Whether you’re a seasoned sales pro or just starting your journey to growth, there’s always something new to learn. And what better way to kickstart than by diving into some of the most insightful, action-packed books on sales and business growth? From mastering the art of persuasion to tapping into the latest behavioral science, we’ve rounded up the top 10 must-reads that’ll not only sharpen your skills but also fuel your success. Grab a cup of coffee, find your cozy spot, and let these books be your secret weapon for 2025!
Good to great by Jim Collins
What separates truly great companies from merely good ones? Backed by five years of research, Good to Great reveals the key principles that allow organizations to make the leap—and sustain greatness. With surprising insights (like the power of humility in leadership and the myth of the charismatic CEO), Collins offers a roadmap for long-term success. It’s a compelling, data-driven classic that every business leader and marketer should have on their shelf.
Sell or be sold by Grant Cardone
Success in any area of life. In Sell or Be Sold, Grant Cardone lays out how mastering sales skills isn’t just for sales professionals—it’s essential for anyone who wants to thrive. From convincing others of your ideas to pushing yourself toward better habits, Cardone shows that everything is a transaction. The book covers practical strategies to close more deals, stay motivated, and remove mental blocks that keep people from reaching their full potential. Whether you’re pitching a product, negotiating a raise, or chasing personal goals, this book helps you shift your mindset and start winning.
The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy
The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy is a timeless classic that explores the inner mindset required to excel in sales. Tracy argues that mastering the psychology behind selling is even more powerful than mastering sales techniques. This book equips readers with practical strategies to overcome rejection, build confidence, and understand the real reasons people buy—so you can sell more, faster. Packed with proven methods and mindset shifts, it’s a must-read for anyone serious about boosting their sales performance and unlocking long-term success in any market.
What great salespeople do by Michael Bosworth and Ben Zoldan
What Great Salespeople Do by Michael Bosworth and Ben Zoldan reveals that the best salespeople aren’t just persuasive—they’re master storytellers and relationship builders. This book breaks the myth that these skills are innate, showing instead that anyone can learn how to inspire change in buyers. Drawing from neuroscience and psychology, it introduces a proven framework centered around storytelling, empathy, and trust-building. Readers will learn how to tap into emotion-driven decision-making, craft compelling personal stories, and engage in collaborative, meaningful conversations that drive sales success. A game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their sales approach.
Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success by Colleen Stanley
Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success by Colleen Stanley highlights the often-overlooked but critical role of emotional intelligence (EI) in selling. Stanley explains how EI helps salespeople stay composed under pressure, build trust, and navigate difficult conversations without resorting to fight-or-flight responses. Backed by research and real-world examples, the book offers practical strategies to boost skills like impulse control, empathy, and active listening—traits common among top performers. With buyers having easy access to product info, EI becomes the key human advantage in building relationships and driving sales success from prospecting to closing.
The accidental Sales Manager: How to take control and lead your sales team to record profits by Chris Lytle
The Accidental Sales Manager tackles the common challenge of top-performing salespeople being promoted to management roles without proper training. These new managers often end up stuck between continuing their old sales duties and trying to lead a team—falling into what’s called the “sales management trap.” This book provides clear, actionable strategies to help sales managers transition successfully into their leadership roles. It offers tools to shift from firefighting to coaching, manage time more effectively, lead productive sales meetings, and foster a culture of learning and development. Whether you’re a new manager or training one, this guide is essential for building a high-performing sales team.
Selling to the C-Suite by Nicholas A.C Read and Stephen J. Bistriz, EDD
Selling to the C-Suite is a classic guide for sales professionals who want to master high-level selling. Based on interviews with over 500 senior decision-makers, the book reveals what top executives really look for when engaging with salespeople. Updated with new insights for the digital age, this second edition shows how to navigate executive networks, position yourself as a low-risk, high-value partner, and leverage modern tools like social media. It’s an essential playbook for anyone aiming to win bigger deals, close faster, and build long-term executive relationships.
Fast Forward: Accelerating B2B Sales for Startups by Martin Giese and Matthias Hilpert
Fast Forward is a practical, experience-driven guide designed to help B2B startup founders grow revenue from zero to $100 million. Drawing from over 40 years of real-world startup experience, the authors break down essential topics like market segmentation, pricing, sales processes, customer conversations, and team building. With insights from 30+ successful startup founders and CEOs, this book offers a clear roadmap for finding, winning, and retaining customers. It’s an indispensable resource for any founder aiming to scale their B2B startup efficiently and effectively.
More sales, less time by Jill Konrath
More Sales, Less Time tackles the growing challenge of overwhelm in the modern sales world. Jill Konrath, a veteran sales consultant, offers a productivity blueprint tailored specifically for sales professionals juggling endless demands—from hitting rising quotas to managing tech overload and social media. Through behavioral research and personal experimentation, she shares actionable strategies to help sellers reclaim time, eliminate distractions, and focus on high-impact activities. This book is a must-read for any salesperson looking to sell smarter, not longer, and stay competitive in an always-on marketplace.
Brainfluence by Roger Dooley
Brainfluence breaks down how neuroscience and behavioral research can be used to influence customer decisions and improve marketing effectiveness. With 60 short, practical chapters, Roger Dooley delivers bite-sized techniques for applying neuromarketing across sales, advertising, and branding. From forming emotional connections to optimizing sensory cues, the book is packed with actionable insights for businesses of all sizes—including startups and nonprofits. Whether you’re crafting ads or closing deals, this guide shows how to tap into the consumer brain to boost engagement and drive results.
Conclusion
There you have it, 10 incredible books to supercharge your sales game and boost your growth mindset this year. Whether you’re looking to refine your approach, learn new strategies, or dive into the psychology behind successful selling, these books are your ultimate guide. So, which one will you pick up first? The best part? Each one offers practical insights that you can apply right away. Here’s to a year of learning, growing, and crushing your goals—one page at a time! Happy reading!
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