books that every entrepreneur should read
Why should we read books?
Books are like helpful friends. If you’re an entrepreneur, books can give you good ideas. If you want to start a new business, books can show you how. When you’re trying to tell people about your things (marketing), books can teach you cool ways to do it. And when you need a boost of energy (motivation), books have stories that make you feel strong. Books show you the best way, no matter what you’re doing.
Did you know that many of the world’s richest individuals and famous personalities dedicate a significant amount of their time to reading books? Bill Gates mentioned in an interview that he reads about 50 books each year. Elon Musk also revealed that he learned about physics and rocket science by reading books on his own.
Books hold an immense wealth of knowledge. Authors often spend years, and sometimes even decades, conducting research to write a book. All that valuable information gets collected within the pages of books. Imagine how valuable each book becomes.
In this article, let’s explore the top ten books that every entrepreneur should consider reading.
1. The lean startup – Eric Ries
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries is all about starting and growing businesses smartly. It suggests trying out ideas, learning from them, and making improvements step by step. One cool idea is to create a simple version of your product (MVP) and get feedback from customers. If needed, you can change your plan (pivot) based on what you learn. The book talks a lot about testing and measuring your progress, plus focusing on making customers happy. It’s like a loop: build something, see how it works, and learn from it. Overall, the book helps entrepreneurs avoid mistakes and build businesses that really work.
2. Zero to one – Peter Thiel:
In “Zero to One,” Peter Thiel argues that the best businesses create new things, not just improve old ones. He talks about “zero to one” as making new stuff and “one to n” as copying. Thiel says we need more “zero to one” companies for big changes. He gives important advice, like having a unique idea, being strong in the market, taking smart risks, and working together in a team. Thiel’s book says making new things matters more than just making things a bit better.
3. Good to Great – Jim Collins:
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins explains how some companies become incredibly good. The book shares important ideas, like having great leaders, choosing the right people, facing problems, and using a Hedgehog Concept that matches passion, skills, and market needs. It also talks about using technology well and how small steps can lead to big success. The book says that doing things carefully and getting better all the time is how companies become really great. It’s good for anyone who wants to make their business better and achieve truly amazing things.
4. The innovator’s dilemma – Clayten Christensen:
“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen reveals how big successful companies can miss new, disruptive technologies. Christensen talks about ‘disruptive innovation,’ where small creative companies introduce products that end up outperforming big companies’ offerings. Big companies often improve their current products for existing customers, while disruptive tech caters to new markets. The book is useful for leaders and businesses, showing them the importance of noticing disruptive changes and adapting strategies. It explains how ignoring this can lead to downfall, emphasizing the challenge of balancing present success with the need for future innovation.
5. Hooked: How to build habit-forming products – Nir Eyal:
In “Hooked,” Nir Eyal explains how products become habits through his ‘Hook Model.’ With Trigger, Action, Variable Reward, and Investment, he unravels how successful products engage users repeatedly. Eyal’s insights include understanding triggers that prompt actions, delivering varied rewards, and users’ increasing investment, all fostering commitment. He illuminates the blend of technology and psychology that forms habit-forming experiences. This essential read for entrepreneurs, designers, and marketers provides actionable strategies to create products seamlessly integrating into users’ lives, cultivating positive addictive engagement.
6. The art of startup Fundraising – Alejandro Cremades:
“The Art of Startup Fundraising” is a helpful guide for people who want to start their own businesses. It teaches how to get money from investors to make their ideas real. The book talks about how to talk to investors, how to explain your idea, and the different ways to get money. It also gives tips on how to make good deals with investors. Written by Alejandro Cremades, who knows a lot about starting businesses, this book is great for anyone who wants to learn how to get money for their cool ideas.
7. Blue ocean strategy – W. Chat Kim and Renee Mauborgne:
“Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne is a guide for businesses to think differently. Instead of competing in crowded markets, they suggest creating new ones. This is like finding unexplored territory where you can stand out. The book offers strategies to break away from the competition and innovate in unique ways. It’s useful for entrepreneurs and leaders looking to make a big impact.
8. Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die – Chip Heath and Dan Heath:
If you’re looking for a book that can transform your ideas into something truly unforgettable, then “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” is your go-to. It’s like a secret recipe to make your thoughts stick in people’s minds like glue. With Chip Heath and Dan Heath’s easy-to-follow formula, your ideas become stories that people can’t help but talk about. If you want to be the one who sparks conversations and leaves a lasting impact, this book is a must-add to your reading list. It’s a no-brainer – read it, and you’ll want to grab it immediately.
9. Start with Why – Simon Sinek:
“Start with Why” is like a special guide for people curious about leaders who stand out. Imagine having a key to understand why some leaders and companies are super cool. Simon Sinek, who wrote the book, shows why starting with “why” is important – the reason that makes everything better. It’s like having a magic compass. This book is a game-changer for those who want to inspire and make things better. It’s a must if you want to know what makes great leaders and cool companies tick.
10. The founder’s dilemma – Noam Wasserman:
“The Founder’s Dilemmas” by Noam Wasserman is a helpful book about starting businesses. It talks about the important choices entrepreneurs have to make at the beginning. Imagine these choices are like big rocks that can make your business strong or shaky. The book explains eight big decisions, like picking the right team, sharing ownership fairly, choosing a leader, and getting money from outside. It also talks about how to handle problems and plan for the future. The book is like a guide for young entrepreneurs, showing them how to make smart choices and build successful businesses.