Books have long been a source of wisdom for business leaders, offering guidance on everything from financial strategy to leadership development. Certain books have stood the test of time, selling millions of copies and earning praise from business icons, investors, and top executives. Whether you’re looking to sharpen leadership skills, build a profitable company, or develop a better financial mindset, here are the most famous books for business success.
Think And Grow Rich By Napoleon Hill
Originally published in 1937, Think and Grow Rich has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. It’s earned distinction as one of history’s best-selling personal development books. The book is based on Napoleon Hill’s research into the habits of wealthy individuals, including Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford. It presents a blueprint for achieving financial success through mindset and persistence.
Readers often praise the book for its emphasis on the power of visualization and goal-setting. Some of its principles feel dated. However, business leaders like Tony Robbins and Daymond John have publicly acknowledged its impact on their careers.
The Lean Startup By Eric Ries
Since its release in 2011, The Lean Startup has become a must-read for entrepreneurs, especially those in tech and venture-backed startups. The book introduced the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This principle encourages businesses to test ideas quickly before investing too many resources.
Selling over a million copies, its concepts are popular among Silicon Valley companies. Elon Musk has praised lean startup principles as essential for rapid innovation. Additionally, many venture capital firms recommend the book to startup founders looking to scale efficiently.
Rich Dad Poor Dad By Robert Kiyosaki
With over 32 million copies sold, Rich Dad Poor Dad remains one of the most influential personal finance books ever written. Robert Kiyosaki contrasts the financial mindsets of his two father figures — one who followed a traditional career path and another who built wealth through investments and entrepreneurship.
The book has been widely embraced by self-made millionaires and real estate and finance influencers, including Grant Cardone and Dave Ramsey. Some critics argue that it lacks concrete investment strategies. However, many readers credit it with changing their attitudes about money, assets, and financial independence.
The 48 Laws Of Power By Robert Greene
Since its release in 1998, The 48 Laws of Power has sold over 1.2 million copies. It’s also gained a strong following among business leaders, strategists, and even celebrities. The book outlines historical power dynamics and strategies used by influential figures, from Napoleon Bonaparte to modern corporate executives.
While controversial due to its unapologetic take on manipulation and influence, it has been praised by business icons like Jay-Z and 50 Cent. Both rappers say they’ve incorporated the book’s lessons into their business empires. The book remains a staple in discussions about negotiation, leadership, and corporate strategy.
How To Win Friends And Influence People By Dale Carnegie
More than 30 million copies of How to Win Friends and Influence People have been sold since its first publication in 1936. It remains one of the most recommended books for improving communication and leadership skills. The book teaches techniques for building trust, handling difficult conversations, and winning people over without force or manipulation.
CEOs, sales professionals, and public speakers frequently cite it as a game-changer for networking and relationship-building. Warren Buffett has publicly credited the book for shaping his approach to business negotiations.
Zero To One By Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel, the billionaire co-founder of PayPal, outlines his unique approach to business strategy in Zero to One. Published in 2014, the book quickly became a favorite among startup founders and venture capitalists. It went on to sell over a million copies. Thiel argues that the best businesses don’t compete in existing markets but create entirely new industries.
Many startup accelerators and business schools use the book as a framework for disruptive innovation. Tech moguls like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have praised the book for its innovative approaches.
The $100 Startup By Chris Guillebeau
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start small, The $100 Startup offers practical advice on launching a business with minimal investment. Since its release in 2012, the book has sold over 500,000 copies and has been particularly popular among freelancers and digital nomads.
The book features real-life success stories of individuals who built profitable businesses with little capital. Readers appreciate its accessible writing style and actionable insights, making it a favorite for those seeking financial independence through small-scale entrepreneurship.
Good to Great By Jim Collins
Published in 2001, Good to Great is one of the most respected books on corporate strategy and leadership. The book has sold over four million copies and is widely used in MBA programs and leadership training.
Based on a five-year research study, Jim Collins and his team analyzed why some companies outperform their competitors and sustain success over time. Collins introduces concepts like the “Hedgehog Principle” and “Level 5 Leadership,” which have been embraced by executives across industries. Business leaders like Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs have been known to reference their principles in their strategic decisions.
The Psychology Of Money By Morgan Housel
Since its release in 2020, The Psychology of Money has become one of the most talked-about books on financial behavior. In just a few years, it has sold over 1.5 million copies.
Unlike traditional finance books, it focuses on the emotional and psychological factors that drive economic decisions. Readers appreciate its storytelling approach, which makes complex financial concepts easy to understand.
The Art of War By Sun Tzu
Originally written over 2,500 years ago, The Art of War remains a staple for business strategists. The book’s preparation, competition, and adaptability principles have been applied to everything from military tactics to corporate leadership.
Business executives and entrepreneurs have long used its lessons to gain an edge in negotiations and market positioning. Mark Cuban has said that The Art of War influenced his business strategy approach. Despite its ancient origins, its leadership and conflict resolution teachings are still relevant today.
The Lasting Impact Of These Books On Business Leaders
Books have shaped the thinking of some of the world’s most successful business leaders, offering insights that extend beyond theory into real-world application. The lessons in these books continue to influence decision-making, leadership strategies, and financial success for entrepreneurs, executives, and investors. Whether the goal is to build wealth, master leadership, or develop innovative business ideas, these books provide a roadmap for achieving long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book for someone starting a business?
Many entrepreneurs recommend The Lean Startup for its practical framework on launching a business with minimal risk. At the same time, The $100 Startup is ideal for those looking to start small without significant funding.
Which business book is best for learning leadership skills?
Good to Great by Jim Collins provides in-depth research on what separates excellent companies from average ones, making it a must-read for aspiring leaders.
Are these books still relevant today?
Yes, the principles in these books remain highly applicable to modern business challenges. While some were written decades ago, the core ideas about leadership, financial strategy, and innovation continue to shape successful entrepreneurs and executives.
