8 books I wish every entrepreneur would read + why
Books have always been my thing. I freakin’ love ‘em. And, when I became an entrepreneur, I realized how important it is to routinely brush up on your skills and look to those who are smarter than you for guidance.
So much of what we do and how well we create comes down to, not just how knowledgeable we are on our zone of genius, but how knowledgeable we are on the landscape around us that gives our passions life.
I’ve read dozens of books over the last 20 years but it wasn’t until I became an entrepreneur that I started finding and reading texts that spurred immense creativity, opened new doors, and completely skyrocketed my success.
These are those reads.
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson for a solid reality check
This book was one of the first I read as an entrepreneur and it completely changed my life. It helped me to develop healthy habits for my business, slow down, reduce overwhelm and focus on taking small steps everyday. Entrepreneurship is intimidating, whether you’re full or part-time - this book keeps me grounded and I reference it all the time when I’m feeling doubtful, stressed, or unsure and I’ve given it as a gift more times than I can count. A refreshing reminder that as long as you remain consistent, you can move mountains and that there is absolutely no rush. My favorite quote: “The journey starts with a single step—not with thinking about taking a step.” | slightedge.orgYou Are A Badass by Jen Sincero for a sense of direction when you’re feeling lost
Jen’s book caught me by surprise in the best way. I came across her because I also follow Marie Forleo, Brene Brown and Elizabeth Gilbert - one of them shared it. Not so much a business read as a self-help read but, in my eyes, you can’t have a strong business without a strong sense of self. This book is a great reminder that we’re all human. Call if fluff but her point of view is so refreshing. I reference this book all the time and have so many sticky tabs and scribbles in its pages. It’s so, so wildly good. If you need a kick in the pants, this is the book for you, friend. She also just wrote You Are A Badass At Making Money, which is a really fantastic read as well…especially for those of us who kinda suck when it comes to money. | jensincero.com
Outliers, David & Goliath, + literally every other book ever written by Malcolm Gladwell for seeing the bigger picture
Gladwell is one of the most brilliant authors I’ve come across. Over the years, I heard his name come up alot but never gave him a chance. Then, my husband deployed and I needed six months of reading material. Luckily, Outliers caught my eye at the library. It was so insightful that I proceeded to look up every book he’s ever written and read them cover to cover. His books include Blink!, Talking to Strangers, The Tipping Point, David & Goliath, and Outliers. What the Dog Saw is also one of his but I haven’t had the chance to dive into that one just yet. The others though? Just…wow. He isn’t just talk - he backs up every single theory or thought with case studies and true stories that put his material into such a stunning perspective that makes it so damn fun to learn and read and, above all, understand. It’s hard to classify them as business or marketing books but they are, in some way. All entrepreneurs and business owners must.read.Gladwell. | www.gladwellbooks.comGirlboss by Sophia Amoruso for embracing failure + cultivating the courage to take risks
This book of sheer bravery + bad@$$ery gave me the final push I needed to leap into full time entrepreneurship. I read it at work when I was feeling so bored I wanted to cry. I would look out the window + dream of doing something that was entirely my own but felt afraid to stand up for myself because I was so afraid to fail. Girlboss helped me dig deep and take BIG risks. It led to so many incredible opportunities. Sophia's story is truly eye-opening. It’s complete + total proof that dreams don't come from comfort zones. They come from hard work, risk taking, and standing tall, even when you feel small. | girlboss.comBig Magic by Liz Gilbert for fearlessly exploring your creativity
We’re all creative in our own way. For some, creativity comes easily. For others, it doesn’t. Thank goodness for Elizabeth Gilbert. Her book, Big Magic, helped me shine a light on my creative side in a new way. It helped me understand myself better and how I thrive creatively as an individual. This, in turn, allowed me to be even more creative in my business and live a more creative life. I busted out of the box I was in and went wild with my creative process. It’s how I was able to create Brand in Bloom and all that it encompasses. Gilbert reminds you not to feel ashamed of your uniqueness and wayyyy out of the atmosphere ideas but to embrace them every day. | elizabethgilbert.comTribe of Mentors by Tim Ferris for words of wisdom from the best of the best
This book is my bible. I read a passage or two every morning and, when I’m done, I start again. It is such a unique compilation of advice, experiences and stories from the most influential and successful creatives and business pros in the world. I love reading about what they’re reading, how they beat overwhelm, what their most loved routines are, and what their favorite investments have been. Another refreshing reminder that we’re all human and that even the most successful people in the world have failed at one point or another to get where they are. I just love reading other people’s stories: what they’ve been through, what challenges they’ve overcome, and how maintain. I can’t recommend this read enough. | tribeofmentors.comThe Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann for finding fulfillment + greater success in business
The Go-Giver undoubtedly changed how I do business. Told in the form of a fictional story that presents a framework called “The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success”, it teaches you how to add immense value to everything that you do through giving. This book was gifted to me by a stranger after the first keynote speech I ever gave. The man came up to me afterward, complimenting my presentation, and handed me the book saying he carried it with him wherever he went and that it belonged to me now. At the time, I’d never heard of it but he assured me that I was on the right path and that this book would help me even more on my journey. It certainly does. A poster hangs above my desk outlining the five laws and serves as a reminder of that day and this dream I’m building. A quick, impactful read that I recommend for ALL ages. | thegogiver.comEverybody Writes by Ann Handley for becoming a better writer + content creator
This book is an insightful, easy read to have on hand if you want to become a better content creator. Being a good business owner and marketing that brand of yours well comes down to how well you can write. Whether you’re an author, on social media, in marketing or not, everyone of us is a writer. We’re all writers. As Ann says, “Our online words are our currency; they tell our customers who we are. And that means that we are all relying on our words to carry our marketing messages. We are all writers.” Writing matters now more than ever. This is such a fantastic read. Ann also has an AMAZING digital newsletter that I highly recommend as well. | annhandley.com/everybodywrites
And, for good measure, here are a few other books that I’ve really enjoyed reading over the years:
Every book ever written by Lisa Sasevich (The QUEEN of sales conversion!)
Brand Brilliance by Fiona Humberstone
These books have massively influenced me in some way over the last several years. Each has played a significant role in the growth of my business. Which ones have you read?
Speaking of books…
I’m writing one of my own!
In it, I show solopreneurs how to rise above the competition and step boldly into the spotlight with their businesses using my four-step formula for marketing mastery.
Want to get on the VIP list so you get first dibs when it comes out? Hop on it here!
