Last year I read an article somewhere (forgot to keep a link) by a woman who tracked all the books she read during the year. If I recall correctly, she had read 165 books in 2015! That’s astounding. And, it inspired me to start a spreadsheet to track the books I read in 2016.

I’ve come nowhere close to 165 books… more like 52. My reading list is eclectic. From police thrillers to memoirs. From literary fiction to non-fiction. My tastes are diverse. 

When I was a kid, I read all the time. That was my favorite thing to do and the neighbor kids teased me a lot, calling me a bookworm. At age 6 and 7, I didn’t like that nickname, though it was spot on.

Then, as I spent more and more time working online, I found I read fewer and fewer books. I read all day long on a monitor so I didn’t have the desire to read at the end of the day.

I changed that this year. I watched fewer escapist shows on Netflix and read more. And, I loved returning to my long-time reading habit. 

Reviewing my reading spreadsheet a few days ago, I was reminded of a few business-oriented books that I read and loved. That got me wondering about the best business books others in my networks had read this past year. I asked on Facebook and LinkedIn. I created a survey and sent it to a few people on my email list. [You’re invited to add your fave biz book to the survey at the end of the post.]

And now, I present the list of best business books recommended by your peers, for your consideration… which ones intrigue you… which ones would make good gifts for the entrepreneurs in your life? 

Best Business Books I Recommend

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande

I loved this book for the story of a simple tool — the checklist — that Gawande relates. Through research and case studies, Gawande reveals how important checklists are applied to diverse businesses in an attempt to deconstruct complexity, save lives and avoid errors. 

Non Obvious 2017: How to Think Different, Curate Ideas & Predict the Future by Rohit Bhargava

This brand new book quickly became one of my favorites of the year. I’ve known and followed Bhargava’s work for years. His annual Non Obvious trend reports are a fascinating look at what we can expect in the coming years. This year’s book takes his work a step further because Bhargava pulls back the curtain to show us exactly how he discovers and curates the trends most forecasters don’t see. This book is one to read over the holidays so you’re ready to take advantage of deep insights that can impact your business.

Best Business Books Recommended by Biz Owners

In no particular order of importance, the following are business books read and recommended by colleagues and clients. You’ll note that not all the books were published in 2016. That was not the question I asked. Many books offer timeless wisdom and I was curious to know what my colleagues and clients had read in 2016 that they considered the best.

I offer no opinions on these books since there’s only one that I’ve read… Getting Things Done by David Allen … and that was quite awhile ago. However, you’re welcome to share your opinion in the comments, on any of the books you’ve read. 

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown – recommended by 5 people! I put a hold on this one at the library and there’s a long wait.

Sacred Success: A Course in Financial Miracles by Barbara Stanny

Beyond Satisfaction: The Secret to Crafting a Profitable Online Course That Will Change Lives by Breanne Dyck

Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal by Oren Klaff

Born For This: How to Find the Work You Were Meant to Do by Chris Guillebeau

The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage by Daymond John

Get It Done: From Procrastination to Creative Genius in 15 Minutes a Day by Sam Bennett

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks

Conscious Capitalism, With a New Preface by the Authors: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business by John Mackey

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

Scaling Lean: Mastering the Key Metrics for Startup Growth by Ash Maurya

The Miracle Morning for Network Marketers: Grow Yourself FIRST to Grow Your Business Fast by Hal Elrod

The Secret of the Ages by Robert Collier

Unleash Possible: A Marketing Playbook That Drives B2B Sales by Samantha Stone

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal

Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum by Neil Patel

Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation by Tim Brown

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others by Daniel Pink

The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell

The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness by Jeff Olson

Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps: Get Funding from Sponsors Even if You’re Just Getting Started by Linda Hollander

Add Your Favorite Business Book

Want to add your favorite business book to the list? Use the form below.  Periodically I’ll check and add new titles to the list.

Many thanks to the following folks for their contributions to the list: Liana George, Lou Bortone, Lorenda Phillips, Paula Gregorowitcz, Kim Ravida, Jo Guerra, Lisa Douthit, Doug Peterson, Linda Dessau, Yvonne DeVita, Terry Loving, Jeremie Miller, Robin Forster, Bill Irwin, Stephan Hovnanian, Kay Newton, Kay Ross, Shawn Shepard, Judy Rodman, Trudy Von Buskirk, Chris Mattison, Michelle Goodhew, and Dale Susan Edwards. A few others contributed as well but did so anonymously.

Note: All titles are linked to Amazon.com with my affiliate link. The few pennies I earn on a book sale help me sustain my bookworm habit!

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