THE AMAZON GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED – THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

Books!

By now you probably know how much I love to read. (LOL) I’ve been a big reader for as long as I can remember. And as a small business owner and entrepreneur, one of the ways that I stay motivated is by reading my fair amount of business books. (I’m trying to read more, so please share your favorites in the comments!) Today I am sharing a list of nine books that I’ve found to be particularly inspiring, motivating, and educational. They’ve all in different ways helped me over the years… highly recommend each and every one!

I’ve said this before but I have always been a paper books kind of girl… E-readers just don’t do it for me. I know some people find them to be more convenient but I just love my paper books. I like to hold a book as I read. And in a way it’s a bit of a ritual and sensory experience. I really like the actual feeling of the paper between my fingers as I turn the pages. It’s cathartic and soothing… and the last thing I want to do to relax is look at another screen! You might remember from last year that I teamed up with The Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® campaign to talk about how I find the time to read… this year I’m excited to do it again with this list of the best business books!

HOW LIFE UNFOLDS HAS AN AMAZING “15 PAGES A DAY”

READING CHALLENGE!

Read more about the challenge here! As a part of that, they asked me to share my favorite business books which I was excited to do! I encourage you to take the 15 page challenge. I think the challenge is particularly relevant for business-y books as I can get overwhelmed by these books… they take me longer to read! To further incentivize you / encourage you to get those pages in, we are giving one lucky reader a $500 gift card to Amazon.

Scroll to the end of the post to enter via the widget, and comment below with your own favorite business books.

I love the challenge of reading 15 pages a day (on paper) as it isn’t intimidating and it’s something anyone can do. No matter your age or literacy level, anyone can read 15 pages a day. This article has a lot of good information about the benefits of reading on paper. If you do take the challenge, share that you took the pledge on social media using #15Pages!

The Best Business Books

Contagious

Contagious by Jonah Berger. This is a fascinating look at the how and why behind why things become popular and trends catch on. It talks about the power of word of mouth, social influence, and how things/ideas go viral… or become “contagious.”

You are a Badass Everyday

You are a Badass Everyday by Jen Sincero. I picked this one up because I like the tagline but this is one of the best books I’ve read for keeping me motivated and staying driven.

The War of Art

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. I’m such a Steven Pressfield fan. Love him. His books are small but mighty – I take so much away from every single one! This business book is all about roadblocks, and how we actually prevent ourselves from being our most successful creative selves. I have read and re-read this one time and time again… it’s life changing.

Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t

Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t by Steven Pressfield. Another Pressfield book and I LOVE the tough love title. This book is fantastic for any type of writer (whether you’re writing copy for brands or just writing creatively). It will teach you the power of story-telling and how to craft a compelling narrative.

The Brand Gap

The Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier. As a former brand manager I loved reading this book – it talks about how to produce a “charismatic brand,” which is something you can apply to both an actual brand or a person. It’s a pretty quick read but PACKED with knowledge.

How to Win Friends & Influence People in the Digital Age

How to Win Friends & Influence People in the Digital Age, by Dale Carnegie. This is an adaptation of the classic, reinterpreted for modern times and the Internet age. I have read and re-read this one again and again; it is a CLASSIC and an absolute must-read for anyone in a leadership role or a role where networking + relationships are important to your success (okay maybe that’s any job!?)

Talented is Overrated

Talented is Overrated by Geoff Colvin. Something that has always fascinated me is how some of the most talented people aren’t very successful – and vice versa. This book takes a scientific approach at looking at what factors make someone successful/high performing (the secret ingredient isn’t being naturally gifted or talented!!!).

Crush It! Why NOW

Crush It! Why NOW by Gary Vaynerchuck. I am admittedly a little bit fascinated by Gary Vee, seeing how he’s built his own businesses into something so successful. If you have a passion project or a hobby that you wish you could monetize, this is a great job to read.

Made to Stick

Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. This book is fascinating, especially if you enjoyed Contagious. It’s all about the science behind ideas and why some ideas take off and others thrive (and how you can improve the odds of your ideas taking off).

Photos by Carter Fish // Created in partnership with The Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® campaign – thank you for supporting the brands that keep this blog running!