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24 Best New Business Books

The best books for a new business, ranked by how many expert sources recommend each one, with notes for first-time founders, small-business owners, and operators.

Our take

Starting a business involves different problems at different stages: understanding customers, choosing an offer, making sales, handling money, and building routines that survive beyond the founder’s own effort. A broad introduction can explain how these pieces fit together. More focused books help with particular conversations or decisions, while biographies show how uncertain company building can feel from the inside.

The Personal MBA provides a useful map of business concepts. The Mom Test concentrates on learning from customer conversations, and The Lean Startup connects assumptions with experiments. Once work becomes repeatable, The E-Myth Revisited examines systems and responsibilities. Profit First offers a specific cash-management approach, while Never Split the Difference turns toward negotiation. For perspective on leadership under pressure, consider The Hard Thing About Hard Things. Start with the question your business needs to answer next, and use a founder’s story for context alongside a practical framework rather than as a formula to copy.

24 books · 8 sources · Last updated

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).

How to choose from this list

Skip to the full ranking

If you want the business fundamentals: The Personal MBA
If you need to understand customers: The Mom Test → The Lean Startup
If you want a small launch: The $100 Startup
If the business depends entirely on you: The E-Myth Revisited
If you need a cash-management framework: Profit First
If you face difficult conversations: Never Split the Difference → The Hard Thing About Hard Things

The 24 books, ranked

Ranked by how many expert sources name each book. Ties go to the book more people recommend.

1
Book cover for "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben HorowitzView on Amazon

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers

by Ben Horowitz2014

For founders already confronting difficult decisions about people, survival, and leadership. Its candid operating experience adds realism beyond a launch framework, though the technology-company and chief-executive perspective fits some businesses more closely than others.

What it's about

Ben Horowitz draws on his experiences leading technology companies to discuss the difficult decisions involved in running a business. His advice covers leadership under pressure, personnel problems, competition, and the responsibilities that accompany the role of chief executive.

Also recommended by

22 people
  • Peter Thiel recommended this book
  • Mark Zuckerberg recommended this book
  • Peter Attia recommended this book
  • Marc Andreessen recommended this book
  • Larry Page recommended this book
  • Matt Mullenweg recommended this book
  • +16

    More recommendations

    • Andrew Ng
      "A bit dark but it does cover a lot of useful territory on what building an organization is like." - Andrew Ng
    • Drew Houston
      "One of the great things that [the author] wrote in [this book] is the hardest part of being a CEO is managing your psychology." - Drew Houston
    • Keith Rabois
      "Reflects 2000-2003." - Keith Rabois
    • Dustin Moskovitz
      Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book during a Stanford lecture in 2014.
    • Max Levchin
      One of Max Levchin's answers to "what's your favourite business book you'd advise to young entrepreneurs?"
    • Luis von Ahn
      "I like this one, but it’s not for very new entrepreneurs." - Luis von Ahn
    • Kathryn Minshew
      Most Recommended Books reached out to Kathryn Minshew directly.
    • Andrew Wilkinson
      "One of the best business books I've picked up in years." - Andrew Wilkinson
    • Tim Ferriss
      "A great book." - Tim Ferriss
    • Blake Scholl
      "Good." - Blake Scholl
    • Chris Dixon
      Chris Dixon recommended this book on Twitter.
    • Fred Wilson
      "Chapter five in [this book] is possibly the best thing I've read about leading a tech company." - Fred Wilson
    • Raoul Pal
      "By far, the best, most brutally honest and incredibly useful book about the realities of starting and running a company." - Raoul Pal
    • Jodie Cook
      "Reframes your mind: hard doesn’t mean bad. Seeking the easy route is a trap." - Jodie Cook
    • Michael Dell
      "Candidly talks about the very real thrills and perils of starting a business."- Michael Dell
    • Marty Cagan
      "Trust me: if you're a leader in tech, the best thing you can do in 2014 for your company is to read [this book]." - Marty Cagan
2
Book cover for "The Lean Startup" by Eric RiesView on Amazon

The Lean Startup

How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

by Eric Ries

For founders trying to learn whether their assumptions survive contact with customers. Its experimental framework offers an alternative to a fixed initial plan, though useful tests still require judgment and do not remove the realities of operational execution.

What it's about

Eric Ries proposes developing businesses through repeated experiments, customer feedback, and validated learning. The book explains how entrepreneurs can test assumptions, measure progress, and adjust products and strategy under uncertainty rather than rely entirely on detailed initial plans.

Also recommended by

15 people
  • Andrew Ng recommended this book
  • Ben Horowitz recommended this book
  • Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book
  • Jason Calacanis recommended this book
  • Kevin Systrom recommended this book
  • Marc Andreessen recommended this book
  • +9

    More recommendations

    • Mark Cuban
      One of the 7 books Mark Cuban credits his success to.
    • Mike Maples, Jr.
      "[I was] lucky enough to have a front-row seat at the birth of these ideas." - Mike Maples, Jr.
    • Tim O’Reilly
      "[This book] isn't just about how to create a more successful entrepreneurial business, it's about what we can learn from those businesses to improve virtually everything we do." - Tim O’Reilly
    • Chris Dixon
      Chris Dixon recommended this book on Twitter.
    • Raoul Pal
      Raoul Pal recommended this book on Twitter.
    • Sheryl Sandberg
      "Provides a great inside look at how the tech industry approaches building products and businesses." - Sheryl Sandberg
    • Steve Blank
      "A 'must have' for your shelf." - Steve Blank
    • Marty Cagan
      "Buy it." - Marty Cagan
    • Patrick Bet-David
      Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
3
Book cover for "Zero to One" by Peter ThielView on Amazon

Zero to One

Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

by Peter Thiel2001

For founders who want to question what makes a business meaningfully different. Its concise, contrarian arguments challenge imitation, though the technology and venture-backed perspective can be less useful for a conventional local or service business.

What it's about

Peter Thiel examines how startups can create something new rather than imitate existing businesses. Written with Blake Masters, the book explores independent thinking, technological progress, and the search for opportunities that produce distinctive value in any industry.

Also recommended by

22 people
  • Andrew Ng recommended this book
  • Ben Horowitz recommended this book
  • Bryan Johnson recommended this book
  • Chris Dixon recommended this book
  • Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book
  • Elon Musk recommended this book
  • +16

    More recommendations

    • Eric Weinstein
      "If you really understand something that the rest of the world is confused about, and it’s an important truth, [this book] says here are all the ways you might want to make that work." - Eric Weinstein
    • Keith Rabois
      Keith Rabois recommended this book on a Medium blog post.
    • Kishore Biyani
      "Captures some interesting perspectives and insights on the way the world and the business organisations are changing and challenging the status quo." - Kishore Biyani
    • Lee Stranahan
      "A great business book." - Lee Stranahan
    • Luis von Ahn
      "I love [this book]." - Luis von Ahn
    • Marc Andreessen
      "The first book any working or aspiring entrepreneur must read—period." - Marc Andreessen
    • Mark Zuckerberg
      "This book delivers completely new and refreshing ideas on how to create value in the world." - Mark Zuckerberg
    • Matt Mullenweg
      "[This book] was excellent." - Matt Mullenweg
    • Max Levchin
      One of Max Levchin's answers to "what's your favourite business book you'd advise to young entrepreneurs?"
    • Nassim Taleb
      "When a risk taker writes a book, read it. In the case of [this author], read it twice. Or, to be safe, three times. This is a classic." - Nassim Taleb
    • Sam Altman
      This book was on Sam Altman's bookshelf.
    • Patrick O'Shaughnessy
      "An obvious suggestion, because [this book] is the talk of the town and sits at the top of bestseller lists everywhere." - Patrick O'Shaughnessy
    • Tom Bilyeu
      Tom Bilyeu recommended this book on his website.
    • Ryan Petersen
      "[Part of] my biz book canon." - Ryan Petersen
    • Brian Dean
      "Business classic that lives up to the hype. Completely reframes what a startup should do with their product and positioning." - Brian Dean
    • Rupert Murdoch
      "Brilliant, often provocative." - Rupert Murdoch
4
Book cover for "How To Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale CarnegieView on Amazon

How To Win Friends and Influence People

by Dale Carnegie

For new owners whose work depends on customers, colleagues, and collaborators. Its memorable relationship principles are easy to revisit, though the older examples and emphasis on influence work best when balanced with sincerity and reciprocal respect.

What it's about

Carnegie presents practical guidance for building relationships, communicating effectively, and influencing others. Stories and principles explore social confidence, leadership, and cooperation, offering approaches readers can apply to interactions in their personal lives and at work.

Also recommended by

18 people
  • Warren Buffett recommended this book
  • Scott Adams recommended this book
  • Dave Ramsey recommended this book
  • Paul Graham recommended this book
  • Derek Sivers recommended this book
  • Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book
  • +12

    More recommendations

    • Ken Block
      "One of the first books that really helped me achieve my management style and what’s helped me really be successful." - Ken Block
    • DJ Vlad
      Most Recommended Books reached out to DJ Vlad directly.
    • Strauss Zelnick
      "Archaic references and overweening title to the side, it’s actually a great guide to leadership and salesmanship." - Strauss Zelnick
    • Daymond John
      "I love all the Dale Carnegie books." - Daymond John
    • Shay Carl
      "A staple that I have listened to three or four times." - Shay Carl
    • Tim Draper
      "[One of the books] that are recommended or required at Draper University." - Tim Draper
    • Sahil Lavingia
      Sahil Lavingia recommended this book on Notion.
    • Barbara Corcoran
      "A must read for anyone in business." - Barbara Corcoran
    • Alex Hormozi
      Alex Hormozi recommended this book on Instagram.
    • Michael Hyatt
      Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
    • Ben Greenfield
      Most Recommended Books reached out to Ben Greenfield directly.
    • Patrick Bet-David
      Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
5
Book cover for "Start with Why" by Simon SinekView on Amazon

Start with Why

How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

by Simon Sinek2009

For founders trying to explain the purpose behind their work. Its simple model can clarify communication and internal direction, though a compelling purpose still needs customer evidence and a workable business model beside it.

What it's about

Start with Why introduces the Golden Circle, Simon Sinek's simple model for leading with purpose rather than manipulation. Drawing on stories of companies and leaders, he shows how clearly communicating why you do something can inspire loyalty and lasting success.

Also recommended by

9 people
  • Richard Branson recommended this book
  • Robert Rodriguez recommended this book
  • Tony Hsieh recommended this book
  • Julie Rice recommended this book
  • Kathryn Minshew recommended this book
  • Tom Bilyeu recommended this book
  • +3

    More recommendations

    • Jim Kwik
      "Explains how great leaders and organizations use this superpower of motivation to achieve success." - Jim Kwik
    • Michael Hyatt
      Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
    • Patrick Bet-David
      Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
6
Book cover for "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. GerberView on Amazon

The E-Myth Revisited

Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It

by Michael E. Gerber

For small-business owners whose technical skill has become a demanding job rather than a functioning organization. Its focus on roles and repeatable systems addresses that transition clearly, though its franchise-style model does not suit every kind of work.

What it's about

Michael Gerber argues that technical expertise does not automatically equip someone to run a small business. He distinguishes entrepreneurial, managerial, and technical responsibilities, outlining a systems-based approach designed to reduce a company’s dependence on its owner.

Also recommended by

7 people
7
Book cover for "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon HillView on Amazon

Think and Grow Rich

by Napoleon Hill

For readers interested in the history of motivational business writing. Its emphasis on goals and persistence can prompt reflection, though its anecdotes and claims about directed thought are not evidence of a dependable method for creating wealth.

What it's about

Napoleon Hill presents a philosophy of achievement centered on definite goals, persistent effort, and directed thought. Using stories of successful business figures, he explores desire, planning, cooperation, and overcoming fear as elements of his approach to wealth.

Also recommended by

7 people
  • Neville Medhora recommended this book
  • Shay Carl recommended this book
  • Daymond John recommended this book
  • Anthony Pompliano recommended this book
  • Tom Bilyeu recommended this book
  • Jen Sincero recommended this book
  • +1

    More recommendations

8
Book cover for "Purple Cow" by Seth GodinView on Amazon

Purple Cow

Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable

by Seth Godin2003

For founders who want to make distinctiveness part of the offer itself. Its concise argument challenges reliance on advertising alone, though deciding what customers will value still requires evidence beyond the book’s memorable examples.

What it's about

Seth Godin argues that businesses should create products and services remarkable enough for people to notice and discuss. His marketing manifesto examines standing out through what a company offers, rather than relying on conventional advertising.

Also recommended by

5 people
  • Cindy Eckert recommended this book
  • Joe Gebbia recommended this book
  • Noah Kagan recommended this book
  • Jay-Z recommended this book
  • Jodie Cook recommended this book
9
Book cover for "Never Split the Difference" by Chris VossView on Amazon

Never Split the Difference

Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It

by Chris Voss

For owners who need to negotiate with customers, suppliers, or partners. Its attention to listening and emotion supplies concrete conversational tools, though lessons from crisis negotiation require adaptation to relationships where ongoing cooperation matters.

What it's about

Former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss draws on high-stakes encounters to explain his approach to negotiation. He presents principles centered on emotion, intuition and communication, applying lessons from crisis situations to business discussions and everyday disagreements.

Also recommended by

2 people
10
Book cover for "The Personal MBA" by Josh KaufmanView on Amazon

The Personal MBA

Master the Art of Business

by Josh Kaufman

For beginners who want a broad vocabulary for how businesses work. Its short explanations connect value, sales, finance, and operations, though the wide scope gives less practice and depth than a dedicated course or specialist reference.

What it's about

Josh Kaufman presents the core ideas behind running a business without attending business school. He explains value creation, marketing, sales, finance, and operations through practical concepts and mental models intended to clarify everyday business decisions.

Also recommended by

1 person
  • Patrick O'Shaughnessy recommended this book
11
Book cover for "The Mom Test: How to Talk to Customers & Learn If Your Business Is a Good Idea When Everyone Is Lying to You" by Rob FitzpatrickView on Amazon

The Mom Test: How to Talk to Customers & Learn If Your Business Is a Good Idea When Everyone Is Lying to You

by Rob Fitzpatrick2013

For founders who need better information from customer conversations. Its compact guidance helps distinguish useful evidence from compliments and hypothetical interest, though interviewing alone cannot establish demand without observing commitments and behavior beyond the conversation.

What it's about

Rob Fitzpatrick explains how founders can learn from customer conversations without inviting reassurance or leading answers. The book focuses on discussing actual behavior, identifying meaningful problems, and recognizing when feedback offers evidence rather than polite encouragement.

12
Book cover for "Influence" by Robert CialdiniView on Amazon

Influence

The Psychology of Persuasion

by Robert Cialdini

For founders who want to understand recurring patterns behind agreement and persuasion. Its research-based framework extends beyond any one sales channel, though applying it responsibly and testing its relevance requires more than recognizing a principle.

What it's about

Cialdini explores why people agree to requests and how recurring principles influence their decisions. Research and examples explain persuasion in everyday settings, alongside ways to recognize these mechanisms and resist attempts to exploit them.

Also recommended by

18 people
  • Tobi Lütke recommended this book
  • Scott Adams recommended this book
  • Naval Ravikant recommended this book
  • Charlie Munger recommended this book
  • Adam Robinson recommended this book
  • Ramit Sethi recommended this book
  • +12

    More recommendations

    • Alexis Ohanian
      "[Helps you] navigate the world with heightened awareness for how we're always being influenced/manipulated." - Alexis Ohanian
    • Guy Kawasaki
      "The guiding light for how I conduct business—and in many ways how I live my life." - Guy Kawasaki
    • Max Levchin
      One of Max Levchin's answers to "what's your favourite business book you'd advise to young entrepreneurs?"
    • Noah Kagan
      "People can be influenced in their behaviors by many different tactics." - Noah Kagan
    • Samy Kamkar
      "I love it because it was a very systematic and analytical approach to the most common ways that human being have been known to be influenced and persuaded to do something." - Samy Kamkar
    • Andrew Wilkinson
      "[One of] my most recommended business books." - Andrew Wilkinson
    • Neil Strauss
      "Understanding these [principles] make all the difference in making the leap from interest to attraction." - Neil Strauss
    • Patrick O'Shaughnessy
      Patrick O'Shaughnessy recommended this book on a blog post.
    • Mark Manson
      Mark Manson recommended this book on his website.
    • Alex Hormozi
      Alex Hormozi recommended this book on Instagram.
    • James Clear
      "[One of] the 10 best nonfiction books of all-time." - James Clear
    • Michael Hyatt
      Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
13
Book cover for "Shoe Dog" by Phil KnightView on Amazon

Shoe Dog

A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

by Phil Knight2016

For readers who learn from a founder’s detailed account of uncertainty and persistence. Its early-business narrative makes financial pressure and relationships tangible, though one retrospective success story is not a repeatable plan for building another company.

What it's about

Phil Knight recounts Nike's beginnings as a business importing running shoes from Japan. His memoir follows the company's growth from early sales out of a car, describing the risks, setbacks, relationships, and decisions behind its development.

Also recommended by

16 people
14
Book cover for "Good to Great" by Jim CollinsView on Amazon

Good to Great

Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't

by Jim Collins2001

For owners thinking about leadership, disciplined focus, and organizational change. Its memorable concepts provide a language for examining a company, though the established-company comparisons are less directly useful before a new business has found its footing.

What it's about

Jim Collins examines why some companies achieve lasting improvements while comparable businesses do not. His research emphasizes leadership, people, disciplined focus, and cumulative momentum as foundations of transformation.

Also recommended by

11 people
15
Book cover for "Outliers" by Malcolm GladwellView on Amazon

Outliers

The Story of Success

by Malcolm Gladwell2008

For founders who want to question stories that explain success through talent and effort alone. Its narrative examples highlight context and opportunity, though it offers interpretation rather than a practical method for testing or running a new business.

What it's about

Gladwell looks past talent alone and asks how timing, family, culture, luck, and opportunity shape success. From hockey players to software billionaires and the Beatles, he makes the case that achievement is never as individual as it seems.

Also recommended by

11 people
16
Book cover for "Steve Jobs" by Walter IsaacsonView on Amazon

Steve Jobs

by Walter Isaacson2011

For readers interested in product decisions, personality, and the tensions of company building. Its interview-based biography supplies a broad view of one career, though copying a prominent founder’s behavior would miss the particular circumstances and costs described.

What it's about

Built from years of interviews with Jobs and the people around him, this is a close look at a brilliant and difficult builder. It follows the intensity, control, and imagination that reshaped several industries.

Also recommended by

9 people
  • Elon Musk recommended this book
  • Scott Adams recommended this book
  • Ray Dalio recommended this book
  • Bill Gates recommended this book
  • Gary Vaynerchuk recommended this book
  • George Raveling recommended this book
  • +3

    More recommendations

    • Chris Fussell
      "Really did a good job of capturing the way that an innovation leader’s mind works." - Chris Fussell
    • Scott Belsky
      Scott Belsky mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
    • Ed Zschau
      Ed Zschau mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
17
Book cover for "Built to Last" by Jim CollinsView on Amazon

Built to Last

Successful Habits of Visionary Companies

by Jim Collins1994

For owners thinking beyond launch toward the identity and continuity of an organization. Its comparisons connect values with long-term adaptation, though the large-company perspective and retrospective method are less helpful for deciding what to do in week one.

What it's about

Jim Collins and Jerry Porras compare enduring visionary companies with their counterparts. Their research examines preserving core values, pursuing ambitious goals, and sustaining progress across generations of leaders.

Also recommended by

5 people
18
Book cover for "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert T Kiyosaki & Sharon L. LechterView on Amazon

Rich Dad Poor Dad

What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

by Robert T Kiyosaki & Sharon L. Lechter1997

For readers interested in one author’s philosophy of ownership and financial independence. Its simple stories make the viewpoint accessible, though the anecdotal claims and broad financial distinctions do not provide a detailed business-building or accounting framework.

What it's about

Rich Dad, Poor Dad contrasts the money lessons Kiyosaki says he learned from his poor biological father and his rich mentor. Through simple stories he explains assets versus liabilities, cash flow, and why working only for a paycheck rarely leads to lasting wealth.

Also recommended by

3 people
19
Book cover for "Profit First" by Mike MichalowiczView on Amazon

Profit First

Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine

by Mike Michalowicz

For small-business owners who want a concrete routine for allocating incoming cash. Its behavioral approach makes cash management visible, though the allocations need to fit the business and do not replace accounting, tax planning, or financial analysis.

What it's about

Mike Michalowicz presents a cash management system that assigns money to profit before operating expenses. He explains using separate accounts and allocation routines to shape spending habits, combining implementation steps with examples from small business finances.

20
Book cover for "The $100 Startup" by Chris GuillebeauView on Amazon

The $100 Startup

Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future

by Chris Guillebeau

For aspiring owners considering a small, independently funded venture. Its case studies and launch tools make modest beginnings concrete, though the selected success stories do not represent every business and the low-cost premise varies considerably by industry.

What it's about

Chris Guillebeau profiles people who built small businesses with modest startup funds. Their experiences illustrate how existing skills, a useful offer, and identifiable customers can become the basis of an independent livelihood.

21
Book cover for "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim FerrissView on Amazon

The 4-Hour Workweek

Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

by Tim Ferriss2009

For readers who want to examine how a business might support greater control over time. Its experiments challenge familiar working assumptions, though the outsourcing examples and lifestyle-business model are dated and do not fit every enterprise.

What it's about

Tim Ferriss presents an approach to reorganizing work around greater freedom of time and location. The guide explores reducing unnecessary tasks, outsourcing, automating income, and planning shorter periods away from work rather than postponing enjoyment until retirement.

Also recommended by

26 people
  • Eric Weinstein recommended this book
  • Tristan Harris recommended this book
  • Charles Poliquin recommended this book
  • Walter Isaacson recommended this book
  • Daniel Pink recommended this book
  • Blake Mycoskie recommended this book
  • +20

    More recommendations

    • David Heinemeier Hansson
      "My key takeaway from [this book] was the concept of lifestyle design." - DHH
    • Marc Andreessen
      "[The author] basically takes all of the time management and personal productivity theories of the last 20 to 30 years and pushes them to 11, to paraphrase 'Spinal Tap.'" - Marc Andreessen
    • Jason Silva
      "I was very affected by [this book]. I was like this guy has it figured out." - Jason Silva
    • Mike Shinoda
      "I do talk about [this book] quite a bit." - Mike Shinoda
    • Mark Bell
      "Taught me better ways to manage my time and the value of not making myself too busy." - Mark Bell
    • Maurice Ashley
      "Made me ditch the average life in search of one with complete flexibility and freedom to live life on my terms." - Maurice Ashley
    • Tim Draper
      "With this kind of time management and focus on the important things in life, people should be able to get 15 times as much done in a normal work week." - Tim Draper
    • Derek Sivers
      "Brilliant reversal of all of the 'how to manage all your crap' books." - Derek Sivers
    • Rolf Potts
      "Challenges the reader to seriously consider an essential–yet rarely asked–question: What do you really want from life?" - Rolf Potts
    • A.J. Jacobs
      A.J. Jacobs mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
    • Caterina Fake
      Caterina Fake mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
    • Ev Williams
      On the "books read" section of Ev Williams' GoodReads profile.
    • Gary Keller
      "This is a significant book." - Gary Keller
    • Laura R Walker
      "For those who struggle with productivity and taking control of their lives, [I give this book], of course!" - Laura R Walker
    • Marc Goodman
      One of Marc Goodman's most-gifted or recommended books.
    • Mike Maples, Jr.
      "If you want to live life on your own terms, this is your blueprint." - Mike Maples, Jr.
    • Lewis Howes
      "I've only probably read 4 books cover to cover. [This is one of them.]" - Lewis Howes
    • Jodie Cook
      "Life and work are reimagined and built back from scratch, in a way optimised for freedom and enjoyment." - Jodie Cook
    • Brian Dean
      "This book created thousands of entrepreneurs over the last 15 years… including me." - Brian Dean
    • Michael Hyatt
      Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
22
Book cover for "The Power of Habit" by Charles DuhiggView on Amazon

The Power of Habit

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

by Charles Duhigg2012

For owners who want to understand repeated behavior in customers, employees, and themselves. Its research stories explain why routines matter, though the broad narrative gives less direct implementation guidance than a focused operating manual.

What it's about

Charles Duhigg examines how habits form and change through scientific research and stories about individuals, companies, and social movements. He explains how recurring patterns influence behavior and how identifying them can help people reshape routines and organizations improve their practices.

Also recommended by

9 people
  • Ray Dalio recommended this book
  • Scott Adams recommended this book
  • Tim Ferriss recommended this book
  • Naval Ravikant recommended this book
  • Kelly Starrett recommended this book
  • Mr. Money Mustache recommended this book
  • +3

    More recommendations

    • Max Levchin
      "Compiles a bunch of great academic neuroscience and applied psychology research on habit formation." - Max Levchin
    • Danny Miranda
      "Great writing, interesting stories, and incredible insights on how to control your habits." - Danny Miranda
    • Patrick Bet-David
      Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
23
Book cover for "Lean In" by Sheryl SandbergView on Amazon

Lean In

Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

by Sheryl Sandberg2013

For readers thinking about ambition, negotiation, and gender expectations at work. Its combination of personal experience and career discussion offers context for leadership choices, though it concentrates on professional advancement more than the mechanics of launching a business.

What it's about

Sheryl Sandberg combines personal experiences and research to examine women's careers and leadership. She discusses negotiation, mentorship, ambition, and balancing professional goals with personal life, while considering how men can support greater equality.

Also recommended by

8 people
  • Richard Branson recommended this book
  • Alicia Keys recommended this book
  • Arianna Huffington recommended this book
  • Jim Collins recommended this book
  • Mark Zuckerberg recommended this book
  • Oprah Winfrey recommended this book
  • +2

    More recommendations

    • Mindy Kaling
      "Besides having written a great book, [this author's] comely face is comforting during airplane turbulence." - Mindy Kaling
    • John Doerr
      John Doerr recommended this book at the end of "Measure What Matters."
24
Book cover for "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm GladwellView on Amazon

The Tipping Point

How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

by Malcolm Gladwell2000

For readers curious about how ideas and behaviors spread through groups. Its memorable stories encourage attention to social context, though the explanations should be treated as perspectives to examine rather than a reliable recipe for creating demand.

What it's about

Gladwell’s breakout book explores social epidemics, the moment when an idea, product, or behavior suddenly takes off. He shows how small shifts, key personalities, and the right context can turn a quiet trend into a cultural wave.

Also recommended by

7 people

Sources

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  2. 2

    85 Best Business Books in 2026 for Entrepreneurs to Read

    ryrob.com

  3. 3

    The 21 Best Business Books for Entrepreneurs (2026)

    scienceofpeople.com

  4. 4

    Entrepreneurship Books

    goodreads.com

  5. 5

    20 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read This Year

    uschamber.com

  6. 6

    Books for mainstream startups

    reddit.com

  7. 7

    20 Business Books That’ll Change Your Life in 2024

    oberlo.com

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    Best books/resources on starting a small business?

    reddit.com

Other Lists

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Follow@richardreeze
Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shape MRB and its growth.

Follow@anuragwho

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