One of the best ways to invest some time in your business that pays you back both now and later is a good book. Even though time is precious, taking time out to read and continually educate yourself can be worth it. Getting a fresh perspective on things can put your own business challenges into context and help you see solutions you might not have otherwise. And while there’s no substitute for a good conversation with a trusted advisor, a well-chosen business book is available whenever and wherever you have a few minutes to spare.
So here’s a short list of good reads for entrepreneurs by a trio of authors focused on helping you get the most out of the time you put into your business. Reading any or all of these books will give you practical things you can do immediately while adding indispensable tools to your toolkit that you’ll use time and again.
Start Your Own Business, by Rieva Lesonsky
Rieva is not only a well-known blogger and an entrepreneur, she was also SVP/editorial director at Entrepreneur magazine. Rieva’s book offers advice to every type of small business, and she includes worksheets and checklists to make it simple. Her approach will appeal to every level of entrepreneur, whether you’re working out of your garage or on the verge of breaking into the Fortune 5000.
Never Check E-mail in the Morning and other Unexpected Strategies for Making Your Work Life Work, by Julie Morgenstern
I took this along on a business trip overseas a few years ago and within a few pages it proved well worth the carry-on space. Julie’s style is very practical and it reads as though you were sitting down with her over coffee. She lays out easy steps and processes you can begin using immediately to increase your productivity and effectiveness, and pearls of wisdom such as the title. When I remember to follow that one even for the first 30 minutes of the morning, I see a big difference in how my day plays out.
Julie also identifies the areas you can improve on your own, and the areas that require support from others. I’ve seen entrepreneurs in my own life rely heavily on family and friends to succeed without always knowing what help to ask for, so these nuggets are clear, specific ways you can engage your full support team. Finally, Julie gives insights on how to create cultures that foster her manageable approach to productivity and balance whether you have one employee or one hundred. It’s no wonder she’s Oprah’s favorite organizer, and USA Today calls Julie “queen of putting people’s lives in order!”
The Small Business Bible, by Steve Strauss
Steve writes a widely-read weekly column on small businesses for USA Today. As the title of his column suggests, Steve is a small business expert. Each week, he gives answers the questions asked by small business owners and provides great, insightful details. The Small Business Bible examines everything from the ground up, starting with a tutorial on understanding your market, writing a business plan, taxes and making a profit. He even includes a section about being green. This comprehensive book is a fantastic resource for every small business professional.
I’d love to know what you’ve read that made a difference for you and your business. Which book would you most recommend to fellow business owners?
