The 22 Best Books Every Aspiring Entrepreneur Should Read

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When it comes to your journey as an entrepreneur, it is always best to learn from the experts. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best books that every aspiring entrepreneur should read. Together, we will go over the themes and outlines of each book to let you know exactly why they are so helpful!

1. Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind by Al Ries and Jack Trout
Positioning – To begin, we have a great book about the importance of communication and self-advertisement. It is all about creating a marketable position for your company and your product, which makes it one of the best books for small business entrepreneurs. This book is an absolute must if you want to learn about creating a marketable product and memorable brand!

2. Lucky or Smart? by Bo Peabody
Lucky or Smart – This book is a wealth of ideas about how to mark your success as an entrepreneur – and how to stay successful. As Peabody puts it: “Start a company that is fundamentally innovative, morally compelling, and philosophically positive.” This is just one of many tidbits that he explains in order to build a brand with your own intelligence, as well as how to capitalize on luck.

3. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
Influence – This book is all about what makes people say “yes”, sometimes over and over! It’s one of the best books that every aspiring entrepreneur should read because you’ll be experiencing some rejection as you start your business; knowing how to overcome it and persuade people to use your products will set you apart from the rest. Cialdini covers “the six universal principles” and how to use them to your advantage.

4. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Thinking, Fast and Slow – This book came from a man who won a Nobel for economic science – does it get better than that? In this book, renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman discusses how two systems (namely natural intuition and slowed thinking) impact your judgement and how to properly control both. This connects to business because as an entrepreneur, you’ll be making lots of important decisions. It’s important to learn how to think out each option and when to go with your gut, and this book can help you do that!

5. Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry
Built to Last – History remembers the visionaries, and this book is all about building a visionary company using the examples of some famous names. This book has a foundation as a research project from Stanford University, and it is the perfect way to learn from the greats. What are the habits that set the best apart from the rest? Read to find out!

6. Rework by Jason Fried and David Hansson
Rework – This book is one of the best books for small business entrepreneurs because it breaks down what you truly need to create a successful business plan. Rework is all about doing what you can on your own and eliminating what holds you back. It’s a great playbook for how to get in the business game and stay there.

7. My Philosophy for Successful Living by Jim Rohn.
My Philosophy for Successful Living – Jim Rohn was a famous entrepreneur and motivator, and that’s why his book is counted as one of the best books that every aspiring entrepreneur should read. This book, as you might guess from the title, personally explains his own philosophy that led to his success. Anyone can walk in his footsteps and become a successful entrepreneur, so why not you? Read it and find out how!

8. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi.
I Will Teach You To Be Rich – This is probably the most literal title on the list, and it sure grabs your attention! The basis of the book is a six-week program primarily designed for young small business owners. Ramit Sethi leaves no stone unturned, from negotiating to money management to taxes. It’s a no-nonsense blueprint for building financial success, and that’s what every entrepreneur needs. The entire book is laid out like you’re getting advice from a trusted mentor, and so many people have reaped the benefits.

9. The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson
The Barefoot Executive – Carrie Wilkerson is a famous business consultant turned motivational speaker, and her advice comes through clearly in this excellent book. She explains how to logically build a business without waste and without changing your core philosophies. This book is all about leveraging what you have and achieving your goals; it’s an excellent read if you’re interested in putting a plan together and finding out how to stick to it.

10. The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki
The Art of the Start – So many entrepreneurs know that starting something is usually the hardest part. That’s where Guy Kawasaki comes in! This book is for everyone who has a great idea and just needs to get it off the ground. Kawasaki gives advice on taking action and keeping momentum as you build your brand. Keeping your business afloat as you begin can be tough, which is why this book is so helpful.

11. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Rich Dad Poor Dad – This book is famous in the world of personal finance, making it one of the best books that every aspiring entrepreneur should read. Kiyosaki discusses the fundamental understanding of money that was given to him by his biological dad as well as the father of his best friend, who came from a wealthy family. What’s the difference between the two philosophies and how can they come together? That’s something you’ll need to read to find out.

12. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Zero to One – This book has been praised by famously successful businessmen like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, and it can be useful for anyone looking to make their mark. Peter Thiel co-founded PayPal, and that expertise and advice is all wrapped up in this book. This book is all about start-ups and venture capital, and it explains the complicated side of the business world easily for all readers. It’s great advice from a famous entrepreneur!

13. Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
Crush It – Gary Vaynerchuk is another author on this list who was first a successful figure in the business world, making his advice on achieving your business dreams all the wiser. This book helps you take your dearest passion (whatever it may be) and plan out how to make that passion a financially successful business. Read it soon and learn how to crush it!

14. Will It Fly? by Pat Flynn
Will It Fly – This book is all about identifying the business ideas that can stay in the air and make you some money. Rushing in too quickly is a classic mistake that should be avoided, and this book gives advice on how to do that. Find out how to make your target align with your dream business and start the job you’ve always wanted – being your own boss!

15. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
The 4-Hour Workweek – The foundation of this book is the notion of working smarter, not harder. Working tirelessly for your goals is a worthy cause, but it is not always what you need to succeed. This book includes tips and case studies that show how to utilize economic strategies to work when you need to and relax when you want! Running a successful business without extreme stress seems like it’s too good to be true, but not with this book.

16. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
You Are a Badass – This book is exactly what it sounds like: a self-help manifesto for people who are ready to turn a new page and just need that little boost. This book may not be specifically about business, but it is still counted as one of the best books for every aspiring entrepreneur to read because the message is so important. Learn how to cease self-destructing and embrace your new idea and passion – and create a successful business as a result.

17. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
The $100 Startup – This book is important because it emphasizes how to start a successful business without needing to sacrifice your enjoyment. The philosophy of how to turn your ideas into income is one that Chris Guillebeau lives by, and it’s all contained in this book in one easy to read guide. The foundation of Guillebeau’s idea is how to change the lives of your customers – by changing yours first.

18. Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers by Osterwalder, Alexander, Pigneur, Yves
Business Model Generation – As the title says, this is truly a handbook for visionaries and people who are ready to achieve their dreams. It’s all about learning what you can from yesterday’s strategies while designing the ones of tomorrow. This book is a collaboration of studies from 45 different countries, presenting a true international perspective on growing a successful business. You’ll learn and understand more about important terminology and strategy, which is just what you need to get started!

19. The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte
The Fire Starter Sessions – Danielle LaPorte is a successful self-help motivator, and in this book she reframes myths that need to be broken from our understanding of business. These include tracking your ambitions and how to utilize your principles to help your business flourish. It’s all narrated in a bold and straight to the point manner, which is helpful for anyone who wants to get to work!

20. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The Lean Startup – This book is all about utilizing continuous innovation to grow a successful business and the best possible products. Ries breaks down the reason why many startups fail and exactly what you should do to avoid these pitfalls. The point of the so-called “lean startup” is to build up your business using nothing more than what you need. This book allows you to develop and adopt a successful business plan.

The Lean Startup is not about technology; it’s not about tools or processes; it’s not even about startups. It is a new way of thinking that gives anyone the tools to start a successful business and realize its true potential. In The Lean Startup , Eric Ries defines this disruptive approach as “building, measuring, and learning” in order to turn ideas into businesses with sustainable growth. Best Quote:

21. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen
The Innovator’s Dilemma – This book is known as the book that changed corporate America – what better book could be on your reading list? The foundation of the book is that a successful company can fail even if they do everything right, and sometimes even because they did everything right. It is full of wisdom to utilize and warnings to heed if you want to create a business that lasts and makes a lasting impact.

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22. The Entrepreneur Mind by Kevin D. Johnson
The Entrepreneur Mind – Finally, we end with what is agreed to be one of the best books that every aspiring entrepreneur should read. This book breaks down the most important aspects of entrepreneurship that every business owner should memorize. Johnson is the president of a multi-million dollar company, and his advice is one that everyone needs to hear. This book is perfect for taking a complex and confusing topic and breaking it down to accessible and easy language. It’s truly the perfect book to complete our list of the 22 best books for every aspiring entrepreneur to read!

In Summary to Best Books Every Aspiring Entrepreneur Should Read

There are many books out there that claim to be a “must-read” for entrepreneurs. We took the time to compile a list of our favourite, most commonly recommended books for aspiring entrepreneurs and narrowed it down to 22 top choices. These selections cover business fundamentals, management principles, marketing strategies and more. If you’re looking for ways to increase your knowledge in entrepreneurship or need some help deciding which book is best suited for you we hope this list helps.