With the new year comes fresh ideas and strategies to help you outperform last year. Whether you are already running a business or considering leaping into entrepreneurship, it is vital to research your industry and seek out reliable educational resources. And I do not mean spending hours watching YouTube videos or following social media content creators.

Developing a habit of reading business books from different perspectives can help you become a stronger, more well-rounded business owner. As a business mentor, I am often surprised by how many entrepreneurs stop at YouTube videos and social media content when learning how to start or grow their business. I encourage you to prioritize education over entertainment.

If you are looking for ways to stay motivated, streamline operations, or market your business more effectively, here are ten books that provide insight, practical guidance, and encouragement for small business owners like you.

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Selling to the Affluent by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley

This book breaks down the behaviors and expectations of wealthy buyers and shows how to tailor your sales approach to earn their trust and business.


AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference

This book cuts through the hype around AI, revealing its real-world applications, limitations, and how to distinguish fact from fiction.


Social Media Is Bullshit by B. J. Mendelson

If you have felt overwhelmed by the push to be everywhere online, this book offers a refreshing (and blunt) take on what actually works when it comes to digital marketing.


Product Entrepreneur: How to Launch Your Product Idea: Napkin Sketch to $1 Million in Sales by Chris Clearman

This book breaks down the entire journey from concept to $1 million in sales, giving readers a practical blueprint for developing, marketing, and scaling a successful product.


Company of One by Paul Jarvis

This book flips the growth-first mindset on its head and makes a strong case for staying small, lean, and profitable—without the pressure to “scale up.”


Using Behavioral Science in Marketing: Drive Customer Action and Loyalty by Prompting Instinctive Responses by Nancy Harhut

Learn how to tap into your customers’ instincts to drive action and loyalty.


Rework by David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried

Forget what you’ve been told about how business “should” be done. This no-nonsense guide shows you how to simplify, cut the fluff, and make real progress on your own terms.


How to Lie with Statistics by Darrell Huff

This book uncovers the tricks behind misleading statistics and teaches readers how to spot manipulation in charts, numbers, and reports.


Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson

A classic for a reason. This book offers budget-friendly, unconventional marketing ideas that work—perfect for small businesses without big marketing budgets.


Stop Acting Rich: …And Start Living Like A Real Millionaire by Thomas J. Stanley

This book reveals the difference between looking wealthy and building real wealth, showing readers how real millionaires spend, save, and live.

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