Recommended Business Books

This list of recommended business books does not include any of the mountains of "how-to" books that have been written by everyone and their brother. This is a small list of high-impact books that can change your business and your life.

There are many good business books currently being offered as small business resources—I have a fairly extensive library of business books myself—but here are the ones that I refer to from time to time and/or recommend to friends and clients. The list is short, because, in my opinion, there are not very many books today that warrant recommending.

Here is my list of recommended business books:

• Body and Soul: Profits with Principles by Anita Roddick. This is an older book written by one of the greatest entrepreneurs of all time. For pure inspiration and lessons in bootstrapping into a worldwide organization, this book is the best. The late Ms. Roddick was my inspiration and mentor, even though she never knew it.
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Although this book was first introduced around 1990, the material is timeless and very appropriate for today's entrepreneur. The book is also available in the Kindle edition and as an audio CD.
• The Little Big Things: 163 Ways to Pursue EXCELLENCE by Tom Peters. This is a typical Peters book, which makes it hard to read for long periods—however, it is a great book to dip into from time to time for inspiration for both you and your business. It is available in regular book editions as well as a Kindle edition.
• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen. Whether just starting a new business, or growing an established one, there never seems to be time to get necessary things done. This book can help you make better use of your limited time.
• Think and Grow Rich: The Original 1937 Edition by Napoleon Hill. This too is a long-standing classic for entrepreneurs, written in 1937. Beware of later revised editions by other editors—they have lost the rhythm and power of the original. It is available in standard book form, a Kindle edition, and as an audio CD.
• Surviving Your Serengeti: 7 Skills to Master Business and Life by Stefan Swanepoel. This is a fairly recent book published in March 2011, which quickly jumped onto Amazon's best-seller list. It is still getting rave reviews. Highly recommended.
• Be Your Own Turnaround Manager by Bob Foster. Yes, this is one of my books, and it is directed at small businesses in crisis that have 15 to 500 employees. If your business is in serious financial difficulty, then this book can help you avoid bankruptcy and turn your business around.