“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” – Albert Einstein
Most entrepreneurs are very familiar with this truth. If you are in the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey, we want to equip you with some resources that may save you from making mistakes and increase the success of your future startup. Here are five books that every new entrepreneur should own. These books will equip you with the knowledge you need to pursue your startup and succeed in your new endeavor.
“The Art of the Start” by Guy Kawasaki
Many new entrepreneurs are familiar with the feeling of being consumed with an idea for a new business or product that will change the world. But how does someone turn their ideas into action? In his book “The Art of the Start,” Kawasaki seeks to give new entrepreneurs the information they need to succeed in their new ventures. With his vast experience and valued insight Kawasaki provides key tools and principals every new entrepreneur should possess. If you are beginning your entrepreneurial journey and desiring wise counsel on where and how to get started, this book is for you.
“The Business Planning Guide” by David H. Bangs
Because of his personal success and experience as an entrepreneur, Bangs is one of the most sought-after experts on the topic of business planning. In his book, Bangs provides information that will assist small business owners in the development of a successful business plan. Some of the topics he highlights are products, services, location of business, competition, management, personnel as well as application and expected effect of loans. This book will help you create a plan for success in your own business.
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
In his book Ries describes a new approach to entrepreneurship a clear path to the sustainable creation of businesses. This book will equip you to be more innovative, teach you how to stop wasting time and increase your opportunity for success in your business venture. According to theleanstartup.com, “The Lean Startup method teaches you how to drive a startup — how to steer, when to turn, and when to persevere — and grow a business with maximum acceleration.” If this new method intrigues you, visit “The Lead Startup” online community pursuing this idea along with plenty of other resources.
“The Startup Owner’s Manual” by Steve Blank and Bob Dorf
This book is a key piece of literature every new entrepreneur should own. It is an incredibly detailed guide that provides step-by-step instructions on how to build a successful startup. It provides many practical tools such as over one hundred charts, graphs and diagrams. In addition to the helpful graphics, there are seventy-seven checklists that will keep your business on track towards profitability. This step-by-step guide will assist you in building a great company and be of great comfort as you embark on the journey to turn your dream into a reality.
Why do most small businesses fail? How can you ensure that your small business does not fail? Gerber addresses these questions in his book.. The E-myth, or the entrepreneurial myth, is that most people who start small businesses are entrepreneurs and that someone who understands the technical work of a business can correctly run a business that does technical work. Gerber does a fantastic job dispelling myths that many new entrepreneurs believe. He provides helpful guidelines and advice for how to avoid common traps many startups fall into and describes the proper growth and development of successful startups. This book will provide key insight for any new startup to succeed.
Rachael Boyt, Baylor University Student