I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. As a kid, books were where I went to learn, escape, and imagine what was possible. And now, as a business owner, that hasn’t really changed—except the stakes feel a little higher.
Over the past four years of growing my photography business, I’ve leaned heavily on books to fill in the gaps between coaching, networking, podcasts, and lived experience. Books have helped me slow down, think deeper, and actually integrate concepts instead of just reacting to the next shiny idea.
These are 7 best business books I’ve read—books I would genuinely recommend to any solopreneur. Not because they promise overnight success, but because they quietly rewire how you think about money, time, habits, and the impact you’re capable of having as you grow. Incorporating the lessons from these 7 best business books can transform your approach to entrepreneurship. In fact, the insights from these 7 best business books have been pivotal in my journey. Exploring these 7 best business books will offer valuable perspectives.
If you’re building a business and want it to be sustainable, intentional, and aligned with real life—start here.
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Key takeaway:
Small, daily changes compound into massive results over time.
What stood out to me most about this book was the emphasis on consistency, not motivation. It reframed success as something built through tiny habits repeated daily, rather than big bursts of effort when inspiration strikes.
How it helped me in my business:
This book shifted how I show up—especially on days when things feel mundane or slow. Instead of asking, “Am I doing enough?” I started asking, “Am I doing the small things consistently?”
The impact has been steadier growth, less burnout, and more trust in the process.
2. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Key takeaway:
Wealth is built through behaviors and habits—not intelligence or complexity.
This book helped me understand that how you behave with money matters far more than how much you know about it. Patience, emotional regulation, and long-term thinking are often the real differentiators.
How it helped me in my business:
It allowed me to step out of comparison and urgency. I started making calmer, more intentional financial decisions—and stopped assuming there was one “right” way to build wealth.
The impact has been more confidence and far less emotional reactivity around money.
3. Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller
Key takeaway:
Your client is the hero. You are the guide.
This book completely refined how I think about messaging. It made me realize that clear communication isn’t about sounding impressive—it’s about being understood by the right people.
How it helped me in my business:
I simplified my messaging on social media, clarified my offers, and started speaking directly to my ideal clients’ problems instead of leading with my credentials and making myself the hero.
The impact has been clearer inquiries, better alignment, and messaging that actually converts.
4. 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Key takeaway:
2x growth adds more. 10x growth subtracts.
This book expanded my thinking around possibility—but more importantly, focus. It made me confront how much time I was spending on the 80% of tasks that weren’t driving real results, instead of doubling down on the 20% that actually move the needle.
How it helped me in my business:
I began eliminating instead of piling on. Saying no became strategic, not selfish.
The impact has been less busywork, more intentional decisions, and clearer priorities.
5. We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
Key takeaways:
Wanting more doesn’t make you greedy.
Outsourcing is a power move.
This book reframed wealth as a tool—one that creates opportunity, choice, and impact. It also helped me recognize where my true genius lies and where I was holding onto tasks that didn’t serve me.
How it helped me in my business:
I started outsourcing more—both in business and life—without guilt. As a mom, this book was especially validating: outsourcing isn’t lazy; it’s smart.
The impact has been more energy, better use of my time, and the ability to create opportunities for others.
6. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Key takeaway:
Profit isn’t what’s left over—it’s intentional.
This book single-handedly changed my business in the past year. It completely transformed how I organize money, pay myself, and think about sustainability.
How it helped me in my business:
I implemented a system that made money feel clear instead of overwhelming. I now pay myself consistently and understand my numbers without fear. I look forward to my money days twice per month.
The impact has been financial clarity, confidence, and a business that feels much safer to grow. I do not fear tax season, and welcome my quarterly bonuses with open arms.
If you’re a solopreneur, this is a 10/10 must-read.
7. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
Key takeaway:
We often limit ourselves more than our circumstances do.
This book helped me recognize patterns of self-sabotage—especially when things were going well. It showed me how easy it is to unconsciously pull back instead of expanding.
How it helped me in my business:
Awareness alone created change. I started noticing when I was playing small or creating unnecessary ceilings.
The impact has been more confidence in holding success and growth. I am more aware of my visibility and how I was afraid of success, now able to face it head on.
Why These are the 7 Best Business Books
None of these books promise overnight success—and that’s exactly why they matter.
They support a kind of growth rooted in clarity, consistency, and intention. The kind that lasts.
If you’re building something of your own and want to grow thoughtfully—these truly are seven of the best business books to start with.
And once your thinking shifts, your business often follows. If you’re ready to book a brand session, you can inquire here.
Ready to Apply This to Your Business?
Reading books can shift your perspective—but applying the right ideas to your business is where real momentum happens.
If you’re feeling clear on what you want, but stuck on how to show up more confidently, refine your messaging, or focus on the work that actually moves the needle, my 1:1 Mentoring + Visibility Calls are designed for exactly that.
In these one-hour sessions, we’ll:
- Clarify your message and positioning
- Identify what’s worth your energy—and what isn’t
- Create a visibility plan that feels aligned and sustainable
- Talk through mindset blocks around being seen, pricing, or growth
This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing the right things—on purpose.
If it feels like the right time, I’m ready when you are.
Book your 1:1 mentoring + visibility call here.
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