The Books That I Recommend to Someone Embarking on a Career in Entrepreneurship or Sales

As someone who's dedicated my career to coaching and empowering sales professionals and entrepreneurs, I'm often asked, "What books should I read to start my career?" The right reading list can make all the difference when it comes to developing the mindset, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in sales or as an entrepreneur. Below are the five books I currently recommend to anyone starting on this journey. Each offers timeless wisdom, practical tips, and actionable strategies to build your confidence and sharpen your sales skills. This list is by no means exhaustive and could have easily been much longer.?

1. “The Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino??

Don’t let the title throw you off—this book is a true gem. Though small in size, it delivers some of the best lessons on preparing your mindset for success in sales. Mandino’s principles teach perseverance, faith, and resilience, crucial traits for anyone in sales or entrepreneurship. This book is particularly impactful for readers who are believers, as its message is grounded in personal integrity and faith. It’s the perfect first step toward cultivating the right attitude for selling and achieving your goals.

2. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie??

This timeless classic is a must-read for anyone aiming to succeed in business or sales. Carnegie’s principles on human interaction, influence, and relationship-building are fundamental. Entrepreneurs need to quickly learn how to connect with people, influence decisions, and create lasting relationships—skills that are just as important in sales. Whether you're closing a sale or building a network, this book will help you communicate more effectively and get people to say “yes” to your offers.

3. “Mastering Sales Language: Eliminate These 21 Harmful Phrases and Embrace Words That Sell” by Brian K. McNeill??

Sales is all about communication, and this book will help you master the language of sales. In my own book, I pinpoint 21 phrases that can sabotage a sale and replace them with words that persuade and sell. This concise guide gives you the tools to improve your sales conversations and close more deals. I wrote this book to help both new and experienced salespeople sharpen their communication skills and improve their results immediately.

4. “To Sell is Human” by Daniel Pink??

In today's world, we are all in sales, whether we realize it or not. Daniel Pink’s modern take on sales explores how persuasion and influence are essential for everyone, regardless of profession. This book dives deep into the psychology of why people make buying decisions and teaches you how to harness that understanding to become a more effective seller. Whether you're convincing a client or pitching your business idea, this book will show you how to appeal to what motivates people.

5. “Asking for the Money: How Anyone Can Close More Sales, Even You” by Brian K. McNeill??

Closing is where most people struggle, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this book, I break down the process of closing in a way that anyone can understand and implement. "Asking for the Money" teaches you how to confidently ask for the sale and secure it, which is critical to success in both sales and entrepreneurship. It’s a step-by-step guide to overcoming the fear of closing and boosting your sales performance.

Final Thoughts??

These five books offer a comprehensive path for anyone looking to embark on a successful career in sales or entrepreneurship. From building the right mindset to learning how to communicate effectively and close deals, this list will help you gain the knowledge and confidence you need to thrive in your business.

If you're serious about succeeding in sales and want to accelerate your progress, I invite you to reach out. As the Sales Confidence Coach and author of seven books, including the bestsellers Mastering Sales Language and Asking for the Money, I’ve helped countless professionals sharpen their skills and grow their business. Let’s talk about how I can help you do the same.

Brian K. McNeill??

Best Sales Speaker & Sales Confidence Coach??

Website: BrianKMcNeillSales.com ?

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 919 345 4893