Are you interested in starting your own business but don’t want to go to business school? These books will save you tens of thousands of dollars is tuition and also teach you things that you won’t learn inside the four walls of a classroom.
In this post, we’ll be introducing you to 15 business books that could become your personal MBA.
1. Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
Rework offers a welcome contrast to conventional top-heavy business strategies by demonstrating how a less-is-more mindset may help you create a profitable firm in less time and with less capital. It’s a quick and simple read, and anyone interested in business leadership or entrepreneurship should pick up a copy.
For individuals who don’t wish to start a conventional company, the Blue Ocean Strategy gives a step-by-step explainer on how enterprises we are all familiar with came to be. Each chapter of the book demonstrates and explains how businesses may discover and create their own Blue Oceans in which they can successfully draw customers in. The book proposes a methodological strategy for rendering one’s competitors obsolete by establishing uncontested market space for founders, business owners, marketers, and anybody else interested in developing distinctive value for their clients.
3. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
George Clason’s books have withstood the test of time and have proven to be forever relevant in our society. Back in 1926, Clason wrote a manual on how to get rich. In his book, he gives simple truths that we’re familiar with in varying degrees but have not stopped to acknowledge. The Richest Man in Babylon is an entrepreneur’s bible for becoming successful.
Rand’s fictional book, Atlas Shrugged, is a philosophical dissertation that combines elements of reality, imagination, and heroism with utopian and anti-utopian emotions. No other book appeals to small business owners in the same way as Atlas Shrugged does, as it captures the sweat, blood, and tears of entrepreneurship brilliantly. Atlas Shrugged is primarily a book that defends free-market capitalism and is opposed to socialism; however, it also presents philosophical notions about how to develop into a more useful individual and ensure success in your business beyond all odds.
5. Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
Dr. Dan Ariely examines a variety of topics in our life that we often aren’t aware of, including self-defeating behavior, the influence of suggestion, procrastination, and many more. Predictably Irrational reveals the underlying factors that truly influence our actions. These forces are far less logical than we realize, but if we’re aware of them, they may help us to manage our money, connect with people more effectively, and grow our business.
6. My Life and Work by Henry Ford
Henry Ford, the founder of one of the greatest vehicle companies that has stood the test of time, discusses his beliefs and business philosophies, accomplished and unachieved objectives in his autobiography. My Life and Work allows you to see into the mind of a guy who, despite spending the first 40 years of his life in obscurity, managed to change the world. It’ll provide you with new and unique perspectives on life and show you new paths you can take.
7. Good to Great by Jim Collins
Jim Collins provides readers with a thorough analysis of the best way to respond to corporate issues. He explains how certain business owners use these skills to succeed, while others are stuck on those hurdles earning little to no money. “Good to Great” is a good read for beginners and professionals alike. The book lays out a strategy for transforming a good, medium, or even mediocre firm into a great one. Some key takeaways of the book include how companies might build up and overcome obstacles that prevent them from becoming great by assembling disciplined individuals utilizing disciplined ideas.
8. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
“The Lean Startup” is a must-read for any entrepreneur looking to start a business. The book advocates for a more scientific approach to starting a company that emphasizes continuous experimentation, customer feedback, and iteration. The Lean Startup provides a step-by-step guide to creating a sustainable and successful business while minimizing the risks of failure.
“Zero to One” is a book by PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel. Thiel’s book provides a roadmap for startups on how to create and dominate new markets rather than competing in existing ones. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages entrepreneurs to develop a unique and valuable product or service that sets them apart from the competition. Thiel’s lessons are based on his personal experience in starting and growing a successful company and investing in several successful startups.
10. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen explores how successful companies can fail by focusing too much on existing customers and not enough on disruptive innovations that can create new markets. Christensen provides a framework for understanding how companies can avoid the trap of incremental improvements and instead focus on developing revolutionary new products and services. The book is a must-read for any entrepreneur looking to disrupt an industry and create a successful startup.
11. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek is a book about how great leaders inspire action by starting with the “why” behind their company’s mission. Sinek argues that the most successful companies are those that communicate a clear sense of purpose and inspire their customers, employees, and partners to share that purpose. The book provides practical tips for how entrepreneurs can articulate their “why” and use it to create a successful business.
12. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman is a book about the psychology of decision-making. Kahneman explores the cognitive biases that can influence our thinking and decision-making processes and provides insights into how we can overcome them. The book is a must-read for entrepreneurs who want to understand how their own biases can impact their decision-making and how they can make better, more informed decisions for their business.
13. The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
“The 4-Hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferriss is a book that challenges the conventional wisdom about work and life balance. Ferriss provides a step-by-step guide to designing a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom and flexibility over traditional work routines. The book provides practical tips for how entrepreneurs can automate their business processes, delegate tasks, and create passive income streams so they can focus on the things that matter most to them.
14. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg is a book about how habits shape our lives and how we can use them to create positive change in our
The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg is a popular book that explores the science behind habits and how they can be changed. The book provides practical strategies for individuals and organizations to understand and modify habits to achieve personal and professional success.
15. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book is a great follow-up to “The Power of Habit” as it delves deeper into the science of habit formation and provides actionable steps for building good habits and breaking bad ones. James Clear’s writing is clear and concise, making it easy to understand and apply the concepts in the book. The practical tips and real-life examples make this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life. Overall, “Atomic Habits” is a must-read for anyone interested in self-improvement and personal growth.