Summer is a great time to sit out on the deck and enjoy a few good books. If you are looking for a little extra advice and guidance in growing your business, I’d highly recommend picking up a couple of the titles I mention at your local book store. I have read many of these books multiple times because they inspire, teach, and help in my quest to grow a business and become a better person.

While there are hundreds of great books out there, I had to narrow my list down to just a few. So here are my top 10 favorite books that I’d recommend for entrepreneurs.

How to Win Friends and Influence People
— By Dale Carnegie
Carnegie’s book is an all time bestseller and a quick read. How to Win Friends and Influence People was originally published in 1937  and has since had a few updates. Warren Buffett and many other business owners have mentioned it as being influential in their success. A lot of the concepts used seem like common sense, but so many of us don’t actually put them into use as much as we should. How to Win Friends and Influence People talks about becoming genuinely interested in other people, the importance of using a person’s first name in conversation, listening, and making others feel important. His concepts are absolutely essential for any entrepreneur or salesperson. I’ve read this over and over, and would highly recommend this book and others by Dale Carnegie.

Rich Dad Poor Dad — By Robert Kiyosaki
What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money — That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!      This book is inspirational, and just might inspire you to quit your 9 to 5 job. Robert has two people playing the father role in the book. His biological father is a professor who doesn’t have a business mindset. His other father is actually his best friend’s Dad. This Dad is a successful businessman who teaches him about financial literacy and creating a business. The book talks about making money work for you and the mindset you must have to be successful. I thought the content was great and ended up buying the book for many family members and good friends.

Bootstrapping Your Business — By Greg Gianforte
Start and Grow A Successful Company With Almost No Money
Greg Gianforte founded RightNow Technologies, a software company based right here in Bozeman, Montana. RightNow was sold to Oracle in 2011 for 1.4 billion dollars. Greg is a very down to earth person who is involved in our community and in the world of entrepreneurship. I personally had the opportunity to do an entrepreneur interview with Greg, and he gave me a signed copy, which makes this book extra special for me. Bootstrapping Your Business explains the advantages of bootstrapping versus traditional financing and how the bootstrapping mindset can be applied to your business.

The 4 Hour Work Week — By Timothy Ferriss
Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
The 4 Hour Work Week is an amazing book that will make you think differently. Timothy explains the benefits of focusing on only the most important things and not wasting time on checking the phone, email, and social media religiously. Timothy explains how he outsources work to employees as well as virtual assistants overseas. The outsourcing and minimizing of distractions has enabled him to become much more efficient and effective. He gives great advice that is helpful for all entrepreneurs.

The All-Star Sales Book — By Billy Cox
Get in The Game, Boost Your Numbers, and Earn the Big Bucks
Billy Cox teaches you how to get in the game and become a winner. The All-Star Sales book is motivational and will make you want to stop being lazy and get out there to sell your products or services. The book stresses the importance of setting goals, trying new things, and putting yourself in an environment that will challenge you. This is a quick read that will get you excited about growing your business, sticking with it, and believing in yourself.

Delivering Happiness
— By Tony Hsieh, CEO — Zappos.com
A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose
Tony Hsieh is the master of building a company culture that is second to none. He focuses on creating an environment that is positive and rewarding for all employees and customers. Not only is his company extremely successful (Zappos.com), but they seek to change the world and make focusing on company culture their #1 priority. Tony talks about how the business started, the failures he has had, and the journey he’s gone through to get where he and his company are today.

The Warren Buffett Way — By Robert G Hagstrom
Investment Strategies of the World’s Greatest Investor
Warren Buffett has always been an idol to me because of his personality, success, and modest life style. As a fellow University of Nebraska Alum, I’ve seen everything he’s done to help out the university and various organizations. In addition to being generous he is extremely passionate about helping others. The Warren Buffett Way talks about his investment strategies, ethics, and the importance of buying companies he believes in.

Think and Grow Rich — By Napoleon Hill
Think and Grow Rich is an all-time classic that examines the success of many prominent people in the world. Through each case study and Napoleon’s guide to riches, the book teaches how to think positively, learn from others, and become successful. There are many editions to this book but I find the original to be the best. The 13 steps Hill explains will help get you thinking differently and on your way to accumulating wealth.

The Richest Man in Babylon  - By George Clason
The Secrets of the Ancients — The Most Inspiring Book on Wealth Ever Written
This inspirational book talks about the importance of thrift, financial planning, and personal wealth. It explains the secrets to acquiring money, keeping money, and making money earn more money. I’d recommend this book for recent graduates and people looking for solid advice about life, wealth, and success.

1,000 Dollars and an Idea — By Sam Wyly
Entrepreneur to Billionaire
Sam Wyly, a billionaire entrepreneur, has started many large companies including Michaels Stores, Sterling Software, and University Computing. The book is an autobiography that also serves as an inspirational business guide. Sam risked $1,000 as a youngster to start his first computer company and became a millionaire by the time he was 30. This how-to guide will help you on your quest to become a successful entrepreneur.

     Pete Sveen is the owner of an E-commerce store named SignsoftheMountains.com and a Blogger with ThinkEntrepreneurship.com/ For more entrepreneur tips, advice, and inspiration check out Pete’s blog at www.ThinkEntrepreneurship.com