10 books every entrepreneur must read
Inspiration can be found in everything. For example, I like to be inspired by words and stories. In my opinion, it is particularly important to keep this inspiration, savor and nurture it, because it gives us strength to continue to grow and be better every day. The energy – not the time, we give and use to solve our tasks and manage our responsibilities is the thing that makes the difference.
This is a list with 10 of my favorite books – inspirational words I think every entrepreneur must read. I think they will give you the necessary guidance to continue pursuing your dreams as they did to me. Let’s go!
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“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” – Robert Kiyosaki
One of the most famous books on business and financial literacy. Some may consider it a cliche, but for me, this book is fundamental and a great foundation on which to build your knowledge and experience. The author points to us not only how proper upbringing affects our lives and how to improve it through efforts and knowledge on different topics, but also how to build assets rather than pile up liabilities. An absolute must!
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“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
One of the most inspiring books I’ve ever read. It presents interesting patterns that distinguish the successful people from the rest. Through the steps, advice, and guidance it is offering, we learn to take advantage of change, not to fear it, and to create our own chances instead of burning bridges behind us; to look ahead in the future according to our personal vision, but act now and be proactive.
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“The 4-Hour Workweek” – Tim Ferris
Frequently described as “the book that changes lives”, this one really is fundamental to anyone who wants to change their outlook on the world. The book was a rage as soon as it went out, as the author asserts that it is not the money, but the opportunity to be the boss of your own time is the real wealth of today. To be free you do not have to have much money, perfect work, etc., but to free your thoughts and believe that anything you want is achievable. In the digital age (where we live), you no longer have to stay in the office from 9 to 5 and feel stuck at work, but focus on increasing your productivity and therefore improving your lifestyle.
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“The Lean Startup” – Eric Ries
It shows us the shortest way to get from an idea to product/service. In the book, the author reveals the five main principles of the lean startup concept (the concept itself also has its origin from Eric Rees’ texts). Lean startup is an approach in which startups shape their products/services to their customers’ needs, without unnecessary costs and initial funding. The book tells us why most new businesses are failing and what we can do to avoid it. Mandatory reading for anyone in the business industry. You will not regret this!
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“The $ 100 Startup” – Chris Guillebeau
The author of this book is just over 30 years old and has already traveled around the world. He has never had a “real job,” instead he managed to find an interesting way to make his living and live his life the way he wants. That’s exactly what he and his books teach us – how to fully live our lives and be the “bosses” of ourselves. Work is still a huge part of our lives, so it should not be a duty, but a pleasure.
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“Think and Grow Rich” – Napoleon Hill
This is one of the books that every novice entrepreneur must read! Ever since its appearance in 1937, it is famous for being “one of the greatest and most inspiring books in the world”. I know for myself that this book helped me to understand that everything I wanted – whether it was wealth, happiness, recognition, is in my own hands. And it depends only on me how far I will reach out.
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“The richest man in Babylon” – George Samuel Clason
It presents extremely “simple” and accessible ideas, but with so much truth. The stories are from the late Babylonian kingdom and the rules they share are universal and applicable and are therefore valid and up to date even now. It teaches us how knowledge, experiment, and proper cost management can bring us great success. Desire, will, stubbornness are the foundation we must step on in order to be successful.
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“Zero to One” – Peter Thiel
An outstanding read – a must for all entrepreneurs. It tells us what qualities a real entrepreneur should have and how must he use them to achieve success. The author is one of the creators of PayPal and among the first investors on Facebook and LinkedIn. In it, he tells us that competition is for losers, and our aspiration should be to create a monopoly in our industry. In fact, what distinguishes this book from others is the motivation you are overflowing with when you read it!
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“How to Win Friends and Influence People” – Dale Carnegie
Whatever I write about this book, it still seems to me that it will not be enough. It’s Dale Carnegie. Do I need to mention more? One of the most famous psychologists and lecturers has left us an invaluable amount of wisdom and inspiration. I strongly recommend taking notes. The world belongs to those who have the secrets of communication. J
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“Tools of Titans” – Tim Ferris
The newest book of the big Tim Ferris (and his second one on my list). It’s obvious how much I like him, right? This book really manages to find a permanent place in your head and changes your whole being. The tactics, the “tools,” the advice he offers us there are priceless, collected for years by hundreds of inspiring people and cannot be found elsewhere (not in one place).
BONUS: I would like to introduce to you one of my favorite apps lately – Blinkist. Its idea is simple – it allows you to read or listen to book summaries (or selecting ones we would like to read and/or listen to) as we are doing something else – traveling in our car, cooking, browsing the web. It’s a great way to increase your knowledge without making time for that specifically. (I mostly use it while I’m in my car traveling, and lately, I spend a lot of hours doing that.)
These were some of my favorite 10 books – ones I think everyone business owner and actually every intelligent person needs to read. Unfortunately, no matter how many entrepreneurial books we read, we cannot build a successful business until we make the first step in that direction. Here and now.
I will be glad if you share your favorite books – those that inspire and motivate you to keep going.
