In this fast-paced technology driven world of smartphones, tablets and near-constant internet access, books have become an overlooked resource.

Inside the business world there are a few must-read books that will change the way you approach and think about work and business. These books question and reveal the mindsets, mentalities and methodologies behind successful individuals.

Here are our favourite business books for entrepreneurs, creators and aspiring business moguls:

‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Covey

‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ wasn’t so much a book as it was a cultural phenomenon. Since the date of its original publication in 1989, the book has sold over 25 million copies in over 40 languages. It puts forth the principles of “integrity, service and dignity” as essential components in leading a successful life. While the book is much more than the ‘7 Habits’ that it lists, they are listed below to give some insight into Covey’s guidance in this book.

1. Be proactive
2. Begin with the end in mind
3. Put first things first
4. Think win-win
5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw

Find the book here.

‘Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative’ by Austin Kleon

Success is more than just hard-work and dedication, it’s also creativity. This book is great for creators of any kind. It deals with how we view ‘originality’ and how great art is really just a conglomeration of great inspiration. “If we’re free from the burden of trying to be completely original, we can stop trying to make something out of nothing, and we can embrace influence instead of running away from it.” Here is a quick round of Kleon’s tips:

1. Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started
2. Side projects and hobbies are important
3. The Secret: Do good work and share it with people
4. Geography is no longer our master
5. Be boring. (It’s the only way to get work done)

Find the book here.

‘How To Win Friends And Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie navigates the intricacies of socialising in the workplace in his book ‘How To Win Friends And Influence People.’ Carnegie applies a conversational tone to his instructions, exploring examples that support his theories on self-awareness, empathy and persuasion.

He discusses great influencers like former President Abraham Lincoln and the downfall of the original ‘Public Enemy No. 1’ Al Capone. He utilises these interesting and entertaining real-life examples in developing “personal business skills, self-confidence and motivational techniques.”

Find the book here.

‘Business Adventures’ by John Brooks

‘Business Adventures’ by John Brooks is a lesser known guide to conducting and understanding the business world. Billionaire Bill Gates has called it “the best business book I’ve ever read.” On Gates personal blog he discusses the benefits of reading this impactful book.

“Business Adventures is as much about the strengths and weaknesses of leaders in challenging circumstances as it is about the particulars of one business or another. In that sense, it is still relevant not despite its age but because of it. John Brooks’s work is really about human nature, which is why it has stood the test of time.”

Check out Bill Gates’s Blog here.

Find the book here.

Other great books worth checking out include: Timothy Ferriss’s ‘The 4-Hour Work Week,’ Sophia Amoruso’s ‘#GIRLBOSS,’ Eric Ries’s ‘The Lean Startup,’ and Jack Canfield’s ‘The Success Principles.’

For more business tips and recommendations stay tuned!