In Entrepreneurial Leap I share 10 ways to keep growing, learning, and staying motivated. One way is reading great books.
You are the culmination of the books you read and the people you hang around with. This list introduces you to some great resources for your journey. An important caution is that, given all you’ll read, hear, watch, and learn in educating yourself as an entrepreneur, please understand that if you try to do everything you learn, it will twist you in a knot and potentially put you out of business.
Not all advice is for everyone. You can find a lot of information out there, and one size does not fit all.
As Dr. James Dobson states, “The same boiling water that hardens the egg will soften the carrot.” You have to be selective and trust your gut. Glean what’s best for your vision, your plan, and your company.
Here are some great books for entrepreneurs:
Non Fiction Books
A timeless classic on success and personal development, Think and Grow Rich lays out 13 principles for achieving financial and personal success. Based on Hill’s study of the habits of the most successful people of his time, this book emphasizes the power of thoughts, desire, faith, and persistence in achieving wealth and fulfillment.
2. The Millionaire Next Door – Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
This groundbreaking book reveals surprising insights about America’s millionaires, showing that wealth is often built through discipline, modest living, and smart financial habits. By studying real millionaires, Stanley and Danko debunk myths about wealth and highlight practical strategies for financial success.
3. Good to Great – Jim Collins
Why do some companies achieve extraordinary success while others remain mediocre? Good to Great explores the characteristics of companies that made the leap to greatness and sustained it. Collins identifies key factors like leadership, discipline, and strategic focus that drive long-term business success.
4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey
One of the most influential personal development books, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People provides a framework for achieving personal and professional effectiveness. Covey’s principles—such as proactive thinking, prioritization, and synergy—have helped millions develop better habits for success.
5. Unique Ability – Catherine Nomura, Dan Sullivan, Julia Waller, and Shannon Waller
This book introduces the concept of “Unique Ability,” a blend of talent, passion, and value creation. It guides readers on how to discover their unique abilities and leverage them to maximize personal and professional success.
6. The Young Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting and Running a Business – Steve Mariotti
A practical guide for aspiring young business owners, this book covers everything from brainstorming business ideas to securing funding and managing operations. Mariotti provides valuable insights and step-by-step advice to help young entrepreneurs build successful ventures.
7. The Lean Startup – Eric Ries
A must-read for entrepreneurs, The Lean Startup introduces a methodology for building and scaling businesses efficiently. Ries advocates for continuous innovation, rapid experimentation, and customer feedback to create sustainable startups with minimal waste.
8. How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
First published in 1936, this classic remains one of the most powerful books on communication and leadership. Carnegie provides timeless principles for building strong relationships, influencing others, and achieving personal and professional success.
8. How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
First published in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People remains one of the most powerful books on communication and leadership. Carnegie provides timeless principles for building strong relationships, influencing others, and achieving personal and professional success.
9. Great by Choice – Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen
Following up on Good to Great, this book examines why some companies thrive in uncertainty and chaos while others fail. Collins and Hansen identify traits of resilient, high-performing businesses and share actionable strategies for lasting success.
10. Built to Last – Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras
Through extensive research, Built to Last identifies the key principles that enable companies to endure for decades. Collins and Porras highlight visionary leadership, core values, and adaptability as essential elements for long-term success.
11. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni
A leadership fable that uncovers the root causes of team dysfunction, this book provides actionable strategies for building cohesive and high-performing teams. Lencioni presents a simple yet effective model for overcoming common challenges in teamwork.
12. The E-Myth Revisited – Michael Gerber
Gerber challenges common myths about entrepreneurship and explains why most small businesses fail. He introduces the concept of working on your business rather than in it, providing a framework for building scalable, successful businesses.
13. Small Giants – Bo Burlingham
This book profiles companies that chose to be great instead of big, showing that business success isn’t solely about scaling rapidly. Burlingham highlights how small companies can achieve excellence by focusing on culture, customer relationships, and purpose.
14. The Startup Owner’s Manual – Steve Blank
A comprehensive guide for startup founders, this book provides a step-by-step approach to launching and growing a successful business. Blank introduces the Customer Development process, which helps entrepreneurs build products that truly meet market needs.
15. Crushing It! – Gary Vaynerchuk
Vaynerchuk provides inspiration and practical advice for building a personal brand and growing a business in the digital age. Through case studies and his own experiences, he highlights how individuals can leverage social media to achieve success.
16. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 – Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
This book explains the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) and provides strategies for improving self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. It includes an EQ test to help readers assess and develop their emotional intelligence.
17. Essentialism – Greg McKeown
A powerful book on productivity and focus, Essentialism encourages readers to eliminate non-essential tasks and prioritize what truly matters. McKeown provides a mindset shift for achieving more by doing less.
18. Zero to One – Peter Thiel
Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, presents a bold perspective on innovation and startup success. He argues that true breakthroughs happen when entrepreneurs create something entirely new—going from zero to one—rather than just improving existing ideas.
19. Principles – Ray Dalio
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio shares the principles that guided him in building Bridgewater Associates into a financial powerhouse. The book offers insights on decision-making, leadership, and personal growth based on radical transparency and structured thinking.
20. Start with Why – Simon Sinek
Sinek explores how great leaders and businesses inspire action by focusing on the “why” behind what they do. By defining and communicating purpose, companies and individuals can build stronger, more loyal audiences.
21. The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben Horowitz
Horowitz, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor, shares raw and honest lessons about the challenges of running a business. He provides real-world advice on leadership, decision-making, and navigating crises.
22. Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki
This personal finance classic contrasts the financial mindsets of Kiyosaki’s two father figures—his educated but financially struggling “poor dad” and his entrepreneurial “rich dad.” The book teaches valuable lessons about money, investing, and financial independence.
23. The EOS Life – Gino Wickman
A companion to Wickman’s Traction, this book explores how entrepreneurs can design a fulfilling life by following the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). It offers a blueprint for balancing business success with personal happiness.
24. Rocket Fuel – Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters
This book explains the powerful relationship between Visionaries and Integrators in business. Wickman and Winters show how these two roles, when working together effectively, can drive explosive growth and operational success.
Learn more about: 8 Critical Mistakes Made By Most Entrepreneurs
Biographies of Successful Entrepreneurs
1. Screw It, Let’s Do It – Richard Branson
In this inspiring and unconventional memoir, billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson shares the personal philosophies and bold decisions that helped him build the Virgin empire. Packed with life lessons and business wisdom, Branson encourages readers to take risks, follow their passions, and challenge the status quo.
2. Steve Jobs – Walter Isaacson
Based on over 40 interviews with Steve Jobs and hundreds of conversations with his colleagues, family, and competitors, this bestselling biography provides a deeply insightful look into the visionary mind of Apple’s co-founder. Isaacson explores Jobs’ relentless drive, creativity, and the highs and lows of his revolutionary career.
3. Shoe Dog – Phil Knight
A candid and engaging memoir, Shoe Dog tells the story of how Phil Knight built Nike from a small startup into a global powerhouse. With honesty and humor, Knight recounts the challenges, risks, and pivotal moments that shaped one of the most iconic brands in history.
4. Pour Your Heart Into It – Howard Schultz
In this inspiring book, Starbucks’ longtime CEO Howard Schultz shares the story of how he transformed a small coffee shop into a global phenomenon. Schultz emphasizes the importance of passion, perseverance, and a strong company culture in building a brand that connects with customers.
5. Thomas Edison (multiple books)
Many biographies explore the life of Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor who revolutionized the world with the light bulb, phonograph, and motion pictures. These books delve into his relentless work ethic, innovative mindset, and the impact of his inventions on modern society.
6. Walt Disney (multiple books)
Books on Walt Disney reveal the genius behind the Disney empire, chronicling his journey from a struggling animator to a global entertainment icon. They highlight his creativity, business acumen, and the visionary drive that led to the creation of Disneyland, animated classics, and a lasting cultural legacy.
7. I Invented the Modern Age: The Rise of Henry Ford – Richard Snow
This biography explores how Henry Ford transformed the world with the invention of the Model T and the development of assembly-line production. Richard Snow paints a vivid picture of Ford’s genius, ambition, and contradictions, shedding light on his role in shaping modern industry.
8. Made in America – Sam Walton
In this autobiography, Walmart’s founder Sam Walton shares the principles and strategies that helped him build the world’s largest retail empire. Written in Walton’s down-to-earth style, this book provides insights into his relentless focus on customer service, cost efficiency, and innovation.
9. George Washington (multiple books)
Numerous biographies chronicle the life of George Washington, America’s first president and a legendary leader. These books explore his military genius, leadership style, and the principles that guided him in shaping the United States. Whether focusing on his Revolutionary War triumphs or his presidency, Washington’s story is one of perseverance, integrity, and vision.
Read: The 8 MUST-DOS to Increase Your Odds of Entrepreneurial Success
Conclusion
The path to entrepreneurial success is paved with continuous learning, self-improvement, and the wisdom of those who have walked it before. The books on this list offer invaluable insights into business strategy, leadership, personal development, and financial intelligence.
As you explore these reads, take what resonates, adapt what aligns with your vision, and trust your instincts. Growth comes not just from acquiring knowledge but from applying it in ways that serve your business and your life.
If you want to avoid common mistakes and set yourself up for success, grab a copy of Entrepreneurial Leap® by Gino Wickman. It provides a roadmap to overcoming challenges and building a thriving business.
For even deeper guidance and mentorship, consider joining the Entrepreneurial Leap Academy, a powerful resource designed to help you navigate the journey with confidence. Keep reading, keep learning, and most importantly, keep taking action.
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