The road to entrepreneurship is not a straight and smooth one, but one that is adorned with many twists and turns. Obstacles come in the path of almost all entrepreneurs, often driving many of them into despair.
At such moments, all that one needs is a little inspiration and motivation, and what can be better than books for this purpose. In the words of Mortimer J. Adler, “a good book can teach you about the world and about yourself. You learn more than how to read better; you also learn more about life. You become wiser.”
So, here is a compilation of the books that any entrepreneur, whether old or new, should consider to read in 2018.
Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read in 2018
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink
When by Daniel Pink is a book that mainly dwells on the question of timing. While most self-improvement books concentrate on the question, ‘how to’, this book presents a different take on the subject. We know that proper timing holds the key to success, but what we did not know is that timing is actually a science.
Based on extensive research carried out in the fields of psychology, biology, and economics, Daniel pink reveals that our cognitive abilities and energy levels fluctuate during the course of the day, often increasing in the morning and then declining.
The quality of our decisions, therefore, depends to a great extent on their timing. This book will enlighten you how timing can affect all aspects of your life and how to use this knowledge to live a better and more fulfilling life.
Rise and Grind by Daymond John
This book from Daymond John, the New York Times bestselling author will give you a better understanding of how hard work, perseverance, and grit lead to success. So, if you want to be successful in your business or career, be prepared to push yourself hard to stay ahead of your competitors.
The writer, Daymond Jonh’s life is a testimony to this fact. He literally started a business from nothing by making hand-sewn hats and today, his company FUBU has become a modest apparel company.
Crushing It by Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk is a four-time New York bestselling author, and in his latest book Crushing It, he reveals why building an impressive personal brand is important for any entrepreneur.
In this book, you will find stories of entrepreneurs who left their lucrative careers to establish their own businesses and how Vaynerchuk’s 2009 international bestseller Crush it had helped them in their journey.
In Crushing It, the writer also offers some really helpful strategies for promoting your personal brand by harnessing the power of social media platforms, like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, and also podcast platforms like Spotify, iTunes, Soundcloud, and iHeartRadio.
When to Jump by Mike Lewis
Leaving a secure and well-paid job and jumping into an unknown future to follow your passion might seem quite scary. But the author of When to Jump, Mike Lewis just did that when he decided to quit his job and pursue his passion for the game of squash.
His decision, however, was not based on whims but was founded on a well-planned strategy. But like many of us, he was also troubled by questions like ‘when to make the move’ and ‘how other people had done that’.
The book offers inspiring stories of people who left their comfortable careers to do what they believe in. So, this book will provide you the much-needed reassurance, if you are also planning to ‘jump’.
The Right and Wrong Stuff By Carter Cast
Carter Cast, a professor at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management gives some really helpful insights into the factors that can make or break careers in his book, The Right and Wrong Stuff.
With years of research on career development and a wide range of experiences as a CEO and entrepreneur, Carter Cast has categorized people in any workplace into 5 archetypes – the Captain Fantastic, the Solo Flyer, Version 1.0, the One-Trick Pony, and the Whirling Dervish.
Then he goes on to explain the strengths and weaknesses of each one of these 5 archetypes and gives tips on how to manage the risk factors with the help of self-evaluation, and support from friends and mentors.
Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires and World-Class Performers by Tim Ferriss
Tools of Titans is based on the podcast interviews of more than 200 eminent global figures in business, sports, academia, and many other industries who graced the Tim Ferriss Show.
In Tools of Titans, the author gives us a glimpse of the routines, habits, and strategies of successful people. Tim Ferriss also offers productivity tips, best business practices, and life lessons in his new book, and describes how habits can play a key role in achieving success.
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
After studying some of the world’s best organizations, Daniel Coyle unveils the secrets of successful groups in his latest book, The Culture Code. Coyle explains that the success of an organization basically depends on its good team-building skills, which can generate cohesion, team collaboration, and mutual trust.
On the other hand, a toxic work culture can do just the opposite. In the book, you will find specific strategies that can help you reform toxic cultures, ensure better cooperation among diverse groups, and build trust among team members.
Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt is a New York Time Bestselling author and also a host of the weekly podcast show “This is Your Life”. With years of experience as a CEO and entrepreneur, he is probably one of the best mentors to teach how to set goals and achieve them.
We all have big goals, but somehow they get obscured and forgotten as we struggle to accomplish our daily tasks. In the book, Your Best Year Ever, the author Michael Hyatt shares with us a potent and proven strategy for achieving our goals without getting stuck in daily assignments.
Grit by Angela Duckworth
The author, Angela Duckworth is a pioneering psychologist and her book is based on her research on grit. Based on her research, Angela Duckworth describes that the secret to success is not talent, but a special combination of passion and focused perseverance, or what she likes to call grit.
However, the author has not denied talent but only made it clear that talent alone cannot guarantee success. So, an overemphasis on talent may distract us from the importance of grit, which is equally, if not more crucial for success. This insightful book from Angela Duckworth also offers tips on how to develop grit or perseverance.
The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
Have you ever wondered what makes some products truly unique and stand out from the crowd? Apart from attributes like technology, packaging, and customer experience, designs can play the role of a game changer in this context.
The Design of Everyday Things is a book that delves deep into the design aspect of products of daily use. However, its doctrines can be applied to all products including websites. With a background in cognitive science, the writer Don Norman gives deep insights into the psychology behind everyday objects.
He has emphasized the importance of understanding and adopting a user-centered design philosophy while designing products. This beautifully crafted book will make you realize how user-friendly designs can help create a unique identity.
Whether you are going through a difficult time in your business, or just need a little guidance for your dream project, hope these books will give you the inspiration and the business acumen to take your enterprise to new heights.
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