expert and global keynote speaker. Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of UADV Marketing - a member of the Forbes Agency Council.
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