40 Best Sales Books (of All Time) to Read, Grow, & Level Up Your Sales Skills in 2023
Ready to improve your close rates, become a better sales manager, or simply work more efficiently? You need to read more sales books.
Reading is how billionaire investor Warren Buffett spends most of his day; Bill Gates swears by it; Mark Cuban spends four to five hours a day doing it.
Research shows that general reading helps prevent stress, depression, and dementia while enhancing confidence, decision-making, and overall life satisfaction. Reading the best sales books ever, on the other hand, can lead to higher income and a more meaningful career.
How so? It's pretty simple: The right books will give you access to the greatest minds of our generation (and generations past). And, you won't have to fork over your life savings to get it. You just need to carve out time to read. Once you do, the world will open up to you.
To compile this list of the best sales books of all time, we combed the must-read lists of some of the most successful entrepreneurs, and even asked the sales team here at Close.
Bonus: Most of these sales books come in audiobook format so you can listen while driving, entering data into your CRM, or working out. Let's dive in!
The Best Sales Books of All Time: Essential Reads for Everyone in Sales
It doesn't matter what industry you're in, or whether you're an SDR at a software startup, a real estate agent, an entrepreneur, or a VP of Sales. The following eight books are packed with information and specifically designed to help you succeed in your sales career.
1. To Sell is Human by Daniel H. Pink
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Best-selling author, Daniel Pink, completely destroys and disproves every outdated stereotype about sales. The book offers tips on persuasion, the importance of honesty, and the need for non-sales selling. If you want to understand modern sales psychology and become a better salesperson, this is an absolute must-read.
Key Quote: “Anytime you're tempted to upsell someone else, stop what you're doing and up-serve instead.”
The Reviews Are In: "Pink’s book is invaluable in showing how we’re all in sales, regardless of our job title. That’s because we’re all in the business of convincing teammates, leaders, and key stakeholders that our ideas work. Pink updates the outdated, like the ABCs of selling, and helps you understand the psychology behind pitching and persuasion." —Marnix Broer, Co-founder and CEO, Studocu
2. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Want to level-up your negotiating skills? Chris Voss, a former international hostage negotiator for the FBI, will teach you everything you need to know about the topic. His book, Never Split the Difference, highlights the hard skills and practical principles that helped him save lives. Whether you're looking to close a sale or save on your next car purchase, this action-oriented playbook has earned its rank amongst the best sales books of all-time.
Key Quote: “Negotiate in their world. Persuasion is not about how bright or smooth or forceful you are. It’s about the other party convincing themselves that the solution you want is their own idea. So don’t beat them with logic or brute force. Ask them questions that open paths to your goals. It’s not about you.”
The Reviews Are In: "This book has helped me immensely in closing deals and building relationships with clients. It emphasizes the importance of using silence strategically and not being afraid to say 'no.' This has been particularly useful in negotiation situations, where the client is making unrealistic demands. By being willing to walk away from a deal, I've been able to maintain my credibility and negotiate from a position of strength." —Dan Gray, CEO, Vendry
3. Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz
What you'll learn from this sales book:
What if you knew what your sales lead would do before speaking to them? That would be super helpful, right? In this book, data scientist Seth Stephens-Davidowitz reveals how humans think and feel, information that top sales reps can use to understand their prospects better.
Key Quote: “First, and perhaps most important, if you are going to try to use new data to revolutionize a field, it is best to go into a field where old methods are lousy.”
The Reviews Are In: "Everybody Lies by Seth-Stephens-Davidowitz is the Freakonomics of the 2010's. It challenges various preconceived notions we all have regarding the world we live in, and is a fitting accompaniment to understanding the 'post-truth age' many have now called our time." —Amazon Customer
4. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Dr. Robert Cialdini
What you'll learn from this sales book
Understanding how to influence people is an incredibly valuable sales skill. Dr. Robert Cialdini is an expert on the topic. His book will teach you the six principles of influence and how to apply them. It's a true classic that will help you get to "yes" more often.
Key Quote: “The idea of potential loss plays a large role in human decision making. In fact, people seem to be more motivated by the thought of losing something than by the thought of gaining something of equal value.”
The Reviews Are In: "Although not solely a sales book, Influence has been a game-changer in understanding the psychological triggers that drive buying decisions. The six key principles (reciprocity, scarcity, authority, consistency, liking, and consensus) have drastically improved my sales conversations leading to better outcomes and higher close rates." —Ahmet Durmusoglu, Co-Founder, ContentGo
5. Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal by Oren Klaff
What you'll learn from this sales book:
One truly great sales pitch can make your career. Author Oren Klaff, who used his own unique pitching method to raise over $400 million, proves it. Read his book to learn the key points every effective pitch needs to hit, from setting the frame to getting a decision.
Key Quote: “No pitch or message is going to get to the logic center of the other person’s brain without passing through the survival filters of the crocodile brain system first. And because of the way we evolved, those filters make pitching anything extremely difficult.”
The Reviews Are In: "I read this book in one day. Couldn't put it down. It is engaging, fun to read, and practical. I found it viscerally satisfying and fulfilling." —Amazon Customer
6. Zig Ziglar's Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar
What you'll learn from this sales book:
You can't go wrong with this classic book by Zig Ziglar, the giant on whose shoulders we all stand. His pioneering book provides hundreds of examples of how to close, questions to ask yourself before you go for the "yes," tons of professional tips from sales experts, and 100 different closing strategies.
Key Quote: “If you do not believe in your product or service enough to offer it to your own family and friends, then you should question the value of what you are selling.”
The Reviews Are In: "This book has been invaluable in helping me maximize my success as a CEO. I have learned from it a number of strategies and secrets that have made closing deals much easier and more effective." —Maria Harutyunyan, Co-founder & Head of SEO, Loopex Digital
7. Little Red Book of Selling: 12.5 Principles of Sales Greatness by Jeffrey Gitomer
What you'll learn from this sales book:
This short and sweet sales book outlines the most important aspects of sales in quick chapters punctuated with funny cartoons. You'll learn practical tips on tackling complaints, networking, meeting decision makers, and using creativity to make people want to buy.
Key Quote: "People don't like to be sold, but they love to buy. Your job as a master salesman is to create an atmosphere where people want to buy.
The Reviews Are In: "This book hits on all the major points of sales: how to approach a potential client, how to listen and respond to what they say, how to make them feel comfortable, and how to close the deal. It also has some great tips for overcoming objections and building trust with your clients." —Will Yang, Head of Growth & Customer Success, Instrumentl
8. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Successful salespeople understand that emotions are behind every decision we make—from who we choose to spend our time with to what brand of toothpaste we buy. Based on the answers of 500k+ people, Dr. Travis Bradberry shows how to develop your emotional intelligence, so that you can align yourself with the needs and wants of your customers.
Key Quote: “Anyone can become angry—that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way, this is not easy."
The Reviews Are In: "This book should be a required reading in all high schools, colleges and professional workplaces! This book has opened my eyes on how to grow as an individual." —Amazon Customer
Best Books on Sales Strategies and Methodology
Looking for advice on sales strategy? Maybe you want to learn a few well-known sales methodologies. The nine books in this section will give you the deets you need.
9. The Challenger Sale: Taking Control of the Customer Conversation by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Based on thorough research, Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson found that the best sales teams don't just build relationships. They challenge them. This unique sales book takes what most people consider the core of sales and flips it on its head. Then, it pinpoints the exact sales strategies and selling techniques that work well—presenting them in a digestible, repeatable format for readers to replicate in their own sales processes.
Key Quote: “What sets the best suppliers apart is not the quality of their products, but the value of their insight—new ideas to help customers either make money or save money in ways they didn’t even know were possible.”
The Reviews Are In: "This must-read book revolves around sales evolution, where salespeople transform into consultants and mentors who drive customers into a goal and insight-oriented approach. It's an excellent premise that modernized my sales strategy and walked me through what motivates a customer's purchase decisions. If there's one book that made me feel successful and more in control of my sales career and clients, it's this one." —Nat Miletic, Owner and CEO of Clio Websites
10. SNAP Selling by Jill Konrath
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Jill Konrath's award-winning book is a must-read for new and established salespeople. Learn proven strategies you can use to close deals faster, gain access to prospects (even when they're busy), and continually move the buying process forward.
Key Quote: "Frazzled customers don’t want to hear about your products or services. They will grant you access only if you pique their curiosity or provoke their thinking.”
The Reviews Are In: "Here's how good I think the book is: I believe I improved my sales calls this week as a direct result of this book. I'm going to read the book a second and third time before the year is out." —Amazon Customer
11. SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham
What you'll learn from this sales book:
This book is a few decades old, so be prepared for outdated references—but the fundamentals presented by author Neil Rackham in SPIN are timeless. This book will teach you the science of selling so that you can close large, complex sales with ease. It's full of simple, practical advice—and almost guaranteed to streamline your sales process.
Key Quote: “People do not buy from salespeople because they understand their products but because they felt the salesperson understood their problems.”
The Reviews Are In: "This classic work presented the game-changing notion that asking the right questions makes all the difference in the world when it comes to truly understanding a customer's needs. The practical framework of SPIN (Situation, Problem, Implication, Need-Payoff) revolutionized how I engaged with prospects, helping me better identify their core concerns and find tailored solutions to meet specific pain points, ultimately leading to more successful deal closure." —Ryan Mckenzie, Co-founder and CMO, Tru Earth
12. The Sales Acceleration Formula by Mark Roberge
What you'll learn from this sales book:
You want to grow your business, but do you know how to scale your sales team effectively? This is critical information! Luckily, Mark Roberge's book is a turn-by-turn roadmap to success. Use it to master data, technology, and inbound marketing to build a massive, scalable, and productive sales team that continually propels your company forward.
Key Quote: “What is the most important goal the company needs to achieve? Customer count? Profitability? Customer success? Market share? New product distribution? New market penetration?” Then ask yourself, ‘How can the sales compensation plan be aligned with this goal?’ Do not underestimate the power of the compensation plan.”
The Reviews Are In: "This is an exciting book because it shows not only how you can intertwine sales with other functions, but how sales can—and must—lead the way in how the organization runs." —Amazon Customer
13. Fanatical Prospecting: The Ultimate Guide to Opening Sales Conversations and Filling the Pipeline by Leveraging Social Selling, Telephone, Email, Text, and Cold Calling by Jeb Blount
What you'll learn from this sales book:
The way we communicate has changed. In the past, it was all about cold calling, in-person meetings, and emailing. While those strategies still work, newer sales techniques like social selling have gained traction. This book will show you how to build a sustainable pipeline, avoid sales slumps, and leverage high-power strategies to improve productivity.
Key Quote: “Here is the brutal reality. If you don't have a plan, you will become a part of someone else's plan. You can either take control of your life or someone else will use you to enhance theirs. It's your choice.”
The Reviews Are In: "The book is very well written and organized with plenty of examples, practical tips, and actual scripts. The message is simple—quantity, consistency and positivity. It is very well articulated and the message and stories stay with you long after you finish the book." —Nikita Agarwal, Head of Sales and Growth, Milestone Localization
14. Solution Selling by Michael Bosworth
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Some products are a pain to sell. If you're regularly asked to close complicated deals with long sales cycles, check out Solution Selling. It will give you a step-by-step guide you can use to sell anything—even intangible products and services that require a degree in rocket science to fully understand. Don't miss this one.
Key Quote: "I like to think of the sales process as similar to a fine play in which all the actors or artists are engaged in a working dialogue."
The Reviews Are In: "Solution Selling is an excellent vehicle to teach new salespeople critical sales skills and allow experienced salespeople to fine tune their skills. Solution Selling is the best methodology I've seen for placing emphasis on business issues rather than product.'' —Dan Gorshi, Sales Manager, AT&T Global Business Communications Systems
15. New Sales. Simplified: The Essential Handbook for Prospecting and New Business Development by Mike Weinberg
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Loyal customers are great, but your company will always need a steady stream of new accounts. In this sales book, celebrated sales expert Mike Weinberg shares tested strategies and insightful anecdotes to help you choose the right targets, build trust, and close deals.
Key Quote: "Presenting is not the same thing as selling.”
The Reviews Are In: "The philosophy behind sales has changed a lot in the 21st century, and this is one of the best books for understanding the modern approach to sales. It taught me the importance of bringing in new accounts, and it's packed with practical advice on managing and closing leads in today's world." —Michael Maximoff, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Belkins
16. More Sales, Less Time: Surprisingly Simple Strategies for Today’s Crazy-Busy Sellers by Jill Konrath
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Ever feel like you're drowning in a never-ending to-do list? That no matter what you do, you can't get ahead of the game? You're not alone. Fortunately, Jill Konrath has the answers. Read More Sales, Less Time for practical, sales-specific productivity advice.
Key Quote: “If we’re getting caught up in distraction, we’re just a fragment of what we could be.”
The Reviews Are In: “Tired of being crazy-busy? Jill Konrath’s got great advice for managing distractions and focusing on what matters most, so you can do more and feel better about how you work.” —Laura Vanderkam, Author of 'What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast'
17. Gap Selling by Jim Keenan
What you'll learn from this sales book:
You've heard the saying "people buy from people they like," right? Turns out, it's total rubbish, according to Jim Keenan, author of Gap Selling. In this sales book, Keenan attempts to retrain your brain, helping you eliminate common, false belief systems. The result? A better close rate, more sales, higher revenue … all the stuff you want in sales.
Key Quote: "Never sell to need. If you only solve the problem your buyer thinks they have instead of the one they really have, you haven’t helped them at all."
The Reviews Are In: "The best book on selling that I’ve read in ten years. And I read all of them. Get ready for the ride of your life, this book debunks all of the so-called 'axioms' about selling that you have heard over the course of your career." —Amazon Customer
Best-Selling Sales Books for Sales Managers
Managing sales reps requires different skills than closing deals. So, let's take a look at eight books that sales managers can use to become more effective in their roles.
18. Cracking the Sales Management Code by Jason Jordan
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Are you sick of heady advice you can't actually use? Authors Jason Jordan and Michelle Vazzana dig into the details to explain what drives high-performance sales. You'll learn how to choose the right sales processes, how to prioritize conflicting sales objectives, and more.
Key Quote: “Hiring the right salespeople, deploying them in the right way, targeting the right customers, and selling the right products is the only formula for long-term organizational health."
The Reviews Are In: "I have not read a better book on sales management." —Amazon Customer
19. Coaching Salespeople Into Sales Champions by Keith Rosen
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Do you know the difference between sales training and coaching? If not, your sales team will never excel. Keith Rosen’s award-winning book teaches you how to lead your top performers to success and develop a culture of coaching. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to create a positive working environment.
Key Quote: “If you do not have a defined process that moves your people forward so they can achieve greater results, then what is it you are managing?"
The Reviews Are In: "Do you want to build and sustain tremendous success in sales? Keith Rosen's book is a great choice to grab." —Amazon Customer
20. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Sure, it’s nearly 2000 years old—but Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu’s classic is the authority when it comes to handling conflict. It also covers the importance of learning, using disruption as an advantage, and leveraging creativity. The Art of War is a must-read for sales pros.
Key Quotes: “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
The Reviews Are In: "This book is one that every serious business owner and management staff must read. It's filled with information that is metaphorically relevant to your success over the competition." —Amazon Customer
21. From Impossible to Inevitable by Aaron Ross and Jason Lemkin
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Authors Aaron Ross and Jason Lemkin use real-world case studies from Zenefits (which skyrocketed from $1 million to $100 million in two years) to Salesforce (the fastest growing multibillion-dollar software company) to describe their seven ingredients for hyper growth. This sales book is a proven template you can use to build predictable revenue streams.
Key Quote: “Your primary goal should not be to close a deal, but to help your ‘customers’ solve problems and realize success.”
The Reviews Are In: "As the CEO of a growing SaaS business, I can tell you from personal experience that this book is THE Bible for creating and growing a successful startup." —Amazon Customer
22. Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
What you'll learn from this sales book:
“Sales is a battlefield" might be an overused saying. But it’s an apt description, considering the high stakes and relentless competition that sellers face daily. Extreme Ownership, written by celebrated SEAL veterans Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, details the mindset and principles that enable the SEALs to succeed. As such, it's helped everyone from brand spankin' new startups to Fortune 500 companies lead more effectively.
Key Quote: “The test is not a complex one: When the alarm goes off, do you get up out of bed, or do you lie there in comfort and fall back to sleep? If you have the discipline to get out of bed, you win—you pass the test. If you are mentally weak for that moment and you let that weakness keep you in bed, you fail. Though it seems small, that weakness translates to more significant decisions. But if you exercise discipline, that too translates to more substantial elements of your life.”
The Reviews Are In: "The most comprehensive, bare-bones, applicable take on leadership I have ever read. With great responsibility comes great power. Own everything." —Amazon Customer
23. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Why is this sci-fi novel on the U.S. Marine Corps' reading list (and our list of sales books)? Orson Scott Card not only tells a fantastic story, but sneaks in some of the best lessons on leadership, teamwork, and empathy—which are key to a successful sales team.
Key Quote: “If you try and lose then it isn't your fault. But if you don't try and we lose, then it's all your fault.”
The Reviews Are In: "The leadership skills displayed by Ender Wiggin have been so influential that the book has several times appeared on military college reading lists to provide examples of leadership." —Alex Knapp, Senior Editor, Forbes
24. Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Every organization can explain what it does. Some can explain how they do it. But very few can articulate why. This is the focal point of Simon Sinek’s brilliant book. You can give your sales career a leg-up on the competition if you understand the why behind your product.
Key Quote: “People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.”
The Reviews Are In: "I loved this book. It delves deep into various facets of ‘great leadership’ and offers a wealth of actionable insights all centered around one core theme, ‘start with WHY’.” —Amazon Customer
25. Winning With Data by Tomasz Tunguz
What you'll learn from this sales book:
If you know your sales team needs to be data-driven but aren't sure where to start, this is the book for you. Venture capitalist Tomasz Tunguz’s book provides a crash course on what the term means, and shares tips to transform your team into a data-driven organization.
Key Quote: "...Illusion of validity fools us into believing that gathering more data will help us predict the future better."
The Reviews Are In: "Tom Tunguz and Frank Bien have given us an in-depth look at how to use data across all silos in an organization." —Amazon Customer
Great Sales Books to Improve Your Mindset
Want to crush quota and become a sales superstar? It all starts with the right mindset. Check out these twelve books to make sure your head game is in tip-top shape.
26. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
What you'll learn from this sales book:
If you want to succeed in sales, you need to have a growth mindset. In this book, psychologist Carol Dweck explains exactly what that means. Once you understand these principles, you'll be able to achieve more—and inspire the rest of your sales department to do the same.
Key Quote: “We like to think of our champions and idols as superheroes who were born different from us. We don’t like to think of them as relatively ordinary people who made themselves extraordinary.”
The Reviews Are In: "What do you do when you are challenged? Do you become more or less resourceful? This book helps explain why." —Amazon Customer
27. Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Tim Ferriss
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Author, entrepreneur, and investor Tim Ferriss will teach you everything you need to know about achieving greatness—in anything, not just sales. Read this monstrous, 650-page tome to hear from 200+ business gurus, like Tony Robbins, Derek Sivers, and Daymond John.
Key Quote: “When 99 percent of people doubt you, you’re either gravely wrong or about to make history.”
The Reviews Are In: "Loved this book! Was truly inspired by all the brilliant individuals and their unique perspectives and experiences. The insight it offers is priceless!" —Amazon Customer
28. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
What you'll learn from this sales book:
In this sales book, author Keith Ferrazzi eliminates the negative, soul-sucking drudgery of "networking" and teaches readers to build meaningful connections that get them where they want to go in life. It doesn't matter if you're headed to a social event, or need to use social media more effectively. This book will help you get it done the right way.
Key Quote: “Real networking is about finding ways to make other people more successful.”
The Reviews Are In: "Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi is a must-read for anyone who wants to succeed in life." —Amazon Customer
29. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Stephen R. Covey's book will teach you to live a meaningful life, empathize with everyone you meet, and set realistic, actionable goals. If you’re in a slump or need motivation, pick this one up. There’s a reason it's so well-regarded in both business and personal development circles.
Key Quote: “Habit is the intersection of knowledge (what to do), skill (how to do), and desire (want to do).”
The Reviews Are In: "It is not hard to see why The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has sold over 15 million copies. The book is comprehensible and teaches the principles behind success." —Amazon Customer
30. Rejection Proof by Jia Jiang
What you'll learn from this sales book:
If you're in sales, you know rejection. But without the mental fortitude to push through, those rejections can quickly weigh down your motivation. The author of this sales book, Jia Jiang, decided to go through more rejection than most people can handle. He then used what he learned to master successful asking, picking targets, and a whole lot more.
Key Quote: “Is your dream bigger than your rejections? If it is, maybe it’s time to keep going, instead of giving up.”
The Reviews Are In: "This book should be a required read—not only for entrepreneurs and salespeople, but everybody." —Amazon Customer
31. Sell or Be Sold: How to Get Your Way in Business and in Life by Grant Cardone
What you'll learn from this sales book:
As salespeople, it’s hard to separate our work from the rest of our lives. This is something that author and serial entrepreneur Grant Cardone knows well. It’s what made him ask, why? Why should our work always be separate from our day-to-day? This sales book puts a fresh spin on traditional selling philosophies, teaching readers to apply its strategies to improve every facet of their lives, from career building to relationship building.
Key Quote: “No person will ever gain true power and stature in the world without the ability to persuade others.”
The Reviews Are In: "This book is a must if you really want to improve your selling skills." —Amazon Customer
32. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Yes, it was written in the 1930s. But, it's sold more than 15 million copies—so the author must have been on to something, right? As the title suggests, Dale Carnegie’s bestselling book teaches how to work with other people and become a better leader. More than that, it teaches how to genuinely get along with others and live a happier, more successful life. These lessons are important whether you're looking to increase B2B sales or just enjoy your day.
Key Quote: “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
The Reviews Are In: "It is evergreen with insights on manners and people/human nature. In my experience, you can learn a lot from books that offer practical advice, whether you are someone just starting a career in sales or anyone managing and leading a sales team. It was published almost 100 years ago and the advice has held up. You cannot go wrong with this one." —Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO, Mavens & Moguls
33. Wherever You Go There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Sales is stressful. While some of us choose to grin and bear it, author Jon Kabat-Zinn thinks we can live a more meaningful life through meditation. (Disclaimer: This isn't a typical sales book, but if you’ve been hearing about all "that mindfulness stuff" and want to de-stress, this is a great place to start.) Fun fact: This is one of Close founder Steli Efti’s favorites!
Key Quote: “You might be tempted to avoid the messiness of daily living for the tranquility of stillness and peacefulness. This of course would be an attachment to stillness, and like any strong attachment, it leads to delusion. It arrests development and short-circuits the cultivation of wisdom.”
The Reviews Are In: “This is an absolute classic in the recurring fight to remain present.” —Amazon Customer
34. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
What you'll learn from this sales book:
In this distracted world, attention and focus are two of our most precious resources. This is especially true in sales, where reps constantly look for leads and research their markets to outperform competitors. Deep Work by Cal Newport is here to help. This book is one part inspiring stories, one part actionable advice, which you can use to master your field.
Key Quote: “Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.”
The Reviews Are In: "If you're like me, and like most other people in the world, you could benefit from learning how to concentrate better, longer, and with greater purpose. This book offers great practical tools which will aid you in your pursuit of that goal." —Amazon Customer
35. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
What you'll learn from this sales book:
First, this book has probably the best title of any business book out there. Second, Mark Manson’s best-seller is built around the core argument that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn “lemons into lemonade,” but on learning to stomach the lemons better. It explores the importance of realistic expectations and embracing one's fears and faults.
Key Quote: "Everything worthwhile in life is won through surmounting the associated negative experience. Any attempt to escape the negative, to avoid it or quash it or silence it, only backfires. The avoidance of suffering is a form of suffering. The avoidance of struggle is a struggle. The denial of failure is a failure. Hiding what is shameful is itself a form of shame."
The Reviews Are In: "I've learned plenty of things in this book that have made me a better salesperson, like the importance of taking risks and taking pleasure in solving problems. This is THE book to read to become a better sales rep (and a happier person!)." —Juliette Vigne, SDR, Napta
36. Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Eat That Frog isn't a standard sales book like the author's other works, The Psychology of Selling and Sales Success. But it's worth a read. Why? It will help you eliminate procrastination and get more done. If there's one thing sales reps need more of, it's time.
Key Quote: "One of the very worst uses of time is to do something very well that needs not to be done at all."
The Reviews Are In: "If you’re looking for a short, accessible primer on the most important fundamentals of productivity, prioritization, organization, and focus … You won’t be disappointed with Eat That Frog." —Amazon Customer
Best Books on Sales for Entrepreneurs
What if you're not a traditional salesperson? What if you own a company and have been thrust into the sales profession out of necessity? I mean, who else is going to sell your product and/or service for you at the start? These four books are here to help.
37. Blueprints For A SaaS Sales Organization by Jacco van der Kooji and Fernando Pizarro
What you'll learn from this sales book:
This book redefined how SaaS sales teams are built. Authors Jacco van der Kooji and Fernando Pizarro distill decades of combined experience into detailed instructions that help sales leaders design, implement, and execute better sales plans.
Key Quote: “Get the model right in order to avoid losing time. Time is the only resource you can’t replace, and in today’s fast-moving market your competitors are quick to leap ahead of you and cash in on the market you and your marketing dollars created.”
The Reviews Are In: "Read this book if your goal is to learn how to set up and scale a sales function—you won’t be disappointed!" —Amazon Customer
38. The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes
What you'll learn from this sales book:
As a sales manager, you need to identify and implement winning sales tactics. Chet Holmes’ book shows you how to do it in just one hour a week. Whether you struggle to design cold calling plans or effectively leverage social selling, this book will put you on the right path.
Key Quote: “The one who gives the market the most and best information will always slaughter the one who just wants to sell products or services.”
The Reviews Are In: "This book is a must-read for everyone who wants to develop their sales abilities and find lasting success in business. It offers helpful suggestions and doable tactics that can assist salespeople of all levels in being more productive, generating more leads, and closing more sales." —Zelda Borgia, Senior Account Executive, Napta
39. Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Nir Eyal’s book does more than explain why people love certain products. It provides a research-backed, four-step process to help you craft them. You'll read interviews and learn practical insights you can use to build better products that create strong user habits.
Key Quote: “There are three ingredients required to initiate any and all behaviors: (1) the user must have sufficient motivation; (2) the user must have the ability to complete the desired action; and (3) a trigger must be present to activate the behavior.”
The Reviews Are In: "The true strong suit of the book is its accessibility, making it a wonderful portal into applied behavior analysis for business." —Amazon Customer
40. Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross
What you'll learn from this sales book:
Last but not least, there's Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross, the guy that helped add $100 million in recurring revenue to Salesforce's bottom line. This sales book will teach you how to generate an endless stream of qualified leads and meet financial goals.
Key Quote: "If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people.”
The Reviews Are In: "My highlighter ran out on page 133 of Chapter 7!" —Amazon Customer
Find Your New Favorite Sales Book (and Get Our Free Sales Books Today)
Remember, choosing the right sales book is only part of the battle. You also need to make sure that you understand and absorb what you read. Otherwise, what's the point?
To get the most out of your sales books, implement these four ninja-level tricks:
- Read with a friend/colleague: Ask a friend or colleague to read the book at the same time as you, then discuss what you've learned with each other. This will help you pay closer attention, and comprehend the main points.
- Take notes: Write down your favorite sales quotes while reading. Or, create a high-level overview once you finish a book so you don't forget the insights.
- Highlight passages: Some book-lovers hate this idea. Books are sacred! Must not defile with dirty highlighters! If you feel that way, we get it. If you don't, turn your favorite sales book into a neon dream. Doing so will help reinforce new ideas and make it easier to flip back to find your favorite passages.
- Read slower: Aim to read a chapter or two a day, rather than trying to fly through the book as fast as possible. It's easier to retain information this way.
If you do these four things, you will get the most out of your reading. Then, you can use the information to close more deals and build better sales teams. Win!
For even more great sales books, download our free Startup Sales Resource Bundle. You'll get seven of the best sales books from the Close team—along with copy-and-paste email templates, sales scripts, and much more.
