21 Best Books for Entrepreneurs to Succeed in Business

Throughout the years, millions have started businesses to earn a living from their passions. However, nearly half of incoming new businesses fail in five years (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Approximately 4% of all entrants fail to succeed, which usually takes around three-plus years. How do I ensure I’m doing this right away? Starting small businesses requires the willingness to take risks and the courage to confront challenges. It is often our hardest struggle, but bringing products to improve our lives can be our greatest satisfaction.

The following books can help you become a successful entrepreneur. This list of the best business books will help you understand what it takes to become a successful business entrepreneur as it teaches you business basics.

Contents

1. The Lean Startup by Eric Reis
2. The 4-hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
3. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau is another book on business
4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
5. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
6. Founders at Work by Jessica Livingston
7. The Entrepreneur Mind by Kevin D. Johnson
8. The hard thing about hard things by Ben Horowitz
9. Rich Woman by Kim Kiyosaki
10. The Startup of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself and Transform Your Career by Reid Hoffman
11. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
12. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
13. The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy
14. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker
15. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
16. Crush it! Gary Vaynerchuk
17. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
18. “Made to Stick: Why some ideas survive and others die” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
19. Rework by Jason Fried & David Hansson
20. “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras (One of the best business books)
21. “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…, and Others Don’t” by James C. Collins

1. The Lean Startup by Eric Reis 

This book is one of the best business books that cover a lot of ways of making a startup a successful and profitable operation.

The Lean Startup by Eric Reis is a method of running a small business based on experimentation and continual adaptation. The principles in this book encourage entrepreneurs to start small, test their assumptions at each step, and iterate quickly to capitalize on new opportunities and minimize risk. The process helps startups identify the most critical problems they need to solve while keeping costs low.

The goal is for startups to produce products that are both useful for customers and financially viable for the company. By following The Lean Startup approach, entrepreneurs can maximize their chances of victory without investing large amounts of money or resources into untested ideas. This book also emphasizes measuring progress through customer and stakeholder feedback to course-correct as needed.

2. The 4-hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss is a groundbreaking book that has revolutionized how people think about work and lifestyle. The book outlines strategies to free up time and automate income, allowing readers to escape the rat race and live life on their terms.

The 4-Hour Workweek provides an actionable roadmap for achieving financial freedom through entrepreneurship, outsourcing, automation, and optimization of daily life. The book also dives into lifestyle design, travel hacking, passive income streams, and much more.

The book has inspired countless entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams in ways they never thought possible. The strategies outlined within the pages can be applied to any industry or sector; from creative pursuits to corporate jobs, it’s all about being intentional and bold in cutting out time-consuming activities and working smarter, not harder.

This book by Timothy Ferriss has been a revolutionary force for entrepreneurs worldwide, inspiring them to think outside the box and achieve their dreams. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to break free from the status quo and live life on their terms. The strategies outlined within its pages will help readers optimize their work hours to spend more time enjoying life’s pleasures and pursuing their passions. This is an essential guide for anyone looking to take control of their time and generate financial freedom that allows them to live a life they love truly.

3. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau is another book on business

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The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau is another of the best business books you need in your journey in entrepreneurship. This business book is an essential guide for any entrepreneur interested in building their own small business with minimal resources.

This book for entrepreneurs provides readers with valuable insight into how to get started, the key strategies for success, and creative ideas on how to turn a small investment into a profitable venture. The author walks you through each step of the process, from identifying your area of expertise and developing a plan to marketing your product or service and managing finances. The instructions in this book will help entrepreneurs grow their entrepreneurial spirit and build something new and innovative that can bring in profits.

This book is filled with inspiring stories of successful ‘$100 entrepreneurs’ who have achieved great achievement in their small businesses without requiring large amounts of capital or experience.

4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a timeless classic that offers an inside look into the minds of successful people. The seven habits are: (1) Be Proactive, (2) Begin with the End in Mind, (3) Put First Things First, (4) Think Win/Win, (5) Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood, (6) Synergize and (7) Sharpen the Saw. By understanding and incorporating each of these habits into our lives, we can become more effective and victorious in our professional and personal lives.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is an essential read for anyone looking to increase their overall productivity and positively impact those around them. The book provides readers with practical tools for self-improvement to produce meaningful change in their own lives and those around them. The seven habits are split up into four sections: (1) The Private Victory, (2) The Public Victory, (3) The Synergistic Victory, and (4) The Renewal Process. Following Covey’s guidance on each habit, readers can understand how to create a successful and lasting lifestyle for themselves.

By teaching us how to be proactive and think win-win, Stephen R. Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People provides insights that can help us become more effective.

5. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter is an influential personal finance book focusing on financial literacy and guidance. Through the story of Rich Dad and Poor Dad, readers get to learn about money management principles such as creating multiple streams of income, investing for passive income, understanding taxes, asset protection strategies, and more. This book sparks conversations around current trends in economics, inspiring readers to think outside the box when it comes to their finances.

The book has become a classic in its field, one of the most popular books on financial topics today. It has sold over 41 million copies worldwide, been translated into 80 languages, and was made into two movies. This book has become one of the best business books for essential reading for anyone looking to gain better control of their finances and build wealth.

If you want to pursue your entrepreneurial journey, this book is a must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur who wants to get an idea of how financial strategies can be used to reach victory. The wisdom imparted by Rich Dad Poor Dad allows readers to understand the fundamental principles behind money management and recognize when financial decisions are good or bad.

The primary message in this book is that personal financial literacy is key for creating wealth and that building asset instead of relying on income alone will lead to long-term security. It also provides many tips and tricks for making intelligent investments in business and life.

6. Founders at Work by Jessica Livingston

Founders at Work by Jessica Livingston is one of the business books for aspiring entrepreneurs and those curious about the minds behind successful startups.

This book contains interviews from over 40 well-known tech pioneers, including Steve Wozniak of Apple, Max Levchin of PayPal, and Caterina Fake of Flickr. Founders at Work provides insight into the stories behind their successes and valuable lessons learned along the way. It offers readers an inside look at how these founders built some of the most innovative companies in the world and faced challenges that seemed impossible. Founders at Work inspires anyone looking to create a successful business or venture out independently. In addition to insightful interviews, Founders at Work is a powerful reminder that even seemingly impossible dreams are within reach.

7. The Entrepreneur Mind by Kevin D. Johnson

The Entrepreneur Mind by Kevin D. Johnson is a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to take their business ventures to the next level. The book provides readers with an in-depth look at the mindset of successful entrepreneurs, offering key insights into how they think, what drives them, and how they plan and execute their strategies.

The Entrepreneur Mind also explores practical tactics that aspiring entrepreneurs can use to become more triumphant at achieving their goals. With The Entrepreneur Mind, readers will gain valuable knowledge on developing focus and purpose, creating systems that work, fostering innovation and collaboration within teams, managing risks effectively, and preparing for the future. The Entrepreneur Mind offers comprehensive recommendation that helps budding entrepreneurs take their businesses from concept to reality.

This book is key to helping your entrepreneurial life be more rewarding by having a different way of thinking to start a good business, make it grow, and make it last. It’s essential reading for those wanting to understand the entrepreneurial mindset better.

8. The hard thing about hard things by Ben Horowitz

The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz is an invaluable book for those who want to become an entrepreneur or navigate the business world. The author, who has made a name for himself as a successful venture capitalist, provides practical suggestions on common issues faced during times of uncertainty and instability. The book covers topics ranging from creating strategies in difficult situations to hiring effective employees and dealing with competition. The key message throughout is that success does not come easily but through hard work and dedication. Horowitz explains his experiences and stories from other entrepreneurs to illustrate the importance of learning from mistakes, building alliances and networking, understanding customer needs, and taking risks when necessary.

The lessons in The Hard Thing About Hard Things are invaluable for any aspiring entrepreneur or business leader. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of the modern business environment and build a successful business. The lessons in The Hard Thing About Hard Things will help readers make informed decisions and take calculated risks that can lead to long-term business success.

9. Rich Woman by Kim Kiyosaki 

Rich Woman by Kim Kiyosaki is a groundbreaking book that seeks to empower women to become financially independent. Rich Woman is one of the best business books that offer instructions and tips on creating multiple income streams, including investing in real estate, stocks, commodities, and other investments. In this book, Kim Kiyosaki challenges the idea of traditional money management and encourages women to take control of their financial future. Rich Woman shows readers how to create wealth through investment options such as passive income opportunities, tax-advantaged accounts, retirement planning strategies, asset protection strategies, and much more. Rich Woman also helps readers develop a plan for success that includes setting goals and staying focused on them until they are achieved. Rich Woman will help women learn how to use their knowledge and resources to create wealth and financial freedom.

10. The Startup of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself and Transform Your Career by Reid Hoffman

The Startup of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself and Transform Your Career by Reid Hoffman is a practical guide for individuals looking to take control of their career trajectory. The book provides an insightful overview of the changing nature of work and offers strategies for navigating this new world. The author argues that the key to success lies in creating and sustaining your own ‘startup’ – a platform for personal growth that combines traditional methods such as networking with modern tools like internet-based services. This is one of the business books that also features stories from successful entrepreneurs who have used The Startup of You approach to achieve their goals. By embracing disruption, investing in themselves, and taking calculated risks, readers can use The Startup of You to transform their lives and reach their full potential.

11. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is an immensely popular self-help book that has sold more than 30 million copies since it was first published in 1936. The book provides practical advice on effectively communicating with people and making a positive impression, as well as strategies for building solid relationships and bettering yourself through positive thinking. Carnegie’s insights are timeless and have been applied to both personal and professional situations.

How to Win Friends and Influence People covers topics like conversation techniques, problem-solving skills, the importance of listening actively, influencing others without using force or manipulation, cultivating a sense of empathy, developing good habits that lead to success, becoming a leader within relationships, and more. It’s filled with inspiring stories from prominent figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, and Henry Ford. How to Win Friends and Influence People is an essential guide for anyone looking to start a conversation, improve their relationships with others, or understand themselves better. Whether you’re just starting in life or looking to change your current situation, Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People can help show the way. Reading this business book could be the first step towards success in your personal and professional life.

12. Zero to One by Peter Thiel

Zero to One by Peter Thiel is one of the best business books that examines the current landscape of business and technological innovation. It outlines strategies for building lucrative new companies and explores how different types of businesses can become leading contenders in their respective fields. This business book also emphasizes the importance of taking significant risks and pursuing bold ideas, even if there’s no guarantee of success. Zero to One offers valuable insights into how entrepreneurs can create value in today’s world through creative problem-solving, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making. This groundbreaking work from one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent figures has been widely praised as an essential guidebook for innovators looking to make a lasting impact in any industry.

13. The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy

The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy focuses on psychological techniques to help sales professionals increase their effectiveness and reach their goals. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the psychology behind successful selling, including tips for gaining customers’ trust, understanding customer needs, closing deals, and managing long-term relationships. The author also provides helpful advice for developing positive attitudes, increasing motivation, handling complex negotiations, and understanding body language. The Psychology of Selling is full of practical tools and strategies that can be used to build a rewarding career in sales. With its clear explanations and practical exercises, this book is an invaluable resource for those seeking to excel in sales.

14. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker

The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker is a groundbreaking book revolutionizing the corporate world. The book explains how executives can be more effective in their roles and provide detailed advice on managing, prioritizing, and delegating tasks. The book also covers leadership, decision-making, communication, and motivation topics.

The Effective Executive has become an essential resource for business leaders worldwide as it provides invaluable insights on how to be outstanding in a modern workplace. The book is full of practical advice that emphasizes taking responsibility for one’s actions and focusing on results rather than blindly following rules.

The Effective Executive has helped countless executives reach their highest potential and create positive organizational change. If you are looking to take your executive career to the next level, The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker is an essential read.

15. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman is a book that explores the two systems of thought–the fast, intuitive system that operates unconsciously and automatically and the slower, deliberative system, which takes more effort to use.

In Thinking Fast and Slow, Kahneman reveals how these two thinking systems often conflict with each other, leading us to make bad decisions and act irrationally. He also explains how we can use our knowledge of these two systems to learn better decision-making skills and become more successful in life. Thinking Fast and Slow provides readers with an insightful look at the hidden influences on human behavior and strategies for better managing risk in all aspects of life. Through careful analysis, Kahneman shows how seemingly minor changes can affect our decisions and outcomes.

16. Crush it! Gary Vaynerchuk

Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk is a must-read for entrepreneurs of all levels and backgrounds. In Crush It!, Gary shares his personal story of building an online empire comprising social media, eCommerce websites, and other digital assets. He provides specific advice on leveraging the internet’s power to build a profitable business. Crush It! includes practical steps for developing a digital strategy, from identifying your passions to executing online marketing campaigns that bring in customers. Gary also encourages entrepreneurs to think big and dream about creating their empires. By leveraging digital marketing tactics such as SEO (search engine optimization), PPC (pay-per-click) ads, and content creation, Crush It! provides readers with actionable strategies for success in the digital age.

17. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham is one of the most influential books on investing ever written. It was initially published in 1949 but remains relevant today with its timeless advice and investment insights.

“The Intelligent Investor” provides readers with a framework for making smart decisions about their financial future. The book outlines strategies for analyzing stocks, bonds, and other securities and techniques for evaluating risk versus reward. “The Intelligent Investor” also offers guidance on developing an outstanding portfolio that balances growth and safety. By following the principles outlined in “The Intelligent Investor,” investors can protect themselves from potential losses while taking advantage of potential gains from the stock market. “The Intelligent Investor” remains an essential guidebook for any investor looking to maximize their returns in the market.

18. Made to Stick: Why some ideas survive and others die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

In “Made to Stick: Why some ideas survive, and others die,” Chip Heath and Dan Heath offer a framework for making ideas “sticky” – that is, memorable, clearly communicated, and easy to understand. They argue that for an idea to be successful, the idea needs to have six “ingredients”: Simplicity, Unexpectedness, Concreteness, Credibility, Emotional Impact, and Storytelling. These “ingredients” are the “building blocks” of a sticky idea; when applied correctly, they can help ensure an idea will stay with an audience long after its delivery.

19. Rework by Jason Fried & David Hansson

Rework by Jason Fried and David Hansson is a book that has become an essential guide to modern business. Rework simplifies the process of starting, running, and growing any kind of business without needing to rely on complicated theories or outside resources.

The book provides easy-to-understand advice that can be applied right away to improve your business operations. Rework covers topics such as understanding customer needs, staying focused on what matters most, eliminating unnecessary meetings, knowing when to let go of employees, using technology efficiently and effectively, managing remote teams, and ensuring profitability while remaining agile. Rework is beneficial not only for entrepreneurs but also for managers who are looking for ways to manage their enterprises better.

20. Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras (One of the best business books)

“Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras is a groundbreaking book that examines the organizational habits of 18 “visionary” businesses, including 3M, Intel, Mercedes-Benz, and Disney. The authors studied the habits of these enterprises over 40 years and discovered surprising similarities in their “core ideologies.” They found that triumphant ventures have core values that are “timeless,” “value-creating,” “inspiring,” “culturally resilient,” and “complex.” In effect, they possess a “business spirit” which drives them forward.

This book is one of the best business books that provide invaluable insights into how visionary businesses operate and maintain success over time. A must-read for anyone interested in achieving long-term business success.

21. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…, and Others Don’t by James C. Collins

The “Good to Great” book by James C. Collins is a comprehensive guide to understanding why some companies become great, and others remain the same. This book is one of the business books that delve into the secrets of successful organizations and provides readers with an abundance of lessons they can apply to their organization to help it reach its full potential.

In this book, Jim Collins examines why some enterprises have “leveled up” while others have stagnated and remained at the same level for years. He explains that greatness doesn’t happen overnight; instead, there is a “paradoxical blend of consistency and disciplined thought, boldness, and persistence.” This means that good enterprises must be willing to act on good ideas and consistently challenge themselves to stay ahead of the competition. He also discusses the “Flywheel and Doom Loop,” which focuses on how minor, deliberate actions can lead to a “cumulative effect” that eventually leads to breakthroughs. Collins emphasizes that any organization can reach greatness if it is willing to consistently and persistently put in the work – something “Good to Great” provides readers with the tools they need to make this happen. By taking advantage of Jim Collins’ expert insights and advice, companies have a greater chance of becoming great than remaining good.

Conclusion

Choosing the right books can be an essential factor in determining whether an entrepreneur will find success. Business books can provide valuable advice and insights that could make a big difference in how entrepreneurs approach their work. Best Books for Entrepreneurs to Succeed in Business is a comprehensive list of recommended books on entrepreneurship and related topics. These books have been chosen for their quality, reputation, and relevance to modern entrepreneurs. They ranged from classic business texts to recent works by leading authors and thought leaders. Each book offers valuable guidance on starting and running a successful business, from launching your startup to scaling your operations. Whether you are just beginning your journey as an entrepreneur or looking to take the next step in growing your business, reading these books will help equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed. Best Books for Entrepreneurs to Succeed in Business is an essential guide for anyone looking to take their business to the next level. With these books as your guide, you can turn your dreams of success into a reality.