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Starting a small business can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be very challenging. There are many aspects to consider when you're starting, from the initial planning stages to mark your business and everything in between.
That's why it's important to arm yourself with as much information as possible, and what better way to do that than by reading some business books? This blog post will discuss six books to help start and grow your small business!
Why These Books?
These six books have been specifically chosen for their focus on the unique needs of small businesses. The authors provide insight, advice and practical tips to help you plan, launch and grow your small business. Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, these books will be invaluable resources to help guide you through the learning process.
I have personally read and recommended all of these books. Each of these books offers valuable insights that i have been able to take away and apply to my business. So let me share these books with you; hopefully, one or more of them will be the perfect fit for you and your business.
1. Think and Grow Rich
If you are searching for a book to motivate and change your mindset towards success, this is the one to pick. Written by Napoleon Hill in the 1930s, Think and Grow Rich has been helping entrepreneurs ever since with its timeless principles.
It will teach you how to think positively, set achievable goals and ultimately unlock your potential to become successful. Every chapter of the book provides valuable insights and advice you can apply to your small business immediately.
My tip: Get the audible version and listen to it on the way to and from work or before sleep. For more information click here.
2. She Means Business: Turn Your Ideas into Reality and Become a Wildly Successful Entrepreneur
The second book on our list is She Means Business by Carrie Green. If you are an aspiring female entrepreneur, this book is perfect for you as it offers actionable advice on turning your ideas into reality and becoming a wildly successful business owner.
The topics discussed include risk-taking, growing your network, setting goals, and more. In addition to that, the book is written in fun and inviting way that will make it easy to follow. This book has inspired me as a fellow Manchester mum and is an invaluable resource for growing my business.
My tip: Take notes while you read this one—you'll want to remember some of Carrie's great advice! For more information click here.
3. The 1-Page Marketing Plan: Get New Customers, Make More Money, And Stand out From The Crowd
This book by Allan Dib can help you create a simple yet effective marketing plan to get new customers and make more money. It offers practical advice on how to stand out from the crowd, utilising various digital marketing techniques such as SEO, email campaigns, content marketing and social media.
The marketing plan template Dib provides is simple to follow yet incredibly powerful, and the book also explains why each step of the process is important. This book has been invaluable as I have launched my own business.
My tip: Take the time to work through each of Allan's exercises and create your 1-page marketing plan that you can refer back to. Once you finish reading this book, apply the strategies to your business and watch your customer base grow! For more information click here.
4. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
James Clear's book is about building good habits and breaking bad ones, which can be crucial to your success as a business owner. Offering simple strategies you can apply to your personal and professional life to make lasting changes.
My tip: Make sure you read this one carefully, as there are many great nuggets of wisdom you can use to help improve your business. For more information click here.
5. The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future
Another book that should be on every entrepreneur's shelf is The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau.
Offering an inspiring and practical guide to starting a business with very little money, perfect for those who are just starting or looking to start a side hustle.
My tip: Read this book with an open mind and reflect on the stories and advice. Use the information to help you create a plan for your own business. For more information click here.
6. How to Win Friends and Influence People
Finally, my last recommendation is this classic book by Dale Carnegie.
This timeless classic offers advice on how to build relationships and communicate effectively with people. It will help you network more efficiently, make connections in the industry, and ultimately grow your business.
My tip: Take notes while reading this book, as it is packed with great life-long lessons that you can use in your professional and personal life. For more information click here.
How To Maximise Your Takeaways
Now that we've shared our top 6 books every entrepreneur should read, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your reading experience.
Make notes: Writing down key points will help you retain and apply information to your business when appropriate.
Ask questions: Don't be afraid to question the author and investigate further if something doesn't make sense. You can reach out to them through social media or email.
Work on yourself: Take the time to apply the lessons you've learned and improve yourself as an entrepreneur. It takes practice to master a skill, so don't give up!
Talk about it: Share your experiences with others and discuss how you plan to use what you've learned.
Join a book club: Joining a book discussion group can help you gain deeper insights from the book and create a great network of like-minded individuals.
By following these tips and reading the books we've suggested, you will be better prepared to tackle the challenges of being an entrepreneur. So grab your favourite mug of coffee, cuddle up with a good book, and get ready for a fun and rewarding journey!
Happy reading!