Need some fresh ideas or a big dose of inspiration for your business? Here are a few of my favorite books and podcasts for small business owners.
Note: this list has been updated in 2021 but many of the favorites remain the same!
Podcasts
Akimbo- this podcast by Seth Godin covers fascinating topics around changing culture, “shipping the work,” being creative, leadership, and thinking outside the box. I always glean a new idea or perspective that’s worth sharing. Plus he’s so articulate it’s inspiring!
Being Boss - this podcast is sure to get your creative business wheels turning as the two hosts, Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon, dive into all sorts of topics about being the boss of your own business. From money to client systems to getting over fears, they cover it all. Now it’s just hosted by Emily, but I recommend going back and listening from the beginning.
Business Made Simple- if you’re familiar with the book Building a Story Brand, you’ll dig this one. This podcast helps flesh out all sorts of ideas around how to dial in your messaging, and how to fix the issues in your business. Actionable tips and easy to listen to.
Tim Ferriss - you may know Tim from his 4-Hour Work Week book, but I find his podcast much more enjoyable. Sometimes it's a little intense for my style, but really it just depends on the guest. I’ve been listening for a while and I love how his tone has shifted a bit in the last year or two.
StartUp - This podcast is produced by Gimlet Media and it is just SO well done. Great storytelling about the process of starting a business, and all of the bumps along the way. It's super entertaining and there are lots of great lessons to pull from it, too. Season 1 was my favorite.
Mind Your Business Podcast- James Wedmore covers mostly the mindset side of business in this podcast but there are episodes that are pretty tactical, too.
What Works- Tara McMullin talks about a range of topics and industries in this podcast, but there’s a heavy emphasis on being a leader, making decisions, and scaling (if that’s the right decision for you) throughout.
Hello Seven- this podcast is based on the idea that every woman should be a millionaire. Rachel Rogers, the host, is a powerhouse and has some great tactical and mindset tips to help you make more money.
The Heart-Centered Entrepreneur- The title accurately depicts the tone of this podcast, in which Anna Fransen covers a lot of business tips for service-based providers, as well as a lot of feel-good pep talks.
Books
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown - If you're venturing out on your own, this is a must-read. It addresses vulnerability and all of the fear we feel when we put ourselves out there...this is a book that applies to life in general, not just to business.
Start With Why by Simon Sinek- We're moved by emotions and passion behind a business or leader, not just by "the thing" that they sell. If you want to be influential, read this.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert - This book gave me permission just to do things JUST because I like doing them...this may seem obvious to others, but I thought for a loooong time that everything I did had to save the world. Turns out, it doesn't. Just do good work that you love. That's enough.
Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and the Rest Don't by Verne Harnish - While this is written for larger companies, there are some really amazing strategies and exercises for getting clear on your mission, your brand, and how you'll differentiate your company from the rest. I use it for reference all the time.
Breaking the Time Barrier by Mike McDerment (ebook) - You can download this for free and if you're struggling with hourly rates, you should. This is all about understanding how to make your business insanely profitable without working yourself into the ground.
The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion by Elle Luna - This book is one of my absolute favorites, especially if you're in the place where you don't love what you're currently doing but you need a nudge to make the next move. And it's BEAUTIFUL to read. Literally.
Rework by Jason Fried - Talk about a breath of fresh air. This goes against the grain of most business books in the best way. You need less than you think to get going. It's jam-packed with tips about efficiency.
You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero (and also her follow up book, You Are A Badass At Making Money) - Y'all. Read this book. It'll make you laugh as you realize how much your brain and self-doubt get in your damn way ALL the time. It's self-help for people who hate self-help. I love it.