7 must read books for entrepreneurs

As an entrepreneur, taking the time to read regularly is one of the most valuable things you can do. Reading not only expands your knowledge; it also gives you the opportunity to challenge your already established beliefs. Whilst there are thousands of business related reads on the market, we’ve narrowed it down to only seven must read books to add to your list.

1. The Four Steps To The Epiphany – Steve Blank

As a perfect read for any new entrepreneur, this bestseller is an extremely influential and practical business book. Offering a proven four-step customer development process, the book provides a great insight into what makes some startups successful, and others not so much.

2. The Start Up of You – Reid Hoffman & Ben Casnocha

Co-written by one of the founders of LinkedIn, ‘The Start Up of You’ provides readers advice for the entrepreneurial journey. Written for all business people irrespective of their profession, it encourages readers to accelerate their career and take control of their future.

3. Ignore Everybody: And 39 Other Keys to Creativity – Hugh MacLeod

Touching on entrepreneurship from a creative perspective, MacLeod shares insights into marketing and innovation. Whilst it is not specifically a business book, it asks questions such as ‘how do new ideas emerge in a cynical, risk-averse world?’ A great read for entrepreneurs wanting to think outside of the box.

4. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook – Gary Vaynerchuk

Although another marketing book, Vaynerchuck shares all the tricks of the trade when it comes to social media. As a tool often overlooked by new entrepreneurs, he shows how social media is imperative to business success. Recommended for those who have already established their business, ‘Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook’ is the perfect read for those looking to use social media for their advantage.

5. First Things First – Stephen R. Covey

As an entrepreneur, time is certainly of the essence. The issue is, unfortunately not every entrepreneur knows how to use their time to their advantage. Whilst it is another productivity book ‘First Things First’ teaches readers the importance of prioritising. It’s not about getting more things done in less time, its about ‘doing things that matter with the time you have’. 

6. The Effortless Experience – Matthew Dixon et al

Focusing on the importance of customer experience, ‘The Effortless Experience’ provide readers with a number of practical ways to cater to your customers more effectively. The authors focus on creating loyal customers – critical to long-term success of a business.  

7. Lean In – Sheryl Sandberg

Written by the COO of Facebook, this is a must read for both men and women alike. With a focus on women in business, it teaches both genders to be mindful of gender differences when in the workplace. It also highlights a wide range of research on why women have not progressed into leadership roles as much as men, providing a great learning opportunity for both men and women entrepreneurs. 

Do you have any must read books to add to this list? These are only seven of many that are on the market – I’d love to hear which books you have found to be of benefit to your career or professional development.

This article was written by Laura Hutton on behalf of the Australian Institute of Business. All opinions are that of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AIB.