Those of you who are regular readers know that, come Summer, I’ve got a stack of books at my side, my shoes kicked off, and a glass of lemonade or an adult beverage on the table as I enjoy a few weeks off over the Summer. I’ll never get through all the amazing business books out there, but these books listed below are definitely some great reads. Here are SmallBizlady’s Summer reading list for small business owners this year.
CEO of My Soul: The Self-Love Journey of a Small Business Owner by Nicole Cober
More than how-to books about business, I love a good story that connects me to the author. Nicole Cober, Esq. does an excellent job of relating how she went from a thriving spa owner in Washington DC to closing her business and filing bankruptcy when she got divorced. Cober uses her experiences, which she recovered from through self-love and faith, and writes to help other women entrepreneurs survive their own struggles in business and in life.
Main Street Entrepreneur: Build Your Dream Company Doing What You Love Where You Live by Michael Glauser
Author Michael Glauser stopped at nothing to find the secrets to small business success. He drove, biked, and climbed his way to 100 cities to interview 100 entrepreneurs to get their tips for thriving. The results? Nine keys to integrating with a community, building a purpose-driven business, and diversifying revenue streams. By interviewing “Main Street entrepreneurs,” he gives us a real slice of Small Business America in this book.
The 10% Entrepreneur: Live Your Startup Dream Without Quitting Your Day Job by Patrick J. McGinnis
I’m a fan of starting a business slowly, while you’re still working. That’s exactly what McGinnis teaches here. He doesn’t glamorize being an entrepreneur, and paints a very real portrait of the hard work it takes. And he shows you how, with just 10% of your time and resources, you can keep working while building your startup. He also highlights real-life examples of people using exactly this formula successfully.
TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson
If you’re like me, you’re fascinated with the TED Talks franchise. It’s the most coveted public speaking engagement one can secure. Whether you plan to aim to give a TED Talk or simply want to improve your public speaking skills, you are bound to succeed with the tips given in this book by experts like Elizabeth Gilbert, Amy Cuddy, and Bill Gates.
Trend-Driven Innovation: Beat Accelerating Customer Expectations by Henry Mason, David Mattin, Maxwell Luthy, Delia Dumitrescu
Understanding trends in your industry can help you know where your customers are headed next, and help you meet them there. This book provides insights from top brands like Apple and Patagonia on how to spot emerging trends and how to leverage them to create customer-centric innovations.
Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy
Speaking of TED Talk alums, Amy Cuddy is having her moment in the limelight, thanks to this book. I’ve long believed that your attitude contributes to your success. Cuddy does too, and in this book, she helps readers access their personal power using what she calls “power poses” that instill confidence in any situation.
The Key to Making Money on Instagram: How I Make Hundreds Per Post by Dave Wells
I’m always fascinated with people who are doing interesting things, like making money on Instagram. I’ve been paying attention to this social media tool for a while, and you’ll learn how Dave Wells built a 6 figure Instagram business in under three years, and how he made forty thousand dollars profit within his first year.
Mobilized: An Insider’s Guide to the Business and Future of Connected Technology by SC Moatti
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that mobile isn’t the future; it’s here. Most of us have our phones glued to our bodies, and couldn’t imagine living without them. SC Moatti discusses the importance of mobile in this book, and provides a formula for success for businesses who want to get into the mobile game. She uses case studies from brands like WhatsApp and Facebook to show readers the path to growth in the mobile market.
Entrepreneur School For Kids: Parent Guide For Grooming Your Child To Be A Future Entrepreneur by Nicole Thomas
Most of you know I have an amazing 10 year old son, so this book really appealed to me. Most entrepreneur books are for the actual business owner, but the tools in this one caught my eye. I like the idea of teaching my son how to be an entrepreneur. Thomas outlines eight traits entrepreneurs need, as well as how to teach them to your children. She also discusses the entrepreneur mindset and financial literacy — both important components for our future business owners. She even guides you to helping your child start a business now, rather than waiting until he’s all grown!
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
This may not be a new release, but it’s one of the hottest books out there. And while Kondo focuses on decluttering the home, I plan to put the tips Kondo provides in this simple and engaging read to use in my home office. If it doesn’t, as she says, “spark joy,” it’s getting tossed.
What books are on your list this year?
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