The best books for small businesses: Top 11 picks

Tue | April 2023

As a small business owner, you have the power to shape your destiny and create a legacy that will inspire generations to come. However, it's no secret that the road to success may have challenges, uncertainties, and unforeseen obstacles. But fear not, intrepid trailblazer! Within the pages of the written word, you will find the wisdom, motivation, and guidance you need to thrive and prosper.

We've put together this list of 10 must-read books for small business owners that will keep you informed and help you adapt to the ever-changing landscape of your industry. Our guide is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration, carefully curated to help you navigate the ever-evolving entrepreneurship landscape. This compilation of literary gems will empower you to make inform decisions and ignite your passion and drive to overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.

Let the adventure begin!

1. The Lean Startup

If you're starting a business, this is a must-read. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries provides a clear and actionable framework for reducing risk and increasing the likelihood of success based on continuous innovation and experimentation principles. The book's central message is that startups can reduce the risk of failure and increase their chances of success through constant innovation and experimentation.

Ries introduces the concept of the "minimum viable product" (MVP), the most straightforward product version that can be released to the market to test its viability. He emphasizes collecting and analyzing customer feedback to guide product development and decision-making.

One of the standout quotes from the book is: "The only way to win is to learn faster than anyone else." This quote highlights the book's core message that the key to success in entrepreneurship is not to avoid failure but to learn quickly from failure and iterate until a successful solution is found.

"The Lean Startup" provides a practical guide to implementing the lean methodology in a startup environment, including tips on testing hypotheses, measuring progress, and pivoting when necessary. Ries also includes case studies and examples of successful startups that have used the lean methodology to achieve success.

2. The E-Myth Revisited

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber is a timeless book that provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by small business owners and entrepreneurs. The book's central message is that to succeed in business; entrepreneurs need to shift their mindset from being technicians to become entrepreneurs who can work on their business rather than in their business.

Gerber emphasizes the importance of creating systems and processes that can be replicated and scaled, enabling the business to grow and succeed over time. He provides practical advice on making these systems, including tips on delegating tasks, hiring and training employees, and creating a solid brand identity.

One of the standout 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." This quote highlights the book's core message that entrepreneurs should aim to create a business that can operate independently of their involvement, enabling them to create jobs and positively impact their community.

The book provides a roadmap for creating a scalable and replicable business model based on the principles of entrepreneurship and innovation.

3. Good to Great

Good to Great by Jim Collins is a classic business book that provides valuable insights into what companies need to achieve long-term success. The book's central message is that great companies are not born overnight but created through disciplined leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to excellence.

Collins and his team of researchers spent five years studying a group of companies that had transitioned from good to great and identified several key factors critical to their success. These factors include having a solid leadership team, a culture of discipline, a focus on what the company can be the best at, and a commitment to constant improvement.

One of the standout quotes from the book is: "Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons we have so little that becomes great." This quote highlights the book's core message: companies must strive for greatness rather than settle for mediocrity.

4. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini is a fascinating book that explores the principles of persuasion and how they can be used to influence people's behavior. The book's central message is that by understanding the psychology behind why people say "yes," you can persuade them to act more effectively.

Cialdini identifies six universal principles of persuasion: reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity. He provides practical examples and case studies of how these principles can be used in various contexts, from sales and marketing to politics and social movements.

One of the standout quotes from the book is: "The key to successful influence is the ability to understand and respond to the needs and perspectives of others." This quote highlights the book's core message that effective persuasion is about building relationships and understanding the motivations and needs of the people you are trying to influence.

5. Purple Cow

Purple Cow by Seth Godin is a revolutionary book that challenges the traditional approach to marketing and branding. The book's central message is that to succeed in today's crowded marketplace; businesses must stand out by being "remarkable." A "Purple Cow" is a metaphor for a product or service that is truly unique and remarkable and that stands out from the competition.

Godin provides practical examples and case studies of companies that have successfully created their own "Purple Cow" and achieved remarkable success. He emphasizes the importance of being different and taking risks to capture consumers' attention and build a strong brand identity.

One of the standout quotes from the book is: "In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is a failure. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible." This quote highlights the book's core message that being remarkable is essential for success in today's marketplace.

6. Profit First

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz is a game-changing book that challenges the traditional approach to financial management for businesses. The book's central message is that companies must prioritize profit to achieve long-term financial stability and growth.

Michalowicz introduces the concept of "profit first," where a portion of revenue is set aside for profit before any other expenses are paid. He provides practical advice and actionable strategies for implementing this system, including tips on managing cash flow, reducing debt, and increasing profits.

One of the standout quotes from the book is: "Profit is not an event; it's a habit." This quote highlights the book's core message that consistent prioritization of profit is essential for long-term financial success.

If you want to take control of your finances and achieve financial stability and growth. The book provides a clear and actionable framework for reducing risk and increasing profitability based on the principles of entrepreneurship and innovation.

7. Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs

Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs by Karen Berman and Joe Knight is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the financial aspects of running a business. Berman's and Knight's writing is clear and concise, making it accessible to readers with any financial knowledge.

Berman and Knight break down complex financial concepts into easy-to-understand terms, providing practical advice and real-world examples to illustrate their points. The book covers financial statements, cash flow management, budgeting, and valuation, providing entrepreneurs a comprehensive understanding of managing their finances effectively.

One of the standout quotes from the book is: "In the business world, money talks. You can have the best ideas in the world, but if you can't back them up with financial data, they are unlikely to get off the ground." This quote emphasizes the importance of financial intelligence in entrepreneurship and highlights the book's core message.

Suppose you want to make informed financial decisions and achieve long-term success. The book is well-organized, easy to read, and provides practical advice for any business.

8. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

If you want to improve your team's performance and achieve long-term success.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni is a highly insightful book exploring why teams often fail to reach their full potential. The book's central message is that teamwork is essential for success in today's complex and rapidly changing business environment and that teams can overcome their dysfunctions by addressing five critical areas of dysfunction.

Lencioni identifies five critical areas of dysfunction: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. He provides practical examples and case studies of how these dysfunctions can manifest themselves in teams and provides actionable strategies for overcoming them.

One of the standout quotes from the book is: "Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. Teamwork remains the ultimate competitive advantage because it is so powerful and rare." This quote highlights the book's core message that teamwork is the key to success in today's business environment.

9. Start with Why

If you want to positively impact the world and achieve remarkable success, Start with Why by Simon Sinek is a thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional approach to leadership and marketing. The book's central message is that successful leaders and organizations start with a clear purpose or "why," which drives everything they do.

Sinek provides practical examples and case studies of companies and leaders who have successfully articulated their "why" and leveraged it to achieve remarkable success. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's purpose and using it to inspire and motivate others.

One of the standout quotes from the book is: "People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it." This quote highlights the book's core message: a clear sense of purpose or "why" is essential for building a solid brand identity and attracting loyal customers.

Start with Why is a must-read for any leader, entrepreneur, or marketer looking to build a strong brand identity and achieve long-term success. The book provides practical advice and real-world examples of articulating one's purpose and leveraging it to inspire and motivate others.

10. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey is a timeless classic that provides valuable insights into the habits and principles of successful people. The book's central message is that true success is based on a foundation of character and principles rather than on techniques or quick fixes.

Covey introduces seven habits that he argues are essential for success in both personal and professional life. These habits include being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking to understand, then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw.

The book's core message is that true success is based on setting and prioritizing goals and principles rather than simply reacting to external stimuli: "The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule but to schedule your priorities." This book is for you if you want to succeed personally and professionally. The book provides practical advice and real-world examples of developing the habits and principles essential for success.

11. Deep Work

Are you looking to improve your productivity, creativity, and overall quality of work? Deep Work by Cal Newport is a powerful book that provides valuable insights into how to do focused, high-quality work in today's distracting and fast-paced world.

The book's central message is that to achieve success and fulfill one's potential, one needs to engage in deep, concentrated work that allows for a high level of productivity and creativity: "The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy."

Newport introduces the concept of "deep work," which he defines as "the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task." He provides practical advice and strategies for developing the ability to engage in deep work, including tips on eliminating distractions, managing time effectively, and building a focused and productive work environment.

Unlock your business potential

In conclusion, reading books can be an invaluable tool for small business owners looking to improve their skills and achieve long-term success. The books on this list cover various topics, from financial management to leadership to marketing and beyond. By reading these books and applying their insights and strategies, small business owners can gain a competitive edge and achieve their goals.

Whether you're a new entrepreneur just starting or a seasoned business owner looking to take your company to the next level, the books on this list can provide valuable guidance and inspiration. By investing time and energy into reading and learning from these top 10 books, you can build the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business environment.

So don't wait any longer; pick up a book and start reading today! Your business will thank you for it.

Disclaimer: The content of this post has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult with your tax, legal, and accounting advisor before engaging in any transaction.