5 books every entrepreneur should read

Being an entrepreneur is undoubtedly a job of trial and error. The more mistakes one make, the more one learns. However, one can also learn by observing others instead of taking wrong steps repeatedly.

Fortunately, for them there are books. Books, which successful businessmen and women have penned down giving a vivid account of their journey that often provides an enlightening insight into the passion and persistence that an entrepreneur needs.

If you’re an entrepreneur or an aspiring one, here are 5 books that will help you think differently and push through tough times.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Covey- A classic book by Stephen Covey, it talks richly about leadership and success. The lessons taught here are timeless and actually works, which has helped it, sell millions of copies. The important lesson of “Win-Win” habit is what every entrepreneur should look forward to. It says that one of your first priorities should be to create a product or service that benefits your customer, and then worry about the rest.

‘Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius- A book that would definitely change the way one thinks about everything around him or her. Moving into a more spiritual realm, this book talks about how being an entrepreneur is about finding balance in your life. It’s a constant juggling act and ‘Meditations’ is the classic book of wisdom from Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor Aurelius. ‘You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.’

‘Rework’ by Jason Fried and David Hansson- Rework upholds some of the best instances one can read of how great founders educate themselves on – and then often disregard – the standard business practices of the past, to reinvent the future. All greats have created their own path that became successful because of their uniqueness. Linkedin wasn’t created after Linkedin; Facebook wasn’t created after Facebook. Although most great companies have had predecessors that found the chasm of a link, the transformative founders radically change industries reinventing them.

‘Startupland’ by Mikkel Svane– It’s no secret that you have to have special skills, and a major opportunity, to make it big as a founder. But not all, in fact not most great founders are birthed in Silicon Valley, or at Harvard. That is exactly the great lesson of ‘Startupland’. If they possess the skills, drive, and relentlessness, real people with families, lives, and responsibilities can make it big too. And, isn’t that ultimately what entrepreneurship is about?

‘To Sell Is Human’ by Daniel Pink- As different as the name sound; the book focuses on a different and direct path. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “sales person,” all entrepreneurs need to understand how to sell. This book breaks down the stigmas about salesmanship and shows you a simple strategy for “moving others.” It’s a fantastic read.