Looking back on my college experience: I loved the first taste of being an adult.
I had minimal bills and a part time job that only took 20 hours a week. Even with classes, homework, and extracurriculars, I was nowhere near my 55 hour work week I have now.
But to be honest, the most incredible part of the experience for me was having unencumbered time to learn for learning’s sake. Philosophy, Religion, Sociology… I soaked up everything I could get my hands on.
I decided last year, that I wanted reading to be a more important part of day-to-day life and currently dedicate 20 minutes a day to non-fiction and 30 minutes a day to just-for-fun reading. It’s a small commitment with big results. I’m finding myself finishing 1-2 books a month.
Here are 10 business books for creative entrepreneurs that I personally recommend:
- Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Dan and Chip Heath
Because businesses grow when your idea is sticky.
- The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
Because there’s a magic moment when an idea spreads like wildfire.
- Story Craft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction by Jack Hart
Because every business’ hardest task is communicating their story in an authentic way that resonates with their customers.
- Better and Faster: The Proven Path to Unstoppable Ideas by Jeremy Gutshe
Because we all want to be a better innovator, better manager, and better investor.
- Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t by Jim Collins
Because sometimes good isn’t good enough and we should all strive to be great.
- The Martha Rules: 10 Essentials for Achieving Success as You Start, Build, or Manage a Business by Martha Stewart
Because Martha Stewart’s story is awe-inspinging and her tips will help you avoid rookie mistakes.
- The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes
Because sales is a dirty word for creative people and it shouldn’t be.
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Because business is a story of love and loneliness. I read this once every few years to realign my perspective.
- Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh
Because the best way to keep customers is to consistently delight them.
- The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
Because the secret wisdom of Taoism is the key to not pulling out all your hair when things go wrong in your business.
What books should I add to the list? Let me know on Twitter!