As you probably know, I spend a huge amount of time studying the art and science of business success. As a result, I’m frequently asked what business books I recommend.
There really are SO many awesome books, it’s hard to choose which ones to suggest for you.
But below I’ve compiled a list of 5 that most people haven’t read or even heard of, but I view as being extremely useful for entrepreneurs.
1. FROM ZERO TO ONE, by Peter Thiel
This is written by one of our era’s most successful and controversial founders, Peter Thiel. It’s got some radical views about what makes a superb business, but reading it you can see how Thiel became a legend in the technology and venture capital worlds.
2.THE FOUNDER’S MENTALITY, by Chris Zook and James Allen
These guys work at Bain, one of the perennially hot management consulting firms. The book is very simply written, but is crammed with important reseacrh on what common traits of thinking successful company founders possess.
3.THE SALES ACCELERATION FORMULA, by Mark Roberge
This is all about using data, technology and inbound selling to go from $0 to $100 million. What makes it really interesting is the author used this exact technique to grow a hugely successful sales-based organisation with phenomenally fast growth. It’s all about turning your sales system into a predictable machine.
4.PLAYING TO WIN, by A.G Lafley and Roger L. Martin
This book is totally focused on how to develop a great strategy for your company. Lafley was the CEO of Proctor And Gamble during some of its finest years – the guy is a legend in consumer goods marketing. You’ll be amazed at how often he took an ordinary, boring product category and revolutionised it with creative product development. If you think there’s no room to break the mould in your industry you’ll think differently after reading this insightful book.
5. GETTING EVERYTHING YOU CAN OUT OF ALL YOU’VE GOT, by Jay Abraham
This is one of those rare business coaching books where you can literally just copy the author’s suggestions and you will almost certainly increase your company’s sales. It is full of practical methods of increasing revenue, if you are willing to put in some work to make them happen. Read Abraham’s book and you will know how to make any company more profitable.
Okay, so there’s 5 awesome business books. Pick one right now and order it – you won’t regret it.
In the end, business is about knowledge and action. Any of these books will give you knowledge that most of your competitors are simply unaware of. It’s an incredible advantage to know some of this stuff.
Then it’s up to you of course to take action on what you learn, methodically, comprehensively and daily.
