By Patrick Cahillane – Life, Executive & Business Coach with One Source International Coaching and Training and Founder of The One Source Business Development Network
Starting and running a small business can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help entrepreneurs succeed. One of the most valuable resources is books written by successful business owners, entrepreneurs, and experts. In this blog post, I will share a list of must-read books for every small business owner, which cover various aspects of running a business, from marketing to leadership to finances.
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries The Lean Startup is a classic book that every entrepreneur should read. Eric Ries’ approach to building and growing a business is based on the idea of creating a minimum viable product and using customer feedback to iterate and improve. This approach helps entrepreneurs avoid wasting time and money on ideas that may not work in the market.
- Good to Great by Jim Collins Good to Great is a research-based book that examines what sets great companies apart from good ones. Jim Collins and his team identified several key factors that contribute to the success of companies, including having the right people on the team, focusing on what the company does best, and continually improving.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic self-help book that has been widely read by business owners and professionals. The book outlines seven habits that can help individuals become more productive and successful in their personal and professional lives.
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek In Start with Why, Simon Sinek explores the power of purpose and how it can help businesses succeed. He argues that companies that have a clear sense of why they exist and what they stand for are more likely to attract and retain customers, employees, and investors.
- The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber The E-Myth Revisited is a must-read for anyone starting a small business. Michael E. Gerber argues that many entrepreneurs fail because they approach their business as a technician rather than a business owner. He explains the importance of working on the business rather than in the business, and how to build systems and processes that allow the business to run smoothly.
- Purple Cow by Seth Godin In Purple Cow, Seth Godin argues that in today’s crowded marketplace, businesses need to be remarkable to stand out. He encourages entrepreneurs to create products and services that are unique and valuable, and to focus on marketing and word-of-mouth to attract customers.
- The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson The One Minute Manager is a short but impactful book that outlines a simple and effective management approach. The book emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and expectations, providing feedback, and recognizing and rewarding good performance.
- The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss The 4-Hour Work Week is a controversial but popular book that challenges the traditional approach to work and life. Timothy Ferriss argues that entrepreneurs can build successful businesses and live fulfilling lives by focusing on efficiency, outsourcing, and automation.
- The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen The Innovator’s Dilemma is a seminal book on innovation and disruption. Clayton Christensen argues that successful companies often fail because they focus too much on improving existing products and services rather than creating new ones. He explores the challenges of disruptive innovation and how businesses can respond to it.
- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Profit First is a practical and actionable book that offers a unique approach to managing finances in a small business. Mike Michalowicz suggests that businesses should prioritize profit by setting up separate bank accounts for different expenses and focusing on reducing expenses rather than increasing revenue.
After working as a business coach and consultant for over 20 years I can honestly say these ten books are must-reads for every small business owner. Let me know what you think and if you have any you believe should be added to the list leave them in the comments below