One of the top questions I get asked when I'm speaking at events or chatting with clients is, “Taylor, what books are you reading?”
It's a good question.
Ever since Chris and I first got started, we have relentlessly pushed the importance of reading.
“Not all readers are leaders. But all leaders are readers.” – Harry S. Truman
Boy does that quote ring true. I have yet to meet a top-quality leader who was not also a voracious reader.
But about a year ago, I realized that when people ask me what I'm reading, what they are ACTUALLY asking me is, “Taylor, what should I be reading?”
And, most often, they are looking for me to recommend books that speak to a specific issue they are having in their business.
So, I figured I would compile a list of the books that I think every entrepreneur should be reading (if they haven't already), and why I think they are an essential part of any ambitious business owner's library.
1. The Secrets Series – by Russell Brunson
Okay, okay – I know. This is sort of cheating… since there are 3 books in this series. However, I completely stand by my decision.
If you've been around the digital marketing space in any kind of capacity in the last several years, you probably know what Clickfunnels is.
Russell Brunson is the founder (and face) of that platform and has managed to take his brain-child and turn it into a multi-million dollar marketing empire.
These books are an incredible introduction to everything from crafting offers, to building brands, to getting attention and increasing traffic (and much more).
Who This is Best For:
- Anyone who has the entrepreneurial itch, but isn't quite sure how to begin scratching it.
- People who have tried running their own business before but struggled because of a lack of fundamentals.
- Those who enjoy an engaging communication style – Russell Brunson is a PRO at communicating complex ideas in an easy-to-understand, conversational way. Fun to read.
2. The Road Less Stupid – by Keith Cunningham
When Chris and I talk about upgrading your mindset, we're hitting on one of the biggest points of leverage you have in your business.
Few books capture the importance of establishing a healthy mindset the way “The Road Less Stupid” by Keith Cunningham does.
This book is one of the most well-executed deconstructions of the popular “myths” of building a healthy and successful business that I have ever read.
Designed to be read in any order you choose (chapters don't flow sequentially, but instead are built to stand on their own), Keith runs through each and every limiting, toxic, and even dangerous belief that most business owners have – then gives his unique thought process and a path to a better way of thinking.
I've recommended this book to tons of our clients, not to mention nearly everyone on our team at Traffic & Funnels!
Who This is Best For:
- Anyone looking to upgrade the way they think – about business or life.
- Folks who feel “stuck” in their business, and are looking for fresh perspective.
- People who need a hard reset for their mindset.
- Pretty much EVERYONE who has an interest in leadership (at any level).
3. Willpower Doesn't Work – by Benjamin Hardy
Alright… who is ready to have their feathers rustled?
It's likely no secret that Chris & I believe success in business and personal development are not mutually exclusive. They are two sides of the same coin.
One feeds the other and vice-versa. That is what the core of this book is really about. Changing your personal habits by outsourcing your choices to your environment.
Here's what I mean.
Say you struggled to wake up to your alarm every morning. Try as you might, you always ended up hitting the snooze button and sleeping in. Now, suppose you take the alarm clock and move it off of your nightstand, and instead, you put it on the other side of the room.
Now, you have to get up in order to turn off the alarm clock. And voila… you're out of bed. This is a small example of outsourcing your decisions to your environment.
In this book, Ben Hardy takes this idea and runs a MILE with it. And the results are glorious. Rarely do I come across books that have such a tangible impact on my decision-making processes.
Who This is Best For:
- Everyone – no, seriously… I have yet to meet the person for whom this book is not applicable.
- Leaders who struggle to break out of negative patterns of behavior
- Leaders who don't think they have any negative patterns of behavior lol
4. Scaling Up – by Verne Harnish
Now we're getting into the meaty stuff. Buckle in.
Most businesses start small and die small. It's simply a fact. The market eats most small businesses alive. And those who actually start to scale and grow often stall out and get stuck…
“Okay Taylor… you're starting to sound like a real downer…”
I hear you, I hear you. But stick with me. The outlook is NOT hopeless.
There are timeless principles of growth and healthy scale that never… ever… change. In this chunky tome (which could literally serve as a textbook for people who want to grow nearly any business you can think of), Verne Harnish breaks down the systems, processes, personnel and culture that are necessary for expanding companies to not get “stuck” just beneath the top of their growth curve.
Who This is Best For:
- Seasoned business owners who are ready to go one level deeper.
- Tenacious entrepreneurs who are prepared to dive into whatever systems they need to achieve the freedom they want
- Wanna-preneurs… those who are thinking about starting a business, but don't really know what's required to keep a business healthy once they've gotten it off the ground. But beware – this is not for the toe-dippers. It's weighty stuff.
5. Tested Advertising Methods – by John Caples
When I got started in this game, I often wondered what the best “skill” was to invest my time into. I asked all of my coaches, mentors and colleagues in the space what they would invest in first. Eventually, I landed on copywriting – and boy, was it EVER the right decision. And I've got news for you…
The things that work in copywriting, work for a reason. (Surprise, surprise)
That's why this book is on the list. I mean… come on… the name says it all.
What you see in that title is exactly what you're getting.
Got questions about how to write better, more compelling copy? Wondering what makes an impactful headline? Curious what the AIA framework is? Ever thought about what the best primary appeals are when speaking to your audience? Need to know the top copywriting principles that every major copywriter of the last 3 or 4 decades have relied upon in order to craft impactful offers?
You would be hard-pressed to find another book out there that so adeptly handles each of these questions.
Who This is Best For:
- People who are in the same boat I was a few years back… trying to decide what skill to invest in (spoiler alert: buy this book – and invest in copywriting).
- Established copywriters looking to hone their craft.
- Folks who just love good marketing.
There you have it, ladies and gents. My top 5 books that ought to be on every entrepreneur's “must-read” list!
Who is ready to expand their brains with me?
I can't wait to hear back from you guys as to which book impacted you the most!
– Taylor Welch
Looking for more reading material?
Taylor Welch is an established author in his own right! His book, The Consultant Next Door released last year and quickly achieved Amazon Best-Seller status!
