9 Most Influential Books in Business
A successful investor is a continuous ‘learning machine’. You may have come across the reading habits of billionaires. Some will advise on the most influential books and routines like reading daily, others weekly and others set a monthly target. However, the constant in this is that they are always learning. Some of them even have a book club. Reading is one of the ways to increase your productivity especially now that most people are working from home.
As an investor or entrepreneur, there are 9 most influential books that will impact your business perspective, your strategies, and your relations. These books come highly recommended. See which ones you can cross off your list.
9 Most Influential Books in Business.
- Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
Think and Grow Rich is a best seller book. More than 15 million copies have been produced and sold. Napoleon Hill outlines 13 principles that you will apply in various sectors of your life to achieve success. He backs the idea that your personal beliefs which include your faith, desire and persistence have a great impact on your personal and monetary success. Thus, the idea of ‘Think’ focuses on your believe which drives you to ‘Grow Rich’. Hill classifies riches as wealth of happiness, business success, money, healthy relationships and more.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
This is one of the most influential self-improvement books ever. It was first published in 1936 and ever since people have bought more than 15 million copies. This book is a must-read if you intend to learn how to effectively build and manage relationships.
It could be relationships at home, with your friends, in business and more. You will need the skills detailed in this book to navigate the various stages of life and business. An example of an important lesson this book outlines is the importance of a person’s name. Carnegie says it is the most important and sweetest sound, despite the language.
- The Art of War – Sun Tzu
The Art of War is over 2,000 years old. Sun Tzu covers military tactics and strategies. However, this is just the upper meaning. Once you reflect on the contents of this book, you will find its relation to business. For example, you can use the ancient hierarchy placements that can apply to numerous current situations which include work and family. You can rely on its knowledge to have an added advantage in your boardroom or in various life situations.
- Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki
This is a popular book and you may have heard mention of it in your social circles. Kiyosaki teaches readers to understand the difference between an asset and a liability. He explains why the rich are getting richer. The answer lies in assets and liabilities. Individuals often misunderstand the different manifestations of these two.
Kiyosaki says that the Rich Dad understands that the asset adds money to your pocket and that an asset takes it away. He thus encourages the readers to acquire assets to help them grow their income strength and get the financial power to fund their luxuries and lifestyles.
- Blue Ocean Strategy – W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne
The Blue Ocean Strategy is a book that outlines the Blue Ocean concept. This concept focuses on differentiation in any market place particularly the Red Ocean market. A red ocean market is actually present in many parts of the world. These oceans are red because of the blood. This blood comes from the presence of many sharks that feed on the same pool of small fish. Kim and Mauborgne advise investors to differentiate themselves by creating a blue ocean. A blue ocean, in this case, is a new opportunity.
- Emotional Intelligence – Daniel Goleman
Goleman, in this book, explains the importance of emotional intelligence in business. In the book’s subtitle, he states that some times, this intelligence can matter more than IQ. This concept drive’s the book’s message. The book outlay’s 5 important skills that drive effective emotional intelligence. These skills will help you to forge positive, strong connections to help achieve success in relationships, business, and your well being. This book has sold 4 million copies so far and is available in at least 46 languages.
- The Intelligent Investor – Benjamin Graham
In this book, Graham focuses on value investing and it has been a must-read for stock investors since 1949 when it was first published. Graham outlines a concept that will help you to focus on long-term strategies, and minimize substantial error. There is a revised edition available and has commentary from a financial journalist. This commentary will help you to relate the concepts of this book to today’s financial markets.
- The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben Horowitz
There is a lot of literature out there that provides solutions to various problems. What if these problems do not exist in your reality? Horowitz explains that there is no single formula to deal with hard things. This is the hard thing about hard things. It will teach you to embrace your situation and deal with it uniquely as there is no one solution to all the hard things.
- Atlas Shrugged – Ayn Rand
Rand in his book, Atlas Shrugged openly challenges collectivism to change the perspective of most business leaders. He goes against the rich feeling responsible for the welfare of less fortunate individuals or being apologetic for your success. It motivates them to feel heroic for their achievements. She was not entirely against social welfare programs as she was a member of a couple herself. She had Social security and Medicare.
Conclusion
Which of these books have you read? Which books do you think we left out of this list? Let us know in the comments below.
