an entrepreneur reading a business book on a tablet
Hundreds of excellent business books are published every year. It’s not possible to read them all, but the best business books attract positive readers and reviews long after their publication dates.
You are reading: Best business books of all time forbes
here are seven great business books that can help entrepreneurs and leaders at all stages of their careers.
1. Profits First: A Simple System for Transforming Any Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine (2014) by mike michalowicz
Profitable business owners are sometimes surprised to find that money leaves the business almost as quickly as it arrives. This book provides a system for small business owners who want to take charge of their cash and grow a business.
interviewed michalowicz in 2019. he said to me, “i say, ‘how do i get the same results i’ve always had, if not better, with less money?’ and i start thinking outside the box.”
2. The E Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Fail and What to Do About It (1995) by Michael E. gerber
before tim ferriss, the 4-hour work week was the myth e (1986). the title misled me at first. Gerber’s book is not about running an online business.
Instead, Gerber explains how business owners or entrepreneurs of all kinds can set up a functioning business without their intervention.
he writes, “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!”
See Also: Top 18 Best Photography Books for Beginners • PhotoTraces
3. The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting It Right (1966) by Peter F. drucker
Published back in 1966, Drucker’s advice for executives holds true today. It will help a busy person achieve more at work, whether as an executive or manager. the book also covers how to manage upwards and master effective delegation.
expect gems like, “unless a commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans”, and “management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
This classic business book also pairs nicely with Drucker’s much shorter book published by Harvard Business Review Classics in 2008, titled Managing Yourself.
4. deep work: rules for focused success in a distracted world (2016) by cal newport
knowledge work is hard. it lacks hard edges and can feel endless. In addition, many of the tools and services claim our attention through instant messages, notifications and endless feeds.
This book explains what to do about distractions and how to focus on long-term projects. Unlike many other business books, it also contains practical advice for creative people.
read it for tips like, “if you don’t produce, you won’t prosper, no matter how skilled or talented you are.”
5. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (2001) by David Allen
This is one of the most popular productivity books of recent years. Allen’s work was also a success in Silicon Valley. how to get things done details how to build a system for capturing ideas and working on the right things at the right time. As Allen writes, “Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.”
See Also: Mindy Kaling – Book Series In Order
allen also recommends that overburdened executives and entrepreneurs review their priorities and workload once a week. This practice, known as the weekly review, will help you focus on what matters in the coming week.
6. Big by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck: Why Some Thrive Despite It All (2011) by Jim Collins
to be honest, any jim collins title belongs on a list like this. excels at profiling large companies and the decision-makers behind them.
Some of the companies described in his previous book from good to great (2001) have since disappeared, making this title more relevant today. if you really want to run a bigger business, collins books are a must read.
expect gems like, “when you marry operational excellence with innovation, you multiply the value of your creativity.”
This book also pairs nicely with Collins’ most recent 30-page written study entitled How to Turn the Steering Wheel: A Companion Monograph from Good to Great (2019), which also applies to creative work.
>
7. The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals (2012) by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling
I stopped reading this book for a few years as I thought it was an offshoot of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change from Sean’s father, Stephen R. covey.
Indeed, this book is a gem in itself. Read it to find out why most executives and entrepreneurs set delay measures for their goals that they have no real control over. the author also explains why it is far better to set up lead measures that you can influence rather than lag measures that come after the fact.
the author writes, “if you’re not keeping score, you’re just practicing.”
See Also: Michael Connelly – Book Series In Order