I've used each of these books in starting, growing and running my business. There is no doubt that each can teach you a valuable lesson, so that your business has every chance of succeeding.
1. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael GerberIf there is just one book you need to read it's this one.
While it's a little dry, it will help you think of the ins and outs of business that you've never thought of. The book has a practical way of looking at how a successful business runs from day to day. One of the biggest take aways for me, was how to structure partnerships in a business. They can make or break you, but the tips on how they should work in this book are incredible!
Divisions in America are stronger than ever.
In some ways they are good, in other ways they are bad. But it's a fact that human beings are focusing more and more on being apart of small groups of like minded people. We can no longer lump people into one or two groups and expect to reach one of those groups.
This book will help you understand how things are changing and what you can do to reach people.
Customer service is key for the growth of any business. If there is one company that set the bar for what customer service should be, it's Zappos.
This book is written by the founder of Zappos and he breaks down exactly what it takes to sell a product and sell it well.
It's also packed with random little tidbits of knowledge of what it's like to work in a startup.
This book is filled with example after example of how good companies with solid ideas, took things to the next level. There are so many important factors that make up a great company. In this book, Collins goes over each in a simple to understand way, for anyone not familiar with business.
Some of the ideas in this are a little complicated for beginners, but most can be understood by slowing down and doing some research on google, in regard to some of the situations mentioned.
Ryan Holiday may not be a house hold name, but he is responsible for some of the greatest marketing campaigns out there. He ran American Apparels marketing division without finishing college. He has been responsible for the marketing of numerous top selling books. And he has been able to grow email lists of over 50k without spending a dime.
The marketing tactics Holiday lays out in this book are practical for anyone. The best part, he markets with little to no budget.
Don't let the corny title fool you, this book is one of the best to understand the entrepreneurship lifestyle. You might not know who Felix Dennis is, but at a young age he created a media empire.
However, this book isn't all sunshine and roses. It's a look at the more frustrating side of working for yourself. Filled with low points and the anxiety of his journey, this book is actually a boarder line argument against starting a business.
Anyone considering going full time with their business needs to read this!
If you start a business, you're going to feel overwhelmed at some point. At first, you'll be filled with energy, ready to conquer the world. But the daily grind will get to you.
Your email will get filled beyond belief. You may have work that keeps you up all night. Some of you, if you're fortunate may have multiple businesses to run. But, if you follow the basic organizational rules and tactics in this book you will be productive and will stay on top of your work. I can't stress how much this book will keep your day to day life together. There is a reason top executives use Allen to organize their lives.
When I think modern day business books, this one is at the top of my list. Not only does the book break down how to do business in today's world, but covers a vast range of questions business owners have when starting.
The book topics include, investors, product creation, long term business planning and many others. I don't think I've every read a book packed with as many insightful points as this.
In the business community, this is the most talked about book I've seen in a long time. I'm not talking about average business folks. I'm talking about top CEOs, founders and societal leaders discussing how meaningful this book is.
It's focus is on keeping the important things important. Not just in business, but in your personal life as well. The perfect book to help you avoid burning out.
I hope whatever business you start does well. But, I'll be honest, if your business doesn't help others beyond just a basic service, it's a basic business.
Don't start a basic business, start a business that can impact more lives than you ever imagined. There are more important things in life than just earning money and Dale Partridge breaks that down in an exceptional way in this book.
Partridge had success early on in his entrepreneurial journey. But when profit stopped being the priority, he made more money than he ever had. This is one of those books that could truly change your life.
What are your favorite business books? Let us know in the comments below.
BY : Jacob Huff
Jacob Huff is a small business owner, who enjoys traveling the world and remote working. He’s also a little too obsessed with coffee.