The Best All Time Business Books That Actually Change Your Life (When You Use Them Right)
- Claire Hill
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The best all time business books that will actually shift your business when you take action on them.
How many business or self-development books have you read, nodded along with, felt totally inspired by... and then done absolutely nothing with?
Yep, me too.
That’s why this post is not just a list of the best all time business books.
It’s also a loving kick up the bum to actually use them. Because reading isn’t where the magic happens.
Action is.
I’m sharing the five books that have made the biggest difference to my mindset, strategy, creativity, and growth—plus how to take what you learn and make it stick.
1. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
This one cracked me wide open.
The concept of the upper limit problem, that strange habit we have of self-sabotaging when things start going well, was like holding a mirror up to my sneaky patterns.
This book helped me stop downplaying wins and start claiming my space. If you’ve ever had a meltdown mid-breakthrough, this one’s for you.
Bonus? I interviewed Gay on my podcast (Episode 216). Go listen after this, you’ll love it.
2. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
This one is a permission slip to be creative, even if you don’t see yourself as the ‘creative type’.
Elizabeth talks about fear, inspiration, and the floating ideas just waiting to be caught.
It’s helped me embrace my own voice and message more than anything else.
If you’ve got a handmade biz or want to reconnect with your spark, this one’s gold.
"The best all time business books are not just the ones everyone recommends. They’re the ones you actually use."
3. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
I have listened to this on Audible more times than I can count.
Jen’s voice is like your witty, straight-talking mate, and the book is basically a money mindset course disguised as a feel-good pep talk.
It’s funny, empowering, and genuinely transformational. If money stories are holding you back, start here.
4. Purple Cow by Seth Godin
Short, sharp, and powerful. This book is all about standing out, and it will absolutely make you question your branding, your messaging, and your offer in the best way.
Seth doesn’t mess around. This is essential reading for anyone trying to rise above the noise online.
5. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
This was the turning point for me stepping into my CEO role. It breaks down the chaos of small business and helps you understand the difference between being a technician, a manager, and an entrepreneur.
It’s the ultimate systems and scalability book. If you’re still doing everything yourself, this one will change how you think about your business.
How to Actually Use These Books
Here’s the secret. Don’t just binge-read and move on.
✅ Pause
.✅ Journal when something hits.
✅ Do the exercises.
✅ Make a tiny action plan.
✅ Give yourself deadlines.
✅ Share it with your coach or community for accountability.
Otherwise, you’re just collecting dopamine and overwhelm.
Bonus Picks (for When You’re Ready to Go Bigger)
If you’ve already read the classics and want a next-level mindset shift, add these two to your list:
These are ideal if you're scaling, dreaming bigger, or ready to step into your next version of success. Think clarity, courage, and CEO energy all rolled into one.
Final Thoughts
The best all time business books are not just the ones everyone recommends. They’re the ones you actually use. So if you’ve got a shelf full of brilliant titles gathering dust, start again. Pick one, go slowly, take notes, and put something into action this week.
Let the words change you, but only if you let them move you to do something.
In episode 309 of No Rest For The Vivid Business Podcast, I share why I love each of these books so much and the impact they've had on my life and business. Click here watch or listen to the episode.
This post includes affiliate links for things I genuinely rate and use in my own business. If you decide to grab something through one of these links, I might earn a small commission (with zero extra cost to you). I’m also an Amazon Associate, so that applies there too. Your support means the world, it helps keep the magic going!