Over the past 20 years, I have read hundreds of books on business growth strategies.

While I learned from all, there is only one book I can say genuinely had a life-changing impact on me and my businesses:

Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat by Michael Masterson

Some of my biggest takeaways:

• Action over perfection: Start before you feel ready. This principle encouraged me to launch businesses without waiting for the "perfect" moment.

• Growth stages of a business: Understanding this has helped me always know what my focus should be.

• $0 to $1 Million Easy Plan: Starting a new business is a rush. I used to complicate it. Now it's still a rush, but much easier.

• The ONLY 2 fundamental skills you need: 1) knowing how to make a sale and, 2) putting the process into action.

• Employee size at each stage: Masterson explains exactly how many executives you need and why. Tangible targets as you build.

Of course, the book goes into great detail for each stage. But these are my high-level takeaways that I still live by with every business I start.

If you want to build a new business or grow an existing one faster...

Read and re-read this book frequently along your journey.