Books every entrepreneur should read
Starting a company might feel like walking in the dark with no clear set of guidelines. One of the best ways to find the right path for you is to learn from others who have experienced the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. You could join a business accelerator, like ours at VentureLabs or you can get started today through books! Our executive-in-residence, Chuck Hamilton compiled a list of books that all entrepreneurs should read. Learn about identifying business trends, the ins and outs of the market, how to make tough decisions, and more.
1. Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
By: Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Blake Masters
The next world-dominating business will not compete with existing giants, they will be in a league of their own. This book discusses the technological stagnation we live in, unbeknownst to many. Emphasis is placed on learning to think for oneself to benefit future endeavours. Learn a new way to think about innovation from the co-founder of PayPal.
Available: Amazon | SFU Library
Photo from USA Today
2. The Right It – Why So Many Ideas Fail and How to Make Sure Yours Succeed
By: Alberto Savoia, Founder of Pretotype Labs LLC
The Law of Market Failure states that most new products will fail, regardless of execution. Learn why even the most unique ideas more often than not, will fail, despite all efforts. This book uses case studies to help entrepreneurs understand the reasoning behind the Law of Market Failure and what can be done to avoid becoming part of it.
Available: Amazon
3. Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business
By: Gino Wickman, CEO of EOS Worldwide
Learn about the Entrepreneurial Operating System and the proven six key components of a business. Through these components, leading and running your business will become much simpler and you will see effective results. Learn to get a grip on your business, rather than your business having a grip on you.
Available: Amazon
Photo from Leading with Genuine Care
4. Ten Types of Innovation: The Discipline of Building Breakthroughs
By: Larry Keeley, co-founder of Doblin Inc., Helen Walters, Ryan Pikkel, and Brian Quinn
Using over 2000 successful businesses and a proprietary algorithm, this book identifies the 10 types of innovation that explain patterns, problems, and opportunities related to innovation patterns, opportunities and how to perform against competitors. Learn how these innovations can help when it comes to competition in the marketplace and more using this proven strategy to begin transforming.
Available: Amazon | SFU Library
5. Machine, Platform, Crowd: Harnessing Our Digital Future
By: Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
Ideas that once seemed unrealistic and far-fetched have become reality, such as self-driving cars and 3D printers. How does this new age of technology present new challenges and opportunities? This book will answer the question and more.
Available: Amazon | SFU Library
For more great books and resources all entrepreneurs would benefit from, click this link.
