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101 Business Books Everyone Can Learn From

October 20th, 2009

From communicating to handling personal finances, from generating ideas to marketing them, become your ultimate you by developing the skills and intellect of a shark-like business person. The must-have business books below are conveniently linked to their Amazon pages, so you can buy and have them delivered straight to your door. Even if you don’t have a passion for business, do yourself a favor and check out these great reads. You’ll find yourself negotiating your way to the top of whatever career you choose.

Top Twenty

These 20 titles are the best of the best in the world of business.

1. Atlas Shrugged: by Ayn Rand. A true business classic with a page-turning plot.
2. 10-10-10: by Suzy Welch. When you’re facing a dilemma, ask these three questions: What are the consequences of my decision in 10 minutes? In 10 months? And in 10 years?
3. The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression: by Amity Shlaes. Look back and forward at the status of mankind in the midst of economic despair.
4. The Informant: by Kurt Eichenwald. A classic tale of business wheelings and dealings.
5. American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House: by John Meacham. Read and study Jackson’s place in business and political history.
6. Street Fighters: The Last 72 Hours of Bear Stearns, the Toughest Firm on Wall Street: by Kate Kelly. These men and women went down, but not without a good fight.
7. House of Cards: A Tale of Hubris and Wretched Excess on Wall Street: by William D. Cohan. As we all know, pride comes before the fall. Learn from the fatal mistakes of those who have gone before us.
8. How The Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In: by Jim Collins. Resilience and perseverence will take you far in life, as this book demonstrates so clearly.
9. The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger: by Marc Levinson. Today’s look at industrialism.
10. Selling the Wheel: by Jeff Cox and Howard Stevens. Advertising, marketing and branding are essential parts of everyday life, so apply these techniques to your own life and watch your reputation skyrocket.
11. The Wealth of Nations: by Adam Smith. Look deeper into the world economy with this revealing guide.
12. The Functions of the Executive: by Chester Barnard. Who are the CEOs and company presidents, and what, exactly, do they do? This book demands the destruction of figureheads, and that those in charge not forget how they got there.
13. The Human Side of Enterprise: by Douglas McGregor. Although it doesn’t always seem like it, the world is still made of people, not money. This great book will show you how to look at business and negotiations on the ground level.
14. The Wisdom of Crowds: by James Surowiecki. Take a look at the way people gather to make a difference.
15. The World is Flat: by Thomas L. Friedman. This book details the most interesting developments of the 21st centry.
16. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t: by Jim Collins. Discover the secrets to going from mediocre to out-of-this-world in whatever your field.
17. The Secret Language of Business: How to Read Anyone in 3 Seconds or Less: by Kevin Hogan. Develop the people skills you need to get through life and through your career successfully.
18. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference: by Malcolm Gladwell. If "the devil is in the details," this book will show you where to look.
19. Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies: by Jim Collins. Whatever you do, you’re probably in it for the long haul. Read this book to find the most important ways to make your business ventures last.
20. In Search of Excellence: by Thomas J. Peters. Become the best you, whoever you are, and whatever you do, and then become even better with the help of this book.

Management Skills

Whether you’re in charge of people, products or projects, these books contain everything you need to know about becoming a better, more effective, more efficient manager.

21. The Unwritten Laws of Business: by W.J. King. This etiquette and professionalism guideline will undoubtedly improve your managerial and relational skills.
22. First, Break All the Rules: by Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman. A nonconformist view of managing and building relationships.
23. 12: Elements of Great Managing: by Rodd Wagner & James Harter. Look at the key characteristics of successful managing in today’s work environment.
24. Growing Great Employees: by Erika Andersen. Hire the right people, then develop them into your star employees.
25. Hiring Smart: by Pierre Mornell. This is another great guide for conducting the best and most productive interviews.
26. The Essential Drucker: by Peter F. Drucker. Sixty years of managerial skills, all rolled into one, easy-to-read book.
27. Tribes: by Seth Godin. Lead by using the most basic rules and theories of interpersonal relationships.
28. The Halo Effect: by Phil Rosenzweig. Read about the nine "business delusions that deceive managers."
29. The New Leader’s 100-Day Action Plan: by George Bradt, et al. So, you’re in charge…what next? Find out how to make your first 100 days your ultimate advantage.
30. Judgement: by Noel Tichy & Warren Bennis. Make good calls, and be confident about your decisions with this great guide.

Effective Communication

There’s a reason some of the most successful people today are businessmen and women, and it has much to do with their communication skills. Read these books to learn how to talk, give presentations, interview, and debate like a professional.

31. Business Communication: by Carol Lehman and Debbie DuFrene. Get the basics of business communication here.
32. Harvard Business Review on Effective Communication: by Harvard Business School Press. Harvard has one of the top ranking business schools in the country, so read this publication for the best advice.
33. Business Communication: Process and Product: by Mary Ellen Guffey. It’s true that communication skills don’t come overnight. If you want to do it right, follow these rules.
34. Messages: The Communication Skills Book: by Matthew McKay. Avoid miscommunication by reading this book.
35. People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts : by Robert Bolton. Bolton’s self-help guide shows you how to handle the toughest aspects of conversation.
36. 101 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills Instantly: by Bennie Bough. Unlike other books, this awesome guide shows you how to make important changes, fast.
37. The Art and Science of Communication: Tools for Effective Communication in the Workplace: by P. S. Perkins and Les Brown. Indeed, effective communication is an art, and an interpersonal science, and this book has what you need to develop the right techniques.
38. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High: by Kerry Patterson, et al. The most important interactions you’ll have in life will involve huge negotiations, so make sure you put your most powerful words forward.
39. Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders: by John Baldoni. Learn from the gurus, and follow in their powerful, successful footsteps.
40. Conversationally Speaking: Tested New Ways to Increase Your Personal and Social Effectiveness: by Alan Garner. The best thing about this book is that its advice is new but just as effective as the older ways of looking at communication.

Smart Investing

If there’s one thing business people are good at, it’s keeping their eyes on the prize. Invest today, and enjoy a life of comfort later.

41. The Neatest Little Guide to Stock Market Investing: by Jason Kelly. This book keeps investing short and sweet, without all the jargon that makes the stock market impossible to understand.
42. The Boglehead’s Guide to Investing: by Taylor Larimore. Another basic investing guide, no fluff included.
43. The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio: by William Bernstein. When broken down into four steps, any concept is doable, even investing.
44. Standard and Poor’s Guide to Money and Investing: by Virginia Morris. This guide is great because it’s a how-to version of something few young people can wrap their minds around.
45. Stock Investing for Dummies: by Paul Mladjenovic. We all know and love the "For Dummies" series, and this book is no different.
46. Investing 101: by Kathy Kristof. Like anything else that ends in 101, this great book gives you the basics and the opportunity to build from the ground-up.
47. The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need: by Andrew Tobias. Is this really all you need for smart investing? Check it out and decide for yourself.
48. The Intelligent Investor: The Classic Text on Value Investing: by Benjamin Graham. This book shoes you not only how to do it, but how to do it right.
49. Investments: Analysis and Management: by Jones. After you’ve made your investments, learn how to track and follow their progress.
50. The Definitive Book on Value Investing: A Book of Practical Counsel: by Jason Zweig, et al. Not everyone can afford a great broker, but this book offers sound advice, almost as if it works for you.

Professional Writing

Do you ever wonder if your coworkers even open your email messages? Learn to write like a business genius and watch how much further your message travels.

51. Effective Business Writing: (A Guide For Those who Write On the Job): by Maryann V. Piotrowski. Check out this book on business writing with expert advice and examples.
52. Business Grammar, Style & Usage: The Most Used Desk Reference for Articulate and Polished Business Writing and Speaking by Executives Worldwide : by Alicia Abell and Aspatore Book Staff. Don’t fall victim to bad grammar and rookie mistakes.
53. The McGraw-Hill 36-Hour Course in Business Writing and Communication: Manage Your Writing: by Kenneth Davis. Make your writing flawless with this book’s help.
54. 10 Steps to Successful Business Writing: by Jack E. Appleman. Follow these easy steps and you’ll never have to worry about your writing again.
55. Writing for Business: Expert Solutions to Everyday Challenges: by Harvard Business School Press. Once again, Harvard brings you tried and true advice about writing well.
56. Writing for Business: What Works, What Won’t: by Wilma Davidson. Trial and error is out of the question for most professionals, so follow these tips to do it right.
57. The Elements of Business Writing: A Guide to Writing Clear, Concise Letters, Memos, Reports, Proposals, and Other Business Documents: by Gary Blake and Robert W. Bly. The title says it all; this book has everything a business writer needs.
58. Houghton Mifflin Strategic Business Letters and E-mail: by Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts. Two of the most important business communications pieces: the letter and the email. Master the art of writing and sending them with this strategic guide.
59. The Business Writer’s Handbook, Ninth Edition: by Gerald J. Aldred, et al. Keep this with you at all times for ultimate writing help.
60. MBA Fundamentals of Business Writing: by Timothy Flood. With these basics, you’ll know everything you need to write like a pro.

Personal Finance

Control your checkbook like an accountant for a more secure, responsible future.

61. Your Money or Your Life: by Joel Dominguez & Vicki Robin. Make the right financial decisions with this book’s help.
62. The Millionaire Next Door: by Thomas Stanley & William Danko. Coveting his car, clothes or mansion? Learn how to get where you want to be by observing those who have reached success.
63. The Boglehead’s Guide to Investing: by Taylor Larimore, et al. Take control of your finances, even if it seems like an overwhelming concept. This book will get you started and keep you going.
64. Fail-Safe Investing: by Harry Browne. Scared about investment risks? Investing should have your respect, not your fear.
65. Work Less, Live More: by Bob Clyatt. You don’t have to be slave to your career. Strike a healthy balance with this great book.
66. It’s Not About the Money: by Brent Kessel. At the end of the day, there are simply more important things in life than striking oil. Keep life in perspective with the help of this guide.
67. Accounting Made Simple: by Mike Piper. Sure, most people go through years of school to become accountants, but anyone can learn the basics–even you!
68. Essentials of Accounting: by Robert N. Anthony and Leslie K. Breitner. These fundamentals are everything you need to get you headed for a balanced checkbook.
69. The McGraw-Hill 36-Hour Course in Finance: by Robert A. Cooke. Devote three days to your financial future with this guidebook and workshop in one.
70. How to Read a Financial Report: by John A. Tracy. Sooner or later, every adult is going to have to conquer the conundrum of report reading. This book will get you started.

Negotiation

From your original proposal, you can expect at least one "no" before you reach your final goal. What you do after that "no" can potentially determine the rest of your life, so make sure to negotiate like you mean it.

71. Bargaining For Advantage : by G. Richard Shell. Get ahead of the game with the right persuasive skills.
72. 3-D Negotiation : by David A. Lax and James K. Sebenius. This book shows you negotiation like you’ve never seen it before.
73. The 4-Hour Workweek: by Timothy Ferriss. With this guide, you’ll learn everything you need about working "smart, not hard."
74. I Will Teach You To Be Rich: by Ramit Sethi. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does buy comfort. This book will help you negotiate the salary you need and deserve.
75. Secrets of Power Negotiating: by Roger Dawson. If you think you know everything there is to know about negotiating, think again. This book has the true secrets of persuasion.
76. The Only Negotiating Guide You’ll Ever Need: 101 Ways to Win Every Time in Any Situation: by Peter B. Stark and Jane Flaherty. Packed with counterarguments and rebuttals, this shows you how negotiating is like a game of chess–and how to win it.
77. Fearless Negotiating: The Wish, Want, Walk Method to Reaching Agreements That Work : by Michael Donaldson. Go from wanting to having, from thinking to doing, with this one of a kind guide.
78. Harvard Business Essentials Guide to Negotiation: by Harvard Business School Press. If you’ve never considered yourself a haggler, this book will help you along the first crucial steps from being a push-over to winning the world over.
79. Getting Past No: by William Ury. You’re bound to hear a firm "no" every now and then; it’s a simple fact of life. How you handle rejection determines who you are in your career, so learn how to do it right with this book.
80. Negotiating with Giants: by Peter D. Johnston. Wish you were bigger, better, faster, or stronger? Learn how to command the attention of whatever audience you face with this expert book.
81. Getting to Yes: by Roger Fisher. Whether in your career, in your family, or in your friendships, learn to negotiate without giving in.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Don’t be afraid to put your ideas out there. Use these books to show you how to cultivate your dreams and imaginings, then turn them into plans that make sense.

82. Entrepreneurship: by Robert Hisrich, Michael Peters, and Dean Shepherd. Learn how to turn your dreams into reality with this thorough book.
83. Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures: by Bruce Barringer and Duane Ireland. Your plan is moot if you can’t launch it correctly, so use this book to make sure your bases are covered.
84. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: by Peter Drucker. Business guru Peter Drucker does it again with this one-stop business guide. Not only can his books be applied to everyday life, they should.
85. Entrepreneurship for Dummies: by Dr. Kathleen Allen Ph.D. This guide is great for readers with little business experience who need to know how to turn an idea into cash.
86. Entrepreneurship: A Process Perspective: by Robert A. Baron and Scott Shane. Again, success doesn’t grow on trees, and even if it did, it might take years to blossom. Learn to be patient yet optimistic with the help of this book.
87. The Art of Innovation: by Tom Kelley and Johnathan Littman. If change is an art, this book makes you Van Gogh. Learn how to control your craft, and then how to share it with the world.
88. Think Better: An Innovator’s Guide to Productive Thinking: by Tim Hurson. An innovation starts as a thought, and only becomes a reality after the thought has enough power to take flight. This book will show you how to give your idea wings.
89. The Game-Changer: How You Can Drive Revenue and Profit Growth with Innovation: by A.G. Lafley and Ram Charan. This book is great for readers who have already found a bit of success but want to take their product or idea to the next level.
90. Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative-Thinking Techniques: by Michael Michalko. Although it can be argued creativity is natural and cannot be learned, this business must-have will fine tune your creative energy and show you what to do with it.
91. Managing Creativity and Innovation: by Harvard Business School Press. Like its title implies, this book doesn’t pretend to teach you how to become an innovator, but rather what to do with it once you get started.

Marketing

Now that you have the resources you need to help your dreams take flight, put the right power behind them to market them into success.

92. Guerrilla Marketing: by Jay Conrad Levinson. The concept of guerrilla marketing was invented as an unconventional system of promotions that relies on time, energy and imagination rather than a big marketing budget. Apply it to your business and see your sales double!
93. Marketing: by Roger Kerin, Steven Hartley, and William Rudelius. These are the very basics of a concept that can make or break your business.
94. Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking: by by Andy Sernovitz, Guy Kawasaki, and Seth Godin. Get your name where it needs to be using the awesome power of networking.
95. Principles of Marketing: by Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong. Learn everything you would in a college course without paying tuition prices. This book contains what you need to market from the ground-up.
96. Duct Tape Marketing: The World’s Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide: by John Jantsch. Face it, new businesses simply don’t generate the revenue necessary for big-scale marketing. This "duct tape" version is the poor man’s guide to rich man selling.
97. Social Media Marketing: by Dave Evans and Susan Bratton. You can’t say "sales" without social media. Use today’s biggest phenomenon to your advantage.
98. Marketing for Dummies: Like the other "For Dummies" books, this is the ultimate reader-friendly marketing book.
99. Self Marketing Power: Branding Yourself As a Business of One: by Jeff Beals. Pay close attention to details, because even if you have the power and smarts to market your company, you won’t get far if you don’t know how to market yourself.
100. The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding: by Al Ries and Laura Ries. Read them, study them, learn them, love them. Get to know these 22 rules and you’ll have everything you need for the ultimate marketing strategy.
101. Brands and Branding, Second Edition: by Rita Clifton and John Simmons. This textbook-like resource is similar to something you might learn in a marketing classroom, but with the convenience of moving at your own pace.

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