Reading for Riches: Top 10 Best Business Books

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

This is one of the most popular business books of all time, and for good reason. Robert Kiyosaki tells the story of growing up with two dads — his real dad, who worked hard but struggled with money, and his friend’s dad, who was rich and successful.

What makes this book special is that it can change your mindset about money. It teaches you about investing, building assets, and making sure your money works for you instead of the other way around. They don't teach you this kind of financial knowledge in school, but it’s super important for running a successful business.

2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Here’s a book that’s stood the test of time. In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey shares a powerful framework for living a more effective life, both personally and professionally. He emphasizes the importance of character, integrity, and proactivity when setting goals, managing your time, and interacting with others.

While not strictly a “business book,” the key concepts in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People lay a powerful foundation for any new entrepreneur. Covey teaches you to think differently about challenges, take responsibility for your actions, and build strong, positive relationships — all valuable skills when building a successful company.

3. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

Ben Horowitz, one of the most well-known entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, gives it to you straight in this book. Being in charge isn’t easy. It’s full of hard choices and difficult situations. You might even feel like you’re in over your head at times. But the good news is you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things is like your guidebook for dealing with those super challenging moments when you’re not sure what to do.

Horowitz shares his own experiences and gives practical advice for facing problems like laying off employees, dealing with tricky competitors, and keeping your team going when things seem hopeless. This book is a must-read if you want the real talk on what leaders go through.

4. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Being a small business owner means you need to be adaptable and willing to change things up when they’re not working. Eric Ries gets this, and his book, The Lean Startup, gives you a framework for building success through constant learning and improvement.

The focus here is on avoiding wasted time, energy, and money. Ries argues that businesses, especially startups, should test new ideas with real customers as quickly as possible. Instead of launching a finished product right away, they should create a simple, basic version (the Minimum Viable Product) and see how people react.

This way, you get valuable feedback quickly, allowing your team to make changes based on what works (and what doesn’t). You’ll find tips on conducting experiments, gathering customer data, and knowing when it’s time to pivot your entire business strategy. The Lean Startup can transform how you think about innovation and growth within your small business.

5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Good books don’t necessarily have to be new books. So don’t let the age of this one fool you. The advice inside is pure gold. American writer Dale Carnegie understands that the way you communicate with people can make or break your business. 

Being a great manager isn’t just about bossing people around. It’s about inspiring them, building strong relationships, and making them feel valued. How to Win Friends and Influence People teaches you how to talk to others in a way that makes them listen and even change their minds.

You’ll learn how to give honest feedback without hurting feelings, handle criticism, and become a leader people want to follow. These skills are just as important today as when they were first written. Read this book if you’re working with teams or just want to improve yourself.

6. Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Have you ever wondered why some businesses become super popular while others seem to get ignored? Simon Sinek believes it all starts with answering one important question: Why does your business exist? Your “why” is your purpose. The reason you do what you do. It’s about more than just making money.

Start with Why helps you dig deep and determine what drives your business. When you know your “why,” it’s easier to make decisions, attract customers who share your values, and build a team that believes in your mission.

Think about Apple. Steve Jobs didn’t just want to sell computers. He believed in challenging the status quo and thinking differently. This methodology is still used today, and that’s why people love it.

7. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Starting a business is exciting. But remember, even the biggest goals start with tiny actions. That’s the idea behind James Clear’s mega-bestseller, Atomic Habits. It’s all about understanding the power of those tiny habits that seem too small to make a difference but really add up over time.

This book isn’t just about personal habits like waking up early or exercising. Clear explains how to apply the same ideas to your business. You’ll learn how to create simple systems that make success easier, how to beat procrastination, and how to stay motivated even when things get tough. Successful entrepreneurs don’t rely on luck; they build good habits.

8. Zero to One by Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal, thinks there’s too much copying going on in the business world. He encourages you to create something completely new and different if you really want to change the future. That’s what he explains in Zero to One.

This is a great read for those with truly innovative ideas. Thiel shares his process for brainstorming, testing, and refining ideas until they have the potential to disrupt entire industries. He discusses what makes a good business idea and how to spot potential problems early on. If your goal is to be the first to do something amazing, Zero to One is a great place to start.

9. Good to Great by Jim Collins

Jim Collins wondered why some companies do amazingly well over time while others fade away. So, he did a bunch of research to find out what those successful companies did differently. That’s how he wrote Good to Great.

This book doesn’t cover tricks or shortcuts. Collins shares the important characteristics that make companies last. You’ll learn about finding the right employees, creating a strong company culture, and the importance of focusing on what you do best. Good to Great offers timeless advice, whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for a while.

10. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This book is a true classic. Napoleon Hill studied successful people throughout history to understand what made them different. He believes that your attitude and mindset play a major role in whether you succeed. Think and Grow Rich isn’t for getting rich quick — it’s for finding the motivation and determination you need to reach your goals.

Hill teaches the value of setting clear goals, building strong beliefs in yourself, and never giving up on your dreams, no matter the obstacles. He also provides exercises to help you build a positive mindset. If you need an extra dose of inspiration in your small business journey, this book is for you.

Books are like your own personal business coaches. And our reading lists give you insider knowledge from successful people across America. It shows you what can work (and what to avoid). It’s a shortcut to building a smarter business strategy for yourself. Think about all the folks on Wall Street studying the latest tactics. You can get that same advantage.

Books fill your mind with inspiration and new ways to solve problems. Every week, exciting business books come out with brand-new ideas. And like classic books like The One Thing, some can even help you focus and find more success. So, what are you waiting for?

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Remember, investing in yourself as an entrepreneur is one of the smartest moves you can make. Happy reading, and here’s to your future success.