Business books are packed with insights, but reading them solo can only take you so far. A business book club transforms reading into a team-building, strategy-shaping, and culture-growing experience. Whether you’re a small business owner, team leader, or entrepreneur, starting a book club is the perfect way to foster development, spark innovation, and strengthen relationships.
Keep reading to discover how you can start a business book club that actually works.
Step 1: Define Your Purpose
Before inviting people to join, ask yourself: What do I want this club to accomplish?
Is it about leadership development? Inspiring creative thinking? Aligning your team on values? Your purpose will help shape the format, book choices, and discussions.
Tip: Keep your “why” clear and share it with your group. When everyone knows the goal, participation and engagement naturally improve.
Step 2: Gather the Right People
You don’t need a massive group—5 to 10 engaged participants is often ideal. Consider inviting coworkers, fellow business owners, entrepreneurs in your network, or even clients. A mix of perspectives makes for richer conversations.
Are you considering virtual or in-person? The good news is that both work! Zoom or Slack-based clubs are especially convenient for busy professionals.
Step 3: Choose the Right Book
A good business book club starts with a great pick. Choose titles that align with your group’s goals and are engaging enough to inspire conversation. Look for:
Axiom Award-winning titles (they’re vetted for excellence!)
Books that are practical, thought-provoking, and accessible
Topics your group is actively facing (leadership, innovation, marketing, etc.)
Need ideas? Browse recent Axiom Award winners here for inspiration.
Step 4: Set a Schedule That Works
Decide how often you’ll meet—monthly is often manageable. Then, break the book into sections with mini-deadlines. This helps keep everyone on track without overwhelming their calendars.
Pro tip: Send out a calendar invite and a reading schedule in advance.
Step 5: Facilitate Engaging Discussions
No one wants another boring meeting. Come prepared with a few open-ended questions that prompt reflection and application, like:
What takeaway from this chapter could improve our business?
Did anything challenge your usual thinking?
How could we apply this idea to our current work?
Rotate facilitators to keep things fresh, or keep it casual and let conversation flow naturally.
Step 6: Create Accountability (Without Pressure)
A book club should be fun and rewarding, not another task on the to-do list. Encourage members to share key takeaways or notes, and celebrate wins like completing a tough read or applying a new idea at work.
Step 7: Evolve as You Go
After a few meetings, get feedback. What’s working? What’s not? Be open to adjusting the format, frequency, or book selection process to keep your club relevant and energizing.
Bonus: Turn Your Book Club Into a Business Advantage
A book club doesn’t just build camaraderie; it builds smarter, more capable teams. Use key takeaways from your readings to inspire strategy sessions, professional development goals, or even internal workshops. The ripple effects of regular, intentional reading can shape a stronger business culture.
Final Thoughts:
The best ideas don’t always come from boardrooms; they might come from books. Starting a business book club is a simple, powerful way to spark new thinking and keep your team growing together.
READY TO INSPIRE GROWTH BEYOND THE PAGE?
Business book clubs spark ideas, but award-winning books ignite movements. If your book is helping leaders think bigger, work smarter, and drive meaningful change, it deserves to be recognized.
The Axiom Business Book Awards honor authors who lead with insight, influence, and purpose. Join a community of thought leaders whose books are shaping the future of business.
Submit your book to the Axiom Awards today, and put your ideas into the hands of those ready to read, apply, and lead.
