It’s no secret that I love reading! Ever since I started my business back in 2017, books have been one of my favorite ways to learn, grow, and find encouragement. Over the years, I’ve discovered some favorites that have not only shaped how I run my business but also how I see myself as a business owner.
In this post, I want to share a few of my favorites with you. Books that have inspired me, challenged me, and given me practical tools I still use. My hope is that at least one of these will help you on your own business journey.
Big Magic
I believe everyone needs to read Big Magic! Especially if you want to pursue any kind of creative endeavor. And if you’re building your own blog or business, you are doing just that!
One of my favorite takeaways is – “You don’t need anybody’s permission to live a creative life.”
We don’t need someone else’s permission to do something that we love! According to Elizabeth Gilbert, we’re entitled to it!
“Creative entitlement simply means believing that you are allowed to be here, and that – merely by being here – you are allowed to have a voice and vision of your own.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic will give you the encouragement that you need to chase your dreams! And reaffirm the path that you’re taking towards your dreams. It certainly did for me. Big Magic is truly an uplifting read! And there’s so many great lessons to be learned from reading it.
Living Over Existing
This book came to right around the time I started my VA business. And I knew that God meant for it to come into my life. Alisha Robertson is not only an entrepreneur but a Christian. Reading about her journey to living a life filled with purpose and living out her dream was so inspiring to me. It gave me so much encouragement, and reminded me to spend some time praying about my journey. Even if you’re not a Christian there is still plenty to glean from this book.
5 Second Rule
I read this book for a book club. It took me a while to read it, not because it wasn’t good, but because I needed time to process all the great advice in this book! Mel Robbins tells it like it is and give us a simple tool with her 5 Second Rule. She reminded us that we have the power to change our own lives simply by making small, yet courageous choices everyday.
Profit First
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz is the book I wish I read sooner! Everyone recommended it and I bought but it sat on my shelf for years. Profit First made a huge difference in how I handle my business finances.
I finally sat down, took inventory, and got honest with myself about my business expenses. I let many things go that I thought I had to have to run my business. And I found my business ran just fine without those things.
Don’t Ask Me to Be Loud
Don’t Ask Me to Be Loud: The Introverted Girl’s Guide to Online Business by Nicole Kepic is another book I wish I had read sooner. Of course, it wasn’t actually out when I first started by business. If you’re an introvert like me you will appreciate Nicole’s approach to marketing and running a business. Plus she shares some great copywriting tips!
Chill and Prosper
If you’re not about the hustle when it comes to your business, then Chill and Prosper: The New Way to Grow Your Business, Make Millions, and Change the World by Denise Duffield-Thomas is the book for you! I love Denise’s approach to business. It doesn’t have to be the way so many entrepreneurs portray it – as in your business if your life. Instead, your business supports the life you want to have.
Reading has been such an important part of my journey as a business owner, and I really believe the right book can shift your mindset, encourage you, and even change the way you run your business. Each of these books has given me something valuable, whether it’s inspiration, practical systems, or the reminder that it’s okay to do business your own way. I hope you’ll add at least one of these books to your to be read list. You never know what lessons, encouragement, or breakthroughs will be waiting for you!
