Best books for small business owners
20 of the best books for small business owners to read and succeed.
Reading is a leadership habit, there’s no question about it. Legendary investor Charlie Munger once said “In my whole life, I have known no wise people (over a broad subject matter area) who didn’t read all the time – none, zero.”
Running my own business over the years, I’ve found books to be a great source of new ideas and paradigm shifts in my growth journey. Reading is also a great way to slow down from my busy schedule and spend time thinking. Allowing the mind to wander and ponder has many science-backed benefits.
Here are 20 books to consider adding to your reading list. We’ll update this list over time…
Leadership & Strategy
The Managers Handbook
A highly practical book for leaders. Get the hardback and keep it close by at all times.
The Coaching Habit
Coaching is an essential skill for leaders. This book will show you how to coach others in just a few minutes.
The Personal MBA
A brilliant no-BS book on how to run a business. “File this book under NO EXCUSES” - Seth Godin.
Good to Great
A well-known book in the ‘must read’ bucket. Full of vital ideas for leaders to turn their good business into a great business.
The E Myth Revisited
If you've heard the saying 'working ON your business not IN it', you have Michael E. Gerber to thank.
How to Grow Your Small Business
If you want to know how a business actually works and how to build it the right way so that it grows, this is the book to read.
Marketing & Sales
This Is Marketing
Seth Godin in his brilliance challenges traditional advertising and offers a new approach to marketing that prioritises empathy, connection, and emotional resonance with customers, rather than merely promoting products.
Building A Story Brand
The book that sparked the worlds #1 messaging framework, Donald Miller shares how brands can clarify their message to get customers attention using the timeless elements of story.
Marketing Made Simple
In the follow up book to Building A Story Brand, Donald Miller and JJ Peterson outline a simple and proven marketing plan that will convert customers.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Insightful and thought-provoking, this book explores the psychology behind persuasion and provides valuable strategies for navigating influence in everyday life. By Robert Cialdini
The 1-Page Marketing Plan
The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib is an actionable guide on marketing for startups and small businesses.
The Big Book of Words That Sell
The Big Book of Words that Sell contains the 1200 words and phrases that have proven to sell most effectively and the best situations to employ that language in.
To Sell Is Human
Daniel Pink’s bestselling book offers a new perspective on the world of sales. To Sell is Human is a book for everyone because we all are into sales these days.
$100M Leads
In his second hit book, sales legend Alex Hormozi reveals his proven strategies for customer acquisition.
Finances
Profit First
Mike Michalowicz, in his witty and down-to-earth writing style, gives entrepreneurs a counterintuitive cash management system that will get you of the doom spiral and achieve instant profitability.
The Psychology of Money
Becoming a modern classic, Morgan Housel shares short stories exploring the strange ways people think about money. The book teaches you how to make better sense of one of life's most important topics.
Xero for Dummies
Struggle with Xero? You're in good hands with Xero for Dummies, the only book endorsed by Xero. Written by Brisbane’s own Heather Smith.
Productivity & Habits
Free to Focus
Productivity expert Michael Hyatt reveals nine proven ways to win at work so that you can finally be free to succeed at the rest of life (health, relationships, hobbies, and more). Read this book if you feel overwhelmed by work and want to avoid burnout.
The Compound Effect
Darren Hardy, who brings enormous energy to his writing and speaking, gives you an operating system that allows you to multiply your success, using the principles of compounding habits and thinking. Great in hardback (revised edition).
Atomic Habits
Packed with evidence-based strategies, James Clear will teach you how to make small changes that will transform your habits and deliver amazing results.
Deep Work
Cal Newport is a brilliant writer. Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It’s a skill that every leader (and worker) needs today!
List curated by Lachlan Nicolson
And now dear readers, for a shameless plug:
Have you read my latest book?
If you feel overworked or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Most business owners are on the edge of burnout. It’s unsustainable, and we need a plan to fix it.
OFFLOAD helps entrepreneurs build a business that gives them greater flexibility and freedom, not burnout. Doing everything yourself only gets you so far — it’s time to offload!
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