Running a business in 2025 is fast-paced and competitive. Whether you’re starting or scaling up, one of the smartest ways to grow is by learning from entrepreneurs who’ve already succeeded. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best business books for small business owners, books that offer proven systems, mindset shifts, financial wisdom, and marketing strategies.
These books are more than just motivational—they’re actionable. Each one can help you build a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable business.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you.
1. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
Why it’s essential to read: The best business books.
This classic explains why most small businesses fail—and how you can avoid becoming a statistic. Gerber shows how to work on your business, not just in it, by developing systems that run independently of you.
Read the full summary of E-Myth Revised
Key Takeaways:
- Avoid the “entrepreneurial seizure” of doing everything yourself.
- Build systems so your business becomes scalable and consistent.
- Think like a franchise: standardize operations even if you never franchise.
Get The E-Myth Revisited on Amazon
2. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: Best business books
Why it’s a must-read:
Most small business owners focus on sales and expenses, hoping profit shows up at the end. Profit First flips the formula—pay yourself first and run your business on what’s left.
In-depth summary of profit first
Key Takeaways:
- Always allocate profit first, don’t wait for leftovers.
- Use multiple bank accounts to manage finances.
- A small business can be profitable from day one with discipline.
3. Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz: best business books
Why it’s a must-read:
This book teaches you how to design your business to run like, well, clockwork. It’s about creating freedom, efficiency, and the ability to step away while your systems work for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Identify your “Queen Bee Role”—the most vital task your business depends on.
- Delegate, document, and trust your team.
- Step away to test whether your systems work.
4. Company of One by Paul Jarvis
Why it’s a must-read: Best business books
Growth isn’t always the answer. This book challenges the scale-at-all-costs mentality, arguing that staying small can be more profitable, sustainable, and fulfilling.
Read the Full summary of the company of one
Key Takeaways:
- Success isn’t always about expansion.
- Build a business around your values and lifestyle.
- A lean, solo business can outperform a bloated company.
5. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Why it’s a must-read: the best business books
This is essential reading for any business owner launching a new product or service. Ries introduces a method for building a startup under uncertainty—testing, learning, and adapting fast.
Key Takeaways:
- Use the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop.
- Don’t waste time building something no one wants.
- Validate your ideas before investing heavily.
Get The Lean Startup on Amazon
6. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Why it’s a must-read:
Though not strictly a business book, it’s vital for small business owners. This book helps you build better habits, break bad ones, and become more productive every day.
Key Takeaways:
- Small habits compound into massive results.
- Focus on systems, not just goals.
- Make good habits obvious and bad habits hard.
7. The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib
Why it’s a must-read:
Marketing is overwhelming for most small business owners. These best business books offer a compelling, actionable one-page plan designed to attract leads and transform them into loyal customers effectively.
Key Takeaways:
- Stop guessing and create a structured marketing plan.
- Know your audience deeply and craft a compelling message.
- Automate and measure for consistent growth.
Get The 1-Page Marketing Plan on Amazon
8. Deep Work by Cal Newport
Why it’s a must-read: the best business books
Distractions kill productivity. Newport teaches how to focus deeply on tasks that move the needle in your business, a must in today’s distracted world.
Key Takeaways:
- Deep work leads to greater output and innovation.
- Block off focused time—protect it like your most important meeting.
- Eliminate shallow tasks that drain your energy.
9. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Why it’s a must-read: The Best Business Books
This book helps you find your business’s deeper purpose—your “why”—which in turn inspires your customers and team. It’s powerful for branding, culture, and marketing.
Key Takeaways:
- People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.
- Great leaders and brands lead with purpose.
- Clarifying your “why” builds loyalty and trust.
10. Built to Sell by John Warrillow
Why it’s a must-read: The Best Business Books
Even if you don’t plan to sell your business, this book will teach you how to create a company that’s not dependent on you and has real value.
Key Takeaways:
- Specialize in one service and systematize it.
- Make your business appealing to potential buyers—even if you never sell.
- Avoid over-customization and owner dependency.
11. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
Why it’s a must-read: The Best Business Books
This proves you don’t need investors or a huge budget to succeed. Learn how real people built successful businesses with small investments and strong ideas.
Key Takeaways:
- Action beats planning—start now with what you have.
- Focus on skills you already have that others will pay for.
- Simplicity often wins over complexity.
Get The $100 Startup on Amazon
12. Good to Great by Jim Collins
Why it’s a must-read: The Best Business Books
Collins explores how companies transition from good to great—and why most fail. Small business owners can adapt these insights to build long-term, enduring companies.
Key Takeaways:
- Get the right people “on the bus” before deciding where to go.
- Confront the brutal facts while keeping faith.
- Focus on your Hedgehog Concept: what you’re best at, passionate about, and what drives your economic engine.
13. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Why it’s a must-read:
If you’re overwhelmed, this book teaches how to focus on what matters and eliminate the rest. It’s perfect for busy entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways:
- Less but better. Focus only on what’s essential.
- Say no more often to protect your time and energy.
- Create space for strategic thinking.
14. The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman
Why it’s a must-read:
This book distills an entire MBA into simple, no-fluff lessons for running a business. It’s like business school without the debt.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand value creation, marketing, sales, and systems.
- Master decision-making and productivity.
- Learn fast, take action, and adapt.
Get The Personal MBA on Amazon
15. Escape the Small Business Trap by Alex K. (Coming Soon)
Why it’s worth watching for:
Set to release in 2025, this book is written specifically for modern small business owners who feel stuck in survival mode. It promises to combine case studies, practical strategies, and smart exit planning for entrepreneurs who want to scale or exit intelligently.
What to Expect:
- Real-world stories of businesses that scaled or strategically exited
- Step-by-step strategies for identifying when to grow and when to walk away
- A guide to building a business that works with or without you
Join the waitlist or get notified when it’s available: Sign up here
Final Thoughts
The best business books for small business owners aren’t just inspirational, they’re instructional. Each one above can guide you toward building a business that works for you, not one that burns you out. Pick one, apply the lessons, and grow smarter, not harder