Finding time in a a busy schedule to read is sometimes more of a feat than actually setting up and running a successful company in the first place, but drawing on the inspiration, trials, pitfalls, successes and tips from others just like you could be exactly what gets you to the next stepping stone of your own success. Therefore until the day comes when we can plug in and download entire computer programs to guarantee success directly into our minds, this list of books every entrepreneur should read is a must, to develop ourselves and our businesses by taking the time out for some good old fashion reading.
So if you are an entrepreneur and have even 5 minutes spare in your day, (or even if you don’t), here are 5 books well worth making that time for:
The Obstacle Is The Way
In a world full of options, choices and forks in the road, it’s sometimes hard to know which way to turn to avoid failure….and according to author, Ryan Holiday, seeking out the path filled with the most difficulties is the surest way to not only achieving success, but to learning and growing your knowledge, confidence and abilities simultaneously.
Drawing on examples of historical ‘Greats’ who used this philosophy, originally laid out by Marcus Aurelius, including Amelia Earhart and Steve Jobs, The Obstacle Is The Way, is apparently the way to greatly improving yourself, your life and your business in one fell swoop!
The Illusions of Entrepreneurship
Looking for facts and figures as opposed to trials and tribulations? Then this book is for you.
As an international expert in entrepreneurial activity, Scott Shane uses highly regarded, and extensive data and research to answer questions which every entrepreneur should should wish to ask before, during and after founding their company, such as:
- What industries are the most popular for new businesses
- How do entrepreneurs finance a start up
- What strategies contribute to the survival and financial success of a new company over time
- Why are some locations and/or countries more entrepreneurial than others
The belief that passion and knowledge of a field of interest can ensure a new business’ success is so far off the mark, and this book brings to you a few home truths to put you on the straight and narrow around the myths and false beliefs being fed to entrepreneurs of the 21st century.
The 4-Hour Work Week
Need a shot of inspiration and motivation? Then look no further than Timothy Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Work Week which is rich in step-by-step guides on how to reconstruct your working life to suit you and your needs. Sometimes being the founder of a business means working the longest hours and taking on the most stress, but Ferriss wants to put it to you that perhaps this is not the only way! From removing fifty percent of your workload in just 2 days, developing your ability to easily overcome any unexpected issues, doubling your income fast and ‘high tech shortcuts’ and guides to a successful life of achievement and success on your terms; The 4-Hour Work Week is the perfect entrepreneurial bed time reading.
Purple Cow
You would probably notice if a purple cow walked in front of you, and that is the short-and-sweet basis of bestselling author Seth Godin’s book, Purple Cow. From discussing the basics of the 5 P’s to success which include product, pricing and promotions (and now Purple Cows apparently), he goes on to explain that the route to a winning business is simply creating something ‘phenomenal’. This sounds simultaneously insanely obvious and utterly and impossibly daunting, but with its many inspiring lessons and guidance for every entrepreneur at any stage of their journey, Purple Cow is the perfect “manifesto for anyone who wants to help create products and services that are worth marketing in the first place.”
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
This is an oldie-but-a-goodie, and if as an entrepreneur, or an entrepreneur-to-be who has not yet read this book then you are missing out on a truly epic guide to success. The 7 Habits philosophy behind the books’ title has enabled professionals the world over to achieve their aims and reach unimaginable success via it’s step by step approach and it’s ability to allow readers to develop the ability to remain strong in the face of crises and grab on to opportunities when they appear.
Much loved by business leaders and individuals on an international scale, this book, originally published in 1990, has been translated into 34 languages and is now globally recognised as the truly influential book it is.
