Stanford EntrepreneurEntrepreneurship isn’t a career, it’s a way of life

10 Must-Read Books for Budding EntrepreneursFiled Under: books, entrepreneurship, lists

Since I was a little kid, I have had a voracious appetite for reading. Combining this with a continuous desire for self improvement and a constant questioning of how the business world works, you end up with an explosive reading list. Much of being a successful entrepreneur depends on being a successful individual. While this list is non-exhaustive, it provides a good start for those trying to determine what type of entrepreneurial lifestyle they wish to develop.

 Personal Development

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey

Despite being published in 1990, this phenomenal book continues to be a bestseller with over 10 million copies sold. It’s no surprise, considering this book provides a framework that helps people become more efficient and effective both individually and within their relationships.

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity - David Allen

From lifetime goals to everyday to-do’s, David Allen provides a comprehensive framework that effectively synthesizes our chaotic lives into manageable systems. A must-read for those who continually ask themselves, “Is there anything that I’m forgetting?”

Now, Discover Your Strengths - Marcus Buckingham & Donald O. Clifton

A great book for discovering which, of a list of 34 positive personality “themes”, you possess and how to capitalize on them. Also, with the purchase of this book, you can go online and have a personal strength assessment that details your top 5 strengths.

Personal Finance

Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki

This ground-breaking book compellingly highlights the difference in mentality between the rich who have “money work for them” and the poor that “work for money.” For those who find his arguments especially potent, try playing his computer/board game “Cashflow 101″ and “Cashflow 202.”

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy - Thomas Stanley

It isn’t all glitz and glamor when it comes to being a millionaire, and Mr. Stanley points out that many millionaires have established their wealth through decades of sacrifice, discipline, and hard work. In fact, nearly anyone can become a millionaire by following the simple (not necessarily easy) rules outlined in his book.

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich - Timothy Ferris

Mr. Ferris is a Princeton University graduate and guest lecturer that has a controversial new philosophy on life and business. Join him on his journey abandoning the “deferred-life plan” and embracing the new world currencies of time and mobility.

E-Myth Mastery: The Seven Essential Disciplines of Building a World Class Company - Michael Gerber

As an enthusiastic voice for the small business owner, Mr. Gerber provides a sound, practical system for developing and maintaining systems that work for nearly any business. His book (and website) have a plethora of guidelines, charts, forms and instructions on how to run, manage, and improve your entrepreneurial undertakings.

 Marketing and Sales

Guerrilla Marketing - Jay Conrad Levinson

Jam packed with hundreds of simple, low- to no-cost ideas make this book a worthwhile read. Several of the ideas are purely ingenious and utilizing only a handful can create serious results.

The Sales Bible: The Ultimate Sales Resource - Jeffrey Gitomer

A great source of practical sales tips and techniques for initiating, maintaining, and closing a sale. While by no means the “ultimate” it provides a great foundation for those getting started in the field.

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die - Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Written by a Stanford professor and his brother, a teacher and textbook publisher, this duo provide an entertaining guide to effective communication. This thoroughly researched book identifies six key elements that culminate into a SUCCESsfully useful acronym that you won’t forget any time soon.