20 Best-Selling Business Books Millions Trust
Insights from Mark Zuckerberg, Mark Cuban & Marc Andreessen highlight top Business Books with proven impact and best-selling status.







When millions of readers and top experts agree on the same business books, you know you're tapping into proven wisdom. Business continues to evolve rapidly, but these 20 best-selling books have stood the test of time and trends, offering strategies that consistently help leaders and entrepreneurs succeed.
Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook, credits High Output Management with shaping his management style, praising its clear principles on productivity and leadership. Meanwhile, Mark Cuban, the Shark Tank investor and Mavericks owner, champions The Power of Broke for its fresh take on turning scarcity into opportunity. Their endorsements alongside others like Marc Andreessen and Raoul Pal reveal a collection trusted by those steering some of the world's most dynamic companies.
While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific business needs might consider creating a personalized Business book that combines these validated approaches. This allows you to focus on the aspects and challenges most relevant to your journey.
Recommended by Mark Zuckerberg
Co-Founder & CEO of Facebook
“[Andy’s] book played a big role in shaping my management style.”
Andrew S. Grove·
Andrew S. Grove·
The methods Andrew S. Grove developed while leading Intel shine through High Output Management, offering a clear lens on productivity and managerial effectiveness. Grove breaks down management into three core principles, backed by detailed techniques that help you optimize both your work and your team's output. You'll find practical insights on how to design meetings, measure performance, and delegate effectively, such as his leverage concept and task-relevant maturity framework. This book suits anyone tasked with managing teams or projects, especially in fast-paced environments where maximizing output matters. If you're looking for a rigid formula, this isn't it—but if you want a thought-provoking guide grounded in real-world industrial management, this will serve you well.
The methods Ben Horowitz developed while navigating Silicon Valley's toughest startup challenges shape this no-frills guide to entrepreneurship. You’ll get a firsthand look at the gritty realities of running a company, from firing friends to timing your exit, all seasoned with Horowitz’s candid humor and rap lyrics. Chapters like "This Time with Feeling" unpack managing crises when there are no textbook answers, helping you build resilience and leadership grit. This book suits anyone who wants to understand not just how to start a business, but how to survive its hardest moments with clear-headed toughness.
This tailored book explores focused techniques that boost business leadership and enhance team output, created to match your unique background and objectives. It examines key leadership principles and productivity methods, blending widely respected ideas with insights that directly align with your interests. By concentrating on approaches that resonate with your experience, it enables you to deepen your understanding of effective leadership and team dynamics. This personalized book reveals how to maximize your team's results by addressing the challenges and opportunities most relevant to you. It offers a clear path through leadership theories and practical tactics, designed specifically to elevate your team's performance and help you achieve your specific goals.
Recommended by Brian Tracy
Best-selling author of 78+ books
“Patrick helps entrepreneurs understand exactly what they need to do next.”
Patrick Bet-David, Greg Dinkin·
Patrick Bet-David, Greg Dinkin·
Drawing from his journey escaping war-torn Iran to founding a financial services firm and creating Valuetainment, Patrick Bet-David offers a sharp methodology for business strategy that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs. You learn to anticipate moves ahead, much like a chess grandmaster, gaining clarity on your goals, crafting tactics for growth, and mastering team-building with strong values. Chapters detail how to apply leverage and power plays effectively, making it ideal if you want to elevate your business thinking beyond short-term fixes. This book suits executives and strategists ready to rethink decision-making and align action with long-term vision.
Recommended by Jeff Jarrett
Family man and inspirational quote sharer
“Great book on marketing...super simple but very compelling... 7 Steps To Clarify Your Message And Connect With Your Audience” (from X)
Donald Miller, CEO of StoryBrand, crafted this book to address a critical issue many businesses face: unclear messaging that fails to engage customers. Here, you learn to use the seven universal elements of storytelling to simplify your brand's message, making it resonate and motivate action. The book walks you through how to clarify what you offer and why it matters, with practical examples on shaping website content and marketing materials. If you're a marketer, small business owner, or anyone responsible for communication, this book shows you how to cut through noise and connect effectively with your audience.
Grant Cardone challenges the conventional wisdom that selling is about persuasion alone by revealing how mastering sales techniques can transform every interaction in business and life. You learn precise strategies to close deals at high levels, like using power phrases to defuse confrontation and methods to handle tough buyers without pressure. The book digs into predicting buyer behavior and negotiating prices effectively, with chapters outlining how to 'hard sell' subtly and win agreement even from the most reluctant. Whether you’re new or experienced in sales, you gain insights to elevate your approach and consistently secure commitments.
This tailored book explores practical sales techniques designed to enhance your closing rates and deepen customer engagement. It reveals proven methods personalized to match your background and interests, focusing on what matters most to you. By combining widely validated sales knowledge with your specific goals, it creates a focused learning experience that sharpens your ability to connect, persuade, and close deals effectively. The book examines various sales approaches, buyer psychology, and communication tactics, ensuring you gain a nuanced understanding suited to your market. Through this personalized exploration, you develop skills that resonate with real-world sales challenges, making your learning efficient and directly applicable.
Recommended by Dan Sullivan
Speaker, consultant, strategic planner, and coach
“Having coached and trained over 13,000 entrepreneurs, I know the challenges they face. This book is a must for any business owner and their management team. Traction provides a powerful, practical, and simple system for running your business.”
Gino Wickman·
Gino Wickman·
Traction offers a clear-eyed approach to overcoming the common frustrations that grip many businesses—like stalled growth and unresolved personnel conflicts. Gino Wickman draws on his extensive experience as an EOS Implementer to introduce the Entrepreneurial Operating System®, a method focused on strengthening six vital business components to enhance focus, growth, and leadership cohesion. You’ll find concrete frameworks for decision-making and implementing key processes, illustrated by real-world lessons and reinforced across chapters that guide you through practical organizational improvements. This book suits entrepreneurs and leadership teams determined to gain control and foster a healthy, functional company culture without getting bogged down in complicated theories.
Recommended by Hiten Shah
Co-founder, investor in 120+ companies
“@joelgascoigne For sure :) That book is brilliant. The video is great too: And it is one of those that’s especially relevant right now.” (from X)
Richard Rumelt·
What happens when decades of academic rigor meet the messy realities of business? Richard Rumelt, a strategy scholar with deep roots at Harvard and UCLA, cuts through the clutter of buzzwords to reveal what truly makes a strategy effective. You’ll learn to distinguish between hollow slogans and focused, coherent plans that address real obstacles to progress, guided by nine practical sources of power. The book’s rich examples—from Apple’s innovation to military campaigns—illustrate how strategy works in diverse contexts, making it a strong fit if you’re leading any organization and need to sharpen your strategic thinking.
Recommended by Rory Sutherland
Vice Chairman, Ogilvy Group
“@AlexHormozi Actually I listened to it in the car. And I love the fact you narrate your own book. Adds a huge amount.” (from X)
Alex Hormozi's years of entrepreneurial experience culminate in this focused guide on crafting irresistible business offers. You’ll learn specific methods like the "Value Flip" to avoid price comparisons and the "Virtuous Cycle of Price" to outspend competitors effectively, all grounded in real results from multiple industries. The book breaks down how to create offers so compelling prospects hesitate to say no, with concrete examples like the "Scarcity Stack" and "God-mode Guarantees" to boost conversions ethically. This is for anyone wanting to sharpen their sales approach beyond typical marketing tactics, especially entrepreneurs and business owners looking to dramatically increase revenue through smarter offer design.
Recommended by Geoffrey James
Award-winning sales blogger and speaker
Neil Rackham·
Neil Rackham·
Neil Rackham's decades of research psychology and sales expertise drove him to challenge traditional sales wisdom in SPIN Selling. By dissecting over 12 years of research on effective sales performance, Rackham reveals why classic closing techniques fail with high-value sales and introduces the SPIN method—Situation, Problem, Implication, Need payoff. You’ll learn to identify customer needs more deeply, handle objections strategically, and apply techniques that increase success in major sales. This book suits sales professionals and managers aiming to improve complex deal outcomes and understand the psychology behind effective selling.
Noah Kagan, Tahl Raz·
The breakthrough moment came when Noah Kagan, leveraging his experience as an early Facebook employee and founder of an 8-figure company, distilled the complex process of launching a business into a weekend challenge. You learn how to overcome fear, rapidly validate a market, and attract paying customers through a tested process Kagan used to build seven businesses worth over a million dollars each. This book is tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs who feel stuck in the ideation phase or overwhelmed by startup logistics, offering a clear path to take action and create a scalable business quickly. Chapters detail how to find your "Creator’s Courage," execute a weekend launch, and automate growth, making it as much a mindset shift as a practical guide.
Recommended by Danielle Morrill
CEO & Co-Founder of Mattermark
Matthew Dixon, Brent Adamson
Matthew Dixon, Brent Adamson
Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson's years of research into sales performance led to a fresh perspective on what truly drives success in complex business-to-business sales. You learn to identify and cultivate the 'Challenger' sales profile, which relies on delivering unique insights tailored to customers’ specific financial interests rather than just nurturing relationships. For example, the book details how Challengers assert control in sales conversations by pushing back on customer objections, a skill unpacked thoroughly in the chapters outlining the five sales rep profiles. If you’re involved in sales strategy or managing high-stakes deals, this book equips you to rethink your approach and develop a more effective sales force.
Ryan Daniel Moran, Russell Brunson
Ryan Daniel Moran, Russell Brunson
Ryan Daniel Moran and Russell Brunson offer a clear-cut guide to launching a profitable business within a year, shattering the myth that entrepreneurship is only for the lucky few. You’ll learn how to pinpoint a winning product, reach eager customers, and scale sales from the first sale to hundreds a day through targeted advertising strategies detailed in the book’s three-stage roadmap. This book suits anyone ready to commit seriously, whether you’re just starting out or looking for a proven framework to accelerate your business growth. Chapters break down complex tasks into manageable phases, from product selection to scaling, making the process approachable yet demanding.
Recommended by Ola Brown (Orekunrin)
Founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, Investment Director
“A Trump book made my favorite book list too” (from X)
Donald J. Trump, Bill Zanker
Donald J. Trump, Bill Zanker
Millions have turned to this book because Donald J. Trump’s decades of real estate and media ventures offer a unique perspective on ambition and resilience. Here, Trump and entrepreneur Bill Zanker break down the mindset necessary to "think big" and pursue success aggressively, covering topics like building momentum, exacting strategic revenge, and the importance of contracts. You gain insight into how to maintain drive when facing setbacks, illustrated by stories from people who've applied these principles in business and life. This book suits you if you're eager to challenge conventional limits and sharpen your competitive edge, though its tone and style may not appeal to those seeking more measured guidance.
Recommended by Deke Bridges
Social media and online marketing expert
“Up late re-reading some of this book again. Seth Godin's book THIS IS MARKETING is so much more than branding, marketing, advertising, and growth. It really makes you think about how to review life. Fantastic book... all his works make your brain click. Got my copy at Powells.” (from X)
Unlike most marketing books that push flashy tactics, Seth Godin grounds his approach in empathy and genuine connection, drawn from decades of influencing entrepreneurs and marketers worldwide. You learn how to build trust with your audience, craft clear positioning by choosing who you serve and who you don’t, and leverage the subtle dynamics of social stories and tension in buying decisions. For example, one chapter explores why marketing is really about helping people become who they want to be, not just selling products. If you’re involved in any aspect of business, from startups to corporate marketing, this book offers a fresh perspective on how to make your work truly matter.
Recommended by Chris Ducker
Serial entrepreneur and business mentor
“Great book... 👍” (from X)
Mike Michalowicz·
Mike Michalowicz’s decades of entrepreneurial experience led him to challenge traditional accounting norms with a fresh perspective on cash management. He flips the conventional formula from Sales minus Expenses equals Profit to Sales minus Profit equals Expenses, helping you prioritize taking profit first and then managing expenses within the remainder. You’ll learn to set up multiple bank accounts to visualize your cash flow clearly and apply four guiding principles that simplify profitability management. This approach benefits small business owners and entrepreneurs struggling with cash flow, empowering them to transform their ventures into profitable, sustainable operations without complex accounting jargon.
Dan Sullivan, Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Dan Sullivan, Dr. Benjamin Hardy
The breakthrough moment came when Dan Sullivan, co-founder of Strategic Coach, reframed growth by demonstrating that achieving 10X results is actually easier than aiming for 2X. Drawing on his extensive experience coaching successful entrepreneurs, Sullivan explores how focusing on expanding four key freedoms—time, money, relationships, and purpose—leads to exponential progress without simply multiplying effort. You’ll learn to prioritize quality over quantity, redefining productivity by making your time more valuable and your relationships more impactful, which transforms both your business and personal life. This book suits entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to scale sustainably by working smarter, not harder.
Recommended by Jeremy Miller
Brand strategist and keynote speaker
A.G. Lafley, Roger L. Martin·
A.G. Lafley, Roger L. Martin·
Unlike most business books that focus on abstract theories, this one offers a grounded playbook drawn from A.G. Lafley's tenure as P&G CEO, where he doubled sales and quadrupled profits. You learn how to make five critical strategic choices—from defining your winning aspiration to deciding where to compete and how to win—illustrated through real brand successes like Olay and Swiffer. This book is for leaders and managers ready to move beyond vague ideas and apply clear, integrated strategy to outpace competitors. If you're seeking a practical framework to guide your organization's future direction, this delivers without fluff.
Alex Hormozi's extensive experience as an entrepreneur and investor shines through in this book, where he shares the lead generation strategies that transformed his journey from sleeping on a gym floor to managing companies generating $200 million annually. You learn specific frameworks like the hook-retain-reward system and a six-part advertising model that turn strangers into eager customers, with practical techniques such as referral methods and affiliate playbooks. This book suits business owners and marketers eager to dramatically increase their leads without altering their product offerings. If you want to unlock scalable lead growth using proven tactics across various industries, this book delivers straightforward, no-frills guidance.
Recommended by Mark Cuban
Shark Investor, Dallas Mavericks Owner
“Daymond knows how to make things happen. He knows the difference between a want-repreneur and an entrepreneur, and he lays it out for us in these pages. What a kick it is to read over his shoulder as he shares his hard-won wisdom. This guy built an empire from the streets of Hollis, Queens, and here he compares notes with other visionaries who've also found ways to beat the odds and make it to the top. His new book is so inspiring, so insightful, so invigorating... I'm glad that he took the time to share this mindset with the world”
Daymond John, Daniel Paisner·
Unlike most business books that focus on scaling with abundant resources, Daymond John's decades of entrepreneurial experience led to a fresh perspective on starting from scratch. Drawing from his journey launching FUBU with just $40, John reveals how financial constraints can ignite creativity, resourcefulness, and authentic customer connections. You learn to harness limited budgets to craft imaginative marketing and sharpen your focus on core goals, illustrated by stories such as an 11-year-old who launched a clothing line using his grandmother's sewing machine. This book suits anyone ready to turn scarcity into a competitive edge rather than a setback.
Conclusion
This collection highlights key themes: leadership grounded in practical management (High Output Management), resilience through tough challenges (The Hard Thing About Hard Things), and the power of clarity in strategy and messaging (Good Strategy Bad Strategy, Building a StoryBrand). These books have earned wide acclaim not just for popularity but for delivering actionable, real-world advice.
If you prefer proven methods, start with classics like High Output Management and Traction to build solid foundations. For validated approaches to sales and marketing, combine SPIN Selling with This Is Marketing. Each book offers a unique lens, and together they form a toolkit any business leader can trust.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized Business book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, and you can tailor them to accelerate your own path.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with High Output Management if you want a strong foundation in managing teams and productivity. It's widely recommended by leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and offers practical frameworks that apply across industries.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Business?
Not at all. Many, such as Traction and Building a StoryBrand, break down concepts clearly and suit beginners. Plus, you can pick books based on your specific interests and experience level.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can absolutely choose a few that align with your immediate goals. For example, entrepreneurs often start with The Hard Thing About Hard Things for leadership grit or Sell or Be Sold for sales skills.
Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?
Good Strategy Bad Strategy offers solid strategic theory, while Million Dollar Weekend and Traction provide actionable steps you can apply quickly in your business.
Are any of these books outdated given how fast Business changes?
These books maintain relevance by focusing on timeless principles like leadership, strategy, and sales psychology. Recent titles like Your Next Five Moves incorporate modern business insights as well.
How can personalized Business books complement these expert picks?
Personalized books combine proven strategies from these best sellers with your unique background and goals, offering focused insights tailored to your needs. Learn more about customizing your Business book.
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