TSC Book Club: My 5 Favorite Books for Business

It’s TSC book club time. You know I love a book club. I’m a huge bookworm and I know a lot of you guys are too. I try to read for 30 minutes a day at least.

Reading is something that really got me through my mom’s death. It’s something I could focus on that was outside of myself. The Nanz gave me this tip. When you’re upset or not in a good place, focus on something outside of yourself. It really helps. That’s reading for me.

Reading keeps you interested and interesting.

I’ve done some posts on books before so if you haven’t checked them out stalk them here: 1, 2, 3, 4.

But today we’re going to talk specifically about business books. I know a lot of you own your own business or are in a 9-5 hustle, so here are 5 books that have really helped me when it comes to running a business.

Let’s dive right in:

WorkParty: How to Create & Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams by Jaclyn Johnson

This book is really great for millennials. Jaclyn is a total badass who we’ve had on the podcast, and she’s the owner of Create and Cultivate. Basically, her book is about women who want it all & more.

Jaclyn talks about her struggles and a huge blow she experienced in her career. She shares how she came out of it and really turned it around. She talks about risks & working your ass off. This book features Alli Webb, Jen Gotch, Rebekka Minkoff & more. This book is for any woman who is looking to create her own future.

Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too by Gary Vaynerchuck

In 2010 my dad gifted me a copy of CRUSH IT by a man named Gary Vee. I read the book, highlighted the fuck out of it, & applied many of the strategies to my business ( which at the time was merely an idea ).

About a year later I ended up launching The Skinny Confidential with 80 bucks in my bank account while bartending, putting myself through school, teaching Pure Barre and Pilates, & living at my godparents’ house. I was dead broke, determined, & laser focused on building the brand.

Then in 2016 Gary invited me on his show to talk social media. And now, 8 years later, my story of The Skinny Confidential is featured in two chapters of his book, CRUSHING IT!: HOW GREAT ENTREPRENEURS BUILD THEIR BUSINESS AND INFLUENCE—AND HOW YOU CAN, TOO. As you can imagine, I was FREAKING!!

There’s so many good tips from him & fellow entrepreneurs such as Jessica Alba, The Rock, John Lee Dumas, John Mayer, Andy Frisella, & Lewis Howes. Overall, Gary’s latest book really has incredible advice for people who want to standout in the digital space. A lot of you guys are bloggers or business owners- this is a MUST READ for you.

Style Your Mind for Success by Cara Alwill Leyba

This book is by my friend Cara of The Champagne Diet. She is a dynamic force & really is someone who is great to follow on Instagram ( she’s also been on the podcast ).

This book is all about losing facades, getting rid of the bullshit and collaborating instead of competing. It really is a road map for entrepreneurs and professional women. It really zones in on how to refine your confidence and how to tackle the workspace like a badass.

The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Gap Between Business Strategy and Design by Marty Neumeier

I actually did a whole post dedicated to this book only. I learned about it from a random guy at my friend’s party & I was ordering it before our conversation was even finished. This guy turned out to be not so random- in fact, he was a very humble, successful business owner.

I just love anything to do with branding and this book really dives into it.

It talks about how you need to listen to your audience. It’s not all about the data and the numbers- you have to listen to the people. Essentially, your brand is what your consumers say it is, NOT what you say it is. It also discusses choosing a strong icon, name and message.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is even thinking of starting a brand.

How To Be An Overnight Success by Maria Hatzistefanis

This is a great book for people looking to build a product. I found so many tips on how to start a company from scratch, in your bedroom, and build it out to a huge, crazy operation.

This book follows Maria’s career- she’s a London-based beauty entrepreneur who started as a writer. Now she runs a huge beauty company called Rodial. She’s worked with Kylie Jenner and continues to build her empire. She’s also represented by major PR boss Alison Brod who we just had on the podcast. We’re hoping to have Maria on the podcast soon too!

If I could give anyone any piece of advice, it’s to read. It’s so powerful when it comes to conversation & it really opens up your mind. Like I said, getting outside of yourself is really good, and reading does just that.

What are you guys reading right now? I especially love biographies so share any recommendations below.

x, lauryn

+ check out Michael’s favorite books.

+ more book recs and why I love reading.

TSC BOOK CLUB