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7 Top Business Plan Books for New-age Entrepreneurs
Free Ultimate Guide On Writing A Business Plan
- October 18, 2023
12 Min Read
Business Plan books are the first thing to go for once you have decided on the idea you want to pursue as an entrepreneur.
Starting up as an entrepreneur is not as simple as it seems. Transforming your idea into a business that creates value for the world is a long process.
The process is full of uncertainties, hurdles, and burnout. To make consistent efforts without giving up, you need a plan you can rely upon.
A plan that helps you in making wise decisions in your entrepreneurial journey is known as a business plan.
It also helps in refining processes and keeps you in line with your business goals.
Now, how would you create a business plan?
Well, you can anyhow get to know what it contains. However, to easily create a business plan that covers all aspects of your business, you must read these books.
In this article, we are going to discuss the 7 top business plan books written for ambitious entrepreneurs like you!
Best Business Plan Books
- Art of the Start 2.0
- The Successful Business Plan: Secrets and Strategies
- The Founder’s Dilemma
- The One-Page Business Plan for the Creative Entrepreneur
- The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan
- Anatomy of a Business Plan
- The Complete Book of Business Plans
1. Art of the Start 2.0
Goodreads rating: 3.87/5
The author of this book is American millionaire Guy Kawasaki. Though his name is enough for anyone to stand up from their seats let me tell you a few things about him.
- He worked with Apple in 1984 as a part of the marketing team for Macintosh computers.
- He is the author of 12 books including The Art of Social Media, and Enchantment.
- He is currently working as the chief evangelist of Canva which is a graphic designing software.
Now coming to what this book holds for you, it’s one of those books that focus on transforming your business idea into a full-fledged organization.
Guy Kawasaki explains why it is important to have a vision and how you, as an entrepreneur, can feed your team with the same vision.
If your team does not adhere to the same vision, there will always be chaos in the workspace.
You must also share stories about your product and your journey. Everyone loves stories. You don’t have to write a 300-page book but a few social media posts, and videos that resonate well with your target audience.
The book also guides entrepreneurs while hiring. It tells you to hire people who are new in the industry. They are most likely to innovate new products as they consistently ask questions.
Key Highlight:
This book will help you in writing a business plan along with guiding you in various steps of entrepreneurship. This book holds something for every aspect of entrepreneurship.
It also stresses how you can use the internet and cloud tools to make the processes more accessible and more efficient. In the modern era, businesses are equipped with tools that are affordable and accessible to everyone.
Moreover, the book also throws light on socializing and partnering with the right people for leadership roles or to get funding.
By reading this book, you will feel more powerful as an entrepreneur and will be ready to take on challenges that come along with entrepreneurship.
This book doesn’t sound like rhetoric and probably that’s why this book received appreciation from all across the world.
Book Link- Art of the Start 2.0
A reader’s review:
The focus is on tech entrepreneurs. While much of the advice is applicable to other industries, the book will hit the bullseye specifically with those starting technology businesses.
Anita Campbell (via Goodreads)
2. The Successful Business Plan: Secrets and Strategies
The author of the book is Rhonda Abrams who has written more than 12 books on entrepreneurship. Being an entrepreneur herself, the knowledge she shares is absolute gold and trustworthy.
She also writes one of the most popular columns in the US known as Small Business Strategies.
Let us now discuss what Rhonda Abrams has taught in her book.
The Successful Business Plan: Secrets and Strategies is a complete guide for anyone stuck in writing. It is one of those books that give you a push to start working on your idea.
This book contains various worksheets and charts which makes it consumable as well as practical.
You will get enough examples of various parts of a business plan , giving you an in-depth idea of what it looks like and how it is written.
This book not only teaches you to write a business plan that reminds you about your vision but also this plan can help you get investors on board.
It also equips you with strategies to get funds at the best possible rates and also to minimize the costs involved in running a business.
It gives you an in-depth understanding of positioning your brand in the market to gain the attention of your target audience and thus derive maximum profit.
Moreover, you can also use it for competitions related to showcasing plans for their businesses. The book is used by many entrepreneurs and is recommended to every small business.
Book Link- The Successful Business Plan
There’s enough information here to help you get almost any business started. This is a proven source, for it’s been through several re-prints since 1991.
Jeffrey Brown (via Goodreads)
3. The Founder’s Dilemma
Goodreads rating: 4.01/5
The book, The Founder’s dilemma, is one of the best business plan books by Noam Wasserman. Apart from this, he has written another bestseller known as Life is a startup.
Noam Wasserman served as a professor at Harvard Business school for 13 years and is currently working at the University of Southern California as a founding Director at the Founder Central Initiative.
The book he wrote is an absolute beauty. Not because he has told some hidden secrets but because he has addressed a problem that many entrepreneurs often ignore.
And that problem is the company’s leadership. You might have a billion-dollar business idea and even have cracked the tech for it, but you might still fail because of listening to the wrong advice.
If you want your business to not suffer due to wrong decisions made by top leadership, you must read this book.
This book will help you in deciding whom you want to work with, and how to share the equity among co-founders and employees without being emotional.
However, this book might not be useful for small businesses but is a gem for someone planning to launch a high-growth business.
Book Link – The Founder’s Dilemma
I’ve never seen a book before that was particularly helpful – to a founder – about the wide range of issues a founder will face.
Brad Feld (via Goodreads)
4. The One-Page Business Plan for the Creative Entrepreneur
Goodreads rating: 3.86/5
The author of this mind-blowing book is none other than Jim Horan.
Known for his expertise in solving complex business problems , Jim has helped many entrepreneurs in turning their businesses into profit-making machines.
Jim Horan has also been a Fortune 500 executive and has written six books in the One Page Business Plan for Creative Entrepreneur series.
This book is quite different from other books as it is written for entrepreneurs who do not understand a lot about business figures but want to get started soon.
There’s a saying that if you cannot write your business plan on a single page, you are probably doing it wrong.
The book enables you to write it in a couple of hours which includes your mission, objectives, and plans.
It will be crisp and easy to understand for your investors as well as the team. In this fast-moving world, it becomes really uncomfortable to give a week preparing a business plan.
You have the idea and with the help of this book, you can turn the idea into a business in no time.
Having said that, this book is not recommended to someone who is building a high-growth company or a business with many manufacturing units.
This book is specially designed for small businesses to increase their profits and improve their vision.
Book Link – The One-Page Business Plan
One of my favorites! I have used these templates many times. It really forces you to be concise and focus on your vision. Highly recommend!
Teri Temme (via Goodreads)
5. The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan
Goodreads rating: 3.70/5
The author of this book Hal Shelton is an extremely experienced executive who has worked with many corporations, non-profits, and investment companies.
Hal Shelton completed his BS from Carnegie Mellon University and then pursued an MBA from the University of Chicago.
The secrets to writing a successful Business Plan focus on each section of the plan to help you create one that stands out in front of the investors.
The book also informs you about the common errors entrepreneurs make while writing. These errors sometimes cost very high as they might create confusion for investors as well as for the team.
You will also learn to do the market analysis and write the same in your plan. You will be able to answer questions like how big is the market and whether it is sufficient to run a successful business or not.
Investors receive a lot of business plans and going through each one of them is not feasible. Therefore writing an executive summary becomes extremely important.
The executive summary is an easy way to grab investors’ attention and help them understand your business without going through lengthy documents.
If you are launching a non-profit organization, this book can help you in many ways as a section of the book is dedicated to non-profits.
Moreover, the book also consists of secret strategies for writing a business plan and getting bank loans or funding from investors.
Book Link – The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan
This book provides a very solid foundation to write your plan. The author also provides excellent examples and instructions as to what to and not to do in writing your business plan
Kirk G. Meyer (via Goodreads)
6. Anatomy of a Business Plan
The author of this book, Linda Pinson, has worked very closely with the U.S. small business administration to write the government business plan publication.
She has also been honored as Education Advocate of the year and SBA regional women in Business advocate of the year.
Apart from this book, she has written many books on entrepreneurship such as Keeping the books and steps to start a small business startup.
This is one of the best business books for people who do not know anything about business plans.
This book provides you with an in-depth understanding of different business plans and will enable you to choose your ideal kind.
After reading the book, you will learn to update your plan according to the needs of your business and the position of your brand in the market.
The author also highlights the importance of mentioning the table of contents and executive summary in navigating smoothly through the book.
Apart from this, it also throws light on how you can efficiently market your business. You will also learn how to mention the financials of your company which is an important thing to do.
The Anatomy of a Business Plan also contains five real-life business plans which give you an understanding of how successful businesses can be explained in a few pages.
You also get a few worksheets which makes the overall experience of reading the book delightful.
Book Link – Anatomy of a Business Plan
This book is like “a mentor for your business plan”. Really informative and helpful.
Marvin Musfiq (via Goodreads)
7. The Complete Book of Business Plans
Goodreads rating: 3.47/5
The authors of this book are Brian Hazelgran and Joseph A. Covello. Both of them have a great understanding of how businesses operate in this book. They have told us that one size doesn’t fit all.
That means business plans for different businesses cannot be written in the same way.
This book contains 12+ plans that give you an idea of how you write one for yourself.
This book also focuses on how you should bring people into your business and what vision you should have to run the business for decades.
Moreover, when you read the book you will have to ask a lot of questions to yourself. The book will compel you to ask questions yourself that are immensely important before writing it.
Once you give satisfactory answers to the questions asked, you will feel more motivated to start a business , and writing a business will look like a cakewalk.
The above quote shows how important it is to plan your business and create a visionary plan for your business.
Book Link – The Complete Book of Business Plans
Great book encompassing everything about writing business plans.
Denny Troncoso (via Goodreads)
Bottom Line
All the Business plan books that we discussed above are going to help you in some way or the other.
But don’t worry you don’t need to read all of them. Just figure out where you stand and where you would want to go and select a book accordingly.
Innovative tools present in the industry like Upmetrics have helped many entrepreneurs in business and financial planning. If you need more help writing a perfect business plan, check out Upmetrics NOW and grow 2X faster.
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with step-by-step Guidance & AI Assistance.
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- Understand the Operations Plan Section in a Business Plan
- Check Out Our Free Business Plan Examples
- How to Design a Compelling Business Plan Cover Page
- Guidelines for Formulating a Business Plan Table of Contents
- Understanding the Importance of a Confidentiality Statement in a Business Plan
About the Author
Upmetrics Team
Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more
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Popular Templates
The 5 Best Business Plan Books (& Why You Shouldn’t Read Them)
You probably know that having a business plan will improve your chances of success in starting and growing your business. Reading the right business plan book can help you craft the perfect plan. But, there are more efficient ways than reading a book to learn about business planning and to complete your plan. In this article, I’ll show you such options, and if you’d still like to read a book, I’ll tell you the top 5 business planning books to consider.
Why You Don’t Need To Read a Business Planning Book
There are many books about business planning that you could read, but why shouldn’t you?
The simple answer, time.
Reading even the best business plan books will take time to read and then process, and this is on top of the considerable time it takes to complete market research and write a solid business plan.
Instead, technology has provided today’s entrepreneurs with easy-to-follow simple business plan templates that teach you how to write the business plan as you complete the plan. Although every business is unique, a business plan template will offer you a great starting point and often includes customizable financial plans specific to your industry.
Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here
The right business plan template will include all essential components of a successful business plan including:
- Executive Summary
- Company Overview
- Market Analysis
- Customer Analysis
- Competitive Analysis
- Marketing Plan
- Operations Plan
- Management Team
- Financial Plan
You can learn more about each of these business plan components and how to write a business plan from the business planning experts at Growthink.
Finish Your Business Plan Today!
If you enjoy reading & want to learn more….
So, you don’t actually need to read a business book, but if you do, learn from the experts who have ventured on the same entrepreneurial journey. Their practical advice provides a step-by-step guide through the planning process to help you complete the necessary market research to stay competitive while completing the financial analysis needed to secure funding.
How We Can Help You Succeed
At Growthink, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners develop business plans to start and grow their companies. With this extensive experience, we’ve created a simple business plan template and business plan examples for 100+ sectors (and we’re still going!) to save you time and make it even easier to write a successful business plan. Check out the links below or learn more in our Business Plan Writing Help Center to help you launch or expand your successful business.
How to Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!
Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?
With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!
20 Best Books on How to Write a Business Plan
Are you wondering which book is best to learn how to write a business plan ? If YES, here are 20 best books on how to write a business plan in 2023. Starting and running a new business to success can be quite daunting. According to reports, a little more than 1 in 5 businesses tend to crash just within their first year, this is why having a detailed business plan is vital to the success of any business.
Putting together a good business plan from scratch is a challenging undertaking that needs extensive market research, statistical analysis, financial calculations, and much more. You need to understand how to make your business case, describe why there is a demand for your product or service, explain in detail how you intend to build your team, and also explain how you are going to finance your business and remain competitive.
Business plans are quite similar to a GPS; it is possible to travel without a GPS, but it may take you longer and the possibility of getting lost is always present. So instead of having to stop and ask for directions, you can use your business plan as a map to help guide your business.
Nonetheless, here are the best business plan books to take your business dreams from idea to reality.
The One Page Business Plan
According to reports, various corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs around the world leverage The One Page Business Plan process to quickly and easily establish highly focused and simple business plans. Instead of beginning with a blank piece of paper, the book and planning tool kit include business plan templates, as well as sample business plans to help get you started.
Have it in mind that the easy-to-fill-in-the-blanks business plan outline makes the process fast and easy. The book is divided into 5 unique sections… Vision, Mission, Objectives, Strategies, and Action Plans providing a useful and complete business plan format that will show you step-by-step how to write a business plan.
Tim Berry is a globally known expert on business planning, and this book is his latest one that will help you get your business up and running. “Hurdle” extensively explains each and every step of a solid business plan in a way that anyone can understand. Also, note that you will see many examples of how to calculate profit and keep track of your cash flow.
Complete with a 53-page workbook, have it in mind you will be constructing your business plan as you read the book rather than trying to understand the fundamentals of business planning and applying them later. After you must have written a workable business plan, you will find yourself turning back to this book for advice on the everyday management and implementation of your business as well.
The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan
If you want a step-by-step guide, then opt for this book. Hal Shelton will expertly take you on a journey of putting together a well arranged plan. Understand what your personal style is, where to go for help and the simple errors people make when putting together a plan.
Note that putting together a marketing plan and establishing a strong management team are also topics covered in this short and simple guide. Hal’s secrets to success will ensure you spend less time putting together a business plan, freeing up time for you to focus on other aspects of your business. In addition, you will learn how to acquire a bank loan and get proven strategies for attracting investors.
The Successful Business Plan
Note that this is a well detailed step-by-step guide for anyone eager to start or grow a business, and has been used over the years by close to two million entrepreneurs. It comes with expert help, worksheets to jumpstart the process, a sample business plan, tips on attracting funders, winning tips for competitions, secrets to successful crowdfunding, building a global business, and much more.
Well recognized in over 1000 business schools globally and appreciated by entrepreneurs; this guide touches every aspect of a successful business plan, from business strategy, winning over investors or lenders, and much more.
Hit The Deck
Have it in mind that this book shows entrepreneurs the perfect way to create business plans, leveraging best practices used at top business schools, and with leading angel and venture capital investors. Also note that the book provides step-by-step instructions on how to think through new business ideas and prepare concise, compelling business plan presentations .
Owning to its comprehensive content, founders can plan faster, pitch more effectively, and modify their plans more easily as they get feedback from advisors and investors. Hit the Deck includes interviews with sophisticated investors, like Ted Schlein at Kleiner Perkins, and with successful entrepreneurs, like Tommy Hilfiger.
Writing a Convincing Business Plan
First and foremost, this book was written by the company that has aided generations of students to prepare for standardized tests. Note that it approaches the challenge of putting together a business plan in the same straightforward, system-minded way.
Have it in mind that this book is no-nonsense: you will have to analyze your business structure, your goals, and your forecasts, and no amount of mantras will help you do so like good old-fashioned hard work. According to reviews, this is a thought-provoking book that ensures you take a closer look at different aspects of your business with plenty of questions to ask yourself. It also guides you in finding supporting data that justifies and promotes your business.
How to Write a Business Plan
Regardless of what your intentions are, be it starting or selling your own business, business plans are a vital and pertinent part of the business cycle. How to Write a Business Plan offers you the expert guidance you require to make an impact with your plan, including advice on researching competitors, presenting your management skills, and successfully communicating your strategic vision.
Be it is to source funds, sell a business or develop a particular project, this is your one-stop guide to putting together the most professional and convincing business plan for a new venture. How to Write a Business Plan offers priceless help with sales, cash, and profit forecasts and is supported by the inclusion of full-length plans available to download online. This new edition has been enhanced to cover digital developments like crowdfunding, online retailing, and digital marketing.
The Founder’s Dilemmas
While putting together your business plan, you will also have to bother about who will run your organization coupled with all of the other information contained inside. While the “who” of your organization can be less exciting than the “what” and “how,” staffing and leadership decisions are definitely not to be ignored.
Notably, when you are considering whether to start a business on your own, with friends or relatives, or with trusted colleagues, it is pertinent to consider extensively the decision — and this book helps you do so by analyzing why these decisions matter so much. Noam Wasserman, leveraging a decade of research, educates you on how to shape the leadership section of your business plan in order to make your company as successful as earthly possible.
Burn the Business Plan
This book dissects the myth of the cool, tech-savvy twenty-something entrepreneur with nothing to lose and venture capital to burn. Notably, a good number of people who start businesses are juggling careers and mortgages. Note that the average entrepreneur is actually thirty-nine years old, and the success rate of entrepreneurs over forty is five times higher than that of those under age thirty.
Also, note that entrepreneurs who come out of the corporate world often have discovered a need for a product or service and have priceless contacts to help them get started. Well stocked with stories of successful entrepreneurs who drew on real-life experience rather than academic coursework, Burn the Business Plan is the guide to starting and running a business that will actually work for any willing soul.
The Art of the Start 2.0
With this wonderful book, you can learn about perfecting your pitch, get real-world advice on bootstrapping, and obtain advice on building your team. The author Guy Kawasaki is behind the wildly successful online design service Canva. He wrote this guide extolled as the “essential guide for anyone starting anything,” to help young entrepreneurs separate the fluff from the foundation and build your business plan into one that really works for you.
Coupled with the old standards, this book seems to extensively discuss crowdfunding, social media, and other digital revolutions as well. With the knowledge imbibed in this book, you will be ahead of the competition — and much calmer, too, because you will know how to position your product with stories that create a personal connection with potential customers.
Pulling Together
This book come well recommended for the leader of any team. Pulling Together is the unbelievable list of advice for achieving greatness on a team. From “Respecting Diversity” to “Building Trust,” the rules for teamwork contained in this book will inspire camaraderie and demand excellence.
Also note that what makes this book astonishing is its depth of content coupled with its gift-sized packaging. Every rule for “pulling together” is complemented with photographs, quotations, thought-provoking questions, and smart insight. Notably, it is the perfect size to be given as a gift to each person on the team and could be given as a gift to coaches, athletes, business leaders, or co-workers.
Business Model Generation
Note that this is a handbook for visionaries, game-changers, and challengers eager to defy outmoded business models and create tomorrow’s ventures. If your business needs to adapt to harsh new realities, but you lack the strategy that will get you out in front of your competitors, you need Business Model Generation.
Co-created by 470 “Business Model Canvas” practitioners from 45 countries, the book comes with a wonderful, highly visual, 4-color design that leverages unique strategic ideas and tools and makes them easy to use in your organization. You will learn how to systematically understand, design, and implement a game-changing business model–or analyze and renovate an old one. In addition, you’ll have a much deeper understanding of your customers, distribution channels, partners, revenue streams, costs, and your core value proposition.
Starting a Business Quick Start Guide
In his comprehensive Starting a Business Quick Start Guide, Ken Colwell explicitly noted the core fundamentals that all new entrepreneurs have to understand to get started, find success, and live the life of their dreams. Business and entrepreneurship students, small business owners, managers, and soon-to-be entrepreneurs will indeed find enormous value within the pages of the Starting a Business Quick Start Guide.
Colwell’s clear voice, extensive experience, and easy-to-understand presentation all come together to make this book a must-have resource in the library of every budding entrepreneur!
The Lean Startup
According to reviews, the Lean Startup approach helps to build companies that are both more capital efficient and that use human creativity more effectively. Inspired by lessons from lean manufacturing, it depends on “validated learning,” steady scientific experimentation, as well as a number of counter-intuitive practices that reduce product development cycles, measure actual progress without using vanity metrics, and learn what customers really want.
Also note that it enables a company to shift directions with eagerness, changing plans inch by inch, minute by minute. So, instead of wasting time establishing elaborate business plans, The Lean Startup provides entrepreneurs—in companies of all sizes—an avenue to test their vision continuously, to adapt, and adjust before it is too late.
The Complete Book of Business Plans
Inside this staple of the business world, you’ll find plenty of business plan templates you can leverage to boost your business and attract investors quickly. Also note that you will find advice on ensuring and sustaining motivation, how to make sure you are bringing the best possible partners onto your project, and how to push your business forward for years to come.
Have it in mind that a good part of the book is set up like a workbook and asks highly detailed questions that are expected to be answered before writing can start. These questions will also force the would-be entrepreneur to analyze and address a series of questions that many first-timers would forget or not even know to ask or consider.
The 1-Page Marketing Plan
To establish and run a successful business, you have to stop doing random acts of marketing and start leveraging a well articulated plan for rapid business growth . Ideally, creating a marketing plan has been a daunting and time-consuming process, which is why it rarely gets done.
In The 1-Page Marketing Plan, serial entrepreneur and rebellious marketer Allan Dib explicitly states marketing implementation breakthrough that makes putting together a marketing plan simple and quick. It is more or less a single page, divided up into nine squares. Note that you’ll be able to map out your own sophisticated marketing plan and go from zero to marketing hero.
Mind Your Business
Mind Your Business remains one of the top books that teaches you everything you need to know about how to create a successful business from scratch. Right from building your brand to designing products to identifying your legal and tax needs, note that this well detailed guide will take you through every step of the process and help you create a unique and well noted roadmap for your business.
Mind Your Business is for aspiring entrepreneurs who are savvy, ambitious, creative, and eager to establish a business and life they love. Author Ilana Griffo shares the formula that turned her creative hobby into a six-figure design studio.
Creating a Business Plan for Dummies
Irrespective of what you intend to do, be it starting a new business or trading for a while, Creating a Business Plan For Dummies puts into consideration everything you need to know. In this book, you will find out whether your business idea is likely to work, how to identify your strategic advantage, and what you can do to gain an advantage over the competition.
Also, note that you will discover why a business plan doesn’t have to be a thirty-page document that takes centuries to put together but can be a simple process that you do in stages as you work through your business concept. Also know how to make an elevator pitch, create a start-up budget, and establish realistic sales projections. Also discover how to predict and manage expenses, and assemble a financial forecast that enables you to calculate your break-even.
Writing Winning Business Plans
Clearly written and featuring real-life illustrative stories, Writing Winning Business Plans extensively discusses all the major elements of a successful plan. Topics include focusing on your business vision, analyzing your financials, and knowing your competition. In addition, you will learn how to really use your business plan as a tool and how to attract funding for your new or existing businesses.
Note that as business plan competitions become more intense around the world, Writing Winning Business Plans also explains how to enter and how to win these ever lucrative contests. Furthermore, how to quickly interest a potential investor, also known as the elevator pitch, is well discussed. And, as opportunities arise around the world, how to present your plan in various countries is explained extensively.
Documentation: Anatomy of a Business Plan
According to experts, this book will help you create a well articulated business plan that is sure to lead you towards success. If you require some additional hand-holding to get started, this book is for you: You will understand how best to choose an organizational structure that is ideal for your business, learn how to market that business well using means and strategies that helps your business grow, and learn how to organize your business plan into the traditional sections.
Also, note that the marketing strategies in this book are priceless and you will be happy to see financial documentation reviewed deeply. Howbeit, it is not the most glamorous part of your business, but it is vital to your business success. This book will also walk you through five sample business plans and also provides helpful hints to accompany the worksheets provided for drafting your own project.
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Book description
How to Write a Business Plan presents the latest thinking on effective business planning, while putting all the information and tools students need right at their fingertips. From diagnosing and measuring customer satisfaction to finding innovative ways to raise capital, the fifth edition of this best-selling course explains how to organize and implement the planning process from beginning to end and position a company for success.
Students will learn how to: • Evaluate a business’s capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses • Pinpoint the crucial elements of the competitive environment, including market, economic, and technological factors • Establish realistic goals, objectives, and strategies in areas including marketing, organization and management, production/services, R&D, finance, and information technology • Develop both operating and financial plans • Identify and integrate customer requirements into the business plan • Write the actual planning document and use it to steer a company to greater productivity and profits • Obtain the capital needed to grow a business
Completely revised and updated, the course now includes sections on developing Information Technology goals and strategies, a new chapter preparing an IT Plan, and a glossary of terms. It also covers the role of the balanced scorecard in developing a business plan and looks at new ways to raise capital such as crowdfunding and search funds. Sample outlines, exercises, and review questions reinforce key concepts and allow students to strengthen their skills. Startups and established businesses alike all need a plan—this course makes creating one easy.
Table of contents
- About This Course
- How to Take This Course
- The Business Plan Is the Final Step of Planning
- The Business Plan and the Development Process
- Executive Summary
- Sales and Revenue Plan
- Production Plan
- Research and Development Plan
- Organization and Management Plan
- Financial Plan
- Information Technology Plan
- Contingency Plans
- Review Questions
- What Is Business Planning?
- Internal Uses of a Business Plan
- External Uses of a Business Plan
- Market Strategy
- Production or Service Strategy
- Research and Development Strategy
- Organization and Management Strategy
- Financial Strategy
- Information Technology Strategy
- Step 1: Organizing the Planning Process
- Step 2: Diagnosing the Situation
- Step 3: Setting Goals
- Step 4: Developing Operating Plans
- Step 5: Developing a Financial Plan
- Step 6: Writing the Business Plan Document
- Evaluating Market Strategy
- Evaluating Production or Service Strategy
- Evaluating Research and Development Strategy
- Evaluating Organization and Management Strategy
- Evaluating Financial Strategy
- Evaluating Information Technology Strategy
- The Balanced Scorecard and the Business Plan
- How to Use the Results of an Internal Diagnosis
- Structure of the Company’s Operating Environment Focus on the Customer
- Customer Value Model for the Family Doctor
- Identifying the Company’s Customers
- Four Key Questions for Customer Research
- Customer Versus Market Segmentation
- Measuring Customer Satisfaction
- Ten Key Steps in Customer Satisfaction Measurement
- Analysis of Market Developments
- Analysis of Technological Developments
- Analysis of Economic Developments
- Analysis of Major Societal Forces and Trends
- Legislative and Regulatory Actions
- How to Use the Results of an External Diagnosis
- Definition of a Mission
- The Purpose of Goal Setting
- The Nature of Goals, Objectives, and Strategies
- How Goals Are Established
- Setting Market Goals and Strategies
- Setting Production or Service Goals and Strategies
- Setting Research and Development Goals and Strategies
- Setting Organization and Management Goals and Strategies
- Setting Financial Goals and Strategies
- Setting Information Technology Goals and Strategies
- How Goals, Objectives, and Strategies Should Be Used
- Developing Quarterly Sales and Revenue Objectives
- Developing Estimates of Marketing and Sales Expenses
- Pulling Revenue and Expense Objectives Together
- Linking Sales and Revenue Objectives to the Research and Development Plan
- Finalizing the Sales and Revenue Plan
- Production Scheduling
- Raw Materials Planning
- Direct Labor Planning
- Production Overhead Planning
- Computing the Cost of Goods Sold
- Finalizing the Production Plan
- Factors Involved in the Structure
- Form of the Structure
- Implementing the Structure
- Developing Effective Management and Information Systems
- Developing an Effective Workforce
- Estimating Management and Administrative Expenses
- Linking the Financial Plan to Financial Goals and Strategies
- Preparing an Income Statement
- Planning Working Capital
- Planning Long-Term Assets
- Planning a Financing Structure
- Finalizing a Balance Sheet
- Preparing a Statement of Cash Flows
- Finalizing a Financial Plan
- IT Situation Analysis
- Goals and IT Initiatives
- Timelines and IT Initiatives
- Tracking Emerging Technologies
- Goal Setting and IT Initiatives
- The IT Plan and Organizational Learning
- Information Technology Budget
- Information Technology Performance Measures
- Alternatives for Raising Capital
- Venture Capitalists
- Joint Ventures
- Search Funds
- Crowdfunding
- Public Securities Markets
- Commercial Banks
- Asset-Based Lenders
- Leasing Companies
- Government-Assisted Programs
- Industrial Revenue Bonds
- People Involved
- Viability of the Concept
- Marketing Skills and Experience
- History of Success
- Personal Commitment of Resources
- Reasonableness of Financial Projections
- The Bankers’ Perspective
- Age of the Business
- Personal Goals
- Packaging the Written Plan
- Submitting the Plan
- Closing the Transaction
- Bibliography
- Online Resources
Product information
- Title: How to Write a Business Plan
- Author(s): Michael P. Griffen
- Release date: September 2015
- Publisher(s): AMA Self-Study
- ISBN: 9780761215516
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The 29 best business books to read in 2023, ranked by Goodreads members
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- Entrepreneurs can learn business concepts, tactics, and advice from books.
- The best business reads include self-help, leadership, and psychology books.
- We turned to Goodreads to rank the best business books to read in 2023.
Whether you're a small business owner , entrepreneur, or just someone seeking useful career advice, there are many great books to turn to. Business books can provide psychological concepts for better negotiation skills , personal anecdotes to avoid repeating mistakes, or self-help tips to improve productivity.
To find the best ones, we turned to Goodreads, the world's largest platform to rate and review books. Among the highest ranking are classics like " How to Win Friends and Influence People " as well as newer memoirs like " Shoe Dog ." From fascinating leadership reads to analytical management books, here are the best business books to read in 2023.
29. "Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity" by David Allen
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.29
This productivity book is a necessary business read as it teaches readers how to transform the way we work by de-stressing and organizing. Believing that a relaxed mind is most effective, David Allen presents realistic productivity systems and the ways in which we can implement them.
28. "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.29
Originally published in 1949 by the "father of value investing," "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham delivers realistic financial advice for individuals and businesses looking to grow their wealth. Far from principles that guarantee you'll become a millionaire, this book encourages readers to create practical goals and find success in any size a victory.
27. "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead" by Sheryl Sandberg
Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $12.60
"Lean In" sparked global conversation after its publication in 2013 because of its honesty about the experiences of women in business. This book encourages women to be voracious, courageous, and strong-willed at work in order to not only help themselves but improve the future for upcoming businesswomen.
26. "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.94
With over one million ratings on Goodreads, this book is a biography of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. Walter Isaacson conducted more than forty interviews with Steve Jobs and 100 interviews with family, friends, and colleagues to create an all-encompassing portrait of a man who revolutionized technology with his inventiveness.
25. "The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business" by Josh Kaufman
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.99
Written for those who cannot or don't intend to go to business school, "The Personal MBA" outlines the fundamental principles of business for people at any stage of their business career. With lessons on sales, marketing, negotiation, and strategy, this self-help read offers an overview of many business school topics to help readers master the MBA basics.
24. "Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration" by Ed Catmull
Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $13.69
Drawing on his experiences as a co-founder and president of Pixar Animation, Ed Catmull unveils some deeply ingrained processes and beliefs that have made Pixar so successful. His teams' philosophies can be applied to any business, creatively driven or otherwise.
23. "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable" by Patrick Lencioni
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $15
In this leadership fable, a CEO attempts to unite a team under high stakes discovering along the way why even the greatest teams struggle. If this style of business book interests you, Patrick Lencioni also wrote "The Five Temptations of a CEO" and "Death by Meeting" in the same form.
22. "Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.99
Brothers Chip and Dan Heath use different business theories in this book to analyze the "stickiness" of an idea, or what makes some ideas work so well. They draw from successful and unsuccessful business ventures to help readers discover the principles within great ideas and therefore how to make their own ideas stick.
21. "Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant" by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
Available at Bookshop , from $18.59
In this business book, authors Kim and Mauborgne assert that lasting success does not come from fighting direct competition in a small pool but rather from creating "blue oceans" or untapped market spaces where new growth can bloom. They outline strategic principles and tools that readers can translate to nearly any market and master their niche.
20. "Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies" by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.49
Over a six-year research project at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, authors Collins and Porras studied the habits of 18 successful and long-lasting companies in direct comparison to their competitors. "Built to Last" lays out the tactics, habits, and ideas from these successful businesses that managers and entrepreneurs can apply to their own and inspire new success.
19. "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert B. Cialdini
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $16.99
"Influence" is a psychology book about persuasion, dubbed a business read by Goodreads reviewers for its usefulness in management, marketing, and communications. This book teaches the readers six principles of persuasion, how to apply them, and how to know when they're being used against you.
18. "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business" by Charles Duhigg
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.99
"The Power of Habit" argues that habits are the key to success in business, communities, and our personal lives. Through an analysis of human nature and examples from successful business people, athletes, and leaders, this book demonstrates how mastering powerful habits can change our entire lives.
17. "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.99
"Freakonomics" is a fascinating read that questions the ways we've conventionally understood the world functions and offers a way to question what we've assumed is conventional wisdom. Loved for its thought-provoking nature, this economics and business read separates morality from economics and asserts such as a system of incentives to get people what they want or need.
16. "Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike" by Phil Knight
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.08
"Shoe Dog" might be a memoir, but Goodreads users love Phil Knight's focus on his success in business as he grew his company from $50 into the Nike empire. Knight's story brings readers into the details of the company's growth, the challenges he faced as a leader, and the breakthroughs he experienced.
15. "The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail" by Clayton M. Christensen
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.71
Malcolm Gladwell is a bestselling author best known for his nonfiction writing on psychology and sociology. In this psychology read, Gladwell analyses the "outliers" of the world — the best, the highest-achieving, the most famous people — to find what made them different and, thus, so successful. If you enjoy Gladwell's clear writing style and fascinating perspectives, you can check out his other popular books here .
14. "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It" by Chris Voss
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.97
Written by a former international hostage negotiator for the FBI, this business book transforms the psychology of interrogation into civilian-applicable negotiation tactics, such as skills you might need while discussing a raise or navigating interpersonal conflict . Using emotional and behavioral sciences, this book is about gaining trust, discovering motives, and understanding those around us. Voss also teaches a MasterClass on the same subject .
13. "Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $12.99
12. "The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It" by Michael E. Gerber
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $15.29
The "e-myth" is the entrepreneurial idea that people who start small businesses are entrepreneurs and anyone with technical business understanding can start one. In this book, Michael E. Gerber analyzes assumptions, expectations, and misconceptions around starting a small business in the hope that readers can succeed on their own.
11. "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don't" by James C. Collins
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.49
In this business book, James C. Collins analyzes what makes a company "great" and how good companies can achieve enduring success. He used a team of 21 researchers to develop his theories and back each principle with grounded statistics.
10. "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" by Malcolm Gladwell
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.99
With over 735,000 ratings, "The Tipping Point" is a business favorite of Goodreads members, helping readers understand when a good idea crosses the threshold to becoming a business or a product. Beloved for Malcolm Gladwell's concise and digestible writing style, this book uses sociology to analyze the personality types of business leaders, indicators that past trends would become massive, and interviews with great business people to find the traits of the next great idea.
9. "Rework" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
"Rework" strives to be different from any other business book on the market by taking traditional business advice and analyzing how to work smarter for faster results. It approaches standard business principles from a new angle, highlighting the typical challenges and helping readers stay one step ahead.
8. "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyoskai
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.82
Robert T. Kiyosaki is a millionaire businessman who grew up with two dads — his own, and his best friend's father (the "rich dad"). In this business and finance book, Kiyosaki explains how his two dads shaped his view of money and investing and gives the readers advice on how to invest and grow their money.
7. "The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers" by Ben Horowitz
Filled with personal anecdotes and advice "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" analyzes some of the most challenging issues entrepreneurs may face while building a business such as firing a friend, managing bad employees, deciding whether or not to sell your company, and managing your own mind as a leader. Readers love this book for Horowitz's brutal honesty and his perspective as he writes to current and future CEOs as a CEO himself.
6. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change" by Stephen R. Covey
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $12.26
"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is a self-help book that uses seven principles to help readers streamline their personal and professional lives toward success. Inspirational and practical, these habits use psychological reasoning to determine our goals, focus on reaching them, and maintain positive thinking throughout the process.
5. "Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action" by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek is an inspirational speaker whose book encourages leaders to articulate why their business exists, their idea is great, and their movement is necessary. When people lead with "why," it is easier to lead and inspire.
4. "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.99
Based on a series of lectures given at Princeton University on entrepreneurship, Timothy Ferriss' business book is essentially about how to life-hack your business and when it is the appropriate time to make these moves, from outsourcing certain tasks to implementing new management principles. He also encourages entrepreneurs to break out of the 9-5 mold in order to become more well-rounded business people.
3. "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.60
This 1936 psychology book has become a business staple, necessary in understanding how to lead or manage a team. With principles on how to get people to like you, win people to your way of thinking, and change people without making them hate you, this popular book has sold over 15 million copies.
2. "The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses" by Eric Ries
Written to help more budding entrepreneurs create successful start-ups, "The Lean Startup" introduces a clear and dynamic approach for businesses to test, analyze, and continually adapt their vision and goals rather than fail by sticking to an original business plan. Both inspirational and validating for readers, this business book demonstrates first why conventional business plans can cause start-ups to fail and then offers advice and wisdom that can be applied to nearly any new business.
1. "Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future" by Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel is a billionaire investor and entrepreneur, a co-founder of PayPal and Founders Fund. In "Zero to One," he aims to help readers find unique opportunities for progress in an already advanced business space, incorporating his optimistic view of future entrepreneurs' ideas.
- Main content
19 Best Business Plan Books of All Time
Our goal : Find the best Business Plan books according to the internet (not just one random person's opinion).
- Type "best business plan books" into our search engine and study the top 5+ pages.
- Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
- Rank the results neatly for you here! 😊 (It was a lot of work. But hey! That's why we're here, right?)
(Updated 2024)
As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from purchases made through links in this page.
Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
- Best Business Plan Books
The One Page Business Plan for the Creative Entrepreneur
The fastest, easiest way to write a business plan.
The Art of the Start 2.0
The time-tested, battle-hardened guide for anyone starting anything.
Guy Kawasaki
Successful Business Plan
Secrets & strategies.
Rhonda Abrams
The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan
A pro shares a step-by-step guide to creating a plan that gets results.
Hal Shelton
The Lean Startup
How today's entrepreneurs use continuous innovation to create radically successful businesses.
The Founder's Dilemmas
Anticipating and avoiding the pitfalls that can sink a startup.
Noam Wasserman
How to Write a Business Plan
Mike P. McKeever
The Complete Book of Business Plans
Simple steps to writing powerful business plans.
Joseph A Covello
The 1-Page Marketing Plan
Get new customers, make more money, and stand out from the crowd.
Business Model Generation
A handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers.
Alexander Osterwalder
Starting a Business QuickStart Guide
The simplified beginner’s guide to launching a successful small business, turning your vision into reality, and achieving your entrepreneurial dream.
Ken Colwell
Mind Your Business
A workbook to grow your creative passion into a full-time gig.
Ilana Griffo
Writing Winning Business Plans
How to prepare a business plan that investors will want to read and invest in.
Garrett Sutton
Burn the Business Plan
What great entrepreneurs really do.
Carl J. Schramm
Anatomy of a Business Plan
The step-by-step guide to building a business and securing your company's future.
Linda Pinson
The Book on Business Planning
Writing a Convincing Business Plan
Arthur R. DeThomas Ph.D.
Hit the Deck
Create a business plan in half the time, with twice the impact.
David Ronick
Creating a Business Plan For Dummies
Veechi Curtis
- 12 Books You Should Read Before Starting a Business www.businessinsider.com
- Business Plan Books www.mymoneybooks.com
- The 9 Best Business Plan Books www.thebalancesmb.com
- 20 Best Books on The Business Plan - Bigger Investing www.biggerinvesting.com
- 20 Best Books on How to Write a Business Plan in 2023 www.profitableventure.com
How was this Business Plan books list created?
We searched for 'best Business Plan books', found the top 5 articles, took every book mentioned in 2+ articles, and averaged their rankings.
How many Business Plan books are in this list?
There are 19 books in this list.
Why did you create this Business Plan books list?
We wanted to gather the most accurate list of Business Plan books on the internet.
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Top 11 Little Business Books With Big Impact
Use These Short Books to Master Topics that Will Improve Your Career
- Management Careers
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Susan Heathfield is an HR and management consultant with an MS degree. She has decades of experience writing about human resources.
One trend in business books is the short management book, often written as a story or fable. These business books are approachable, useful, and may help encourage more people to read. And, as an employer, that's what you'd like to see—right? You're in favor of ongoing career development.
These business books pack a solid punch in a small package. Read some of the favorites that managers and HR staff recommend. You'll quickly agree with their assessment and understand why they have such universal appeal.
High Five! The Magic of Working Together
by Kenneth V. Blanchard, Sheldon Bowles, others (Morrow/Avon) ISBN: 0688170366 -
Fired from his job for failure to be a team player, Alan Foster helps a boy's hockey team learn both team secrets and hockey. Help from a retired girl's basketball coach, chants, cheers, focus, skill development, and knowing that, "None of us is as good as all of us," help Alan learn so he can teach. I love this book.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable
by Patrick Lencioni (Jossey-Bass) ISBN-13: 978-0787960759 -
Assigned to lead a dysfunctional Silicon Valley executive committee, Kathryn Petersen, a traditional manager, appointed CEO, watches and observes the effect of the group's interactions on its members and on the company's progress and results.
Following her instinctive knowledge about people and using her skill in building teams, she identifies the factors that are undermining the group's effectiveness. In story-style,
Lencioni tells how to overcome the human behaviors that corrupt this executive team's success: the lack of trust , fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of personal accountability, and inattention to results. A must-read for teams that strive for optimum success.
The 1% Solution for Work and Life
by: Tom Connellan (Peak Performance Press) ISBN-13: 978-0-9769506-2-2
Feeling a bit discouraged about your life and work? Not getting as excited as you once were? You can change this by doing one small thing just 1% differently than you are right now. Sound easy? It's not, but if you do one small thing differently for thirty days, it becomes part of your available toolkit.
And, 1% plus 1% plus 1% adds up. Follow Ken on his journey as he meets and learns from six One-Percenters, people who have transformed their lives using the ideas shared in this book. Even if you're after just a small improvement, each chapter gives you ideas that you can adapt now. For me, my new 1% shift? No email in the morning until I have published something. I am on the path.
Just Do Your Best
by Chuck Harwood (Group Fare Productions) ISBN - 13:978-0881971019
In just 108 pages, the essence of performing successfully on your job is distilled and shared. In an out-of-the-ordinary management setting: a visit to a cattle ranch, Mr. Harwood identifies the five critical factors in job success.
Knowing your job well, and continuously improving what you know, is the first. The second factor is making good decisions. Enjoy attending the management meeting with the ranch employees - the daily lunch table at the ranch. Visit 15 additional workplaces he uses as examples for the five factors. Insightful, fun book.
Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results
by Harry Paul, Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen (Hyperion) ISBN: 0786866020
Based on the fun-loving fishmongers at Seattle's Pike Place Market, a supervisor learns how to create an environment in which employees are excited to serve customers and each other. Find out how she transformed a toxic work environment!
The One Minute Manager
by Spencer Johnson, Kenneth H. Blanchard (Morrow/Avon) ISBN: 0688014291
Can several million people be wrong? Read the book that spawned the dynasty! Timeless tips for supervisors and others who want to increase their effectiveness with people. Learn how to catch people doing something right and the power of clear, understandable goals. Though deceptively simple, this is a great read!
Zapp! The Lightning of Empowerment
by William C. Byham (Development Dimensions International) ISBN: 0962348317
This continuing favorite may be hard to find but it's worth the search. Join a supervisor who is transported to a state in which he can suddenly "see" the real impact his actions have on whether staff is enabled to think, contribute, and find meaning in work. Experiment and learn with him as he changes.
Please Don't Just Do What I Tell You: Do What Needs to Be Done
by Bob Nelson (Hyperion) ISBN: 0786867299
Written directly for employees, the book has great tips about how to express individual initiative and self-empowerment at work. "Doing what you're told," no longer brings success for the individual or the organization - if it ever did! Everyone has the capacity to fulfill this "ultimate expectation." Share this book to help people find out how!
Gung Ho! Turn on the People in Any Organization
by Kenneth Blanchard, Sheldon Bowles (Morrow/Avon) ISBN: 068815428X
The story, told as a fable, provides a three-part strategy for motivating employees. Make sure people know why their work is important, give them control over how they do their jobs, and provide encouragement are the success factors. The story is told by a plant manager who learned these truths from a Native American manager.
The Peon Book
by Dave Haynes, Chief Executive Peon (Berrett-Koehler) ISBN: 1576752852
Not just a regular management book, written by an executive or a consultant, The Peon Book recommends you get the information you need to lead and manage people from the people you are trying to lead and manage. If all else fails, ask! What a concept!
Who Moved My Cheese?
by Spencer Johnson (Penguin Putnam, Inc.) ISBN: 0399144463
Explores positively approaching change through a parable populated by mice and "littlepeople," mouse-sized people. If you're an expert in change management , give it a chance; the book will make you smile and remind you of key change issues.
Others will find change management tips, real encouragement, and the sense that change is "doable." It's a book for everyone. Enjoy!
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16 Best Business Writing Books to Read in 2024
You found our list of business writing books .
Business writing books are publications that help individuals achieve effective communication by enhancing their writing skills. Examples include Writing That Works by Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson and Business Writing by Wilma Davidson. The purpose of these books is to help individuals develop critical thinking, learn different writing styles, and improve their grammar and punctuation skills.
These books are similar to communication books , customer experience books , and customer success books . These books can help readers learn more about internal communication tips and collaboration skills .
This list includes:
- books on business writing
- books for improving business writing
- best selling business writing books
- business email writing books
- business writing skills books
Here we go!
List of business writing books
Business writing books are valuable for individuals looking to improve their writing skills and communicate more effectively and professionally. From Business Writing for Dummies by Natalie Canavor and Everybody Writes by Ann Handley, here is a list of the best resources with insightful business writing tips.
1. HBR Guide to Better Business Writing by Bryan A. Garner
HBR Guide to Better Business Writing tops the list of books on business writing. Bryan A. Garner stresses the need to cultivate the art of writing and gain a competitive advantage in the market. The author takes readers through composing compelling documents such as emails and proposals. The book is also a handy guide for readers who want to navigate writer’s block, strike the right tone, and improve grammar and punctuation. Other notable lessons in the guide are keeping the reader’s attention and organizing ideas. HBR Guide to Better Business Writing gives readers the tools to express their ideas clearly and persuade partners, colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
Notable quote: “All it takes is a few words to make a strong impression, good or bad.”
Read HBR Guide to Better Business Writing .
2. Writing That Works: How to Communicate Effectively in Business by Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson
If you are looking for business writing books, then Writing That Works is a great choice. The book will help writers say what they want with more confidence and less difficulty. The book also contains handy tips for email writing, with many examples. Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson focus on helping business writers make better presentations, letters, memos, and reports. In addition, Writing That Works incorporates lessons on crafting grant applications, sales letters, proposals, speeches, and interviews that will move the audience. One key takeaway from the publication is to be clear and concise.
Notable quote: “Take the time to boil down what you want to say, and express it confidently in simple, declarative sentences. Remember the man who apologized for writing such a long letter, explaining that he didn’t have time to write a short one.”
Read Writing That Works .
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3. Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley
Everybody Writes is a top choice of books for improving business writing. Ann Handley provides a guide business writers can use to attract and retain customers. The author maintains that clickbait only works in the short run and that writing skills are pivotal in driving corporate communication. Handley advises writers to be smart when choosing words and focus on the target market. Further, the author argues that online language is the current currency. Thus, the type of writing can either make you look smart or simple-minded. The book provides relevant tips for writing listicles, emails, presentations, and newsletters. With lessons that apply across landing pages, emails, blogs, web pages, and social media, Everybody Writes is the go-to guide for business owners, publishers, and marketers.
Notable quote: “So, before you begin the writing, be sure you know the purpose or mission or objective of every piece of content that you write. What are you trying to achieve? What information, exactly, are you trying to communicate? And why should your audience care?”
Read Everybody Writes .
4. Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences by Nancy Duarte
Resonate is a handy guide for business writers who want to grasp the art of presentation. Nancy Duarte argues that the role of presentations is to inform and persuade audiences. Thus, individuals must start by writing presentations that resonate with specific audiences. The publication will also help presenters make strong connections with audiences through visual communication cues. Duarte uses the approach of building presentations bit by bit, similar to writing documentaries.
Notable quote: “The audience does not need to tune themselves to you—you need to tune your message to them. Skilled presenting requires you to understand their hearts and minds and create a message to resonate with what’s already there.”
Read Resonate .
5. Business Writing: What Works, What Won’t by Wilma Davidson
First authored in 1994, Business Writing is a practical guide that covers pivotal lessons. This guide is one of the best business writing skills books. Wilma Davidson addresses the importance of concise, clear, and grammatically correct writing. The book’s chapters guide writers on how to make information easy to read, tone messages, and use humor to engage their audience. Other writing tricks include starting with the main points and using bulleted lists to emphasize information. The revised edition covers texts, emails, and social media to illustrate factors that create good writing. In addition, the author uses compelling examples, cartoons, and charts to engage readers. With thorough concepts, individuals searching for books for improving business writing will relish the resource.
Notable quote: “Victor Hugo, the author of Les Misérables, forced himself to write by disrobing and giving his clothing to his valet with strict instructions that it not be returned until he had written the allotted pages.”
Read Business Writing .
6. The Minto Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing, Thinking, & Problem Solving by Barbara Minto
The Minto Pyramid Principle elaborates on how individuals can structure presentations and documents to captivate the clientele. The publication emphasizes the importance of persuasive and clear communication in business writing. In addition, the book describes tactics that major businesses can use as a competitive advantage. The Minto Pyramid Principle is a noteworthy resource for individuals who prepare written communications and readers who want to learn how to structure presentations.
Notable quote: “The best text slides convey their message as starkly and simply as possible. They do not waste words (or slides) on transitional or introductory points, which can and should be stated orally. This means of course that the slides by themselves will not be intelligible as a handout to someone who has not attended the presentation.”
Read The Minto Pyramid Principle .
7. Illuminate: Ignite Change Through Speeches, Stories, Ceremonies, and Symbols by Nancy Duarte and Patti Sanchez
Illuminate is a practical and illustrative guide for business writers. Nancy Duarte and Patti Sanchez discuss in detail how to make better presentation slides and structure content that will appeal to readers. The author uses real-world examples and case studies from notable entities like Starbucks, IBM, and Apple to explain the whys and hows of business writing.
Notable quote: “When you use the spoken word in speeches, stories, and ceremonies, reinforcing it with meaningful symbols, empathetic communication makes each moment feel significant and builds energy that makes your venture feel attainable.”
Read Illuminate .
8. Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss
Eats, Shoots & Leaves focuses on the current grammatical state, stressing the need to be conscious of punctuation. The author uses historical examples, her imagination, literature, and neighborhood signage to explain her points. The read also contains hilarious consequences of incorrectly using apostrophes, commas, colons, and exclamation marks. The author introduces each chapter with a brief history of the topic and the current practice in British and American settings. You will also view debates from different groups on the correctness of punctuation.
Notable quote: “The reason it’s worth standing up for punctuation is not that it’s an arbitrary system of notation known only to an over-sensitive elite who have attacks of the vapors when they see it misapplied. The reason to stand up for punctuation is that without it there is no reliable way of communicating meaning.”
Read Eats, Shoots & Leaves .
9. The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century by Steven Pinker
The Sense of Style uses insights from the sciences of language to help business writers craft clear and coherent pieces. The short and entertaining read shows how writing depends on an individual’s imagination, grammatical know-how, empathy, and coherence. As a linguist and cognitive scientist, Steven Pinker details how writers get into various pitfalls, such as the curse of knowledge. The author argues that writers often assume that readers know as much as they do, often leading to misinformation. The book also provides an alphabetical list of common grammatical problems and suggestions for rectifying mistakes.
Notable quote: “A writer, like a cinematographer, manipulates the viewer’s perspective on an ongoing story, with the verbal equivalent of camera angles and quick cuts.”
Read The Sense of Style .
10. Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results by Rob Biesenbach
Storytelling is an essential part of business writing. Unleash the Power of Storytelling helps readers break down walls and influence audiences. Rob Biesenbach includes practical examples that show how business writers can use stories to write presentations and run employee meetings and customer calls. In addition, the book will help individuals looking for business email writing books. Readers will learn how to use emotion to get an audience’s attention and deliver stories effectively. The book is a great pick that can help individuals close a sale, strengthen professional relationships, promote brands, and align individuals with strategies.
Notable quote: “Stories are all around us. We may not recognize them, but they’re there—just waiting to be found, shaped, and shared.”
Read Unleash the Power of Storytelling .
11. First You Write a Sentence.: The Elements of Reading, Writing … and Life by Joe Moran
With minimal technical terms, First You Write a Sentence will help business writers fine-tune their craft. Joe Moran focuses on the common ground that every writer walks through, a sentence. The author argues that writers can turn ordinary words into verbal constellations. First You Write a Sentence uses notable sources and scientific case studies to illustrate the art of writing compelling and clear tales. The writer also addresses business writers’ daily frustrations, such as gaping plot holes and creative blocks. Readers will also get insights into grammar rules and determining the writing voice and tone.
Notable quote: “In a fast world in pursuit of instant answers, slowness has become a dissident act. Perhaps a sentence slowly written, and slowly relished, could work in the same way, as a last redoubt against the glib articulacy of a distracted age.”
Read First You Write a Sentence .
12. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser
On Writing Well is a valuable resource for business writers, especially in the digital age. William Zinsser discusses writing fundamentals that appeal to a diverse demographic. The resource also offers sound advice on eliminating clutter and tailoring words to the target audience. In addition, the author uses a sense of humor that makes the resource enticing. With its warmth and clarity, the book is also a top choice of best selling business writing books.
Notable quote: “Look for the clutter in your writing and prune it ruthlessly. Be grateful for everything you can throw away. Reexamine each sentence you put on paper. Is every word doing new work? Can any thought be expressed with more economy?”
Read On Writing Well .
13. Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies: A Guide to Language for Fun and Spite by June Casagrande and Shelly Frasier
Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies is a notable resource for writers who want to learn basic grammar and punctuation. The publication is a collection of witty essays that June Casagrande and Shelly Frasier use to deliver handy lessons. The authors argue that while grammar is a simple area, writers either do not know or ignore many gray areas. Casagrande and Frasier organize the book into short chapters, making every topic easy to consume.
Notable quote: “Grammar snobs are a distinct breed from their gentle cousins: word nerds and grammar geeks. The difference is bloodlust.”
Read Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies .
14. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
The Elements of Style provides practical advice for individuals who want to improve their writing skills. William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White emphasize using a plain English style instead of complex terminology. The book covers business writing segments such as misuse of words, sentence fragmentation, and language structure. Strunk and White make the book engaging with the addition of sarcastic and amusing comments.
Notable quote: “Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.”
Read The Elements of Style .
15. Why Business People Speak Like Idiots: A Bullfighter’s Guide by Brian Fugere, Chelsea Hardaway, and Jon Warshawsky
Why Business People Speak Like Idiots outlines communication mistakes that individuals make in the corporate world. The authors argue that businesspeople overuse jargon-filled words. As a result, the wrong choice of words interferes with individual authenticity, and the effectiveness of presentations, emails, and memos is minimal. The authors also include real-life stories detailing the awful communication prevalent in the corporate world. Why Business People Speak Like Idiots is a hilarious and light read, opposite from most business books.
Notable quote: “When they see bull, they make negative assumptions about the person or company that spews it. When they see straight talk, they think good things about the source.”
Read Why Business People Speak Like Idiots .
16. Business Writing for Dummies by Natalie Canavor
As a major part of professional success, the ability to write well is a significant hindrance for most individuals. Business Writing for Dummies is a fantastic pick of business email writing books. Natalie Canavor includes gems to help businesspeople write better presentations, reports, and emails. The author also provides editing techniques for crafting the perfect messages and tips to adapt individual writing skills to digital media. Business Writing for Dummies is a great read for marketers, managers, customer service reps, or entrepreneurs.
Notable quote: ”To quickly upgrade anything you write, use the say-it-aloud diagnosis. When you read your own copy aloud (or whisper it to yourself if you’re not alone), you get immediate signals that something isn’t working or can work better.”
Read Business Writing for Dummies .
Conclusion
Whether you are new to business writing or a seasoned writer, there is always room to improve your skills, and a good book can help you do just that. Business writing books provide knowledge that will help readers improve their writing skills. Investing in quality business writing books and applying the principles and techniques can also help individuals attain better business results. These resources can help individuals write reports, emails, and proposals and convey ideas clearly and professionally.
Next, check out our list of sales books , business strategy books , business ethics books , and negotiation books .
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FAQ: Business writing books
Here are answers to common questions about business writing books.
What are business writing books?
Business writing books are resources that provide guidance and instruction on how to write effectively in a professional or business setting. These books typically cover a range of topics related to business writing, including style, grammar, punctuation, tone, structure, and formatting.
What are the best books on business writing?
The effectiveness of communication remains critical in all business ventures. The choice of business writing books depends on what an individual wants to learn, experience level, author expertise, and relevance. Individuals can choose between business communication textbooks, writing guides, reference books, or style guides. Some of the best books business writing books include HBR Guide to Better Business Writing by Bryan A. Garner, On Writing Well by William Zinsser , and The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White.
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The Founder's Dilemma. The One-Page Business Plan for the Creative Entrepreneur. The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan. Anatomy of a Business Plan. The Complete Book of Business Plans. 1. Art of the Start 2.0. Goodreads rating: 3.87/5. The author of this book is American millionaire Guy Kawasaki.
The 10 Best Books for Writing a Business Plan: 1. The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt. 2. The One Page Business Plan for the Creative Entrepreneur by Jim Horan. 3. Mind Your Business by Ilana Griffo. 4. Business Plan Template And Example by Alex Genadinik.
For over 30 years, How to Write a Business Plan has helped fledgling entrepreneurs―from small service businesses and retailers to large manufacturing firms―write winning plans and get needed financing. This bestselling book contains clear step-by-step instructions and forms to put together a convincing business plan with realistic financial ...
The 20 best business planning books recommended by Mark Cuban, Rick Warren, Michael Moritz, Pierre Omidyar, Arianna Huffington and others. Categories Experts Newsletter. BookAuthority; BookAuthority is the world's leading site for book recommendations, helping you discover the most recommended books on any subject. ...
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Readers have turned to The Complete Book of Business Plans for almost 10 years for advice and information, making it one of the bestselling business planning books of our time.. Authors Brian Hazelgren and Joseph Covello have gone back to the drawing board on this updated edition, providing you with more than a dozen brand-new business plans that will help you attract the financing and ...
The Successful Business Plan: Secrets & Strategies by Rhonda Abrams is a best-selling business plan book that will provide you with the best practices for creating an effective strategy for your company's future. This book will teach readers how to create a winning business plan that addresses all aspects of running a successful company.
For over 30 years, How to Write a Business Plan has helped fledgling entrepreneurs―from small service businesses and retailers to large manufacturing firms―write winning plans and get needed financing. This bestselling book contains clear step-by-step instructions and forms to put together a convincing business plan with realistic financial ...
Step-by-step advice on preparing a business plan You need a sound business plan to start a business or raise money to expand an existing one. For over 30 years, How to Write a Business Plan has helped fledgling entrepreneurs—from small service businesses and retailers to large manufacturing firms—write winning plans and get needed financing. This bestselling book contains clear step-by ...
Pulling Together. This book come well recommended for the leader of any team. Pulling Together is the unbelievable list of advice for achieving greatness on a team. From "Respecting Diversity" to "Building Trust," the rules for teamwork contained in this book will inspire camaraderie and demand excellence.
Title: How to Write a Business Plan. Author (s): Michael P. Griffen. Release date: September 2015. Publisher (s): AMA Self-Study. ISBN: 9780761215516. How to Write a Business Plan presents the latest thinking on effective business planning, while putting all the information and tools students need right at their fingertips. From diagnosing and ….
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By Marcus Buckingham. From the recognized leader of the strengths movement, Marcus Buckingham, StandOut 2.0 is a revolutionary book and tool that enables you to identify your strengths, and those of your team, and act on them. It also includes the assessment and a robust report on your most dominant strengths.
Best Business Plan Books in 2022. 1. "Hurdle: The Book on Business Planning" by Tim Berry. 2. "Anatomy of A Business Plan" by Linda Pinson. 3. "The One Page Business Plan for the Creative Entrepreneur" by Jim Horan. 4. "The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan" by Hal Shelton.
Content: Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gI1yNy The best business plan book Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan by Hal Shelton opens entrepreneurs' eyes to insider tips, Step-by-Step ...
19 Best. Business Plan. Books of All Time. Our goal: Find the best Business Plan books according to the internet (not just one random person's opinion). Here's what we did: Type "best business plan books" into our search engine and study the top 5+ pages. Add only the books mentioned 2+ times. Rank the results neatly for you here! 😊.
avg rating 5.00 — 1 rating — published. Want to Read. Rate this book. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. Books shelved as business-plan: The Successful Business Plan: Secrets & Strategies by Rhonda M. Abrams, The Secrets to Writing A Successful Business Plan...
Just Do Your Best. by Chuck Harwood (Group Fare Productions) ISBN - 13:978-0881971019. In just 108 pages, the essence of performing successfully on your job is distilled and shared. In an out-of-the-ordinary management setting: a visit to a cattle ranch, Mr. Harwood identifies the five critical factors in job success.
Mike McKeever has a B.A. in Economics from Whittier College, a Master s in Economics from the London (England) School of Economics and has done post-graduate work in financial analysis at the USC Business School. Mike has taught classes at numerous community colleges in entrepreneurship and small business management. He has published articles on entrepreneurship for Dow Jones publications, the ...
Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan: A Pro Shares a Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Plan that Gets Results by Hal Shelton will open your eyes to insider tips, hints, and techniques for creating a winning business plan. Nearly 50 percent of new businesses fail within five years.
The 20 best business writing books recommended by Seth Godin, Yanik Silver, Dan Schawbel, Danielle Morrill, Udit Goenka and Stephen Waddington. Categories Experts Newsletter. BookAuthority; BookAuthority is the world's leading site for book recommendations, helping you discover the most recommended books on any subject. ...
by teams at FedEx, Amazon, Deloitte and 13,730+ others. 3. Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley. Everybody Writes is a top choice of books for improving business writing. Ann Handley provides a guide business writers can use to attract and retain customers.
How to Write a Winning Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide for Startup Entrepreneurs to Build a Solid Foundation, Attract Investors and Achieve Success with a Bulletproof Business Plan (Business 101) Part of: Business 101 (3 books) 232. Paperback. $1395. FREE delivery Thu, Feb 15 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. Or fastest delivery Tue, Feb 13.