Read 12 Definitive Books on Starting Your Own Business
Book RaiderEmbarking on the journey of starting your own business can feel akin to being an eager explorer without a map - vast potential awaits, but where do you start? Between figuring out finances and mastering marketing, braving the bustling world of entrepreneurship might seem a tad terrifying. But, fret no more, as we have an arsenal of wisdom to guide you: a list of definitive books tailored for budding business bosses!
No need to step onto the battlefield uninformed because these books will arm you with the tools necessary to pummel any problems in your path. Navigating the world of startups with only your wits and these books, you'd be a formidable contender. Be it in a stress-saddled slumber or a caffeine-infused state, these page turners will be your trusty companions in wrestling out your dream from the realm of possibility.
The Lean Startup
by Eric Ries
Why The Lean Startup is on this list: Starting a new business from scratch sounds more like launching a rocket than selling your new ‘tempura ice cream’. But don't worry, Eric Ries's 'The Lean Startup', offers a refreshing approach to entrepreneurship that makes it accessible, exciting, and dare we say, leaner. Landing among the definitive reads for start-up initiations, it’s a name you would bump into quite often in entrepreneurial circles.
The Lean Startup introduces a new approach to business that's being adopted around the world. It's changing the way companies are built and new products are launched. Ries's book center around a concept he calls 'validated learning'- a way to measure progress in a start-up and navigate through ‘guess-work’. It paves the way for entrepreneurs to understand when to pivot and when to persevere in their startup journey. This read breaks down some of the biggest and unsettling challenges into bite-sized wisdom nuggets, making it a business textbook you would willingly open.
What readers like: Readers love the 'Lean Startup' for its clear, jargon-free language and logical structure. The practical examples provided by Ries are well-appreciated and the concept of 'minimum viable product' (MVP) has become a much-needed reality check for many over-ambitious individuals. It has been praised for transforming the abstractness of 'start-up hustle' to a quantifiable and approachable endeavor. Apply the principles from this book and make your business journey, a chill walk rather than a roller-coaster ride.
Check Price at Amazon
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
by Peter Thiel, Blake Masters
Why Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future is on this list: This book a powerhouse, jam-packed with insights from a successful entrepreneur who co-founded PayPal and was the first outside investor in Facebook. It's a must-read for anyone looking to start their own business who wants to think smarter and out-of-the-box.
Rather than advocating for cliched startup advice, Thiel and Masters encourage readers to explore unique paths, dive into innovative thinking, and create new things from scratch. They delve into the importance of establishing a strong startup foundation, outlining a compelling blueprint for how new companies can shoot for the moon and change the world.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the surprising, thought-provoking insights, praising the pragmatic discussions on startup culture, strategic thinking, and the importance of daring innovation. They love that it's not just a 'get rich quick' guide, but a thoughtful examination on how to truly be a game changer in the business world.
Check Price at Amazon
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers
by Ben Horowitz
Why The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers is on this list:
From the co-founder of the successful venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, this book is a collection of key lessons learnt from the bushy eyebrows-filled journey. This is not your typical 'do this, don't do that' type of entrepreneurial book. Horowitz openly talks about the unpredictable stuffs - suffering through bad product launches, struggling with hiring right people, having sleepless nights over managing the board, and many more.
What readers like: Readers find Horowitz is honest to a fault about his own mistakes, giving them a more realistic view of entrepreneurship. Along with providing a peek into startup culture in the Silicon Valley, the book is wildly informative and unexpectedly funny. Also, readers love his hip hop quotes at the start of each chapter - unique and thought-provoking.
Check Price at Amazon
The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future
by Chris Guillebeau
Why The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future is on this list: Because starting a business isn't about breaking the bank, it's about breaking free from the 9 to 5 grind. And Chris Guillebeau, in his book, shows you how to do that with just 100 smackaroos. Pretty cool, huh?
This book isn't just theory. Guillebeau profiles 50 of the most surprising success stories of entrepreneurs who started their businesses with $100, or less. Packed with valuable insights and practical advice, it explores the very concept of startup costs, exposing the idea 'you need money to make money' as a myth.
What readers like: Readers love this book because it's more than just a business book. It’s a book about reinvention, personal freedom, and making something out of nothing. With stories told from a sympathetic ear and a knack for finding the upside of even the grimmest situations, readers find it actually exciting and inspiring.
Check Price at Amazon
Running Lean: Iterate from Plan A to a Plan That Works
by Ash Maurya
Why Running Lean: Iterate from Plan A to a Plan That Works is on this list: In the challenging world of entrepreneurship, the path is rarely straight. This book takes you through the iterative process of starting a business - because let's be real, Plan A rarely makes the cut.
The book delves into Maurya's philosophy about getting your business up with minimal resources and then iterating your way to success. Borrowing from the lean start-up methodology, this book is the classic guide to help you conquer the overwhelming hurdles you'll face when starting your own gig.
What readers like: Readers absolutely love the practical advice and real-life examples used in this book. It seemingly gets to the heart of the 'business birthing' process. And the cherry on top? Maurya's writing style doesn't demand you to have a Wall Street vocabulary or an MBA. Easy-peasy.
Check Price at Amazon
Startup Life: Surviving and Thriving in a Relationship with an Entrepreneur
by Brad Feld, Amy Batchelor
Why Startup Life: Surviving and Thriving in a Relationship with an Entrepreneur is on this list: If you're thinking of becoming an entrepreneur, you've probably heard about the lifestyle changes that go with it. Well, that's what this book is all about - understanding the impact of entrepreneurship on your personal life not just the business.
This cool book by Brad and Amy isn't just your typical business book - it digs deep into the impact starting a business can have on your personal relationships. It’s like peeking behind the curtain and getting a glimpse into the reality of living the entrepreneurial dream. The authors share their own experiences and provide actionable advice for maintaining a healthy personal life while pursuing your business goals.
What readers like: Readers love Brad and Amy’s honesty. They talk openly about the highs and lows of being in love while juggling a startup. It’s a refreshing change from the usual startup literature, and it's surprisingly relatable whether you're an entrepreneur or not. Readers also appreciate the real-world advice that’s sprinkled throughout. It's like getting guidance from a close friend who's been there, done that.
Check Price at Amazon
Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too
by Gary Vaynerchuk
Why Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too is on this list: If you are dreaming of starting your own business, then our friend Gary Vaynerchuk has got your back. This book is stuffed to the brim with juicy practical tips, inspirational stories, hustle and most importantly, a roadmap to entrepreneurial success.
Imagine getting a VIP pass to the entrepreneurial journey - from difficulties to success, from despair to hope, and from confusion to clarity. That's what this book is. Gary, being a serial entrepreneur himself, puts forth his wisdom, insights, and entrepreneurial secrets for you to learn from and implement in your own journey. He focuses primarily on the power of personal brand and leveraging social media - which let's face it, is going to be your best friend when starting a business.
What readers like: Readers love 'Crushing It!' for its down-to-earth tone and the relatable way Gary Vaynerchuk breaks down complex business concepts into simple digestible nuggets. They appreciate the frank insights into how they can use their passion to build their brand, and how to use social media platforms to their advantage. Plus, they get a kick out of Gary's got-no-time-for-nonsense approach and his real-life examples which make the theory come alive in a light-hearted, 'aha!' inducing way. Honestly, it's like having a business fairy godfather whispering valuable advice in your ear.
Check Price at Amazon
Burn the Business Plan: What Great Entrepreneurs Really Do
by Carl J Schramm
Why Burn the Business Plan: What Great Entrepreneurs Really Do is on this list: This book cuts straight to the chase and tackles the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to start a business, making it a must-read for budding entrepreneurs.
Bored of humdrum business books banging on about the same old topics? Us too, buddy. So, let's ditch conventional wisdom. Burn the Business Plan flips traditional advice on its head and teaches you the insider secrets of successful entrepreneurs. It uncovers the gritty truth about starting a business, the unpredictable twists and turns, and how to adapt when things don't go as planned, because let's face it, they rarely do.
What readers like: Readers love the honest insights, real-life case studies and those lightbulb moments where Schramm reveals why some businesses make it while others flop. It's filled not only with hard-hitting advice but also sprinkled with the kinds of stories that leave you nodding along, feeling like you've been let in on a secret. Except, the secret's out now. Go get it.
Check Price at Amazon
Start Now. Get Perfect Later
by Rob Moore
Why Start Now. Get Perfect Later is on this list: It's a no-nonsense guide that gives you the kick in the pants you need to stop daydreaming about your business and actually start it. Because, as iconic American rapper Missy Elliot puts it, 'ain’t no time like the present'. Or maybe it was Moore, there's a thin line.
This isn't just some lardy da theory book; this is Moore’s real-life experience of starting and running multiple successful businesses. He even once built a business that became the biggest property education company in the UK - so yeah, he’s been on this rollercoaster ride before. He shares his tips, tricks, successes and failures so you can avoid some of the common pitfalls and get to the good stuff quicker.
What readers like: Readers particularly enjoy Rob Moore's disarmingly honest and direct style. He's a plain and simple guy, no mumbo jumbo nonsense. They appreciate his insightful examples and step-by-step guidance that makes them feel like ‘Yeah, I can do this’. They also love that it's not just a load of ‘you can do it’ fluff. It's packed with solid, practical information without being dry and boring – a sweet spot hard to hit in most business books.
Check Price at Amazon
The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime
by MJ DeMarco
Why The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime is on this list: The idea of launching a business seems daunting for many. 'The Millionaire Fastlane' fits into our list because it simplifies it all. It gives you a step-by-step guide on how to skip the conventional ways which take too long, and dive into the fastlane to wealth, which is starting your own business.
The book is all about breaking free from the 'get-rich-slow' trap. This concept suggests that you work until you're gray and old, save every penny, and by the end, you'll be rich. Well, according to MJ DeMarco, that's a bunch of baloney. Instead, he suggests a faster route, or as he calls it, 'the fastlane'. This involves entrepreneurial endeavors - setting up a business, calculated risk-taking, making it big, then sitting back and enjoying the fruits of your labor while you're still young enough to enjoy them.
What readers like: Readers have found DeMarco's candid style refreshing. He breaks down complex financial concepts into simple, digestible tidbits. They also appreciate the challenging of traditional wealth-building ideas, encouraging a mindset shift. It's a wake-up call telling readers not to fear starting their own business, but embrace it as a viable route to wealth and fulfillment.
Check Price at Amazon
The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage
by Daymond John, Daniel Paisner
Why The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage is on this list: This book is a perfect read for anyone wanting to start their own business, particularly those who might be a touch strapped for cash but loaded with dreams and drive. It tells the story of 'FUBU' founder Daymond John, who's all too familiar with bootstrapping and starting a business from scratch.
In 'The Power of Broke', Daymond explores the concept of 'the power of broke', a mindset that enables budding entrepreneurs to leverage their lack of resources as a competitive advantage. Instead of viewing a tight budget as a negative, Daymond persuasively argues that being 'broke' can inspire innovation and creativity. Throughout the book, you'll find gripping stories of other entrepreneurs who've turned their financial and professional setbacks into motivation for explosive business growth.
What readers like: Readers appreciated the book for its transparency and honesty. They loved Daymond's no-nonsense approach to telling the nitty-gritty of starting a business. Many readers also related to the book's core message that financial limitations could be a strong driving force behind ingenuity and ambition instead of a barrier to business success.
Check Price at Amazon
Be Obsessed or Be Average
by Grant Cardone
Why Be Obsessed or Be Average is on this list: Starting a business is no casual picnic, it requires that obsession, the kind that Grant Cardone so infectiously transmits in his book. If you're aiming for halfway decent, then skip this one. But if you're up for the challenge of greatness, and want a guide on your entrepreneurial journey, this is your book.
In 'Be Obsessed or Be Average', Cardone shares with you the recipe to avoid being a run-of-the-mill individual. His own obsessions have carved out his journey from joblessness to owing five companies and a multimillion dollar fortune. It's an inspiring manifesto to break free from the average, to live a life that’s more satisfying, successful, and filled with abundance.
What readers like: Readers have appreciated Grant's no-holds-barred honesty. His straightforward approach, combined with real-life examples, serves as a powerful reminder of what it takes to succeed. Plus, if you're someone who cringes at the thought of a dull business book, you're in luck. Cardone's raw energy and conviction make this as enjoyable as a gripping novel and leaves you motivated to paint the town red with your business idea.
Check Price at Amazon
