Here are the 7 BEST Business Books (No MBA Required)

Updated on 02.11.2025 @ 3:35 PM

I have many friends who attended business schools and earned degrees in business administration. Some of them are working in Fortune 500 global companies and are getting paid really well.

Once, I asked them a question: Do you believe what you learned in business school could also be learned by reading books? The answer was yes—they didn’t learn anything they couldn’t have learned without going to business school.

They attended to earn a degree for a high-paying job. This is true; nobody studies just to learn. If there are no benefits, why bother trying? A book written by someone who built a business step by step is far better than attending business school for a degree. Moreover, business schools are far more costly than reading books about managing a business.

If your intention is to learn, reading a book on the subject is a good start. You won’t become proficient after reading it once—it takes time. But reading will help. Successful people like Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, Michael Dell, and Ray Dalio don’t have business degrees, yet they are worth billions.

So, if you didn’t attend business school but want to succeed as a businessman, you still have a fair chance—just do what those successful people have done. Even if you can’t replicate it completely, you’ll gain a clear idea of how to proceed.

Here, I’ve shortlisted 7 best business books you can read.

1. "Built to Last" by James C. Collins

When it comes to learning how businesses operate efficiently, you can’t miss this excellent book by James C. Collins.

What truly contributes to a company’s success? Is it a groundbreaking idea or solid preparation and execution?

You may have heard that execution determines success—but is it the only factor? This book presents several studies that highlight the key elements behind an organization’s success or failure.

It’s an easy-to-read guide that teaches more about modern businesses—their wins and failures—than most MBA courses. If you want practical, ready-to-use strategies for running or starting a successful business, this book is your one-stop resource.

2. "Beating the Street" by Peter Lynch

If you want to learn how to invest in stocks but don’t know where to start, this is the book you need. Peter Lynch is one of the most successful stock investors of all time. While others struggled to achieve consistent single-digit returns, he managed a fund with over 28% CAGR.

After reading this book, you’ll gain the skills to choose stocks with strong long-term potential. Everything is presented logically—if a business is good, why is it good? What makes it a worthwhile investment?

Through its reasoning, you’ll learn how to combine different factors and make smarter decisions. I’ve read it three times since buying it, and each time I discover something new.

If you want to become a successful investor or businessperson—and learn to distinguish a good business from a bad one—this is a must-read.

3. "The Snowball"

Who doesn't want to know about Warren Buffett—the man who built a massive empire by investing in value stocks? His life inspires countless people seeking success in investing.

While it all seems exciting, it's not easy. After reading this book, you'll discover more about Buffett than just his role as an investor.

The book offers a fresh perspective on understanding him—his life, endeavors, and the principles that shaped him. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to know Buffett as a person, not just an investor.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the life of a billionaire. It will make you a better person as you gain insights into what truly drives the ultra-rich and successful—whether it’s strategy, intellect, or consistent effort.

4. "Principles: Life and Work" by Ray Dalio

Whenever I'm stuck and feel like nothing is working, I turn to this book. Ray Dalio wrote it to share his way of handling situations and challenges.

Learning from successful people helps ensure that what we do yields positive results. This book is a great reference for anyone aiming for success in business and life. I don't see much difference between living successfully and running a successful business—both require time, dedication, and reflection.

This graphic book doesn’t take long to read or re-read. It’s filled with insights and deep thoughts. Read it, and then read it again.

5. The Almanack Of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness"

I really enjoy reading this book and revisit it often. It has amazing advice for every individual and always motivates me. You can't skip this book if you're just starting out or feeling unsure about your path.

It can help whether you're overestimating or underestimating your efforts. The book offers excellent resources to guide you on your journey of self-improvement.

After reading it, you won’t be the same person. You’ll have the tools to improve your life, a purpose to strive for, and the means to succeed and thrive.

6. "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight

I'll repeat it: you can never learn how to do business from someone who has never done it. This book teaches many things you can’t learn in a university or college. It outlines how Phil Knight started Nike, one of the most successful companies of our time.

It’s a step-by-step account of how Phil Knight introduced Japanese shoes to the U.S. market, turning an idea into a mammoth sports company that surpassed many competitors.

This is a must-read for anyone struggling in business and complaining instead of trying. It shows how a company on the brink of closure became number one in the world, surpassing the very brand whose shoes it once traded in the U.S. This book will change the way you think about business.

You May Also Like; Reading List: Greatest Self Development Books

7. "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel

Copying existing successful businesses isn't the way to succeed. To be the next Mark Zuckerberg, you don't have to create another Facebook. There are countless opportunities. Things change; there's always a new invention in progress to surprise us.

We must think that way to have an outstanding business. In this book, Peter Thiel (another successful billionaire businessman) delves deep into points that can guide creative individuals to hone and polish their ideas, helping them succeed and innovate in business.