More and more people are becoming entrepreneurs. The current climate is encouraging or sometimes forcing people to commit to the ideal or dream they’ve always had. Starting a new business can be a daunting process and most people will appreciate as much help as they can get. The following books are some excellent sources of inspiration and guidance:
“Zero to One” – Peter Thiel & Blake Masters
Written by the co-founder of PayPal, Peter Thiel, and his associate, Blake Masters, “Zero to One” is a guide to innovation and the best way for a company to prosper in the current economic climate. The book is a condensed version of a set of notes originally recorded by Masters while attending Thiel’s class at Stanford University in 2012.
“The Hard Thing about Hard Things” – Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz is one of the most respected entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. He has many years of experience in business and is the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz. “The Hard Thing about Hard Things” offers information and guidance on founding, running and managing technological companies. There are also sections on buying, selling and even investing in these companies. Although the book covers specifics for technological companies, the advice is useful whatever your field of expertise. The aim of the book is to provide advice and practical wisdom on running a business, and in particular the problems you may face which business schools do not tend to cover.
“The Innovators” – Walter Isaacson
In “The Innovators” we will read the history of the digital revolution. The author talks about those that made the early computer breakthroughs and later bigger breakthroughs like the internet. The book is very much an advocate of team work and open source applications. It cites the many examples of success only being possible because of multiple contributors. “The Innovators” is an excellent guide to how we have got to where we are.
“Thinking Fast and Slow” – Daniel Kahneman
Daniel Kahneman has a Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics, and with “Think Fast and Slow” summarizes his own research, compiled in conjunction with Amos Tversky . The research covers the last three decades and includes information on cognitive biases, prospect theory and happiness. The research links these subjects to the relevant economic principles and provides an insight into the inner workings of both people and the markets.
“Hooked” – Nir Eyal
“Hooked” is aimed at any product managers, start up founders, designers and managers. It provides an excellent resource into the best way to build habit forming technology. There are detailed, practical methods to ensure a product becomes something that the consumer can simply not put down. Followers of this book will have the ultimate repeat customers.
“The Power of Habit” – Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg is a devoted New York reporter and now an author. “The Power of Habit” explores how we form habits and how we can change them if they harm our wellbeing. There are many scientific explanations as to why habits arise and how they can be changed. Knowledge of these principles will provide an excellent marketing base for many product launches.
“Big Bang Disruption” – Larry Downes
“Big Bang Disruption” tells the story of how a product can now be envisioned and manufactured in record time. These products which are available so quickly are killing established businesses which have no time to react. The book looks into where this new market has come from and how it operates. Information has been taken from many different entrepreneurs, investors and executives. It is a fascinating look at how quickly markets can change.
“Choose Yourself” – James Altucher
James Altucher draws on his own experience to provide the heart ache and inspiration found in “Choose Yourself”. The book is essentially a guide to building something new when everything you’ve known is gone. There are many case studies, interviews and examples to assist with guiding you to your own perfect path.
Are you an avid entrepreneur eager to enter the business domain? Because if that’s the case, the above mentioned books will certainly live up to your expectations; check them out for a clearer perspective on what to do to attain success.
By Edward Francis and LoveReading.co.uk!