Now that tax season is over, you might be interested in a little light reading. It’s time for you to take a deep breath, kick back in your recliner and recharge your batteries and your business by reading some highly recommended books. In Inc.com’s recent article “Essential Reading List for New Entrepreneurs,” author Matthew Swyers recommends six books for the entrepreneurial-minded. Here we share four of those books and one of our own:
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki (Running Press, April 2009). This book will teach you the difference between an asset and a liability, the difference between the middle-class’s perspective on money and the wealthy’s perception of money, how to read financial statements, and how to invest for cash flow instead of capital gains. Swyers explains, “To me, this book sets the tone for anyone who is preparing to run their own business. It provides an insightful look into the author’s views of why you go into business for yourself and who you should be looking out for once there. That is why it tops my list as required reading for all new entrepreneurs.”
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small-Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber (HarperCollins, March 1995). While over 15 years old, this is a book we’ve recommended before and its continued status as a best-seller is an indication of its value to small business owners everywhere. The author himself explains, “If you own a small business, or if you want to own a small business, this book was written for you.” Gerber dispels startup myths and misconceptions. He also walks readers through the different stages of business development and makes the distinction between working on your business and working in your business. Some claim the principles discussed in this book have already qualified it as a classic and must-read for all entrepreneurs.
Secret Service: Hidden Systems That Deliver Unforgettable Customer Service by John DiJulius (AMACOM, January 2003). Secret Service examines how excellent companies provide excellent customer service. The foreword by Capodagli and Lynn Jackson explains, “These organizations reap the benefits of greater customer loyalty, exponentially expanded referral networks, lower employee turnover, and stronger bottom-line results.” This must be why Swyers describes Secret Service as a book containing “amazing insights as to how every business can benefit from providing world-class customer service.”
Trump: The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump (Ballantine Books, December 2004). While Trump may not be the most popular business icon, he is definitely a successful one. Swyer says the value of this book can be found in the “great lessons in tenacity and attitude that are requisite for every entrepreneur.”
In the Black: Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable, by Allen Bostrom (Universal Accounting Center, 2005). Designed specifically for small businesses, this book contains 9 practical principles that will enable you to improve your business’s profitability. And you don’t have to wait to complete the book before you can start applying them. Working from personal experience and the experience of his father, President, and CEO of Universal Accounting Center, Allen Bostrom, shares tips proven in countless businesses just like your own. If you would like to run a more synchronized practice where all three business functions (accounting, marketing, and production) work together, this is the book for you. See why In the Black has become a bestseller on Japan’s amazon.com. Order your copy today!
Resource
Swyers, Matthew. “Essential Reading List for New Entrepreneurs.” 29 March 2012 Inc.com
