To start a new business in today’s supersaturated marketplace is like embarking on a sea voyage: you can never be too sure what lies ahead. It’s exciting, sure, but it can also be quite scary!
Before long, a series of questions start popping into your head. Will my ideas sink or swim? Can I weather the storms that are bound to show up along the way? Am I willing to press on when times get tough? That’s just to mention a few!
But here’s the thing… no one embarks on a sea voyage blindly. Not only do you have sonars nowadays, but also the good old map and compass. A great metaphor to show you–you need a sense of direction and a foreknowledge of what to do before setting sail. The keyword and recipe for success there is “KNOWLEDGE.”
You see, having prior knowledge about something provides a clear path for you to follow. It helps you make enlightened and smart decisions. It shortens the distance to success since you won’t be a complete novice. These are qualities you need when starting a new business!
So, how can you acquire such valuable knowledge to leverage for your business aspirations? It’s pretty simple, actually. Almost everything you need can be found in the pages of “BOOKS” written by actual humans who’ve sailed this same sea and reached the shore victoriously.
That’s why I’m excited to share a roundup of the absolute best books I believe every aspiring entrepreneur should read before starting a business!
What Books to Read Before Starting a Business: Top 10 Must-Reads
Here are some best-selling business books you should check out before taking the giant step of starting a new business:
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
This one was a gem when it came out, and author Eric Ries revolutionized the startup world with it. ‘The Lean Startup’ outlines a new methodology that focuses on speed, flexibility, and learning from your customers. What I particularly like about this book is that the author breaks away from conventional business models and urges the reader to test their ideas in the real world.
Minimum viable product is one of the most valuable concepts that Ries introduced. It’ll show you how to launch a successful business faster, make mistakes at a lower cost, and improve upon them more quickly. If perfectionism is still holding you back, this book might be exactly the shove you need to get your ideas out there and start learning from actual feedback.
“Zero to One” by Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel, the PayPal founder and an early Facebook investor, presents his view on creating new things in the world in “Zero to One.” It’s not your typical business self-help book. Rather, it dares you to take a completely different approach regarding competition and market positioning.
What struck me the most was one particular point Thiel made. He stated that instead of competing with others, why not create a new space for yourself? His insights on monopolies and the importance of solving unique problems will make you rethink your entire business strategy.
“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber
‘’The E-Myth Revisited’’ will be very appealing to anyone who has ever dreamed of being their own boss. Michael Gerber debunks all the myths about starting your own business and teaches you how to make your business work for you.
This book was an eye-opener for me. It helped me understand the difference between “working on my business” and “working in my business.” Gerber’s practical advice and recommendations for systems and processes are a treasure for anyone looking to build a scalable enterprise rather than just create another job for themselves.
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins
Jim Collins spent years researching what makes companies transition from good to great, and his findings are quite interesting. This book is full of numerous examples that call into question conventional views on business success.
Another thing Jim did well in “Good to Great” was focus on leadership and culture. Collins’s ideas of Level 5 leadership and getting the right people on the bus, let alone in the right seats, will prove valuable for your business in the long run. Having this knowledge will also help you build your team and organizational culture the right way.
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek’s ‘Start with Why’ is more than just a business book; it’s the way to live and to lead. This book specifically explores the concept of why in organizations, along with the importance of purpose in business. The author’s assertion is that ‘people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it’.
Sinek’s golden circle concept starting with “why,” then “how,” and finally “what” will completely change how you approach business strategy and marketing. To put it simply, it’s not only about offering a product or service, but also inspiring people to embrace your idea. This book will guide you on how to articulate your business purpose and do so in a manner that appeals to consumers and staff.
“Thinking, Fast, and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
While not a business book per se, it’s impossible to read Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking Fast and Slow and not be a better business owner. Kahneman is a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist, and much of what he said about how decisions are made is key to understanding business.
With this book, I have realized that people have certain biases and assumptions that affect their decision-making processes. Understanding the difference between our fast, intuitive thinking (System 1) and our slower, more deliberate thinking (System 2) will prove valuable in your business operations.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” may sound like a business strategy. But, it is in fact, a self-improvement book that translates into professional success.
One thing I liked about this book was its holistic approach. Rather than just giving tips and tricks for conducting business, Covey provides a framework for living that improves every aspect of your life and business. You will also learn about many other eye-opening concepts as a business leader and problem solver. These include the concepts of proactivity, beginning with the end in mind, and seeking first to understand.
“The $100 Startup” by Chris Guillebeau
For any young person filled with the desire to venture into business but scared of the associated costs, Chris Guillebeau’s ‘The $100 Startup’ is such a relief. It is full of stories of everyday people who have set up businesses for tens, hundreds, or even a couple of thousand dollars.
Guillebeau’s approach is practical and inspiring. He demonstrated that even without a trust fund or venture capital, one can successfully start a business. I particularly love the case studies and action points at the end of each chapter. This book will empower you to confidently start a small business and scale up in no time, rather than waiting for the “perfect” conditions to launch.
“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini
Mastering methods of ethical persuasion is essential in business, and Robert Cialdini’s “Influence” is the guide to it. As a psychologist, Cialdini breaks down the six major persuasion techniques into appealing and informative categories.
Reading this book gives a new perspective on sales, marketing, and even negotiations for any project or business. Applying social influence techniques such as reciprocity, social proof, and scarcity will equally improve profitability. The book contains the necessary tools to launch better marketing strategies and improve your relations with customers and other partners. It’s very useful for anyone looking to acquire better persuasion skills without violating ethical standards.
“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
‘Grit’ by Angela Duckworth is much more than just a pep talk; it is proper research on what makes people go the distance. Angela’s research showed just how vital passion, persistence, and perseverance are to being successful at anything.
What I admire most in this book is how she dismisses the myth of “natural talent.” In fact, Duckworth emphasized that grit and effort are more important than innate talent when it comes to achieving your long-term business goals.
Books provide solace, strength, and direction in those moments of doubt or confusion.
The list doesn’t end there. There’s also “Rework,” co-written by Jason Fried and Heinemeier Hansson’s, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hills, and some others you can add to your reading list. Even better, add these best books on leadership as well.
If done right, the messages in these books will engage your mind and speak to you. As you flip through the pages, they will challenge you, inspire you, and push you to think in ways you never have before.
And when the reading phase is finally over, you can finally move on to the next stage, a very important one. The real magic happens when you shut the books and go out into the real world to put the lessons learned into practice. That’s when you really grow as an entrepreneur: when you’re in the middle of all the actions, the struggles, the failures, and the victories.
So, I’ve got a challenge for you: Pick up one of these books. Read it. Digest it. Then, go out and do something anything at all to take your business dream to the next level. And when you do, I’ll love to hear about it by dropping a comment below!
Oh yes, don’t forget to also listen to my podcast and check out my other blog posts. They are filled with powerful strategies and genuine success stories. The content will not only transform your personal life, but also take your business to the next level. See you there!
