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12 Business Startup Books Every Entrepreneur Needs

Are you looking to launch a successful business? Reading books by successful entrepreneurs can provide valuable insights and knowledge that can help you on your journey.

While watching documentaries and YouTube videos can be helpful, there’s something special about holding a physical book in your hand and absorbing the wisdom within. This article highlights 12 business startup books that will change the way you approach building and scaling your business.

Why Study Business Startup Books?

Reading is great, but studying is better. The information we consume daily – emails, articles, social media posts – is often forgotten. We need to actively engage with content to truly learn and retain it. This requires focused attention, note-taking, and commitment.

• Take time to study these books in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
• After reading a chapter, take notes, highlight key takeaways, and write down actionable steps you plan to implement.

The 12 Best Business Startup Books

This curated list of 12 books provides a diverse range of perspectives on entrepreneurship, covering topics like mindset, marketing, finance, and building a successful business.

1. Born to Shine

Kendra Scott, founder of the billion-dollar jewelry brand Kendra Scott Jewelry, shares her journey of overcoming challenges and building a successful business.

• This book provides leadership lessons from Scott's successes and failures.
• She emphasizes the importance of embracing flaws and failures as opportunities for growth.
• Scott's story offers inspiration and encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs.

2. Made to Stick

This book explores the art of creating unforgettable ideas and messages.

• It outlines the six characteristics of a "sticky" message: Simple, Unexpected, Credible, Concrete, Emotional, and Story.
• The book teaches you how to effectively communicate your business's story and make it resonate with your audience.
• This is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs who want to make their brand memorable and connect with customers.

3. Thinking, Fast and Slow

This book provides insights into the way humans think and make decisions.

• Understanding these concepts can help you understand your customers better and develop more effective marketing strategies.
• This book helps entrepreneurs improve their communication skills and create persuasive messaging.
• It offers a deeper understanding of human behavior, which is essential for any business leader.

4. The 4-Hour Workweek

Tim Ferriss's book challenges the traditional idea of working long hours to achieve success.

• It outlines techniques for working less, earning more, and building a fulfilling life.
• The book teaches you how to automate tasks, outsource non-essential work, and eliminate unnecessary busywork.
• This guide empowers you to take control of your time and create a sustainable work-life balance.

5. Winners Never Cheat

Jon Huntsman, a successful businessman and former ambassador, advocates for ethical leadership and doing business with integrity.

• The book emphasizes the importance of making ethical decisions, even when it's difficult.
• It inspires entrepreneurs to build their businesses with honesty and integrity.
• Huntsman's message encourages a higher way of living and doing business, where success is measured by more than just financial gains.

6. Before & Laughter

This book by UK comedian Jimmy Carr delves into the pursuit of happiness.

• It combines Carr's life story with his unique perspectives on life and happiness.
• The book provides insights on how to navigate challenges, embrace setbacks, and find joy in life.
• It's a refreshing read that explores a less common but important aspect of entrepreneurship: personal well-being.

7. DotCom Secrets

This book aims to help entrepreneurs drive traffic and increase conversions for their online businesses.

• It provides strategies and tactics for online marketing and sales.
• This book is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs who want to build successful e-commerce businesses.
• The content, while written in 2015, is still relevant and provides fundamental principles for digital marketing.

8. Thrive

Arianna Huffington, co-founder of the Huffington Post, challenges the conventional definition of success and encourages a focus on well-being.

• She argues that success should be measured by more than just money and power.
• The book emphasizes the importance of personal well-being, compassion, and finding a sense of purpose.
• It encourages entrepreneurs to prioritize their health, relationships, and overall well-being alongside their career goals.

9. The Psychology of Money

This book explores the relationship between money and happiness, offering insights on managing finances and building wealth sustainably.

• It helps entrepreneurs develop a healthy perspective on money and financial goals.
• The book teaches you how to make smart financial decisions, avoid overspending, and invest wisely.
• It provides valuable guidance on financial management, which is crucial for entrepreneurs who are responsible for their own income.

10. The Lean Startup

Eric Ries's book provides a framework for building and growing businesses through rapid experimentation and iteration.

• It emphasizes the importance of testing ideas quickly and adapting based on customer feedback.
• The book teaches you how to build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and validate your business idea before investing significant resources.
• It promotes a scientific approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing data-driven decision-making.

11. Fall in Love With the Problem

Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze and Moovit, shares his insights on building successful businesses by identifying and solving consumer problems.

• The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the challenges your customers face.
• It encourages entrepreneurs to focus on developing solutions that address real problems, not just trendy ideas.
• This book provides a framework for building valuable businesses that truly meet customer needs.

12. Two Weeks Notice

Amy Porterfield, a leading entrepreneur and online marketing expert, shares her journey of leaving her 9-5 job and building a successful business.

• The book provides guidance on how to find the courage to quit your job and pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.
• It offers practical tips on how to prepare for entrepreneurship, build a solid foundation, and launch your business.
• This book empowers entrepreneurs to take the leap and build a successful business on their own terms.

FAQs About Business Startup Books

Are business startup books worth reading?

Yes, business startup books are worth reading. They offer valuable insights and knowledge from experienced entrepreneurs, which can help you avoid common pitfalls and make better decisions.

Are all business startup books alike?

No, not all business startup books are alike. There are many different styles and approaches to entrepreneurship, so it's important to find books that resonate with your interests and needs.

How do you know if a business startup book is worth reading?

Use the 50-page rule. If you haven't learned anything new after reading the first 50 pages, the book might not be worth your time. Listen to podcasts where entrepreneurs discuss their books to get a sense of their content and perspectives.

Put Your Knowledge Into Action

Reading business startup books is only the first step. It's essential to put the knowledge you gain into action. Consider taking online courses, joining online communities, or seeking mentorship to support your entrepreneurial journey.