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25 Best Books for Female Entrepreneurs That Could Change the Way You Do Business

25 Best Books for Female Entrepreneurs That Could Change the Way You Do Business

by | Jun 29, 2026 | Business

Building a successful business isn't just about having a great idea. It's about constantly learning, adapting and growing.

One of the habits shared by many successful female entrepreneurs is a commitment to personal development. Whether it's learning how to market your business, manage your finances, become a stronger leader or simply develop the confidence to take the next step, the right book can completely change the way you approach your business.

As a business owner myself, I'm always looking for resources that help me think differently, improve my skills and build businesses that create both income and freedom. The books below are considered some of the most valuable reads for entrepreneurs and have inspired thousands of business owners around the world.

Whether you're launching your first business or scaling an established one, these books deserve a place on your reading list.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Best for: Building better habits and staying consistent.

One of the most popular personal development books of the past decade, Atomic Habits teaches that small, consistent improvements can create extraordinary results. If you've ever struggled with consistency, productivity or following through on your goals, this book provides practical strategies that are easy to implement.

Key takeaway: Small habits create remarkable results.

👉 Click here to learn more

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

Best for: Managing business finances.

Traditional accounting tells you what's left after expenses is your profit. Profit First completely flips this idea, showing business owners how to build profit into their business from the beginning using a simple and practical system.

Key takeaway: Make profit a priority, not an afterthought.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

Best for: Marketing and sales.

If you've ever struggled to explain what you do or attract the right clients, this book is a must-read. Donald Miller introduces a simple marketing framework that helps businesses communicate clearly and convert more customers.

Key takeaway: Clear messaging creates more sales.

👉 Click here to learn more

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

Best for: Building systems.

Many entrepreneurs accidentally create a job instead of a business. This classic explains why systems are essential for growth and shows how to build a business that works without relying on you for everything.

Key takeaway: Work on your business, not just in it.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

Best for: Mindset and personal growth.

This inspiring book explores the hidden beliefs that keep many entrepreneurs playing small. It helps you identify your "upper limit" and gives practical ways to move beyond fear and self-doubt.

Key takeaway: Your biggest obstacle is often yourself.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Best for: Productivity.

Instead of trying to do everything, Essentialism teaches you how to focus on the tasks that create the biggest impact. It's a refreshing reminder that success comes from doing less, but doing it exceptionally well.

Key takeaway: Focus on what truly matters.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

Best for: Focus.

Distractions are everywhere. This book encourages entrepreneurs to identify the single activity that will have the greatest impact on their business and dedicate their energy there.

Key takeaway: Extraordinary results come from extraordinary focus.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

This Is Marketing by Seth Godin

Best for: Modern marketing.

Forget outdated sales tactics. Seth Godin explains how to build trust, create meaningful connections and market in a way that genuinely serves your audience.

Key takeaway: Great marketing starts with empathy.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Best for: Leadership.

Leadership isn't about perfection. Brené Brown shares practical lessons on courage, vulnerability and building trust, making this an excellent read for women leading teams or communities.

Key takeaway: Courage creates stronger leaders.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

Best for: Taking action.

If procrastination has ever held you back, this book offers a simple technique to help you stop overthinking and start acting before fear takes over.

Key takeaway: Action builds confidence.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

Best for: Money mindset.

This entertaining and motivational read challenges limiting beliefs around money and encourages women to think bigger about wealth and financial success.

Key takeaway: Your mindset shapes your financial future.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Best for: Success mindset.

Although first published decades ago, this timeless classic continues to inspire entrepreneurs with lessons on persistence, belief and achieving ambitious goals.

Key takeaway: Success begins with your thoughts.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Deep Work by Cal Newport

Best for: Productivity.

Learn how to eliminate distractions and produce your highest quality work through focused, uninterrupted concentration.

Key takeaway: Focus is a competitive advantage.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Best for: Brand purpose.

Understanding why your business exists helps you build stronger customer relationships and a more meaningful brand.

Key takeaway: People connect with purpose before products.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Contagious by Jonah Berger

Best for: Creating shareable content.

Discover why some ideas spread naturally while others don't, with practical marketing lessons you can immediately apply.

Key takeaway: Make your message worth sharing.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Influence by Robert Cialdini

Best for: Sales psychology.

This bestselling book explains the psychology behind persuasion and how understanding human behaviour can improve your marketing and customer relationships.

Key takeaway: Ethical influence increases trust and sales.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

Best for: Women in leadership.

A thought-provoking book that explores confidence, leadership and overcoming barriers many women face in business.

Key takeaway: Own your ambition.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

Best for: Confidence.

Rachel Hollis encourages women to stop shrinking themselves and confidently pursue the life and business they truly want.

Key takeaway: Stop apologising for your dreams.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Best for: Financial wisdom.

Money isn't just about numbers. This book explores the behaviours and emotions behind financial decisions and long-term wealth.

Key takeaway: Wealth is built through behaviour.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne

Best for: Business growth.

Rather than competing in crowded markets, this book shows you how to create your own unique space where competition becomes less important.

Key takeaway: Create your own market.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Grit by Angela Duckworth

Best for: Resilience.

Success isn't determined by talent alone. This inspiring book demonstrates how perseverance often matters far more.

Key takeaway: Consistency beats talent.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

Best for: Personal transformation.

This powerful read helps identify patterns of self-sabotage and provides insights into creating lasting personal growth.

Key takeaway: Growth begins with self-awareness.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk

Best for: Personal branding.

Packed with real-world examples, this book explains how entrepreneurs can leverage social media to build successful personal brands.

Key takeaway: Your personal brand is your greatest asset.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

Best for: Scaling your business.

Dan Martell explains how delegation, automation and systems can help you build a business that gives you more freedom instead of consuming your life.

Key takeaway: Time is your most valuable asset.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

Best for: Building wealth.

Rachel Rodgers challenges women to think bigger about pricing, wealth creation and building businesses that generate genuine financial freedom.

Key takeaway: Think bigger about your earning potential.

👉 Click here to learn more

 

Remember

Success doesn't happen overnight, and no single book will magically transform your business. However, every book on this list offers valuable lessons that can help you become a stronger leader, a smarter marketer, a more confident business owner and a better decision-maker.

Choose the book that speaks to where you are right now, apply what you learn and then come back for the next one. Your greatest investment will always be in your own education.

Have you read any of these books? I'd love to know which one made the biggest impact on your business. Share your favourite in the comments below!

The Small Things That Change Everything: Why Courtesy Is a Leadership Skill

The Small Things That Change Everything: Why Courtesy Is a Leadership Skill

by | May 6, 2026 | Business

The Small Things
That Change Everything

How a simple “Hi Jane” or “thank you for your time” can define — or destroy — the culture around you.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the small moments. Not the strategy sessions or the all-hands or the big announcements — but the everyday interactions that happen dozens of times a day in every organisation.

The email that begins with a name. The message that closes with a genuine “thank you.” The colleague who pauses to say “I appreciate you making time for this.” They seem minor. Almost forgettable. And yet in my experience, these micro-moments are anything but small.

“Courtesy is not a soft skill. It’s a leadership skill.”

When we acknowledge the person on the other end of a conversation — whether that’s a client, a supplier, or a teammate two desks away — we’re communicating something fundamental: I see you. You matter here. That signal, repeated consistently over time, becomes the invisible architecture of trust.

And the absence of it? That’s equally powerful — just in the opposite direction.

I’ve watched it happen in organisations. One person whose correspondence is stripped of warmth, where courtesy is an afterthought — always assuming, always demanding, rarely acknowledging. The ripple effect is remarkable. Teams start second-guessing themselves before they hit send. People hesitate to raise issues. Energy quietly drains away.

What makes it harder is the inconsistency. The huff when things don’t go their way. The expectation of grace from others when they need it — but a reluctance to extend that same grace outward. That double standard doesn’t go unnoticed. People are always watching how leaders and colleagues behave when things are inconvenient for them.

“Your default tone in an email is your brand, whether you intend it to be or not.”

The good news? This is entirely learnable. It doesn’t require a personality overhaul or a week-long course. It starts with small, deliberate habits:

Use their name. “Hi James” instead of a blank salutation costs nothing and lands completely differently. It signals that you’ve registered a human being, not just a task.

Acknowledge their effort. “Thank you for pulling this together so quickly” is six words. Six words that tell someone their effort was noticed. That matters more than most of us realise.

Close with warmth, even briefly. “Appreciate your time on this” before a sign-off. A comma and a kind word before you hit send.

None of this is about being soft or performative. It’s about being someone people want to work with — and for. The best leaders I’ve encountered understand that high standards and warmth aren’t opposites. In fact, the warmth is often what makes the high standards feel worth rising to.

So next time you’re about to fire off a quick message — pause for just a moment. Add the name. Add the thanks. Those two seconds are the difference between a transaction and a relationship.

And relationships, ultimately, are what every organisation is built on.

Why Charging Too Little Is Hurting Your Business

Why Charging Too Little Is Hurting Your Business

by | Apr 9, 2026 | Business, Email Marketing

Many business owners start by charging low prices to attract clients.

While this can feel like a safe approach, underpricing often creates long term challenges.

Pricing affects how clients perceive your expertise and the sustainability of your business.

The hidden cost of underpricing

Charging too little can lead to:

  • longer working hours
  • difficulty covering expenses
  • reduced motivation
  • feeling undervalued
  • limited business growth

Low pricing can also attract clients focused only on price rather than value.

Why low prices attract high expectations

Clients often associate price with quality.

Very low pricing can create unrealistic expectations because clients may request additional work beyond the original agreement.

Clear pricing helps define boundaries.

Pricing affects confidence

Pricing influences how confidently services are presented.

When pricing feels aligned with your expertise, communication becomes easier.

Confidence often leads to better client relationships.

Pricing supports better client outcomes

Sustainable pricing allows time to focus on quality work.

Clients benefit when service providers are not overwhelmed or rushed.

A balanced workload supports better results.

How to increase prices gradually

  • Review current pricing
  • Adjust pricing for new clients
  • Communicate changes clearly
  • Highlight the value provided
  • Continue building experience

Pricing adjustments are a normal part of business growth.

Choosing clients who value expertise

Higher pricing often attracts clients who appreciate professional support.

These clients are more likely to respect timelines and boundaries.

Healthy client relationships support business stability.

Want clarity around pricing?

The Pricing Calculator helps you calculate pricing based on your goals and expenses so you can build a business that is both profitable and sustainable.

Download the Pricing Calculator
The No-Guesswork Pricing Calculator
The One Automation That Instantly Reduces Mental Load

The One Automation That Instantly Reduces Mental Load

by | Mar 16, 2026 | Business

Most business owners think automation is about speed.

Faster marketing.
Faster onboarding.
Faster sales.

But the real value of automation is something far more important.

It reduces mental load.

That invisible pressure of remembering things, checking things, following up, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

When your brain becomes the operating system of your business, it gets tired very quickly.

And that is where the right automation makes an immediate difference.

Not dozens of automations.
Not complicated workflows.

Just one.

The automation that changes everything

The single most powerful automation you can put in place as a solo business owner is simple:

An automated enquiry and follow up system.

Every time someone reaches out about working with you, the next steps should happen automatically.

No manual emails.
No forgetting to respond.
No wondering whether you sent the right information.

Because when enquiries rely on memory and timing, they create mental noise.

Did I reply to that person?
Did I send the link?
Did they book?
Should I follow up again?

These small questions repeat all week long.

Automation removes them.

Why enquiries create so much mental load

Enquiries sit in a strange space in business.

They are not yet clients.
But they are opportunities.

So they carry a quiet pressure.

You do not want to forget them.
You do not want to chase too hard.
You do not want to lose them.

Without a system, most people handle this manually.

They check emails constantly.
They send the same information repeatedly.
They wonder whether someone is still interested.

That background thinking drains energy.

What an enquiry automation actually does

Instead of responding manually every time, you create a simple automated pathway.

When someone submits an enquiry form or sends a request to work with you, a few things happen automatically.

First, they receive an immediate response confirming their enquiry has been received.

Second, they receive the information they need about your services or next steps.

Third, they are given a clear path forward, usually a booking link or consultation option.

Fourth, if they do not take the next step, a gentle follow up sequence is triggered.

The process continues without you needing to remember anything.

Your role shifts from chasing enquiries to simply preparing for conversations.

Why this automation works so well

It removes three major sources of stress.

The stress of remembering

You no longer rely on your memory to track conversations.

The stress of responding quickly

People receive a response immediately, even if you are with a client, offline, or taking a break.

The stress of missed opportunities

Follow ups happen automatically, meaning potential clients are not lost simply because life got busy.

The result is calm, not chaos.

What this looks like in practice

You do not need complex software to make this work.

A simple system might include:

• An enquiry form on your website
• An automatic email confirmation
• A short email sequence that explains your services
• A booking link for a call or consultation
• One or two follow up emails if they have not booked

That is it.

Simple. Clear. Reliable.

And most importantly, it frees your mind.

How to set this up this week

If you want to reduce mental load immediately, start here.

Step 1. Document your current process

Write down what currently happens when someone enquires about working with you.

Do they email you directly
Do they send a message on social media
Do they fill out a form

Understanding the starting point matters.

Step 2. Create a single response email

Write one clear email that includes:

A thank you for the enquiry
A short explanation of how you work
The next step they should take

This email becomes the foundation of your automation.

Step 3. Add a booking option

Include a scheduling link so people can book a call or consultation without back and forth emails.

This step alone removes enormous friction.

Step 4. Add a gentle follow up

If they do not book, schedule a follow up email a day or two later.

Something simple.

Just checking in to see if you had a chance to book your call. I would love to learn more about what you are looking for.

Many clients book after the follow up.

Why this matters more than people realise

When business owners talk about burnout or overwhelm, they often look at workload.

But the bigger problem is mental clutter.

Constantly thinking about unfinished loops.
Constantly remembering small tasks.
Constantly wondering if something was missed.

A single, well designed automation closes those loops.

And when those loops close, your brain relaxes.

The real goal of automation

Automation should not make your business feel robotic.

It should make your business feel lighter.

You still have real conversations.
You still build relationships.
You still deliver incredible work.

But the repetitive steps run quietly in the background.

And that is where automation does its best work.

Not replacing you.

Supporting you.

If you are running a solo business and constantly feel like you are juggling too many moving pieces, start here.

One simple automation.

Because sometimes the biggest shift in business does not come from doing more.

It comes from removing the things your brain should never have been responsible for in the first place.

Freelancer Pricing Guide for Beginners

Freelancer Pricing Guide for Beginners

by | Mar 11, 2026 | Business, Email Marketing

Setting prices as a freelancer can feel confusing, especially when comparing different advice online.

Some recommend charging hourly while others recommend package pricing.

The most effective pricing strategy is one that supports both your income goals and client expectations.

Common pricing mistakes freelancers make

Many freelancers base pricing on fear rather than strategy.

Common mistakes include:

  • copying competitor pricing
  • charging based on what feels comfortable
  • ignoring expenses
  • not increasing prices over time

Pricing should evolve as your experience grows.

Understanding your value

Your value includes more than the time spent completing a task.

Clients are investing in:

  • your expertise
  • your efficiency
  • your insights
  • your ability to solve problems

Experience often allows you to complete tasks faster while delivering better results.

This is why pricing should reflect outcomes.

Calculating your expenses correctly

Expenses can include:

  • software tools
  • training and education
  • tax and accounting costs
  • website hosting
  • marketing tools
  • administration time

These costs should be factored into pricing decisions.

Ignoring expenses can make a business unsustainable.

Choosing the right pricing model

Hourly pricing works well for flexible projects.

Package pricing works well for defined outcomes.

Retainer pricing works well for ongoing support.

Many freelancers combine these models depending on the service offered.

Pricing for long term growth

Pricing should allow room for business growth.

Underpricing often leads to working more hours without increasing income.

Strategic pricing allows you to serve clients effectively without burnout.

When to increase prices

As experience grows
When demand increases
When results improve
When confidence increases
When expenses increase

Regular reviews ensure pricing remains aligned with business goals.

Ready to calculate your ideal rate?

The Pricing Calculator provides a structured way to calculate profitable pricing so you can feel confident when quoting clients.

Download the Pricing Calculator
The No-Guesswork Pricing Calculator
What I Learned About the Real International Women’s Day Theme

What I Learned About the Real International Women’s Day Theme

by | Mar 6, 2026 | Business

Every year when International Women’s Day approaches, social media fills with graphics, hashtags, and conversations celebrating women across the world. Like many people, I’ve shared posts and messages supporting the day without ever questioning where the official theme actually comes from.

Recently, I learned something that genuinely surprised me.

For a long time, I assumed that the website most commonly shared online was the official source for International Women’s Day. It turns out that this isn’t the case.

One very popular website using the name International Women’s Day is actually run by a private marketing organisation. It is not affiliated with the United Nations and creates its own campaigns and themes around the day. Because the site is widely circulated online, many people understandably assume it represents the official message for the global celebration.

I’ll admit, I didn’t realise this before.

And judging by how often that site is referenced and shared each year, I suspect many others don’t know this either.

So Where Does the Official Theme Come From?

International Women’s Day has been formally recognised by the United Nations since 1975. The United Nations and UN Women provide the closest thing to a globally recognised theme each year.

For 2026, the United Nations theme is:

Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

This theme focuses on advancing legal rights, ensuring fairness and justice, and encouraging meaningful action to improve the lives of women and girls around the world.

In Australia, UN Women Australia has also announced its own theme:

Balance the Scales

This message highlights the importance of fairness in systems, equal opportunity, and ensuring women’s voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives and communities.

Why This Matters

International Women’s Day has a powerful history. It began as a movement advocating for women’s rights, fair working conditions, and equality in society.

Today, the day continues to highlight the achievements of women while also reminding us of the work still to be done.

Understanding where the themes and messaging originate helps us stay connected to the true purpose of the day. It allows us to share information with greater awareness and support the conversations that matter most.

Sometimes We Simply Learn Something New

For me, this was one of those moments where I realised I had assumed something was official simply because it was widely shared.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is acknowledge when we learn something new and pass that knowledge forward.

International Women’s Day is ultimately about recognising women’s achievements, supporting equality, and creating opportunities for women and girls everywhere.

Whether we’re celebrating leaders, mothers, entrepreneurs, teachers, or the quiet everyday heroes in our communities, the spirit of the day remains the same.

And sometimes awareness begins with a simple realisation.

“I didn’t know that before.”