Whether it’s summer reading or pandemic reading, here are some books on business strategy and entrepreneurship that entrepreneurs and small business owners should have on their reading lists.
Our team at AcceleratingCFO values the content in these books and uses their shared themes as strategy references when assisting clients:
– Don’t think like everyone else.
– Take a stand and realize that not everyone is going to back you.
– Be OK with being uncomfortable when you’re pursuing a higher purpose.
Let us know what you think of these books as well as any other books on business strategy that you would recommend.
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How Successful People Think by John Maxwell
John Maxwell is a prolific author, yet we chose this particular book because it emphasizes the importance of breaking down all barriers and throwing away the “rulebook” when it comes to changing your company’s direction. This is especially timely right now as the pandemic’s impact could cause permanent shifts in how we operate and how our customers interact with us. It also advises leaders to step back and reflect on the direction of their company and “think” through next steps through quiet reflection and consultation with respected experts and mentors.
It also reminds us to stay positive and focus on the good things in life — which is probably the best take-away given our current environment.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Manson’s book reminds us that living a good life is about being true to who you are and forging your own path. Your company’s directional shifts or pivots may not be widely applicable, yet they are successful strategies for your business. Sticking to your convictions and bucking the trend is often what makes successful leaders, such as Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Thomas Edison.
You are who you are. Find peace and understanding with you without apologizing to others or conforming to outside expectations.
The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard
Burchard encourages us to channel our fear and self-doubt into energy and motivation to make the necessary moves needed to thrive. When embarking on bold steps or outside-the-box thinking, paralysis is common, especially in times of crisis. Burchard reminds us that we are divinely inspired to achieve great things. By meeting life with integrity, joy, and gratitude, we are able to defeat our demons and achieve our own aspirational agenda.
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Brene Brown has written many books designed to help leaders connect with their employees. In Daring Greatly, she challenges us to be vulnerable in front of our employees and business partners and reveal our humanistic side. All leaders need to understand that being open does not mean you are “weak” or “timid” but rather someone who can relate to his/her employees and connect with them on an emotional level. The result is a leader who is appealing and relatable who also inspires loyalty. By revealing who you are as a human being, you help your employees become more connected to the business’s broader purpose and to have courage to step into the arena beside you.
Power of Awareness by Neville Goddard
Our spirituality is just as important as our physical and mental states. Goddard reminds us that there is a divine aspect to our lives — and our business. We glean strength and inspiration from meta-physical power to pursue unconventional paths in our industries. By looking both inward and upward, we find the inner strength and determination to bring our companies to heights never seen, nor dreamt of, before.
Take-away: AcceleratingCFO helps companies map out their next steps when there are specific needs, i.e. looking to grow rapidly, seeking to acquire or be acquired by another company, or trying to raise funds to ensure adequate working capital. Reach out to us for a free assessment of your business at info@acceleratingcfo.com. Also, check out these business strategy blogs for entrepreneurs.
Co-founders & Managing Partners
AcceleratingCFO