It’s January in Wisconsin. When I get snowed in, the internet’s down, and I pick up a freebie snow day, my idea of a good time is to light a roaring fire, brew some strong coffee, and settle down with dogs at my feet and a good business book in my hands.

Here’s a few recommendations from other SBOs around the Badger State. Interestingly, most are about attitude and how one views life, work, and success. In other words, get your head right and great things will follow.

It’s January in Wisconsin. When I get snowed in, the internet’s down, and I pick up a freebie snow day, my idea of a good time is to light a roaring fire, brew some strong coffee, and settle down with dogs at my feet and a good business book in my hands.

Here’s a few recommendations from other SBOs around the Badger State. Interestingly, most are about attitude and how one views life, work, and success. In other words, get your head right and great things will follow.

The E-Myth Revisited, by Michael Gerber, came high on everyone’s list as a good introductory book about entrepreneurship and small business. Explains Anne Kulhanek, owner of Premier Travel in Kewaunee County: “The simplest idea that is the hardest to accomplish is to work on your business more than in your business.”

Less is More, by Jason Jennings, which is a favorite of David Yeghiaian, President of Unique Business Solutions in Green Bay. Explains Yeghiaian: While Jennings “analyzes top performing large U.S. firms… the conclusion is that they are successful because they operate like small businesses.”

You’ll See it When You Believe It, by Wayne Dyer, which is a motivational book described by Jerry Baltus, with The Entrepreneur’s Source & AdviCoach in the Fox Valley, as an “attitude adjuster,” that shows us how our attitudes and thoughts can bring us the things we desire.

Bad Leadership, by Barbara Kellerman. I haven’t read this one, but according to Appleton-based entrepreneur Nancy Rezmer, “it was a refreshing book to read… bad leaders can teach us a lot.”

Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, by Malcolm Gladwell, which comes highly recommended by Madison-based SBO Dan Paulson, president of InVision. The premise: Great decision makers aren’t those who process the most information or spend the most time deliberating, but those who have perfected the art of quickly, often at a glance, analyzing the very few but key factors that matter.

Thinking for a Change, by John C. Maxwell, is not only one of my favorites, but is also recommended by Algoma-based United Bank Card representative Bill Pevlor. The book examines 11 ways effective and successful people approach their lives and their work.

And here are some of my perennial favorite, on-the-money recommendations:

The Essential HR Handbook, by Sharon Armstrong and Barbara Mitchell. This is one of those functional desktop reference books that takes some of the pain out of managing employees. The term “essential” says it all.

Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand, a novel that is my all-time favorite book about the irrefutable benefits of capitalism and destructiveness of do-gooder socialism. Atlas Shrugged is the business bible that made me a successful capitalist.

Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, by Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone. This 50-year-old classic is the single book that turned my head around from failure to success. Though some of the stories may seem a bit hokey in 2009, the principles are timeless.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Steven Covey, is the first and best of Covey’s books. Its clear-headed, insightful review of seven common sense “habits” that make successful people successful also makes it an absolute must read.

I know. I know. There are dozens more I could recommend. But any one of these will see you through a good snowstorm… and make you a better SBO in the process.

P.S. Yes, I’d love for you to also order a copy of The Back to Basics Book of Selling, A Guide to A Successful Sales Career, but even I’m not arrogant enough to include my book on the same list as some truly great classics.

By John Ingrisano

John Ingrisano is a small business owner and the author of The Back to Basics Book of Selling: A Guide to A Successful Sales Career. Contact John at john@ TheFreestyleEntrepreneur.com.