Most of us want to read more books. When it comes down to it, though, finding a book worth reading is harder than finding the time to read. The barrage of fiction, biography, business, self-help, investment, and other books on the shelves is daunting. To be sure, just because someone writes a book and gets it published does not make it worth reading.

Since college, I have read quite a few business books. Some have been interesting, some have not. All of them, I feel, were somewhat valuable. Here are my favorite business books that I would recommend to anyone. Give them a try- you won’t be disappointed.

The Sales Bible by Jeffrey Gitomer. Since we are all selling something most of the time, be it our products, services, or ideas, this book gives practical ways to overcome rejection fears. It has some ideas on how to approach a new contact, as well as ideas on how to close a sale. The goal of the book is to get the reader thinking on his or her own and coming up with unique, personal ways of selling. I have taken several points directly out of this book and used them with success.

Jump Start Your Brain by Doug Hall. This is my favorite business book. The title is not misleading; your brain will be jump started if you read it. From start to finish, Hall gives examples, strategies, and tips to bring the creativity out of you kicking and screaming. I have also used several ideas from this book with great success.

Sam Walton: Made in America by Sam Walton with John Huey. He started the most successful retail chain in American history. His family members make up four of the 10 richest people in America. In his book, Walton describes the steps and strategies he used to go from a local five and dime store to Wal-Mart. If you are in retail, this book is a must read. If not, it still has a lot of interesting stuff on management and negotiation. I found the book to be personally motivating.

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen The title is self-explanitory. Why not put this book off until a time that’s more convenient? Allen teaches the reader the real reasons why we don’t get things done, and then teaches how to filter and prioritize to-do items. As with any book, it only helps as much as the reader is willing to put into it. I have found that, whenever I go back to using Allen’s tools, I am much less stressed and subsequently easier to get along with.

E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber. If you own a small business, read this book. Gerber teaches why small businesses fail, and what you can do about it. It is the most practical set of small business tools I have seen; all packaged in an easy-to-read format.

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie. If you are a reader, you have probably already read this one. Probably the most influential business book of the 20^th century, these ideas have stood the test of time. No business book list is complete without it. The book contains practical, concise, easy to use tips to assume leadership and effect change.

If you are not a big reader, try these books in audio form. Many of them can be downloaded from iTunes and other sites. Listen to them in your car on your way to work. However you decide to "read" the books, I am sure you will find them all useful.