What I’m reading — 5 books every start-up founder should read now.
I’ve been on a reading rampage recently and finished a number of books that should be read by every start-up founder. The books range from strategy, to leadership to product development, all of which are needed by good founders. On the product development front many of the principles are derived from Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion but refine the ideas and reveal practical examples of the techniques so that you can build awesome products. I try not to give too much details on the books because this isn’t meant to be a synopsis, you will gain more from actually reading the books than from a 2 minute second hand summary.
Let’s dive straight in, I’ll start with a book that has resonated a lot with me.
The Strategist: Be the Leader Your Business Needs by Cynthia A. Montgomery
This book changed the way I thought about strategy and how I thought about my business. It led me to embark on a journey to redefine my business objectives and purpose. The book discusses case studies on businesses that succeeded in an industry or revolutionised their fortunes based on having a clear purpose, making contrarian decisions and providing a clear proposition to it’s staff, partners and customers.
Who’s it for:
Any business leader. If your role is to lead a business and plan it’s direction, this book is for you.
The Hard Things About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
This book was very interesting. It discusses leadership and the decision making process that must be part of being a good leader. How do you know when to push forward against the tide? Does a leader need to be a douche? Ben Horowitz’s experience and track record is second to none in Silicon Valley and this book does a great job in helping to understanding the mindset needed to be an effective leader.
Who’s it for:
Founders, CxOs. If you want to know what it takes to succeed in tough situations, this is for you.
Made to Stick by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
As the title indicates this book teaches you about the principles to make products that are sticky to users. Along with the other two books listed below it gives some great insight to human psychology and tactics that help build products that are indispensable to users.
Who’s it for:
Product managers and founders who want to build products that are used by customers repeatedly and always have them coming back for more.
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
Why isn’t my product catching on? Why do people continue to use products that are such crap compared to mine? This book helps answer these questions and more.
Who’s it for:
Product managers and founders who want to build products that are used by customers repeatedly and always have them coming back for more.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal
A good idea isn’t all that’s required for building a successful product. Hooked takes you on a journey of understanding of why things become a key part of a user’s day and how to help keep high daily active user numbers.
Who’s it for:
Product managers and founders who want to build products that are used by customers repeatedly and always have them coming back for more.
