BetterBusinessTools.co.uk is reader-supported. We occasionally use affiliate links from trusted partners when they fit naturally with our content. Find out more here.
Many of us have a little extra time on our hands at the moment. Sure, we could spend some of that time exploring Netflix, cooking banana bread and video calling friends...in fact, we highly recommend all of these things.
Yet for those who want to progress their careers and improve their businesses, there is little more beneficial than diving deep into a great business book. However, reading a book is certainly no small time investment, so how do you chose which ones are worth your while?
FEAT NOT!
We have created a list of business books that can be digested and applied during the lockdown whilst working from home.
Lockdown Reading List
The Million Dollar Blog - Natasha Courtenay-Smith
Crushing It! - Gary Vaynerchuk
Drive - Daniel H. Pink
Start With Why - Simon Sinek
Shoe Dog - Phil Knight
Let My People Go Surfing - Yvon Chouinard
Profit First - Mike Michalowicz
I Will Teach You to be Rich - Ramit Sethi
Money: A Users Guide - Laura Whateley
The Chimp Paradox - Dr Steve Peters
Personality Isn't Permanent - Benjamin Hardy
Better Content
Being stuck at home means we are spending more time online, digesting more content and interacting more in the digital space. This presents an opportunity for those who want to grow their personal or business brand during the lockdown.
Here are two great books that will help you build better content that resonates with your audience.
The Million Dollar Blog
Purchase: £13.99 from Amazon
This book does pretty much what it says on the tin.
Within its pages, you will find practical advice and tips on how to grab readers attention in a digital world so full of blogs. It also details how to create content that resonates with your audience and how to monetise your blog (if that's your thing).
Crushing It!
Purchase: £15.19 from Amazon
This book by Gary Vaynerchuk is a staple of the content marketing toolbox. In this book, Gary walks you through how great businesses can be built on great personal brands and how you can build your personal brand with highly engaging content.
If you learn from real life, hands-on examples, this is a great book for you.
Motivation & Management
Technology has made working from home a piece of cake. But maintaining the motivation we need to execute our roles is tricky when there are so many distractions around us.
Read these great books to boost your own motivation and keep your team on track.
Drive
Purchase: £8.19 from Amazon
This book is literally PERFECT for those who are either struggling to motivate themselves or motivate others during the lockdown.
In his book, Daniel H Pink explains how traditional models and ideas on motivation just don't work any more. He also offers a wealth of studies and evidence to support a new theory of motivation in the modern workplace.
We recently published a review of Drive - The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - check it out.
Start With Why
Purchase: £9.99 from Amazon
This best selling book by Simon Sinek is a powerful tool in self and team motivation. The book explains why as a business, it doesn't really matter what you do. This is because people are much more interested in why you are doing it.
This is a great book to help you discover your business purpose, offering you a powerful motivational tool when times get tough.
Business Stories
If you are looking for a straight-up, real-life business success story to get your teeth into...check out this book.
Shoe Dog
Purchase: £8.19 from Amazon
This book follows the journey of Phil Knight from youngster borrowing $50 from his dad to start a business to becoming the founder of one of the globes largest sports brands - NIKE.
Need we say more? Even if you do not have a keen interest in sports, retail or NIKE as a brand...you will still love this book.
Let My People Go Surfing
Purchase: £18.99 from Amazon
This book has been written by the founder of ethical outdoor clothing brand Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard. It gives a charming and personal account of his business journey, focusing on how Patagonia has become an industry-leading brand in ethical and sustainable business.
There are lessons to be learnt from this book whether you are a one-man-band or a leader in a global business - very highly recommended.
Financial Management
As business owners, managers and leaders we always find an excuse for not spending the time needed on our business or personal finances...unfortunately that excuse is now void - sorry!
Read these books to help you make more money and do more with it.
Profit First
Purchase: £22.99 from Amazon
We work hard to 'grow' our businesses. But do you ever question to what end? If we sacrifice profit for growth are our businesses really serving their true purpose of serving us?
In this book, Mike Michalowicz explains how businesses should be setting up their finances to take profit first before paying for other things like investments in growth. Of course, this seems 'nice in theory', but it really is achievable if you take the small, manageable steps outlined in this book.
I Will Teach You to be Rich
Purchase: £19.99 from Amazon
First a disclaimer: Yes, this probably is the most cringe-worthy book title out there. But that doesn't mean it won't do exactly what it says on the cover.
This book by Ramit Sethi is full of great advice on what you should be doing with your money. The most useful thing about this book is that it offers advice based on a number of different scenarios and provides the education you need to take informed decisions about your own finances.
Money - A Users Guide
Purchase: £6.55 from Amazon
Another fantastic personal finance book that takes a very similar approach to 'I Will Teach You to be Rich'. You can read our review of Money - A Users Guide here.
Self Development
If working on your business or career isn't possible, or just doesn't do it for you at the moment, you may consider taking this time to work on yourself.
The Chimp Paradox
Purchase: £12.99 from Amazon
This best selling book by Dr Steve Peters will help you change your life...and we don't say that lightly.
If you have ever struggled with your habits and why bad ones always seem to keep coming back, no matter how hard you try, this book will explain why this happens and offer you hands-on exercises to help you overcome it.
Personality Isn't Permanent
Pre-order: £22.99 from Amazon
This book isn't out yet, so in all honestly, we cannot say it is an amazing read...however, the premise focuses on why our 'personalities' can change and what we can do shape our personalities to serve us better.
You can check out our pre-review here.
Lockdown isn't fun...but at least we can spend the time to better ourselves and our business knowledge. Of course, there is no harm with taking some time to chill and relax at this stressful time, but when the feeling takes you, why not pick up one of these books and give it a quick read?
Comments