No matter how great your product or service is, running a business without a business mindset makes survival in a competitive market a lot harder. One of the most reliable ways to sharpen that mindset is the same way you sharpen anything else — against good sources. In this case, books.
As a line often attributed to Ernest Hemingway puts it: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.”
So what should business owners actually read? Here’s a short list of some of the most popular must-reads for running a business more effectively.
For a deeper look at business finance strategies, explore our business finance resources.
You may also find it helpful to read 5 Apps to Keep Your Small Business Organized.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Named one of the most influential business books of the twentieth century and a New York Times bestseller, this book has shaped the thinking of CEOs, educators, parents, and even presidents for over 25 years. Its central idea — starting with the end in mind — remains one of the more useful mental models for running a business.
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
One of the most popular books on small business, The E-Myth explains why many small businesses never turn into big ones. It makes the case for infrastructure, policies, and consistency — using a McDonald’s franchise as the example of a business that runs well even without the owner behind the counter, something most small businesses never build toward.
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
This book explores what actually drives satisfaction and high performance at home, at school, and at work — tapping into priorities that matter as much in business as in life.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Often cited as one of the most influential personal finance books ever written, it follows two father figures — one the author’s own father, the other his friend’s — and how each shaped his thinking about money and investing. Its core lesson: the difference between making money work for you and working for money.
Virtual Freedom by Chris Ducker
Aimed at entrepreneurs who try to do everything themselves, this book makes the case that a CEO doesn’t need to also be the salesperson, copywriter, HR manager, and operations manager. Ducker explains how to leverage the resources you can actually afford.
For related strategies, see A Deep Dive into Business Debt Consolidation.
In Conclusion
Knowledge and capital are the two things that consistently move a business forward. If you’ve got the books covered, apply with REIL Capital for the funding to put what you’ve learned into action.
