As a result of my work on DealSavant.com, I’ve been doing more reading than ever before. Through my trials with the many business related texts I’ve read, I’ve found a few favorites. I’d like to share those favorites with you and encourage you to check them out as well.

1. Buzz Marketing- Mark Hughes.
   I’ve given more copies of this book away than I care to own up to. It’s a classic marketing book that should be in everyone’s arsenal. The book will make you think and will give you some awesome ideas. No matter if you’re a small business owner or a fortune 500 CMO, there’s something in this book for you. It’s an easy read and don’t be surprised if you crush it in an afternoon of addicted reading.
   
   
2. Business Model Generation- Alexander Osterwalder & Yves Pigneur
   While more of a guide book than anything, you’ll be able to quickly assess your business objectives and create a very effective business model fast. The methodology for creating a business model is very intuitive and gets you thinking about the things that actually matter.
   
   Point of advice: Read this book, build your business model, then start your business plan. You’ll thank me later.
   
   
3. The Four Steps to the Epiphany, Steven Gary Blank
   I’m midway through this book and based on the information I’ve digested thus far, it’s a winner. With this text, you’ll start to really think about how you take your projects to market and what it takes to measure the effectiveness of your plan. You’ll learn the Customer Development Model, which will help to provide clarity through out the process of development through to business building. It’s a business heavy book, but each chapter focuses on a real world case study that helps in digesting the data.
   
   
4. The Art of the Start, Guy Kawasaki
   Lets face it, when Guy writes books, he hits home runs. The Art of the Start is one of two books of his that I’m suggesting. Simply put, The Art of the Start is a recipe for success. While the execution is up to you, the book lays out one heck of a guide for getting things done right.
5. Reality Check, Guy Kawasaki
   This book is what it’s named, a reality check. Read this and discover what it is that makes you tick as an entrepreneur. Find your strengths, embrace them, and kick ass. It’s an easy read with gobs of short chapters, I highly suggest this book.
   
   
6. Founders at Work, Jessica Livingston
   Ok, I admit… I’ve yet to open the cover on this one, BUT… it comes so highly recommended that I feel I would be doing a great disservice by not including it. 

I could go on and on, but these books are my stand out suggestions. Give’em a go, you’ll get a lot out of them, I promise.