The Power of Book Recommendations Among Entrepreneurs

Contributed by SBOC Member:

Picture of Pat Miller

Pat Miller

Founder of the Small Business Owners Community

I’ve realized that some of the best reads in my life have come from recommendations, especially from fellow entrepreneurs.

There’s something special about a book suggested by someone who truly understands the highs and lows of running a business.

This week, I took to LinkedIn and asked my network which books they would recommend to other entrepreneurs.

The response was overwhelming and incredibly insightful.

Community Recommendations and Insights

The feedback from our community was diverse. From nurturing existing relationships, as Daniel Rodriguez beautifully highlighted, to the unanimous nod towards personal and professional coaching shared by folks like Alyssa Poggioli and Todd Beemer, it’s clear there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.

Fahrenheit 451

Michaela Taylor suggests “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, a novel that challenged her views on conformity and advocacy for one’s convictions—a perfect parallel to the entrepreneurial spirit where unconventional risks can lead to transformative changes.

The E Myth Revisited

John Barlow recommends “The E Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber, highlighting the challenges entrepreneurs face when they try to juggle multiple roles within their business, often leading to overwhelm. This book provides practical advice on how to focus on your strengths and effectively manage your business.

Atomic Habits

Nikki Timberlake points us to “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, emphasizing the importance of small, incremental changes in our mindset to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. This is a crucial read for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their daily productivity and success.

The Ant and the Elephant

Shirley Miller recommends “The Ant and the Elephant” by Vince Pacente, a book about aligning our conscious and subconscious minds to achieve greater success, taught through an engaging narrative.

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Trevor Kovach advises every entrepreneur to read “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie, a classic that teaches valuable communication and interpersonal skills essential for any business owner.

Start with Why

Austin Myers loves “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. This book inspires leaders to focus on the reasons behind their actions, which in turn inspires everyone around them to take meaningful action towards shared goals.

The Psychology of Money

Christine Ball finds profound insights in “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel, offering a deep dive into how our behavior and beliefs about money can shape our financial decisions and business strategies.

Talking to Strangers

Ethan Anderson provides two recommendations: “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell for general entrepreneurial insight and “The Power of Zero” by David McKnight for specific advice on life insurance sales and financial strategies.

Business Beliefs

Glynn Bogle reflects on his first business anniversary with two impactful reads: “Business Beliefs” by Holly E. Worton and “Your Best Year” by Michael Hyatt, both of which encouraged him to move from planning to action.

The E-Myth

DJ DeLisle resonates with “The E-Myth” and emphasizes the evolution an entrepreneur must undergo from doing everything to focusing on strategic growth.

What I Know for Sure

Jessica Hall shares her admiration for Oprah Winfrey’s “What I Know for Sure”, noting the importance of staying true to one’s path and passion amidst the challenges of entrepreneurship.

 

The Power of Book Recommendations Among Entrepreneurs
So, What are you going to do about it?

You can’t get the value from a book without opening it. Whether it’s a book from this list or another that’s been sitting on your night stand – you simply MUST carve out time to read. It will keep you motivated, dreaming and engaged. A good business book will also help your writing!

In the Small Business Owner Community (link), we don’t just grow businesses—we grow together. Join us today and see how collaboration and shared knowledge can elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

Pat Miller

Contributed by

Pat Miller

Founder of the Small Business Owners Community

Pat spent two decades in broadcasting management and hosting. After leaving the radio industry, he spent time consulting small businesses and realized the support system for entrepreneurs was broken. Where could you find help for improving small businesses and building real connections with other like-minded people. In June of 2020, the Idea Collective Small Business Community was born.