The Top 10 Business Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List

When it comes to reading books about building your own business or advancing your career, there are quite frankly too many to choose from. While most probably have some useful information hidden between the covers, these nine books are filled with tips and insights about psychology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and other success factors that will help you advance to the next level.

1. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

How much of what you do each day do you consciously decide to do? In the scheme of things, probably not much. Most of your personal and professional choices and actions are dictated by habits. If you want to understand how habits are formed and how you can influence or change them, this book lays a great foundation.

2. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg’s best-seller is definitely not just beneficial for women. Everyone who reads this book will draw some valuable insight about getting what you deserve and recognizing your own and others’ strengths and value.

3. The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell

Becoming a lifelong learner is something that everyone should strive for. If you’re looking to advance your career or grow your business, it’s absolutely necessary. In Maxwell’s book, he lays out the 15 principles that will help you continue your growth and make sure you don’t become stagnant.

4. The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz

People who have found success by starting their own businesses are quick to talk about how great it is and showcase all of the benefits they’ve received because of it, but rarely will you find a business book that honestly and frankly discusses how hard it actually is to be an entrepreneur. In this book, Ben Horowitz does just that.

5. Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Thinking fast affords each of us the amazing ability to act and make decisions quickly. We don’t get bogged down in details and we can be more productive. However, when fast thinking constantly overrides slow thinking, things like overconfidence and risk aversion can hinder your ability to make the best decisions for your business.

6. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

Why do you run your business the way you do? Why does your business exist? Money and profit are results, but they should not be the reason why you do what you do. Simon Sinek’s book examines patterns among successful leaders and companies who have figured out their “why” and teaches you how to inspire others and find your own success.

7. StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath

Rather than focusing on your shortcomings and trying to compensate for them, what if you identified your strengths and then improved upon them? Rath’s assessment will help you find your strengths (hence the title of the book) so you can focus on what you’re already good at and become even more influential.

8. The Go-Getter (a Story that Tells You How to Be One) by Peter B. Kyne

The fact is that you’re going to face setbacks in life, especially in your professional life, especially if you’re an entrepreneur. This story of William Peck illustrates how important it is to be a go-getter, regardless of what life throws at you.

9. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This book is celebrating it’s eightieth birthday and it’s still just as influential and popular in the world of business and personal development books as ever. At first, it may sound arrogant to read a book to get more people to like you and do what you want them to do, but when it comes to starting and growing your own business, it’s absolutely essential to be liked, as well as respected.

10. The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster: Why Now is the Time to #Join the Ride by Darren Hardy

If you’ve started your own business, from day one, you’ve been encountering negativity, doubt (from others and yourself), and rejection. Darren Hardy’s book explains how to deal with those roadblocks and overcome them.

What other business and personal development books have you read that you would recommend? Share them in the comments!

We’re proud to bring you the freshest content on the web! Follow USANA on Twitter, like our USANA Facebook page and enjoy the latest videos on the official USANA YouTube channel.

Learn what USANA is doing to make the world a better place.

The future of personalized health and nutrition is now available with USANA’s True Health Assessment.