Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read in 2023

When it comes to biz and self-development resources, books on running a successful business are a dime a dozen. The business books out there are seriously endless.

There are the heavy-hitters that are always at the top of the best-seller list—think Atomic Habits by James Clear and How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

Then there are those niche-specific gems that are just as eye-opening, insightful, and life-changing as their more popular counterparts. (Hint: We’re about to share our favorite hidden gems in just a minute!)

Because we know you’re neck deep in client projects (as you should be, bestie!), we thought we’d do you a solid and put together a list of our top picks you just HAVE to add to your 2023 reading list. 

Time is your most valuable asset and we know you don’t have heaps of it to begin with, so skip the deep dive and add these 3 powerhouse business books to your cart ASAP!

Or, if you’re really scrapped for time, snag the audiobook version instead—which, in our experience is a great way to add a layer of productivity to walking the dogs.

Trust us, these guys have a thing or two to teach every entrepreneur willing to give ‘em a go.

Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message so Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller

As card-carrying members of the “Branding Matters a WHOLE Heck of a Lot” Club (read more on our thoughts about branding here!), this rec is a no-brainer.

If you’re new to selling your services, branding your design business, or need a refresher on *exactly* what branding can do to scale your biz, look no further than Donald Miller’s tell-all about his uber successful StoryBrand process and how it helps entrepreneurs share their message in a way that moves people to act.

Through Building a StoryBrand, you’ll learn how your distinct message impacts your client’s understanding of what you can do for them—which goes far beyond designing a pretty space. You’ll learn how to engage your audience with powerful stories they can see themselves in and how to connect with your clients in a way that grows your design studio.

Our fave tidbits included in Miller’s book are:

• The 7 universal story points that *every* human being responds to
• Why simplicity matters and how to simplify your brand message
• What stops clients from taking the leap of faith to work with you
• How to craft the most effective message for your website, ads, and social media channels

If you haven’t tapped into the power and potential your branding has to offer, Building a StoryBrand WILL help you hit the ground running when it comes to crafting the kind of message that will take you wherever you want to go next. Scout’s honor! 

You’re a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero

Next on the list of our tip top business reads is our fave money making and mindset manifesto.

Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass at Making Money holds a very special place in our hearts because it helped us leave ALL our fears surrounding financial success in the past. Sincero is sassy, hilarious, and practical to the core with personal essays that will make your tummy hurt AND teach you a bite-sized lesson you can take to the bank!

From her humble beginnings living in a converted garage with little to nothing to call her own to her fab, globe-trotting lifestyle, Sincero covers all bases when it comes to making money and the mindset it demands.

Through her witty, fun-filled memoir, you’ll get the inside scoop on:

• How to uncover what’s holding you back from making BANK
• How to part ways with your doubts, fears, and excuses
• How to relate to money in a new way (and make more of it!)
• How to start shaping your reality instead of falling victim to it
• How to rake in as much money as your heart desires

Put your nose in this book and watch your bottom line GROW.

Disclaimer: This one’s a little woo-woo and covers topics like universal intelligence and manifestation. If you’re about it, dive on in!

Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

This one’s for all our CEOs, visionaries, and business leaders out there!

Simon Sinek’s Start With Why is a masterclass in understanding effective business leadership, consumer psychology, and the driving factors behind every purchasing decision a client makes.

The premise is super simple: By studying what the world’s most impactful leaders have in common, we can understand what it takes to cultivate the kind of influence they have had in their industries.

Start With Why breaks down how these big wigs think, act, and communicate in a way that is in opposition to the status quo. But it also dives deep into the most fundamental question of successful business ownership—”Why?”

Why are some figureheads and some organizations more influential and more lucrative than others?

Why do some companies foster more loyalty from their employees and clients than their competitors?

Why are so many success stories one hit wonders that are unable to replicate their successes again and again?

Sinek shares everything in his book, no holds barred.

If you’re ready to amp up your industry presence and watch your circle of influence jump in size, Start With Why is a MUST.

Or, at the very least, check out Sinek’s 17-minute Ted Talk that is just as eye-opening as his book. (Catch his talk here!)

We get it, you hardly have time to sit down with your cup of coffee these days, but these books area GAME-CHANGER. They can offer the shift in perspective you need to work past something you didn’t even know you were stuck on.

It’s like talking a decompression walk outdoors when you hit a creative block, but for business.

Self-development doesn’t have to take a *ton* of time out of your day. Carving out 15 minutes before you check your inbox or before you get some shut eye will do WONDERS for your mindset. Plus, learning from the trail-blazers before you can save you a headache or two. 

It may give you the edge you need to take the next step, score that next win, and get that much closer to the design business and lifestyle of your wildest dreams!

Which business books do you want to read first?