Small business owners have a lot on their plates. From managing day-to-day operations to keeping up with the latest industry trends, it’s easy to let your to-do list become overwhelming. However, if you want your business to reach its full potential, it’s essential to make time for professional development. Luckily, there are plenty of great business books that can help you hone your skills and take your company to the next level. Not sure where to start? Here are seven must-reads for small business owners.

1. “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber:

In this classic business book, author Michael Gerber dispels the myth that most small business owners are entrepreneurs. He argues that most small businesses are started by “technicians” who are good at a particular trade or craft but don’t have the business acumen to make their businesses thrive long-term. This book is a must-read if you’re not sure whether you’re more of a technician or an entrepreneur. 

2. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven Covey:

This bestselling book has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 38 languages. In it, Covey lays out seven habits that all successful people share, which are: 

• Habit 1: Be Proactive
• Habit 2: Begin With The End In Mind
• Habit 3: Put First Things First
• Habit 4: Think Win-Win
• Habit 5: Seek First To Understand Then Be Understood
• Habit 6: Synergize
• Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw

 If you’re looking for a book that will help you boost your productivity and achieve your goals, this is it.

 3. “Crucial Conversations” by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Emily Gregory:

This New York Times bestseller provides readers with the tools they need to have difficult conversations—the kind that could make or break a relationship—productively and positively. When stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong, you have three choices:

1. Avoid a crucial conversation and suffer the consequences
2. Handle the conversation poorly and suffer the consequences
3. Apply the lessons and strategies of Crucial Conversations and improve relationships and results

So if you want to improve your communication skills (and who doesn’t?), this book is for you.

4. “Mastering The Rockefeller Habits” by Verne Harnish:

In this step-by-step guide, Harnish walks readers through the process of implementing the key strategies and systems used by some of the world’s most successful companies, including Google and Apple. 

Learn a handful of fundamentals that haven’t changed for over a hundred years.

Includes:

• How to create a one-page strategic plan
• 8 practical actions you can take to strengthen your culture
• Best practices from some of the best-run firms on the planet

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, this book will show you how. 

5. “Checklist Manifesto” by Atul Gawande:

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook important details or rush through tasks without double-checking our work. However, as Gawande demonstrates in this insightful book, implementing simple checklists can help us eliminate mistakes and achieve better results in everything we do—from baking a cake to performing surgery. This book is a must-read if you’re looking for a way to streamline your processes and reduce errors. 

6. “The Lost Art of Closing” by Anthony Iannarino:

Did you know that 80 percent of salespeople never close the deal? In this helpful book, Anthony Iannarino provides readers with proven strategies for closing more sales by leading customers through a series of necessary steps designed to prevent a purchase stall. If you’re in sales (or manage a sales team), you won’t want to be without this book. 

7. “Challenger Sale” by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson:

In this groundbreaking book, Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson dispel the myth that relationships are key to success in sales—and show why so many traditional sales strategies are ineffective today. The authors’ study found that every sales rep in the world falls into one of five distinct profiles. While all of these types of representatives can deliver average sales performance, only one – the Challenger – delivers consistently high performance.

The good news is that the things that make Challengers unique can be replicated and taught to the average sales rep. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a new approach to selling in today’s marketplace.

Growing a successful business takes hard work, dedication—and always continuing to learn and grow yourself professionally. These 7 books should be at the top of every small business owner’s reading list. They’ll provide essential insights on everything from time management and communication to sales techniques and company culture building.” pick one or two books from the list above to get started!

Want to skip the reading and head straight to improving your business and growing value?

Kermit Engh and MfM have been helping owners re-evaluate their businesses and take the proper steps to grow them into successful, profitable, and sustainable companies. We’ll help you gain a valuable new perspective on your business and help you achieve your business and personal goals. 

Click the link below for a FREE 15-minute call to see if MfM business coaching is right for you!