The Ultimate List of The Top 20 Business Books for Small Business Owners

For small business owners, continuous learning and personal development are crucial for staying ahead in today's competitive market. Reading insightful business books provides valuable knowledge and guidance and offers inspiration and fresh perspectives. In this blog post, my team and I present the top 20 business books that we feel are essential for small business owners. From leadership and management to marketing and growth strategies, these books cover a wide range of topics to help you succeed. As a bonus, we will also highlight "Do Not: Start or Run a Business My Way," a book I wrote as your small business specialist, Michael Morrison, which provides unique insights and unconventional advice for entrepreneurs. 

Let's dive in!

1. "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries: This groundbreaking book introduces the lean startup methodology, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation, customer feedback, and iteration. It provides valuable insights on how to build a successful business while minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.

2. "Good to Great" by Jim Collins: Jim Collins explores the key differentiators between good companies and truly great ones. The book presents valuable lessons on leadership, sustainable growth, and the importance of building a strong organizational culture.

3. "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber: In this classic, Gerber explains the entrepreneurial myth and offers guidance on how small business owners can avoid common pitfalls. It emphasizes the importance of working on the business for long-term success rather than in the business. This book is one of our all-time favorites that my team and I often read from cover to cover.

4. "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill: An all-time classic. This book explores the mindset and principles necessary for achieving financial success. It offers timeless wisdom on goal setting, perseverance, and the power of positive thinking. This is a book that continues to stand the test of time.

5. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey: Covey's book presents a holistic approach to personal and professional effectiveness. It outlines seven habits that can transform individuals into highly successful and fulfilled business owners.

6. "Crushing It!" by Gary Vaynerchuk: In this book, Vaynerchuk provides valuable advice on leveraging social media platforms to build a personal brand and grow a business. It's a must-read for small business owners looking to harness the power of social media marketing.

7. "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton M. Christensen: Christensen examines disruptive innovation and explains how established companies can navigate the challenges of disruptive technologies. The book provides insights into staying competitive and fostering business growth in a rapidly changing market. Innovation is critical for success!

8. "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek: Sinek's book explores the power of purpose and why it is crucial for business success. By identifying and communicating the "why" behind your business, you can inspire loyalty and differentiate yourself from the competition.

9. "Purple Cow" by Seth Godin: In this book, Godin emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace. It encourages small business owners to create remarkable products or services that are truly unique, attracting customers and driving growth. The title itself is fun and easy to read!

10. "The Four-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss: Ferriss challenges the traditional notion of work and introduces strategies for achieving more with less. The book provides practical tips on outsourcing, automation, and time management, enabling small business owners to achieve greater efficiency. This book will challenge you to think differently and not how you think.

11. "Scaling Up" by Verne Harnish: A practical guide to scaling businesses, Harnish's book covers essential strategies and frameworks for sustainable growth. It focuses on the four critical areas of business: people, strategy, execution, and cash. An abundance of nuggets is in this book.

12. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle: While not specifically a business book, Tolle's masterpiece teaches the importance of living in the present moment. By adopting a mindful approach, small business owners can enhance their decision-making, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being.

13. "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell explores the tipping point concept and how small changes can lead to significant impacts. The book provides insights into marketing, social trends, and the art of creating viral growth for businesses.

14. "The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan emphasizes the power of focus and prioritization. It guides small business owners in identifying and focusing on the most critical tasks that drive business success.

15. "Delivering Happiness" by Tony Hsieh: Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of delivering exceptional customer service. The book highlights the impact of company culture and how it contributes to business growth.

16. "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu: Though a military strategy book, "The Art of War" offers valuable lessons on leadership, strategic planning, and competitive advantage. Small business owners can apply these principles to outmaneuver competitors and achieve business success.

17. "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini: Cialdini delves into the principles of persuasion and how they can be applied to influence others. Understanding these psychological triggers can help small business owners improve their marketing, sales, and customer relations.

18. "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz: Michalowicz introduces a unique approach to managing finances in small businesses. The book advocates for allocating profit first, transforming how entrepreneurs handle their cash flow, and ensuring long-term profitability.

19. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck: Dweck explores the power of mindset and how it impacts our achievements. By adopting a growth mindset, small business owners can overcome challenges, embrace learning opportunities, and achieve personal and professional growth. One of our podcast guests highly recommended this book.

20. "Do Not: Start or Run a Business My Way" by yours truly, me: This book is a memoir of things I did wrong and things I learned to do right. It offers a fresh perspective on small business ownership, challenging traditional norms and encouraging innovation, business coaching, and exponential growth.

Learn To Earn!

Reading is an invaluable tool for small business owners seeking growth, inspiration, and fresh perspectives. The top 20 business books listed above cover a wide range of topics, from leadership and marketing to personal development and strategy. Additionally, "Do Not: Start or Run a Business My Way" offers unique insights for entrepreneurs, complementing the other books in this list. Small business owners can enhance their skills, make informed decisions, and unlock new opportunities for business success and growth by investing time in reading and continuous learning.

BONUS: Every entrepreneur who has hit the million dollar mark or more in annual revenue on our podcast Small Business Pivots has mentioned they contribute much of their success to learning and investing in a small business coach or mentor.

If you are ready to talk to one of the top-rated small business coaches centrally located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the United States, CLICK HERE to chat or CLICK HERE to call us at 405-919-9990 today!