Michele's Top 10 Books to Build a Sustainable and Thriving Small Business
Building a business is challenging and so often we just need advice and answers from the people who have done it before us - which is why I love reading. Often I won't even understand the value of a book until a few years later, when I need the insights to work through a new obstacle.
I have learnt so much from reading books on the topic over the years - every book widens your understanding of how others approach their entrepreneurial journey.
I am sharing the business books that continue to inspire me and that I open regularly. Some of these are years old, but their business advice holds up. I know your time is precious, so I have shared my tried and tested books here:
1. Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
This is basically the handbook to doing better business. If you want to see how Patagonia has paved the way for the rest of us to make better choices in business, this book is a great story in itself, but also can be used as a guide to where and how to implement changes in your own organisation (big or small).
2. Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
In the book, Donald Miller shares how to clarify your marketing message to help connect with customers on a deeper level. He shares the 7 elements of powerful stories and how you can use them in your communication. I read this years ago and recommend it to anyone in marketing. It’s a complete mindset switch on what people want to hear from you (and what not).
3. Hype Yourself: A no-nonsense PR toolkit for small businesses by Lucy Werner
If you’re running a small business and want to get a good view of PR, Hype Yourself is the go to book. It’s basically a full guide to DIY PR. This book aims to empower small business owners and others to take control of their public relations without needing to hire expensive agencies. It's a practical and accessible toolkit for building media relationships, crafting press releases, leveraging social media for publicity, and more.
4.The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
This is not technically a book for business, but most definitely valuable for a creative in business (or just in life) - The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is an OG self-help book with cult status - designed to unlock your creative potential and overcome artistic blocks. It's structured as a 12-week program with exercises and journaling prompts that guide you through a process of recovery, discovery, and growth.
It is a powerful tool to tap into your creative potential, offering a structured and inspiring framework for overcoming obstacles and embracing a more fulfilling creative life.
Do Books
Okay, this is more than one book - but when I was going through my bookshelf, I realised I have quite a few of the Do Books hanging out. These are the ones I regularly open up for inspiration. The are always short and to the point - no faff included, every page is valuable. I appreciate this style of writing - no filler copy to waste your time.
5. Do Open: How a simple email newsletter can transform your business (and it can) by David Hieatt
If you have signed up to our 3 Good Things Newsletter, you’ll understand our approach to newsletters - it’s unconventional. And it’s largely due to reading this book years ago. He shares what the secret to success is in communicating through newsletters, particularly without a large budget and a small team.
(Sign up to our newsletter here if you haven’t yet)
6. Do Purpose: Why brands with a purpose do better and matter more by David Hieatt
If you follow us, you probably care about business with purpose. Do purpose focuses on the power of having a clear purpose and aligning it with your business strategy.
7. Do Lead: Share your vision. Inspire others. Achieve the impossible by Les McKeown
I recently read this, as our team is growing and I need all the guidance I can get! This book guides you on building and leading high-performing teams within your organisation.
8. Do Scale: A Road Map to Growing a Remarkable Company by Les McKeown
This book delves deeper into the specific strategies and mindset needed for successful scaling. Even though it's probably a little on the ambitious side for us, it is interesting to understand the mindset needed for true scaling (opposed to running a lifestyle business).
9. Do Design: Why beauty is key to everything by Alan Moore
If you ever think beauty is superficial, read this book. It shows the power of beauty and its profound impact on our lives, arguing that creating and experiencing beautiful things enriches us and makes the world a better place.
Moore advocates for a mindful approach to design, where functionality and aesthetics are equally important. Principles we live by in our designs.
10. Profit First by Mike Malchowicz
Where I don’t follow the exact principles laid out in this book, it certainly has given me a fresh perspective on managing money within the business.
Profit First is a cash management system focused on helping small businesses prioritise and secure their profits. It flips the traditional financial model on its head, where expenses are deducted from income until leftover profit (if any) is considered, and instead allocates a predetermined percentage of income specifically for profit. This ensures profit is not forgotten or eaten away by expenses, ultimately leading to a more financially stable and profitable business. An interesting read for an alternative perspective - we have certainly used some of the principles here - particularly with setting aside money in certain allocated pots (which helps me sleep at night :))
BONUS list:
In addition to the books I have read and recommend, I asked Google Bard to give me an overview of acclaimed books love by small business people, (I haven’t read most of these yet, but have listened to podcasts with nearly all of the authors):
General Business Strategy and Mindset:
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The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber: This classic explores the common traps entrepreneurs fall into and provides a framework for building a systematic and scalable business.
Read | Listen -
Start With Why by Simon Sinek: This book emphasises the importance of understanding your core values and purpose to inspire and motivate yourself and others.
Read | Listen -
Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares: This practical guide outlines a set of proven frameworks for key business areas like marketing, sales, and customer success.
Read | Listen -
Grit by Angela Duckworth: This book explores the power of perseverance and passion in achieving success, both in business and life.
Read | Listen -
The Power of Broke by Daymond John: Founder of FUBU, Daymond John shares his lessons on bootstrapping and resourcefulness for building a business without a lot of capital.
Read | Listen
Marketing and Sales:
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Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin: This book emphasises the importance of standing out from the crowd and creating remarkable products and services.
Read | Listen -
Hooked by Nir Eyal: This book delves into the psychology of habit formation and provides insights on how to design products and services that keep users engaged.
Read | Listen -
Permission Marketing: Turning Strangers Into Friends And Friends Into Customers by Seth Godin: This book focuses on building relationships and earning trust with your audience rather than interrupting them with traditional advertising.
Read -
Selling to the C-Suite by Nicholas A.C. Read and Stephn Bistritz: This book provides strategies for effectively communicating and winning over high-level decision-makers.
Read -
The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson: This book challenges the traditional salesman role and proposes a more collaborative, consultative approach to sales.
Read | Listen
Leadership and Management:
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The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker: This classic management book outlines principles for efficient and productive leadership.
Read -
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: This book provides timeless principles for personal and professional development.
Read | Listen -
Radical Candor by Kim Scott: This book advocates for a direct and honest approach to feedback and communication to build stronger relationships and improve performance.
Read | Listen -
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown: This book encourages vulnerability and authenticity in leadership to foster trust and connection within teams.
Read | Listen -
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh: This book shares the Zappos founder's insights on building a company culture focused on employee happiness and customer service.
Read | Listen
I'd love to hear your favourite books for business! Get in touch on socials or email me at studio@onceuponatuesday.co.uk
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P.P.S. Why not visit your local library - they need our support