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Starting a business can be a huge undertaking, especially if you’ve never done it before. Luckily, some of the world’s most successful business owners have put pen to paper and written books sharing their insight, knowledge and strategies.
These books cover everything, from the tips to the trials and tribulations, giving aspiring entrepreneurs a true window into what it’s like to start a business.
What Are Some Of The World’s Most Successful Businesses?
Every entrepreneur dreams of starting a business that makes world history, some of the biggest include:
Apple: Apple is known for completely changing the way our everyday tech is designed and used. Known for products like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Air Pods, it has changed the way we interact with tech.
Amazon: Started in a garage by Jess Bezos, Amazon has completely changed the way consumers buy and sell products. It is one of the biggest ecommerce stores in the world, servicing millions of people worldwide.
Meta: Meta is the biggest social media company in the world, owning Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. It has also grown into a huge advertising company, giving it huge influence in the communications space.
Alphabet: The parent company of Google and YouTube, Alphabet’s products are used by millions daily. The company has also diversified into smart home products (Google Nest) and AVs (Waymo) and is solidifying its name in the history books.
Alibaba: Alibaba is China’s biggest ecommerce company as well as a big player in the could computing space. By appealing to both consumers and businesses, it has quickly grown into a $100 billion business.
Here, we take a look at some of our favourites books on how to start a business:
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
If there’s one book that is almost always recommended to new business owners, it’s “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. The book talks about how to build companies and products using the “lean startup methodology”.
What this means is that instead of creating complex business plans, they should test and adjust their strategy constantly. The book talks about the importance of quick pivots and how to reduce the risk of failure, making it a great read for aspiring business owners.
Buy the book here
Million Dollar Weekend: The Surprisingly Simple Way To Launch A 7-Figure Business in 48 Hours
Written by the founder and CEO of AppSumo, Noah Kagan talks about his experience launching a seven figure business.
He talks about everything, from how to generate an idea to building a scalable business model.
Buy the book here
“Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action” by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” is less about about to build a business and more about how to set it up with the right mindset.
He talks about the “Golden Circle,” which helps business leaders understand their why, how and what. This not only helps build a better business plan, but also helps communicate with consumers.
Buy the book here
“Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work And What To Do About It” by Michael E. Gerber
Michael Gerber’s “The E-Myth Revisited” is a guide for anyone that self-doubts about their ability to start a business. He talks about everything, from how to start, to trials and tribulations, helping people learn how to grow their company in a predictable, profitable and productive way.
Buy the book here
“Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leap… and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins
Jim Collins’ book is all about how some companies transition from being good to great. He talks about 11 examples of what sets these businesses apart, including the importance of leadership and understanding.
This is a great book for anyone looking to build an exceptional business right from the start.
Buy the book here
“The $100 Startup: Reinvent The Way You Make A Living, Do What You Love, And Create A New Future” by Chris Guillebeau
The $100 Startup is a great book for anyone looking to start a business on a lower budget. It talks about how to turn ideas into income, without committing a lot of money.
The books is a great tool for anyone who wants a solid financial basis before working for their business full time, talking about the benefits of building a startup without huge capital.
Buy the book here
“Rework” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
“Rework” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson is a modern how-to for side hustles.
The book talks about how to use modern resources to start a business, without committing thousands of dollars or having to quit your primary work. It is a go-to for anyone looking to break free of the 9-5, ‘reworking work’ to build a business in your spare time.
Buy the book here
