By Sharita Humphrey –

As a business owner, you have to be a lot of things. You need to be innovative, confident, goal-oriented, passionate, and persistent – to name a few. What you should NEVER be? Stagnant.

Society is ever-evolving and the business world is constantly changing too. As a business owner, you have to be able to keep up with changing times. Remaining stagnant in this constantly evolving world can be detrimental to your success.

So, how do you ensure that you’re able to keep up with all these changes? Well, one way to do so is by educating yourself. Read the latest business news. Keep up with market trends. Do your research. And last, but certainly not least, read books.

The Thing About Reading Books

If you want to be successful in the business world, you should read around 500 pages per day – at least that’s what Warren Buffet, perhaps the most skilled investor of our time, says.

He’s not the only one who believes in the power of reading. Some of the world’s most successful and influential people have gone on record praising the importance of reading. For instance, Bill Gates reads around 50 books every year, while Former President Obama has described the ‘indispensable’ role that books played in his presidency.

There are numerous books out there designed for business owners – from inspirational biographies to business how-to books. You have a lot to choose from!

Must-Read Books for Business Owners

But, which books do you pick up? Feeling overwhelmed with all your choices? Here are some of my recommendations for books that every business owner should read. Click To Tweet

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

One of the keys to business success is the ability to network and build relationships. This best-selling book by Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People, promises to instill the persuasion and communication skills a business owner needs to succeed.

If you’re socially awkward, this book is for you! This book offers various tips on how to start conversations and how to develop listening skills. Ultimately, this book is designed to help business owners succeed in sales.

Although this book was originally published in 1936, much of the advice and tips in this book are timeless.

2. Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s, by Ray Kroc

McDonald’s – it’s everywhere. But, how did it start, exactly? What led to its explosive growth?

In his book, Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s, Ray Kroc shares his secrets and ambitions to change the world. In the book, he explains how his life changed at the age of 52 when he got into the automation of the food industry – an innovation that fast-tracked the massive growth of McDonald’s.

One of the best business biographies, Grinding It Out will teach you about perseverance and resilience. Plus, Kroc isn’t shy about revealing all the mistakes he made – both in his personal life and in business.

This book isn’t just motivational — it’s also a call to action for business owners who have yet to make a mark in their field.

3. The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More and Change the Way You Lead Forever, by Michael Bungay Stanier

Want to become a more effective boss? I highly suggest you read, The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More and Change the Way You Lead Forever,” by Michael Bungay Stanier. In his book, the author provides detailed techniques to help anyone become a more effective leader.

The Coaching Habit offers a unique approach to leadership — encouraging managers to ask questions instead of providing advice. Plus, it provides key questions to ask to help you get the best performance from every member of your team.

Backed with scientific research and stories from his own extensive experience in training managers from all over the world, Michael Bungay Stanier has created a must-read for anyone in a  position of leadership.

4. The Secret to Success: When You Want to Succeed as Bad as You Want to Breathe, by Eric Thomas

So, you want to become a successful business owner. But, do you ever find yourself thinking that achieving success is just out of your reach?

If you think success is out of your reach, this book by Eric Thomas, The Secret to Success: When You Want to Succeed as Bad as You Want to Breathe, is perfect for you. In this inspirational book, Thomas shares his story – how he dropped out of high school, became homeless, and overcame numerous challenges to build a successful career and personal life.

The Secret to Success speaks directly to young entrepreneurs facing adversity in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who inspire and motivate you to be better, as well as the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.

5. Dotcom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online, by Russell Brunson

In today’s highly digital world, more and more entrepreneurs are taking their businesses online. So, how do you compete? And how do you grow your company online?

In his book, Dotcom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online, Russell Brunson explains why low traffic and conversions may NOT be the real problem with your online presence. Instead, he reveals how to use sales funnels to turn followers into devoted customers, and in turn, grow your business.

Dotcom Secrets is among the best business strategy books about digital marketing. The book puts together real-life examples and business advice on what works and what doesn’t. In the highly competitive online world, flooded with products similar to yours, this book explains how you can make your message stand out.

If you’re struggling to create persuasive marketing content, this book is perfect for you.

What’s Yours?

I created this list to help you find some books to inspire and motivate you, and to help you move your business forward. However, I know that I haven’t listed every book worth mentioning.

So, now I turn it over to you…. What are your favorite business books of all time? What do you think are must-read books that every business owner should read?

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About the Author: Sharita M. Humphrey is an award-winning finance expert, money mentor and Certified Financial Education Instructor. Once broke and homeless, Sharita completely transformed her life and is now a successful entrepreneur and one of the most in-demand money coaches for individuals and business owners of color. In 2020, Sharita was named National Financial Educator of the Year.