Donald Trump suggests “the best business reading books for the summer.” Warren Buffett simply says “read, read, read.” There are thousands upon thousands of business books with new ones coming out everyday. Budding entrepreneurs often think that they have enough on their hands without spending “valuable” time reading books. In truth, you should have a voracious appetite for business books and classify the time that you spend reading them as a significant investment in your future. Here are some of the best business books around to start off with:

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Collins Business Essentials)

Robert Cialdini, PhD

According to Cialdini, there are six principles of influence inherent within us all as human beings that a business practitioner should embrace and engage on a daily basis – reciprocity, consistency, social proof, liking, authority and scarcity. Each principle of influence is exhibited by us all and anyone who truly understands these principles and is willing to use them advantageously will be successful within any sphere of life and most notably in business. This book is very useful for those looking to hone their negotiating and sales skills.

The Practice of Management
Peter F. Drucker

This was the first book to take a real look at the world of management as a whole and was very revolutionary when it was first published in 1954. It has remained a classic since that time and most of its principles hold true to this day. The book establishes the role of the manager and his or her position within the multidisciplinary practices. Drucker was way ahead of his time when he realized that significant performance could be achieved within an organization willing to categorize and motivate its workforce appropriately.

How to Win Friends & Influence People
Dale Carnegie

This book was published in 1937 and is the definitive work on the essential topic of people skills. It is required reading for everyone in the business world. It promotes the need to be empathetic and to treat others the way that they would like to be treated. Through giving, one will receive. By building people up instead of taking people down you are far more likely to achieve your goals. Today many books have been written expounding the theory, but Carnegie’s epic is still the best. Prime location on your bookshelf.

10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management
Hyrum Smith

You don’t have to be in business for long to understand that your biggest challenge is likely to be time management. You may have the coolest ideas and the loftiest goals and the strongest work ethic, but if you don’t have your time under control you will likely not succeed. Smith maintains that you need to leave your comfort zone or you have little chance of success and advocates the display of integrity, character, self-confidence, self-esteem and drive. When you are feeling overwhelmed, put down, harried or spent, flick through and gas up on Smith’s techniques.

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It
Michael E. Gerber

Gerber tries to dispel many myths with this book, but what may be its best ingredient is the fact that it promotes you to think outside of the box. He maintains that you should not work in your business but should work on it and be very careful about classifying it as just a miserable job, albeit subconsciously. Some are not happy with his analogies, while many find them refreshing. “Nobody’s interested in a commodity. People buy feelings. Find a perceived need and fill it.” Gerber preaches at us to hate the comfort zone.

Have you read any good business books lately?

Matthew Toren