The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a classic read for not just business owners, but anyone looking to work both more efficiently and more effectively. Stephen Covey lays out a model for success in any area of your life, but his methods are especially applicable for business owners. With clear advice coupled with practical applications that can go into effect immediately, this book is fantastic for any business owner looking to improve.
The Power of Habit
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg follows groundbreaking research about behavior and habit formation. We tend to think of our actions as being completely under our control, yet this book reveals just how often we may actually be running on autopilot. Our habits drive our behavior more than we realize, which this book artfully demonstrates. But, as Duhigg reveals, we can also harness them to improve our work and our lives.
Blink
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell is a long-standing classic for business owners. In this book, Gladwell explores the power of instantaneous decision-making in our everyday lives. With fascinating examples from groundbreaking psychological research, Gladwell shows you how you can make your instincts work for you.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman is, in a way, the opposite of Blink. Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, explains the brain’s System 1, the fast-acting, but error prone method of instant reaction, and System 2, the more logical and accurate system of analysis that acts much slower. If Blink celebrates the best of System 1, Thinking, Fast and Slow shows how often it can take the wheel while we think System 2 is in charge, and how error-prone System 1 can be. Read these books together to get a great overview of how to harness your mind without letting it stampede.
Outliers
Outliers is another Malcolm Gladwell book. This one focuses on something everyone wants to do – become great. Everyone knows some people rise to the top of their field, but what sets these people apart? And more importantly, what can you do to become part of that special top group? Gladwell explores the factors (both obvious and hidden) that define what makes someone great. Outliers is a perspective-shifting read critical for any business owner.
Predictably Irrational
Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely contradicts how most of us consider ourselves: logical, rational thinkers. In reality, our thinking is all too fallible, and the vast majority of us are irrational in the same ways. Ariely will show the many ways we can be fooled into making poor decisions and provide practical advice for how to avoid such fallacies, all in an easy and fun to read book that will be a great aid to a business owner.
The Black Swan
Think the world is predictable? Nassim Nicholas Taleb in The Black Swan will make you think again. This book explains just how little we really know about the future and will turn the way you think about tomorrow on its head.
Freakonomics
Most business owners have studied economics extensively – at least the kind that is taught in schools. Freakonomics by Steven J. Levitt takes a completely different approach, one that discusses the hidden relationships that we so often fail to take into account. Levitt reveals that the world is full of connections we never even consider, then shares what these connections mean for both your business and your everyday life.
Well, that list should last you for awhile! We hope that you enjoy reading these interesting and helpful books for business owners. As you consider growing your business, we hope you will remember Inspire Marketing and let us know how we can partner with you to drive leads and accelerate sales for your business.
