10 book recommendations from top entrepreneurs to inspire your journey 

Business
10 Feb 2024
11 mins read
Written by Aditi

Are you an entrepreneur in need of inspiration or feeling like you’re stuck in a rut? One excellent solution is to dive into a good book. We’ve compiled a list of recommended readings from the community, showcasing what successful entrepreneurs are reading. Join them on this journey of continual learning and growth. 

 

Let’s dive in. 

 1. The 4-Hour Workweek 

Written by: Timothy Ferriss 

 

Now, don’t take it literally, but the book encourages you to think outside the box and find smarter ways to tackle things. One example it gives is about testing demand before launching a product. By doing this, you can avoid ending up with a garage full of unsold inventory. It may sound simple, but you’d be surprised how many people have a bunch of stuff collecting dust because they didn’t bother to run a simple test using AdWords. 

 

“The 4-Hour Body” is all about finding these clever shortcuts and strategies to make your life easier and more efficient. So if you’re looking to optimise your time and maximise your results, this book might just be the game-changer you need! 

2. Life Advice From Death Row 

Written by: Carter Armendarez 

 

In this book, the author shares their personal experience of writing letters to death row inmates at San Quentin. They were hoping to find a glimmer of hope, inspiration, or even a spark of wisdom from some of America’s most notorious criminals. And let me tell you, the insights they gained were truly eye-opening. 

 

The inmates on death row had such unique perspectives on life, and their advice was unlike anything the author had ever encountered. It’s remarkable how these individuals, facing the ultimate consequence for their actions, could offer such profound insights into the human condition. 

 

So if you’re looking for a thought-provoking and unconventional source of life advice, “Life Advice From Death Row” might just be the book for you. It’s a captivating exploration of the human spirit in the most unlikely circumstances. 

3. The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism 

Written by: Olivia Cabane 

 

You know which question pops up quite often? “How important is charisma in sales?” Well, let us tell you, it’s a pretty big deal. Having charisma can make a world of difference when it comes to making a good impression and connecting with people. And guess what? It plays a crucial role in positioning yourself and your product as the perfect solution. All this translates to sales. 

 

Now, you might be wondering: why do some folks seem to have this magical ability to charm others effortlessly, while you feel like an awkward turtle? Trust us, you’re not alone.  

 

In this book, the author dives deep into debunking the charisma myth. You see, it’s not some mysterious, inborn quality that only a lucky few possess. Nope, not at all. 

 

Drawing on techniques she developed for Harvard and MIT, the author breaks charisma down into smaller components. She spills the beans on the secrets and techniques that can help anyone cultivate and enhance their own charisma. So, if you’re ready to unleash your inner charisma and make waves in the sales game, this book is definitely worth checking out! 

4. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It  

Written by Michael Gerber 

 

Starting your own business is no walk in the park. It’s statistically proven to be a tough nut to crack. Why? Well, there’s just so much you don’t know, and every day brings new challenges that you have to adapt to. And to make matters worse, the statistics show that 9 out of 10 businesses end up biting the dust. 

 

But hey, there’s some good news on the horizon! There’s this book called “The E-Myth” that’s just been released in a fresh and revamped edition. Michael Gerber, the author, is here to debunk all those myths surrounding starting your own business. He’ll show you how common assumptions can actually hinder your success in running a business. 

 

Now, let’s be real, this book isn’t some magical solution to all your problems. But it can definitely give you a glimpse into the life of a business owner. It’s packed with valuable insights and practical advice that might just help you navigate the entrepreneurial world a little bit better. 

5. Atomic Habits 

Written by James Clear 

 

You know what we all love? Watching videos and reading books about successful people, hoping to uncover their secret habits and replicate them in our own lives. But here’s the thing: those habits often fade away faster than a summer tan. They might be inspiring, but let’s face it, successfully adopting someone else’s habits can be a real challenge. And when you struggle to make it work, it’s only natural to feel demoralised and want to throw in the towel. 

 

But guess what? If you’re having trouble changing your habits, it’s not because there’s something wrong with you. Nope, the problem lies in your system. You see, bad habits tend to stick around like a clingy ex, not because you lack the willpower to change, but because you haven’t set up the right system to support that change. 

 

That’s where “Atomic Habits” comes in. This game-changing book will revolutionise the way you think about progress and success. It’s packed with powerful tools and strategies that can help you transform your habits, and achieve any other goal you set your sights on. 

 

So, if you’re ready to take control of your habits and pave the way for lasting change, “Atomic Habits” is a must-read. It’s all about building a system that works for you and sets you up for success. Get ready to unlock your full potential and make those positive changes stick! 

6. Against the Gods, the remarkable story of risk  

Written by: Peter L. Bernstein 

 

Let’s talk about something that’s a part of life in both big and small ways: risk. Yep, we all have our own definition of what “risk” means to us. 

 

Now, when it comes to the business world, risk can be a real game-changer. It can either lead you to glorious success or leave you drowning in debts and facing bankruptcy. That’s no joke! 

 

If you’re interested in getting a better handle on how to balance risk, I’ve got just the book for you: “Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk” by Peter Bernstein. This book takes you on an epic journey through history, exploring the concept of risk across centuries. 

 

Now, don’t think this book is solely focused on portfolio risk. Oh no, it goes way beyond that. It delves into the broader understanding of risk and how it has shaped our world. And let me tell you, that makes it highly relevant and worth diving into. 

 

So, if you’re ready to explore the fascinating world of risk and gain some valuable insights along the way, “Against the Gods” should definitely be on your reading list. Get ready to broaden your perspective and gain a whole new understanding of this complex topic! 

7. Antifragile  

Written by: Nassim Nicholas Taleb 

 

Life is a wild ride filled with constant change, isn’t it? And when it comes to business, well, buckle up because the twists and turns can be even more intense. One moment you’re all set for a bustling tourism season, and the next moment a pandemic hits, grounding everyone. Talk about unpredictable! 

If you’re in need of some inspiration and guidance to navigate through these ever-changing times, I’ve got just the book for you: “Antifragile.” Trust me, it’s a real eye-opener. 

 

This book dives deep into the concept that unexpected things happen all the time – in our personal lives, in societies, in nature, you name it. The author explains that there are three types of responses to these unexpected events. Some things, like fragile objects, can’t handle the pressure and fall apart. Then there are robust things that can weather the storm and carry on. But the real magic lies in being antifragile, where you not only weather the unexpected but actually learn, grow, and thrive as a result. 

 

The main message here is that there’s more upside than downside to random, unpredictable, or unexpected events. It’s about embracing the uncertainty and using it as an opportunity to become better, to evolve, and to keep growing. So, don’t let the chaos of life hold you back. Instead, let it be a catalyst for your personal and professional growth. 

8. The Four Agreements 

Written by: Don Miguel Ruiz 

 

This book lays out four super simple rules that can truly transform your life and bring you a sense of peace like never before. 

 

Even Tom Brady swears by these rules. He’s talked openly about how they helped him navigate through a tough period in his life, and now they’re his go-to operating system. Pretty impressive, right? 

 

Now, let us be real with you. These agreements may sound easy in theory, but putting them into practice can be a whole different ballgame. But the value they bring might be absolutely worth it. 

 

So, if you’re looking to live a more peaceful life and find some guidance along the way, give these four agreements a shot. Get ready to experience a level of harmony and contentment that you didn’t even know was possible. It’s time to make a positive shift and embrace the power of these simple yet profound principles. 

9. Millionaire Fastlane

Written by: MJ DeMarco 

 

If you’ve got dreams of becoming an entrepreneur or making some big changes in your life, we’ve got a book recommendation that’ll knock you off! 

 

“The Millionaire Fastlane” is the book you need to get your hands on. Not only will it ignite a fire within you and motivate you like never before, but it’s also filled to the brim with valuable advice on how to make those dreams a reality. Talk about a win-win! 

 

Now, let us be honest with you. This book leans more towards the motivational side than being a step-by-step practical guide. It’s all about achieving financial freedom through entrepreneurship and smart money management. But hey, don’t expect it to magically make you money online. It’s not that kind of book.

10. How to Win Friends and Influence People

Written by: Dale Carnegie, Dr. Arthur R. Pell  

 

Have you heard about this book that practically everyone in sales seems to have read? It’s like their secret weapon for building better relationships with people. Trust us, it’s a game-changer! 

 

This book is all about the basics of getting along with others, and let me tell you, it’s packed with incredibly useful advice. The best part? It’s all common sense stuff that we sometimes overlook. Sometimes, we just need a gentle reminder, right? 

 

When you dive into this book, you’ll discover that being nice to people and showing genuine interest in them can work wonders. It’s like a magic formula! You see, people are naturally inclined to do things for those who treat them well or give them a little ego boost. 

 

So, if you’re looking to make your life a whole lot easier, give this book a read. It’s all about mastering the art of building connections and leveraging the power of kindness. Time to charm your way to success! 

Here’s the thing… 

It’s not just the content of a book that can change your life, but the context in which you read it. When you’re going through a tough time, the right words can provide clarity and empower you to take bold actions for positive change. 

 

Those who credit a book for transforming their lives simply had the courage to embrace new information and make a change. Others may not have been ready at that moment, but another book might have a profound impact at a different time.

 

So, keep exploring, keep reading, and be open to the transformative power of books! 

Before you go… 

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