6 Top Entrepreneurship Books Every Business Owner Should Read
Years of Lessons & Growth
Some good years into entrepreneurship, and I can confidently say that the biggest lessons don’t come from strategy calls or social media plans. They come from personal growth.
From celebrating my very first client to learning through a few failed launches, it’s been years full of lessons, late nights, and growth I never expected.
When I first started, I thought success meant mastering strategy, marketing, and systems (and don’t get me wrong, those matter!) but I quickly learned that personal development is what really keeps an entrepreneur going.
Every day, I carve out just 10–15 minutes to read or listen to something that fuels me. That small habit has made a huge impact, helping me grow not just as a business owner, but as a mom, coach, and human.
So, in the spirit of reflection and growth, I'm sharing six books I think every entrepreneur should read—the ones that have shaped my mindset, routines, business decisions, and definition of success.
And this list looks a little different than when I originally wrote it, because I can officially add something I never imagined I'd be able to say: One of the books on this list is now a book I helped write. 🥹
Becoming a published—and Amazon bestselling—author has given me an entirely new perspective on the role our stories, experiences, and definitions of success play in entrepreneurship. So naturally, I had to come back and give this post an update.
If we haven't met yet, I’m Brittany, an online marketing strategist for female entrepreneurs. I teach women how to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality through smart, actionable marketing strategies that get them seen, loved, and paid. Whether you’re eager to DIY your way to success or hire professionals to help you along the way–my goal is to make sure you walk away with the clarity you need to see the results you desire and build a life you love.
P.S. These are great reads even if you’re not in your first year of business I just thought it was a catchy title 😜. So let's dive in!
Table of Contents
Why Reading Is the Secret to Entrepreneurial Success
Business growth and personal growth go hand in hand. You can have the best strategy in the world, but if your mindset isn’t in the right place, burnout, doubt, and overwhelm will always creep in.
Setting aside just 10–15 minutes a day for personal development has been a total game-changer. Those small moments of learning sharpen your focus, build your confidence, and help you make clearer, more intentional decisions in your business.
Reading is about learning how to think like an entrepreneur. It helps you see challenges as lessons, adapt with resilience, and find balance when things feel chaotic. So before you chase the next big strategy, start by filling your cup. A few pages a day can completely change how you show up for your business and yourself.
Book #1 — Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
If there’s one book that taught me more about managing money as an entrepreneur than business school ever did, it’s Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. It gives you a simple, actionable system to make your business profitable from day one.
The core idea is simple: pay yourself first. Instead of waiting to see what’s left at the end of the month (spoiler alert: it’s usually nothing), you set aside profit first and then manage expenses around it. It’s a mindset shift that changes how you view money and business sustainability. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about running a sustainable business without constantly stressing over cash flow.
This is one book I like to own so I can refer to it again and again. Order your own copy here.
Book #2 — The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins
If Book #1 was about money, Book #2 is all about mindset. Mel Robbins’ The High 5 Habit taught me a truth that changed how I approach my business: you are your business and your energy sets the tone.
The idea is simple yet powerful: every morning, give yourself a high five in the mirror. It sounds almost silly, but it’s a small act that reinforces self-confidence, positivity, and motivation before the chaos of the day hits. To take it further, I paired it with The High 5 Journal, where I jot down wins, intentions, and reflections daily. This practice became a cornerstone for keeping my mindset strong and avoiding the overwhelm that often sneaks up on new entrepreneurs. Reading this book didn’t just inspire me; it gave me practical ways to show up fully for my business and myself.
If you’re searching for entrepreneur mindset books, best self-development books for entrepreneurs, or a guide to the Mel Robbins business mindset, this is a must-read. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t just about strategy, it starts with believing in yourself.
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Book #3 — The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
If there’s one lesson every new entrepreneur needs, it’s this: small, consistent actions lead to massive results over time. Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect nails this principle, showing that success isn’t about huge leaps, it’s about the tiny, daily choices that add up.
For busy entrepreneurs like us, this book is a reality check. Forget overcomplicating productivity hacks; Hardy’s advice is practical and realistic, helping you make incremental progress without burning out. Whether it’s sending a few more emails, tweaking your social strategy, or dedicating 15 minutes to learning something new, these micro-actions compound into meaningful growth.
Book #4 — Atomic Habits by James Clear
By the time I picked up Atomic Habits by James Clear, I already knew that consistency was key but this book showed me how to actually make it stick. Clear breaks down habit formation in a way that’s practical, actionable, and surprisingly empowering.
Some of my favourite insights include habit stacking, identity-based habits, and celebrating small wins along the way. These concepts helped me turn vague strategies into systems that actually work. For example, instead of just “posting on social media consistently,” I created a mini routine that made it almost automatic, no more scrambling at 9 PM wondering what to share!
Strong habits = consistent results. Reading Atomic Habits didn’t just improve my productivity; it gave me a framework to design my business and my life intentionally.
Book #5 — The Monarch: Signature 8 Method by Amanda Wilson-Ciocci
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or still refining your business model, The Monarch: Signature 8 Method by Amanda Wilson-Ciocci is a must-read. This book is all about clarity and launch strategy, giving you a step-by-step framework to prepare your business for takeoff.
One of my favorite lessons is “The longer the runway, the better the take-off.” In other words, taking the time to plan, strategize, and test your ideas before going full throttle makes your launch smoother and more sustainable. Also, Amanda’s sales page guide stood out for me and it wasn’t just theory, it was a practical tool I could implement immediately.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed before starting, I also recommend following this up with One Decision Away. It’s a perfect companion to gain clarity and confidence before diving in. The book highlights a series of women and their ‘one decision’ that changed the course of their life for the better. It’s incredibly motivational so existing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Book #6 — Success Redefined
This one feels a little surreal to add to the list because, unlike every other book here, I actually helped write it. 🥹
Success Redefined is a collaborative book featuring stories from women who have had to question what success really means to them—and build lives, businesses, careers, and identities that don't necessarily fit the version of success we're taught to chase.
My own chapter shares a lesson that has become increasingly important throughout my entrepreneurial journey: success doesn't have to look impressive to everyone else to be meaningful to you.
When I started my business, it was easy to measure growth through clients, revenue, followers, launches, and all of the other numbers entrepreneurs are constantly encouraged to track. And those things still matter.
But over the years, my definition of success has changed.
Success can also look like building a business around your family instead of constantly choosing between the two. Creating systems that give you more freedom. Saying no to opportunities that don't fit the life you're building. Choosing sustainable growth instead of growth at all costs. Or simply recognizing that the goal you're chasing doesn't actually belong to you anymore.
That's why I think Success Redefined belongs on a list of entrepreneurship books.
It's not a step-by-step business strategy book. Instead, it asks you to think about something that should probably come before the strategy: What are you actually building all of this for?
The stories throughout the book offer different perspectives on success, growth, identity, resilience, and choosing a path that feels like your own.
And yes, I'm obviously a little biased about this recommendation. 😂 But becoming a published author—and an Amazon bestselling one at that—is something I'm incredibly proud of, and I hope my chapter helps another entrepreneur give herself permission to build a version of success that actually fits her life.
[Order Success Redefined →]
Bonus Books for Aspiring or New Entrepreneurs
If you’re still in the planning phase or navigating your first few months of business, these bonus picks are perfect for building mindset, confidence, and clarity:
Two Weeks Notice by Amy Porterfield — The ultimate guide for leaving your 9–5 and starting your business strong. Amy walks you through practical steps so you can transition confidently without feeling overwhelmed.
How Are You, Really? by Jenna Kutcher — A must-read for finding balance and redefining what success means on your own terms. It’s part business mindset, part life strategy.
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins — Learn how to protect your energy, set boundaries, and build peace of mind while growing your business.
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero — Confidence and self-belief in overdrive. This book is like a pep talk in print for anyone doubting themselves as an entrepreneur.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle — Perfect for aligning your business and personal life with authenticity, ensuring the work you do reflects your values.
Whether you’re looking for the best books for new entrepreneurs, top business motivation books, or practical books for starting your business, these reads will give you a mindset boost and a clear path forward before you even hit the launch button.
What These Books Taught Me
Looking back, each of these books played a unique role in shaping how I think, work, and grow, not just as a business owner, but as a person. Here are the biggest lessons I took away from each one:
Profit First → Pay yourself first. Prioritizing profit builds stability and confidence.
The High 5 Habit → Protect your mindset. Your energy influences every decision you make.
The Compound Effect → Small steps = big results. Consistency will always outlast intensity.
Atomic Habits → Build systems that support your goals. Sustainable habits create predictable success.
The Monarch → Clarity and planning create smoother launches. Preparation is the ultimate power move.
Success Redefined → Define success for yourself. Build the business and life you actually want, rather than chasing someone else's version of what achievement should look like.
Together, these reads taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t about chasing hustle or constant output. It’s about growth, confidence, and sustainability, building a business that supports your life, not the other way around.
Final Thoughts on Top Entrepreneurship Books
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from reading all these incredible books, it’s that you don’t need to read them all at once. Pick the one that fits where you are right now, whether that’s getting your finances in order, strengthening your mindset, or building better systems.
And remember: true growth doesn’t come from simply reading about success, it comes from implementing what you learn. Even one small change, inspired by a single chapter, can completely shift how you show up in your business.
No matter which book you start with, the best investment you’ll ever make is in yourself.
Ready to Redefine What Success Looks Like for You?
If there's one thing all of these books have reinforced for me, it's that there's no single right way to build a successful business—or a successful life.
And that's exactly why I'm so proud to be one of the contributing authors of Success Redefined.
Inside the book, women from different backgrounds and seasons of life share the experiences that challenged the traditional version of success they thought they were supposed to pursue and what happened when they started defining it for themselves instead.
My chapter shares a piece of my own journey as an entrepreneur, mom, and woman learning that success doesn't have to look impressive from the outside to be meaningful to you.
And I don't want you to simply read the stories and close the book.
I've also created a Success Redefined Workbook to help you reflect on what you're reading, work through your own definition of success, and turn those realizations into something you can actually carry into your life and business.
So if you're ready to add book #6 to your reading list, I'd love to share it with you.
Because maybe the next chapter of your business isn't about doing more.
Maybe it's about getting clearer on what you're doing it all for. 💛
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