Entrepreneurs are known for being dreamers. That’s why the start of a new year is so invigorating for us.  

New goals, a brighter vision – it all starts when the ball drops to ring in the new year.  

While that’s all well and good, your big dreams will likely not reach fruition if you don’t have the right strategy, practices, and perspective in place.  

For me, transformational insights like those often come from books.  

Many of the ideas that helped me and my business partner, Andrew Cohen, build the organization we run today originated from books that challenged how a business should be operated, how to build our own team, and how we should approach growth.  

Of course, with hundreds of thousands of “business books” on Amazon – it can be easy to waste time on a book that says a whole lot of nothing.  

So, to assist you in choosing a book that will help you close the gap from A to B, below are 10 business books to help you build a stronger team and better business in 2026.  

1. Who Not How – Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

A simple but powerful idea: as a business owner, stop asking “How do I do this?” and start asking “Who can own this?” It’s a mindset shift that forces you to build capability around you instead of piling more on your plate. 

Get it here. 

2. 10X Is Easier Than 2X – Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

If doubling your business next year sounds daunting, how about multiplying it by 10? This book argues that aiming for 10X growth is actually easier than trying to double, because it forces you to focus on the few things where you’re uniquely great and ruthlessly eliminate the rest. It’s about identity and focus, not just tactics. 

Get it here. 

3. The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions – Geoff Woods

A practical playbook for using AI as your thought partner on real strategic issues – where to start, which use cases to focus on first, and how to build an AI-capable team. I also strongly recommend the companion podcast. 

Get it here. 

4. The Science of Scaling: Grow Your Business Bigger and Faster Than You Think Possible – Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Blake Erickson

Scaling happens when you get radically clear on who you serve and what you do best, and then cut everything that doesn’t fit. This guide will help you build a focused company instead of a bloated one. 

Get it here. 

5. How to Make a Few Billion Dollars – Brad Jacobs

Real-world, highly actionable lessons from an entrepreneur who’s built multiple multi-billion-dollar companies. A lot of the advice feels “obvious” only after you see the patterns laid out step-by-step. 

Get it here. 

6. The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers – Ben Horowitz

Candid stories about the messy, painful side of running a company – layoffs, near-deaths, tough calls, and more. It’s about surviving the parts no one puts on stage. While it can be easy for a business owner to think of struggle as “failing”, this reminds you that it’s simply part of the job. 

Get it here.  

7. Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results – Shane Parrish

I’ve been guilty (and still am) of making decisions based on the wrong criteria and baked-in biases. This book shows you how to slow down, think from first principles, and make better calls in the moments that determine your results. 

Get it here. 

8. The Knack: How Street-Smart Entrepreneurs Learn to Handle Whatever Comes Up – Norm Brodsky and Bo Burlingham

An "oldie but a goodie,” these real-world entrepreneurial war stories let you know you’re not alone in the craziness. Plus, they highlight street-smart tactics you can actually use on Monday morning. 

Get it here.

9. Hyper Sales Growth: Street-Proven Systems & Processes – How to Grow Quickly & Profitably – Jack Daly

A longtime favorite, this is a sales bible for sales pros and sales leaders. It covers process, culture, and management systems that build a real sales machine. If anything, it’s more relevant than ever in today’s noisy, distracted market. 

Get it here. 

10. The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide for Building Your Dream Team – Rob Levin 

Yes, one shameless plug here for my own book. However, I truly believe that every business owner can accomplish so much more when they’re backed by a dream team. The only problem – most entrepreneurs don’t know how to build one. This book reveals how to hire with intention, build real bench strength, and structure your team so growth doesn’t collapse under its own weight. 

Get it here.  

Execution Beats Overload 

The mistake most people make at this time of year is getting overwhelmed – either by the size of their vision, or the countless ways to implement it. Real success lies in having a narrow focus.  

So, pick one book that solves your most immediate pressure point going into 2026. Apply what matters, build momentum, and then move to the next. That’s how real change compounds. 

Best wishes for a focused, disciplined, and successful year ahead.  

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