Which business books should I read?

[Kerwin]

I'm looking for a list of beginners business books I can pick up and read. I'm mainly interested in accounting and finance with some general business advice thrown in. It would be particularly helpful if it talked about private limited companies.

If anyone can recommend a few "must read" business books that would be great.

 

[NickGrogan]

Bookkeeping and accounting for dummies 6 in 1 - up to date accounts, 6 different books in one

Zero to One - Peter Thiel - Founder of Paypal, first investor in Facebook. What your business needs to have an advantage.

E-Myth - Michael Gerber Why most small businesses aren't scalable, and what to do about it, not about ecommerce/internet.

Predatory Thinking - Dave Trott - Outthinking the competition, do things differently.

Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins. Old school advertising, written in 1923, but is the basis for all modern advertising, including the internet, ppc and social media.

The Prince - Machiavelli - Written in 1532, which makes Claude's book look real modern. Often misunderstood/misquoted by people that haven't actually read it. Well worth reading to help understand everything from the government to people browsing your website.

 

[mattk]

Books are so 16th century. I'd highly recommend the following online courses:

Introduction to Corporate Finance

Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: The First Step in Entrepreneurship

If you have questions about limited companies, pros/cons, governance, tax etc. I'd suggest you ask them here first and then your accountant (if you have one).

 

[sarky]

David Copperfield. In particular, the thoughts of Micawber in chapter 12.

 

[website-designer]

"The Innovator's Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business" by Clayton M. Christensen

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Slambash Wangs of a Compo Gormer...

Seriously... it helped me out BIG TIME!

 

[Mr D]

Bookkeeping and accounting for dummies 6 in 1 - up to date accounts, 6 different books in one

Zero to One - Peter Thiel - Founder of Paypal, first investor in Facebook. What your business needs to have an advantage.

E-Myth - Michael Gerber Why most small businesses aren't scalable, and what to do about it, not about ecommerce/internet.

Predatory Thinking - Dave Trott - Outthinking the competition, do things differently.

Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins. Old school advertising, written in 1923, but is the basis for all modern advertising, including the internet, ppc and social media.

The Prince - Machiavelli - Written in 1532, which makes Claude's book look real modern. Often misunderstood/misquoted by people that haven't actually read it. Well worth reading to help understand everything from the government to people browsing your website.

Yes The Prince is often misunderstood. Handy and pretty easy to read.

A small though good finance book is The Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason.
Great for personal and business finance.

 

[Ashley_Price]

If you are looking for a particular skill, then yes, get books that teach you that skill.

But otherwise, consider whether you should be reading books or not. I know there's a lot of advice out there that says how you should read a lot, but don't read books in the belief they will make you a success.

The only way to make your business a success is to work hard at it - however, that work hard can include following the advice and guidance given in books, as long as you actually do what they say.

I think too many people read business books because they think that will make them successful, but no book is a replacement for actually working on your business.

 

[Colin_W]

If you are looking for a particular skill, then yes, get books that teach you that skill.

But otherwise, consider whether you should be reading books or not. I know there's a lot of advice out there that says how you should read a lot, but don't read books in the belief they will make you a success.

The only way to make your business a success is to work hard at it - however, that work hard can include following the advice and guidance given in books, as long as you actually do what they say.

I think too many people read business books because they think that will make them successful, but no book is a replacement for actually working on your business.

I don't disagree with this. In fact, one of my friends has written a few self-help-type books and I often tease him by saying I'm going to wrote two books - one called "Put the Book Down and Just Do It" and "If You Need a Book, You'll Never Do It".

However, sometimes the issue is that we don't actually know what we should be doing. So books can help provide a bit of background. Or it can be useful to read of how others have approached a particular situation and what the outcomes were.

In these cases, books can provide a good starting point, some ideas or inspiration. The challenge can sometimes be to take the content of the book and apply it to our own situation and circumstances, rather than accepting them blindly as a step-by-step guide to success.

So yes, read books (and I've taken a note of the suggestions above), but keep an open mind.

 

[Deleted member 59730]

I think too many people read business books because they think that will make them successful, but no book is a replacement for actually working on your business.

Just look at Trump. Doesn't read books and ended up in the White House.

 

[website-designer]

Just look at Trump. Doesn't read books and ended up in the White House.

But he writes books

 

[Mr D]

The previous president had read a lot of books. Not sure he did that much better as a president than the current one.

The problem the current one has is access to social media. The fact he has access.

Seriously yes books are good for finding out concepts, ideas, explanations - that can then be researched in more depth by books or by other means including talking to an experienced person or getting someone to show you how to do it.
Without knowing the concept exists you have a harder job asking for it.

Equally attending meetings, seminars, exhibitions, presentations on a subject etc can help. Something you read, something you hear, something you see, even something you smell can trigger more ideas yourself.

Reading isn't wasted.

 

[Noah]

The previous president had read a lot of books. Not sure he did that much better as a president than the current one.

Are you similarly not sure that the night is darker than the day? Are you equally uncertain about the difference between your arse and your elbow? You might need to review your decision-making process.

 

[billybob99]

Are you similarly not sure that the night is darker than the day? Are you equally uncertain about the difference between your arse and your elbow? You might need to review your decision-making process.

That's like someone saying they're not sure if you're an absolute t***. Do they also need to review their decision-making process?

 

[Mr D]

Are you similarly not sure that the night is darker than the day? Are you equally uncertain about the difference between your arse and your elbow? You might need to review your decision-making process.

I don't need to review my decision making process thanks. It works very well for me.

You are welcome to disagree about how bad any president is, your ideas about the results of their decision making could be different than mine. The results will be the same, your ideas on the results need not be the same as mine.
Overseas wars, invasion, trade wars, resolving problems, diplomacy etc.

I do indeed know difference between arse and elbow. Do you know how to find your arse with both hands? Follow the words you have typed, you have found it.

 

[billybob99]

Follow the words you have typed, you have found it.

 

[Petr Gogolin]

As far as general business books go, I couldn't find anything that topped the research and publications of Jim Collins. Especially his Good to Great. He is careful about narrative in light of the data and you won't be bothered by any any pop biz babble with him. Don't be discouraged that the researched firms came from publicly traded corporations, results are powerful yet simple concepts that help us with decisions at all stages of our company growth.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Great-Jim-Collins/dp/0712676090/

 

[Inva]

I could add books on game theory or poker theory.

 

[Gecko001]

The problem with many

If you are looking for a particular skill, then yes, get books that teach you that skill.

But otherwise, consider whether you should be reading books or not. I know there's a lot of advice out there that says how you should read a lot, but don't read books in the belief they will make you a success.

The only way to make your business a success is to work hard at it - however, that work hard can include following the advice and guidance given in books, as long as you actually do what they say.

I think too many people read business books because they think that will make them successful, but no book is a replacement for actually working on your business.

I could not agree more.

By all means get books on basic bookkeeping, Excel or even how to put up shelves in your office, but those books on "success" are just dream-ssaging pulp in my view. I have read one or two I have to admit!

 

[Noah]

I could add books on game theory or poker theory.

Bet you couldn't.

 

[Radoslav Brodzinski]

Zero to One - Peter Thiel

 

[Noah]

Zero to One - Peter Thiel

I can't read, but I reckon anything by Peter Thiel should be consumed with some condiment.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Forget reading about it

Start up and muddle through

 

[Kerwin]

There is one book that I really need and that is a book which describes how to do all of the financial planning required for a business plan. I'm talking about things like a cashflow forecast, profit and loss predictions etc etc. I know nothing about accounting and I really need a simple book that explains how to do it.

 

[NickGrogan]

Have you tried this one?

Bookkeeping and accounting for dummies 6 in 1 - up to date accounts, 6 different books in one

 

[Chris Ashdown]

The Financial Times Guide to Business Start Up about £10

No bullshit just basics

 

[makeyourbusinessbetter]

Please try these to start with.

General business

The Richer Way by Julian Richer, founder of Richer Sounds

Small Giants by Bo Burlingham, published by Penguin

Accounting and finance

Accounting and Finance for Non-Specialists by Atrill & McLaney, published by FT Prentice Hall

Entrepreneurship and Small Business by Paul Burns, published by Palgrave

 

[Owesdr]

Book reading is a great habit as most of the businessmen learn from the books. You need to choose the books relevant to your business. You also have to do practical work for gaining experience. Always start a business with smaller investment. Do not put all of money at once!

 

[zoosedigital]

I appreciate slightly off topic but for inspiration the best I have read is:
Crush It! - Gary Vaynerchuk
A great example of what it takes to be successful in business. It has helped me a lot when times have been difficult.

 

[Noah]

Looks like there's a gap in the market : "Reading Business Books For Dummies". I'm astonished it hasn't been filled yet - or has it?

 

[Socio South West]

Forget reading about it

Start up and muddle through

This....

Just remember:

• that the aim of business is to be properly rewarded for your enterprise
• You run a business, not a charity
• Rome wasn't built in a day
• Your time spent with your nose in books is potential earning time lost
• People that can do something do it.... those that cant teach it or write about it.
• Don't fall in love with your business.... keep your relationship strictly platonic and practical.

 

[Saravanan28]

The Business of Options
Money Makers: Inside the New World of Finance and Business by David Snider
Bill Gates: Business Lessons: by Michael Winnicott

 

[Chris Ashdown]

One thing not mentioned if "Youtube" a fantastic selection of knowledge and lessons for free covering many scenarios . you still get some bullshot "how to make a million" on there but far more how to solve a problem, or this is how i did it type video's

 

[columbo]

How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis - solid, hard won and timeless advice on every page.

and as already suggested "The E-Myth" - every aspiring entrepreneur should take an exam on this book.

 

[stuartm1962]

Yes The Prince is often misunderstood. Handy and pretty easy to read.

A small though good finance book is The Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason.
Great for personal and business finance.

Definatelly The Richest Man In Babylon and Napolean Hill's Success through a Postive Mental attitude.

 

[DmitryAleksandrov]

I recommend you to read some basics. You could know, but still have misunderstandings at process. The books that I recommend:

Peter L. Bernstein “Against the Gods: the remarkable story of risk”

Joseph O’Connor and Ian McDermott “The art of systems thinking”

Really helpful literature.