Reading is fundamental.

Personally, I prefer a decent novel like one of those on the Telegraph’s list of the greatest novels of all time.

If you’re more business-minded, though, you might find the following more interesting.

Warren Buffett – who knows a thing or two about investing – said that the key to his success was reading 500 pages a day, because “that’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest”.

Bill Gates reads 50 books a year, and Mark Zuckerberg made it his mission this year to read a book every other week.

If you want to read within your field, you should start with the 25 most influential books ever written about business.

Here are Business Insider‘s top seven picks:

Business Adventures by John Brooks

This is Warren Buffett’s favourite book about business.

What do the $350 million Ford Motor Company disaster known as the Edsel, the fast and incredible rise of Xerox, and the unbelievable scandals at General Electric and Texas Gulf Sulphur have in common? Each is an example of how an iconic company was defined by a particular moment of fame or notoriety; these notable and fascinating accounts are as relevant today to understanding the intricacies of corporate life as they were when the events happened.

Bill Gates read it, too, and thinks it’s the best book about business, ever.

Buy it here.

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

Benjamin Graham is widely regarded as the greatest investment advisor of the 20th century.

Graham’s philosophy of “value investing” — which shields investors from substantial error and teaches them to develop long-term strategies — has made “The Intelligent Investor” the stock market bible ever since its original publication in 1949.

Warren Buffett says that this is the best book about investing ever written.

Buy it here.

The Innovator’s Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M. Christensen

Steve Jobs used this book as an explanation for why Apple needed to embrace cloud computing.

Offering both successes and failures from leading companies as a guide, “The Innovator’s Dilemma” gives you a set of rules for capitalizing on the phenomenon of disruptive innovation.

Jeff Bezos also read it.

Buy it here.

The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success by William N. Thorndike

This is another recommended by Warren Buffett.

What makes a successful CEO? Most people call to mind a familiar definition: “a seasoned manager with deep industry expertise.” Others might point to the qualities of today’s so-called celebrity CEOs — charisma, virtuoso communication skills, and a confident management style. But what really matters when you run an organization? What is the hallmark of exceptional CEO performance? Quite simply, it is the returns for the shareholders of that company over the long term.

If you have CEO aspirations, then this one is for you.

Buy it here.

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

I prefer the film How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, but I don’t plan on starting a business any time soon, so what do I know.

Dale Carnegie’s rock-solid, time-tested advice has carried countless people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives. One of the most groundbreaking and timeless bestsellers of all time, “How to Win Friends & Influence People” will teach you: six ways to make people like you, twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking, nine ways to change people without arousing resentment, and more.

Just keep in mind that this book is very popular so don’t be too obvious when implementing his techniques – people will figure it out.

Buy it here.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

This one gets quoted every time Hollywood needs to make a businessman look interesting or cut-throat.

Written in the 6th century BC, Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is still used as a book of military strategy today. Napoleon, Mae Zedong, General Vo Nguyen Giap and General Douglas MacArthur all claimed to have drawn inspiration from it. And beyond the world of war, business and management gurus have also applied Sun Tzu’s ideas to office politics and corporate strategy.

Just try not to sound too smug when whipping out phrases and strategies.

Buy it here.

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

Emotional intelligence is underrated. People skills can take you far.

Through vivid examples, Goleman delineates the five crucial skills of emotional intelligence, and shows how they determine our success in relationships, work, and even our physical well-being. What emerges is an entirely new way to talk about being smart.

If you can add the numbers, but you can’t handle people, your business could run into some trouble.

Buy it here.

To check out the remaining 18 books, go here.

[source:businessinsider]