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The Best Books for Entrepreneurs to Read Right Now for a Successful Year


Entrepreneurship can be lonely. Every decision can either impact the business positively or negatively. 

However, with this list of the best books for entrepreneurs, you can set yourself up for success this year. With sweat falling off your brow, you know this one decision can change the fortunes of your start-up. It’s not just a make or break choice, but could be life-changing.

As a business owner, if you wish you were more confident about yourself and the way you think then, relax. Not every decision can be 100% perfect. You will never know if it's going to be right. But, if you have read some of the best books for entrepreneurs you can prepare for even the most unlikely situation.

Book reading is often a favorite hobby and habit for entrepreneurs. It gives you insights, valuable lessons, and mistakes that are hard to know unless you have a mentor. And if you are yet to find a suitable mentor, then we suggest you scan through the list of some of the most sought after and best books for entrepreneurs.

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15 of the Most Sought After and Best Books for Entrepreneurs

If you are searching for some of the best business books for the entrepreneur, then make sure you check this list.

1. The Hard Thing About Hard Things

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Getting a start-up running is the first step at work. However, at a personal level, it can get difficult. You cringe at the thought of setting huge expectations, having a modest budget, and firing people. Even as you navigate the murky human resource waters, you are waiting for that final investment confirmation. Amongst all this, there are decisions to be made that can impact the company. If you are stuck in such a situation, take a few lessons from The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz.

Ben Horowitz analyses events from his own experience as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. And he presents the real problems that face entrepreneurs with his trademark humor and style. From being honest about employee performances to not compromising on the business process for employees, he gives it all.

Besides, he adds a twist to the narrative by using song lyrics as a metaphor for business examples. If for any reason you are lost in thought or need a break, this book is a friend and mentor you can turn to within the pages of the book. 

2. Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work

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As much as we would like to take control of all our actions and their outcomes, it is not always possible. If this has been something you have been thinking lately then take time to glance through Heath’s book – Decisive.  It is packed with useful insights into why we do something. In this case, psychology has a role to play. Since we always gravitate towards opinions that support us, we can be biased. These and many such minute details fill the pages of the book to assist you.

Furthermore, if you enjoy a book with examples, Chip and Dan Heath support their arguments with facts and anecdotes that make the reading worthwhile. So, you not only get a bit of theory but detailed examples. Another benefit of picking this book is that it will help you not only as an entrepreneur, but also in every stage of your life. Whether you are a young college graduate with dreams of your own company or a stay-at-home parent, this book will guide you to better decision making at all times.

3. Made to Stick

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If there is a tried and tested formula for success, then you might like to consider reading one of the best books for entrepreneurs, Made to Stick. In their usual self, Chip and Dan Heath explain why some ideas click and why others fall by the way-side. Also peculiar is that they point out the obvious and at times not so apparent reasons fake news spreads faster than correct and relevant news.

The title comes from the many reasons some titles or topics stick around long after they have become popular. While others fade away sooner than expected, if you have tried to predict the success of your action, you'll be able to map them to the patterns in the book. Even though there is not a sure shot way to expect success, it can let you recognize trends better. Moreover, if you ever blinked in disbelief at the popularity of an excepted event, then check out the weird reasons laid out in this book. We promise it will be quite an eye-opener.

4. The Accidental Creative

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If you are always on the verge of burnout, then you need a break. But, not just any break! Rather, a break that does not take you away from work. For this, take time to scan through the valuable tips in the best books for entrepreneurs, The Accidental Creative.

The main point in the book is of using your energy in the right way and at the right time. For this Todd Henry advocates time to think. He suggests setting aside "me time" that lets you prioritize your work. And the same time, he believes in preparing rather than living in the moment. For this, it's best to know what sparks your creativity.

Another way to look at situations is to analyze what makes you more creative. Whether you thrive under pressure or are calm either way, it is best to keep a balanced state of mind where you are not flustered. Besides, keeping yourself in your zone is another way to let creativity flow at all times. He also advises against overburdening, lest you lose your mojo.

5. Crushing It!

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For those who would like to be an entrepreneur but don’t know where to begin, Gary Vaynerchuk offers words of wisdom in his best books for entrepreneurs Crushing It!

This New York bestseller provides valuable advice. And it is not just for those already in business. If you aspire to be an entrepreneur, take inspiration to chart your path with many inspiring real-life stories of people who have made it there. From full-time office goers to those who were laid-off and now thrive with million dollar businesses, there is a lesson from each of their lives.

Best of all, you won’t get just the theory. It comes with the blend of actual struggles, failures, and never give up attitudes. Besides, Gary also lends his lessons on how anyone can learn the basics of social media and build their brand. With these insights, you can be ready to begin your journey with the right set of tools.

6. Start With Why

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This one is from Simon Sinek and nails the one question that leaders and performers should focus on. Start With Why is about how some leaders understand what goes into making a team, as well as the reasoning behind why certain things happen. An optimist, Simon Sinek clearly outlines why some companies regularly make an impact. Also, he goes on to point out how these leaders get to the root of the problem before making a decision.

Knowing why that decision is important is crucial to any event. He emphasizes that humanizing and being sensitive to the team can yield massive results. Of course, teamwork and productivity are essential. But being aware of the emotional aspects of the team can allow greater team bonding and improve performance at all levels.

If you are in business to sell something, he gives a good tip of knowing why your customer will want a product, rather than pushing or forcing it on the customer. If you have a hard time keeping your team together, then take time to know the gaps and identify how to leverage them for better team performance.

7. She Means Business

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Carrie Green, writer of She Means Business, takes you on her journey of building a business from an early age. With a focus on peeling back the layers and giving her real-world view, she does not sugar-coat.

Even though she started her first business at the age of 20, she has grown immensely. From the fears and frustrations, she notes it all. The various factors of self-doubt, competition and disappointments are laid out in an easy to read format. However, she also suggests how you can hustle and find a way out of this.

By finding a clear idea of who you serve, you can relate to your audience. Understand their fears and aspirations to with them on a personal level. While no two businesses will have the same path, keeping yourself motivated at all times can ensure you are moving in the right direction. 

8. The Introvert Entrepreneur

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If you love challenges and are all set to launch your own small business or company, then don’t let your introvert nature hold you back. Beth Buelow, author of The Introvert Entrepreneur, points out how she defines introvert nature. She does not see it as a roadblock. Instead, she believes it should shine among other people, and as such, she suggests using your skills to overcome any fear or confrontation.

Overcoming the fear of failure or rejection is the first step in moving forward. And she believes inner peace with oneself lets you network without any self-prejudice. This gives you a fresh perspective on taking risks, embracing change, and also enjoying the process without any negativity. Even as perception plays a huge role for introverts and extroverts, she believes analyzing both sides gives an unbiased perspective on the issue or problem at hand.

​9. Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook

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Tony Robbins gives you bright ideas on how to take control of your life in his book Unshakeable. This practical book not only provides theoretical knowledge, but viable solutions. Whether you are a novice or a master in your field, it guides you through the financial path.

He suggests ways to control the money flow. He also suggests saving money in a way that gives you multiple returns. Money mindset is a valuable trait. As a result, having a clear plan of action is his way to manage finances in life. Because of this, it features as the best entrepreneur books of all time.

In a direction, it pushes for better performance and a stress-free life. A true believer in practicing what he preaches, he suggests how you can avoid the financial burden and prepare for any uncertain circumstances. Through proper preparation, you can set your personal and professional goals. In this way, you can align and have the clarity to achieve financial freedom.

​10. Tools of Titans

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Tools of Titans is a massive 736 pages and one of the best books for entrepreneurs that spans all the minute details of people who have made it big. While there are no grand plans, what makes the book unique is that it traces the daily routines, habits and decision making of leaders and successful people. It outlines what makes them unique, their attitude, and attributes for growth.

Tim Ferris calls it the high leverage tools that he uses for his personal development and as such, it is one of the best must-read business books of all time. As a novice, if you struggle with choices, then you know you need a mentor who can guide you. And if you don’t have one, check these pages to understand how you can use your resources and time wisely to scale a business.

This New York Times best-seller has all the insights you would probably want from a seasoned business leader or entrepreneur. Make sure to grab your copy today.

​11. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

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As a woman, many challenges are often hard to explain. It borders on the professional and personal front too. And if you are pursuing both with the intention to have a perfect balance, then Sheryl Sandberg sprinkles wisdom in her book Lean In. She shares personal anecdotes, aspirations, struggles, and the constant need to ask as a great leader in her life.

Negotiating for what you want without feeling guilty is her way of making your presence felt among men at work. As a woman, if you struggle for equality at work, she believes speaking out will carve a path for yourself and other women. It will inspire them to outperform their expectations and also set a standard for others to follow. For this reason, this is one of the best entrepreneur books for beginners.

​12. Emotional Intelligence

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In one of the best books for entrepreneurs, Daniel Goleman lays bare the reason why some companies can succeed, and others barely manage. He explains how this fast-paced life EO (Emotional Quotient) has replaced IQ as the most sought after attribute.

The impact of assessing EQ at work and home can have a positive effect on employment. Besides, he identifies five skills that can take you ahead. It can help you grow and establish yourself as a leader and is a must-read book for entrepreneurs.

Knowing how to balance your options versus others can have a calming impact on everyone. Not only can it help understand how others react to situations, but also act as levers to balance your self against the emotions of others.

13. The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon

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If you have been curious about the rapid growth of Amazon as a company, then this one of the best books for entrepreneurs that promises to unravel this mystery. With an analysis that comes from close quarters, the author establishes what makes Amazon a thriving company in a short time. For something that is shrouded in secrecy, he explains the many ways in which Amazon operates for maximum productivity.

The insights from Jeff Bezos's family and employees gives you a close account of what transpires at one of the most excellent companies in the world. And factors that have made Amazon a thriving success are here. Besides, the corporate culture, its innovation, and ambitions, everything has been clearly explained in the book The Everything Store by Brad Stone.

​14. The Power of Habit

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As a newbie entrepreneur setting boundaries, defining roles and embracing change is expected. But if you struggle with this, then we suggest getting used to The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg as your book mentor. As one of the best books for entrepreneurs, it explains why habits are crucial to set patterns to trigger your goals in the right direction. He also describes how you interpret and make your own by creating routines in a matter of a few days.

His key takeaways involve setting clear expectations, outlining goals, sticking to timelines, and also understanding your weaknesses. While no two individuals can be precisely the same, he expects balance in thought and consistency in action to take you through. If you struggle with being consistent, then make efforts to read this book and take action.

​15.  How to Win Friends & Influence People

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A classic book that continues to influence people decades after its release, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a favorite among the best books for entrepreneurs. It explains why getting to know people is crucial for everyone. He also tries to give real life examples of empathy, care, and concern that can let you connect with people at different levels.

An all-time favorite on most bestsellers lists, it explains how you can harness this power and also set clear goals to influence people and their thinking. He also suggests ways to reach your maximum potential in a short time. Thereby, this makes it a must-have in your list of some of the best books for entrepreneurs.


This list of the best books for entrepreneurs can help you learn, negotiate, lead and create a mark for yourself at work and home.

We hope these best books for entrepreneurs help you choose your book mentors to guide and lead the way. With these, you can set yourself up for better performance and a prosperous year ahead.

Have you read any of these books? Share your experience with us in the comments! Do share this list with budding entrepreneurs who are looking out for valuable advice.

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