10 Must-Read Books for Busy Business Owners
Ignite your entrepreneurial spirit with these must-read books, perfect for the time-strapped business owner.
Where time is a precious commodity and multitasking is the norm, finding a moment to dive into a good book might seem like a luxury.
However, for savvy entrepreneurs and busy business owners, the right book can be a game-changer.
We’ve asked ten entrepreneurs to share their favorite business and career books.
“What is one book you would recommend to busy business owners, and what makes it a compelling read? “
Here is what they have to say…
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The Lean Startup is a compelling read because it provides practical strategies and insights on how to build and grow a successful business in a fast-paced and constantly changing market.
One of the key takeaways from this book is the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), which helps entrepreneurs validate their business ideas with minimal resources and investment.
I personally found this book incredibly helpful in my own entrepreneurial journey, as it provided practical guidance on how to navigate the uncertainties and challenges of starting and scaling a business.
Kevin Shahbazi, CEO and Co-Founder, LogMeOnce
Deep Work by Cal Newport
One highly recommended book for busy business owners is Deep Work by Cal Newport.
This book is compelling because it focuses on the ability to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks.
Newport argues that this skill allows individuals to quickly master complicated information and produce better results in less time.
For business owners, this translates into more efficient work, higher quality of output, and an ability to outperform competitors.
Jaya Iyer, Marketing Manager, Teranga Digital Marketing LTD
Drive by Daniel H. Pink
Drive by Daniel H. Pink is an essential read for business owners looking to understand and enhance motivation within their teams.
Pink challenges traditional notions of motivation, asserting that beyond extrinsic rewards, factors like autonomy, mastery, and purpose play pivotal roles in driving high performance.
For business owners striving to inspire innovation and create a motivated workforce, Drive provides actionable strategies and a fresh perspective on the dynamics of motivation.
James Parker, Co-Founder, LEONID
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
I highly recommend The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey to busy business owners.
This book offers invaluable insights and practical advice for achieving success.
It dives into the fundamental principles and habits that can help individuals become more effective in their personal and professional lives.
The book also includes real-life examples and exercises that can help readers understand and implement the concepts effectively.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its timeless relevance.
Despite being published over 30 years ago, the principles and habits discussed in the book are still applicable and valuable in today’s fast-paced business world.
Amy Mangrum, Founder and CEO, House Buying Girls
The Founder’s Dilemmas by Noam Wasserman
The book I recommend most often to my startup and small-business clients is The Founder’s Dilemmas by Noam Wasserman.
Based on extensive research and data from the tech and biotech sectors, this book is on its way to becoming a business classic.
From structuring equity to succession planning, Wasserman addresses the topics that can be too uncomfortable, complicated, or just plain confusing to address on your own.
I highly recommend The Founder’s Dilemmas to any business owner who wishes they could take a step back from the day-to-day chaos and plan for long-term success.
Jenevra Georgini, Founder and Managing Attorney, Spark + Sterling
The Messy Middle by Scott Belsky
One book I highly recommend to busy business owners is The Messy Middle by Scott Belsky.
This book is a compelling read because it addresses the often-overlooked but crucial part of any business journey — the challenging middle phase.
Belsky offers practical advice on navigating the complexities and uncertainties that arise in this stage, keeping you focused on achieving larger goals while also appreciating the milestones you’ve already reached.
Justin Silverman, Founder and CEO, Merchynt
Platform by Michael Hyatt
For business owners who want to become thought leaders in their space, I always turn them on to Platform by Michael Hyatt.
Not only does this book provide actionable tips for establishing your brand as an industry expert, but it’s incredibly motivating.
The before-and-after business examples make you believe it’s possible to build a movement around your message, even starting out small.
Josh Ladick, President, GSA Focus
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
What I like most about The E-Myth Revisited is that it takes the reader on a journey through the mindset and struggles of an entrepreneur.
You can feel that the author has been there and understands the challenges, providing strategies to overcome them.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “The purpose of going into business is to get free of a job so you can create jobs for other people.”
It serves as a reminder that being a business owner is not just about personal success but also about creating opportunities for others.
Eric Eng, Founder and CEO, Private College Admissions Consultant. Business Owner, AdmissionSight
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini is a must-read for any business owner who wants to understand how people make decisions and how they can influence those decisions.
The book is filled with practical examples and advice that can be applied to any business.
Cialdini identifies six key principles of persuasion that drive human behavior, and he explains that by understanding and applying these principles, business owners can become more effective communicators and persuaders, leading to better business outcomes.
Luciano Colos, Founder and CEO, PitchGrade
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
I’m a big fan of Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.
The book shares stories of individuals who capitalized on moments in time to do something great.
The stories give entrepreneurs a macro view of how they can leverage changing times to create big opportunities.
Further, in recognizing the patterns of how big businesses are created, the astute observer can position themselves to create new enterprises at key moments in time.
Robert Brill, CEO, Brill Media
LeadLearnLeap turns business books into animated videos. You can check out their animated book summaries on their YouTube channel.
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