The Best Entrepreneur Books to Read in 2025 (Including One You Can’t Miss!)

Starting and growing a business is no small feat. Whether you’re launching your first venture, scaling your existing business, or simply looking for inspiration, the right book can make all the difference.

But with so many books out there, where should you start?

I’ve rounded up some of the best entrepreneur books that will help you build a legally protected business, master your mindset, and scale with confidence. Plus, there’s one book in particular that every online entrepreneur must read—Sam Vander Wielen’s “When I Start My Business I’ll Be Happy.” (Spoiler: It’s not about legal protection—it’s about creating a business that actually makes you happy and teaches you the marketing strategy to do just that!) PS. I wrote it 🙂 

Let’s dive in!

1. When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy – Sam Vander Wielen

If you’ve ever thought, “Once my business is successful, I’ll finally feel happy and secure,” I wrote this book for you.

I know, I know! Shameless plug for my own book! In case we haven’t met – I’m Sam Vander Wielen, an attorney-turned-entrepreneur. My book challenges the myth that external success automatically leads to internal fulfillment. Instead, I walk you through how to build a profitable online business that you love using my chill marketing strategies, email list building secrets, and digital product scaling tactics.

Inside, you’ll learn:
✅ The mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to make
✅ How to build out your first $1 million digital product

✅ My top tips for building an email list full of future buyers
✅ The biggest mistakes new business owners make—and how to avoid them
✅ Why chasing external success isn’t the key to happiness

🔗 Grab your copy of “When I Start My Business I’ll Be Happy” here!

2. The E-Myth Revisited – Michael E. Gerber

Ever feel like you’re working in your business instead of on your business? Michael Gerber’s The E-Myth Revisited is a must-read for entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed by daily tasks but struggle to scale.

This book will help you:
✅ Understand why most small businesses fail
✅ Systemize your processes so your business can grow
✅ Shift from “solo entrepreneur” to business owner mindset

It’s an eye-opener—especially if you’re stuck in the cycle of doing everything yourself.

3. Company of One – Paul Jarvis

Bigger isn’t always better. In Company of One, Paul Jarvis argues that you don’t have to scale endlessly to be successful. Instead, he focuses on how to build a sustainable, profitable business on your own terms.

If you’re tired of the constant pressure to “scale, scale, scale,” this book will help you:
✅ Define success on your own terms
✅ Build a business that works for your lifestyle
✅ Prioritize profitability and sustainability over endless growth

A must-read for solopreneurs, freelancers, and online business owners who want more freedom—not just more revenue.

4. Profit First – Mike Michalowicz

Struggling with cash flow? Feeling like you never have enough money, no matter how much revenue you bring in?

Profit First is a game-changer. Mike Michalowicz flips traditional accounting on its head, teaching you how to pay yourself first, control your expenses, and create consistent profitability.

Key takeaways:
✅ How to structure your finances to guarantee profitability
✅ Simple systems for managing your business finances (without stress)
✅ Why “paying yourself last” is a huge mistake

Even if numbers aren’t your thing, this book makes financial success feel simple.

5. The One Thing – Gary Keller

Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Always busy but never making real progress? The One Thing will change how you work.

This book helps you focus on what truly matters, so you can stop wasting time and start making serious progress in your business.

You’ll learn:
✅ How to prioritize your most important task
✅ Why multitasking kills productivity
✅ How to structure your day for maximum results

It’s perfect for entrepreneurs who want to cut through the noise and get real results.

6. Atomic Habits – James Clear

Success isn’t about big, dramatic changes—it’s about the small, daily habits that compound over time.

Atomic Habits is one of the most popular books on personal growth for a reason. It helps you:
✅ Build better habits (and break bad ones)
✅ Stay consistent without relying on motivation
✅ Use small improvements to create massive success over time

If you’re struggling with consistency in your business, this book will give you the framework to change that.

Which Book Will You Read First?

Whether you need marketing advice, financial guidance, or productivity tips, these books will set you up for success.

But if you want a real, honest look at what it takes to build a business that actually makes you happy, start with Sam Vander Wielen’s “When I Start My Business I’ll Be Happy.”

What’s on your entrepreneur reading list? Let me know in the comments!