Books That Build Wealth: Top 10 Must-Read Business Titles

Books are full of ideas and stories that can change how you see things. For entrepreneurs, reading top business books is like learning from the best and brightest minds. It’s a fast way to pick up lessons from their successes and mistakes.

Reading gives you a strong base for your own business. It fills your mind with new ideas and teaches you useful skills. You’ll discover how to make smart choices, fix problems, and find creative ways to grow. Each business book you read is an investment in yourself and your future.

There are so many great books out there, it can be hard to choose. So here are some awesome recommendations, perfect for anyone starting their business journey.

Let’s get started.

Best Business Books for Beginners

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
   This classic business book is famous for a reason. Robert Kiyosaki shares his story of growing up with two dads-his own dad, who worked hard but struggled with money, and his friend’s dad, who was wealthy and successful123.

What’s special about this book is how it changes your thinking about money. It teaches you about investing, building assets, and making your money work for you instead of just working for money. These important financial lessons aren’t taught in school, but they’re key for anyone who wants to run a successful business457.

2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
   This book has stood the test of time. In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey shares a powerful system for living a better life, both at work and at home68. He talks about the importance of character, honesty, and being proactive when setting goals, managing your time, and working with others.

Even though it’s not just a business book, the main ideas in The 7 Habits give a strong base for any new entrepreneur. Covey helps you think differently about problems, take responsibility for your choices, and build strong relationships-all important skills for building a great company68.

Best Business Books for Managers
3. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz, a well-known Silicon Valley entrepreneur, tells it like it is in this book. Being a leader is tough. It’s full of hard choices and tough moments. Sometimes you might feel lost, but you’re not alone.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things is like a guide for handling those really difficult times when you don’t know what to do. Horowitz shares his own stories and gives practical tips for facing problems like layoffs, tough competition, and keeping your team motivated when things get hard. This book is a must-read if you want honest advice about what leaders really go through.

4. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
   Running a small business means you have to be flexible and ready to make changes. Eric Ries understands this, and his book The Lean Startup gives you a plan for building success by always learning and improving.

The main idea is to avoid wasting time, energy, and money. Ries says businesses should test new ideas with real customers as soon as possible. Instead of launching a finished product, start with a simple version (a Minimum Viable Product) and see how people react.

This way, you get feedback quickly and can make changes based on what works. You’ll find tips on running experiments, collecting customer data, and knowing when to change your business plan. The Lean Startup can change how you think about growing your business.

5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
   Great books don’t have to be new. Don’t let the age of this one fool you-the advice is still gold. Dale Carnegie knew that how you talk to people can make or break your business.

Being a good manager isn’t just about giving orders. It’s about inspiring people, building strong relationships, and making others feel important. How to Win Friends and Influence People teaches you how to talk so people listen and even change their minds.

Best Business Books for Starting and Scaling a Business

6. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Ever notice why some businesses stand out while others fade? Simon Sinek says it begins with one question: Why does your business exist? Your "why" is your purpose-the real reason you do what you do (not just money).

Start with Why helps you find your business’s core mission. Knowing your "why" makes choices easier, attracts loyal customers, and builds a team that believes in your goals.

Take Apple: Steve Jobs didn’t just sell computers. He wanted to challenge norms and think differently. That "why" still drives Apple today-and why people love it.

7. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Big goals start small. James Clear’s Atomic Habits shows how tiny daily actions create huge results over time.

This book isn’t just about personal habits. Clear teaches how to build business systems that beat procrastination, stay consistent, and keep motivation strong. Successful entrepreneurs don’t rely on luck-they master small habits.

8. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel (PayPal co-founder) says copying others won’t change the future. In Zero to One, he pushes you to invent something totally new.

This book is perfect for bold thinkers. Thiel shares how to test ideas, spot problems early, and create businesses that transform industries. If you want to be first at something game-changing, start here.

Best Business Books for Small Business Owners

9. Good to Great by Jim Collins
Jim Collins wanted to know why some companies thrive while others fail. His research uncovered the secrets behind lasting success. Good to Great isn’t about quick fixes-it’s about building the right team, culture, and focus to excel at what you do best. Whether you’re new or experienced, this book offers timeless lessons for lasting greatness.

10. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
This classic reveals how mindset shapes success. Napoleon Hill studied history’s top achievers and found that attitude, clear goals, and unshakable belief separate winners from the rest. Think and Grow Rich isn’t a get-rich scheme-it’s a roadmap for staying motivated and persistent through challenges. Use its exercises to build a winning mindset for your business journey.

Scale Your Knowledge with House of Founders

Books are like your own personal business coaches. And our reading lists give you insider knowledge from successful people across America. It shows you what can work (and what to avoid). It’s a shortcut to building a smarter business strategy for yourself. Think about all the folks on Wall Street studying the latest tactics. You can get that same advantage.

Books fill your mind with inspiration and new ways to solve problems. Every week, exciting business books come out with brand-new ideas. And like classic books like The One Thing, some can even help you focus and find more success. So, what are you waiting for?

Want to level up your business game even more? Here at House of Founders, we have a couple of ways to keep learning and growing. For starters, subscribe to our House of Founders newsletter for awesome business tips and insights delivered straight to your inbox.

You should also explore the House of Founders Program. If you’re serious about taking your business to the next level, our program can provide the guidance, tools, and support you need.

Remember, investing in yourself as an entrepreneur is one of the smartest moves you can make. Happy reading, and here’s to your future success.