Reading helps you keep your mind sharp, discover new solutions to old problems, and learn first-hand from experts. In other words, reading allows you to continue learning long after you have completed your formal education or training. In this blog, we will talk about top 10 business books.
If you’re convinced but need help knowing where to start, we’ll help you!
We’ll break this must-have list into categories to help you decide where to start.
Top 10 Business Books
Here is our ultimate list of the top 10 business books you should read:
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
- The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Zero to One by Peter Thiel
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Break them down into categories so you know where to start.
Best Business Books for Beginners
Here are two books for beginners that you should add to your reading list. They will show you what an entrepreneurial mindset is and demonstrate the value of working smarter.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki has become the best personal finance book ever. Kiyosaki shares the story of growing up with two influences from his father – his and that of his close friend, “rich dad.”
Kiyosaki explains how these men shaped how they think about money and investing. It pulls the curtain on projected financial misconceptions that keep people from reaching their earning potential. He also shares his journey and shows how the power of doing money works for you.
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Nike may be a global icon, but getting there has taken a lot of work. In his book Shoe Dog, Nike co-founder Phil Knight talks about starting his startup after business school with $50 he borrowed from a friend.
Knight’s humorous, kind, and unpretentious self shows in his memoirs and chronicles of how he chose his unique life path as an entrepreneur. Readers will get to know Knight like never before and be inspired by his journey, armed with his hard-earned wisdom on entrepreneurship.
Best Business Books for Managers
Knowing how to do your job well is one thing; learning how to manage a team is another.
Here are some of the best leadership books to learn how to build productive relationships in the workplace and help your team get through tough times and succeed.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
One of Silicon Valley’s most renowned business people is Ben Horowitz. In The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Horowitz lifts the curtain to reveal the truth about what it’s like to run a successful business during tough times.
Horowitz’s book contains essential advice for any business leader, wrapped up in his no-frills writing style with several brand references from the life of a musician. This is a must-read for beginners and veterans and is especially relevant for those going through tough times and obstacles.
Deep Work by Cal Newport
At Georgetown University, computer science is taught by Professor Cal Newport. He coined the term “intensive work” and explained how modern business perks like open offices and distractions like social media get in the way of high-quality work.
In his book Deep Work, Newport pointed out the significant negative impact of distractions on good work. It summarizes some memorable stories that show the importance of creating a better workspace in a distracted world and offers surprising advice, such as the value of sadness.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie’s New York Times bestseller How to Win Friends and Influencers has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide since it was first published in 1936. Although it is the oldest book on the list, it is one of the most popular business books.
As a manager, you must sell ideas and business changes to your team members. Carnegie teaches you a simple yet effective technique based on good habits to communicate with people and get others to your way of thinking without breaking ties.
Best Business Books for Starting and Scaling a Business
Starting and growing a business is no small feat, and your journey will be exciting.
Here are the best business books for navigating capital, starting a business, and growing to success.
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
One of the first problems entrepreneurs face is finding and sustaining the inspiration that moves others. Simon Sinek is on a mission to understand what makes specific organizations innovative and influential and to find ways to help you feel more inspired at work.
In Getting Started With Why, Sinek shows you leaders from Martin Luther King Jr. to how successful Steve Jobs was because they were rooted in his “why.” It builds a Golden Circle framework that allows you to use the same process to build a business that inspires others.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Staying inspired in the early days can be challenging, and nothing like bad habits can stop you from succeeding.
Author and entrepreneur James Clear say the problem is not with you. Instead, it’s your system. In Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Break Bad Habits and Build a Good Self, Clear brings you a proven method you can use every day to improve your ability decision-making abilities, develop better habits, and overcome a lack of willpower.
By creating an environment conducive to success, you don’t need to rely on daily motivation. Clear breaks down complex ideas into simple, actionable recommendations, and it helps you master the small actions that build good habits and ultimately lead to meaningful results.
Summary
If you want to take your career and business to the next level, any of these bestsellers can help you get there. Books like the ones on our list can help you see inside the minds of successful business people and learn from their hard-won wisdom.
This list is a great starting point for anyone looking to sharpen their business skills. However, many insightful business books beyond these can help you dig deeper into any topic that interests you.
