After reading countless interviews with celebrity entrepreneurs who have ‘made it’ there is one piece of advice that is constantly dolled out: read more. From Bill Gates to Mark Cuban, these modern titans of industry all consume massive amounts of literature to keep their edge.
They aren’t just reading business books either. Books on various topics like science, history, and even religion have a place on these entrepreneurs shelves. Why? Because these books introduce new role models, teach important concepts, and keep us informed about our world.
So if you want to be an entrepreneur, read more. If you want to be a great entrepreneur, read these books.
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
There’s a reason your teachers made you read this one in high school; this book will inspire you to follow your dreams and teach you to recognize an opportunity. Two things that make up the backbone of successful entrepreneurship.
Source: Amazon
2. The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future by Chris Guillebeau
The $100 Startup is a case study of 50 entrepreneurs who have built successful and fulfilling businesses with very little up front investment, in this case only $100. This book will teach you to turn your unique skills and passions into a business that helps you live your dreams. Full disclosure, this books is currently in my Amazon cart.
Source: Amazon
3. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Written by a woman specifically for other women, this book address some of the challenges that prevent women from rising to leadership roles. Sandberg also offers practical wisdom about building a successful career while balancing a satisying life outside of work.
Source: Amazon
4. Main Street Entrepreneur by Michael Glauser
Possibly one of the most unusual stories on this list is that of life long entrepreneur Michael Glauser, who rode more than 4,000 miles in 45 days for this book. Along the way, he interviewed more than 100 other entrepreneurs to answer the question, “What are the secrets to entrepreneurial success?”
Source: Amazon
5. The Little Book of Talent by Daniel Coyle
I’ve mentioned this book on a previous list as well, but I think it bears repeating here. This book will teach you actionable steps to maximize the talents and strengths you already have. These will (ultimately) provide and build the foundation to your entrepreneurial success.
Source: Amazon
6. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
Want to know what being an entrepreneur is really like? Pick up this book. This is the true story of how Knight and his team stumbled their way into entrepreneurial success by first selling another brand’s shoes and then creating and selling their own.
Source: Amazon
7. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
The biggest lesson you should gain within this book is how to work on your business and not in it. Gerber discusses how to set up systems and processes that will make your life easier and your business better.
Source: Amazon
The road to becoming a successful entrepreneur is not always easy, but for those with dedicated passion and a dream, it could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
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Featured image via Pixabay
h/t Entrepreneur
