{"id":1177,"date":"2023-12-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-17T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-08-15T11:29:35","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T09:29:35","slug":"top-10-inspirational-reads-for-smes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/top-10-inspirational-reads-for-smes\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Inspirational Reads For SME Success In 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div>\n<p>Here are out top 10 Inspirational Reads for your SME, because running a successful small to medium size enterprise (SME) is a 24\/7 365 affair. Even when a business experiences its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/planning-for-downtime-8-tasks-to-do-when-business-is-quiet\">annual downtime<\/a>, the owner is still dreaming and planning ahead. Learn from the best with these inspirational books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-takeaways\">KEY TAKEAWAYS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For a timeless manual to build character and achieve genuine success&nbsp; read: <em>The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Want to master the art of conversation? Read: <em>How to Win Friends and Influence People.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To produce valuable, high-quality work in an age of incessant interruptions read: <em>Deep Work<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For guidance on how to embrace vulnerability and be brave in business read: <em>Dare to Lead<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For help with the unpredictable journey of building and leading a successful company read: <em>The Hard Thing About Hard Things.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Need advice for a more agile and sustainable approach to building a business read: <em>The Lean Startup.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To understand the essence of true motivation read: <em>Start with Why<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For valuable lessons on how unconventional thinking can lead to extraordinary results read: <em>The Outsiders<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To learn what triggers changes in human behaviour read: <em>Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are looking to apply your mind more positively in 2024 read: <em>Think and Grow Rich.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h4>TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/h4><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#key-takeaways\">KEY TAKEAWAYS<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#top-10-inspirational-reads-for-sme\">Top 10 Inspirational Reads For SME Business Owners<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-stephen-r-covey\">The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People \u2013 Stephen R. Covey<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#deep-work-cal-newport\">Deep Work \u2013 Cal Newport<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#how-to-win-friends-and-influence-people-dale-carnegie\">How to Win Friends and Influence People \u2013 Dale Carnegie<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#start-with-why-simon-sinek\">Start with Why \u2013 Simon Sinek<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#dare-to-lead-brene-brown\">Dare to Lead \u2013 Bren\u00e9 Brown<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-hard-thing-about-hard-things-ben-horowitz\">The Hard Thing About Hard Things \u2013 Ben Horowitz<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-lean-startup-eric-ries\">The Lean Startup \u2013 Eric Ries<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-outsiders-william-n-thorndike\">The Outsiders \u2013 William N. Thorndike<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#influence-the-psychology-of-persuasion-robert-b-cialdini-ph-d\">Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion \u2013 Robert B. Cialdini PH.D.<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#10-think-and-grow-rich-napoleon-hill\">10. Think and Grow Rich \u2013 Napoleon Hill<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"top-10-inspirational-reads-for-sme\">Top 10 Inspirational Reads For SME Business Owners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-stephen-r-covey\">The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People \u2013 Stephen R. Covey<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-book-01.png\" alt=\"Inspirational Reads 1: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People \u2013 Stephen R. Covey\" title=\"Inspirational Reads 1: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People \u2013 Stephen R. Covey\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This timeless classic is a must for anyone seeking personal and professional growth. Covey&#8217;s insights go beyond mere productivity tips, delving into the core principles that shape a successful and fulfilling life. The book offers practical wisdom, relatable anecdotes, and real-life examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"deep-work-cal-newport\">Deep Work \u2013 Cal Newport<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-book-02.png\" alt=\"Inspirational Reads 2: Deep Work \u2013 Cal Newport\" title=\"Inspirational Reads 2: Deep Work \u2013 Cal Newport\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In this digital hyper-connected world, it is easy to become distracted and struggle to work deeply. In &#8220;Deep Work&#8221; the author provides a roadmap for regaining control of our attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-win-friends-and-influence-people-dale-carnegie\">How to Win Friends and Influence People \u2013 Dale Carnegie\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-book-03.png\" alt=\"Inspirational Reads 3: How to Win Friends and Influence People \u2013 Dale Carnegie\" title=\"Inspirational Reads 3: How to Win Friends and Influence People \u2013 Dale Carnegie\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Connections and relationships drive success on every level of a person&#8217;s life. &#8220;How to Win Friends and Influence People&#8221; is a practical, people-centric guide on human interaction. It is another ageless book that deserves a place on every bookshelf or digital library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"start-with-why-simon-sinek\">Start with Why \u2013 Simon Sinek<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-book-04.png\" alt=\"Inspirational Reads 4: Start with Why \u2013 Simon Sinek\" title=\"Inspirational Reads 4: Start with Why \u2013 Simon Sinek\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>What is the key to lasting business success? According to Simon Sinek it is the golden circle concept\u2014starting with why, followed by how, and then what. This book challenges traditional methods of managing and marketing when it comes to inspiring others and fostering loyalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-small.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dare-to-lead-brene-brown\">Dare to Lead \u2013 Bren\u00e9 Brown<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-book-05.png\" alt=\"Inspirational Reads 5: Dare to Lead \u2013 Bren\u00e9 Brown\" title=\"Inspirational Reads 5: Dare to Lead \u2013 Bren\u00e9 Brown\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Dare to Lead&#8221; offers practical strategies for leaders on all levels. It&#8217;s a call to action for leaders to show up authentically, be open to discomfort, and lead with empathy. The author challenges the conventional notion of toughness as a prerequisite for effective leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-hard-thing-about-hard-things-ben-horowitz\">The Hard Thing About Hard Things \u2013 Ben Horowitz<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-book-06.png\" alt=\"Inspirational Reads 6: The Hard Thing About Hard Things \u2013 Ben Horowitz\" title=\"Inspirational Reads 6: The Hard Thing About Hard Things \u2013 Ben Horowitz\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Want the real hard truth about running a business? This book is a no-nonsense guide to handling layoffs, managing a crisis, and making tough calls as a leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-lean-startup-eric-ries\">The Lean Startup \u2013 Eric Ries<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-book-07.png\" alt=\"Inspirational Reads 7: The Lean Startup \u2013 Eric Ries\" title=\"Inspirational Reads 7: The Lean Startup \u2013 Eric Ries\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Running a start-up isn&#8217;t easy but &#8220;The Lean Startup&#8221; offers practical advice for entrepreneurs. He introduces the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and emphasises the importance of customer feedback and continuous improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-outsiders-william-n-thorndike\">The Outsiders \u2013 William N. Thorndike<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-book-08.png\" alt=\"Inspirational Reads 8: The Outsiders \u2013 William N. Thorndike\" title=\"Inspirational Reads 8: The Outsiders \u2013 William N. Thorndike\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Learn top management secrets from eight outstanding yet overlooked CEOs like Henry Singleton and John Malone. This book offers a refreshing perspective on what truly drives long-term business success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"influence-the-psychology-of-persuasion-robert-b-cialdini-ph-d\">Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion \u2013 Robert B. Cialdini PH.D.<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-book-09.png\" alt=\"Inspirational Reads 9: The Psychology of Persuasion \u2013 Robert B. Cialdini PH.D.\" title=\"Inspirational Reads 9: The Psychology of Persuasion \u2013 Robert B. Cialdini PH.D.\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Want the &#8220;yes&#8221; from your list of potential customers? &#8220;Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion&#8221; teaches you about the psychology behind human behaviour. This informative book covers personal and professional contexts&nbsp; with practical examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-think-and-grow-rich-napoleon-hill\">10. Think and Grow Rich \u2013 Napoleon Hill<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/billing\/blog\/data\/dec23-post8-reading-book-10.png\" alt=\"Inspirational Reads 10: Think and Grow Rich \u2013 Napoleon Hill\" title=\"Inspirational Reads 10: Think and Grow Rich \u2013 Napoleon Hill\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.takealot.com\/think-and-grow-rich\/PLID38756702?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA7OqrBhD9ARIsAK3UXh3DH467u-5x2ZGhkNKcL0pUSOQxAvKws8ShoJ1Jjnv-mSZKmSzN2CcaAjXLEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;Think and Grow Rich&#8221;<\/a> is another timeless book. It&#8217;s not only a blueprint for financial success but a philosophy for a fulfilling life. The author explains how the power of thought can shape a person\u2019s destiny. Even though the book was written in 1937, the real-life stories and advice are very applicable today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here are out top 10 Inspirational Reads for your SME, because running a successful small to medium size enterprise (SME) is a 24\/7 365 affair. Even when a business experiences its annual downtime, the owner is still dreaming and planning ahead. Learn from the best with these inspirational books. KEY TAKEAWAYS For a timeless manual to build character and achieve genuine success&nbsp; read: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Want to master the art of conversation? Read: How to Win Friends and Influence People. To produce valuable, high-quality work in an age of incessant interruptions read: Deep Work. For guidance on how to embrace vulnerability and be brave in business read: Dare to Lead. For help with the unpredictable <a alt='Top 10 Inspirational Reads For SME Success In 2024' title='Top 10 Inspirational Reads For SME Success In 2024' href='https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/top-10-inspirational-reads-for-smes\/' class='moreElipsis'>[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1331,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1008,1011],"tags":[1835],"class_list":["post-1177","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-guides","category-general","tag-top-10-inspirational-reads-for-smes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1177"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3410,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1177\/revisions\/3410"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}