It seems like there's an infinite supply of resources about business. But you might still want to read books on how to build a business instead. Besides, how many
multimillionaires claim that they read frequently?
Reading books doesn't only increase knowledge but also inspires creativity and enhances concentration. So why not hit multiple birds with one stone by reading these books:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book is not exactly about building a business but about one of the keys to success – habits.
Clear points out science-based concepts to help us understand our tiniest daily behaviour. He also shares practical strategies to break bad habits and form new ones.
Habits allow you to reach your goals. For example, if your goal is to become a prominent pianist, you have to include practice in your daily habit. One cannot be virtuoso overnight, it's a result of consistent effort.
Atomic Habits discusses the following ideas:
The Founder's Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls that can Sink a Start-up by Noam Wasserman
Studies show that a large number of start-ups shut down within the first year of operations. The best way to avoid being part of that statistic is to know what exactly you're getting into.
Noam Wasserman, a Harvard Business School professor, gives an in-depth early decision a founder must make. He also shares ways to avoid disastrous mistakes that can cost power, fortune, and relationships.
The Lean Start-up: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
Ries introduces the "
Start-up Methodology", a new management approach that can get entrepreneurs through extreme uncertainties. This book has spurred a movement to re-evaluate business practices.
One of the most interesting lessons in the book is the "Build-Measure-Learn," which can also be applied in other areas of your life.
How to Start a Business by Ken Colwell
Starting a business involves a lot of complicated processes. Fortunately, Ken Colwell's How to Start a Business consolidates and simplifies all the necessary tasks to jumpstart your business.
The author helps readers develop an entrepreneurial mindset by understanding the importance and distinctions of ideas and opportunities. Then, it proceeds to discuss the practical parts of starting a business, the value proposition, and the business plan.
The Peter Principle: Why Things Always Go Wrong by Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull
Anyone who is planning to start an entrepreneurial journey shouldn't miss this #1 New York Times Best Seller!
This book bravely reveals why all of us inevitably reach a point of incompetence as we climb in the hierarchy – something that happens in all fields. It's because companies promote people based on their previous performance and not on their qualifications or potential.
As you flip through the pages, learn how this phenomenon affects businesses and how to overcome it.
Small Giants by Bo Burlingham
Traditionally, success is defined as massive sales and expansion. In this book, Burlingham encourages business owners to rethink what success really means. According to him, there are various reasons why some companies decide to stay small – they want to focus on quality rather than quantity.
As a company grows, so is the number of stockholders. By keeping it small, the owners can maintain control.
They want to represent their communities and give back to the locals. They want to build an employee-centric workplace, which promotes loyalty and passion.
Many new entrepreneurs suffer from burnout because their idea of success means massive valuation. This book can help you avoid that by reinforcing different kinds of metrics.
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
It teaches the
Entrepreneurial Operating System®, making it one of the sought-after books for small business owners. Although it seems like the content was meant for existing businesses, it's also suitable for new entrepreneurs because they face similar frustrations.
This practical method emphasizes the six core components of any business: Vision, People, Process, Data, Issues, and Traction. Wickman points out that by defining and aligning these components, you can run a company with less struggle.
If you do not already have a system in place or are not happy with the one you have, you should read these best-selling authors' books on how to build a business because they contain invaluable information.
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