Top Business Books for Crafters and Artists

32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business by Earvin 'Magic' Johnson

I honestly didn't think I'd like this book when I bought it but Magic Johnson has so many incredible business properties that I was intrigued to see whether he could really explain how he did it. It was a refreshing read - even giving specific information on how to buy an existing business - something I had not seen in other business books. He also talks about branding and how a company's image reflects the owner - and vice versa.

Girl's Guide to Building a Million Dollar Business by Susan Wilson Solovic

This title is a great primer for anyone, male or female. As the head of the highly successful SBTV.com (Small Business Television), author Susan Wilson Solovic is an authority on making money and building a thriving business. Now in The Girls' Guide to Building a Million-Dollar Business, she shows women how to gain the confidence and knowledge they need to become successful entrepreneurs. The book features interviews with powerhouse women like Gayle Martz, President & CEO, Sherpa's Pet Trading Company, and Taryn Rose of Taryn Rose International.

Ladies Who Launch; Embracing Entrepreneurship and Creativity As a Lifestyle by Victoria Colligan and Beth Schoenfeldt

Simply put. I love this book. It delves into the mental gymnastics involved in taking the leap into entrepreneurship and the life as a creative being. The authors’ mantra is that you should create your life as you want it. There is a Web site (www.ladieswholaunch) and an entire launch program based on this book.

Country Living The Mom's Guide to Running a Business: Strategies for Work Success and Family Balance by Michelle Lee Ribero

This book takes the best business profiles from Country Living Magazine and expands on them. These women talk about how they manage home and family while creating their special work spaces and pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.

Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success by Russell Simmons and Chris Morrow

This hip hop mogulchanged music and fashion culture with his introduction of Phat Farm and Baby Phat clothing lines. A faithful yoga practitioner, vegetarian and savvy businessman, Simmons talks about creating your company in no one’s image but your own.

Brewing Up A Business: Adventures in Beer from the Founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Sam Calagione

I read this book in a day. I’d visited the Dogfish Head Brewery in Delaware while on vacation but had no idea of its meager beginnings. From Calagione’s start in his basement making tiny batches of artisan beer for friends to the hysterical mishaps as he’s trying to deliver his product to distributors, it reminds me a lot of myself trying to get my own business off the ground. He has sage and useful advice on building a community around your product.

EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches by Dave Ramsey

We’re recommending this one and it doesn’t hit the book stores until September 2011. Personal finance guru has become a staple in our household. His no-nonsense, no debt philosophy resonates with millions of devoted fans. His book, Financial Peace, and his financial sobriety program Financial Peace University preaches personal fiscal responsibility amid out-of-control consumerism. No doubt his newest work, Entreleadership will give the same tough love to business owners.