As a small business owner, it’s important to stay inspired, continue learning, and find new ways to innovate and grow your business.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to refresh your perspective and gather insights that can help take your business to the next level. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, inspiration, or personal development, the following books can provide valuable knowledge and guidance to set you up for a successful year.
1. “The lean startup” by Eric Ries
In a fast-paced and ever-changing business world, it’s essential to be adaptable and efficient. “The Lean Startup” teaches you how to build a business by focusing on creating a minimum viable product (MVP), testing your ideas with real customers, and iterating based on feedback. This book is perfect for small business owners who want to minimise risk, conserve resources, and maximise their chances of success through experimentation and innovation.
Why you should read it:
- Learn how to test and validate business ideas quickly and cost-effectively.
- Discover how to pivot or adjust your business model based on real customer feedback.
- Understand the importance of continuous improvement in your business operations.
2. “Atomic habits” by James Clear
As a small business owner, your personal productivity and habits directly impact your business’s success. “Atomic Habits” offers actionable strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones. Clear’s insights on how small, incremental changes can lead to big results will help you improve your daily routines, optimise your workflow, and cultivate the mindset needed for long-term success.
Why you should read it:
- Learn how to create positive habits that drive productivity and success.
- Find strategies for overcoming procrastination and staying focused on your goals.
- Understand how small improvements compound over time to create major results.
3. “Start with why” by Simon Sinek
Understanding the deeper purpose behind your business is crucial for long-term success. In “Start with Why,” Simon Sinek explores the idea that businesses with a clear sense of purpose, or “why,” are more successful and inspiring than those that focus solely on what they do or how they do it. This book will help you clarify your business’s core values and purpose, motivating both yourself and your team to stay aligned and focused on what truly matters.
Why you should read it:
- Discover how to articulate your “why” and create a deeper connection with your customers.
- Learn how purpose-driven businesses build loyalty and inspire action.
- Explore strategies to align your vision with your team and create a stronger company culture.
4. “The e-myth revisited” by Michael E. Gerber
For many small business owners, the transition from being an entrepreneur to becoming a successful business owner is a tough one. “The E-Myth Revisited” breaks down the common myths about running a small business and provides practical advice on how to systematise your operations. Gerber emphasises the importance of working on your business rather than in it, which is key for scaling your operations and creating a business that can run smoothly even without your constant involvement.
Why you should read it:
- Learn how to create efficient systems and processes that support business growth.
- Understand how to move from working in your business to working on your business.
- Gain insight into developing a business that can scale without over-relying on you.
5. “The barefoot executive” by Carrie Wilkerson
Carrie Wilkerson’s “The Barefoot Executive” offers a no-nonsense approach to building a business from the ground up. This book is packed with practical advice for small business owners who want to build a successful company while maintaining work-life balance. Wilkerson shares her own story of growing a profitable business from home, and her insights will inspire you to create a business that works for you, not the other way around.
Why you should read it:
- Get practical tips on how to build and grow a business without sacrificing your personal life.
- Learn how to overcome challenges and setbacks with a positive, can-do attitude.
- Gain confidence in your ability to manage a small business and make it thrive.
6. “Dare to lead” by Brené Brown
Leadership is one of the most important skills for any small business owner. “Dare to Lead” focuses on the power of vulnerability, trust, and courage in leadership. Brown’s research-based approach offers actionable strategies for creating a workplace culture based on authenticity, inclusivity, and empathy. This book will help you strengthen your leadership abilities, build stronger relationships with your team, and foster a positive work environment.
Why you should read it:
- Learn how to lead with courage and vulnerability, building trust and resilience within your team.
- Develop strategies for navigating difficult conversations and challenging situations.
- Understand how creating a culture of inclusivity can lead to better business outcomes.
7. “Good to great” by Jim Collins
In “Good to Great,” Jim Collins explores what makes companies go from average to exceptional. Based on extensive research, this book provides valuable insights into the behaviours and practices that contribute to sustained business growth and success. If you’re looking to elevate your small business and build it into something truly remarkable, this book offers principles that can help guide your path.
Why you should read it:
- Learn how to transition your business from “good” to “great.”
- Gain insights into building a strong company culture and aligning your team with your vision.
- Understand the importance of disciplined leadership and strategic decision-making for long-term success.
8. “Contagious: How to build word of mouth in the digital age” by Jonah Berger
Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective ways to grow a small business, and in “Contagious,” Jonah Berger breaks down the science behind why certain ideas, products, and content go viral. This book will help you understand the psychology of sharing and provide practical strategies for creating content and marketing campaigns that are more likely to be shared and recommended by your audience.
Why you should read it:
- Learn how to create shareable content and campaigns that generate word-of-mouth buzz.
- Understand the six key principles that drive people to share ideas and products.
- Gain strategies for growing your brand’s reach through social influence and viral marketing.
As a small business owner, the new year presents an opportunity to gain fresh insights, refine your strategies, and tackle new challenges. The books listed above offer valuable lessons in leadership, productivity, marketing, and personal development—essential reading for anyone looking to grow their business.
