We all know that business person who’s always plugged in and on the go. That someone who’s so attached to their iPhone it’s more like a fifth limb than a piece of tech. Well, it’s about time they unwound and read a book.

With that in mind, we’ve put together the essential list of the best business books for the aspiring entrepreneur.

Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth, and Impact the World by Peter Diamandis

A book on not just making money, but how to change the world. Split into three parts, the book covers technologies that are disrupting the landscape, looks at the work and words of some of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs and analyses the potential of crowds. Described as a manifesto as much as a manual, it’s become a go-to destination for an inside look at innovative tech, thought process and the impressive power of crowd-powered tools.

How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie

The author of this book, Dale Carnegie, believed that financial success depended on 15% professional knowledge and 85% “the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership and to arouse enthusiasm among people”. It’s with that thought that this book was born. Working on increasing popularity, persuading people to follow your way of thinking, winning new clients and customers, boosting enthusiasm and becoming a better speaker, it’s a true testament to showing that it’s the people you work with that count.

The Virgin Way: If It’s Not Fun, It’s Not Worth Doing by Richard Branson

We’ve all heard of Richard Branson. One of the most renowned and successful business leaders in the world, if there’s anyone you’ll want to take some business advice from it’s him. This book is, in essence, “a book on leadership from someone who has never read a book on leadership in his life”. Including advice on how everything from family to just simply listening are keys to success, this book gives an insight into the life and learning experience of one of the business world’s finest.

The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss

Although the theme of this list may well be long hours, we couldn’t resist including The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss. Timothy went from $40,000 a year at 80 hours per week to $40,000 per month (yes, per month) after 4 hours per week. So whether you’re looking to redefine the rat race, earn a high salary with zero management or you simply want some perspective on the fact that there’s more to life than just work, this one’s for you.

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

The Lean Startup is more than just a book. It’s a new approach that’s being put into action across the world that is changing the way companies are built and new products are introduced. It’s not uncommon knowledge that of all the start-ups that launch, most will end up failing. What The Lean Startup offers is, rather than wasting time creating elaborate business plans, a way to continuously test a company’s vision and adjust that vision before it becomes too late. Ideal for entrepreneurs who run a business of five people as much as those who manage 500 people, it’s an invaluable book in a time where you need to innovate more than ever.

---

Uncommon takes pride in helping businesses thrive. Our workspaces are designed with your wellbeing in mind. Every single detail helps create an environment in which you can feel good about where and how you work. Visit Uncommon in Fulham, Liverpool Street, Highbury & Islington, and Borough to experience our unique vision of working life.