I love reading and often have a pile of books on the cabinet next to my bed, there are however a few that have stood the test of time and the 10 books listed below are one’s that have graced my library shelves for quite sometime.
I often find myself suggesting them to new business owners or referring back to them for tips, resources or insightful advice.
Listed below are my 10 favourite books I believe every Business Owner should read at least once.
1. The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield
I love Jack, and this book is chock-full of simple, timeless principles that anyone can use to move forward in their business, career, and life. It’s a great coaching refresher for yourself and your clients. No matter what your professional circumstance, this book will help you increase your confidence, tackle daily personal and professional challenges, and most importantly, live with passion and purpose.
2. Losing My Virginity: How I’ve Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way by Sir Richard Branson
This one’s my favorite. His fun and feisty autobiography will give you a glimpse inside the head of one of the true mavericks of the business world. Branson’s stories will shock you, while reminding you to take risks in your life and your business, and never forget to enjoy the ride.
3. The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
This book became an overnight success when it was first introduced because of the unconventional “mobile lifestyle” it recommended. The four sections—define, eliminate, automate, and liberate—show you how to streamline your life and your business. I love it because it’s chock-full of information on how to think like a true lifestyle entrepreneur.
4. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill was called upon by Andrew Carnegie—one of the America’s billionaires—to interview the most successful businessmen and business owners of their time, and find out what took them to the top. Hill discovered 13 common keys to success, all of which can be learned. Whether it’s my first time reading it, or my fourteenth, I’m always surprised I gain a new insight with every read.
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5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
What I love about Covey’s approach is that it is principle-centered when it comes to solving both personal and professional problems. It can get a little tedious in a few spots because this man loves his graphs and charts, but the anecdotes are helpful and do a great job of illustrating how one can live with fairness, integrity, service, and human dignity.
6. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This book was released in 1936 and still stands strong as a timeless book for business owners. Carnegie believed that most successes come from the ability to communicate effectively rather than coming up with brilliant insights. His book teaches these essential communication skills and how to apply them to everyday situations, from running a business to managing day-to-day relationships.
7. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
This book explains why most small businesses don’t work and shows the commonplace assumptions that can get in the way of running a business. Gerber also walks you through the common stages of the life of a business: from having an idea to managing the growing pains, to expanding a mature business. There’s also an interesting section where Gerber shares lessons taken from franchising and applies them to any business.
Add to your list in the comments below and let me know what impact your favourite book has had as a business owner in your business
Happy reading,
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Email : ContactBrendaTsiaousis@gmail.com
Great share here Brenda, Magical resources to reference on your site. Awesome! Warmest Regards Shirley
Those books sound great Brenda! I’ll have to check some of the out.
Tonya
Great comprehensive list of reading materials Brenda, thanks for sharing!!!
Julie
Some of my favourite books here Brenda, I certainly liked the title of Richard Branson’s book that is copywriting at it’s best.
Dave
Yes, Sir Richard is just awesome – brings “fun” to business..
Thanks for visiting David.
Brenda
Hey Brenda,
Building a business works hand in hand with reading and developing your self. I love reading and since the challenge started the process grew. From your list I read no 3,4,5 and 6. I went through Richard Branson’s “Screw it, let’s do it” which has a lot of gems of wisdom and personal stories.
Will check out Jack Canfield’s book and the E-Myth.
I will also add Tony Robbins books, especially, Awaken the giant within. Very powerful book.
Thanks for sharing Brenda. These are great suggestions.
All the best,
Radu
Love the feel of your blog Brenda. I have two out of the seven so looks like I’m gonna have to get myself to the bookshop. I brought the 4 Hour Work week when I was in the States recently. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Michelle. $ hour work week is such a great book and I think most people who read it end up becoming entrepreneurs to gain the lifestyle he speaks about
Awesome
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for sharing all of the books, I am going to go and get that Richard Branson book, in fact I am going to get all the ones I don’t have yet.
Tristram Lodge
Great Idea Tristram, I have a whole range of books and love referring back to them – I find that there are some great bits that can be used for blog posts too.
Brenda,
I never read the book by Richard Branson. I will have to put that on my list to read. Thanks for sharing such great books.
Halfway through The EMyth now Brenda and highly recommend it also.
Great collection here!
Thank you for that list! I've read Think and Grow Rich (great book and I'm going to read it again) and I just picked up a copy of the Four Hour Work Week which I have heard many great things about. I'll have to bookmark this page so I can come back and remember the other books I need to read!
Think and Grow Rich is super Mike . and I keep it close by, and often refer to it.. Such a great inspirational resource to have handy.
Brenda
7 Habits was a big check on my way of life, hope to read it again. Think and Grow RIch by Napoleon Hill open my eyes to the possibilities of life. Great post.