It takes more than vision to become an entrepreneur. Insight from professionals who have successfully started their own businesses is invaluable and can be transformative as you navigate unforeseen events and uncharted territories. Tapping into the right mindsets can be motivational too. There are likely to be some hiccups along the way, and reading entrepreneur books is an easy way to learn about how others in similar positions pulled out of those tough places and persevered. Here are five of the best entrepreneur books that every budding business owner should read.
The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
“Do what you love, the money will follow” is an age-old mantra that seems especially applicable to those hoping to build their own businesses from the ground up. Guillebeau examines what it means to actually do what you love — even if that means monetizing something you aren’t entirely sure people need or want. He zeroes in on 50 individuals who successfully turned their passions into businesses. More than mere stories, the book offers actionable and valuable tips that anyone — no matter your education — can use to bring their visions to life. His theory is that so long as your service or product stems from something you enjoy and so long as people will pay you for it, you have the means to make a living.
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
What’s it really like to own a business? Gerber steps into the ring and takes readers on a journey through the early stages of business ownership to the difficulties you might encounter along the way. What is it that helps some succeed and causes others to fail? The book explains why many small businesses fail — and what you can do to prevent yours from suffering a similar fate. For those concerned with the pitfalls they might encounter, it’s a must-read. But it’s also essential for anyone whose mission is truly to reach the end of the rainbow and find what’s waiting for them. Getting to that point takes courage, determination, and the ability to cope with struggles in a thoughtful and clear-minded manner, all of which Gerber approaches with tact and sensibility.
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Published in 1936, this classic book has served as an influential read for decades. Communication skills matter, and Carnegie shares valuable techniques and suggestions designed to improve your ability to connect with others, make them feel valued, and establish lasting connections. There are few books more applicable to the fundamentals of business leadership and entrepreneurship than this, in large part because nearly everything begins and ends with a conversation. Refining your position by expressing yourself more clearly will help you stand out and leave a memorable impression on others. The beauty of the book is that its principles apply to other areas of life, too, which can translate into deeper success when networking and meeting prospective connections.
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
What do the greatest achievers in life bring to the table? The book explores what it means to be successful by tracing the journeys of those who have brought their dreams to life. Gladwell opines that the groundwork is laid well in advance — that upbringing, culture, and even ancestry play significant roles in the honing of a successful person. How do these factors come into play? Gladwell doesn’t just make statements. He explains them in an engaging way that draws you right in and compels you to continue. Anecdotes are supported by interesting facts. In the simplest terms, it serves as a reminder that there are more than book smarts at play no matter what your entrepreneurial goals may be. Hard work truly matters.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
Simply put, getting things done matters. If you don’t check off the essential activities on your daily to-do list, you’re falling behind — which is where this book steps in to help you fine-tune your habits. If you’re decidedly unrefined in the fine art of handling your tasks, David Allen’s “GTD” method is designed to help you find a way out. The book outlines, in a thorough and specific fashion, how to manage your life in a way that makes it simple to tackle both personal and professional goals with authority. It’s written in an engaging way, and each chapter provides an actionable idea to help steer you in the right direction. With greater organization comes a clearer mind — and that can only lead to bigger and better things for your business.
Zazzle’s Lifestyle Expert is here to help create life’s best & most important moments. Discover unique ideas and endless inspiration to create meaningful memories with family, friends and your community.
I also recommend “The Personal MBA” by Josh Kaufman. This book has lots of tips about businesses that are not taught in school, and also can apply to everyday life.
I also love “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert (also author of Eat, Pray, Love). I’ve reread it so many times and love the constant positivity and anecdotal stories throughout the book. She writes in an empowering way that makes the reader think about their own creativity and what “successful” means on their own terms. It’s a book that I think everyone should read at least once.
If you want a motivating read, especially if want a pep talk about your career, being a people manager, how to approach life, and reaching your goals, try reading Chris Hadfield’s book “An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth”. It wasn’t just about his life but how he approached reaching his goals and dealing with people that you can apply in your own life. Also, a very interesting read.
If you don’t have time to read… Audio books! I can get so much done while listening to an audio book. It makes mundane chores fly by.
If you want to be successful in business, A Whole New Mind by Dan Pink is imperative. All of his books are well worth the time it takes to read (or reread) them. However, A Whole New Mind helps the reader head down a path of potential while avoiding major pitfalls (Abundance, Asia, and Automation).
Thanks for the suggestion, Airie! Happy reading!