The most recommended sales books

Who picked these books? Meet our 63 experts.

63 authors created a book list connected to sales, and here are their favorite sales books.
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Book cover of Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable

James Espey Author Of 365 Quotes to Accelerate your Career and Find Balance in Life

From my list on dynamic personal and business tips to build long-term successful brands.

Why am I passionate about this?

Well, all my life, I have been passionately involved in Marketing. I was an intrapreneur in the organisation, challenging the system and trying to build brands for the future. I always took an extremely long-term view, and when I was fired for launching Chivas Regal 18, which is now No. 1 in the world in its category, I became an entrepreneur. I backed start-ups, including my own company. The most successful brand I was ever involved with was called Mimecast, which is an anti-virus company, that sold not too long ago for $5.6 billion.

James' book list on dynamic personal and business tips to build long-term successful brands

James Espey Why did James love this book?

This book was published in 2002 by Seth Godin, who has a very positive attitude. I agree when he says, “Marketing is too important to be left to the Marketing Department.” It has to be the total focus of the entire company, and he implied there are not enough p’s. For years, marketing has talked about the 5 p’s of marketing, and everyone has their favourite 5, but there are many more.

Ultimately it is the people throughout the entire company, and everyone has to realise that there is only one boss in business–the customer who votes with his or her feet (I quote this in my book).

Why is it called “Purple Cow”? All cows look the same, but the essence of a purple cow is that it must be remarkable. His book is about the how and why of remarkable. Coupled with remarkable is, of course, tenacity and…

By Seth Godin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Purple Cow as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

You're either a Purple Cow or you're not. You're either remarkable or invisible. Make your choice.

What do Apple, Starbucks, Dyson and Pret a Manger have in common? How do they achieve spectacular growth, leaving behind former tried-and-true brands to gasp their last? The old checklist of P's used by marketers - Pricing, Promotion, Publicity - aren't working anymore. The golden age of advertising is over. It's time to add a new P - the Purple Cow.

Purple Cow describes something phenomenal, something counterintuitive and exciting and flat-out unbelievable. In his new bestseller, Seth Godin urges you to put a…


Book cover of Sales and Selling Yourself: If you can make someone laugh they can be yours

Jacqueline Jeynes Author Of Managing Health & Safety in a Small Business

From my list on managing a small business, including risks and boring bits.

Why am I passionate about this?

Mentioning health and safety is a great turn-off at parties when someone asks what you do for a living! Starting my training company 30 years ago, and later representing UK small business, it also became clear that we needed a practical, hands-on approach not a theoretical framework to ensure the safety and health of workers. Having five sons of my own (yes, really) gave even more reason to ensure people understood risk assessment, so my first book was published. Twenty years later, I am still writing non-fiction books and passionate about health and safety.

Jacqueline's book list on managing a small business, including risks and boring bits

Jacqueline Jeynes Why did Jacqueline love this book?

The reference to selling yourself in the title, not just about being a salesperson for a business, made me dig deeper to find out what the message was. After all, there are lots of business books about selling so what will be different here?

The crucial thing is that you are the important part of selling in any context, the need to see your own self-worth and be confident, and ultimately to laugh to live longer!

There are references to different personality and character traits, and the need to be honest about who you are and the personal brand you are creating. Lots of ideas about setting goals, dealing with any fear of ‘selling’, and a useful resource whatever the context in life or work. 

By Rick Breitweiser,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sales and Selling Yourself as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Digital Persuasion: Sell Smarter in the Modern Marketplace

Mahlena-Rae Johnson Author Of Speak Anyway: A Public Speaking Guide for Introverted CEOs with Stage Fright

From my list on books for introverted leaders who need to get out of their own way.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a writer. That is the simplest way to condense the comedic, entrepreneurial, megalomaniacal human who appears in this form. And yes, I am an introvert, but one of the few who lacks stage fright. Additionally, I have met four of the five authors on this list. I am hoping the fifth one invites me to speak on her new journey to Unlock Your Big Energy. In conclusion, I 💜choco chip cookies, Murder, She Wrote, and BTS, in that order. Thank you for reading. 🙂

Mahlena-Rae's book list on books for introverted leaders who need to get out of their own way

Mahlena-Rae Johnson Why did Mahlena-Rae love this book?

“The smartest person in the room is usually the person who talks the least.”- Erin King.

In my case, that assessment is totally correct. Though I am not the smartest person in every room I enter, I definitely listen at least twice as much as I speak. It is my nature as an introvert, specifically an INTJ.

This book taught me how and why to write emails, business or otherwise, that are “three sentences max.” This one rule changed my perspective on communication. Stop explaining to other people why they should know, like, and trust you. Let your brevity be the wit that draws your people in.

I also liked the book because it is not that long, and each page has a lot of white space. Concise.

By Erin Gargan King,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Digital Persuasion as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When you type, text or tweet- how persuasive are you? You are 34 times more persuasive communicating in person than on digital platforms. Yet in today’s world, you probably spend the majority of your time trying to influence others to say YES to you using social media, email, and messenger. So how can you close this gap between offline you and online you? Welcome to the art of Digital Persuasion. Erin Gargan King’s PUB method has been used by some of the world’s biggest brands to help them attract attention, increase influence and open more opportunities from behind the screen.…


Book cover of Behind the Cloud: The Untold Story of How Salesforce.com Went from Idea to Billion-Dollar Company-And Revolutionized an Industry

Étienne Garbugli Author Of Lean B2B: Build Products Businesses Want

From my list on for B2B startup founders.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a 3-time B2B startup founder (Flagback, HireVoice, and Highlights). For my 2nd startup, HireVoice, we tried to use The Lean Startup methodology and struggled to get traction on the market. When we shut down the company, I knew I wanted to solve my own pain, and learn B2B. I spent the next 2 years speaking (and learning from) some of the most successful B2B founders in the world. This, eventually led to the publication of my book, Lean B2B. Since then, I’ve been at the forefront of B2B entrepreneurship. The Lean B2B methodology has now been used by thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators to help create successful businesses.

Étienne's book list on for B2B startup founders

Étienne Garbugli Why did Étienne love this book?

Marc Benioff, the founder of Salesforce, more or less wrote the playbook for B2B startups. In Behind the Cloud, he shares a lot of the tactics that helped make Salesforce the market leader that it is today. Benioff’s work helped shape Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and the Cloud for B2B entrepreneurs. On and all, it’s a very entertaining book with a lot of interesting ideas.

By Marc Benioff, Carlye Adler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Behind the Cloud as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world's fastest growing software company in less than a decade? For the first time, Marc Benioff, the visionary founder, chairman and CEO of salesforce.com, tells how he and his team created and used new business, technology, and philanthropic models tailored to this time of extraordinary change. Showing how salesforce.com not only survived the dotcom implosion of 2001, but went on to define itself as the leader of the cloud computing revolution and spark a $46-billion dollar industry, Benioff's story will help business leaders and entrepreneurs stand…


Book cover of Pitch the Perfect Investment: The Essential Guide to Winning on Wall Street

Michael Samonas Author Of Financial Forecasting, Analysis and Modelling: A Framework for Long-Term Forecasting

From my list on financial modelling and valuation.

Why am I passionate about this?

I come from an engineering background and early in my career I discover financial modelling as I had to assess the viability of business plans. I deal with financial models the last 20 years of my professional carrier as a Group Financial Officer of SIDMA STEEL SA. Moreover, I am teaching financial modelling in the American College of Greece, Deree, at University of Nicosia in collaboration with Globaltraing and many other places abroad. I am a numbers person, and I am fascinated by financial modelling as it provides you a tool to support effective decision-making. 

Michael's book list on financial modelling and valuation

Michael Samonas Why did Michael love this book?

Very good book covering the full investment process from the valuation of a business, to identifying a mispricing, to recognizing potential biases, and finally adding a business into a portfolio.

The concepts the book is dealing with, are derived from the Value Investing School at Columbia University where both the authors teach. The main raison d'être somebody would like to build a financial model is to use it to value an asset or a company.

I highly recommend it for the practical tips it provides on the valuation process.

By Paul D. Sonkin, Paul Johnson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Pitch the Perfect Investment as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Learn the overlooked skill that is essential to Wall Street success Pitch the Perfect Investment combines investment analysis with persuasion and sales to teach you the "soft skill" so crucial to success in the financial markets. Written by the leading authorities in investment pitching, this book shows you how to develop and exploit the essential, career-advancing skill of pitching value-creating ideas to win over clients and investors. You'll gain world-class insight into search strategy, data collection and research, securities analysis, and risk assessment and management to help you uncover the perfect opportunity; you'll then strengthen your critical thinking skills and…


Book cover of My Life in Advertising

Chris Orzechowski Author Of Make it Rain: The Secret to Generating Massive Paydays from Your Email List

From my list on copywriting.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started my adult life as a bouncer and a school teacher. A few years later, I was running one of the most well-known email marketing agencies in the industry. The reason this happened is because I dedicated my life to becoming a master copywriter. Learning how to write copy was the key that unlocked a level of freedom I didn’t know existed, both personal and financial. It’s also allowed me to write two bestselling books on email marketing, work with 250+ brands, and coach 2,200+ students around the world. I hope this list helps you take your writing skills up a notch.

Chris' book list on copywriting

Chris Orzechowski Why did Chris love this book?

A lot of writers get all hot and bothered over Claude’s other book, Scientific Advertising. But I think it’s somewhat boring and too theoretical. My Life In Advertising is the story of how an unknown copywriter transformed the world of advertising forever and became the most powerful man in print.

Claude wasn’t a conqueror like Alexander, Caesar, or Napoleon. But when you read this book, it awakens that same spirit. This man turned himself into a legend. His story-arc is something I became cognizant of, especially as I started to build my business and get my name out there.

This one will teach you about ad writing, sure. But the more important lessons will come from how Claude became somebody in this industry.

By Claude Hopkins,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked My Life in Advertising as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“My Life in Advertising” is an autobiography detailing the life of advertising genius Claude C. Hopkins (author of the business classic “Scientific Advertising”). This book is not written as a personal history, but as a business story. The chief object behind every chapter is to offer helpful suggestions to those who will follow his advice. As practical as it is interesting, “My Life in Advertising” is a must-read book for anyone wanting to understand the secrets of how to sell. Many of his strategies and techniques still apply today, even for internet marketing.


Book cover of New Sales. Simplified.: The Essential Handbook for Prospecting and New Business Development

Dave Kurlan Author Of Baseline Selling: How to Become a Sales Superstar by Using What You Already Know about the Game of Baseball

From my list on to become a sales superstar.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been selling professionally since 1973, and in the sales training and development business for more than 36 years. I founded Objective Management Group, the world’s leading provider of sales force evaluations and sales candidate assessments, and we have data on 2.2 million salespeople. OMG measures 21 Sales Core Competencies, so that’s around 250 findings on 2.2 million salespeople or close to 500 million data points! I've personally trained and coached tens of thousands of salespeople, sales managers, and sales leaders and I have published nearly 2,000 articles on my multi-award-winning blog, Understanding the Sales Force. I was installed in the Sales & Marketing Hall of Fame in 2013. 

Dave's book list on to become a sales superstar

Dave Kurlan Why did Dave love this book?

Everyone needs a handbook and New Sales. Simplified. is a good choice! I like Mike Weinberg’s book for several reasons, the first being his emphasis on Prospecting. While most sales experts have caved to the mob that runs the online marketing platforms that promised to replace salespeople, Mike flies in the face of the “prospecting is dead” crowd and shows you how to do it and how to get results. A must-have in any salesperson’s library!

By Mike Weinberg,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked New Sales. Simplified. as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

No matter how much repeat business you get from loyal customers, the lifeblood of your business is a constant flow of new accounts. Packed with tested strategies and anecdotes, New Sales. Simplified. offers a proven formula for prospecting, developing, and closing deals.

With refreshing honesty and some much-needed humor, sales expert Mike Weinberg examines the critical mistakes made by most salespeople and executives, then provides tips to help you achieve the opposite results.

In New Sales. Simplified., you will learn how to:

Identify a strategic list of genuine prospects Draft a compelling, customer focused "sales story" Perfect the proactive telephone…


Book cover of Reengineering Retail: The Future of Selling in a Post-Digital World

Dario Sipos Author Of Digital Retail Marketing: The Essential Guide to Low-Cost, Successful Content Marketing

From my list on help retailers learn and apply digital marketing.

Why am I passionate about this?

When you have online influence, you have the ability to transform minds, behaviors, and outcomes. Dario Sipos is a Digital Marketing Strategist, Branding Expert, Keynote Public Speaker, Business Columnist, and Author of the highly acclaimed books Digital Personal Branding and Digital Retail Marketing. Dario has spent significant time working all over the World in the digital field, helping clients and developing brands. He helps leaders influence positive outcomes in all directions, even under the most difficult, changing conditions. Dario will help you build your influence in all directions of your online presence.

Dario's book list on help retailers learn and apply digital marketing

Dario Sipos Why did Dario love this book?

This book introduced me to the concept of a complete reinvention of retail, from brick and mortar to online shops, including changes in how consumers shop. Retail is considered slow and without the possibility for any drastic improvement. Reengineering Retail explores the revolution in retail by giving a glimpse into future developments. This book is the only one where the author’s vision is a future where every part of the existing retail experience will be transformed. The author bravely discusses the change of core economic revenue models, which helped me to understand a new potential roadmap to the future.

By Doug Stephens,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Reengineering Retail as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Since the release of Doug Stephens' first book, The Retail Revival, change in the global retail sector has accelerated beyond even the boldest forecasts. As predicted, online giants like Amazon and Alibaba.com are growing at a dizzying pace. Hundreds of well-known brick and mortar retailers have closed their doors, and brands and retailers across categories are struggling to understand the shifting needs and expectations of a new consumer.

Picking up where The Retail Revival left off, Reengineering Retail explores the coming revolution in the global retail and consumer goods market, offering sales and marketing executives a roadmap to the future.…


Book cover of Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact

Alan Stein Jr. Author Of Raise Your Game: High-Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best

From my list on maximizing potential and improving performance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a professional keynote speaker and author that has studied the pillars of high performance for most of my life. This journey started through basketball, as I was able to work with, work alongside, and observe many of the game’s top players and coaches and witness firsthand the disciplines, rituals, and routines they modeled in pursuit of optimal performance on and off the court. That transitioned into the business world where I not only watched these foundational principles be applied by executives and entrepreneurs… but I applied them to my own life and business as well. 

Alan's book list on maximizing potential and improving performance

Alan Stein Jr. Why did Alan love this book?

The brilliance of Exactly What to Say is in its brevity and simplicity. It was built on the premise that when you ‘change your words you change your world’ and how what we say heavily impacts our ability to influence others. It is full of practical, actionable concepts on word choice and phrasing that can be implemented immediately by anyone looking to the effectiveness of their communication. While this book is a quick read–it is incredibly profound and powerful. 

By Phil M Jones,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Exactly What to Say as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Often the decision between a customer choosing you over someone like you is your ability to know exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to make it count. Phil M. Jones has trained more than two million people across five continents and over fifty countries in the lost art of spoken communication. In Exactly What to Say, he delivers the tactics you need to get more of what you want.


Book cover of Stories That Stick: How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Your Business

Terry R. Bacon Author Of Elements of Influence: The Art of Getting Others to Follow Your Lead

From my list on influencing people ethically.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a graduate of West Point and a student of military and political leadership. From that foundation, I devoted much of my professional life to researching power and influence and understanding how leaders create impact in business and life. As an educator, counselor, and founder of an international firm on executive development, I created courses on influence to help others become more effective at management and leadership through the ethical uses of influence. I want passionately to know the difference between towering leaders like Abraham Lincoln and manipulative scoundrels like Bernie Madoff, and I’m fascinated by what influences people to take one path rather than another.

Terry's book list on influencing people ethically

Terry R. Bacon Why did Terry love this book?

Whether you are selling yourself or a product, communicating your message effectively is a key to success, and it doesn’t matter if you are trying to influence people through logical persuasion or appealing to their values. Storytelling is as old as humanity and has been a moving and lasting way to communicate. Kindra Hall’s bestselling book on storytelling is a fascinating textbook on the art and science of creating and delivering stories that resonate with audiences and influence people’s decisions. This is one of the best books I’ve read on how to craft compelling messages.

By Kindra Hall,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stories That Stick as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A clear framework of ideals and a concise set of actions for you to take complete control of your own story, utilizing the principles behind the world's most effective business storytelling strategies..

You keep hearing how story is the latest-and-greatest business tool, and that storytelling can do everything-from helping leaders better communicate to motivating sales teams and winning customers away from competitors.

But what stories do you need to tell? And how do you tell them?

In Stories That Stick, Kindra Hall, professional storyteller and nationally-known speaker, reveals the four unique stories you can use to differentiate, captivate, and elevate:…