Do you want to take your business idea and turn it into a success or do you need a step-by-step guide for some inspiration, advice, and tips on how to do that?
As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and business insights – not just for success today, but for a stronger future.
Whether you’re running a startup or a decades-old company, continuing to educate yourself and evolve from your experiences is key to staying ahead of the game. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 27 books every entrepreneur should have on their desk to help make your journey easier.
From personal finance tips to skills like improving communication, marketing strategy, and negotiations – this book list has something for everyone looking for more knowledge about how to grow as a savvy business leader.
Read on for advice from some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs who have already blazed trails in pursuit of their goals!
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie:
Are you feeling lost in the art of persuasion? ‘How To Win Friends and Influence People’ is here to show you how it’s done!
This timeless classic doesn’t just provide tips on wooing your peers, but also teaches invaluable lessons for business leaders and entrepreneurs. Not only does Dale Carnegie cover topics such as competition and close-mindedness – he takes it a step further by educating readers about professional etiquette.
It’s no wonder why this is one of the entrepreneurship books that still remains an essential business read; don’t miss out on taking control of your career success with its help today!
“The Psychology of Selling” by Brian Tracy:
Selling isn’t just about having a great product – it’s also about making lasting connections.
The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy takes you through the essential concepts needed to make sure your sales technique is top-notch so that any potential customer will fall head over heels for what you’re offering! Focusing on the person and not just results helps ensure success, which makes learning from someone like Brian Tracy invaluable when getting started as an entrepreneur.
Get ready to learn how to approach individuals with all kinds of techniques in order to build long-lasting relationships between yourself and your customers!
“Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life” by Spencer Johnson:
Who Moved My Cheese is a unique and inspiring read that brings clarity to the power of personality.
With only 96 pages, this easy weekend story provides an entertaining but meaningful approach to success in business – both understanding yourself and becoming flexible with what life throws your way.
Follow Sniff, Scurry, Hem & Haw on their journey as they learn new ways of navigating change while exploring areas you can focus on for self-growth so that you may confidently pursue your goals!
Better yet: grab some paper at the end of each chapter and draw out where YOU fit into all four personalities – if something’s not quite right then take action today towards realizing those dreams tomorrow!
“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter:
If you want to break out of the 9-5 hustle but don’t know where to begin, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is a great place for younger entrepreneurs and financial beginners.
It’ll give you an honest assessment about how wealth works today using real life examples – that it’s not necessarily tied up in having high grades and getting a diploma from school!
You can gain the confidence needed to start your very own company and entrepreneurial dreams without all those headaches or information overload. Get ready for success with his easy yet meaningful advice insider tips on what real financial freedom looks like!
“Rich Woman” by Kim Kiyosaki:
Kim Kiyosaki has made it her mission to impart to women of all ages the significance and power that understanding one’s finances can have using her best book for entrepreneurs.
She helps them develop budgets, invest in stocks or real estate, start small businesses, or – do anything they need to become financially independent!
Rich Woman offers invaluable financial advice for those who have been searching far and wide on how to manage their money in the best way. Investing time into learning this essential skill is what will make sure you never depend on anyone else when it comes to taking care of your future.
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman:
If you have ever felt like taking on the world without slaying a dragon, Daniel Kahnemann’s Thinking Fast and Slow reveals exactly how to do it. In this book, he dives deep into our dual mental systems – one that is fast-acting and emotional; while the other is slower and more analytical – which both play foundational roles in helping us reach power heights of success!
From increased confidence levels with better mentality processes, all leading towards greater teachability indexes – read up before trying out these life hacks unguided or risk failing miserably as an accidental troll.
“The Startup of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform Your Career” by Reid Hoffman:
Are you a part-time entrepreneur with ambitions of going full-time? Reid Hoffman, co-founder and chairman of LinkedIn, is here to help! In his book The Startup Of You, he provides an invaluable guide on how to manage your career and personal brand as if it were already a business.
Whatever stage you’re at in the development process of a successful startup – whether still under another’s authority or needing employees for yourself – this book will equip you with the knowledge necessary for taking that decisive leap into entrepreneurship.
So don’t wait any longer; dive inside Hoffman’s entrepreneurial mindset today and take control of your own professional destiny!
“The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss:
Live life on your own terms – that’s the message Timothy Ferriss has been sharing with the world ever since his groundbreaking book, The 4-Hour Workweek.
He’s here to challenge outdated beliefs about working hard for success and guide you toward achieving financial freedom in less time than expected!
Transform your lifestyle by carving out a four-hour window of opportunity each week, allowing yourself more space to explore new ideas without sacrificing prosperity. It sounds like an impossible dream but thanks to Timmy there might be light at the end of this tunnel after all!
“The $100 Startup” by Chris Gillebeau:
The $100 Startup is a must-read book for entrepreneurs or anyone who feels unable to move forward due to their lack of resources.
Chris gives readers the inspiration and confidence they need by focusing on 50 success stories from individuals who had little more than determination in their pocket but ended up in profitable business earning over $50,000 annually.
This book shows you that with passion and persistence, anything can be achieved, no matter how much money there may (or may not) initially seem!
“Click Millionaires” by Scott Fox:
With more and more businesses transitioning to online stores, Scott Fox shows readers how they can tap into the potential of automated marketing.
In Click Millionaires, he offers a comprehensive guide on using outsourcing and software to build extra income each month.
This book is perfect for today’s digital world – it teaches readers who are just starting out in e-commerce all the tips & tricks needed so that their small business move is successful from day one!
“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber:
You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of misinformation out there about starting and running a successful online business.
Enter Michael E. Gerber’s classic book The E-Myth Revisited – an invaluable guide for small business owners that demystifies misconceptions, clarifying what it takes to turn your dreams into reality today!
Explore Gerber’s crucial distinction between working within AND on top of your venture with this must-have resource for small business owners and any budding entrepreneur.
“Crush It!” by Gary Vaynerchuk:
Have you ever felt stuck in life, not quite knowing what your true passion is or how to pursue it?
In Crush It!, Gary provides the essential motivation and persuasive advice needed for anyone hesitant about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship.
His voice will encourage you to embrace change, overcome challenges, and create a fulfilling career path that aligns with your dreams – all without having to move away from an established comfort zone.
So if you need help getting off of that couch, pick up this book!
“Founders at Work” by Jessica Livingston:
Ever wondered how the world’s biggest entrepreneurs rose to success?
This book has gone one step further than other entrepreneurship books and answered some very curiosities. It reveals some amazing stories behind well-known successful companies, such as Apple and Hotmail!
She interviews iconic figures like Steve Wozniak from Apple, and Sabeer Bhatia who found Hotmail – asking all the right questions to reveal their unique journeys through failures toward greatness.
So if you’re looking for inspiration on your own business venture this entrepreneurship best book could be a great place to start – but only if you read it!
“The Art of Nonconformity” by Chris Gillebeau:
Are you an entrepreneur, ready to take the plunge?
Chris Gillebeau’s bestselling book, The Art of Non-Conformity is a must-read for those looking to break away from conforming and creating their own set of rules.
Step out of your comfort zone and into some inspiring guidance on how to pursue what you want most in life – entrepreneurship!
Don’t settle for living other successful people else’s lives, but start crafting your own story for yours today with this incredible resource at hand.
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries:
Have you ever wanted to become an entrepreneur but felt unsure of how?
Eric Ries helps move past traditional approaches and provides entrepreneurs with the tools they need for long-term business success.
Ries emphasizes validated learning, rapid experimentation, and customer-centricity. It advocates for building a minimum viable product (MVP) and using feedback to iterate and pivot.
The book encourages embracing uncertainty and continuous improvement, fostering a culture of innovation. It addresses challenges, such as fear of failure and scaling businesses effectively.
Overall, it provides actionable advice for entrepreneurs to navigate the ever-changing business landscape and increase their chances of success.
“The Entrepreneur Mind” by Kevin D. Johnson:
The Entrepreneur Mind, written by Kevin D. Johnson, is the go-to guide for any aspiring business owner wanting to create a prosperous and lasting enterprise.
After all, success for any successful entrepreneur starts in the mind first; if we cultivate negative thinking patterns then our day will not end so positively!
This book provides valuable insight into how entrepreneurs can shift their mindset into one of growth and resilience – helping them navigate times where they must “let go and start again”, while also learning when they should continue pushing forward despite adversity.
As an entrepreneur it’s essential that you have the know-how to recover from hard knocks without leaving too many scars or bruises along the way: unlock your pathway towards prosperity with The Entrepreneur Mind today!
“Business Model Generation” by Alexander Osterwalder:
It’s time to take your business plan up a notch! Alexander Osterwalder has designed the perfect tool for visual and business plan checklists for entrepreneurs looking to see their ambitions come alive.
Business Model Generation is an innovative guide that resembles more of an artboard than just another boring textbook, allowing ideas and strategies to spring into life with colorful graphs, timelines, and illustrations.
Say goodbye to post-it notes as you use this interactive workbook on your journey towards entrepreneurial success – all while getting back in touch with the roots of what makes businesses successful: simple but wise planning.
“Rework” by Jason Fried & David Hansson:
David Hanson and Jason Fried provide a game-changing approach for high achievers who don’t have time to overanalyze – introducing practical strategies in their revolutionary book, Rework!
Alexander Osterwalder’s entrepreneur books may focus on mapping out every step of an entrepreneur’s journey, but these two authors are instead encouraging those that “learn by doing” without hesitation.
Get motivated with this comprehensive system inspiring you to take action toward your goals faster than ever before!
“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz:
Let’s face it – school just doesn’t prepare you for the real world, especially when it comes to entrepreneurship. Ben Horowitz has your back!
His book The Hard Thing About Hard Things shines a light on the tough aspects of running a successful business, that often go unspoken and unlearned in an academic setting. In this no-holds-barred guidebook, he walks readers through how to analyze problems critically and find solutions quickly as well as illuminates all too true reality about what life looks like behind the scenes at startups.
Guidance from his own personal entrepreneurial journey – struggling with competition yet ultimately prevailing against all odds – makes him not only relatable but also gives sage and practical advice on navigating challenging situations faced by entrepreneurs every day.
So if experience is key within the entrepreneurial realm then don’t miss out; grab yourself a copy of The Hard Thing About Hard Things today!
“My Philosophy for Successful Living” by Jim Rohn:
Jim Rohn’s My Philosophy for Successful Living is an inspiring book that outlines the key principles and values to create a successful life.
It encourages us to bring value into our own life and others’ lives, rather than be selfishly motivated – this way we can have positive karma come back around.
Besides hard work towards our goals, it also reminds us of the importance of maintaining an uplifting attitude in order to attract people who will support you on your journey to achieve success! Plus, with only 64 pages it won’t take long before you are feeling thankful for all the joys Life has given you!
“Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future” by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters:
Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and renowned venture capitalist, shares his unique insights on startups and innovation in “Zero to One.” The book challenges the notion of incremental progress and emphasizes the importance of creating something truly new and revolutionary.
Thiel encourages entrepreneurs to focus on building monopolies by creating products or services that have no direct competitors. He delves into various topics, including the power of technology, the role of ambition and contrarian thinking, and the importance of building a strong team.
Through thought-provoking ideas and real-world examples, “Zero to One” provides entrepreneurs with a fresh perspective on how to build successful and transformative businesses.
“The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” by Clayton M. Christensen:
“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen is a groundbreaking book that explores the challenges faced by established companies when disruptive technologies emerge.
Christensen argues that leading companies often fail to adapt to disruptive innovations because they are focused on sustaining their existing business models and technologies. By the time they realize the significance of the new technologies, it is often too late.
The book provides valuable insights into how entrepreneurs can identify disruptive opportunities and build nimble organizations that can respond effectively to market changes. It offers a framework for understanding disruptive innovation and offers strategies for avoiding the pitfalls that can lead to failure.
“Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins:
In “Good to Great,” Jim Collins and his research team studied a select group of companies that made a transformation from being good to truly great over a sustained period of time.
Through rigorous research and analysis, Collins identified common characteristics and principles that differentiated these exceptional companies from their competitors.
The book explores concepts such as disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action. It emphasizes the importance of leadership, organizational culture, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Good to Great” offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs on how to build enduring and successful businesses by focusing on key factors that drive sustainable growth and performance.
“Business Adventures” by John Brooks:
“Business Adventures” is a classic business book that was originally published in 1969 and gained renewed popularity when Bill Gates recommended it as his favorite business book.
The book consists of twelve captivating stories that explore significant events and challenges faced by various companies and business leaders throughout history. John Brooks provides insightful analysis and draws valuable lessons from each story.
The book covers a wide range of topics such as the Ford Edsel failure, the rise of Xerox, the stock market crash of 1962, and the challenges faced by General Electric, among others. “Business Adventures” is highly regarded for its engaging storytelling and the timeless wisdom it offers to entrepreneurs and business professionals.
“The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene:
“The 48 Laws of Power” is a thought-provoking book that explores the dynamics of power and offers strategies for its acquisition and utilization.
Although not directly focused on entrepreneurship, this book provides valuable insights into human behavior, influence, and strategic thinking, which are essential for navigating the business world. Robert Greene draws lessons from historical figures and events to illustrate each of the 48 laws.
The book covers various aspects of power, such as mastering self-control, cultivating relationships, and understanding the motivations of others.
By understanding these laws, entrepreneurs can develop a more nuanced understanding of power dynamics and leverage them effectively in their business ventures.
“The Startup Owner’s Manual” by Steve Blank and Bob Dorf:
“The Startup Owner’s Manual” is a comprehensive guide that provides practical advice and methodologies for launching and growing a successful startup.
Steve Blank, a serial entrepreneur, and educator, along with Bob Dorf, an experienced entrepreneur and consultant, offer a step-by-step approach to building a startup. The book covers key topics such as customer development, business model design, customer acquisition, and scaling a business. It provides entrepreneurs with a roadmap and tools to test and validate their ideas, understand customer needs, and create a sustainable business model.
“The Startup Owner’s Manual” is highly regarded for its practicality and actionable insights, making it a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Losing My Virginity” by Richard Branson:
“Losing My Virginity” is an autobiography by Richard Branson, the renowned entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group. In this candid book, Branson shares his exclusive biography and entrepreneurial journey, from his early business ventures as a teenager to the establishment of Virgin Records and the subsequent expansion into various industries.
Branson narrates his experiences, challenges, and successes, providing readers with insights into his risk-taking mindset, innovative approaches, and his ability to build a globally recognized brand.
The book also delves into Branson’s adventurous spirit, philanthropy, and philosophy on work and life.
“Losing My Virginity” offers valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating a company culture that fosters innovation and customer focus.
As an entrepreneur, it’s important to be well-read and always learning. The best books for entrepreneurs here on this list will help you do just that. From storytelling to business strategy, these reads will provide insights that you can apply to your own business too.
So, next time you’re looking for a good book to read, make sure to check out one of these 27 enterprising options.
Stay connected with our blog for more exciting topics and niches. See you all soon!
