Read these 4 books to be the best business owner you can be
by Amy Colett for Optix
It does not matter if you are running your first business or your fifth — knowledge is always power. Much of the information we get today comes from the internet, but books remain a tried and true partner in our quest to be the best boss we can be. If you are a business owner trying to decide what to add to your library, keep reading.
How to Use Limited Liability Companies & Limited Partnerships: Getting the Most Out of Your Legal Structure
Written by corporate attorney Garrett Sutton, How to Use Limited Liability Companies & Limited Partnerships: Getting the Most Out of Your Legal Structure covers information about creating an LLC. This is an excellent topic as business formation is crucial. However, keep in mind that while the book covers many legal areas, rules and regulations change often and on a state-by-state basis. The benefits of an LLC, which include lower taxes and flexible business structure, may also change from time to time, so do utilize the internet for research before you begin the process.
First, Break All the Rules
From Gallup comes First, Break All the Rules. This book shares the wisdom of successful managers, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small entrepreneurial enterprises. It discusses, in part, why your instincts are better than you might think and even asserts that it’s okay to play favorites as a business leader. When you look at the most well-known business leaders of today, you’ll see that they all had one thing in common: they did not always play by the rules.
Emotional Intelligence 2.0
When we think of business, we often think about intelligence. But few of us consider that emotional intelligence is just as important as knowledge and technical skills. According to the Institute for Health and Human Potential, managing emotions is crucial when we must meet deadlines or have to work through setbacks or sparse resources. Emotional intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves sheds light on this little-understood aspect of our personal psychology. By understanding your emotional intelligence, you’ll be in a better position to handle the ups and downs that come with starting a business.
The $100 Startup
If your enterprising endeavors involve a shoestring budget, The $100 Startup is a must-read. Author Chris Guillebeau has never held a “real job.” Instead, the serial entrepreneur has a special talent for turning ideas into profits. The book highlights 50 case studies of professionals who have launched profitable businesses for less money than you would spend on a nice meal out. And if you don’t have the time to sit down and read, you can always listen on Audible during your morning and evening commute.
Whether you choose these books or the many others available on various topics (business or otherwise), keep in mind that reading is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your business. Not only do you have an opportunity to learn something new, but reading is also known to improve your thinking and people skills and stimulate creativity. As an added benefit, reading can help reduce stress levels so that you are not always on edge. So whatever books you select, know that there are benefits that go well beyond the pages.
Not ready to commit to 500 pages just yet? Check out the Openly Confident Blog by Optix Communications for bite-sized chunks of business-based wisdom.