10 Game-Changing Books to Build Your Million Dollar Business

If you’ve ever fantasized about turning your passion into profit, building a business empire from your kitchen table, or figuring out how to build your million-dollar business—this post is for you. Even if your current goal is just to afford guac at Chipotle without flinching, you’re in the right place.

Success leaves clues—and often, those clues are conveniently bound, sold on Amazon, and occasionally come with bonus motivational yelling. Whether you’re a newbie entrepreneur or already hustling your way to six figures, these ten books are like rocket fuel for your business brain.

Let’s dive into the must-reads that’ll help you build, grow, and laugh your way to serious success.

1. Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s TED Talk probably made you tear up a little (don’t lie), but this book takes it even deeper. “Start with Why” is all about uncovering the purpose behind what you do. Because if your only reason for starting a business is “to make money,” well, congrats, you and a raccoon with a PayPal account have the same motivation.

This book helps you tap into the deeper mission that drives not only you, but also inspires customers and your team. It’s the heart and soul of brand loyalty and visionary leadership

2. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Duhigg breaks down the science of habits—how they’re formed, how they work, and how you can hack them. Spoiler alert: You’re basically a walking pattern machine. But the good news is, with awareness and a bit of trickery, you can reprogram yourself like a boss.

Business success isn’t magic—it’s momentum. Learning how to build positive habits (and squash the soul-sucking ones) can seriously level up your daily grind.

3. Atomic Habits by James Clear

If Duhigg is the “how habits work” guy, James Clear is the “now go do something about it” guy. Atomic Habits gives you a super-practical blueprint for leveling up every day, one itty-bitty habit at a time.

Clear shows you how to shift your identity, environment, and behavior in small, sustainable ways. Want to become the type of person who runs a million-dollar business? Build habits like one.

4. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

Gerber’s classic hits you with a truth bomb: most small businesses fail because the owners are too busy working in the business instead of on it. Translation: stop being the employee and start being the CEO.

This book teaches you to build systems, delegate like a pro, and avoid burnout. So your business runs like a well-oiled machine—and not a caffeine-fueled hamster wheel.

5. The Closer’s Survival Guide by Grant Cardone

If you think sales is sleazy, Grant Cardone is here to shout (enthusiastically) otherwise. This guide is all about how to confidently ask for the sale—without needing a shower afterward.

You can have the best product or service in the world, but if you can’t close a deal, your dreams stay dreams. This book arms you with closing techniques so smooth, you’ll turn “maybes” into “where do I sign?”

6. Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone

Cardone doubles down with this firecracker of a book. It’s less “here’s how to relax” and more “drink espresso and dominate life.” He encourages you to embrace your inner workaholic (in a healthy, millionaire-making way).

This book gives you permission to be extra. Extra focused, extra driven, extra obsessed with your goals. Because average won’t build your empire—but obsession just might.

RELATED: Secretly Afraid to Fail in Business?

7. The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone

The 10X Rule says your goals should be ten times bigger than you think they should be—and your actions should be ten times more intense. Forget playing it safe. Safe is for people who still download coupons.

It’ll reset your mindset around what’s “realistic.” Suddenly, doubling your revenue feels like a warm-up lap. Dream big, act bigger.

8. Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

This book is for the overwhelmed entrepreneur juggling 18 tasks while crying into their coffee. Sullivan says the real secret to success is teamwork—finding the right “who” to get it done faster and better than you ever could solo.

It’ll change how you think about scaling your business. You don’t need to know everything. You need to build a dream team.

9. Wealth Habits by Candy Valentino

Candy (yes, that’s her real name and yes, she’s awesome) breaks down money habits that work whether you’re making $50K or $5M. It’s not about crypto tips or sketchy real estate plays—it’s about boring, consistent steps that make you rich.

It’s a financial freedom roadmap that teaches you to think like the wealthy—without needing to win the lottery or marry rich.

10. Highly Confident (Coming Soon)

If confidence is the key to success, then Highly Confident is THE book for you. In it, I break down how to build confidence and actually get what you want. No more guessing, no more doubting yourself. I share proven, powerful strategies that have helped numerous business owners get out of their own way and skyrocket their success. (Release date: Summer ’25)

If you want to build a million-dollar business, it’s not just about hustling harder—it’s about thinking smarter. These books aren’t just reads; they’re investments in your mindset, your systems, your strategy, and your swagger.

So grab one. Or five. Highlight them. Dog-ear them. Apply them. Because the sooner you turn wisdom into action, the sooner you’ll be living the dream—not just pinning it on your vision board.

Now go build that business.