Your checklist of the 10 must-read books for entrepreneurship

If there is anything that the last two decades have taught us, it's that entrepreneurship is a dream that anyone can achieve. We've seen garage start-ups turn into multi-million dollar enterprises and simple ideas literally change the way we've lived. So it isn't surprising that many budding entrepreneurs want to carve out their own paths - whether it is to create an exciting business, be their boss, or achieve a better work-life balance.

Keeping up the hustle and challenges of becoming a successful entrepreneur requires a great deal of dedication, perseverance, and self-motivation. And quite often, you might need a guiding light to help you along the way. This is where a good read can step in to help you step up your game. So, here are some inspirational books that can help you prepare for the challenges that come with this journey. 

1. Zero to One: Notes on Start-ups or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel 
 

This bestseller by Paypal's co-founder, Peter Thiel, can teach you how to create and protect your monopoly in a niche market. With a 4.2 rating on Goodreads, this book offers vital insights into what the future of tech looks like. In addition to new approaches to innovation, the author discusses the art of asking the right questions to find value in unexpected places.

2. Choose Yourself by James Altucher
 

The author drives home some hard truths about how playing 'safe' is no more an option in a world where no one is looking to hire you, invest in you, or even pick you. But the book further also offers advice on how to do things for yourself without help and make millions. The answer is quite simple - choose yourself! Liked by 91% of Google users, this riveting book must sit at the top of your reading list. 

3. Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
 

If you aren't conventional and want fast results without going through all the basic steps, this New York Times bestseller is for you. Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson break down the fundamentals to give you a better system to get your dreams on track faster. The book motivates you to be a go-getter who learns through actions.

4. Purple Cow by Seth Godin
 

Learn how to build a remarkable product and scale it to sure-shot success with this book that managed to sell over 1,50,000 copies in more than 23 prints its first two years. Seth Godin challenges the old ways of advertising an average product and advises entrepreneurs to use innovation to create a remarkable brand that stands apart from the crowd and leaves a lasting impression on consumers.  

5. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
 

An excellent read for entrepreneurs who want to become high-achievers, Malcolm Gladwell adopts an entertaining narrative that convinces you how any skill can be developed with the right attitude. It is enriched with lessons from idiosyncratic experiences that shaped the minds of some very successful people. Coming from an author who has sold more than 4.5 million copies from his impressive trousseau of work, you shouldn't think twice before picking Outliers as your next read. 

6. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

If you disagree that business plans need to be updated frequently, this book is sure to resonate with you. Eric Ries delves into a deep discussion on product development and start-up marketing with a scientific and intuitive approach in his book. There's a reason why this book is the #1 Amazon bestseller in the Software Testing category - by unravelling several covert strategies and techniques, it helps you navigate through unpredictable odds and win. 

7. Indispensable: How to become the Company that your Customers can't live without by Joe Calloway
 

This book gives actionable advice on developing a product that becomes an absolute necessity for your consumers. The author defines five ways to achieve the Holy Grail in business through insights gained by studying thousands of businesses. Registering a 3.9 rating on Goodreads, this book includes interviews, case studies, and tested strategies to boost business.

8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
 

The wisdom contained in this book has stood the test of time, justifying the 25 million copies that have been sold globally since its first publication. The book emphasises self-renewal by developing habits that can change your attitude and perception towards work and life. It discusses the importance of tapping into your mental, physical, and spiritual resources to welcome long-lasting transformation. If you are bordering a creative burnout, read this book now, and it could very well change your life forever!

9. Creative Confidence by Tom and David Kelley
 

Take it from two leading creativity experts on the planet - anybody can be creative! The authors - David, founder of the design firm IDEO and Tom, a partner in the same company - believe that innovation is the key to solving problems. This inspiring book discusses principles and strategies to help you tap into your creative potential, both at work and in your personal life. Endorsed by 94% Google users, it is a book that will empower you to unleash your creativity. 

10. To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink
 

It may be hard to believe, but practically every industry, at its core, revolves around sales today. The author employs science and analysis to break down the stigma around salesmanship. This #1 New York Times bestseller also gives you several tips, tricks, and tools to move others in a world where everybody is trying to sell.

Every entrepreneur's journey is different. Some books and topics may be more relevant to you than others. Regardless, this list can serve as inspiration when you're stuck in a rut. They can offer ideas, motivation, or simply offer you a different way to think of how to achieve your dreams. 

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