The Top Business Book Recommendations for Summer 2019

Since there are so many incredible business books out there, I wanted to put together a comprehensive new list of them to read this summer. So, I’ve taken recommendations from the knowledgeable CarolRoth.com contributor network of business owners, experts, advisors and entrepreneurs to find out what business-related books they recommend most. Their answers are presented below in no particular order.

You may notice the same book listed more than one time, but I included the book descriptions, as well as the book attribution, in each contributor’s own words separately, as something in the way one is framed may resonate differently with you.

And, it wouldn’t be a complete business book recommendation list without recommending that you read (or re-read!) my own business book, The Entrepreneur Equation.

1. Business Book Recommendation

"Fight, Grind, Repeat" by Bobby Bones.

I found the book honestly written and stuffed full of specific, actionable, advice. His personal stories are inspiring and he tells them with so much skill. I strongly suggest that you listen to the audio book, which he read himself, as his approach to the audio is a lesson in itself. His reading teaches good enough over perfect and not taking yourself too seriously.

Thanks to: Maxwell Ivey of The Blind Blogger.

2. Work Rules!

One big challenge companies undergoing transformations face relates to the hiring and retention of employees.

"Work Rules!" by Laszlo Bock, provides fascinating insights from the former SVP of People Operations at Google. It tells how the company succeeded in building perhaps the world’s greatest collection of talent. Bock details how companies can re-think an often-overlooked function - HR - that’s critical to a company’s success. The book is a must-read for entrepreneurs who seek success.

Thanks to: Carlos Castelán of The Navio Group.

3. It's All About the Pie!

Ten years after starting my own consulting business and reading "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber, I still reference it when working with small to corporate size clients. It's so practical (the pie story) in its approach to business, and many of its lessons and stories entrepreneurs experience regularly, so the tips and advice stand up even ten years later. It's also an easy read so there are no excuses, only benefits to anyone starting, managing or growing a business.

Thanks to: Bernadette Boas of Ball of Fire Inc.

4. How I Win, Win, Win

By reading "How to Win Friends and Influence People", silly. I re-read this book every year on my holiday vacation at the end of the old year leading into the new year. It never gets old and is still as relevant today as when written over 60 years ago. I make all new staff read it within the first 30-60 days of hire.

Thanks to: Christopher Carter of Approyo.

5. Work Less. Make More Money

"The Five Hour Workday" by Stephan Aarstol

We have implemented a 5 hour workday for several months. It works! Less stress and higher profits!

Thanks to: Victor Clarke of Clarke, Inc.

6. Let Your Passion Drive You

Author: Chris Guillebeau
Book name: "The $100 Startup"

It's a collection of 50 inspirational stories of the nobodies who are now somebodies that we all know. I’ve recommended the book to so many young entrepreneurs who think they need to be rich and lucky to start a business of their own. This book made me realize all over again that all we need is an idea we believe in, and the dedication to take it into reality. It's a must read for the ones who want to seize new opportunities.

Thanks to: Jitesh Keswani of e-Intelligence.

7. Making Minutes Matter

Mary Kutheis has put together a great book based on her two decades of coaching and training with business leaders, "Making Minutes Matter".

Business owners and leaders at all levels who want to replace stress and overwhelm with focus and peace of mind should read this book. It will help you eliminate distractions, create reasonable expectations, get more done and give you more freedom. Mary has a great methodology and helps you focus on your core values to be better at work and at home.

Thanks to: Steve Turner of Solomon Turner PR.

8. A Giver and a Keeper

Have you ever bought a book and wished you had a box of copies to give away knowing you'll never part with the one you have? "The Latte Factor" by David Bach & John David Mann is one of those books. A quick read that promises an eye opening shift, especially for young people. I handed this to my 24 year old and told him it's a must read. This book offers "three simple secrets to financial freedom" without budgeting. If you despise budgeting like I do, here is a budget free solution to living rich.

Thanks to: Laura Templeton of 30 Second Success.

9. These Are Still Classics

I am giving everyone a set to read by Fry and Uri: "Getting to Yes" and "Getting Past No." Both are classics, easy reads and really should be read together.

I also would be remiss if I did not give you access to a free chapter of my book at www.powerfulpersonalbrands.com

I hope that everyone finds these valuable.

Thanks to: Ben Baker of Your Brand Marketing.

10. Read This Booklet Immediately!

If you read only one business book ever, take about an hour to read my booklet called "The Barrows Popularity Factor." It will show you some easy-to-use advertising math that will actually let you quantify the relationship between your advertising and sales. The math will give you more of the information you need to make key marketing decisions with far less risk and it can help all kinds of businesses make a lot more money! And... as they say in advertising... "It really works!"

Thanks to: Robert Barrows of R.M. Barrows Advertising.

11. Nonviolent Communication

A great book for new entrepreneurs is "Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD.

Starting a new business requires keen communication skills, and this book teaches you to communicate with your peers, clients, customers, and team in an effective and non-hostile way. By doing that, you open up the channels of innovation and empathy needed to be successful in a new business.

Thanks to: Sarah Walker of Miracle Mile Law Group.

12. Catch the NEXT Green Wave

Businesses already have to be green because customers demand it. In the next few years, customers will demand social entrepreneurship: using business to fix things like hunger, poverty, war, and catastrophic climate change. The road map is the award-winning book "Guerrilla Marketing to Heal the World" by Jay Conrad Levinson and Shel Horowitz (New York: Morgan James), endorsed by Seth Godin, Chicken Soup's Jack Canfield, the Executive Director of GreenBiz.com, and many others.

Thanks to: Shel Horowitz of Going Beyond Sustainability.

13. Cheesy, Must Read Book!

The book that I recommend everyone reads is: "Who Moved My Cheese", by Spencer Johnson. It really helps one understand the emotions other may be feeling during a transition.

There are variations of the book that are targeted to teenagers "Who Moved My Cheese, for Teens" and my ultimate favorite, "Who Moved My Cheese, for Kids".

The "Who Moved My Cheese, for Kids" is my number one recommendation, take 30 minutes and follow the pictures, understand the change and share the knowledge with ALL!

Thanks to: Ed McMasters of FUSIONWRX, a Flottman Company.

14. Granddaddy of Motivation

"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill was written in 1937 and was the first time a writer openly asked "What Makes A Winner?"

BusinessWeek Best-Seller List ranked it the sixth best-selling paperback business book 70 years after it was published.

The book focuses on personal development and self-improvement and can assist a businessperson in any endeavor.

Thanks to: Bob Shirilla of Keepsakes Etc.

15. A Great Business Book

A really great read is 10 years old – "The 100 Best Business Books of All Time – What They Say, Why They Matter and How They Can Help You" by Jack Covert & Todd Sattersten, 2009, The Penguin Group, New York, NY.

The detailed summaries have useful content as such, help me determine if I want to read – or listen to - the whole book and make it easy for me to impress people that I actually did read the whole book. Hey, as Jim Collins might say, "...works for me."

Thanks to: Phil Stella of Effective Training & Communication.

16. Make Money With Your Bike/s

More bikes are being sold every year than cars and electric bikes are becoming must haves for sustainable transportation. And, every bike is a new tool for business growth and immediate trackable sales for almost any business. A must read for any business owner is: "How to Make Money With Your Bike - How, Why, Where & When" by Richard Pawlowski.

Thanks to: Richard Pawlowski of VentureXPO.com.

17. Read This to Grow Your Tribe

One business-related book every entrepreneur should read this summer is “Louder Than Words” by Todd Henry. This book is about audience building. One takeaway is that it’s often the case that the more competent you become at something, and the more you associate with others who are competent at that something, the more obvious you think your expertise is to everyone else. But in reality, your expertise is not obvious and something that people need to hear.

Thanks to: Logan Allec of Blogging Done Right.

18. Can an Obscure Author Help You

Can an obscure author help you grow your business? Every day, I read posts on LinkedIn and Facebook from entrepreneurs asking how to drive traffic to their site and market on a budget.

Marketing doesn't have to be expensive. But, whatever you do must be effective. Learn what is and isn't effective for less than the price of lunch.

Although 1 million copies haven't been sold pick up a copy of my book, "27 Secrets of Marketing: Your Ticket to Maximum Revenue".

Thanks to: Royce Gomez of RoyceTalks.

19. Tax-Free Wealth

Because taxes are everyone’s biggest expense, as a CPA and CEO of WealthAbility, my book, “Tax-Free Wealth” (2nd Edition 2018, Rich Dad Series) is a must read for anyone who wants to legally keep “way more money” and pay “way less tax”. The new tax law has many new deductions for entrepreneurs that many missed this year. This bestseller is now updated to educate small business owners, investors, contractors, CPAs and taxpayers on the Trump tax plan. Get educated now!

Thanks to: Tom Wheelwright of WealthAbility.

20. Take a Calmer Approach

Every entrepreneur should read "The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Managing Your Business and Your Life" by Geshe Michael Roach. By applying the book's principles, I have learned to stay calm in any situation and manage my business and my life in a more natural, organic way. For example, if you are experiencing a downturn in your business, the book highlights that you should give back. During my downturns, I make a donation or help someone, and the return comes back to me. It never fails.

Thanks to: Vladimir Gendelman of Company Folders.

21. The Must Have Book for CEOs

"The Tipping Point" by Malcom Gladwell is a must read for CEOs.

The Tipping Point is about how little things can make a big difference in your business. It outlines 3 agents of change you can use to catapult your business to achieve its growth goals. There are practical marketing concepts you can apply to your business, whether you have marketing experience or not. This is a great one for CEOs looking to make a big impact in the market.

Thanks to: Natalie Athanasiadis of Ormi Media.

22. Not 1-to-1, it's One-to-many

One of the books I keep close by to review is "Tribal Leadership" by Dave Logan, John King and Halee Fischer-Wright ISBN 978-0-06-125132-0.

It has great research on how people work in groups. Much of the research came from the USC Marshall School of Business. Learn the five stages of group interaction and discover how to get your group to the fifth level. This is a good read with lots of good information you can use right away.

Thanks to: Mitch Krayton of Krayton Travel.

23. The New ROI: Lives Impacted

My recommended must-read business book for entrepreneurs this summer is "How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas, Updated Edition" by David Bornstein and here's why. So often, entrepreneurs think about scaling in order to generate revenue. However, some entrepreneurs recognize societal challenges and design replicable, innovative solutions. This book explores what it means to be a social entrepreneur and lessons learned from around the world.

Thanks to: Andrea Fonte Weaver of Bridges Together, Inc.

24. Have You Defined Reality?

It may be old, but Max DePree's "Leadership Is an Art" still bedazzles with new insights. Especially now, as we Americans hunger for true leadership, we can hear DePree maintain: "The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant..." And, in view of Robert Smith's recent gift to Morehouse College, we must heed DePree's assertion that "leaders are responsible for future leadership".

Thanks to: Marlene Caroselli.

25. Wall Street Won't Tell You...

One of the best books I've read recently is called, "The Business Owner's Guide to Financial Freedom: What Wall Street Isn't Telling You" by Mark Kohler. Not only is Kohler a tax expert, but he's an entrepreneur himself, so he knows the struggles that business owners face.

He also recognizes that the typical retirement/financial freedom route taken by most people doesn't apply to business owners. In this book, he breaks everything down in simple terms that you can apply right away.

Thanks to: James Pollard of The Advisor Coach.

26. Five Dysfunctions of a Team

I constantly re-read and gift “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: a Leadership Fable” by Patrick Lencioni. This highly engaging best-seller identifies the leadership principles that can make or break a team and ultimately, a company. The premise of this book is simple: a fable to teach concepts that are very easy to understand but difficult to put into practice. Every new-hire receives a copy of this book during their on-boarding and many of the principles are discussed at quarterly meetings.

Thanks to: Sean Tomalty, DMD of Tomalty Dental Care.

27. This is Marketing

"This is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn To See" by Seth Godin is an excellent book that is packed with useful information, and it should be read by anyone that is remotely involved in marketing (or wants to be). It combines all of Seth's biggest and best ideas into one package and describes how great marketers make the world a better place.

Thanks to: Jason Yau of CanvasPeople.

28. Measure What Matters

John Doerr is a master at setting and achieving goals, and his book "Measure What Matters" outlines just how he does that. His system called OKR (Objectives and Key Results) helped employees at Google improve their goal-setting processes.

Thanks to: Jacob Dayan of Community Tax.

29. From Coach to Harvard Fellow

"Leading" by Sir Alex Ferguson is a must-read. It takes amazing leadership skills to go from managing a soccer team to being a Fellow at Harvard. In Leading, Mr. Ferguson teaches you what he's learned from building a world-class sustainable team. With chapters on setting standards and business development, it is as applicable to small businesses as it is sports management. "Watching others, listening to their advice and reading about people are three of the best things I ever did," he says.

Thanks to: John Farrell of The Farrell Law Firm, PC.

30. "But I'm Not an Expert"

Imposter syndrome is real and it kills businesses. That's why my no. 1 spot goes to "But I'm not an Expert" by Meera Kothand. This book attacks that mind framing most of us have had at one time or the other: "I'm not the best, why should anyone buy?"

You don't need to be the best; you need a non-salesy architecture for positioning yourself as the best, without the years or credentials. That and the minimum viable marketing actions to take for scalable growth. That's what this book gives you!

Thanks to: Lily Ugbaja of FindingBalance.Mom.

31. Trying for Traction

"Traction" by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares is an excellent guide for any business seeking to scale. The book walks readers through nineteen "traction channels" ranging from Google Ads to publicity stunts, weighing the costs and benefits of each channel in a highly methodical fashion. The authors encourage the reader to ignore previous biases about the efficacy of particular strategies, prompting honest consideration and a robust brainstorming process.

Thanks to: Vivek Kumar of Qlicket.

32. Amazon's Keys to Success

I highly recommend "The Amazon Way: 14 Leadership Principles Behind the World's Most Disruptive Company" by John Rossman. As a 20-year veteran of Silicon Valley tech startups, I think Jeff Bezos is the greatest entrepreneur in tech. He's routinely succeeded in entirely new markets. But, more importantly, he's baked many of his core principles for success into the Amazon culture itself. This book does a great job of breaking down exactly what those principles are, so all entrepreneurs can benefit.

Thanks to: Chas Cooper of Rising Star Reviews.

33. Learn Why Things Go Viral

"Contagious" by Jonah Berger is my recommendation. It doesn't matter how great your product is, if no one knows you exist, you're going to fail. There are more marketing books out there than any other type of business book, but for this summer, I'd highly recommend picking up a copy of Contagious. Jonah Berger goes through one fascinating example after another about companies who were able to create clever campaigns that went "viral" and brought in an exceptional amount of new business.

Thanks to: Seth Kravitz of PHLEARN.

34. Don't Stop the Carnival

In "Don't Stop the Carnival", Normal Paperman embarks on the dream of leaving it all to run his newly acquired Caribbean hotel. In this humorous novel, you'll learn how the most unexpected problems can pop up and challenge your resolve to start and grow a successful business. Ask any successful entrepreneur and they will tell you this fictional novel mimics the real life trials and tribulations that they have faced on the path to success.

Thanks to: Paola Brewer of Posh Pawn.

35. Nine Lies About Work

One of the most important books anyone who manages others could read is "Nine Lies About Work" by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall. So much of what we think we know about management and leadership is not only wrong, but actually counter-productive. The authors examine what actually works in regards to managing workflow from others and how to get the job done in the most efficient way. This is a must read for anyone that relies on the help of employees or collaborators to meet their goals.

Thanks to: Jake McKenzie of Auto Accessories Garage.

36. This is a Life Changing Book

The "4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss is the playbook for a life by your design, under your exclusive control. This would give you enough freedom to start a new business. This book dispels a lot of myths about the need to make millions to live the life that we all dream about. In actuality, it's a lot closer than we all realize. This is a life changing book for any person interested in business.

Thanks to: Fausto de Dalmases of Mayan World Travels.

37. This Book Will Make You Mad

Title: "Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path To Building Massively Valuable Companies"

By: Reid Hoffman & Chris Yeh

Why? It will make you mad and jealous! And after you get through those emotions, you will see how some of today's most valuable companies were built. While my company may not be ready for "Blizscaling", I picked up some start up tips that those monster companies used as they grew.

Thanks to: Paul Miller of Lokus Nutrition.

38. Summer Reading

I just got introduced to an amazing book that is really a truly missed characteristic in many entrepreneurs. The book is called "Integrity" by Dr. Henry Cloud. The audiobook is even better. This book goes over the characteristics of being a great leader, not just a leader.

Thanks to: Jonathan Alonso of CNC Machines.

39. Face Your Fears

I recently read "Return on Courage" by Ryan Berman and thought it was excellent. He spent several years shadowing various individuals and leaders and writes about creating a culture that allows you – as an organization or individual – to face your fears and take business challenges head on.

Thanks to: Michael Stahl of HealthMarkets.

40. Manage Your Time

"The One Thing" is a book written by the successful Keller Williams Realty founder Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. It gives succinct, practical advice that at first seems so logical, but in today’s world of constant multi-tasking, the book offers good common sense practices for the chaotic business world. I think so many entrepreneurs can struggle with time management and I thought this book offered very sensible tips and guidance on how to focus and prioritize your business objectives.

Thanks to: Holly Rollins of 10xdigital.

41. "Polar Bear Pirates"

"Polar Bear Pirates" by Adrian Webster.

According to our Managing Director, this book encompasses the culture of our firm and where polar bear pirates rise to the top, leaving the neg ferrets and sinkers at the door.

It's a toolbox book with personal development and leadership techniques scattered throughout, but without the jargon or pretense of a self-help book. At its core, it's a book about people, which crucially, is what businesses are. A group of people with a shared mission.

Thanks to: Blake Hawksworth of Creditplus.

42. Programmer to Entrepreneur

After college, I was a software developer that was making good money but wasn't very happy with my path. I stumbled upon a book that made re-think everything.

The book is older, but it's still just as relevant: "The 4-hour work week" by Tim Ferriss.

This is a must read for any business owner and entrepreneur. It made me realize that I didn’t need to trade my time for money, and I could be creative to leverage people and technology to create money.

Thanks to: Tomasz Alemany of Top Whole Life.

43. Deep Work, Author Cal Newport

“Deep Work” drills down on the changing keys to success. Tasks are being automated or outsourced to low cost labor due to technology and electronic communication. Even for advanced work, businesses hire the “best” anywhere in the world. Average doesn’t cut it. Intense periods of “deep work” allow you to master a rare and valuable skill. People who tune out social media and electronic communication interruptions have the focus to create the rare skills necessary to succeed.

Thanks to: Earl White of House Heroes.

44. The Secret Behind Viral Ideas

"Contagious: Why Things Catch On" by Jonah Berger.

This is for the entrepreneur wanting to understand the factors that can help make an idea, video or product go viral. Have you ever wondered like I did why people talk and share certain things rather than others? Or, why more than 200 million consumers are willing to share a video about something as boring as a blender? This must-read book pulls back the curtain and gives practical and relevant tips on spreading your message.

Thanks to: James McCauley of The Wriggler by Pluxty.

45. Best Business Book for Mindset

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey.

It is a great book that breaks down the key to successful thinking and reminds the person reading it to keep their eye on the prize. It outlines a way of thinking where you envision your goal and how to keep your mind set for success.

Thanks to: John Linden of The Most Chic.

46. Connect with StoryBrand

If you only read one business book this summer, read "Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen" by Donald Miller.

Why?

Because reading this book can change everything about your business. Too often, our rhetoric and website content are too convoluted and confusing - and it pushes your customers away. StoryBrand teaches you how to simplify your message and present it in a way that truly connects with your customers online, on paper, and in person.

Thanks to: Thomas Harris of The Exceptional Skills.

47. Maverick!

Although originally published in 1993, "Maverick!" by Ricardo Semler couldn’t be more relevant to today. Light-years ahead of its time, it explores organizational management policies becoming more and more commonplace and critical, like remote working or employees choosing their own vacation time. A huge number of ideas are explored, explained, and evidenced in practice throughout "Maverick!". A seminal piece from Semler that every business leader should embrace if they wish to attract top talent.

Thanks to: John Munn of Global Digital Week.

48. Back to Basics

"Go-Giver" by Bob Burg and John David Mann is a wonderful book for every entrepreneur. The book is simple, human, and makes the reader revisit the basics of why we do business in the first place. Whether you’re just starting a business or have been running one for decades, reading this book will be definitely make you think – or rethink – how you do business. Besides, it's a small book, which is fun and easy to read.

Thanks to: Chetan Mahajan of The Himalayan Writing Retreat.

49. The Stairs Vs the Elevator

BOOK: "Glambition: Knocking Down Walls In Heels Book" by Dee Rivera

OVERVIEW:
For all those ambitious females, no matter what your age, GLAMBITION, #KnockingDownWallsInHeels is for you!. Don't just fall and gravitate to what is expected of you. The book is a conversation with you on pitfalls to avoid. The satisfaction of taking the stairs, not the elevator, to success and lessons learn from wearing heels. Create a career you want at any age.

Thanks to: Dee Rivera of Glambition.

50. "Deep Work" by Cal Newport

The book primarily focuses on the ability to focus on what's most important without getting distracted in an increasingly hectic business environment. The author, who is a professor at Georgetown University, argues that by mastering the art of focus, you'll be able to break down complex concepts and issues quickly and come up with competent solutions in a much timelier manner. I think this book is perfect for entrepreneurs given it's so easy to get distracted when running a small business.

Thanks to: Matthew Ross of The Slumber Yard.

51. Work Smart, Not Hard

The book I would recommend is "The One Thing" by Gary Keller. So many entrepreneurs suffer from overwhelm because they're wearing forty-five different hats at the same time; there is just so much to do that it is hard to find out where to start. When you combine that feeling with the fact that time is your most valuable asset, you really have to focus on working smart, not hard. The One Thing has a bit of a cult-ish following around it, but for good reason. The book helps readers focus.

Thanks to: Vince Massara of The Book Summary Club.

52. Easy Pricing, P&L's and More

"I picked up this book with trepidation and when I read it the light bulb went on" is a testimonial from a business owner who read "The Courage to be Profitable: Get and Stay Profitable in Less than 30 Minutes a Month" by Ruth King.

This book was also named one of 37 books all start ups should read by London based Fupping (joining those of Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnegie and other esteemed authors).

It explains pricing, P&L's and balance sheets in English, rather than in accounting babble.

Thanks to: Ruth King of Business Ventures Corporation.

53. Talk Triggers

Competency doesn't compel conversations. Consequently, to encourage word of mouth, organizations large and small must consciously develop talk triggers that get people talking about their brands. In their practical guide, "Talk Triggers", authors Jay Baer & Daniel Lemin deliver the what, why and how of strategically creating and implementing Talk Triggers. You'll recognize many of the examples they share and discover numerous others. Put Talk Triggers on your must read list and get people talking.

Thanks to: Peter George of Peter George Public Speaking Inc.

54. Just. Read. The. Book.

Confession: I'm an avid reader. Only one book recommendation? That's so tough.

This one, I've already read twice:
"Building a Story Brand" by Donald Miller

Nugget 1: Those who ask again and again shall finally receive.

Nugget 2: Give away the why. Sell the how.

The nuggets for YOUR business are lurking on the pages.

Just. Read. The. Book.

Thanks to: Vickie MacFadden of PROMOrx.

55. Purple Cow

"Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable" is by Seth Godin.

It is a must-read for all entrepreneurs. He talks about the 4th P of Marketing after Price, Product, and Publicity.

Basically, the idea is this - If you were to spot a purple cow, you will stop by to take a look. Similarly, if you have a business, you should create something phenomenal that forces people to take a look.

I am reading this book and it has helped me come up with traffic ideas for my blog already!

Thanks to: Chhavi Agarwal of Mrs Daaku Studio.

56. Get Your Business From 0 to 1

So, a business-related book that - in my opinion - is a must-read for entrepreneurs this summer is "Zero To One" by Pieter Thiel. You'll find insights on how to build a profitable business and what type of business is the one that is sure to take off. Thiel takes into consideration various economic data gathered over the years, thus his assessments are more likely to be right. Plus, you'll find first-hand tips on running a business and finding fulfillment in doing so.

Thanks to: Jakub Kliszczak of CrazyCall.

57. Time Your Life For Success

In business, timing is everything: when to invest, when to hire, when to expand. Timing has implications for other areas too, including performance and productivity. "When: The Scientific Secret Of Perfect Timing" by Daniel Pink is a must-read for any entrepreneur looking for a proven way to make the most of time. By understanding your daily emotional cycle and your chronotype, you can time your life to succeed at work, make better decisions, and maximize your overall performance.

Thanks to: Chris Chancey of Amplio Recruiting.

58. A Cautionary Tale

"Bad Blood" by John Carreyrue is a cautionary tale about Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes. The take-away for entrepreneurs: raising money and having a bold vision do not equal a viable business. Investors invest in crappy businesses all the time and sometimes “vision” is really only delusion sprinkled with a bit of reality. Trying to convince the world otherwise can lead you down a morally rocky path – one obscured by your own hubris. Be bold. Be fast. But, don’t be Holmes.

Thanks to: Patrick Mullane of Harvard Business School Online.

59. Your Marketing Sucks

Conventional wisdom holds that to be successful, marketing must be creative. As in beautiful, funny, entertaining...
Nonsense.

Marketing must do one thing: generate return on investment.
But, 90 percent of it fails on this only measurement that counts.

While marketing firms toss out a chorus of buzzwords and slippery jargon to camouflage the issue, business owners and managers must hold their feet to the ROI fire.

My book "Your Marketing Sucks" reveals a no nonsense prescription.

Thanks to: Mark Stevens of Almost Science.

60. The Best Self-help Book

Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" was something of a phenomenon in terms of business self-help books when it was first published in the 80s. Nonetheless, the 7 habits are still true today and it has a lot to offer anyone interested in how to become a successful entrepreneur. The author’s approach revolves around fairness, integrity and everyone getting the best deal. I firmly believe in it, up to the extent that it lies in the core of our 360-Degrees Happiness Philosophy.

Thanks to: Rune Sovndahl of Fantastic Services.

61. Startup Fundamentals eBook

I believe that entrepreneurs should read the new and free "Startup Fundamentals", an eBook by Deluxe Corporation, this summer because this book helps entrepreneurs on their journey by providing expert advice, actionable tips, and other relatable entrepreneur stories. Along with this info, the book is also supposed to teach new business owners how to make their product/service stand out from the competition, create an amazing business plan, and launch a startup in the absolute best way!

Thanks to: Deborah Sweeney of MyCorporation.

62. Not Your Average Business Book

After reading "Not Your Average Cup of Joe" by Joseph Braithwaite, you will be on your first 'cup' to success, and you will never consider yourself an 'average joe' again! The understanding of the real you and why you are so important - the need to believe in you, regardless of what others believe, is the key to success!

Thanks to: Tracy Lamourie of Lamourie PR.

63. Must Read for Entrepreneurs

"Traction" by Gino Wickman.

This book has the blueprint for everything an entrepreneur or leader within a business needs to know to move forward. This is THE book to read, go through ALL of the exercises and stick to the Vision/Traction Organizer because it will make a leaps and bounds difference in your business. It's not one to just read and be done with. Traction outlines everything you need to do. If you follow these steps, it will change your business and life, all for the better.

Thanks to: Dillon Mitchell of Kowabunga Studios.

64. Reminder of Who We Are!

The best book for all entrepreneurs of all time (in my opinion, because there are a lot of great books out there!) is "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E Gerber.

I read this book when I started our coaching/business development company and recommended it to all of our start-up clients. Then, as our business transitioned, I re-read this book as I was trying to be all things to all people in my business. Now over 10 years in business, I am reminded that we all need to work within our strengths.

Thanks to: Gwen Hawver of Vision Interface.

65. Creating a Legitimate Company

"Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't" by Verne Harnish.

This book is one that I love and recommend for entrepreneurs who want to take their business from "a job" and make it into a bona fide company. It's the quintessential textbook for how to grow a business to the next level. It's packed with all the tools needed to properly scale-up your business and how to manage that growth with methodical finesse.

Thanks to: Kyle Tobin of LawnSavers Plant Health Care Inc.

66. Good Leaders are Anti-racist

“So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo, is an important book for anyone in leadership. Studies consistently show that upper managers & executives are majority white, & with this often comes an inability or unwillingness to address privilege or acknowledge issues regarding race & racism. From the National Book Review: “Oluo gives us language to engage in clear, constructive, & confident dialogue with each other about how to deal with racial prejudices & biases.”

Thanks to: Alex Kelsey of Greenvelope.com.

67. Classics Never Go Out of Style

I prefer the classics, books that offer timeless advice and inspiration for anyone managing and leading a team. One of the all-time great reads is "How To Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, which gives great advice on manners and people/human nature. You cannot go wrong with this one!

Thanks to: Paige Arnof-Fenn of Mavens & Moguls.

68. Interview Tactics, the Book!

“Interview Tactics, How To Survive The Media Without Getting Clobbered!” by Hollywood Correspondent Gayl Murphy, is the only business book I can recommend for entrepreneurs who are serious about speaking in public or speaking to the media. Gayl Murphy’s extensive broadcasting background is vital. You will learn how to be great at selling yourself. Especially in this over-crowed noisy marketplace, you'll get the right attention coming your way, every day.

Thanks to: Roz Wolf of www.gaylmurphy.com/buy-now.

69. Branding to Build Connection

Most small or solo-businesses don’t have a brand or haven’t changed it since the last century. Is it time to bring your firm to life? While "Brand Intimacy" by Mario Natarelli and Rina Plapler was written by authors who worked with corporate giants, this is a great book that helps firms of all sizes to grow their brand visibility and stand out from the crowd in this century. Read about what made brands tick and what you can do to connect more deeply in the age of social networking to create your brand to more people.

Thanks to: Maria Marsala of Coach Maria.

70. Can't Hurt Me

Book: "Can't Hurt Me"
Author: David Goggins

Why I like this book: This book is a fantastic read for anyone who is struggling with the Impostor Syndrome. Goggins was totally lacking in self-confidence when he made the transition from an overweight early 20s man working an entry-level pest control job to a decorated Navy SEAL veteran who held the Guinness Book of World Records for most pull-ups in 24 hours: 4,020! This book is all about mastering yourself.

Thanks to: Reuben Yonatan of GetVoIP.

71. Dark Side to Entrepreneurship

"126 Steps to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur: The Entrepreneurship Fad and the Dark Side of Going Solo" by Mario Peshev.

Before entrepreneurs-to-be dive in, I recommend investing in the knowledge of learning what the experience of being self-employed and running one’s own company is really like. I don’t want to dissuade anyone from ‘going for it’ in terms of pursuing their purpose to start their own business. What I do wish to convey, however, is the reality of the actual day to day experience of being on one’s own since I’ve found it differs radically from the pie-in-the-sky dream many people have.

Thanks to: Mario Peshev of Mario Peshev.

72. You Have Much More to Give

If you read one book this summer, make sure it is "How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life" by John C Maxwell. This publication will quickly captivate you, as it teaches you to be more creative and when to question accepted thinking. As you journey through this fascinating read, you will discover how to access your creative potential, develop ideas, and how to learn from past lessons enabling you to become better, happier and more successful. Get your copy today!

Thanks to: Ollie Smith of Energy Seek.

73. How to Be Rich

I recommend "How to Be Rich" by J. Paul Getty. In his day, Getty was the richest man in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. This is his first-hand story. He talks about building his business from scratch and competing with big businesses. He also shares his secrets for investing in stocks and real estate. It’s a quick read – easily devoured in an afternoon – but full of great lessons from a master at creating personal wealth through entrepreneurship and investing.

Thanks to: George Krueger of BIGG Successs.

74. Nice People DO Get the Sale

Entrepreneurship is challenging and requires a steep learning curve. Worse, most entrepreneurs have no idea how to sell.

A business cannot grow without selling.

The author of "Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results" entered corporate sales at a time when women were discouraged. Against all the odds, Stutz rose to the top of the sales scoreboard while ignoring the nastiness in the office. Stories reveal Stutz’ secrets for sales success.

Thanks to: Elinor Stutz of Smooth Sale.

As always, many thanks to everyone that contributed to this article!

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