Like most people, you probably have a long list of books you want to read. But if you’re one of the up-and-coming aspiring entrepreneurs, chances are your to-read list is even longer. There’s always something else you could be doing to grow your business, which means there’s always another book you could read.
Most startups don’t have the time or money to dive into every book. We’ve put together this list of must-read books for startups. These books will give you a good foundation of knowledge, allowing you to make smart decisions as your business grows.
To help you prioritize your reading list, we’ve created a list of the best business books for startups. These books will help you build a strong foundation for your business, learn how to market your product or service, and scale your business effectively.
1. “The Startup Owner’s Manual” by Steve Blank
We all know that starting a business is no easy feat. There are a million and one things to think about, from coming up with a great idea to building a great team to get your business off the ground.
But where do you even start?
Introducing The Startup Owner’s Manual: The Step-By-Step Guide for Building a Great Company. This 608-page guide by Silicon Valley startup expert Steve Blank and co-creator of the “Lean Startup” movement, Eric Ries, is packed with everything you need to know about starting a successful company.
The Startup Owner’s Manual takes you step-by-step through building a great company, from generating initial ideas to scaling your business. It includes over 100 charts, graphs, and diagrams, plus 77 valuable checklists to guide you as you create and grow your business.
This manual is ideal for anyone considering starting a business. It will help you understand the key steps in building a successful company and give you the tools to turn your big idea into a reality. So what are you waiting for? Get started today on building your very own great company!
2. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
If you’re a startup founder, you know how important it is to have a lean and agile business model. And that’s exactly what The Lean Startup by Eric Ries is all about. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to create and sustain a successful startup. In it, Ries provides a step-by-step guide on developing and implementing a lean startup approach, which has been proven to work repeatedly.
So why is The Lean Startup so popular and effective? Because it helps founders focus on the essentials while eliminating waste and non-essential activities. This leads to a leaner, more efficient business that can quickly adapt to change and evolve as needed. Additionally, the book provides valuable insights on validating ideas quickly and efficiently, so you can avoid making costly mistakes.
With over 250,000 copies sold, The Lean Startup is one of the most popular and influential business books of our time. This book is a must-read if you’re serious about starting or growing a successful startup.
4. “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss
Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, working long hours with little to show for it? “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss is the blueprint for escape.
This step-by-step guide to luxury lifestyle design teaches you how to outsource your life to overseas virtual assistants, eliminate 50% of your work in 48 hours, and travel the world without quitting your job.
You’ll learn how to Earn a monthly five-figure income with zero management and experience high-end world travel. It’s time to break free from the rat race – grab this book and make your dreams a reality.
5. “The Art of the Start” by Guy Kawasaki
The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki is a necessity for any entrepreneur. In a concise, actionable manner, Kawasaki provides up-to-date advice on everything from picking a start-up name to avoiding the top ten mistakes entrepreneurs make. With his trademark humor and insight, The Art of the Start is an essential tool for anyone looking to turn their dream into reality.
If you’re an entrepreneur, you know that the journey to success is full of challenges and obstacles. But with the right mindset and helpful advice, overcoming these challenges is possible. In The Art of the Start, Guy Kawasaki provides readers with specific, actionable advice to help get start-up businesses off the ground.
Kawasaki helps entrepreneurs avoid some of the most common mistakes, such as choosing a name for their business that doesn’t have verb potential. He also guides how to create a successful pitch, build a great team, and raise funds. With his trademark cutting-edge style, Kawasaki gives entrepreneurs the tools to turn their dreams into reality.
6. Leading at the Speed of Growth by Katherine Catlin and Jana Matthews
Katherine Catlin and Jana Matthews have written a book for anyone who wants to grow their startup quickly and successfully. Leading at the Speed of Growth is packed with valuable insights, advice, and stories from some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.
The authors share their experiences growing startups and offer readers a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of startup growth.
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the mechanics of startup growth and learn how to quickly lead their team through the challenges of scaling. Leading at the Speed of Growth is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to take their startup to the next level.
7. “The E Myth” by Michael Gerber
The E Myth by Michael Gerber is a book every startup should read. It’s a fascinating mix of business and psychology, providing invaluable insight into a successful business’s inner workings. The book is divided into three parts: The E-Myth, The Path to Success, and The Guiding Principles.
In the first part, Gerber introduces the concept of the entrepreneurial myth: the belief that anyone can start a successful business with little more than a great idea and some hard work.
This myth is dangerous because it leads people to underestimate the complexity of starting a business and can often lead to failure. In the book’s second part, Gerber outlines a proven path to success for startups.
He covers customer development, product development, marketing, and sales. And in the third part, he shares his guiding principles for success. These timeless principles apply to any business, no matter what industry you’re in. If you’re looking for a roadmap to success for your startup, look no further than The E Myth by Michael Gerber.
8. “Hooked: How To Build Habit-Forming Products” by Nir Eyal
Hooked is a must-read for any entrepreneur or product developer who wants to create products that users can’t help but love. In it, behavioral designer Nir Eyal reveals the secrets to creating products that capture users’ attention and keep them coming back for more.
Through engaging examples and practical applications, Hooked shows how any product can be designed to fit into users’ lives and become an indispensable part of their daily routines.
Whether you’re developing a new app, launching a new website, or just trying to get people to use a new feature on your existing product, this book will give you the insights and tools you need to succeed.
9. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins
In “Good to Great,” Jim Collins takes an in-depth look at what it takes for a company to leap from being good to great. He examines a variety of businesses, both big and small that have managed to achieve long-term success and sustain it over time.
Collins’ research shows that there is no single recipe for greatness, but there are certain ingredients that all great companies share. These include a disciplined people-focused approach, a culture of excellence, and a commitment to staying the course even when times are tough.
While “Good to Great” is quality reading for anyone who wants to understand how businesses can achieve long-term success, it’s also an inspiring book for entrepreneurs and startup founders looking to create something special. This book is a must-read if you’re looking for insights on building a lasting business.
10. “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen
In “The Innovator’s Dilemma,” Clayton Christensen presents a revolutionary new way of thinking about innovation. He explains why most companies fail to innovate and how disruptive innovations can undo even the most successful companies.
Christensen shows how businesses can succeed by embracing disruptive innovations and provides a framework for doing so. He offers practical advice for managers and entrepreneurs who want to create and sustain successful growth businesses.
“The Innovator’s Dilemma” is a book for anyone who wants to understand and apply the principles of disruptive innovation. It is a landmark work that will change how we think about business, competition, and society.
11. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
The hard thing about hard things is that they often come out of nowhere. Ben Horowitz’s wise and insightful startup book unpacks this difficult truth with humor and grace, offering various helpful suggestions for weathering the entrepreneurial journey.
From difficult conversations to hiring the right team, Horowitz draws on his years of experience in the tech world to show readers how to face challenges with courage and resolve. This is a great read for anyone interested in startups or wanting to learn how to deal with difficult situations productively and positively.
With its mix of pragmatic advice and inspiring tales, The Hard Thing About Hard Things is a must-read for anyone who wants to succeed in the business world.
12. The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco
If you’re ready to crack the code to wealth and live rich for a lifetime, The Millionaire Fastlane is the book for you! Author MJ DeMarco lays out a clear and concise roadmap that shows you how to achieve financial freedom. He draws on his own experience as a self-made millionaire to show you what it takes to create your own wealth.
The Millionaire Fastlane covers everything from building a winning mindset to choosing the right business opportunities. It’s packed with actionable advice to help you take your financial future into your own hands. If you’re serious about building wealth, this book is a must-read.
13. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
“The Power of Habit” is a book written by Charles Duhigg. It is about the science of how habits are formed and why they are so difficult to break. The book was published in 2012 by Random House. It has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold over 3 million copies.
The book starts with the story of a woman trying to quit smoking. She tries everything she can think of, but she can’t seem to kick the habit. Eventually, she discovers that the key to breaking her smoking habit is understanding how habits are formed.
Once she understands how her smoking habit was formed, she can break it for good. The book then explains the science behind how habits are formed. It turns out that there is a neurological loop that is responsible for forming habits. This loop consists of three parts: a cue, a routine, and a reward.
The cue is something that triggers the habit. For example, the cue for smoking might be seeing someone else smoke or feeling stressed out. The routine is the actual act of smoking a cigarette. And the reward is the satisfaction that comes from smoking a cigarette.
Understanding this loop is important for breaking bad habits and forming good ones. The book provides many examples of how this works in real life. For instance, it explains how you can use the same principle to make exercise a habit instead of forcing yourself to do something.
If you’re looking for a book that will change your life, “The Power of Habit” is worth reading. It’s an easy read that will give you a better understanding of how habits are formed and how you can change your bad habits for good.”
This book looks at the psychology of habits, exploring how triggers and cues shape our behavior. It provides insight into creating habits that will lead to success, from building productive routines to changing unproductive ones.
14. Crossing the Chasm: Marketing and Selling Technology Projects to Mainstream Customers by Geoffrey Moore
If your product is innovative, disruptive, and has the potential to change the game, then you need to read Crossing the Chasm. It’s a must-read for anyone in the tech industry.
This book for anyone in the tech industry provides a framework for understanding how customers adopt new products and technologies.
In Crossing the Chasm, Moore reveals a gap between the early adopters willing to take risks on new products and the majority of customers who need more convincing. He outlines a path startups can take to successfully market and sell their products to this wider audience.
With case studies and real-world examples, Crossing the Chasm is for anyone looking to bring a new product or technology to market. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, pick up a copy today.
15. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a timeless classic that has helped millions worldwide achieve success. This book by Stephen Covey is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their life.
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey provides readers with a step-by-step guide to developing good habits that will lead to success. He discusses important topics such as time management, goal setting, and networking. This book contains useful tips and advice to help you make the most of your life.
16. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
You’ve probably heard this famous quote from Napoleon Hill before. But what does it mean? Simply put, if you can imagine achieving something and truly believe it’s possible, you can make it happen.
Think and Grow Rich is one of the most popular self-help books. Over 100 million copies have been sold worldwide, and it has been translated into over 40 languages. The book is based on Hill’s own philosophy of success, which he developed after interviewing some of the most successful people of his day, including Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison.
Look no further than Think and Grow Rich if you’re looking for a book to inspire you to achieve your dreams. This timeless classic will show you that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
17. Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
Rework is one of those rare books that comes along and changes the way you think about work. Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson are the founders of Basecamp, one of the most successful startups in recent years, and in Rework, they show you how their unique approach to work has allowed them to achieve amazing things.
Their philosophy is simple but incredibly effective: work should be focused, efficient, and enjoyable. That might sound like common sense, but it’s anything but in today’s world of constant interruption and endless distractions. Fried and Hansson show you how to get rid of the clutter and noise that stand in your way and how to do more with less.
Rework is required reading for anyone who wants to change the way they work and achieve greatness in their field. It’s a game-changer.
18. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Why start with why?
In a world where most people go through the motions day in and day out, it’s more important than ever to find and do work that you’re passionate about. Simon Sinek’s book, Start with Why is all about just that – getting to the heart of what motivates you and using that knowledge to achieve greater success.
Many people know what they do – they may even know how they do it – but very few people understand why they do what they do. And Simon believes that this is why so many people never achieve their full potential.
To be truly successful, it’s not enough to have a great product or service; you need to have a deeper understanding of WHY you’re doing what you’re doing. This book will help you to find your own WHY and use it as a driving force in your life and work.
Start with Why is more than just a book; it’s a movement that has inspired countless people to change their lives and their businesses for the better. This book is for you if you’re looking for something more than just a 9-to-5 job.
19. Lean Analytics by Alistair Croll and Benjamin Yoskovitz
In a world where businesses are constantly trying to do more with less, being able to measure and track progress effectively is critical to success. Lean Analytics shows startups how to take advantage of data to quickly and efficiently assess whether their business is on the right track.
Alistair Croll and Benjamin Yoskovitz have written the definitive guide on using analytics to create and sustain a successful startup. They provide detailed instructions on establishing effective tracking systems and using data to make informed decisions about everything from product development to marketing strategy. In addition, they offer helpful case studies and real-world examples that illustrate how lean analytics can be used to achieve amazing results.
Whether starting with lean analytics or looking for ways to take your startup to the next level, this book is a must-read. It’s a great tool for anyone who wants to build a better business.
20. Purple Cow by Seth Godin
If you’re a startup looking for an edge, you’ll appreciate Seth Godin’s Purple Cow. The book will help you stand out in a sea of sameness and build a lasting business.
Purple Cow is all about standing out from the crowd. Everything is becoming more homogenized, and finding ways to make your product or service unique is more important than ever. And that’s exactly what Seth Godin shows you how to do in this must-read book for entrepreneurs.
With his signature insight and clarity, Godin reveals the secrets to creating products and services that are truly remarkable. He explains why it’s so important to be different and how to make sure your product or service is worth talking about.
If you’re serious about building a successful startup, Purple Cow is a must-read. The book will show you how to create a business that stands out from the rest.
21. Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares
Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares is the perfect book for startups looking to gain an edge over their competition. This New York Times bestseller provides vital tips and tricks to get noticed and gain traction in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing business world.
With over 300 proven tactics, Traction will teach you how to market your product or service in the most effective way possible. You’ll learn how to use Guerilla Marketing techniques to generate buzz and get noticed and how to utilize SEO, PR, and social media to reach your target audience.
Traction is the go-to guide for anyone who wants to take their business to the next level. This book is a must-read if you’re looking for a competitive advantage.
22. Radical Candor by Kim Scott
If you’re looking for a book that will teach you how to be a better leader, look no further than Radical Candor by Kim Scott. This book provides invaluable insights into what it takes to be an effective leader.
Kim Scott is a former executive at Google and Apple, and her experience shines through in this concise and powerful book. In just under 200 pages, Scott lays out a simple but effective framework for giving feedback that will help you build stronger relationships with your team members. One of the things that makes Radical Candor so special is that it doesn’t just give you theoretical advice – Scott includes plenty of real-world examples to illustrate her points.
This makes the book relatable and easy to apply to your situation. So if you’re looking for a book that will teach you how to be a better leader, pick up a copy of Radical Candor today.
23. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
If you want to know what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, look no further than Steve Jobs. In this authorized biography, Walter Isaacson provides an in-depth and intimate account of Jobs’s life, from his childhood to his untimely death. Drawing on dozens of interviews with Jobs himself, as well as family members, friends, and colleagues, Isaacson offers readers a rare glimpse into the mind of a true visionary.
Jobs was always ahead of the curve, whether with his innovative products or his unique approach to marketing and design. He was a master at seeing opportunities where others saw none, and his unyielding determination resulted in some of the most groundbreaking technology of our time. Steve Jobs is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
24. Scale: The Universal Laws of Growth, Innovation, Sustainability, and the Pace of Life in Organisms, Cities, Economies, and Companies by Geoffrey West
A great book for startups, Scale: The Universal Laws of Growth, Innovation, Sustainability, and the Pace of Life in Organizations, tells the story of how our modern world came to be. It is a fascinating read that covers a lot of topics related to business and economics. But more importantly, it provides valuable insights into how we can create a better future for ourselves and our businesses.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part looks at the history of our world and how it has changed over time. The second part focuses on the principles that govern growth and innovation. And the third part looks at how we can apply these principles to create a more sustainable future.
Each part of the book is packed with information and insights to help you understand the complex issues facing our world today. But more importantly, you’ll learn how to take action and make a difference in your own life and the lives of others.
If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to think differently about how we live and work, this is the one for you. Order your copy today!
25. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Startups are hard. You’re constantly hustling, grinding, and working around the clock to make your dream a reality. It’s easy to get caught up in the game and forget about the people who got you where you are today. That’s why Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People is essential reading for any startup founder.
In this book, Carnegie lays out simple yet effective ways to build relationships with the people who matter most. He covers topics like how to make a great first impression, how to handle difficult conversations, and how to build a strong network of influential friends. This book is a must-read if you want to learn how to win over the people who can help you achieve your goals.
26. Smartcuts: How Hackers, Innovators, and Icons Accelerate Success by Shane Snow
Who doesn’t want to find the shortcut to success? We all know the feeling of being stuck in a rut, spinning our wheels, and getting nowhere. Shane Snow’s Smartcuts is the answer for anyone who feels stuck in a rut and is not making any progress. This book reveals how hackers, innovators, and icons accelerate success.
Snow lays out concrete strategies anyone can use to achieve their goals, whether developing a successful startup or becoming an icon in their field. He also debunks some common myths about success, such as the idea that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert.
If you’re looking for a creative, engaging, and persuasive book on accelerating your success, then you need to read Smartcuts.
27. Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull, Amy Wallace
Startups are all about creativity. They’re about thinking outside the box, challenging the status quo, and coming up with new and innovative ideas. And that’s why Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull is such a valuable book for any startup founder.
One of the best startup business books, Creativity is packed with insights and advice from one of the most successful creative minds in the world. Catmull is the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, and he knows a thing or two about fostering a culture of creativity. In this book, he shares his proven methods for nurturing creativity in individuals and teams.
28. Founders at Work by Jessica Livingston
Startups are hard. But they can be insanely rewarding, both personally and professionally. Founders at Work is for you if you’re thinking about starting a company or are in the early stages of building one.
This book features interviews with some of the most successful startup founders in recent history, including the co-founder of PayPal, Max Levchin; the founder of Flickr, Caterina Fake; and David Heinemeier Hansson, creator of Ruby on Rails. Through their stories, Jessica Livingston provides insights, lessons, and advice to help you navigate the often difficult world of startups.
29. Good Strategy Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt
In Good Strategy Bad Strategy, world-renowned strategy expert Richard Rumelt provides a clear, concise guide for anyone looking to create and implement an effective business strategy. Startups are notoriously difficult to get off the ground, and a well-thought-out strategy is one of the most important factors in ensuring success.
This book covers all the basics of strategy development, from defining your company’s purpose to evaluating opportunities and threats. It also includes a section on common mistakes startups make when crafting their strategy. With its insights and actionable advice, Good Strategy Bad Strategy is a smart purchase for any startup founder or CEO.
30. The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick
The Mom Test is packed with actionable advice on validating your business idea, building a great product, and getting traction.
But it’s not just for startups. The Mom Test is also perfect for anyone who wants to bring their big idea to life. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner or have a great idea for a new product or service, this book will show you how to get started on the right foot.
The Mom Test is written by Rob Fitzpatrick, who knows a thing or two about startups. He’s the founder of App Angels, a startup accelerator, and the author of The Lean Startup Methodology for Startups. So if you’re looking for advice from someone who’s been there and done that, look no further than The Mom Test.
31. Explosive Growth A Few Things I Learned While Growing to 100 Million Users and Losing $78 Million by Cliff Lerner
Explosive Growth is an important book for anyone interested in understanding the realities of startup living and entrepreneurship. The book details the highs and lows of growing a startup from scratch, with 100 million users, as the ultimate goal.
The storytelling is lively and engaging, with numerous case studies included to underscore the lessons learned. This behind-the-scenes look at a successful startup is inspiring and informative and will teach readers how to implement genius growth tactics in their own businesses.
Fast-paced and entertaining, Explosive Growth is a must-read for anyone interested in startups, business, or entrepreneurship. It offers an honest and revealing look at building a successful business from the ground up.
32. Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur
If you’re looking for an inspiring and engaging book on business growth, you must check out Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur. This best-selling book gives readers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a fast-growing startup, detailing its successes, failures, and genius growth tactics.
Business Model Generation is packed with useful information on creating and sustaining a successful business. The authors provide readers with an in-depth look at business models and how they can create value for businesses. They also offer insights on how to scale businesses and overcome common challenges.
This book is for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of the business world better. It’s a must-have for anyone serious about starting or growing their own business.
33. The Four Steps to the Epiphany by Steven Blank
There are few things more gratifying than watching your startup take off. But the road to success is often long and arduous, with plenty of obstacles. We recommend The Four Steps to the Epiphany by Steven Blank.
This book is a must-read for entrepreneurs serious about making their startups thrive. Blank outlines a step-by-step process for achieving commercial success, from creating a great product or service to getting customers to buy it. He also provides invaluable guidance on building and growing a team, raising capital, and making your business sustainable in the long term.
The Four Steps to the Epiphany is the right read for anyone who wants to turn their startup dream into a reality. This book will help you take your business to new heights with its insights and straightforward advice.
34. Why Startups Fail by Tom Eisenmann
Why Startups Fail is a must-read for any entrepreneur or aspiring business leader. Tom Eisenmann, a professor at Harvard Business School, uses his years of experience in the startup world to provide an inside look at the most common mistakes that businesses make – and how to avoid them.
Eisenmann argues that the biggest reason startups fail is a lack of focus. He urges entrepreneurs to stay laser-focused on their core product or service and not get distracted by shiny objects or side projects. This important advice can help you keep your business on track and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Startups Fail is packed with useful information and insights to help you build a successful business. This book is an excellent selection if you’re looking for a way to take your startup to the next level.
35. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
If you’re a startup founder, you’re probably always looking for new and innovative ways to grow your business. And what better way to do that than by reading Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg?
This New York Times Best Seller offers valuable insights on how to build a successful career as a woman in the modern world. Through her experiences as the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg provides readers with a unique perspective on what it takes to lean in and achieve success.
Lean in is valuable for startups because it challenges the traditional wisdom about women in the workplace. For too long, women have been told to play it safe and conform to the status quo to succeed. But as Sheryl Sandberg shows, this isn’t true.
36. Invent and Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos
If you’re looking for a book that will inspire and guide you in your entrepreneurial journey, look no further than Invent and Wander by Jeff Bezos. In this collection of essays, Bezos draws on his experience as the founder and CEO of Amazon to provide insights and lessons on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
He covers topics such as the importance of customer obsession, thinking long-term, and embracing failure as a necessary step to success. With its mix of practical advice and Bezos’s unique perspective on business, Invent and Wander is smart reading for anyone interested in starting their own company.
37. The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries and Jack Trout
Few marketing books are as well-respected and well-known as The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing. Written by Al Ries and Jack Trout, two of the world’s foremost marketing minds, this book should be required reading for anyone in business, whether they’re just starting out or are looking to take their company to the next level.
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing lays out clear, concise rules for success in marketing and has become a bible of sorts for many businesses. If you’re looking for a creative, engaging, and persuasive way to market your product or service, look no further than The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing.
38. Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin
In “Lost and Founder,” Rand Fishkin offers a candid, often hilarious look at the chaotic early days of Moz, one of the most successful startups in recent history. Through his own struggles and successes, he provides a guidebook for anyone who’s ever dreamed of starting their own company.
Fishkin is unafraid to share the ugly truths about startup life, especially when it comes to the many ways you can fail. But he also knows that failure is only the first step to success. “Lost and Founder” is filled with useful advice and inspiring stories from some of today’s most successful entrepreneurs.
Lost and Founder is a must-read whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been working on your startup for years. It’s funny, honest, and might be the kick in the pants you need to get your business off the ground.
39. Do More Faster by Brad Feld and David Cohen
Do More Faster is the startup Bible for anyone who wants to get their business off the ground quickly and effectively. Brad Feld and David Cohen, two of the most successful startup investors and entrepreneurs in the world, share their secrets for building a successful company from scratch.
This book is for anyone serious about starting a business. It’s packed with practical advice on everything from ideation and product development to fundraising and marketing. But it’s also more than just a how-to manual; it’s a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the trials and tribulations of startup life.
Feld and Cohen don’t sugarcoat anything; they don’t shy away from talking about failure and offer frank insights into the highs and lows of startup life. But through it all, they remain relentlessly optimistic about the power of entrepreneurship to change the world.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work on your own startup, Do More Faster is the book for you.
40. The One Thing by Gary Keller
“The One Thing” by Gary Keller is a must-read for any startup. It’s an incredibly insightful and thought-provoking book that will help you focus on what’s really important in your business. Keller provides readers with a clear and concise framework for achieving success in any venture.
He also offers a wealth of practical advice and wisdom that can be applied to any situation.
41. The Art of the Pitch by Peter Coughter
Whether you’re pitching to investors or customers, you need to be able to articulate your vision and get people excited about your product or service. And that’s where The Art of the Pitch comes in.
Penned by Peter Coughter, this book is for any startup looking to hone its pitching skills. Coughter is a veteran advertising executive and copywriter who knows a thing or two about persuasion. And in The Art of the Pitch, he shares his wisdom on how to craft a killer pitch that will help you close the deal.
With Coughter’s advice, you’ll learn how to capture people’s attention, build rapport, and create an emotional connection with your audience. You’ll also discover the secrets to delivering a confident, polished performance that will leave your listeners wanting more.
So whether you’re seeking funding for your startup or trying to sell your latest invention, make sure you have a copy of The Art of the Pitch. It just might be the difference between success and failure.
As a startup founder, this list of the best business startup books should provide you with the knowledge and advice you need to launch and grow a successful business.
