Learning the ins and outs of the business world doesn’t just happen in class or on the job. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, you can sharpen your skills just by reading some of the best books in the industry.
To make your search a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular and highest-rated reads on business topics. They’re bestsellers for a reason — pick up these books to learn new best practices on everything from public speaking to improving customer service.
And, when you’re done reading, feel free to brag about all your new business insight.
For the Career Seeker
LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and author Ben Casnocha take a unique approach to career advice by studying successful start-up practices and adapting them to the individual. Read this book to learn how to make yourself indispensable in the workplace by marketing “you” with the same dedication that you would market your own company.
For Better Habits
Looking to create better habits in your personal and professional life? Pick up this book by Pulitzer Prize–winning business reporter Charles Duhigg, who makes a compelling case for why the key to changing our everyday habits is to first understand how habits work.
For the Nervous Nelly
Public speaking coach Carmine Gallo discusses the nine qualities that the most successful TED talks have had in common and how you can leverage them to deliver engaging and persuasive presentations. A must-read for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills, whether it’s in a work meeting or on a stage.
For the Entrepreneur
This series of interviews with some of the most successful entrepreneurs will help you learn the ins and outs of launching a company, securing investors and overcoming failures. A great read for both current and future entrepreneurs.
For Going the Extra Mile
Through a five-year study, author Jim Collins and his research team analyzed over performing and mediocre companies to determine the qualities that led to greatness. A great read for entrepreneurs, business leaders or anyone looking to discover the secrets to business success. (We hear Bauer College Dean Latha Ramchand rates this book as an all-time favorite.)
For the Innovators
Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull shares how his company was able to create an environment of disciplined creativity that has produced some of the world’s most critically acclaimed animated films. Read this book to learn how you can leverage your creativity and create an environment of innovation in your workplace.
For the Salesperson
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
A great read for anyone in sales, this book by Dr. Robert Cialdini shares powerful research on why people say “yes.” Cialdini combines his studies to share six principles for powerful and ethical persuasion.
For the Customer Experience
Outside In: The Power of Putting Customers at the Center of Your Business
In an age of readily accessible data, securing customer loyalty can often be difficult for companies. In this book, authors Harley Manning and Kerry Bodine discuss how some of the most popular companies have succeeded by focusing on customer experience and adapting every part of their businesses to it.
For the Blooming Leader
Looking to become a better leader? Pick up this book by author Bill George who shares how to lead with authenticity and influence by discussing case studies about famous leaders, including Mike Bloomberg, Ariana Huffington and Warren Buffett.
By Priscilla Aceves