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Quick answer: If you read Buy Then Build, continue with The E-Myth Revisited, Built to Sell, Profit First and Buy Back Your Time. All teach practical ways to run or grow a business, including small companies with steady cash flow.
Walker Deibel's book argues that buying an existing small business can be a better path than starting one from scratch, and explains how to find, evaluate and run a company. The books below cover small business operations, growth and strategy. All are nonfiction, and all are real, in-print books. This is general reading, not financial or legal advice.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The E-Myth Revisited | Michael E. Gerber | Adult | business systems |
| Built to Sell | John Warrillow | Adult | exit planning |
| Profit First | Mike Michalowicz | Adult | cash flow |
| Buy Back Your Time | Dan Martell | Adult | delegation |
| Zero to One | Peter Thiel | Adult | startups |
| The Lean Startup | Eric Ries | Adult | testing ideas |
| The Hard Thing About Hard Things | Ben Horowitz | Adult | hard decisions |
| The Millionaire Fastlane | M.J. DeMarco | Adult | bold mindset |
| $100M Offers | Alex Hormozi | Adult | sales and marketing |
| Company of One | Paul Jarvis | Adult | staying small |
| Let My People Go Surfing | Yvon Chouinard | Adult | values in business |
| The Personal MBA | Josh Kaufman | Adult | business basics |
| Traction | Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares | Adult | marketing channels |
| Good to Great | Jim Collins | Adult | company strategy |
| Rich Dad Poor Dad | Robert T. Kiyosaki | Adult | mindset starter |
1. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
Explains why many small businesses fail and how to build systems so that the business works without you. A classic for owners.
Best for: business systems.
2. Built to Sell by John Warrillow
A business fable about preparing a company for sale. Short, clear and practical.
Best for: exit planning.
3. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
A cash-flow system that puts profit first and pays expenses from what is left. Simple and popular.
Best for: cash flow.
4. Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
Shows founders how to delegate work and free their schedule. Direct and practical.
Best for: delegation.
5. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Notes on startups and building something new. Short and opinionated.
Best for: startups.
6. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Teaches how to test ideas quickly and learn from customers. Influential on modern startups.
Best for: testing ideas.
7. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
Honest lessons from a CEO about difficult decisions. Frank and useful.
Best for: hard decisions.
8. The Millionaire Fastlane by M.J. DeMarco
A brash guide to building a business for wealth. Motivating but opinionated.
Best for: bold mindset.
9. $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
A guide to making offers so good that customers feel foolish to say no. Practical and energetic.
Best for: sales and marketing.
10. Company of One by Paul Jarvis
Argues for staying small and focusing on stability. Thoughtful and calm.
Best for: staying small.
11. Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
The Patagonia founder's philosophy of business and values. Short and inspiring.
Best for: values in business.
12. The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman
A broad introduction to key business ideas. Easy to browse.
Best for: business basics.
13. Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares
Describes nineteen channels for getting customers. Practical and structured.
Best for: marketing channels.
14. Good to Great by Jim Collins
Studies companies that made a leap and identifies what they shared. A business classic.
Best for: company strategy.
15. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
A popular book about assets, liabilities and thinking like an investor. Debated but widely read.
Best for: mindset starter.
How to Choose
For systems, read The E-Myth Revisited. For buying and selling, Built to Sell. For money, Profit First. For time, Buy Back Your Time. For ideas, The Lean Startup and Zero to One. Buying a business involves legal and financial risk, so consult a lawyer and an accountant before making a decision. Before you buy any business, spend time learning how to value it, read the financial statements and talk to the owner. Local small business development centers often offer free advice, and many libraries have databases on industries. Take your time and avoid signing anything without professional review.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buy Then Build about?
It explains how to buy a small business, run it well and use it as a base for growth, rather than starting from nothing.
Is buying a business easier than starting one?
It can reduce risk because the business already has customers and income, but it needs careful research.
Who is it for?
People who want to become owners without building a company from scratch.
Is it a technical book?
No. It is practical and written for general readers.
What else should I read?
The E-Myth Revisited and Built to Sell are common companions.
Where do people find businesses for sale?
Online marketplaces, brokers and local networks list businesses, and owners sometimes sell directly to employees or neighbors.
Do I need a lot of capital?
Not always. Deals can be financed through seller notes, loans and partners, though terms vary.
What kind of business is best for beginners?
Simple, stable businesses with steady customers and clear records are often easier to learn.
Who is Walker Deibel?
An entrepreneur and author who writes and speaks about acquiring small businesses.
Is it risky to buy a small business?
Yes, as with any investment, which is why research, advice and cautious financing matter.