The 5 Best Business Books for Women

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i have been getting more emails (four, to be exact) asking what books have been helpful since taking our communication consulting business full-time 2.5 years ago. since moving from a social worker to an entrepreneur has not been an easy mindset shift for me, a select few books have been vital to helping me find this new #ladyboss side of me. yes, i said #ladyboss instead of #girlboss because i sort of feel guilty that #girlboss isn’t on the list. i like the concept of it but these ones below left a great impact on me and therefore i want to share them with you!

i’ve read a lot of books about business but as we know, all books are not created equal. these are the ones that i keep going back to and have been transformational to how i think about what it means to running a business with my husband!

best business books for women

although this article is entitled ‘the best business books for women,’ men you should totally read these too. my husband can vouch for all of these too being incredibly helpful for him as well.

The Desire Map” – Danielle Laporte

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i would start here. i found this book at the beginning of this year and whoa, mind blown. i am drinking all that danielle laporte is dishing out (and it’s delicious). the desire map helps you discover your core desired feelings. this means getting to the core of how you want to feel and then designing your life around this. the book is half reading, half workbook and wholly amazing.

The Go-Giver” – Bob Berg and John D. Mann

this is a quick read but tells excellent stories about why it’s so important to first focus on giving to make the world a better place rather than profits. there is specifically a story in there about a teacher who then became an entrepreneur. instead of impacting 30 children in her classroom, she was able to impact hundreds of thousands by her invention!

The Dip” – Seth Godin

this is a MUST for anyone (and by that i mean everyone) that has ever gone after a big goal or dream and experienced the lows in it. it’s an inspiring book that teaches you when to quit and when you should stick with your big goal. on top of that, seth talks about why it’s important to be ‘the best in the world’ and not just average. it’s 80 pages of no BS and to keep going when you hit the dip (because you will).

Lean In” – Sheryl Sandberg

this got a bunch of hype a few years ago and the hype should continue! it is inspiring to read about both the personal and professional side to sheryl sandberg and how we, especially as women, need to lean in even if it’s uncomfortable. my heart still aches for hers in losing her husband.

“Sell Your Thoughts” – Matt Church, Peter Cook, & Scott Stein

update: not currently available on amazon but check their website here

this is my most recent read and it has been such an eye-opener! it was recommended to my husband by neen james, an absolutely amazing woman and speaker. this book is especially helpful if you are running a business practice, which revolves around your intellectual property and thoughts. this would be a blog, speaking, coaching, consulting, etc. a business is something you can sell but a practice essentially wouldn’t run without you specifically at the helm. very eye-opening for the type of practice my husband and i run together and individually!


there you have it, my take on the 5 best business books for women! have you read any of these?

i am always looking to add to my reading list, especially when it comes to mindset, success, doing meaningful work and being in business. what are some of your favorites?

though this article does contain affiliate links, it does not increase the price you pay. rather it gives me a few pennies for each order in order to keep this site up and running!

7 Comments

  1. Audrey

    November 30, 2015 at 7:02 am

    These might be good stocking stuffers for the husband… He’s not really a reader but these are short enough that they might keep his interest(and about business). Thanks for the recommendations!
    Audrey recently posted…#Hashtag-Schmashtag

    • chelsea

      December 7, 2015 at 10:35 am

      i think these would be great for kyle! especially “the dip” (very short but profound)!

  2. Kate

    November 30, 2015 at 10:47 am

    Thanks for the recommendations! I will have to check these out over the holidays.
    Kate recently posted…Thanksgiving Weekend

    • chelsea

      December 7, 2015 at 10:34 am

      awesome! let me know what you think of the ones you read! they have been so beneficial to me!

  3. Brittany

    November 30, 2015 at 11:21 am

    Would any of these work for men too? My father in law is very business minded and i like to get him books for Christmas
    Brittany recently posted…Thanksgiving Weekend

    • chelsea

      December 7, 2015 at 10:34 am

      oh absolutely brittany! my husband has read all these too and they are his top favorites as well. i mainly put a ‘woman’ twist on it for my audience but i believe everyone should read these!

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