Reading is an essential part of personal and professional growth, and when it comes to business, it can be the key to success. As a student, it is important to build a strong foundation of knowledge in the field of business. And what better way to do that than by diving into some of the best business books out there? In this blog, we've put together a list of the top 10 business books that every student must read. From memoirs to self-help guides, these books provide valuable insights and lessons that can help you in your future career. So, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking to expand your business knowledge, these books are a must-read.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
You must have seen this book in every list on the internet and there is a reason we can’t think of building a list of must-read business books without mentioning this one. Written in 1936 by an expert in business, How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the best-selling books ever.
This is a must-read self-help book for anyone interested in improving their interpersonal skills, especially in business. This modern business guide is easy to read and provides valuable insights into changing others' behaviour by changing your own. By understanding the principles outlined in the book, you can better connect with people and achieve success in both personal and professional relationships.
"If you want to improve a person in a certain aspect, act as though that particular trait were already one of his or her outstanding characteristics."
- Giants of Enterprise: Seven Business Innovators and the Empires They Built, by Richard S. Tedlow
This is an insightful book that profiles the lives and achievements of seven successful businessmen who used innovation and modern technologies to build their empires. These icons of business include George Eastman, Thomas Watson, Henry Ford, Charles Revson, Robert N. Noyce, Andrew Carnegie, and Sam Walton.
The book offers a valuable resource for students and professionals alike, with an academic tone that allows readers to learn about the common features shared by these great innovators and the tactics that contributed to their success. It also provides an important historical context for the progress made in business throughout the 20th century. Overall, "Giants of Enterprise" is a must-read for anyone looking to gain insights into the strategies and mindsets of successful business leaders.
“Luck was a luxury, not the basis for a business. Luck had to be a “nice to have,” not a “need to have.”
- Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
This book is a highly influential book that emphasizes the significance of financial education and intelligence. The book's main message is that while hard work is important, it alone may not lead to wealth.
The book provides valuable insights into managing finances, which is a crucial aspect of business success. It serves as an excellent introduction to financial principles for readers with little to no prior knowledge. "Rich Dad Poor Dad" has inspired millions of readers around the world to take control of their finances and make smarter investment decisions.
“The single most powerful asset we all have is our minds. If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth in what seems to be an instant.”
- Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight
This is a captivating memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the early days and evolution of Nike, one of the world's most iconic and profitable brands. As the founder and CEO of Nike, Phil Knight shares his personal journey of building the company from a simple startup to a global powerhouse.
The book inspires readers to dream big and pursue their passions. It emphasizes that success is not an overnight achievement but a result of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. Through his candid storytelling, Knight shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges, failures, and pivotal moments that shaped his success.
Overall, "Shoe Dog" is a powerful and inspirational read that encourages readers to embrace risk, chase their dreams, and never give up on their goals.
“When you see only problems, you’re not seeing clearly.”
- Zero to One, by Peter Thiel
This is a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in business strategy. Drawing from his experience at PayPal and Palantir, Thiel offers insightful ideas and suggestions for technology startups looking to make the greatest leap possible, going from nothing to something.
The book emphasizes the importance of innovation and creating new ideas rather than copying existing ones. Thiel encourages readers to challenge conventional wisdom and to think outside the box. The book is an inspirational read that provides valuable insights into building a successful business from scratch.
Overall, "Zero to One" is a thought-provoking and informative book that offers a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship and innovation. It is a must-read for anyone looking to start a business or interested in business strategy.
“If your product requires advertising or salespeople to sell it, it’s not good enough: technology is primarily about product development, not distribution.”
- Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg
This is a thought-provoking and empowering book that addresses the issue of gender inequality in the workplace. Sandberg shares her own experiences and offers valuable insights on how women can take charge of their careers and push forward in a world where gender bias still exists.
The book is based on extensive research and presents a compelling argument for why it's important for women to lean in and pursue leadership positions. Sandberg encourages women to challenge societal norms and stereotypes and to take risks in their careers. She also acknowledges the obstacles that women face in the workplace and offers practical advice for overcoming them.
Overall, "Lean In" is an insightful and inspiring read that offers valuable advice and guidance for women looking to advance their careers and make a positive impact in the workplace. It's a must-read for anyone interested in promoting gender equality and creating a more inclusive workplace.
“The months and years leading up to having children are not the time to lean back, but the critical time to lean in.”
- The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business, by Josh Kaufman
This is a comprehensive guide that distils the core concepts of business into one affordable book. The author presents over 200 essential business concepts in an easy-to-understand format, allowing readers to gain a solid foundation in the key principles of business.
The book covers the five core elements of business - value creation, marketing, sales, value delivery, and finance - and provides practical advice on how to apply these principles to real-world situations. Kaufman's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book a great resource for anyone looking to improve their business acumen.
Overall, "The Personal MBA" is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their business skills, whether they are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional. The book is well-written, informative, and provides practical advice that can be applied to a wide range of business situations.
“College: two hundred people reading the same book. An obvious mistake. Two hundred people can read two hundred books.”
- Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell
This book challenges the conventional notion of success. Gladwell argues that the factors that contribute to success are more complex than just hard work and talent, and explores how social, cultural, and environmental factors play a role. Through fascinating case studies, Gladwell illustrates that success is not just a matter of personal merit, but rather a result of many external factors that are often beyond an individual's control.
“Who we are cannot be separated from where we're from.”
- Elon Musk: How the Billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla is Shaping Our Future, by Ashlee Vance
This list can not be completed without mentioning the biography of Elon Musk. This book is a captivating biography that chronicles the life of one of the most innovative and influential entrepreneurs of our time. Through Ashlee Vance's well-researched account, readers can gain insight into the various successes and setbacks that Elon Musk experienced throughout his career, including his role in co-founding PayPal, his work with Tesla and SpaceX, and his ambition to revolutionize the world's energy consumption. This book serves as an inspiring and informative read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, technology, or the future of innovation.
“If the rules are such that you can't make progress, then you have to fight the rules.”
- The Lean Startup - Eric Ries
This book is for new entrepreneurs and to be business leaders. Ries presents a revolutionary approach to building and growing a successful startup. He introduces the concept of the "Five Whys" process to identify the root cause of business issues and stresses the importance of conducting customer feedback loops during product development. Ries draws on his extensive experience as a company employee, founder, and advisor to guide entrepreneurs in building sustainable enterprises with minimal upfront costs. The book emphasizes the importance of allowing your goals to guide your plans, while also emphasizing the need to adapt quickly to changing circumstances in the ever-evolving business world.
“A startup is a human institution designed to create under conditions of extreme uncertainty.”
Reading is a powerful tool that can fuel success in every aspect of life, and the world of business is no exception. By immersing yourself in the pages of these top 10 business books, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the industry and the strategies that have led to success for some of the greatest business leaders of our time. So, take the time to invest in yourself and your future by picking up one of these books. Who knows, it may just be the spark you need to ignite your own path to success.
P.S. You can read these books even if you are not a student.