Authored by Phil Cohen
Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a veteran in the field, at some point we all need a little inspiration to keep us going. And, what better place to look than books? Reading about the success stories of other businessmen and women will open your eyes to new possibilities or ideas to make more money that you haven’t considered before. Or, keep up with trends in marketing, consumer behavior, and technology by reading books about ways to update your current system. Learn from the most popular, best-selling authors and entrepreneurs to discover the tips you need to succeed in today’s business world.
Here are the best books for business owners:
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell
Much like the story of David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell explores the power of the underdog. In this book, Gladwell challenges the way we approach obstacles in our lives and our workplaces. Not only does he explore the effects various disadvantages have on our lives, but he also suggests ways in which these disadvantages can be used as a tool for achievement. In other words, this book explores how to use weaknesses to accent strengths, and how to thrive in the workplace.
Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work by Chip & Dan Heath
Decision making, whether in a group or on one’s own, can be a slow and antagonizing process. In this book, the Heath brothers discuss methods to combating the painful process of decision making. How can we make fair decisions within a group? How can we ensure that the decision we make is the right one? This book teaches business owners to approach decision making differently to avoid the mistake of choosing without thinking.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Women have had to work hard to earn an equal place in the business world. Although women make up a large percentage of college graduates, they still comprise an outstandingly low number of leadership roles in professional-level jobs. In her book, Sheryl Sandberg sheds light on the reality of the hardships women face in the workforce, offering personal anecdotes and advice on how women can face bias work environments. Through her humor and experience, Sandberg inspired women to achieve professional achievement and self-fulfillment.
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
Ever wonder how trends start? Or, how to get people to talk about things? Jonah Berger’s book discusses the ways in which things become popular and how our lives are influenced by the infectiousness of word-of-mouth. Using case studies, Berger discusses ways to get products or ideas recognized by stimulating social buzz. The concepts presented in this book show entrepreneurs how to create content effectively and employ actionable techniques to heighten social awareness for small businesses.
Tom Asacker’s book explores the logic behind motivation: personal and communal. Businesses thrive with apparent, strong leadership. What influences your team to act? What are the effective ways to coach a team? This book offers valuable insight to business owners on revamping leadership skills and motivating your team through myriad business ventures. Master the art of influence and keep up with the ever-changing world in which we live.
Scott Barry Kaufman’s research and Carolyn Gregoire’s popular article in the Huffington Post work together to reveal the inner workings of a creative mind. The book uses research in the fields of neuroscience and psychology, as case studies of famous artists to uncover the practices and habits of people who think eclectically and make it work to their advantage. Learn how to tap into your creative side and incorporate these techniques in your own business world.
Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant
Being successful is one thing, but remembering who helped you get there is another. In today’s world, the ability to work well with others is a vital component in almost everyone’s success stories. No longer are we expected to thrive on our own accord. Instead, Adam Grant teaches us how to use our own hard work and talents along with the advice of others to flourish in a professional setting. This book helps explain how to make it to the top of the success ladder by being a cooperative member of society.
The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone
If you’re looking to be inspired by books about one of the most successful business owners, look no further. Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos thought out-of-the-bookstore when he created Amazon. Selling books was not enough; he wanted to sell everything! Brad Stone’s book delves into Bezos’ business technique and personal experiences throughout his journey to create one of the biggest and most convenient stores of all time.
Small Data: The Tiny Clues That Uncover Huge Trends by Martin Lindstrom
Martin Lindstrom’s book offers a unique perspective for entrepreneurs about consumer behavior. Lindstrom travels around the world, stays in strangers’ homes, and observes the most minute details of their lives. Why? To report to leading, big-name brands what makes customers tick. Through his observations, Lindstrom uncovers the secrets to revealing the next million-dollar product. This book offers a unique perspective about the small things in life—why they’re important and what they tell us about our wants and needs. Follow Lindstrom around the world and learn how his observations of human behavior influenced some of the most popular products we own.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Anyone traveling the path to success knows that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Psychologist Angela Duckworth shows how success is not achieved by talent alone, but also by a mix of persistence and passion she calls “grit.” Using her own story from her times as an aspiring scientist, Duckworth describes how “grit” allowed her to be successful despite having all odds against her. This book draws upon the stories of entrepreneurs, scientists, and servicemen who never gave up, and made it through the toughest times to end on top.
The Content Trap: A Strategist’s Guide to Digital Change by Bharat Anand
Bharat Anand’s book teaches businesses about the importance of creating engaging content, as well as taking advantage of opportunities content creativity brings. Learn how to imitate what your competitors do best, how to stay connected with your audience, and what components are necessary for message delivery. Anand’s book ultimately teaches business owners how to keep up in the digital age and how to change with it.
Economist Caroline Webb’s book explains how to improve productivity in our daily routines by employing methods derived from research in the fields of behavioral economics, psychology, and neuroscience. Webb offers step-by-step advice that shows business owners how to use time smartly, strengthen personal impacts, bounce back from adversity, and strengthen job satisfaction. Overall, this book provides guidelines for achieving success and productivity in a contemporary, technology-driven work environment.
Whether you need inspiration, new ideas, or different perspectives, books are perfect for answering all your questions. Pick up these books for business owners to help you keep climbing the ladder to success and thrive as an entrepreneur. Not much of a book person? Check out our recommendations for the best podcasts for small business owners, instead!
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