Best Books for Small Business Owners 2024

If you're an entrepreneur or small business owner, you're probably busy setting goals and targets for the new year already. We've curated a selection of books which will help you get inspired and refocus your priorities, with stories of business success, failures and life lessons from leaders in every industry.

24 Assets by Daniel Priestley (buy here)

If you're looking to build a scalable, profitable business, then 24 Assets provides the framework for success in the digital age. Priestly sets out the key differences between companies that are capable of scaling quickly and building value, and those that are destined to fail.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (buy here)

Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow provides a psychological deep dive into how the human brain makes decisions; although we may see ourselves as rational beings, all of our decision making is affected by unconscious prejudices and errors in judgement. The lessons learnt here can be applied to your business to make slower, more intential choices, but can be applied across the rest of decision making too.

Bad Blood by John Carryrou (buy here)

The infamous case of Theranos and CEO Elizabeth Holmes made world news, and made a lasting impact on the tech industry and Silicon Valley. Bad Blood is a cautionary tale, depicting how company culture, investor pressures and Holme's leadership led to one of the greatest corporate frauds in modern history.

Working Hard, Hardly Working (buy here)

Having transformed her Instagram following into two multi-million pound businesses, Beverley is familiar with the 24/7 'hustle culture' imposed upon today's entrepreneurs. Working Hard, Hardly Working gives practical tips to remain productive without suffering from burnout, and shares advice for the new generation entering the ever-changing world of work.

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown (buy here)

Far from the traditional depictions of great leaders as unflinching, goal-driven robots, Brown proposes that good leadership stems from a place of vulnerability. Dare to Lead is a great read if you're looking to build a culture of collaboration and connection, where employees feel safe to share and engage in important conversations.

Start with Why by Simon Sinek (buy here)

If you're feeling a little lost with your business goals and ambitions, it can be benefitial to return to your 'why'. Sinek believes that the 'why' behind your business is more important when it comes to building loyalty than the 'what', and is what differentiates you from your competitiors. Focusing on the core purpose of your business can not only help build trust from customers, but cultivates a better employee culture and a sense of belonging.

Four Thousands Days by Duane Jackson (buy here)

Four Thousand Days tells the inspiring story that led Duane Jackson from inmate to millionaire in just 4000 days. After spending his childhood in the care system and gaining no qualifications, Jackson fell into a life of crime which eventually led to his incarceration. However, determined to change his life trajectory, on his release he founded a business which eventually sold for £20m. Although your challenges may not be as great as Jackson's, most business owners can agree with his philosophy;

"The secret is that there is no secret. There was no overnight success or magic button to press. It was a case of being determined, working hard and not allowing yourself to be at the mery of fate of other peoples will."

Last updated 23/02/2024: Title change (date) by MW