Best Books to Read for Business
Do you remember the school days, when you used to sit beside your best friend and map out your business plan because studies took up a lot of your time? Good old days, right? But as you grow up, you realise that starting a business isn’t as easy as it sounded back in school; it demands a lot more than studies, like both financial savvy and self-discipline, consistency, constant learning, the will to fight back against the setbacks, and managing your own and your team’s energy. However, people often struggle to find a reliable source that will keep them motivated and on track. In such situations, books related to business success and growth play a crucial role. Therefore, we are highlighting the top 10 best books to read for business success and growth.
Top 10 Books for Business Success and Growth
The books mentioned below are more than just words; they are a constant source of motivation and a guide to achieving excellence in life. So, let’s get started.
The Lean Startup
When you cook something for the first time, the ideal thing to do is make it in small portions and get it tasted by somebody who loves to eat and would offer you an honest judgement about the taste. This applies to a startup business as well. Eric Ries’s book The Lean Startup teaches how you shouldn’t create the entire business product first.
When initiating a startup, build a mini version of it first, known as a Minimum Viable Product, and test it with a real customer. This way, you will understand whether your business idea is working or requires modification. It’s a must-read for anybody who’s about to begin their startup.
Zero to One
Peter Thiel has elucidated the essence of starting a business from nothing in his book Zero to One. He explains that it’s always better to start from zero instead of copying the existing ideas. According to Thiel, competition destroys profits, so the best way to begin your startup is come up with a new idea and dominate in that niche with a unique technology or skill that no one else can match.
Therefore, if you are willing to start from zero, then you must read this book.
Good to Great
If you are somebody who wishes to take their business to the next level but has no guidance, then you must read Good to Great by Jim Collins; he studied 11 companies and wrote about how basic companies turn into exceptional ones that outperform the market.
The basics are get rid of the wrong staff, hire a dedicated team, and clearly map out the company’s direction. Grab the book today to get a detailed insight.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things
The Hard Thing About Hard Things offers a raw and practical guide by Ben Horowitz, who himself dealt with business crises while founding Opsware and even faced near bankruptcy. The book elucidates how to deal with problems like layoffs, office politics, hiring mismatches, wartime decision-making, and everything that a CEO of the company should master to run the business smoothly.
What’s better than reading the book of somebody who has dealt with similar office issues that you are going through now?
Atomic Habits
What will you answer if we ask, “Are people born villains, or does society and their habits make them?” We presume the systems and their habits turn them into one; do you agree? In that case, redemption is always possible with a little change in habits, right? However, that change doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time. Atomic Habits by James Clear revolves around the same lines.
The book suggests that building good habits while disintegrating bad ones is the key to bringing positive change into your life. And it doesn’t ask its readers to make those constructive changes immediately; instead, it recommends one step at a time. It’s a marvellous book that blends stories, science, and strategies for an impactful and positive change.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Everybody wishes to make a fascinating and impressive first impression; isn’t it? However, in this busy world, winning friends and influencing people is a daunting task for everybody has their opinions, and yours might differ from theirs. So, if you are somebody who wishes to influence people but has no clue where to start or what to do, then you must read How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
This book offers practical advice on building better relationships and influencing others positively.
Shoe Dog
Everybody adores Nike shoes, but do you all know the story behind their launch? If not, then you must read this book for it’s a non-fiction memoir about Phil Knight, the man who brought Nike into the world. This book will give you an insight into his life and how he dealt with struggles to turn his dream into a reality.
So, if you are planning on beginning your business with shimmering dreams, then don’t let it die due to temporary predicaments; for constant motivation, read the book Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.
Rich Dad Poor Dad
The book portrays the life of a rich and a poor dad. Though the poor dad was educated, had a secure job, and good grades, he struggled with bills and debt. On the contrary, the rich dad did not have any degree, yet he had smart investments and possessed crucial assets. The book deftly showcases the essence of learning skills, spotting opportunities, avoiding the rat race, and taking calculated risks. So, don’t just read the book for the sake of it, but apply the teaching in your life as well.
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin is a book that expounds the importance of taking accountability for your actions when running a business, as true leadership means owning both failures and successes. Therefore, the ideal thing for any businessman is to check where they are going wrong and make decisions accordingly.
Start With Why
People often talk about what their business brings to the table and how they do it, but they often forget the crucial part — the reason why they exist. Simon Sinek expounds why successful companies focus on the purpose first before executing the plan in his book Start With Why. This could be a life-changing book for you if you are willing to begin your business but are clueless about how and where to start; it will broaden your mindset.
Also, check – Top 10 Best Inspirational Books
On a Parting Note
Starting a business isn’t a facile task; the journey could be daunting, draining, and you might regret the decision too, but you will realise that all those struggles were worth it once you attain success. However, you will regret your entire life if you never take the first step. Therefore, if you have any business idea in mind but are unsure about it, then read the books we have mentioned above, work on your dreams, and never give up!
