The best 7 Business Strategy books

Your Next Five Moves (2020) focuses on strategic thinking and how to master the art of anticipating future challenges and opportunities. It provides guidance on clarifying goals, understanding oneself and others, and developing a step-by-step plan to achieve success in business and life.  Through practical insights and actionable strategies, it empowers individuals to think multiple steps ahead and make informed decisions that drive long-term success.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking strategic guidance and business success
• Business leaders looking to refine their decision-making skills
• Anyone interested in mastering long-term planning and foresight

Good Strategy, Bad Strategy dissects good strategies by using historical examples from a variety of fields, and offers insight into developing our own effective strategies through practical advice and a solid blueprint.

This is a Blinkist staff pick

“My boss kept asking me, “Emily, what’s your strategy?” and I kept coming up empty (#truestory). This title is a smart start to wrapping your head around what it means to build an effective strategy and do good work to reach your goals.”

– Emily, Community & Engagement Marketing at Blinkist

• Anyone interested in the different ways in which strategy can be applied to different fields
• Anyone who has to make solid strategic decisions
• Anyone interested in the history of business strategy

Blue Ocean Strategy (2004) is a business classic that revolutionized the way companies think about market competition. It explains why some businesses can grow uncontested, while the rest tear each other to bits in a hypercompetitive environment.

• entrepreneurs eager to get ahead of their competition
• investors deciding which companies to back
• business students who want to better understand market forces

Competitive Advantage (1985) by Michael E. Porter is a classic business book that explores the strategies and factors that contribute to a company's success in the marketplace. Porter introduces the concept of competitive advantage and discusses how companies can achieve and sustain it through cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of competition and how businesses can gain a competitive edge.

• Business owners and managers seeking to gain a deeper understanding of competitive strategy
• Entrepreneurs looking to create and sustain a competitive advantage in their industry
• Students and academics studying business, economics, or strategic management

The Art of Strategy (2008) by Avinash K. Dixit and Barry J. Nalebuff delves into the world of game theory and strategic decision-making. Through real-life examples and practical advice, the book explores how to think strategically in various situations, whether in business, politics, or everyday life. It offers valuable insights for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of strategic thinking and its applications.

• Business professionals seeking to improve their strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• Entrepreneurs looking for insights into competitive advantage and negotiation tactics
• Students and academics interested in game theory and its real-world applications

The Lords of Strategy by Walter Kiechel delves into the history and evolution of corporate strategy. It explores how the concept of strategy emerged, the key players who shaped its development, and its impact on the business world. Through insightful analysis and engaging storytelling, the book offers valuable lessons for business leaders and anyone interested in understanding the strategic decisions that drive organizations.

• Professionals seeking to understand the evolution of corporate strategy
• Business students looking for insights into the world of management consulting
• Entrepreneurs and executives aiming to create and implement effective business strategies

Mass Persuasion Method by Bushra Azhar delves into the art and science of persuasion, offering practical strategies and techniques to influence and persuade others. Drawing on psychological principles and real-life examples, Azhar provides valuable insights on how to effectively communicate and persuade in various personal and professional settings.

• Individuals looking to improve their persuasion and influence skills

• Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to increase their sales and conversions

• Marketers and advertisers seeking to create compelling and effective messaging