BVCPAs top 10 best books for business development and personal growth.
At Boulder Valley CPAs, we believe a constant thirst for knowledge is paramount to our success as a firm. We want to share some of the reads that helped us develop as leaders in our field.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill’s best-selling self-improvement book, Think and Grow Rich, originally published in 1937, is an absolute must for any business owner. This book offers valuable insight and tools for entrepreneurs and successful business owners alike. “The way of success is the way of continuous pursuit of knowledge” – Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich.
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
Another book from the Best Sellers list, Michael Gerber’s The E-Myth Revisited, is cited as a required read by established entrepreneurs. Gerber details the common mistakes new and experienced business owners make and offers remedies to avoid these mistakes. “Contrary to popular belief, my experience has shown me that the people who are exceptionally good in business aren’t so because of what they know but because of their insatiable need to know more.” – Michael Gerber, The E-Myth Revisited.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
7 Habits of Highly Effective People has been on the business bestsellers list since it was first published in the 90s. This book offers a universal approach to effective self-management and has helped many successful individuals incorporate interpersonal success with business success. ” But until a person can say deeply and honestly, “I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday,” that person cannot say, “I choose otherwise.” ” – Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t, has over 3 million copies sold. You understand why after reading this exceptional guide to productivity for SMB owners. It’s a common challenge for business owners and entrepreneurs to find a way to sustain and increase productivity levels. Collins does an excellent job detailing ways to manage this issue. “Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.” – Jim Collins, Good to Great
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
Who doesn’t want to learn directly from an expert? Robert B. Cialdini is a world-renowned professor of psychology and marketing. He shares his expertise in his international best-selling book, Influence. He’s spent years researching buyers’ behavior and the psychology behind persuasion, so you don’t have to. Read the new and expanded version for the most up-to-date insight. “A well-known principle of human behavior says that when we ask someone to do us a favor we will be more successful if we provide a reason. People simply like to have reasons for what they do.” – Robert B. Cialdini, Influence.
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Looking for a book to reinvigorate and inspire passion in your professional or personal life? Simon Sinek’s book, Start with Why, is the perfect read for you. Sinek gained notoriety with his wildly popular TED Talk based on Start with Why, now the third most-viewed TED Talk. Sinek draws connections between successful leaders who are all seemingly very different. The common thread? They all started with the “why”. “Great companies don’t hire skilled people and motivate them, they hire already motivated people and inspire them.”- Simon Sinek, Start with Why.
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
New York Times Best Seller, Shoe Dog by Nike founder Phil Knight, is an amazing autobiographical read on one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. Shoe Dog is an absolute page-turner. Knight expands on the early beginnings of Nike and offers an honest insight into the challenges he faced. Such a fun read and a great behind-the-scenes look at the man behind one of the most iconic symbols recognized around the world. “The cowards never started and the weak died along the way. That leaves us, ladies and gentlemen. Us.” – Phil Knight, Shoe Dog.
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Gladwell’s novels are always riveting and beautifully written, and Outliers is no exclusion to this. Another National Bestseller, Outliers details what makes the world’s high-achievers (the so-called “outliers”) different from anyone else. His work can best be described as quick-witted and full of humor, making this read not only informative, but also enjoyable. “Who we are cannot be separated from where we’re from.”- Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers.
Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin
Lost and Founder is one of the most recently published from this list of fantastic SMB must-reads. Fishkin describes this book as being “painfully honest” which is a refreshing change-up from the oftentimes sugarcoated startup guides. Fishkin is responsible for the successful SEO software company, Moz. He offers up a very candid view of the beginning stages of his company and the harsh realities presented to him in the startup world. This book is full of humor and valuable advice. “being great at the work yourself and being a great manager of the people doing that work is largely disconnected”- Rand Fishkin, Lost and Founder.
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Angela Duckworth, noted researcher and professor, writes a gripping story of what it takes to gain and maintain personal success. For Duckworth, her success has come down to two things, passion and perseverance. She writes honestly about her childhood and the pressure put on her by her father. She speaks on the power of “grit” and what that looks like for some of the world’s highest achievers. “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare” – Angela Duckworth, Grit.
Just a few of our favorite reads that we hope you’ll take the time to read and enjoy. If your top business or personal development read wasn’t listed in this blog, please drop your top reads in the comments!
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