Improve your mind and business with these books

Note: Some of these books are older, but I’ll keep this list updated. Here’s the best books for entrepreneurs to read in 2020!

If you’re new around here, hey! I’m Jill, copywriter and brand strategist for creative service-based businesses… aka total word nerd. I love my job because it challenges me to figure out why people act the way they do and learn new ways to encourage actions that drive sales for clients (ethically, of course).

As a side note, I’m super into personal and business development. If you are too and understand how it ties to business development as an entrepreneur, you’ve come to the right place. I’m always reading books that open my mind to new possibilities, ways of thinking, and methods to grow my business. I always say that I only see myself as my true competition, so I always try to be better than I was yesterday. Books are partially how I work towards that.

My top books for creative entrepreneurs

Lots of people on Instagram love my book recommendations… I even keep a highlight full of ones I’m reading! I thought I’d create a more formal place to come for my latest and old favourites and if you’re new here, welcome! There are so many great books for entrepreneurs and I’m always looking for more to add to the list. Here’s my current favourites, all of which I’ve personally read over the last couple years.

Let the Elephants Run, David Usher

This book by David Usher is where I found one of my all-time favourite quotes: “Creativity is learned.” Think about it and let it blow your mind!

The idea is that we think creativity is this elusive, innate ability that many of us lack… but it’s not. As kids, we’re all creative. We all experiment as we learn, but then as adults we face real life challenges. We meet self-doubt and negative self-talk, are told to stay in our own lanes, and do XYZ just so to succeed, so we lose our creativity. According to this book, we can relearn creativity as adults. I believe it.

I found this book really helpful when I was a new entrepreneur because it pushed me out of my comfort zone, although it’s a great reminder every time I pick it up again even years later.

The 5am Club, Robin Sharma

The 5am Club is all about successful entrepreneurs and what they do to succeed. It’s a lesson in what it takes to stand out from the crowd. Sure, you might not need to wake up at 5am to succeed in your business, but the premise is so much more than early mornings. Success requires discipline and drive, consistent effort over time. It’s tough at first and that’s why some people choose to stop trying. If you keep going, you’re already ahead. The challenge of waking up at 5am consistently is similar to the challenge of pursuing entrepreneurship. Not many people do it because it’s hard, but if you can master your self-discipline and motivate yourself daily, it becomes a habit. Success becomes a habit.

I loved this one and often remind myself of the lessons it taught me.

How to Get Sh*t Done, erin falconer

This book literally changed my life. As a female entrepreneur, I have a deep-rooted desire or need to do it all. I want to be successful in business and in life and often get caught in the trap of needed to do more to feel productive, therefore worthy. But I’m learning that rest is productive. Strategic outsourcing is productive. We don’t need to be the best at everything. It’s a relief.

One of my favourite stories from this book is about a time that she had friends over for dinner and chose to spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing a fancy dinner that she’d never cooked before. She was so into preparing this unique meat dish that she didn’t remember her friends are vegetarian. They couldn’t eat it anyways. I think of this every time friends come over after a busy week. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, I now feel comfortable suggesting we pickup takeout or I prepare most items the day before so we can spend more quality time together.

You should read it and see for yourself!

The Universe Has Your Back, gabby bernstein

Okay, I know this one is more woo woo than the rest, but I love me some woo woo in my business. It’s filled with reminders, affirmations, and meditations that help us learn to trust the process. Months later, I pick it up and flip through the pages every now and again just for a reminder of what I’m capable of accomplishing in my life. If you like the affirmation cards that I share on Instagram Stories in the mornings, you’ll like this book.

How to Win Friends & Influence People, dale carnegie

An old classic and one of the first I read for business growth. Even though it’s older, the theories in this book are still relevant. Despite the awkward sounding title, it has a lot of great insight about building meaningful relationships with people and growing your influence. I think of these every day in my business… I can’t tell you what they are though!

7 Habits of Highly Effective People, stephen covey

Another classic that shows what it takes to reach your goals. In business, I’ve learned that a lot of successful people share habits and a lot of it comes down to consistency, persistence, and self-motivation. This book aligns with that message.

The Daily Stoic, ryan holiday

I love dipping into The Daily Stoic every morning. The idea is to read 1 page per day. Each has a quote and a small blurb to elaborate. It’s become part of my morning routine to read the page of the day before moving onto my journal and other books. Some days it’s almost as if the book knew exactly what I needed to hear that day it’s so eerily in line with my thoughts. A great read for a young entrepreneur!

Profit First, mike michalowicz

I’m still reading this one, but I’m already intrigued. I can update as I get further in. Overall, at least so far, I realized that I’m lucky. I already run my business similarly to the techniques outlined in this book. I have my parents to thank for this actually. They owned and operated a business for twenty years and taught me good money management habits, directly and indirectly just from watching them. There’s never been a month in my business where I couldn’t pay bills because I live within my means, and that’s the key takeaway I’m getting from Profit First already.

If you aren’t as lucky as me to have entrepreneurs for parents, I highly recommend this book to any new entrepreneur looking to grow a sustainable business long-term.

Want more recommendations?

There’s more where this came from! I update my Amazon shop regularly with new books I have read or want to read ASAP, which means lots of recommendations for my fellow creative entrepreneurs. Check it out HERE.*

*This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

What’s missing from this list? I’m always looking for new books to read! Leave your favourite books for entrepreneurs below.