4 Must-Read Business Books For Start-ups
Learning and education are a crucial part of excelling and entrepreneurship. Industries are constantly changing. There’s always something new to learn and business books to read.
If you are not ready to embrace growth, it’s like suffocating your potential. You can learn through various platforms. I’m a fan of books, podcasts, seminars, and YouTube access.
I get it! Everyone does not like to read. I highly recommend finding a resource that works for you. Me on the other hand, I love reading business and entrepreneurship books.
I’m grateful for every author that shared their journey filled with ups and downs. I have learned about entrepreneurship learning from both the wins and losses of others to avoid mistakes in my journey.
The list contains business books recommended from my top four books for startups. Don’t get me wrong! Established business owners can find value in these books. Let’s call it business books to read in 2020. LOL. I feel that these books are great for any time of your journey.
Starting Where You Are by Chris Gardner
Funny story, LOL. I read this book around the time for my annual review and was debating on leaving corporate America. My boss brought me into the office to ask me, “How can we keep you motivated?” I seriously jokingly said, “Just keep paying me every two weeks.” I was at a crossroads where money and position no longer was enough.
This book opened my eyes to the power of getting started and learning from others. Everyone may recognize Chris Gardner from “The Pursuit of Happiness.” That’s correct! It provided more insight into the movie and how he became an industry leader. It’s never too late to get started. You don’t have to feel stuck. Start where you are and with what you got!
Book quote…
“If you have a dream and a desire to pursue it with every fiber of your being but can’t move past excuses or circumstances that seem to be standing in your way, there is a life lesson ahead with your name on it. If you are tired of the status quo and are dying to shake up your life, reinvent yourself, and find a pursuit you love doing so much that you can’t wait for the sun to come up in the morning, you’ve come to the right place.”
Starting Something That Matters - Blake Mycoskie
You may or may not recognize that name. Blake is Tom’s founder. I happen to have stumbled across this book in an airport. That’s right! Have you ever been stuck in the airport and needed to find something to read? That is how I found this book. This book changed my view on business and how I can make a difference at the same time.
This book shares how to avoid some of the setbacks and trials in the beginning phases. You won’t believe that I still use these practices to this day. For example, I’ve maintained low overhead and utilized the power in interns.
“Starting Something That Matter” is the number one recommend business books for startups. LuxeGiving business structure came from reading this book. Tom’s started with humble beginnings in Blake’s apartment. Blake Mycoskie is an American entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist who has a net worth of $300 million. He started on Survivor. Insert 🤯🤯🤯
Book quote:
“Someday’ is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you.… If it’s important to you and want to do it ‘eventually,’ just do it and correct course along the way.”
Today Matters By John C Maxwell
I’ve been a fan of John C Maxwell for a reasonable amount of time. Today Matters is a great read regardless of your religious beliefs. Maxwell does a phenomenal job with sharing principles.
Focusing only on the future keeps you from being present to now. Have you been guilty of chasing goal after goal? The plans are great. Yet, take time to honor the joy of now and being present.
Book Quote:
“Today Matters People create success in their lives by focusing on today. It may sound trite, but today is the only time you have. It’s too late for yesterday. And you can’t depend on tomorrow. That’s why today matters.”
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Lastly, The Four Agreements is not only a business book must-read. It’s a must-read for every breathing person. Lol.
Commonly, you will find how to start business books, beginning with a business plan. The four agreements can open your mind about how to show up powerfully as a person, brand, or leader.
Book Quote:
“Whatever happens around you, don't take it personally... Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves.”
Conclusion
Each book can fill you up with more knowledge. A great business book best teaches your practicality in leadership, application, and growth. Even though female authors did not write the books, I highly recommend these business books to become game-changers in their industries.
If you know of a fellow female boss, place this on life as a gift for female entrepreneur friends. Believe me! They will thank you!