12 Books For Keeping Your Small Business, Small

There are a few reasons why it might be a good idea to keep a business small:

• Ease of management: A small business is typically easier to manage than a large one. It is easier to make decisions, delegate tasks, and keep track of operations.
• Flexibility: Small businesses are often more agile and flexible than large ones. They can quickly adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.
• Personal touch: Small businesses often have a more personal touch than large ones. They can provide a level of customer service that is difficult to achieve in a larger organization.
• Lower overhead: Small businesses typically have lower overhead costs than large ones. They may have lower rent and utilities costs, and they may not need as many employees.
• Potential for growth: While keeping a business small may seem like a limitation, it can actually provide the opportunity for growth. By focusing on a specific market or product, a small business can gain a strong foothold and then expand as demand grows.

Overall, the decision to keep a business small or to expand will depend on the specific goals and resources of the business. It is important to carefully consider all the pros and cons before making a decision.

Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business

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Company of One

$11.78

Focusing on being small is good. There is more profit in it, less stress, more freedom. The idea of success looking like a big company that grows fast is old and outdated. The author makes a case that true success can be found alone.

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Focusing on being small is good. There is more profit in it, less stress, more freedom. The idea of success looking like a big company that grows fast is old and outdated. The author makes a case that true success can be found alone.

Example after example from Patagonia, Barbara Cordran, pinboard, Starbucks, Kristin Kreme, and more are all shared as either warnings or success stories.

One interesting idea to control growth and sustain quality is to set an upper limit for growth like Southwest Airlines does by turning down 95% of requests for new service in specific areas. Without guard rails your desire to grow may be insatiable and unsustainably like Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, and Pets.com. Pets.com spent on growth it hoped to see, not on where it was actually at and lost $300mm in investment capital in the process.

One study the author shares was by the startup geno project. 3,200 high growth tech startups reported that 74% failed because they scaled up too quickly. Whereas 84% of startups that succeeded did not take VC money.

To succeed as a single person company Start by helping one customer, then another, then another with what you’ve got available and keep it simple at all costs.

Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big

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Small Giants

$14

For those who are trying to decide if they want to scale to the moon and sell or build stay smaller, profitable, and focus on quality in product & culture.

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"Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" is a book written by Bo Burlingham that explores the concept of businesses that prioritize excellence and sustainability over rapid growth and financial success. The book profiles a number of small companies that have chosen to focus on maintaining high levels of quality and customer satisfaction, rather than striving for rapid expansion and increased profits. These businesses, referred to as "small giants," are often highly successful and respected within their industries, and are known for their strong corporate cultures and commitment to their employees and communities. The book offers insight into the principles and practices that have helped these companies achieve success, and serves as a guide for business owners and leaders who are looking to create similar organizations.

Million Dollar One Person Business

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The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business

$18.40

A wonderful book for those looking at starting a business online. All the things to focus on early on and what direction to go based on your interests and skills.

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The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business is a book written by Elaine Pofeldt that explores the concept of building a successful one-person business that can generate significant income and allow the owner to work in a way that suits their personal preferences and goals.

In the book, Pofeldt discusses the various challenges and opportunities that come with running a one-person business and offers practical advice and strategies for building a profitable and sustainable business. She covers topics such as identifying a niche, finding and serving customers, managing finances and legal issues, and balancing work and personal life.

Pofeldt also profiles successful one-person businesses and shares their stories and insights, offering inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to start or grow their own business. Overall, the book is intended to provide a roadmap for anyone looking to build a successful, fulfilling, and lucrative one-person business. 

Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World

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Two Weeks Notice

$22.99

If you have been waiting for a sign to escape the prison of corporate monotony, “Two Weeks Notice” is ready to help you achieve freedom. With a clear and concise style, Amy Porterfield gives you a manual to financial prosperity without the need for a 9-to-5 job.

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If you have been waiting for a sign to escape the prison of corporate monotony, “Two Weeks Notice” is ready to help you achieve freedom. With a clear and concise style, Amy Porterfield gives you a manual to financial prosperity without the need for a 9-to-5 job. Although leaving a traditional job feels like an ending, this book shows that it is only the beginning.

Becoming an entrepreneur can seem intimidating if you have not yet made the leap. However, this book is a tangible guide to everything you need to launch your own business. This includes three strategies to drive revenue, a guide to building websites, and a blueprint for building an engaged email following.

Beyond the concrete recommendations, Porterfield also gives advice that inspires and empowers as you transition to being your own boss. This includes gems like understanding that your business is not a good fit for everyone, pointers to content creation that stays true to your brand, and discovering that your dreams should not be restricted by glass ceilings.

Big Dreams, Daily Joys

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Big Dreams, Daily Joys

$15.94

A book to help you take your idea from start to success. This workbook is best if used while filling it out. Discover the proven secrets to success of this author and apple the same strategies in your own life.

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Right on the cover, the book states what it will help the reader achieve. "Set goals. Get things done. Make time for what matters." In four chapters that are broken down into readable chunks that can be managed in a short amount of time the author guides you through why goal-setting is important all the way through to getting your goals done.

This one is not recommended through audible. The book's design and layout have been carefully thought out. Artwork in bold colors motivates you to keep going. Many of the author's best pieces of advice are found in full page, colored quotes making it easy to flip through the book to find the inspiration you need.

Cripe supplies plenty of real world examples in each chapter to help you feel less alone in a world that often makes us feel as though we are falling behind. In the first chapter she not only defines the difference between a goal and a to-do list item, she shows you what makes a 'good' goal. The book Checklist Manifesto might be a good contrasting read on this.

Small Time Operator: How to Start Your Own Business, Keep Your Books, Pay Your Taxes, and Stay Out of Trouble

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Small Time Operator

$13.46

The book covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to small business owners, including how to choose the right business structure, how to keep accurate financial records, how to prepare and file business tax returns, and how to avoid common pitfalls and legal issues.

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"Small Time Operator: How to Start Your Own Business, Keep Your Books, Pay Your Taxes, and Stay Out of Trouble" is a book written by Bernard B. Kamoroff, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The book is intended to provide practical advice and guidance to people who are interested in starting their own small businesses.

The book covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to small business owners, including how to choose the right business structure, how to keep accurate financial records, how to prepare and file business tax returns, and how to avoid common pitfalls and legal issues. It also includes helpful tips on how to market and promote your business, how to manage employees, and how to grow your business over time.

Overall, "Small Time Operator" is a useful resource for anyone who is considering starting their own small business, and is looking for practical advice and guidance on how to succeed.

The Pumpkin Plan: A Simple Strategy to Grow a Remarkable Business in Any Field

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The Pumpkin Plan

$24.56

The book focuses on the idea of building a successful business by identifying and focusing on the "pumpkin" (or core) of the business, rather than trying to do too many things at once.

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The book focuses on the idea of building a successful business by identifying and focusing on the "pumpkin" (or core) of the business, rather than trying to do too many things at once.

• According to Michalowicz, the "pumpkin plan" involves four key steps:
• Identify your pumpkin: Identify the core of your business and focus on it, rather than trying to do too many things at once.
• Plant your pumpkin seeds: Build a strong foundation for your business by developing systems and processes that support your core offerings.
• Cultivate your pumpkin: Nurture and grow your business by building relationships with customers and partners, and by continuously improving your products and services.
• Harvest your pumpkin: Maximize the success of your business by continually seeking out new opportunities and taking calculated risks.

Throughout the book, Michalowicz provides practical guidance and real-world examples to help business owners implement the "pumpkin plan" and achieve sustainable growth and success.

Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got

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Getting Everything You Can Out of All You’ve Got

$19.99

The book provides strategies and tactics for improving business performance, including tips for increasing profits, finding new customers, and developing effective marketing strategies.

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"Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got: 21 Ways You Can Out-Think, Out-Perform, and Out-Earn the Competition" is a book written by Jay Abraham, a well-known business strategist and marketing consultant. The book provides strategies and tactics for improving business performance, including tips for increasing profits, finding new customers, and developing effective marketing strategies.

Some of the key ideas presented in the book include the importance of setting clear goals, developing a strong marketing plan, and constantly seeking out new opportunities for growth. Abraham also emphasizes the value of building strong relationships with customers, partners, and employees, and the importance of staying adaptable and flexible in the face of changing market conditions.

Overall, "Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got" is a practical and actionable guide for anyone looking to improve their business or career. It offers a wealth of insights and strategies for achieving success in today's competitive business environment.

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It

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The E-Myth

$14.99

A book to organize and scale any business. Learn how to improve customer experience through systems that are repeatable. Get organized and run a better business.

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The E-Myth Revisited is a business book written by Michael E. Gerber that explores the common pitfalls that small businesses fall into and offers advice on how to avoid them. The book is based on the idea that most small businesses are started by people who are experts in their field, but are not necessarily skilled in business management. As a result, these businesses often struggle to succeed because they are not built on a solid foundation of business principles.

In the book, Gerber argues that small businesses need to have a clear vision and mission, a well-defined system for running the business, and a culture that supports the growth and development of the business. He also stresses the importance of focusing on the needs of the customer and building a strong team of employees who are committed to the success of the business.

Overall, The E-Myth Revisited is a helpful resource for anyone looking to start or grow a small business, as it offers practical advice and strategies for building a successful and sustainable business.

Content Inc.: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses

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Content Inc.

$5.93

The book provides a step-by-step guide for identifying a unique content niche, creating valuable content that resonates with a specific audience, and using that content to build a loyal following and monetize the audience through products or services.

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Content Inc. is a book by Joe Pulizzi that outlines a strategy for entrepreneurs to use content marketing to build massive audiences and create successful businesses. The book provides a step-by-step guide for identifying a unique content niche, creating valuable content that resonates with a specific audience, and using that content to build a loyal following and monetize the audience through products or services.

Pulizzi argues that the key to building a successful business today is to focus on building a loyal audience through content marketing, rather than trying to sell products or services directly to a mass audience. By creating valuable content that resonates with a specific audience, entrepreneurs can attract a loyal following and build a sustainable business over time.

In addition to providing practical tips and strategies for building a content-driven business, the book also includes case studies of entrepreneurs who have used this approach to build successful businesses. Overall, Content Inc. is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to use content marketing to build a loyal audience and create a successful business.

The Effective Executive

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The Effective Executive

$11.99

In "The Effective Executive," Drucker outlines the key characteristics and habits of effective executives, and provides practical advice for how to improve one's effectiveness in a business or organizational setting.

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"The Effective Executive" is a book written by management consultant and author Peter Drucker that was first published in 1966. It is considered a classic in the field of business and management, and has been widely read and influential in the business world.

In "The Effective Executive," Drucker outlines the key characteristics and habits of effective executives, and provides practical advice for how to improve one's effectiveness in a business or organizational setting. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and priorities, managing one's time effectively, and making effective decisions. He also stresses the importance of developing a sense of self-awareness and understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to work well with others.

Overall, "The Effective Executive" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their effectiveness and productivity in the business world. It offers practical guidance and insights that are still relevant today, and has helped many people to become more effective leaders and managers.

Smarter Faster Better: The Transformative Power of Real Productivity

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Smarter Faster Better

$11.79

In the book, Duhigg discusses the importance of setting clear goals, creating systems to track progress, and using data to make informed decisions.

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"Smarter Faster Better: The Transformative Power of Real Productivity" is a book written by Charles Duhigg, a New York Times investigative journalist and best-selling author. The book explores the science of productivity and offers practical strategies for becoming more effective in both personal and professional life.

In the book, Duhigg discusses the importance of setting clear goals, creating systems to track progress, and using data to make informed decisions. He also explores the role that motivation, teamwork, and habits play in productivity, and offers tips for managing time, overcoming procrastination, and fostering a culture of productivity in organizations.

Overall, "Smarter Faster Better" aims to help readers understand the factors that drive productivity and to provide practical tools for becoming more effective in all aspects of life.