5 Books For Every Founder
Before forming a startup, entrepreneurs are told to gather as much valuable information as possible. So what can a person do to be best prepared for an entrepreneur’s lifestyle?
A few believe that going to expensive seminars are a sure way to be a step ahead of other startups in their desired area. That’s why people spend up to thousands of dollars by going to startup seminars in places like California or New York. Experiential learning is critical, and fostering a network of hungry, likeminded individuals can have a huge impact on ones potential
But, does gathering valuable information really have to be so expensive?
Hell no! A great way to get the answers needed before and during a startup journey is simply by getting sought out books. Its a simple, classic, and effective approach to getting ahead in life. Books can be a way for individuals to get professional advice in an affordable way.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, small-business owner, or not-for-profit leader, there’s no shortage of advice on topics such as innovating, fund raising, recruiting, and branding.
So what books are good to start with?
When Warren Buffet was asked the key to success he said “Read 500 pages a week. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it, but I guarantee not many of you will do it.”
by Guy Kawasaki
Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki was one of the Apple employees originally responsible for marketing their Macintosh computer line in 1984. His book gives practical advice over a wide range of topics, from marketing and social media to crowdfunding and cloud computing.
A key lesson that Guy Kawasaki states is that “Entrepreneur is a state of mind, not a job title.”
2. The Founder’s Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup
by Noam Wasserman
Professor of clinical entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California, Noam Wasserman describes why and how certain founders succeeded and failed in their startups using real-world examples.
3. Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World
by Tim Ferriss
Bestselling American author, entrepreneur, and public speaker Tim Ferriss wrote this book with the purpose of going through a wide range of topics that would assist readers to improve their results, get unstuck, or reinvent themselves. He does this by giving insight and advice from high performers who have been influential mentors to himself such as Tony Robbins, Derek Sivers, and Daymond John.
by Ryan Holliday
Another serial Bestselling author and marketing guru, Holiday breaks down the necessary steps to creating something that transcends its time; that continues to last for decades to come. This book is beautifully written and leaves a lasting impression of impeccable research. Its a must read for any level of entrepreneur or marketeer.
5. Principles
by Ray Dalio
In his twenties, Dalio began a fund in a two bedroom apartment, which went on to become one of the most wildly sought after hedge fund management firms in the world. He credits much of his success to radically taking stock in his experiences, by writing and refining his principles for decision making. This book will make you rethink your life and how you live it, it should also encourage you to discover your own principles that you live by and to question their efficacy.
