Nothing beats a good book. And if that book is able to teach you something about doing great business…brilliant.
We’ve listed our 8 favourite books about business. Take a look and then tell us what makes it onto your list.
1. Shoemaker: Reebok and the Untold Story of a Lancashire Family Who Changed the World, by Joe Foster
The first of two books about making trainers on our list.
Shoemaker tells the story of Reebok (did you know they were a British company?) and its founder, Joe Foster.
Family feuds, living on factory floors, aerobics, and Sigourney Weaver (really) – all make an appearance in this story about the importance of perseverance and spotting an opportunity.
2. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, by David Allen
As a business owner, you need to know how to prioritise. In this book, David Allen shares his tips and tricks on staying focused without burning out.
Released in 2001, this was the book-to-read in Silicon Valley – and it still rings true.
If you’re great at coming up with ideas and not so hot at executing them, the techniques suggested in this book will be a revelation.
3. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It, by Michael E. Gerber
One of the most well-known books about starting and running a business.
“If your business depends on you, you don’t own a business – you have a job. And it’s the worst job in the world because you’re working for a lunatic!”
You might not agree with everything that Gerber has to say – and it may be entirely at odds with how you are operating your business – but it’s never less than compelling reading, and food for thought.
4. That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea, by Marc Randolph
Have you heard of Netflix?
We now know the company as the go-to name in online content, however, they were initially set up as a competitor to Blockbuster Video – posting DVDs to subscribers.
As the title would suggest, this book is all about the power of an idea and where that can lead.
Marc Randolph was certainly not short of business ideas, but he knew he was on to something big when he pitched Netflix. You may know the ending, but this is nevertheless a real page-turner.
5. Losing My Virginity: How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way, by Sir Richard Branson
Love him or loathe him, there’s no denying that Branson can tell a story.
There are probably wiser mantras for business owners to follow than Branson’s “Oh, screw it, let’s do it” – but something is inspiring about his give-it-a-go attitude.
Celeb encounters, hot-air balloon crashes, corporate collisions – this is the book for you if you want your business advice with a dash of gung-ho.
6. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike, by Phil Knight
The second entry is about trainers on our business books list.
It is easy to forget that all companies, regardless of how huge they become, were startups once. Shoe Dog tells the story of how, with just $50, Knight started Nike.
This is a brilliant look at what it takes to succeed in business – warts and all.
7. Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman, by Yvon Chouinard
Patagonia has always been at the forefront of treating the planet, and its staff, the right way.
This memoir, from its founder Yvon Chouinard, acts as a handbook for the Patagonia team – covering everything that the clothing brand stands for.
Sounds dull? It’s not. This is the perfect book for anyone wanting to start a business that has a social conscience.
8. The Power of Ethics: How to Make Good Choices in a Complicated World, by Susan Liautaud
Using her experience as an ethics advisor for large corporations, Susan Liautaud brings up various scenarios and demonstrates how to make the right choice in each one.
Not only will this book help you to build an ethical business, but it will also help you in your day-to-day life.
An absolute must for business owners who care.
Thanks for reading
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