Our main aim at Acorn Enterprise is to educate and accelerate new businesses.
We fundamentally believe in the principal of continuous learning so we actively encourage those we work with to attend seminars, go networking and consume content – especially business books.
Everyone has a different preference when it comes to learning and there is definitely a lot to gain from ‘learning by doing’, however, sometimes the smart approach is to learn from those who have gone before you – learn what worked for them and what didn’t.
Therefore, we feel that reading business books is a vital part of being a business owner, whether you’re just starting out or growing your business. Reading business books can give you inspiration, new ideas and a different perspective – all essential when running a business.
When you’re just starting out, there is so much to learn, so much to do and so many great books that we could recommend that you read. We asked some of the ‘Awesome Acorns’, the new business owners on our 5th 20 week Business Accelerator Programme, to recommend their favourite business books and have come up with the following list, which will help you on your business adventure:
“The E-myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber
Its easy to read, highlights the mistakes being made with a real example and doesn’t bore you with technical jargon!
Recommended by Elaine Rees – owner of Give Me A Hand.
We covered this awesome book in a previous blog, as our very own Kallum with a K met the author, Michael E. Gerber, when he spoke in Glasgow! Check out the, “Lessons Learnt From Hearing the E-myth Author Speak” blog here now…
“The One Thing – The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results” by Gary Keller and Jat Papasan
Because I’m reading it just now and it’s stuck in my mind. The premise brings together so many fundamental aspects to starting a business and leading a successful life. Having a purpose, meaning, productivity, lifestyle all based heavily on Pareto’s 80/20 theory. It’s simple, focus on the ONE thing.
Recommended by Tim Mart – Co-owner of DotCoach.
“Setting Up and Managing Your Own Coffee Bar” by John Richardson
Was realistic and showed what had failed in past and gave lots of great tips. Loved the webinar that you got afterwards also.
Recommended by Gill Robertson – owner of Robertson’s Coffee Shop.
“Start With Why” by Simon Sinek
A real inspirational piece of work, that encourages you to think differently about your business and your reasons for doing what you do.
Recommended by Christine Maitland – owner of Turtle Mummy Crafts.
“Get Rich, Lucky Bitch!” by Denise Duffield Thomas
Ive followed Denise DT for years and find her work, ethics and mindset are all brilliant. Although not directly a ‘business book’ as such, sooooooo much of being a (successful) self employed business owner is about who YOU are and the values and beliefs that you hold…or think that you hold. For me, pricing/value/guilt are all entangled and this book is helping me understand why, and will hopefully also help to untangle me too!
Recommended by Jen Morrison – owner of Impressive Memories.
“Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr Spencer Johnson
Easy to read, and shows why you should never assume things will be certain.
Recommended by Tony Bonello – Co-owner of Bonello Chocolatiers.
“The Power of Habit – Why We Do What We Do and How to Change” by Charles Duhigg
Your habits are why you struggle to change. The book explains why some people struggle for years, where others make it “over night”
Recommended by Paulene Bonello – Co-owner of Bonello Chocolatiers.
Disciplined Entrepreneurship by Bill Aulet
My mentor raves about it. Good enough for me!
Recommended by Suzanne Lothian – owner of It’s Appt.
“The Undercover Economist” by Tim Hartford
Powerful and very readable book on business economics and efficiency.
Recommended by Norman Beasant – Co-owner of Pathway Pilot Training.
Your Turn!
We’d love to hear from you and grow this reading this so what is your favourite (business) book and why?