Between March 2020 and March 2021, the number of people shifting occupations has significantly increased. More people are now seen to turn to either freelance or self-employed work due to uncertainties in the labor market.

Starting one’s business has become a new trend and many aspire today to be an entrepreneur. Nevertheless, gearing towards an entrepreneurial career is always challenging. Beforehand, as a new entrepreneur, you must be willing to acquire new business skills. You also need to dig out the secret of entrepreneurial success and greatness. Most entrepreneurs agree on one thing: a common desire for knowledge that compels them to keep learning and to read a lot.

Reading is a secret weapon for all successful entrepreneurs. Not only does it help in building a lifelong educational self-improvement, but it is also the best way to learn about all relevant topics for running a business. One apparent example that illustrates that idea is the habit of the world’s wealthiest people, who are mostly self-made people and successful entrepreneurs. Reading is among their daily routines. Data show that 88 percent of entrepreneurs read for at least 30 minutes a day – compared to just two percent of the general population.

One of those self-made billionaires is Oprah Winfrey, the American woman who built fortune through her own daily talk show. So, to become the next Oprah Winfrey or other inspiring entrepreneur, it is highly recommended to include reading in your daily habits. To help you, here are five books that may serve you as guides towards your entrepreneurial journey.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. This is a classic book about leadership and success. This book helps entrepreneurs have the right mindset and act in an effective way in order to succeed both at the personal and company levels.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It is primarily a self-help book that focuses on how to handle people and make them like you. It is also a business classic people need to read since it teaches how to be a better entrepreneur.

The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy. It shares ideas, methods, and techniques for entrepreneurs to sell faster and easier than before. This is a must-read book for every entrepreneur who wants to grasp the key to a flourishing business.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. The book teaches about financial education, personal investment, and business building. Another great read for every entrepreneur and even non-entrepreneurs!

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Think and grow rich is an all-in-one book. It gives you invaluable tips in goal setting and achievement, entrepreneurial thinking, effective leadership and financial freedom.

It is important to note that reading book is a necessary, but not the only condition for a thriving business and being a highly effective entrepreneur. Successful business owners constantly keep developing new habits.

Sources: Lifehack / Entrepreneur