Business related book recommendations

[Sully_44]

Okay Roksliders, I’m looking for some book recommendations from business owners. If it helps I’m in the construction industry. I started a concrete company in 2022 in the Wasatch Front. I’d love to grow to the entire state of Utah and beyond. What are some books that have helped you “level up” in business and in life? I’ve read “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”, “The E-Myth”, and “Start With Why”. I’d like to start a habit of 1-2 books a month, help me out guys.

 

[ndlawrence]

I would immediately buy Traction by Gino Wickman, read it, then spend all the rest of your time implementing it with your team.

 

[eamyrick]

I’m no business expert but really like “The Hard Things about Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz and recently read the “Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel. Big fan of both.

 

[grossklw]

Who not how- Dan Sullivan
Deep Work- Cal Newport
4 Hour work week- Tim Ferris
Profit First- Mike Michilowocz
The One Thing- Gary Keller
Traction- Gino Wickman

 

[def90]

Was going to say the E-Myth but looks like you already read it. Realistically if you have followed the advice in that book you should have everything you need in regards to running and organizing your business as a legitimate business and not just something you do.

As far as going statewide, get some experienced salesmen and pay them well. Then make sure that you have the crews to follow up.

 

[3Esski]

Markup & profit: a contractors guide by michale stone

 

[Speaks]

Power of habit
Leaders eat last
Everything by Malcom Gladwell
Everything by Simon Sinek
The productivity project
Never split the difference
Smarter faster better

 

[Davyalabama]

Dale Carnegie, How To Win Friends and Influence People (After all these years, still is relevant). Also, this book is not one to read and put away. After you have read the book, go back and read a chapter per month, take your time and delve into it.

Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

John Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Sometimes You Win Sometimes You Learn, Good Leaders Ask Great Questions. He has a bunch. Look at his 101 series for short books to take on flights or have by your end table.

Simon Sinek,

Patrick Lencioni,

*****Dr. Robert A. Rohm (website, https://www.personality-insights.com/leadership-disc-profile/) His personality insights on DISC is the one to use, he's even got some books on kids which will help you with your younger employees or children for that matter.

I could give a bunch more, but start with these six. Maxwell is an easy read and practical, Carnegie's book is almost 100 years old but still one of the best for everyone, Hill starts with the mind about wealth, Lencioni (5 dysfunctions of a team, overcoming the 5 dysfunctions, The Four Obsessions of An Extraordinary Executive, and some more), Robert Rohm just lays out the DISC leadership advantage so well, (you can use this from hiring to everyday life, especially your own family, yep you can understand your family better!)

Might I also suggest one more, the 5 Love Languages series by Gary Chapman. Your business(es) can't grow to it's full potential without support from your family. The 5 series is one for your marriage, your children and your teenagers. Now he has other books, and they are relevant, but why overwhelm you.

The best leadership book of all time --------- The Bible. Most on here that have read my posts know I start here, I am unapologetic that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit direct my life, it is His because He bought and paid for it. This is where to start with your life, your marriage and surrounding your kids (ohhhh, do they need it in this world!). All is for naught without Him. Some don't agree with me, you may not, but this is where to start. If you don't know how, reach out to me, PM me, I can give you some pointers from a man that lead his own life for 40 something years even though I knew there was a God, there is more.

Now if you want one for your kids, pm me, I've got one or two you won't believe. I might even find something for your marriage if you need it.

 

[jayhawk]

“Zero to One” by Peter Theil
Completely changed the way I approach business

 

[schmalzy]

Jocko’s books have some solid application to both business and personal life. Don’t need to drink all of Kool-Aid if you don’t want to but had some solid take aways from them.


In regard to growing your contracting business; read everything you can about finance/lending as it relates to you. I think any of the books on Amazon regarding balance sheet/P&L are worth it. Some of it can get into the weeds but the foundation of it all is worth it imho when you grow and face new questions from lenders, partners, etc.

It’s not reading but would also suggest hiring an attorney to tutor/educate you on contract language/indemnification.

Not explicitly what you asked for, but In the spirit of it all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ry_kj_an]

I would immediately buy Traction by Gino Wickman, read it, then spend all the rest of your time implementing it with your team.

I second this. Also make note of other books referenced by Wickman and read those also. Patrick Lencioni, Jim Collins, Steven Covey, etc.

 

[180ls1]

I would immediately buy Traction by Gino Wickman, read it, then spend all the rest of your time implementing it with your team.

Fantastic advice. I am guilty of reading/listening too much and not enough implementation. I'd second this recommendation.


Donald Miller also has excellent books and courses. Try reading both of them, pick one and run with their system for a year or more before cramming more/different ideas.

 

[venomfever]

One of my favorites is The Hard Thing About Hard Things.

 

[ColPenguin]

The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt

Very easy to read because it is laid out as a fictional narrative about running a factory. The principles discussed in the book are universal and not specific to manufacturing.

 

[johnw]

The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt

Very easy to read because it is laid out as a fictional narrative about running a factory. The principles discussed in the book are universal and not specific to manufacturing.

I second this. Great to apply the theory of constraints and try to find the bottlenecks in your business.

 

[Sully_44]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations! Looks like I’ve got some reading to do!