On a number of occasions recently I’ve been asked to suggest a top 10 business book list. As it’s usually something that people thinking of starting a business ask me for I don’t think they really want my views on the top 10 business books (which would no doubt include books by Drucker, Porter and the like), what I think they really want are my top 10 books that will help them start their business.
So here’s my current top 10 “must read” books for entrepreneurs (click on the titles for my review of the book):
1. The E-Myth Revisited - Michael Gerber - Every entrepreneur should read this, it’ll help them avoid so many common mistakes.
2. Successful Entrepreneurs Guidebook - Colin Barrow, Robert Brown and Liz Clarke - It’s like an MBA lite for entrepreneurs.
3. Purple Cow - Seth Godin - Learn why making your business remarkable matters.
4. Tested Advertising Methods - John Caples - Will save you wasting a lot of money on advertising by creating advertising that is tested and proven to work.
5. Selling The Invisible A Field Guide To Modern Marketing - Harry Beckwith - For those struggling with the idea of selling anything other than a straightforward product.
6. Everything Is Negotiable - Gavin Kennedy - Negotiation is a key business skill and if you watch Dagon’s Den you’ll see why so many want-to-be entrepreneurs need to read this book.
7. Why We Buy - Paco Underhill - If you want to sell anything, especially in a retail environment then you need to understand why we buy.
8. The Art Of The Start - Guy Kawasaki - Some down to earth practical advice on starting a business.
9. Do Something Different - Jurgen Wolfe - A similar focus to Seth Godin’s Purple Cow, but with more practical examples on how to actually achieve it.
10. Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway - Susan Jeffers - We all feel fear, sometimes that’s a good thing, but don’t let it paralyse you.
What do you think? Have I missed a book that should really be on here? Do you think any of these books shouldn’t be on the list, let me know in the comments below.
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This blog is about business opportunities and ideas that I spot, think of or hear about and think are useful and interesting. It is intended to provide ideas and inspriation for you to help you find the right business idea for you to then grow it into a successful business.
All excellent books you’ve named. I’ve always treasured Beckwith’s “Selling the Invisible”. One, because it’s got such wonderfully useful and succinct advice and two, because you can easily read a chapter or two in one seating no matter how slowly you read (like me).
I would also suggest anything by Alan Weiss, particularly “Million Dollar Consulting: The Professional’s Guide to Growing a Practice”, “Value-Based Fees: How to Charge and Get What You’re Worth” and “Getting Started in Consulting, Second Edition”.
Dale,
I’d agree Alan Weiss does write some good books, but I’ve not included them as they’re specific to consulting rather than general entrepreneurship.
What about Peter Jones’ book, “Tycoon”. That’s pretty good, I’m surprised you left it out.
Ramsey,
It’s got some good points, I liked his ten golden rules in particular, but it’s not in the same league as the books above.