Blue Ocean Strategy W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne
Businesses that look like every business in its field find it very difficult to grow and prosper. Customers always seem to be asking for a discount or they will go to the competition, because they don't see any difference. In this situation, the ocean is red with the blood of the businesses fighting each other for customers, and no one make money. Some businesses have found ways to make themselves different, and to thereby earn healthy profits from customers who see them as unique.
The E-Myth Revisited Michael Gerber
One problem for the owners of a small business is that they end up burning out from being overloaded. Gerber offers sensible advising on setting up a business structure that frees up the time of the owners, with the advice that an owner "should work ON the business, not IN the business." Following his advice also increases the resale value of the business when the owner is ready to exit.
Good to Great Jim Collins
What are the traits of companies that stand out from their peers? Good to Great explores the common features of uncommonly successful companies, and describes these features in details. A great read on the leadership, human resources, company culture and other traits of unusually successful companies.