Reading could be a secret weapon for successful entrepreneurs. Finding the right book can be tough. Time and money are the most valuable to you as an entrepreneur. Choose those books that are definitely worth the time spent on reading.
Reading is one of the simplest and fastest ways of learning from the experiences of others. The most popular way to get new information was and remains is a book. There is no perfect idea as there is no perfect book after reading which you may surely succeed.
If your goal is to create a highly successful company where you call the shots, you could possibly start with the following books which would be extremely helpful and beneficial as a startup entrepreneur.
1. 7 Habits of Highly effective people – by Stephen Covey
It ignores trends and pop psychology while focusing on timeless principles of fairness, integrity, honesty and human dignity. Habits can change lives. This classic book makes a motivating everyday read about leadership and success. Some lessons highlighted are:
Lessons are timeless and they work
Develop an outcome-oriented mindset
Eliminate energy and time wasting tendencies
Lead teams that are motivated to perform
Create an atmosphere of helpful give and take
Demonstrate innovative problem solving skills
Tap into the highest and best contribution of everyone on a team.
2. Zero to One – by Peter Thiel
The author of this book is one of the first FB investors as also Paypal Co-founder. His experience makes it one of the best books for tech startups. Most startups find it difficult to survive the first year – this book equips startup founders with the tools required to identify and overcome early obstacles as also focusing on risk minimization.
Crisply written, rational and practical – this book is an exercise in shaking up the grey matter in the brain. It comes up with new and refreshing ideas on creating value in the world through a startup.
3. The Lean Start up – by Eric Ries
Concise and well structured – this is one of the best books for budding entrepreneurs or startups. It changes your thinking while clearly defining what entrepreneurship is all about. A book about being less wasteful and doing things that are big – it isn’t about being cheap.
Don’t forget to pick this one up if you plan to start your own company.
4. The Magic of Thinking Big – by David J. Schwartz
A book written in simple language with relatable examples and practical suggestions – will make you believe in your success. It builds confidence while allaying fears of failure. The highlight of the book is that it emphasizes the virtue of patience and giving people the benefit of doubt while spreading goodness about people at large. It implores hating people and stresses taking things one step at a time – doing more not less and spending time to think. A book that a startup entrepreneur certainly cannot ignore.
5. The Essays of Warren Buffet
Warren Buffet needs no introduction – this book provides his take on everything related to the world of business and finance. A simple book with equally simple ideas which are oft-repeated – from basic principles to aligning the entrepreneurs’ interest with those of their investors. He explains complex concepts with humour and immense wisdom, making them easy to understand. Bereft of technical jargon or complicated nonsense present in most books, this book is outstandingly simple. His ideology of “returns should not be everything” and “a company is the sum of its management” are unforgettable lessons for a newbie entrepreneur. An astute approach to market volatility – the book has invaluable lessons from one of the world’s greatest investors.
