The 10 Best Books for Starting a Business That Every Entrepreneur Needs to Read

We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, you must arm yourself with the right information. Books are a great way to gain knowledge and insight about entrepreneurship, and plenty of titles can help you get started.

In this blog post, we will share 10 books that we believe every aspiring business owner should read. These books cover a variety of topics, from starting a business to grow your business successfully.

So if you’re ready to start your journey as an entrepreneur, don’t forget to pack these titles along with you.

Top 10 Books to Read Before Starting Your Own Business

1. The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

From Airbnb to Zappos, Eric Ries’ “The Lean Startup” is a must-read for anyone interested in startups and innovation. Ries argues that traditional methods of starting a business often fail because they are based on flawed assumptions and antiquated notions of success.

Instead, he advocates for a “Lean” approach, which focuses on rapid iteration and continual adaptation in response to consumer feedback.

The book provides practical guidance on how to test and validate ideas, gather customer insights, prioritize projects effectively, and ultimately drive growth. Ries presents case studies from successful startups as well as insights from his own experiences as an entrepreneur and adviser.

All in all, “The Lean Startup” offers valuable lessons for both seasoned entrepreneurs and those just starting out on their business journey. I highly recommend it.

2. Starting a Business For Dummies

“Starting a Business For Dummies” by Colin Barrow is a must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur. The book offers clear, step-by-step instructions on everything from writing a business plan to securing funding and managing day-to-day operations. Barrow’s insider experience as an investor and business owner adds a wealth of real-world knowledge to the straightforward how-to advice.

Overall, this book is a comprehensive and approachable guide for those looking to start their own business. 4.8 of 5 stars.

3. Will it Fly: How to Test Your Next Business Idea So You Don’t Waste Your Time and Money

In ‘Will it Fly,’ Pat Flynn offers a framework for assessing the viability of your business ideas before investing time and resources into them. Flynn encourages readers to think about their target market, the competition, and their unique value proposition in order to determine whether or not a particular idea has the potential for success.

He also delves into strategies for getting feedback from potential customers and validating demand in order to refine and validate ideas before committing to them fully. Similar to Flynn’s other books, ‘Will it Fly’ is practical, actionable, and packed with personal anecdotes from the author’s own experiences as an entrepreneur.

This book is a must-read for anyone starting a new business or looking to expand their existing one.

4. The Founder’s Dilemmas

‘The Founder’s Dilemmas’ by Noam Wasserman provides a fascinating look at the challenges that can potentially sink a startup. Drawing from extensive research and real-life case studies, Wasserman explores common dilemmas such as whether to pursue outside funding or go it alone, when to bring on co-founders and how to handle differences in commitment among founders.

This book provides valuable insights for both first-time entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders, offering practical advice on how to navigate these challenging situations.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is that it doesn’t sugarcoat the hardships of entrepreneurship – instead, it offers strategies on how to anticipate and overcome them.

5. Starting a Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Launching a Successful Small Business

Are you ready to dive headfirst into entrepreneurship but unsure of where to start? Look no further than Ken Colwell’s ‘Starting a Business QuickStart Guide.’ This compact guide covers everything from identifying a strong opportunity to getting your first customers.

One of its best assets is Colwell’s ability to demystify the often confusing world of business, breaking down complex concepts like pricing and competition in easy-to-understand language.

He also offers valuable insights into the mindset needed for success as an entrepreneur, emphasizing that it involves more than just “thinking outside the box.” Overall, this book is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to launch their own venture.

As a small business owner, you must think about protecting your business and personal assets and an LLC helps you with it. LLC offers a combination of flexibility, legal protections, and tax advantages. You can also form an LLC in any state in the US. For instance, if you’re planning to run your business in Texas, you will need to form an LLC in Texas state.

6. Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months

Melinda Emerson’s “Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months” is a step-by-step guide for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing practical advice for taking the leap into self-employment.

From developing a business idea and creating a financial plan, to networking and marketing strategies, Emerson covers all the necessary steps to turn your dream into reality.

I particularly appreciated the emphasis on setting achievable goals and staying organized, as well as the helpful resources and inspirational quotes sprinkled throughout the book.

“Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months” is an essential read for anyone seeking to start their own business. Emerson’s no-nonsense approach and extensive experience as a successful small business owner make her the perfect mentor for aspiring and successful entrepreneurs alike. Highly recommended.

7. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

As an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to develop the discipline necessary to make lasting changes in your behavior and habits. But with Atomic Habits, James Clear offers a scientific yet practical approach to forming new habits and breaking old ones.

Clear draws on years of research in the fields of psychology, biology, and neuroscience to explain why habits form and how we can effectively change them. He also provides specific steps for readers to take, such as designing a behavioral “identity” and creating implementation intentions.

Overall, I believe Atomic Habits is an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur looking to improve their productivity and success while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. I highly recommend this book as a guide to implementing positive changes in your life.

8. Women Who Launch: The Women Who Shattered Glass Ceilings

Marlene Wagman-Geller’s Women Who Launch shines a deserving spotlight on the women who broke through glass ceilings in industries ranging from technology to fashion.

While there are some familiar names like Sheryl Sandberg and Marissa Mayer, there are also lesser-known pioneers such as Katherine Johnson, whose mathematical genius was integral to putting a man on the moon.

Wagman-Geller introduces each woman with informative background information before diving into their challenges and successes. In addition to highlighting individual accomplishments, the book also explores the systemic barriers that women face in leadership roles and offers advice for building an inclusive workplace culture.

I highly recommend Women Who Launch for anyone looking for inspiration or practical tips on how to shatter glass ceilings in their own careers.

9. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World

In ‘Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook,’ Gary Vaynerchuk breaks down the concept of storytelling in the digital age. He posits that successful marketing requires a balance between subtle jabs – content and messaging that establish a brand before delivering the knockout right hook – an offer or call to action.

Vaynerchuk explains how to tailor this approach for each specific social media platform, from Facebook and Twitter to Pinterest and Instagram. His book offers both theoretical framework and practical examples, making it a valuable resource for any marketer looking to strengthen their digital presence.

10. Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

In his book ‘Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future,’ PayPal co-founder and billionaire investor Peter Thiel shares his unique insights on what it takes to succeed in the world of startups.

He challenges conventional wisdom by urging readers not just to follow in the footsteps of successful companies, but to strive for something completely new and innovative. Thiel also offers practical advice on how to create and manage a successful startup, from recruiting talented employees to securing funding.

This thought-provoking business book is a must-read for anyone looking to make a mark in the startup world. It’s clear that Peter Thiel has had incredible success in his career, and ‘Zero to One’ shows that he has valuable lessons to share with ambitious entrepreneurs.

Conclusion: Why should you read business books

When it comes to starting a successful business, knowledge is power. One of the best ways to gain industry insight and expert guidance is by reading books written by experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

By diving into a wealth of information, you can learn about common mistakes to avoid and strategies for success and business growth. Reading books can also offer inspiration and fresh perspectives, helping to expand your own thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Ultimately, dedicating time to reading can give you a strong foundation for starting or improving your business. So the next time you’re looking for some entrepreneurship advice, consider heading to your local library or bookstore or shop for a version online.

Books may just be the valuable resource you need to give you the business success you need.