Self-improvement is always encouraged—especially in the world of business. There are a wealth of resources out there for entrepreneurs who want a leg-up on the competition, including some amazing books.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t sweat it. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 must-read books for motivated entrepreneurs (like yourself!) so that you can find a title that meets your needs.
1. Best read for getting the most out of opportunities
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
An entrepreneurial classic, you need to add this book to your library ASAP. It’s more than just a guide to professional social politics; it’s guidance on how to make sure your business takes advantage of every possible opportunity.
2. Best read for learning how to be flexible
Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson
This is a gem for motivated entrepreneurs. The book, which is only 96 pages long, is a fantastic lesson in flexibility. After reading, you’ll have a better understanding of business adaptability, and you’ll be well on your way to making business decisions confidently (no matter the circumstances).
3. Best read for newbies
Choose Yourself by James Altucher
Hey, new entrepreneurs, this is the book for you! Choose Yourself guides the reader through the struggle of optimizing personal and professional habits in a way that works for you and your business.
4. Best read for seeing the big picture
The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
In business, the big picture isn’t always top-of-mind; it’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day grind. The Magic of Thinking Big coaches you through how to take a step back and get a holistic, meaningful picture of your company. It’s predicated on the idea that success isn’t luck, it’s a choice that you can act on.
5. Best read for busy entrepreneurs
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
Another entrepreneurial mainstay. As a Man Thinketh, which was published in 1903, holds up as one of the most-cited business books around. The book is brief (only 22 pages long) but incredibly valuable. In it, James Allen highlights the power of brevity and deliberate messaging, and breaks down how readers should shape their personal and professional lives to exude success.
6. Best read for new-age business strategies
The Entrepreneurial Revolution by Daniel Priestley
If you’re already motivated, this book will up your motivation level to a new high. The Entrepreneurial Revolution states that there’s never been a better time to be an entrepreneur, and gives key information on how to use that to your advantage. It digs into specifics like team size, timing and the internet as they relate to your immediate and future success.
7. Best read for getting through ups and downs
The Entrepreneur Roller-Coaster by Darren Hardy
This book stands out because it gives specific, actionable advice. It reviews some of the most tried-and-true entrepreneurial methods, and explains how they might (or might not) work for your business. It also forces the reader to take a long, hard look at their company’s growth and reevaluate how to expedite it.
8. Best read for timeless advice
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
A staple of countless bookshelves, this book teaches you how to be an even better entrepreneur, and how to make your business better as a result. The best part about this book is that it’s useful at any stage of the entrepreneurial journey. In fact, it’s pretty common for entrepreneurs to revisit the book throughout their experiences as business owners—we highly recommend you pick up a copy.
9. Best read for locking in leadership skills
True North by Bill George and Peter Sims
If you’re looking to improve your leadership skills, this is the book for you. True North is fantastic for those looking to become deliberate, reliable leaders. By the time you finish the book, you’ll be well on your way to understanding leadership principles, your values as a leader and what it all means for your business.
10. Best read for strengthening adaptability
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Despite the title, this book isn’t just for small businesses. The Lean Startup is all about taking leadership outside your office and leveraging your employees. It offers fantastic tips on how to navigate the turbulence of entrepreneurship, and how to adapt, adjust and succeed when the going gets tough.