Although books are making a comeback for the mainstream consumer, for entrepreneurs and business owners they’ve always been an important part of continuous improvement. Here are ten of the top business books I recommend reading as soon as you can. The list is a mix of new books, oldies but goodies, and a couple of memoirs for good measure, not in any particular order. (I’m compelled to tell you these are monetized links. Should you order, I will make a little cash. But this is my true opinion nevertheless.)
Enjoy!
Ten Top Business Books
- Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum
– I usually like to read Neil Patel’s advice piecemeal, so I wasn’t sure whether or not I would enjoy this book. But Patel and his co-authors combine pragmatic tips with some advice bordering on the zen, which was a perfect fit for me. Plus it’s a fast read, and a good introduction to someone who has taught me a ton about business.
- Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
– As someone who usually gets marked as “weird” I had to read this book and the authors Sandberg and Grant do not disappoint. This is basically a book about looking at things in a different way. It’s “outside of the box” redux in a way that is fun and readable.
- Covey’s classic The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
should be a one of your top business books. . I think what always sticks with me is the lesson to “seek first to understand, then to be understood” which is also helpful for arguing politics with your husband.
- I have not read Superbosses: How Exceptional Leaders Master the Flow of Talent
but enough people have recommended it to me that I felt I should include it here. Unless maybe all those people were trying to send me a message? I’ll have to noodle on that one.
- Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
is Phil Knight’s memoir. I found it to be as interesting for its examination of marketing as it was about Mr. Knight and the brand. This is a good plane read if you want to be productive but not really. I put it in the top business books list because it’s basically a great read no matter the reason for reading it.
- Elon Musk is literally changing the world and the book Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
doesn’t disappoint. I always like books where the subject is shadowed by a real writer, and Ashlee Vance does a great job of telling the story of this “far out” billionaire.
- If you’re starting a company The Creator’s Code: The Six Essential Skills of Extraordinary Entrepreneurs
is a really good, quick read. If I had any discipline at all, I would incorporate these six skills into my life.
- I started speaking again last year, and I was really happy to find Illuminate: Ignite Change Through Speeches, Stories, Ceremonies, and Symbols
. Lots of pragmatic advice around communications and how to “tell the story” from two women who truly are the best in the business.
- When I had a concussion in 2010, the neurologist told me I needed to learn how to unitask in order to heal my brain. Focus has been one of my best strengths ever since and Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
helped me get even better at it. It contains some really good, actionable steps.
- Finally, Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work
is kind of a “Tipping Point” type book that provides information through stories, research and advice on ways to keep your brain working its best for you. It’s a really fun read too.
2 Responses
HI Bonnie!
This is an excellent list of books! I really enjoyed “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and “Hustle: The Power to Change Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum. Both were amazing reads. Right now I’m ready “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. It’s amazing. If you haven’t read it already, check it out!
Cheers!
Emily
Thanks Emily! I’m totally going to check out the Sincero book. Love the title!
Bonnie