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It may feel like you’re too busy to sit down and read as a small business owner, but these books are definitely worth it. Take a quick break or pick up the book first thing in the morning, whether it’s ten minutes or thirty. Reading has plenty of proven benefits, so while it is a fun activity, you can still feel productive.
Here are the best books we recommend small business owners read.
Non-Fiction
Everyone has different reading preferences; some people love novels, some people prefer non-fiction books. If you only read non-fiction or if you’re trying it for the first time, this list has something for everyone.
Reading People by Anne Bogel
The full title of this book is Reading People: How Seeing the World through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything. Writer and blogger Anne Bogel looks at the most popular personality frameworks and goes in depth about how personality affects people and their communication style. This can be a great tool to better understand others and how to communicate differently with different people.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Covey delves into the most important habits that successful people all seem to have. While this is a classic book, first published in 1989, it is definitely not overrated. If you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for? Now’s the time.
The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
Everything first begins as a thought, so why not think big? Originally published in 1959, Schwartz’s book has tried and true methods for achieving your goals that all begin with the first thought.
Fiction
While you can learn a lot from non-fiction books, novels can also provide valuable lessons. These are our top novels to read for small business owners.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
A classic novel about four sisters coming of age during and after the American Civil War, this novel is a great look into early American life. Jo March was a strong woman who sought independence and financial freedom for herself and her family in a time where it was hard for a woman to do so. Read this book and be inspired by these hardworking American women.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
This classic novella from 1945 is basically a story of what not to do when you’re a leader in power. As a novella, it’s a quick read that can be done in one sitting, but it still packs a powerful punch. Read this allegorical story and learn from the mistakes all the leaders make in it.
All in all...
Both fiction and non-fiction books provide excellent lessons while being entertaining. Take some time out of your day regularly to read and you won’t be disappointed.
