Suck at money? Congrats. You’re part of the 99 percent of people in their 20s floundering when it comes to finance. Adulting is hard, and money is harder—especially when it’s your own and not your parents. My Two Cents is here to break down everything you need to know about finance, business, and entrepreneurship. We’ll tackle all the basics, from how to get a business permit to how to invest in stocks, to educate the fledgling adults on how to not go broke.
Welcome to the idiot’s guide to money. Lesson #14: Finding the right business books for you.
As useful as we hope My Two Cents has been to our readers, we can’t deny there’s a whole world of business literature out there that will teach you things that we can’t. Whether you’re just starting your business or trying to keep your company afloat, these 10 business books, from both local and international authors, have countless nuggets of wisdom that will help you in your day-to-day life. These are the must-read books to add to your shelf or to give to a like-minded entrepreneur this Christmas.
1| The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Published more than 20 years ago, The 48 Laws of Power by Roberte Greene will never fall out of relevance. It’s lessons can be applied anywhere, but especially in business. The best part is that the book doesn’t shy away from describing power plays, which are all too common in most workplaces.
Best for: managers and leaders
2| Business Adventures by John Brooks
Aside from being Bill Gates' favorite business book, you should read Business Adventures if you want to know how to build and reshape your brand’s reputation. John Brooks tackles all the great business scandals and crises, written in a way that tells the reader what not to do in a public relations crisis.
Best for: business relations and public relations managers
3| The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen
Every new startup is vying to be the next great “disruptor” of the industry, but The Innovator’s Dilemma shows us the challenges and pitfalls of disrupting. Based on quantitative data, Christensen looks into how disruptive innovation can survive and thrive in an era of endless innovation.
Best for: innovators and entrepreneurs
4| How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
First marketed as a self-help book, How to Win Friends and Influence People has crucial teachings ideal for anyone in a leadership role or aiming to have one. Keeping your business thriving relies heavily on having the right connections, and that entails becoming the sort of person people want to do business with. This book tells us how to do just that.
Best for: executive positions
5| Go Negosyo: 21 Steps on How to Start Your Own Business by Dean Pax Lapid and Ping Sotto
Written for the Filipino market, Go Negosyo is a good crash course on everything related to business. While not as detailed as others, it offers insights on business told from the Filipino perspective. Think of it more like an easy workbook than a work of non-fiction.
Best for: aspiring business owners
6| The Family, Incorporated by Andrea Santiago
Made especially for family businesses, which make up a chunk of the entire market, The Family, Incorporated is a guide to growing and continuing the family legacy. Filipino family values are a large part of many local businesses, which is why this book is a rare and required read.
Best for: family business owners and heirs
7| Asian Brand Strategy by Martin Roll
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that what works in the West doesn’t always work in the East. But it does take a genius to figure out the tricks to succeeding in business in Asia and how to unleash the full potential of the Asian economy.
Best for: businesses owners looking to expand in Asia
8| Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Written by the co-founder of Paypal, Zero to One is the ultimate playbook every aspiring entrepreneur needs. It’s not a guide to building your startup—it’s a lesson on making your startup different from everyone else’s. It’s an insightful look at the future of innovation that asks all the hard and relevant questions.
Best for: disruptors
9| Momentum: Economic Reforms for Sustaining Growth by Roel Landingin
If you’re conscious about the future of your business in this economy, this book contains the insight of five of the leading economic commentators in the country. It’s a good read if you want a broader scope of the Philippine economy and how your business fits in that equations.
Best for: business owners and the economically savvy
10| Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday
The business landscape of the 21st century demands nothing but the hustle. However, Stillness is the Key debunks the idea that nonstop hustling is the road to success. Part business philosophy book and part self-help book, this is a good read toward achieving your most disciplined and focused self.
Best for: everyone
There are hundreds more business books out there for every type of entrepreneur, and if you have any titles to share, comment down below.
