Business Classics: The Best Books for Small Business Owners
To achieve success in business, we must learn from those who came before us. And what better way to do so than by diving into business classics – the best books that have withstood the test of time. These books offer solid business advice and should be in every small business owner’s library. In this article, we turn to Ruth King, CEO and founder of Profitability Revolution Paradigm, to find out which books she recommends.
Sales
1. You Can’t Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike at a Seminar by David Sandler
David Sandler’s sales processes are tried and true, and can help any professional salesperson. By following his funnel and implementing his suggestions, you can increase your sales closing ratio and dollar volume. This book also teaches you when to walk away before you spend valuable time on a potential sale that will never become a reality.
2. How to Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins
This is a basic primer for sales that covers definitions, practices, and methods to sell almost everything. Learn words and phrases to use and avoid in this practical, down-to-earth book.
Marketing
3. Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Dan and Chip Heath
Whether you are marketing to customers, potential customers, or your employees, your messages must break through the clutter and be memorable. Dan and Chip Heath show us how to get our ideas to stick by telling a story. The sticker your messages, the better chance of increasing your customer base.
4. The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott
David Meerman Scott constantly revises this book to keep you abreast of the latest changes in marketing and PR. He offers a step-by-step action plan to help you invest your marketing and PR dollars wisely. The latest version includes social media, video, and mobile applications that you can use to reach buyers directly.
Finance
5. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clayson
This book shows you an easy formula to give back without breaking the bank. It also shows you an easy way to handle your business finances. If you are profitable, handle your cash well, and give back, then you will have a nest egg and cash reserves when you need them.
Personal Development
6. Think and Grow Rich and Laws of Success in Sixteen Lessons by Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill is the granddaddy of business personal development books. Andrew Carnegie tasked Napoleon Hill with studying, interviewing, and writing about the habits and routines of successful business magnates to discover what made them successful. The result: these two books that give insight into the thinking patterns and actions of successful businessmen. Copy them, and you have a great chance of being successful.
In conclusion, these books offer valuable insights into sales, marketing, finance, and personal development. By learning from the experiences of others, we can avoid making costly mistakes and increase our chances of success. Remember, it’s not enough to just add these books to your library. You must read them, take notes, and apply the lessons learned to your own business.
