AudioBooks and Books

Press Play or Turn Pages—Either Way, You’re Getting Smarter

At Small Business Milwaukee, we believe that one of the best ways to grow your business is to grow your mindset—and there’s no better tool for that than a great book or audiobook. Whether you’re on your morning commute, squeezing in chapters between client calls, or listening during your daily walk, the right book can inspire fresh ideas, sharpen your skills, and reignite your passion for entrepreneurship.

We’ve curated a list of our favorite reads and listens—titles that have been recommended, read, and thoughtfully discussed by real business owners right here in our community. Many of these books have sparked lively conversations in our Small Business Milwaukee Think Tanks, which meet twice weekly via Zoom. They’ve helped solopreneurs, side hustlers, and seasoned business owners alike find clarity, confidence, and new strategies for success.

These books cover topics like:

• Marketing and branding

• Leadership and team building

• Productivity and mindset

• Financial literacy

• Innovation and creativity

• Customer service and retention

While the list isn’t in any particular order, each book on it has stood out as valuable and relevant to the challenges and victories of small business life. We invite you to dive in—choose one that speaks to your current season, and see where it takes you. Have a favorite you think we should add? Let us know!

Ready to create events that truly connect? Sara Deacon’s Welcome to the Stage The 360° Approach to Hosting to Events Like a Pro offers a comprehensive, intuitive approach to hosting—from identifying clear objectives and crafting speaker introductions to confidently handling the unexpected.

Whether you choose to develop your own skills or collaborate with someone else, you’ll learn how to deliver memorable experiences that engage your audience and strengthen your community.

Here’s how Sara frames her expertise: 

• Award-winning professional emcee, speaker & facilitator
• Conscious Communication training and ongoing practice with Miick Systems tools
• Black Belt Martial Artist and Experienced Instructor
• Director of Event Operations at WHEN Stories Media Group
• Certified Passion Test Facilitator
• 30 years professionally connecting with and compassionately serving people
• Driven by purpose and values
• Creative artist, poet and entertainer 

“This is the book I needed before I hosted my own event!”

~ Wendy Babcock, CEO, WHEN Stories Media Group

“Maggie Mongan is a skillful leader who has assembled category experts to share their very best information possible, actional steps that are current, effective, and efficient that, in turn, will help you take any challenges in your business head-on. … Brilliant Breakthroughs [volume 5] has the answers to so many potential challenges and situations; you’ll be glad you made the decision to read it . . .  and the entire series. I encourage you to do so immediately!”

~ Scott Schilling, Executive Coach, International Trainer & Speaker |  Multi-time Best Selling Author

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