|
|
10 Entrepreneur Books That You Must Read
Some of these are obvious classics. Entrepreneurial perennials, if you will. But a few I bet you have never thought of. I promise you this. If you spend the time reading and listening to them, you will dramatically improve your business.
 10. Think & Grow Rich
The Book: Think and Grow Rich! is the all-time bestseller in the personal success field and offers a life-altering experience. It shares the practical steps to high achievement and financial independence. This amazing book can help anyone not just achieve financial success, but it can help you get whatever it is that you desire from life. If there is one mandatory read for entrepreneurs, this is it. |
9. E-Myth Revisited
The Book: The E-Myth by Michael Gerber dispels the myths surrounding starting your own business and shows how commonplace assumptions can get in the way of running a business. Next, he walks you through the steps in the life of a business — from entrepreneurial infancy through adolescent growing pains to the mature entrepreneurial perspective: the guiding light of all businesses that succeed — and shows how to apply the lessons of franchising to any business, whether it is a franchise or not. Finally, Gerber draws the vital, often overlooked distinction between working on your business and working in your business. |
8. The Tipping Point
The Book: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell coined the term “viral marketing.” The premise of this facile piece of pop sociology has built-in appeal: little changes can have big effects; when small numbers of people start behaving differently, that behavior can ripple outward until a critical mass or “tipping point” is reached, changing the world. Gladwell’s thesis that ideas, products, messages and behaviors “spread just like viruses do” remains a metaphor as he follows the growth of “word-of-mouth epidemics” triggered with the help of three pivotal types. |
7. Get The Edge
The Book: This may be the first shocker. But before you jump down my throat, hear me out. I recognize this is a CD collection… and I recognize this is not specific to entrepreneurs. But this lays down the foundation for the entrepreneurs mindset. This is often over looked, since it hearkens to the cheezy infomercial promotion methods that made it popular. Perhaps that was just a method of getting to “The Tipping Point.” Anthony Robbins’ “book” addresses the 7 key categories to go from mediocre to magnificent. |
6. How To Win Friends & Influence People
The Book: This grandfather of all people-skills books was first published in 1937. It was an overnight hit, eventually selling 15 million copies. How to Win Friends and Influence People is just as useful today as it was when it was first published, because Dale Carnegie had an understanding of human nature that will never be outdated. Financial success, Carnegie believed, is due 15 percent to professional knowledge and 85 percent to “the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people.” This book shows the way.
|
5. Body for Life
The Book: “Are you kidding me?” I can almost guarantee you are thinking that. But if you haven’t read this book, you are missing out on a lot. Here is why this is a must read for entrepreneurs: First of all, without your health, you might as well forget building a business. This book will get you fit, energized and disciplined within a few months. Secondly, this book shows (and proves) how changing your body is in a large part a mental game. Which is true for business too – to change your business you need to first change your mind. The method of long term visioning and short term progress planning is the key to success, both for your body and your business.
|
4. Blue Ocean Strategy
The Book: The blue ocean metaphor elegantly summarizes the kind of expanding, competitor-free markets that innovative companies can navigate. Unlike “red oceans,” which are crowded with competitors, “blue oceans” represent “untapped market space” and the “opportunity for highly profitable growth.” Using dozens of examples-from Southwest Airlines and Cirque du Soleil to Curves and Starbucks- the book presents the tools and framework to find your own blue ocean.
|
3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
The Book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad chronicles the story of the Rich Kiyosaki’s two “dads”, his own father, who was the superintendent of education in Hawaii and who ended up dying penniless and his best friend’s father who dropped out of school at age 13 and went on to become one of the wealthiest men in Hawaii. Kiyosaki uses the story of these two men and their varying financial strategies to illustrate the need for a new financial paradigm in order to achieve financial success in the new millennium. There is a reason this book is a best seller.
|
2. The Richest Man In Babylon
The Book: What can a book written in the 1920s tell modern entrepreneurs about their finances? A whole lot if it’s George Clason’s delightful set of parables that explain the basics of money. This is a great read for anyone who seems baffled by the world of finance (especially in these economic times) and a wonderful, refreshing read for even the most experienced investor. Another big bonus, you can read it in a single flight from New York to LA – I did.
|
1. Good To Great
The Book: The Author, Jim Collins, and his team of researchers studied 1,435 companies, looking for those that made substantial improvements in their performance over time. From this analysis he found 11 companies who achieved “greatness” and discovered their common traits that challenged many of the conventional notions of what drives corporate success. Making the transition from good to great doesn’t require a high-profile CEO, the latest technology, or even a fine-tuned business strategy. Surprise! It requires the elements of a TPE – passion, focus, ingenuity, exploiting strengths and a few more things (but you’ll have to read it to find out).
|
BONUS – U.S. News Reported The Top 5 Entrepreneur Books For 2009
With the economy headed where it is, U.S. News just reported the top 5 most inspiration books for entrepreneurs to read in 2009. Click on George (at the left of this) to read the article).
|
BONUS – The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur
The Book: OK, OK… you can’t blame a guy for trying. I am not here to say this deserves to be in the top 10, let alone the top 100 or 1000. That’s for you decide. Check it out on Amazon, or Wiki, or anywhere on Google and decide for yourself.
Shit, I run this site… a little self-promotion is all I ask. Plus you can get a used copy on Amazon for like $0.01 or something.
|
 Subscribe to Toilet Paper Entrepreneur Blog! Just click on this, confirm you are a living human, and we’ll email you every time we have a new post (but will NEVER spam you).
|
March 5th, 2009
Hmm… I am surprised that Ayn Rand – Atlas Shrugged isn’t on this list. Talk about a powerful book on entrepreneurism! Other than that, the list is great.
jls
March 5th, 2009
I cannot believe you guys put the Tipping Point on there. It is one of the worst books I have ever read. Granted the first 60 or so pages were pretty interesting after that I couldn’t get through it. I read like a page a day just to get to the end and see what the outcome is. Up until now I feel that you could basically read the last paragraph in each chapter to get the point of the chapter. And when people are reading a book they don’t want to wait til the end they want to know at the beginning and then hear your argument so that they can then formulate their own.
Books written by journalists UGH! I think that is really the issue. Sometimes that’s what the chapters read like— a long frickin’ article. Metrics and studies are interesting but it makes it difficult to read through in a book format. Don’t get me wrong though some of Gladwell’s other stuff is pretty good. I liked Blink a little better and I am going to peep Outliers. But the Tipping Point…no.
And the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur….WOW! You are really pushing it dude. I don’t know about that book either.
But from your list…I really, really, enjoyed Think and Grow Rich and I own a hardback version from 1937. I think it was like 3rd or 4th reprint- Font style, old pages, the testimonials and the coupon from that time period. Great condition, good stuff…provides you with much different reading experience. Old books in mint condition…so worth it.
And here is book #11 to read-
Slowing Down to the Speed of Life by Dr. Richard Carlson before he did his ADD 2 page chapter ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’ books. Cannot stand those books either. Anyway, can you tell that I haven’t owned a TV in like forever and have read like a million books, lol. So Slowing Down is about basically how to live your life to the fullest. Think the Secret, before it was the Secret. This book came out in 1998 I think. Awesome book…I read it every year.
@teenbizcoach
March 5th, 2009
@Shonika – I will have to go toe-to-toe with you on The Tipping Point. I think it is an exceptional read! I mean it shifts the entire paradigm about rapid growth. There is a reason it continues to sell millions and millions of books years after its release.
The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur is simply a bonus. I am not saying it is top 10…. but think it is worth the peak (hell yes I am biased), and all the reviews out there support my argument, I mean U.S.News reported on Tuesday that the TPE was a top 5 read for 2009. Hell yes I am floating my own boat here.
Keep the great feedback coming, Shonika – I am off to get my copy of “Slowing Down”
- Mike
March 5th, 2009
@Jack – thanks for adding Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.
@Everyone – Here is the Amazon link for it http://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Shrugged-Centennial-Ed-HC/dp/0525948929/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236267681&sr=8-1
March 5th, 2009
The ones you listed are great and there are SO many good books out there (and so many bad ones too) but I would add to the list books by Dan Kennedy. Especially the No BS Guide to Wealth Attraction and the No BS Guide to Ruthless Management of People and Profits. However, any of his books are great and give a very different perspective from most business books.
March 5th, 2009
Hi, Mike!
Thank god you aren’t boring. There’s enough dull people in the world as it is. Love your show, and wish you much success and swag,
spazz
March 5th, 2009
@Dom – Thanks for the tips on Dan Kennedy’s books, please share a link so we can get them.
@Spazz – Love your website!!!
- Mike
March 5th, 2009
You can get Dan’s book from Amazon.com or go to http://www.nobsbooks.com/
March 5th, 2009
Superb list! I’ve read Carnegie’s book and it made an lasting impact. The book is still relevant today. I have a few others on my shelf — I should pull them out. I’m getting too many great book suggestions lately!
I just started reading TPE today. So far, so good.
March 5th, 2009
@Meryl – Dale Carnegie’s book (and class) is really superb. I am pumped that you are reading The TPE. I can’t wait to hear your feedback!
- Mike
March 5th, 2009
Thanks, Mike. Loved the analogy — so what if it’s a little dirty
it makes it fun to read and everyone does it! How to Stop Worrying and Start Living is also fabulous. I’ve always been a worrier, but old habits die hard and sloooowwwww.
Just posted a list of great books under 200 pages in my blog — I will look up to see if any of the above are <200 and add ‘em.
March 6th, 2009
I agree with most of the books, thanks for sharing!
March 6th, 2009
Good list! I’ve read #3, #6, and #8. All have made an impact on me.
March 6th, 2009
This is a great list for young entrepreneurs at http://www.under30ceo.com/. The book I am most compelled to read is #1 Good to Great by Jim Collins. I view the word “good” as being enough, and the word “great” as above and beyond. If you are not striving to be great, then you are lacking ambition. Thanks for the post.
March 6th, 2009
@Meikah – Nice job! Now you must do the rest of the list. May I suggest starting at the bottom, the very bottom, and work your way up. I am saying not Good to Great, bottom, but two more down. :>) Start with the TPE :>) then go to Good to Great!!!!!
March 6th, 2009
@Meryl – I love How To Stop Worrying. I read that over 15 years ago, and it has had a huge impact on my life. Day tight compartments baby!!!!
March 6th, 2009
@Josh – get to the bookstore (or Amazon) and pick up Good to Great. My favorite section is about the Hedgehog Strategy. It is very TPE-ish and extremely insightful on what drives success.
March 6th, 2009
Boy…
Wow…
I must have a terrible reading list.
I only own one of these.
Brian Tracy mentions “Good to Great” in quite a few of his speeches.
My collection has most of Brian Tracy’s books. Michael Masterson, in my opinion, has some must reads including “Seven Figures in Seven Years”; “Automatic Wealth”; “Power and Persuasion”; and “Ready, Fire, Aim”.
Some others in my collection include “Be Unreasonable” by Paul Lemberg, “Gravitational Marketing” by Travis Miller and Jimmy Vee, “Think Two Products Ahead” by Ben Mack, and some books by:
- Clayton Makepeace
- Dan Kennedy
- Jay Conrad Levinson
Now that I am laid off, I guess I have time to brush up on my reading.
Best,
-K
March 6th, 2009
[...] Michael Michalowicz, the Toilet Paper Enterpreneur: Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength, The [...]
March 6th, 2009
my all time favorite business book is NEVER EAT ALONE…I freaking love that book. (I have heard a few good things about TPE also…tee hee) There are many on your list I have not read…but fully intend to take a look!!!
Thanks for being such a great resource for everyone!
Namaste!
March 8th, 2009
@Brett – thank for the suggestion. Shame on me… I have NEVER EAT ALONE… I have read parts of it, and then saw a presentation with Keith. I got so much info from the presentation I never finished the book.
March 8th, 2009
@Kevin – THANKS for the additional suggestions!!!! I like the title “Be Unreasonable” That one already has peaked my interest.
- Mike
March 10th, 2009
Great List!!! I’ve read 75% of the list and will have to pick up a few.
I do have to agree with Shonika “Tipping Point” was a rough read…I finally had to put it down and not look back, I really expected more for the hype.
A great book to add to your list is Punk Marketing by Richard Laermer and Mark Simmons an amazing book for any entrepreneur.
http://www.punkmarketing.com/think-punk/buy-the-book/
March 10th, 2009
@Felecia – Thanks for the tip on Punk Marketing! Hope the ice cream business is going well!!!!!
- Mike
March 10th, 2009
Just finished another excellent book. I wouldn’t call it my top 10, but the examples given are priceless. Tuned In: Uncover the Extraordinary Opportunities That Lead to Business Breakthroughs by Craig Stull, Phil Myers, and David Meerman Scott.
Just because you think it’s a great idea and believe people will want it — doesn’t mean you’re tuned in to what they want.
March 15th, 2009
@Mike,
Yeah, Paul Lemberg, the author of “Be Unreasonable”, is also the creative genius behind Stomper Net’s “Formula 5″. Over the past fifteen years, Paul has generated over $200+ Million for him & his clients.
Best
-K
Oh, BTW, you can find his book here.
http://www.for-the-troops.com/shop/ Look under the books section. 10% of our after-tax revenue goes to military charities!
March 19th, 2009
Mike – great list – i’ve read a few of the books on it. But i think the one that you have missed is Buy.Ology. a fantastic book and changes what you think you know about your buyers.
Certainly worth being in the list.
March 19th, 2009
@Kabs – LOVE IT. Thanks for the tip on Buy.Ology. Post a link to it so we can all check it out.
@Kevin – Thanks for checking in (it’s always good to have your comments on the site). And a double thanks for the book tip.
@Felicia – that is a GREAT book tip. Punk Marketing!!!!
@Meryl – Thanks for the adds. I think it may be time to make a list of the top 100 books.
- Mike
March 19th, 2009
Mike – you can check out buy.ology on http://www.martinlindstrom.com/ or http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/book-review-buy-ology.php