My 5 favorite business books

Many of you have asked me for book recommendations…and we all love a good recommendation right?

Today, I’ve decided to share with you my 5 favorite business books.  One book I’ve mentioned in a previous post, but it is still one of my top 5 and worthy of repeating! Enjoy.

1. The $100 Start Up by Chris Guillebeau

I’m a big believer in starting with whatever you’ve got – and making it work for you. (Remember this post?!)

So many people think that they can’t afford to start their own businesses by themselves, but that’s truly not the case for majority of today’s businesses.

Did you know that more than two-thirds of all new small businesses begin with less than $10,000?  In fact, almost half of the small businesses begin with less than $5,000.

In preparing to write this book, Chris identified 1,500 individuals who have built businesses earning $50,000 or more from a modest investment (in many cases, $100 or less), and from that group he’s chosen to focus on the 50 most intriguing case studies.  In nearly all cases, people with no special skills discovered aspects of their personal passions that could be monetized, and were able to restructure their lives in ways that gave them greater freedom and fulfillment.

 

2.  Rework by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson

I’ve learned over the years that ‘bigger isn’t always better’ and success can be simplified.  Rework backs up these beliefs to show us a better, faster, easier way to succeed in business.

You’ll learn why you don’t need outside investors, and why you’re better off ignoring the competition. The truth is, you need less than you think. You don’t need to be a workaholic. You don’t need to build up your staff. You don’t need to waste time on paperwork or meetings. You don’t even need an office. Those are all just excuses.

If you’re looking to streamline your business and your life, this is the book for you.

 

3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

This book is one of my faves because it explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad tells the story of Robert Kiyosaki and his two dads—his real father (poor dad) and the father of his best friend (rich dad) — and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing.

This is a great read for those looking to provide income-generating assets with healthier bottom-line results.

 

4. Rubies in the Orchard by Lynda Resnick

This is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to get inside the marketing brain of a woman who can sell “ice sculptures to Eskimos.”

Lynda Resnick’s marketing successes include POM Wonderful, the wildly popular 100% pomegranate juice that created an entirely new product category out of a fickle and obscure fruit; and FIJI Water, a fledgling brand she transformed into the #1 premium bottled water in America.

Resnick reveals her systematic approach to marketing that any business – large or small – can adapt to achieve success.

 

5. The Martha Rules by Martha Stewart

Now I know Martha has received some heat from bloggers in the past year, but no one is debating that she knows how to build a brand and a business. In The Martha Rules book you’ll learn 10 essentials for achieving success as you start, build or manage a business.

Once you’ve read this book, you’ll understand how Martha has set herself apart and continued to thrive even during bad, economic times.

Note: I’ve written about this book being one of my top picks before, you can read more about it here.

 

Bonus. The 4-hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

Most of you have either seen this book on the “best sellers” list or have read it. But just in case you haven’t read it, you really should!

Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, experiencing high-end world travel, earning a monthly five-figure income with zero management, or just living more and working less, The 4-Hour Workweek is the blueprint.

Now I’d love to hear from you! Comment below and tell me what business books you recommend.