Best Business Books: Ranking. What books do successful businessmen read? Business novels are the best

Everyone once thinks about creating their own business, but many have not come across this and do not know where to start. What business books are worth reading to start a profitable company?

Top 21 best books

Before starting your own business, you should carefully study the literature that will help you self-actualize. If you have been in business for a long time, but the profit does not increase, then they will help you in business and self-development.

Kiyosaki Robert and prioritization

The first place in our rating is occupied by the publication of Robert Kiyosaki. The title of the book is clear and laconic enough - "Before starting your own business." This printed publication will help you and figure out who an entrepreneur and a hired worker is.

This book is especially useful because it most accurately describes the mistakes of aspiring entrepreneurs. After reading it, you will understand that the future of your business is only in your hands. The edition of Kiyosaki is also different in that it helps to fully realize what difficulties you will have to face in developing your business.

Stephen Covey and the traits of highly effective people

The honorable second place went to Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. This book is not much inferior to the previous one. It allows us to realize how much time we devote to the phone, laptop and TV. The author believes that in this way a person not only wastes his life, but also hides the fear of starting a business.

Critics believe that Covey's book has a special pathos that makes it special. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People will help you see your life differently. Thanks to this publication, you will learn how to live profitably.

David Novak. A dizzying career history

In third place in our ranking is the book by David Novak "How I Became a Boss." This edition tells the story of a "casual" career in a large corporation. “How I Became a Boss” is included in the best books on business in Russia. Novak described how he has achieved a good career. The author believes, on the one hand, that he achieved everything thanks to work and efforts, and on the other, that his career is a fluke.

The book helps you realize your ambitions and achieve a dizzying career. By the way, the author himself started as a full-time copywriter, and now he is the director of a global company.

David Ogively and his discourse on the advertising field

Owner of the fourth place in our ranking of the best books for self-development is "Ogively on Advertising", the author of which is David Ogively. This publication helps to be realized in the field of advertising. The book contains many valuable recommendations. It is especially useful in that the author refers to his experience. The book has found a huge following in the form of marketers and advertising workers.

Books on business and self-development help the future entrepreneur understand how many obstacles can stand in the way of starting a business. The essay "How to Ruin Your Own Business. Harmful Advice to a Russian Entrepreneur" is no exception. He takes the fifth place in our rating. The author of this printed edition is Konstantin Baksht. It examines and systematizes the typical mistakes of entrepreneurs. Konstantin offers his options for their solution, and also tells how to build a business correctly.

Marcus Buckingham: "Break all the rules first!"

"Break all the rules first!" ranks sixth and shows that even a simple job requires a talented approach. The author of the book is Marcus Buckingham. The publication allows the future entrepreneur to understand that his employees should only do the work that is well given to them. This is the key to a successful company.

Michael Lewis. "Poker of liars"

The rating, which includes the best books about business, was not without "Poker of Liars". It was written by Michael Lewis. The publication explains that the more complex the monetary schemes, the harder it is to keep track of them. Lewis believes that a person should first of all be ambitious. Incredible interesting job Michael Lewis is ranked seventh.

Jay Conrad Levinson. The technique of successful salespeople

Complementing our list of business books in eighth place is Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson. He describes a technique for salespeople who increase their sales year after year.

That helps to understand how to get big profit at low cost. This is a very valuable skill for every entrepreneur.

Clayton Christensen. Best Feature on Innovation

Internet business books have been especially popular lately. The ninth place in our ranking is occupied by the best publication on innovation. Clayton Christensen's essay “The Innovator's Dilemma” helps the budding entrepreneur understand that the user needs something new, based on old basic needs. The author believes that the Internet develops business.

Bennis Warren. The influence of life values ​​on the development of a leader

Bennis Warren's book is ranked tenth, and it is in this book that sees management from a leadership perspective. The author finds out how the era and human values ​​influence the formation of a leader. Bennis Warren has described the rise of leaders in every era in history. The most useful edition is for both beginners and experienced managers.

Kennedy Gavin. Negotiator's Handbook

In eleventh place is Kennedy Gavin's book "You Can Agree On Anything! How To Achieve Maximum In Any Negotiation." According to readers, this is the negotiator's bible. In it, step by step, the author reveals the principles of the negotiation process.

Kennedy talks about the pitfalls and pitfalls of prioritization. Gavin's book will be of invaluable help to those who often negotiate, namely businessmen, sales managers and intelligence workers. It is especially pleasant that the edition is written in simple spoken language. Reading such a book will be useful not only for entrepreneurs, but also for ordinary readers.

Johnson Spencer and his parable book

in twelfth place is complemented by Johnson Spencer's allegory in the book "Where is my cheese? Know your dream." This is a kind of parable. The book reveals the deepest truths that relate to changes in the life of the reader. Cheese is all that we achieve, what we strive for. It can be anything from work to personal relationships.

The maze in Johnson Spencer's book is where you look for your cheese. By carefully studying the entire book, the reader will understand how to cope with difficulties and achieve greater success.

Peter Drucker's Successful Leader

The Effective Leader is the most famous book by Peter Drucker, and deservedly occupies the thirteenth place in our rankings. This essay explains the effectiveness of knowledge workers who become leaders.

A good leader is not only intelligence and constant work. To be a successful boss, it is enough to follow the simple rules, which are described in the book by Peter Drucker.

Covey Stephen and the Seven Rules

Fourteenth place is taken by the book of world significance - "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People", the author of which is Covey Stephen. This publication has had a huge impact on the lives of millions of people, including Bill Clinton and Stephen Forbes. Covey Stephen's book systematizes human values ​​and goals. She helps to achieve them. The author shows that everyone can become better.

The book does not promise quick change. Any improvement takes time and effort. If you want to maximize your potential, then this book is for you.

Michael Gerber and his myths about his own business

Business books should accompany every aspiring and seasoned entrepreneur. They will help you self-actualize. The fifteenth place in our rating is taken by Michael Gerber and his book "Small Business. From Illusion to Success. Return to the Entrepreneurship Myth." She tells you how to build your own business. The publication is quick and easy to read. It also highlights the difference between work and business. Gerber's publication helps to look in a new way at the problems that are associated with the organization and formation of small businesses.

Hamel Gary. "Competing for the Future. Building the Markets of Tomorrow"

In sixteenth place - Hamel Gary and his book "Competing for the Future. Creating Markets tomorrow". It is dedicated to a firm that is building its future. It illustrates the experience of organizations that, despite everything, overcame their problems. The author offers absolutely new approach to building the future of the company. The print edition of Hamel Gary was included in the best books on business.

McDonald's and Love John

Who among us does not know the McDonald's fast food chain? It is about her that will be discussed in Love John's book, which took seventeenth place. In his essay, the author tells about the history of the development of a famous fast food restaurant chain. Its creator is a journalist who decided to devote his life as a famous corporation.

Walter Isaacson

The best business books help you to realize yourself. The rating continues. Eighteenth place is taken by the co-founder famous company global scale. Who among us has not heard of Apple? We will talk about it.

Walter Isaacson is a journalist, biographer who released in 2012. The author has worked on the publication for over three years. He did a tremendous job. Walter recorded over 50 interviews with Steve Jobs and interviewed about a hundred of his relatives. The essay was scheduled to be released in November, but following Jobs' death, the book was released in October 2012. Later, the author was paid a round sum for the possibility of film adaptation of the work.

It doesn't matter if you are a fan of Apple gadgets, the book allows you not only to learn about the life of a genius, but also to understand that anyone can become such. She will help reveal your ambitions. Walter Isaacson's book is a must-read not only for aspiring entrepreneurs, but also for those who are just looking for themselves.

"Jobs' Rules. Universal Principles of Success", Carmine Gallo

The nineteenth place in our rating is occupied by the book "Jobs' Rules. Universal Principles of Success", the author of which is Carmine Gallo. It is not surprising that this book, like the previous one, refers to the great genius - Steve Jobs, because many businessmen imitate and admire him.

Steve Jobs turned our world upside down. In his book, the author identifies seven rules of a great genius. These principles will help not only in business, but also in everyday life. The essay will be of interest to businessmen and managers, as well as fans of Steve Jobs and simply lovers of motivational literature.

Radislav Gandapas, "Kamasutra for an orator. 10 chapters on how to get and give maximum pleasure while speaking in public"

It's no secret that one should not only be able to calculate everything one step ahead, but also speak well. This skill is rarely taught in the best business and self-help books. The list is supplemented by a unique essay by Radislav Gandapas, who will teach you the art of oratory.

Radislav Gandapas is a renowned business coach in Russia who regularly conducts training webinars and classes. Talking to a stranger or speaking in public causes panic in many of us. This quality of an entrepreneur is bad for his business.

"Kamasutra for a speaker. 10 chapters on how to get and give maximum pleasure, speaking in public" will help you learn how to control the attention of listeners, get over your own excitement and properly structure your story. The book by Radislav Gandapas is recommended for reading by those who often speak in public and communicate with a large number of unfamiliar people. In addition, the essay will be useful for the ordinary reader who cannot communicate freely with other people. The publication by Radislav Gandapas "Kamasutra for an orator. 10 chapters on how to get and give maximum pleasure by speaking in public" deservedly complements the best books on business.

My Life, My Achievements by Henry Ford

Are you looking for a book that will describe everything, and every word is worth its weight in gold? Henry Ford's essay "My Life, My Achievements" is just for you. Books on business and self-development are often full of unnecessary reasoning that does not carry the necessary information. The Henry Ford edition differs in that it must be read thoroughly and completely, since each sentence carries valuable information.

The owner of a famous car company talks about his life. "My Life, My Achievements" tells how the author changed the world of business. Henry Ford's approach to his work is amazing. If he was not satisfied with metal prices, he opened his own metallurgical production. Henry Ford believed that the job that interests you cannot be tiring.

On the way to success

Business books are a great option for self-development. After reading the best essays and gaining valuable information from there, you can easily become a successful and self-sufficient person. Business books will help you uncover hidden talents, learn how to achieve your goals and go all the way to your dreams. In our ranking, we have selected the most useful essays for aspiring entrepreneurs. Enjoy reading and get better with every edition you read!

Even if you just decided to understand the structure of business systems, you should still turn to books. Moreover, experts have compiled a list of books that must be read. They are recommended by many sites in the Internet system.

There are many such publications, so we will focus only on the most popular top ten of the rating.

Why Read Business Books?


With the help of such publications, you can get acquainted with the processes that make up any work:

  • planning;
  • organization;
  • coordination;
  • establishing contacts;
  • study of the products of the selected company;
  • technological processes;
  • ability to work with machinery and equipment;
  • acquisition of skills for preparing presentations and reports;

You will learn important skills such as:

  • self-organization;
  • stress tolerance;
  • business communication and many others;

A specialist with a huge store of knowledge has special qualities.

For example, such as:

  • the ability to think systematically;
  • show analytical skills;
  • generate new ideas quickly;

And this is just a small list of what a well-read specialist who is constantly striving to find new knowledge can do. Namely, they can be found by everyone in well-written publications.

Educational institutions are committed to building a foundation of basic knowledge. And improvement and skill are acquired directly in the process of doing the work. In practice, various situations arise, the solution to which can also be found in books. By acquiring knowledge, a person is constantly developing and moving higher in terms of professional growth.

There are several options for acquiring knowledge:

  • by experimentation (trial and error);
  • with the help of trainings and special training programs;
  • self-education;

It is precisely the last point that is the most advanced among this list. A person freely searches for information and chooses what is necessary only for him. Books are the main source of self-education. And, no matter in what form the work is presented (electronic or printed edition), the end result will still be unsurpassed.

Review of the best must-read books

The main task that you need to solve is to know what to read. It is in this matter that we will try to help you. With the help of many studies and surveys, specialists have compiled a list of best publications.

So, let's look at the TOP 10 best business publications:

"Atlas Shrugged"

The book was written by a Russian writer from abroad. It was subsequently translated into many languages. Several generations of citizens have lived under the influence of this book. The writer managed to make a combination of fantasy, realism, utopia, dystopia, adding romantic heroes and grotesque, which is able to incinerate everything around. The book is based on questions and answers that everyone can interpret in their own way.

"Ogilvy on Advertising"

This is the best publication that talks about advertising. The author himself is the patriarch of advertising. He is at personal experience compiled a book in which he described all the subtleties of this case. This is not an easy book - it is a kind of training. He teaches you to find the right approach to creating an advertisement and its presentation.

"Poker of liars"

The author in his publication told about very complex schemes on the exchanges. He touched upon the role of Obama in the history of the state entrusted to him. He spoke about the scammers and those who cover them. The book is a real textbook on psychology in business.

"Good to Great"

A book for those who want to become an excellent businessman. Jim Collins managed not only to write books, but was also a successful climber and triathlete. He devoted his life to researching profitable companies. He wanted to figure out how business giants grow. Collins, through various comparisons, was able to deduce the type of person who is capable of being a good company founder. He is sure that very soon society will be able to elect only the right individuals to power.

Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production

Want to learn the quality of frugality? Then you should read this book without hesitation. The author of the book was personally able to create a special production system. It soon became the backbone of the lean philosophy. Entrepreneurs of all generations try to learn from experience, but interpret it in their own way.

Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big

Its pages show you step by step how to find the right approach to building a good company. The author, while working on his idea, simply described the best companies... Managed to deduce their genetic code. And only at the end, drawing conclusions, he realized that all companies are real laboratories. They create entrepreneurship innovations. People who are able to work on their ideas for 30 years work here.

"The Art of Procrastination"

Efficiency is the main strong point of the author of the book. To learn how to work and earn money, you just need to finish reading the book to the end. She tells you how to create a procrastination structure. You will understand that it is enough to sit at the TV or computer. It's time to act. Conquer your fear and take action.

"The Innovator's Dilemma"

The author brings examples from life, thereby expressing his thoughts on innovation. He believes that a good entrepreneur should be able to recognize the market situation in time. It depends on his intuition whether the product will be updated or it is better to create a completely new one. The book will teach you to choose the right options for action.

"Venture Capitalists at Work"

A book for those who want to learn more about investors. Reveals their true essence. After all, they only outwardly want to seem like noble knights, but in fact they are crows who live by the rules of their strategy. They are looking for ways to increase their capital without straining. They work under the guise of good people. And in their offices they spend hours solving mathematical problems related to fraud.

"Guerrilla Marketing"

After reading the book, you will learn many marketing moves. The author opened the curtain on the cunning tricks of the sellers, which you had never even imagined about before. Your task is simply to start reading, and then the book itself will drag you into the fascinating world of the seller's work.

Why read them?

These books describe approaches to business that you have not even thought about. By studying them, you can help your business save money. Moreover, the economic situation that has come forces us to look for knowledge, with the help of which it will be possible to obtain a lot of profit, but at the same time it will be spent quite a bit.

Financiers are trying to come up with more complex schemes, so such books are useful even for ordinary citizens so that in the future they do not completely lose control over the state. Stock traders begin to rule the world. This is why we need to know how all these circuits work.

Where to download or read online?


Of course, in order to sit down to read, you can thoroughly look for the necessary copies in libraries or stores. But given our age in which the Internet is driving progress, we suggest looking for sources on various sites. There you will see not only the listed books, but also many others.

We can offer a list of some of them based on personal experience:

  • http://fictionbook.ws and many others.

Best business books, and what are they? V modern world business and finance various business books appear like mushrooms after rain. A lot of coaches, mentors, teachers appear out of nowhere, and each of them wants to give people a new, revolutionary, unprecedented system for achieving success and earning huge capital. But is it? As a rule, most of these business coaches themselves cannot earn decent money, and their books are a common retelling of cult business publications that have influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

One often hears the question: “ What are the best business books? ”,“ What can you advise us to read? ”,“ What book should you start your path to success with? ”. The questions are quite logical, and every aspiring entrepreneur understands that high-quality information today is the key to success tomorrow. And no one wants to waste time reading empty books by fake business gurus. Therefore, I want to understand what are the best business books, and what you should pay attention to.

To be honest, there are hundreds of worthy books, and it is not possible to list all of them in this article. Therefore, we decided to make the TOP 10 of the most interesting, popular, and practical business books. How did we choose them? For maximum objectivity, a survey was conducted among three different groups of people:

  • Subscribers to our public VKontakte (at the time of this writing, there are more than 250,000 people)
  • Entrepreneurs and owners own business business books helped them to achieve success (67 people aged 23 to 47 were interviewed)
  • Freelancers and young startups who are just starting their path to success.

We believe that such a sample is optimal and will help determine the best business books as accurately as possible. The survey was conducted for almost 2 months, and it was very difficult and several hundred options to choose the 10 most worthy and useful business books. So, we ask you to memorize or write down the names, and replenish your collection of books with those presented in our rating.

Best business books: 10 most popular books

We want to say right away that we decided not to distribute in places, and not to highlight the best book, etc. We will just present 10 books that deserve special attention, and each of them is good in its own way. Any rating is a subjective opinion, and there will be those who will not be happy with it. To avoid maximum dissatisfaction, we decided not to give out places, and all the numbering is just numbers, without reference to the popularity or importance of the book.

1. Rework

Rework is a book for those who want to start their own startup, want to change their lives, but for some reason do not dare to take such a serious act. The authors tell you how you can start your own business, while still staying in a permanent job. Also on the Rework pages you will find advice on optimal company size and many related questions answered. Why should a company grow? Why do you need to develop, if everything suits you? What and how to plan, and is this planning necessary? What mistakes can you make, and how can you learn from them a useful lesson? Dozens and dozens of questions that you had earlier will find answers after reading "Rework".

The book is noteworthy and has received a lot of flattering reviews. The theme of a startup, developing your business from scratch, raising a large company based on aspiration and enthusiasm, is close to many. Perhaps it is because of this that Rework scored many votes and entered our list.

You can read a more detailed description of the book in our article ""

4. Atlas squared his shoulders

I would like to note that this book is included not only in our list of the best business books, but also noted by major world financial publications. Occasionally big business magazines publish all kinds of ratings, among which there are ratings of the most influential books that have made a great contribution to human development. “Atlas Shrugged” almost always takes due place in such ratings.

And it's not strange that this book also has a place on our list. This book will help you understand the essence of entrepreneurship, a different look at the global economy and your role in its development. According to opinion polls conducted in 1991 by the Library of Congress and the Book of the Month Club in America, Atlas Shrugged is the second book after the Bible that has made a difference in the lives of American readers.

5. Good to great

Why will you never be great? Because you are content with "good" and do not set yourself big tasks.

Jim Collins has written an outstanding book. Time magazine has named her as one of the 25 Greatest Business Books of All Time. And these are not empty words. Jim conducts the deepest research, trying to understand why some companies succeed, while the latter remain small, regional, unknown offices.

In this book, Trump shows his whole business essence. He does not pretend, but cuts off the shoulder, dispelling all illusions about entrepreneurship and making money. Not every person can become rich and famous, as other business books say. And Donald Trump explains in detail why many live in a world of illusions, making plans and imagining themselves rich, but never get what they want. Success and wealth are gained only by the strongest and most persistent, and dreams and illusions are the lot of lazy and weaklings. This is the position that Trump advocates.

Life is a tough game, and if you want to emerge victorious from it, then once and for all forget about the word "no". You must be prepared for the fact that you will have to work with your fists, rebuff competitors and not well-wishers, go through difficulties, but ultimately achieve your goal.

Constant reading of books has been noted as one of the main habits of successful people like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or an experienced one, it's always important to stay afloat and read the best business books. Here's a list of great business books to read to ensure you get the 2018 right off the bat and stay successful.

Startup Without a Budget by Mike Mikalowitz

“Have you ever done business in your life? Don't know where to get your start-up capital? Fine! Now you have a chance to get it right, ”- this is how Michael Mikalowitz motivates his readers. Complex concepts from the world of business are presented in a simple and understandable language with a touch of humor, which makes the book a real find for both aspiring entrepreneurs and more experienced businessmen.

“The pumpkin method. How to Become a Leader in Your Niche Without a Budget ", Mike Mikalowitz

Inspired by the experience of vegetable growers, the famous author Michael Mikalowitz decided to borrow from them the method of growing giant pumpkins and apply it in business. Sounds incredible, right? Such an unusual outlook on things has borne fruit: the Mikalovitsa company has become the leader of its niche with a turnover of millions of dollars. In the book, the author not only shares his own experience, but also brings incredible success stories of other entrepreneurs who were not afraid to use the same strategy.

”, Logaster

Free Small Business Startup Guide corporate identity written by the authors online service Logaster. Tips, practical examples, useful services - in a word, everything you need to create your own style!

“Startup for $ 100. Create a new future by doing what you love ", Chris Guilbeaux

In this book, you will learn how to turn a seemingly nondescript business idea into a gold mine and start getting more satisfaction from your work and hobbies. According to the author himself, this book is not about business, but about the search for freedom, independence and prosperity. The text is easy to read and is replete with helpful tables and checklists for self-assessment.

Delivering Happiness by Tony Shay

Tony Shei shares his business experience with readers, and this experience is striking in its wide range - from starting a farm to grow worms to a pizzeria. Written in a simple and concise language, the book demonstrates a new approach to corporate culture: By caring for the happiness and well-being of others, you can become happier yourself.

Blue Ocean Strategy, Chan Kim, Rene Mauborgne

This book describes in detail the process of creating so-called "blue oceans" - market spaces devoid of competition. Authors Kim and Mauborgne have developed a variety of tools for exploring and exploiting such markets - value curve, strategy canvas, mass price corridor, and others. If you want to know what is hidden behind these interesting titles, then this book is simply obliged to replenish your collection!

Rework, Jason Fraid, David Heinemeier Hensson

Rework is the perfect book for those who dream of starting their own business not according to a plan that has set the teeth on edge, but following their own individual strategy. From it you will learn what can harm, how you can easily do without external investors and why it is better to ignore competition. You need less to start your own business than you think. No offices, endless meetings, or paperwork!

« Good to great. Why some companies are making breakthroughs and others are not ”, Jim Collins

In his book, Collins identifies and analyzes the factors due to which some companies managed to become not only successful, but, without exaggeration, go down in history. What are the criteria for such "greatness"? In nine chapters of the book, the author examines in detail the issues of management, personnel policy, operating activities and social behavior... Perhaps this is your chance to make your company one of the greats?

« How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie's bestseller does not lose its relevance today. This book has already helped a huge number of people succeed in business and personal life. 6 ways to please people, 12 persuasion strategies, 9 ways to change people without causing negative reactions and many other secrets. A must-read classic even in the 21st century!

« The Innovator's Dilemma, Clayton Christensen

In his bestselling book, Christensen explains why successful companies, which at first glance seem to do everything right, still lose their leading position in the market. According to the author, if managers do not know when and how to move away from traditional business approaches, then even the most successful firm will inevitably go to the bottom. Bold, compelling, and provocative, this book contains valuable business advice that every manager, entrepreneur, and project leader must know.

"How to make money without start-up capital", Sergey Azimov

Want to break out of your boring, low-paying office routine? Tired of working 16 hours a day trying to keep your business afloat? On the pages of his book, business coach and entrepreneur Sergey Azimov shares the effective secrets of making money and a completely different approach to work. Thanks to the easy and extraordinary presentation of the material, the author manages to win the reader's trust from the first pages.

“Don't work with m * duck. And what if they are around you ", Robert Sutton

The author advises managers on how to deal with the unproductive behavior of some "difficult" employees and at the same time learn to benefit from them. positive qualities... Moreover, the book contains real examples from the experience of the largest companies. Anyone understandable, and in some places even humorous presentation style will turn reading this book into a real pleasure.

"Stop dreaming, get busy!" , Cal Newport

Cal Newport boldly debunks the long-standing myth that in business the main thing is to find the activity that you really enjoy. The author proves that many people begin to love and appreciate their work only over time, even if at first they seemed far from ideal option. This book is the result of communication with dozens of representatives of the most different professions, from farmers and screenwriters to investors and freelance programmers.

Zero to One by Peter Thiel

According to the author, the key to continuous progress is the manager's ability to think independently and make decisions. Tomorrow's leading companies will be able to avoid competition by creating unique products and services. This book contains a new, optimistic perspective on progress and innovation. It teaches readers to ask the right questions, which can help us see value in the most unexpected things.

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi

According to the author, all successful people are united by one quality - the ability to form relationships in such a way that they are beneficial to all participants. In his book, Ferrazzi tells how to properly build communication with colleagues, friends and business partners. V different time the strategies described have been successfully used by Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton, the Dalai Lama and other powerful of this world. And as you probably know, really good things do not lose their relevance over time!

How to Work Four Hours a Week by Timothy Ferris

Surely many are familiar with the situation when work turns into a trap and begins to require more and more time. If you want to escape from the routine, travel the world, effortlessly earn five-figure incomes, or simply work less and devote more time to yourself, then this book is your ticket to a new, freer and more flexible world.

Predictable Irrationality by Dan Ariely

Dan Ariely's book focuses on one of the most interesting and multifaceted areas of economics - behavioral economics. Consumer behavior is irrational: in response to a number of external stimuli, they often act rashly. By looking at 13 Predictable Irrational Buyer Behaviors, you'll unlock 13 opportunities to increase your sales!

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey's book suggests A complex approach to the solution of personal and professional problems. Sharing deep insights and relevant life stories with readers, Covey talks about how to live up to principles such as justice, honesty and human dignity. These principles allow us to adapt to change and seize the opportunities that change brings with it.

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

Despite the fact that this book is about investment, Graham pays close attention to issues of psychology and types of temperament. After all, even the most profitable investment strategy can turn into a fiasco if the investor does not have the appropriate type of temperament. If you want to know how stable investors differ from entrepreneurial investors and what style of investing is the most effective, be sure to read this book!

“Act like a leader, think like a leader”, Herminia Ibarra

In her work, Emilia Ibarra tells how a manager of any level can become a leader, gradually changing himself and his work environment. For example, the author recommends adhering to a flexible leadership style and expanding your business circle. By offering a variety of assessment tests and practical advice, this book will help you become a more effective leader and breathe in your career new life... It's time to learn by acting!

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

In his fascinating work, Gladwell explores the notion of a “tipping point,” when ideas, trends, and patterns of social behavior seem to spill over into an imaginary vessel and spread rapidly. Gladwell's book can be compared to an intellectual adventure story, in which you feel admiration for the power of new ideas and the author's conviction that one extraordinary person can change the whole world.

"45 tattoos of the manager", Maxim Batyrev

This book, without a doubt, deserves the title of the most unusual on our list. The titles of the chapters in this book are the names of the author's tattoos, each of which symbolizes a certain life principle. “Everything in the book is my rake, bumps and tattoos. I share with you a part of my life and hope that my practice will serve you. good example", - says the author. You will not find complex concepts and theories here. All of Batyrev's recommendations are simple and practical, but at the same time based on the principles of effective management.

Customers for Life by Carl Sewell

In his bestselling book, Sewell shares the secret to building a base regular customers that will stay true to your business for years to come. Sewell examines the expectations of today's consumers and employees in detail, proving once again that the good old principle of “Find out what your customers want and give it to them” still works flawlessly. The man who owns the second largest Cadillac dealership in the United States cannot be wrong about such matters!

“Business as a game. Rake of Russian business and unexpected decisions ", Sergey Abdulmanov, Dmitry Kibkalo, Dmitry Borisov

In their book Business as a Game, the authors share the secrets of launching and developing successful business projects in Russia. Peculiarities of the Russian market, development of an effective business plan, relations with investors and partners, salary determination, interviews, competent interaction with clients - these are just a few of the issues that are covered in the book. Start reading from any chapter that interests you!

"And nerds are doing business", Maxim Kotin

Maxim Kotin's book is built around a very real character - Fyodor Ovchinnikov, who 10 years ago decided to open his own business in an unremarkable Russian city. We can say that Ovchinnikov has become a symbol of thousands of ordinary Russians who were not afraid to dramatically change their lives and try their hand at entrepreneurship. This is the story of the successes and failures of small business in Russia at the beginning of the 2000s. It is difficult to imagine a more truthful book about this difficult period, so be sure to read it!

"How to become a businessman", Oleg Tinkov

Oleg Tinkov is the owner of several successful companies, who has tried himself in a variety of business areas - from brewing to banking services. This book contains concise practical advice for entrepreneurs who want to start their own business and achieve success. According to Tinkov, courage and the ability to control risks are indispensable qualities for any entrepreneur. But even if these qualities are not fully inherent in you, the author advises not to give up and still try your hand at business. This approach is definitely motivating!

“You Can Agree On Anything,” Gavin Kennedy

Useful Tips for successful negotiations both in the field of business (real estate, long-term contracts, companies) and at the household level (buying a TV, repairing a car, communicating with colleagues). How to present your offer in the most favorable light? How to behave if you are faced with blackmail? The book is interactive and contains many assessment tests. Great reading for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills!

"Startup without cuts", Ekaterina Inozemtseva

Startup Uncut offers an honest look at contemporary Russian business. From it you will learn how to avoid typical mistakes, find a good investor, resolve the conflict between partners and much more. The purpose of this book is to educate and motivate both future entrepreneurs and those who already have their own businesses. Moreover, the book contains links to useful workshops, document templates and other materials based on the invaluable personal experience of Russian businessmen.

Fuck Business As Always By Richard Branson

In his work, Branson shares his vision of the future with readers. According to the author, it is time for people to reconsider their values ​​and make it a priority not to make money, but to take care of other people and the planet as a whole. In an easy and convincing way, the author tells how companies, using their resources, can make this world a better place. And for more motivation, the author cites real stories of caring entrepreneurs who can serve as an example for others.

“Business from scratch. Lean Startup ”, Eric Rees

According to the author, most startups do not fail because of non-compliance with deadlines or high costs. Companies are shutting down because they offer a product or service that no one wants. The central idea behind the lean startup concept is to constantly get customer feedback. Instead of developing detailed business plan, the company must listen to the needs of its customers and, based on the information received, adjust its development strategy.

“Startup. Founder's Handbook ", Steve Blank, Bob Dorf

This book is step by step instructions for those looking to create a profitable, scalable startup using a customer-centric customer development methodology. This concept, authored by Steve Blank himself, is being studied at leading universities in the world. On the 608 pages of the book, you will find over 100 graphs and charts, 9 fatal mistakes of entrepreneurs and much more.

Startup Management by Katherine Kathleen, Jaina Matthews

This book - real encyclopedia business with five hundred success stories from entrepreneurs from a wide variety of fields. How do you know when it's time to change your management style? What personal changes are the key to success? Why is the inaction of the head dangerous for the company? Providing detailed answers to these and other questions, the authors explain the company's sustainable growth strategy step by step.

Angels, Dragons and Vultures by Simon Ekland

Looking for money for your startup, but the venture capital market seems like a dense forest to you? In this provocative and witty book, you will learn how venture capitalists run their business and make money, how they can help your firm, and what alternatives to venture capital exist. Having thoroughly studied this topic Simon Ekland offers a professional travel guide to give you the confidence to look for a venture capitalist.

“Scrum. A Revolutionary Project Management Method ", Jeff Sutherland

You will not find a detailed description of how to use the Scrum methodology in this book. Sutherland sets himself a more difficult task: he analyzes the reasons for the effectiveness of this methodology, answering the question "why?" The book is autobiographical: the author tells how the Scrum methodology was useful to him in a variety of and sometimes unexpected areas of activity - from service in Vietnam to the development of ATM technology.

"Attracting Investment in a Startup", Brad Feld, Jason Mendelssohn

The process of attracting investments is described from the point of view of two venture investors who have been investing in risky and developing projects for more than 40 years. How to develop a mutually beneficial investment attraction strategy? What are the criteria by which investors evaluate companies? What terms of the deal should you pay special attention to? This book will be useful to everyone: ambitious entrepreneurs, venture investors, and lawyers who specialize in certain types deals.

Startup Weekend, Mark Nager, Clint Nielsen, Frank Nuriga

Think it's impossible to develop a complete startup concept over the weekend? This book will convince you otherwise! If you gather developers, designers, marketers and other specialists at one table, then in just 54 hours you can get a whole series of interesting ideas, form competent teams and develop an effective growth strategy! The authors have collected for you best works lessons learned through trial and error and inspiring examples from other companies.

Finding a Business Model by John Mullins, Randy Komisar

It may sound surprising, but most companies that hesitate to step back from their original strategy are doomed to fail. And among successful projects there are many that now only vaguely resemble the original idea of ​​their founders. In this guide, you will learn why a gradual transition from Plan A to Plan B is not only desirable, but vital to the success of your business.

The Rules for Profitable Startups by Verne Harnish

In his debut book, Harnish notes that the three principles of the legendary John Rockefeller - Priority, Data and Rhythm - still form the basis of effective management. In addition to these three principles, leading companies also use Harnish's “One Page strategic plan". Although the book is primarily aimed at business owners and senior executives, it contains universal ideas and strategies for managers of all levels.

If you notice any great books we missed should be included in the article, add them in the comments below!

Starting and building your own business is a priority for the vast majority of modern school graduates, although few of them realize how difficult it is. In addition to various technical difficulties and pitfalls, every novice entrepreneur must cultivate in himself quite specific skills and abilities that are far from developed in everyone from birth. That is why you need to devote a lot of time to self-development, which will be the foundation of your future well-being.

Over the past decades, a large amount of literature has been written that will help budding businessmen avoid mistakes, shape the thinking of a successful person and, ultimately, save a lot of money. The business literature presented below is the best books that are worth reading for both potential oligarchs and simply caring people who want to properly build their own lives.

Napoleon Hill "Think and Grow Rich"

"Don't wait for the right moment, it may never come."

Published in 1928, this book has become a real bestseller of all time, having gone through several dozen reprints and translated into more than 50 languages ​​of the world. This is one of the best books written in a simple and accessible language, where the author consistently describes, point by point, how to create your personal life plan and what to do to succeed in life.

The entire story is based solely on the examples of hundreds of successful people who, overcoming everyday difficulties, achieve their goals.

Peter Drucker "Effective Leader"

“The productivity of a representative of this type of labor (mental) is expressed in his ability to do what is needed, and to do it right. This is what is called efficiency ... "

In Western business circles, Peter Drucker is considered the founder of modern management, who was able, in his several books, to describe the methods and principles of managing an enterprise of any size and income. "An effective leader" is one of the fundamental and most popular works in which the author comes to the paradoxical conclusion that it is not always an excellent specialist that becomes an effective manager.

The author concludes that own efficiency it is possible and necessary to learn, since this is not an innate quality and comes only with experience. Here are five sequential steps that can be studied to develop the necessary skills for successful team management. This is a book for business, about business, personal efficiency and human self-development.

Bill Gates "Business at the Speed ​​of Thought"

“The wrong strategy will fail anyway, no matter how well the information management is organized. And poor execution will ruin the best strategy. "

An excellent recipe for building your own business empire from scratch from one of the richest people in the world. Paying tribute to the management talent, intuition, self-development of the team, the creator of Microsoft makes the main emphasis on integrating information technology into all business processes of the company.

According to the author, when creating or restructuring a company in our time (and the book was written in 1998), it is important to correctly implement modern information systems, which play the role of a kind of nervous system. The presence of a developed information component helps managers to better understand the structure of the company and understand all aspects of its activities.

Dale Carnegie "How to Win Friends and Influence People"

"Remember that the person talking to you is hundreds of times more interested in himself, his desires and problems, than in you and your deeds."

This book, which is not the last in our ranking, can be called an anthology of human relations, which will be useful for any person to read, not just the head of an enterprise. Here are collected the most valuable advice for every day from an experienced psychologist and publicist, who in an accessible form with a mass of examples shows how to learn the right human relationships.

This book was written more than 70 years ago, but it has not lost its relevance in the modern world - the numerous tips described in it are useful and, for the most part, unique. They will help you build relationships with employees, management and neighbors, which is very important, because they are the basis of life.

Lee Iacocca "Career Manager"

“Failures form a natural component part life, and you need to carefully choose how you respond to them. "

This autobiography is from a legendary senior executive in the American automotive industry who is essentially study guide on anti-crisis management. Lee Iacocca at one time made a career at Ford, going from a simple engineer to the president. After a conflict with Henry Ford, he was forced to resign and shortly afterwards received an offer to head the board of Chrysler, which is a direct competitor and was in a serious crisis at the time.

As a result of the measures taken by the author, the second largest automobile company not only avoided bankruptcy, but also significantly improved its position in the market. All this is described in the bestseller, which everyone should read - it is not only interesting, but also informative as an example of a person who knew how not only to rejoice in his successes, but also to overcome with honor the numerous troubles that arose on his way regularly.

Lee Iacocca has written several books, many of which are the best books on business planning and are recommended reading alongside this one.

Stephen R. Covey "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"

“Remember: knowing and not doing is the same as not knowing. To be able and not to do is the same as not to be able. "

In 2011, the acclaimed publication Time named this personal cultivation book by a practicing consultant as one of the top 25 business books. Written in simple language and beautifully motivating, the book teaches the reader how to make difficult things easy to do. The main message is that only constant self-development will allow a person to fully realize their potential and transfer it to the material domain - money.

Jeffrey K. Liker "Toyota Tao"

The most unusual book from our rating, tentatively titled "Best Business Books 2017". It stands out from the general row in that it is intended primarily for professional managers who want to optimize and streamline business processes in a manufacturing enterprise.

We all know that the Toyota concern has been the largest automaker in the world for several years in a row, which has easily surpassed its competitors, primarily due to the fact that it offers high-quality products at prices lower than those of competitors-manufacturers. The book describes a unique business philosophy developed over decades and based on 14 management principles, the implementation of which led the corporation to success. Particular emphasis is placed on respect for the staff, their education and self-development.

Donald Trump "Think big and don't slow down"

"Dream big, because as a result, you will do what you dreamed of."

Another recipe for success for beginners from a billionaire on how to create your own real estate business. The current President of the United States shares the recipes that helped him build and successfully develop his business empire. A cruel world in which "man to man is a wolf" requires the appropriate qualities - endurance, stamina and toughness.

Despite the obvious business focus, the publication will be interesting to everyone who wants to plunge into the inner world and experiences of this extraordinary person - the text is replete with arguments about things that are outside the scope of a businessman, as well as simple and logical advice for everyday life.

Robert Kiyosaki "Before Starting Your Business"

“As much as I want to quit, I won't do it today. I'll give it all up tomorrow. "

A well thought out and laid out path from a talented theorist, moving along which you cannot fail to achieve success. This is how you can briefly describe the essence of this book, which is recommended for reading to everyone who is tired of obeying the authorities and who wants to start a business. According to many reviews, it is very practical, with actionable advice that answers pressing questions.

Maxim Batyrev “45 tattoos of the manager. Rules of the Russian leader "

“We must not forget the rule: they come to work in a company and leave the manager. Is always."

It is no coincidence that this book ends our rating - unlike the overwhelming majority of similar publications, it was written by a practicing manager who went all the way from an ordinary employee to a board member in one Russian company... Accordingly, the entire list of his 45 tattoos (as he calls his own lessons or the conclusions he made in the process of work) are made in our Russian realities and are as close as possible to our reality and the rules of business. In fact, the author lays out a number of important rules to follow in the process of building your own career and that will help you achieve your goals.

We recommend this kind of literature to everyone - both beginners and professionals in the field of management, everyone will be able to find in them a lot of new and useful things for themselves. The main thing is to be able to extract rational grain from what you read and be able to use it in everyday life.