Reading good business books is a great practice for Utah small business owners and entrepreneurs. Doing so helps gain new knowledge, insights, and perspectives that can help you to improve your businesses. Reading great titles can also inspire creativity and innovation, encouraging you to think outside the box and develop new ideas for growth and success.

Here are some of my personal favorites to consider and a brief on each. The bottom of this article references additional resources and agencies to give you an edge as a Utah small business owner.

Here are the books & briefs...

1. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear

2. "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries

3. "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber

4. "Make Your Own Rules" by Wayne Rogers

5. "Hacking Growth" by Sean Ellis

6. "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek

7. "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz

8. "Crushing It!" by Gary Vaynerchuk

9. "What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" by Mark McCormack

10. "Scaling Up" by Verne Harnish

Atomic Habits

"Atomic Habits" by James Clear is a groundbreaking self-improvement book that provides readers with practical tools to break bad habits and build good ones. Clear argues that small, consistent changes in behavior can lead to significant results over time, and outlines a clear, easy-to-follow framework for making these changes. Through relatable examples, Clear demonstrates how habits shape our lives and how we can take control of them to achieve our goals. Whether you're a small business owner looking to improve productivity or anyone seeking to improve their habits, "Atomic Habits" is an essential read for anyone who wants to make positive changes in their life.

The Lean Startup

"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries is a highly influential book that has become a cornerstone of modern business thinking. Ries introduces the concept of the Lean Startup, a methodology that emphasizes fast iteration, customer feedback, and a focus on delivering value to customers. By using this approach, startups and established businesses alike can rapidly test and refine their products or services, reducing the risk of failure and improving the chances of success. With practical advice and real-world examples, Ries shows readers how to build a culture of innovation and creativity, while also keeping costs and resources in check. Whether you're an entrepreneur starting a new venture or a business leader looking to drive innovation, "The Lean Startup" is an essential read for anyone looking to build a sustainable, successful business in today's fast-paced economy.

The E-Myth Revisited

"The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber is a must-read for any small business owner or entrepreneur. Gerber argues that many small business owners fail because they operate under the false assumption that they are skilled at running a business simply because they are skilled at their trade. Gerber introduces the concept of the "Entrepreneurial Myth," and explains how it can be overcome by creating a well-documented, replicable system for running a business. With practical tips and step-by-step guidance, Gerber shows readers how to create a business that can operate independently of the owner, freeing up their time and enabling them to focus on growth and innovation. Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for years, "The E-Myth Revisited" is an essential read for anyone looking to build a successful, scalable business.

Make Your Own Rules

"Make Your Own Rules" by Wayne Rogers is a practical guide to entrepreneurship that encourages readers to embrace their own unique strengths and create a business that aligns with their personal goals and values. Rogers draws on his own experiences as a successful entrepreneur and investor to provide insights on topics such as financing, marketing, and team building. With a focus on creativity and innovation, "Make Your Own Rules" challenges readers to think differently about business and provides practical tips and advice on how to turn their ideas into reality. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, "Make Your Own Rules" is an essential read for anyone looking to build a successful, fulfilling business.

Hacking Growth

"Hacking Growth" by Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown is a guide to implementing effective growth strategies for startups and established businesses alike. The book provides a step-by-step approach to growth hacking, which involves rapid experimentation, testing, and iteration to find the most effective strategies for driving growth. Ellis and Brown draw on case studies from successful companies such as Airbnb, Uber, and Dropbox to illustrate the power of growth hacking and provide practical tips and advice for implementing these strategies in your own business. Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to grow your business, "Hacking Growth" is an essential read for anyone looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Start with Why

"Start with Why" by Simon Sinek is a book that explores the power of purpose-driven leadership. Sinek argues that great leaders and organizations inspire others by starting with why they do what they do, rather than simply focusing on what they do or how they do it. By defining a clear sense of purpose and communicating it effectively, leaders can create a strong sense of loyalty and engagement among employees, customers, and other stakeholders. With powerful examples from both the business world and beyond, "Start with Why" shows readers how to find their own sense of purpose and use it to drive success in every area of their lives. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to make a positive impact in the world, "Start with Why" is an essential read for anyone seeking to inspire others and create lasting change.

Profit First

"Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz is a practical guide to financial management for small business owners. Michalowicz introduces a unique approach to managing cash flow that prioritizes profit, rather than revenue or expenses. The book provides a step-by-step system for implementing this approach, which includes setting up multiple bank accounts and allocating funds in a way that ensures consistent profits. With practical advice and clear explanations, "Profit First" shows readers how to gain control over their finances, make better business decisions, and ultimately, increase their profitability. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, "Profit First" is an essential read for anyone looking to build a successful, sustainable business.

Crushing It

"Crushing It" by Gary Vaynerchuk is a motivational and inspiring book that encourages readers to pursue their passions and turn them into successful businesses. Vaynerchuk shares his own experiences and those of other successful entrepreneurs, showing how they leveraged the power of social media to build their personal brands and achieve financial freedom. With practical tips and advice on how to create valuable content, engage with followers, and monetize your brand, "Crushing It" is a must-read for anyone looking to build a business or brand online. Whether you're an aspiring influencer, content creator, or entrepreneur, "Crushing It" provides a roadmap for achieving success on your own terms.

What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School

"What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" by Mark McCormack is a classic business book that provides practical advice and insights for aspiring business leaders. McCormack draws on his own experiences as a successful entrepreneur and sports agent to offer a candid look at the realities of business, including the importance of building relationships, negotiating effectively, and trusting your instincts. With actionable tips and examples from a variety of industries, "What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" challenges readers to think outside the box and adopt a more entrepreneurial mindset. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned executive, this book is an essential read for anyone looking to succeed in the world of business.

Scaling Up

"Scaling Up" by Verne Harnish is a comprehensive guide to growing and scaling a business. The book provides practical tools and techniques for increasing revenue, expanding market share, and building a high-performance team. Harnish draws on his experience as a successful entrepreneur and business consultant to provide insights on topics such as strategic planning, leadership development, and financial management. With a focus on execution and accountability, "Scaling Up" challenges readers to think strategically and adopt a growth mindset, while also providing practical tips and strategies for achieving sustainable, long-term growth. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned executive, "Scaling Up" is an essential read for anyone looking to build a successful, scalable business.

Additional Resources for Utah Small Business Owners

The SBA has a number of great articles and resources you can tap into as well.

U.S. Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/

Utah's SBA District Office: https://www.sba.gov/district/utah

Utah Specific Small Business Resources

Miller Business Center: https://www.millerbusinesscenter.org/

Utah Small Business Development Center: https://utahsbdc.org/

Resources for Veterans: https://veterans.utah.gov/business-resources/

Small Business Resources for Women: https://inutah.org/resources/

Your Utah-Based, Small Business, Secret Weapon

Need help with your small business growth strategy? The team at Wasatch Business Finance is comprised of entrepreneurs and small business owners with extensive experience and documented track records. We know what to do, the pitfalls you should avoid and how to help you win.

Call us at 385-799-6700 or visit www.wasatchcdc.com