7 Great Business Books to Read to Be Successful

Reading isn’t just good for your mind, it’s also good for business! And what better way to expand both than by enjoying the ideas and insights books offer?

But let’s face it, who has the time to read several hundred pages these days? Sometimes finding the time to read even a single page of a good business book can feel like a challenge.

And there’s no way you have time to comb through the 1.9 million business books sold on Amazon just to find a good read.

To save you some time—and eye strain—I’ve compiled a list of seven business “greats” you can go through in four hours or less.

1. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Discover how to entice people to buy without throwing your morals out the window with Robert Cialdini’s classic, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.

He shares stories and techniques that can provide a real boost to your sales and will keep you entertained in the process.

It’s so good, I’ve read it four times!

2. The Four-Hour Work Week

In The Four-Hour Work Week, Tim Ferris challenges us to change our perception of work and play and gives a “ray of hope” to all those overworked souls who need more fun in their lives.

He merges solid content with an off-the-cuff writing style that makes this book a very fun read.

3. 80/20 Sales and Marketing

This is one of those books that will have a profound impact on how you view both your customers and current strategies.

I really like Perry Marshall’s input on world change through business. He’s a recognized expert for good reason.

Full case studies, scientific acumen and solid business advice.  This is a definite must-read for any business professional.

4. Profit First

After reading this book by Mike Michalowicz, I never looked at accounting the same way again.

This is an excellent read for anyone struggling with cash flow or limited income and instructs you on how to address those issues head on.  As an added bonus, it will keep you in the clear in case you’re ever audited!

Whether you’re a number cruncher or hate even simple addition, this is an easy-to-read approach to properly managing your books.

5. The Invisible Selling Machine

Ryan Deiss explains how to master the sales process so well that you can make money even when you’re in dreamland.

He introduces the concept of a five-part selling mechanism that relieves you from wasting time by automating certain tasks.

This book alone is responsible for making me hundreds of thousands and, if you pay attention, I’m sure it can help you just as much.

6. How to Plan Your Entire Year on One Sheet of Paper (by Yours Truly – Laura Posey)

All right, I know I might be a little biased, but I really do think this is a darn good book.

I’ve helped clients grow exponentially through the use of the one-page blueprint I share in this book. If you’re tired of wasting time and money chasing your tail, and want to get serious about getting record sales, let this short book help you create a plan to get there.

Just the blueprint alone has helped my clients increase their profits three fold.

7. Think and Grow Rich

Napoleon Hill’s book is a staple in any professional’s library.

It is life-changing. Hill interviewed the most successful men in history to learn their secrets.

It’s also chock full of effective strategies and tactics you can implement for success. This one needs to be at the top of your reading list.

Get Reading

Here’s my challenge to you: Get and read all seven of these books.

I know you can get through all of these in just a few months. And how great would it be to have a solid foundation of top-notch business tips, strategies and processes by some of the brightest minds a few months from now?

Imagine all the new ideas and tactics you’d come up with!

“The book you don’t own, you can’t read. The book you don’t read, can’t help you.” Jim Rohn

Do you have any favorite books you would recommend to me and other readers? Please share the titles in the comment box below!