Listing my 5 favourite business book that every modern-day entrepreneur must-read. Some of the perspectives shared in these business books have helped me in my journey as a Digital Entrepreneur also reflect back on my actions & make better choices. Business books listed here are also helpful to look through scarcity as an opportunity but many times look beyond every opportunity & understand opportunity cost.
Many times in business & entrepreneurship there is no easy answer however these business books can help you find the right question you can ask yourself in any given day & circumstances.
Below, find 5 books you must read to become an Entrepreneur recommended by yours truly!
The Hard Things About Hard Things
Key Takeaway: The only thing that prepares you to run a company is running a company.
Book Description: The hard things about hard things is an honest look at the crazy highs and lows of running a business, especially when things go south. It discusses tough times CEOs face, painting a full ugly picture of what life is like in the daunting face of disaster. The big unifying themes here are the importance of grit, determination, and figuring out how to live to fight another day.
Why I like it: I like how most business books I read, try to teach me how to do things correctly, whilst Ben acknowledges there is no such thing as a perfect business, and however much planning I make, screw-ups will inevitably happen.
100$ Startup
Key Takeaway: Ask three questions for every idea: a) How would I get paid with this idea? b) How much would I get paid from this idea? c) Is there a way I could get paid more than once?
Book Description: The $100 Startup is Chris Guillebeau’s “how-to” bible for anyone with high aspirations, shallow pockets, a laptop, and a slight disdain for authority. As the title clearly suggests, Guillebeau’s thesis is that anyone can break free from the shackles of 9 to 5 and start a business with only $100.
Why I like it: I like how example-driven approach Chris uses through 50 case studies to base his message on planning, action, and sacrifice. In addition, I am also impressed by the concise business plan, promotional plan, and steps to market testing it provides.
Think & Grow Rich
Key Takeaway: Set your mind on a definite goal and observe how quickly the world stands aside to let you pass.
Book Description: Think and Grow Rich tries to explain what the mindset has to be in order to grow in success, starting from principles to the amount of action. Given the fact that it was written in 1937, Hill touches wonderful ideas like self-affirmations, the importance of passion, working with teams, and more providing numerous stories throughout the book.
Why I like it: This book reminds me to focus on what I want to achieve, appreciate what I have, and be thankful for all that is going well. Even with an older language, I found it pretty easy to read and related to the concepts proposed.
Zero To One
Key Takeaway: Brilliant thinking is rare, but courage is in even shorter supply than genius.
Book Description: Zero To One by Peter Thiel, Co-founder of Paypal is a book written with key lessons taken from real life and own experience. Barely 200 pages long, the book manages to list all seven indicators for successful startups making it perhaps the most important book that is available to any budding entrepreneur today.
Why I like it: Thiel mostly pulls out material directly from his own personal stories and experience with founders and startups which I like about this book. It’s definitely not a ‘How-To’ guide but a quick and crisp read for anyone interested in business or starting a business.
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Key Takeaway: Most people fail to realize that in life, it’s not how much money you make, it’s how much money you keep.
Book Description: Rich Dad Poor Dad is the story of two fathers; one with wealthy mindsets and the other with poor. The book tries to emphasize the importance of passive income, money management, and investments, eventually making money work for you instead of you working for money.
Why I Like it: I enjoy Robert Kiyosaki’s take on assets, liabilities, and the importance of financial literacy which is very relevant today. I won’t lie, it made me rethink the concept behind money management and personal finance while helping me practically apply it into my life.
It was difficult to narrow it down to just 5, but I think I did it. I’m able to compile my favorite business-reads. Now, just patiently waiting for you guys to pick these up and start reading. Leave the ones on your wishlist in the comments below!