7 Books You Must Read Before Starting A Business

To be an entrepreneur or a businessman is both exciting and challenging and at the same time, it comes with a lot of sacrifices. As you prepare to start your business venture, one thing to consider is equipping yourself with the right knowledge and insights to navigate the unpredictable journey ahead. 

Books have long been seen as invaluable mentors, offering timeless wisdom and practical guidance from those who’ve walked the path before us. Here is a list of must-read books that will inspire and enlighten you and provide you with the essential tools and strategies to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey on the right foot. 

Think And Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill

In this self-help book, you’ll understand how to harness the incredible potential of your mind to achieve wealth, success, and personal growth. In ‘Think and Grow Rich,’ Napoleon Hill emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and visualizing your goals as keys to attracting success and abundance. 

Hill believes in the necessity of persistence, reminding us that success doesn’t come easy, but through unwavering determination, even in the face of challenges. This book is a must-read for anyone gearing up to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey

Before going into the world of business, you have to develop habits that lead to effectiveness and success. In ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen R. Covey, you will see a roadmap for personal and professional growth. 

Covey outlines seven powerful habits, including being proactive, prioritizing tasks, and seeking mutual benefit in interactions. He emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with values and continually renewing oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Covey’s timeless principles provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to thrive in the business world by fostering independence and interdependence while maintaining a focus on what truly matters.”

REWORK – Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

This refreshing guide, ‘ReWork’ by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. challenges conventional wisdom and offers practical advice for building a successful business. Instead of following the crowd, ‘ReWork’ advocates for simplicity, efficiency, and genuine customer service. 

It’s the playbook for anyone who dreams of entrepreneurship and wants to do things their way. If you’re ready to shake up the status quo and pave your path to success, ‘ReWork’ is the book for you.”

Zero to One – Peter Thiel

Considering launching your own business? You can look into  ‘Zero to One’ by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters. Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and venture capitalist, shares invaluable insights on creating something entirely new—the ultimate path to economic success and human progress. 

In this book, Thiel talks about the importance of going from zero to one, the monumental leap of bringing something new into existence. Drawing from his own experiences and successes, Thiel’s advice is a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to innovate and make their mark in the business world. 

If you’re ready to turn your ideas into reality and embark on the journey of true innovation, ‘Zero to One’ is a must-read.”

The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben Horowitz

If you want to go into entrepreneurship, take a cue from Ben Horowitz’s ‘The Hard Thing About Hard Things.’ From tough decisions like laying off employees to managing investor relationships, Horowitz provides practical wisdom with a dash of humor. 

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this book draws from Horowitz’s own experiences, offering invaluable lessons to help you navigate the unpredictable journey of building a business. If you’re ready to face the hard truths of entrepreneurship head-on, ‘The Hard Thing About Hard Things’ is a must-read.”

The Lean Startup – Eric Ries

‘The Lean Startup’ method. This revolutionary approach redefines how startups operate by treating every effort as an experiment to test and refine strategy. Author Eric Ries introduces five key principles, highlighting the importance of validated learning and innovation accounting. 

With a focus on consumer insights and agile product development, this book provides invaluable guidance for entrepreneurs at any stage. If you’re ready to embrace a scientific approach to entrepreneurship and maximize your chances of success, ‘The Lean Startup’ is a must-read.”

How to Win Friends & Influence People

“If you’re gearing up to start your own business, consider picking up ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie. This timeless self-help classic, now updated for modern readers, offers invaluable insights into building meaningful relationships and influencing others. 

With principles like giving honest appreciation, becoming genuinely interested in people, and talking in terms of others’ interests, Carnegie’s wisdom is as relevant today as it was in 1936 when the book was first published. With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to succeed in business and beyond.”