10 Brilliant Business Books For Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Whether you're trying to open a brick-and-mortar shop or develop the next big app, you'll need to be well-informed on how the world of business operates. Luckily, you don't need to spend time getting an expensive degree to learn the tricks of the trade. The ten books featured here are full of information, anecdotes, and advice that can help you become a successful entrepreneur. When you click links from this website, we may receive advertising revenue to support our research. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

10 Brilliant Business Books For Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Title Author(s) More by the Author
1. Barking Up the Wrong Tree Eric Barker N/A
2. Radical Candor Kim Scott The Measurement Problem
3. Your Best Year Ever Michael Hyatt Living Forward
4. The Upstarts Brad Stone The Everything Store
5. Unfinished Business Anne-Marie Slaughter The Chessboard and the Web
6. Overwhelmed Brigid Schulte N/A
7. The Industries of the Future Alec Ross N/A
8. The Fringe Hours Jessica N. Turner Stretched Too Thin
9. Never Split the Difference Chris Voss & Tahl Raz The CEO Next Door
10. Leave Your Mark Aliza Licht N/A

5 Tips for New Business Owners

  1. Make sure your business is insured.
  2. Stay on top of your finances before tax day comes around.
  3. Learn how to use hashtags and other social media tools.
  4. Have a nice-looking, high-quality logo for your company.
  5. Keep all of your files well organized.

Priceless Advice from 50 Successful Entrepreneurs

In Depth

If you're about to open up your first business, you probably want to learn all you can about how to be successful. If you're looking for books that give helpful advice as you begin your journey, you've come to the right place. We have compiled ten brilliant reads for aspiring entrepreneurs, listed here in no particular order.

Starting off at #1 is "Barking Up the Wrong Tree." Author Eric Barker emphasizes that success can be achieved better by following steps that are backed by science. He debunks conventional ideas, such as "Winners never quit and quitters never win" and "Nice guys finish last," convincing readers that these are inaccurate and have not been proven by experts. In addition, Eric points out that although confidence can be great, too much of it can lead to failure and being delusional.

At #2 is "Radical Candor." Kim Scott stresses that in order to become successful, bosses must be honest and straightforward while still showing genuine concern for their people. She reasons that this technique builds trust between superiors and their subordinates. Furthermore, Scott enumerates common management mistakes, like excessive sympathy to avoid tension, insincerity in giving praise and criticism, and over-aggression, and how they are detrimental to business.

She reasons that this technique builds trust between superiors and their subordinates.

Next, at #3 is "Your Best Year Ever." Michael Hyatt talks about the importance of setting and accomplishing goals. He shares the attributes of good objectives, like being specific, meaningful, achievable, and time-bound. Hyatt also suggests documenting your progress in various areas of your life, including spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, marital, parental, social, vocational, and financial issues.

At #4 is "The Upstarts." Author Brad Stone discusses the birth of the sharing economy and the way it has rapidly changed society. He focuses on examples like Uber and Airbnb, and explains how these rising companies became household names. Stone describes the challenges they faced, such as strict government regulations and issues with consumer safety.

Following at #5 is "Unfinished Business." It follows Anne-Marie Slaughter's personal experiences with both professional and family life. She explains that even though her husband and her sons encouraged her to pursue her dream job at the U.S. State Department, she decided to resign due to the parenting needs of her young children. Slaughter addresses how urgent it is that companies reevaluate their policies regarding female employees, so they can achieve a more satisfying work-life balance.

It follows Anne-Marie Slaughter's personal experiences with both professional and family life.

At #6 is "Overwhelmed." Brigid Schulte gives readers a glimpse into the real struggles of businesswomen. She maps out the various problems that make juggling career and family so difficult, and compiles anecdotes, arguments, and research to present the possible ways we can add leisure into our overcrowded schedules. She also argues that equating being busy with being an ideal employee or mother is an incorrect belief that we must try to get rid of.

Next, at #7 is "The Industries of the Future" by Alec Ross. This work is based on the writer's observations during his trips to several countries, enumerating the different emerging industries that he thinks will prevail in the coming years. These include big data, cybersecurity, the codification of money, advanced life sciences, and robotics. On top of that, Ross breaks down how we can adapt to this possible future. He shares his viewpoints on geopolitics and globalization, as well.

At #8 is "The Fringe Hours." Author Jessica N.Turner talks about how guilt and comparison hinder people from living a well-rounded lifestyle. She divides the book into four major parts: "Explore," "Discover," "Maximize," and "Live Well." Turner uses her stories to teach her audience about finding equilibrium in the midst of numerous responsibilities. She puts emphasis on investing in self-care, so that you can be better-equipped to deal with the challenges life throws at you.

Turner uses her stories to teach her audience about finding equilibrium in the midst of numerous responsibilities.

Following at #9 is "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss. This work explores specific instances where Voss utilized bargaining tactics, particularly during his stint at the FBI. He stresses the importance of negotiation, considering emotional intelligence and intuition as essential factors in the process. Plus, the author gives out tips on coming to a reasonable agreement on just about anything, from discussing a salary, to buying a home, deliberating with your partner, and purchasing a car.

Finally, at #10 is "Leave Your Mark." Aliza Licht reveals the value of successful branding to boost your business, no matter which industry you are in. She breaks down the basics of obtaining and keeping your dream job, and making the most out of your career. She also discusses the need to understand social media and proper etiquette so you can create a positive and lasting impression among your followers.