- If you’re looking for a book on lean methodology where you can learn how to optimize your business – read “The Lean Start-Up.”
- “Start with a why” is a book that will remind you to always reiterate why you started the business to keep the values and enhance brand loyalty.
- “The $100 Start-Up” is an ideal book with examples for people looking to break the 9 to 5 chain and start a business for less than $100.
- “The Art of Possibility” is a must-read book for all entrepreneurs because it teaches you to look at every challenge as a possibility.
Starting a business is a thrilling epoch for any entrepreneur. It translates to the final realization of the initial idea. However, starting a business is not a straight road from A to B as we imagine it, but rather a bumpy one. Many obstacles appear on the way. Some of them are expected, others not foreseen even by experts.
Entrepreneurship can be tricky. It’s advised that the entrepreneur has to have formal or informal knowledge before they begin a business . This article picks the best books to read when starting a business . We made a selection of books that cover different topics, providing valuable information to help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
List of Top 10 Books to Read When Starting a Business
Business is a broad term composed of many relevant but independent subtopics. Before starting a business, the entrepreneur should enhance their knowledge about business and law by reading as many business law books as possible . They should also pay attention to each opinion and method that suggests a successful career. The list below selects some of the best books for entrepreneurs, wantrepreneurs, start-ups, and others.
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
Many entrepreneurs fail to break through the market due to a lack of knowledge or the wrong methodology. Eric Ries wrote one of the most inspiring and harsh truths in his book, stating that “the only way to win is to learn faster than anyone else.” This is something every entrepreneur should expect.
“The Lean Startups” is a small business book focusing on lean methodology. It’s a great source of ways to optimize the workflow, expand your client audience and minimize the lead times in a systematic approach.
“Zero to One” by Peter Thiel
If you’re looking for an inspirational book on innovation and building empires – “Zero to One” is the one to go with. Peter Thiel has a lot to share on the foundation of PayPal and his decision to invest in Facebook and become a millionaire in the meantime.
While many believe that groundbreaking businesses already exist and thrive on the market, Peter encourages entrepreneurs to believe that innovation is a fluctuating concept and an action that never settles. Expanding on monopoly, he claims that it’s what really drives innovation. Building a successful business means becoming so superior and unique that it faces no direct competition .
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins
One of the main challenges each business faces is determining the right time to expand their business. To feel confident in their decision, entrepreneurs must be strategic and practical.
If you’re looking for practical books on small business , “Good to Great” is where Jim Collins shares his best practices and management strategies that can drive a business. His supporting arguments say that ambition and smarts are the tools great leaders use in aspiring crowds to follow a cause, not advance themselves.
“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber
“E-Myth Revisited” is one of the best books for starting a small business , breaking the myth that having a successful business means working hard. Having a successful business means working productively and in the right direction .
This book will teach you ways of shifting your point of view and make it work for you. In other words, it teaches about the main lessons on the systems, processes, and scaling.
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
“Start with Why” is one of the best books about starting a business , but also one of the most recommended books for business owners. It reiterates the initial purpose of starting the business and why we exist and behave as we do.
Simon Sinek says, “All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year.” It’s important to remind yourself about the why because it will remind you of your business’s initial purpose and value. When you succeed in maintaining your purpose and value leveled and balanced, only then will you establish trust with your clients.
“The $100 Startup” by Chris Guillebeau
This book is for all those stuck in a 9 to 5 work they hate, who would do anything to escape it but feel broke. It explains that you won’t need a lot of money to start doing what you love because you have the internet.
The $100 Startup is a book based on Chris’s case study , where he found 1,500 people who started with a $100 investment and managed to raise $50,000. These people offer practical advice and stories encouraging you to eliminate your fears and get going .
“Crushing It!” by Gary Vaynerchuk
You need a personal brand and an excellent social media plan to succeed. Moreover, you don’t even need a product to have a personal brand. The catch is in leveraging social media. Focus on your journey, document it to gain visibility, and take it from there.
The author highlights the main digital marketing strategies to help you create a brand identity and improve your business. “Crushing It” finds a place among the best books on starting a business because it points out the future of advertising and how it affects the budget.
“Originals” by Adam Grant
“Originals” compares the paths of eventual success: being conformist and an original. Being a conformist, you embrace hard work, obstacles, and trajectory to climb the ladder of success. However, being original means you will have to pave your way. Don’t expect people to cross your way because your idea is unique; rather learn how to keep your focus on growth.
Adam explains that even the greatest artists had miserable beginnings. They achieved the title only through their will to improve and become better than yesterday . The book will undoubtedly improve the way you look at business growth.
“The Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
This book teaches you all about the right perspective. The Zanders explain that life happens even to the greatest leaders. They also have ups and downs, fears and doubts. Whenever you feel down, remember there is another way of looking at the situation. Then, you invent a new perspective. You will feel motivated, so use that motivation as a drive to create more. Don’t forget to put it on your list of books on how to start a business .
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
Daniel Kahneman chose a crucial component to research and discuss in his book – the decision-making process. Any business owner would agree that decision-making processes are stressful and can lead to difficulties if improperly maintained.
However, the writer introduced an interesting point of view. He states that our brain fights over our actions and helps us understand the basics of how cognitive biases affect business decisions . We select Daniel’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow” as a must-read book for starting a business. Feel free to add it to your books for business owners reading list.
Conclusion
You need more than just capital, investors, or innovative ideas to grow and expand a business. Knowledge and insights about leading a business can only push you through the limits and explore entrepreneurship possibilities.
We hope that our selection of the best books to read about starting a business will help you explore more aspects, from practical advice on leading a business to manners of keeping the right perspective in mind. Keep yourself informed and fear not the unknown – innovation is you.
