Whether you’re a business veteran or just getting started, every entrepreneur is likely to come across multiple challenges on their path. Books can help you overcome many of these challenges, and one of the best ways to learn from the best is by reading success stories from entrepreneurs.
There are many best books for entrepreneurs written by successful people. There are so many books out there for people who wish to become entrepreneurs, and it’s hard to know where to start. Here we have compiled twelve of the best books on entrepreneurship written by effective people.
Let’s have a look at the best success stories for entrepreneurs and business plan books for entrepreneurs so that you can choose one of these book recommendations to improve your business plan to become a successful entrepreneur.
Best Success Story Books for Entrepreneurs
#1 Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography by Walter Isaacson
Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography is one of the most favorite books for entrepreneurs. It focuses on Apple’s founder Steve Jobs’ entrepreneurship. Being one of the most famous people in Silicon Valley, Steve Jobs’ life and success stories are inspirational. Isaacson provides a comprehensive biography about Apple’s founder in this book.
The author of this book Walter Isaacson is the CEO of Aspen Institute. He is the editor of Time and a journalist as well. He mainly wrote biographies about people who are very successful in their area of expertise.
Why should you read this book?
Apple’s success is an undeniable fact that inspires small business owners and entrepreneurs. By reading about Steve Jobs’ life from the beginning, you can learn many things about building a successful business from scratch.
A reader review:
“This book was a fascinating glimpse into one of history’s most iconic entrepreneurs and businessmen. The book pulls no punches as it describes Jobs’ character flaws and the sheer genius and quest for perfection that drove his work. I was especially happy as I remembered the number of intersections Jobs’ products have had with my life over the years – from the Apple II that first introduced me to computers to the watch I am wearing and the iPhone I am using to write this review.
I felt amazed by all that he accomplished in his relatively short life. The world was made brighter by his presence, and I am sorry he is no longer with us”
#2 Beating the Odds by Eddie Brown
Beating the Odds tells the story of building Brown Capital Management by its founder Eddie Brown. He explains how he overcame tough times such as 9/11. He also talks about the recession in the marketplace, which happened in 2008. Brown talks about being an engineer at IBM and forming his own company later in this book with comprehensive details.
Eddie Brown is a philanthropist and entrepreneur based in the USA. He previously worked as an engineer at IBM. Afterward, Brown built his own company, which became a billion-dollar business.
Why should you read this book?
Brown tells his own story with a sincere tone in this book. If you are going through hard times at the beginning of your enterprise, you can learn how to cope with these situations in business by reading Brown’s autobiography.
Reader reviews:
“Beating the Odds is a very inspiring book that will encourage young people to pursue their dreams despite humble beginnings. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Mr. Brown’s lays out a wonderful blueprint for setting goals and taking measured steps to accomplish those goals. I hope many more rich people will read this book and be inspired to become intentional philanthropists like him.”
“This gentleman and his family are the epitomai of the American dream. Surprisingly I never heard of him until this year. I have already spread the word about him to my friends. Maybe GOD showed me this story at just the right time.”
#3 Good to Great by Jim Collins
Jim Collins focuses on big companies such as Coca-Cola and Intel in Good to Great. He tries to find out the underlying things about successful companies by doing further research with his team. Finally, he brings the findings of this research in this book together.
Jim Collins, the author of this book, is an American author, speaker, and researcher. He is also a consultant in business management. He deals with company sustainability and growth while giving consultancy.
Why should you read this book?
If you are curious about what makes a business successful and well-known, you can read this research-oriented book for entrepreneurs. Collins gives practical advice about improving a company that can be helpful while developing your enterprise.
Reader reviews:
“This is the first business book I’ve ever read, so I’m not very familiar with the genre, but I enjoyed this. I am not interested in being a CEO or anything like that, but I liked this book because many of the concepts talked about can be applied to my own life. I saw this as more of a general self-improvement book that used businesses as examples of concepts, rather than a book solely about business.”
“Lots of take-home goodies in this prequel to the equally excellent ‘built to last.’ Inspired me to push that bit harder and use more guile in my business instead of just plain hard work. Then the guile helped turn the hard work into results. Glad I read it.”
#4 Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
Divided into parts according to the main topic they’ll cover, Dare to Lead is a book that shows the ropes around the concept of leadership so that any entrepreneur can lead a successful business.
According to Brown, the key to success when stepping out as a leader depends on a few key principles, from emotions to courage. Thus, you should know how to use these traits to your advantage and obtain more power to drive a business profitable.
Why should you read this book?
If you need to grasp the four skill sets that are needed in order to become a good leader, you should give this book a chance. Moreover, a profitable business requires you to keep an eye open for new findings, which are all included in this perfect book in the form of stories, research, and examples.
A reader review:
“I found this book the most powerful of all the Brene Brown books I have read. It highlighted the amazing opportunity we all have to create joy and fairness in our workspaces and our relationships. Brené’s words in the last chapter. ‘The Revolution – I am not afraid of the word revolution. I am afraid of a world that’s becoming less courageous and authentic.’ ‘Own the story and you get to write the ending. Deny the story and it owns you.’ I am certainly going to try as hard as I can to own mine. It’s our one shot. Thanks Brené for having the courage to share and lead the way.”
#5 The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday
Wall Street Journal bestseller, The Obstacle Is the Way is a classic book that serves as a practical guide you need to consult when you need inspiration, as it includes the ways famous names managed to get out of difficult situations they found themselves in.
Since success in business as an entrepreneur relies on the approach you take when you face hardships, this book could easily become one of your favorite business books, thanks to the practical strategies it exemplifies off the stories it bears.
Why should you read this book?
If you don’t think that hearing how successful people find the motivation to overcome challenges is a waste of time, then, as an entrepreneur, this book is a must-read to drive business success.
Thus, this one could go by as one of the best books for entrepreneurs looking for advice when they find themselves in a situation they don’t know how to get out of and move on.
A reader review:
“Ryan talks about something we all love to talk about: Our problems. Problems are something we face daily on both a small scale and a large scale, but instead of magnifying our problems, he shows us how to use these to our advantage. Instead of sulking or feeling bad for ourselves, he shows us how to find the benefit of the tragedy that has just befallen us and actually utilize it to make us better people. He shows us things from harnessing our negative emotions and using them as a catapult, to being aware of the fact that we are mortal to empower us to live each day.”
#6 Entrepreneurial You: Monetize Your Expertise, Create Multiple Income Streams, and Thrive by Dorie Clark
In her book, Clark manages to create a step-by-step guide for entrepreneurs who need a little push toward understanding how to make money off of something they actually enjoy doing.
Moreover, she mentions the core principles to get started and keep up the pace when it comes to gaining more profit so that you could call it a fruitful venture.
This ultimate guide helps entrepreneurs understand how they can monetize what they do by explaining how-tos and giving real-life examples as case studies during your reading time.
Why should you read this book?
If you wish to start monetizing your expertise in a more professional manner, you should give this book a read ’cause it clarifies how you should start your career as an inspiring entrepreneur. This book might hold the clues leading to your professional independence and financial success.
Reader reviews:
“This book was a gamechanger for me. Buzzing with ideas for my own business now, and also loved Dorie’s honesty throughout the book. Would definitely recommend to business owners, particularly industry experts looking to monetize their skills.”
“This book has the potential to infuse entrepreneurial spirit and insight into everyone who reads it. If you’re looking to diversify your income streams or make the most out of the effort you’re already putting into nearly any endeavor, this book will give you ideas for maximizing your time and your income. Dorie pulls not just from her experience, but from real-world examples of people in all walks of life and all types of businesses to provide actionable ideas to grow yourself, your career, or your business.”
Best Business Plan Books for Entrepreneurs
#7 Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance emphasizes the importance of being passionate in the business world. Duckworth underlines the significance of sustainable business and working hard regularly to improve businesses each day. Duckworth explains the concept of “grit” by advising on that matter to entrepreneurs.
The author of this book Angela Duckworth is an American academic and psychologist. She is a popular science author as well. On the other hand, she studies grit and self-control at the University of Pennsylvania.
Why should you read this book?
Duckworth calls passion and persistence in her book “grit” and explains that rather than talent, this concept is more important. To improve your business as an entrepreneur, you need to work hard and be passionate about your work, as Duckworth explains. By reading this business book, you can improve your company plan and get inspired by the motivational words in it.
Reader reviews:
“If you’ve ever doubted yourself or decided that there’s no point trying as you lack the talent for it – read this. An inspiring and insightful read, well written and engaging. Very hard to put down once you pick it up!”
“This book addresses the common misconception that people’s achievement is constrained by their innate talent. Instead, the author’s research has indicated that perseverance (grit), more than any other factor, is what allows an individual to excel. The section on developing your own grit, or fostering it in others, gives practical and action-based advice.”
#8 Purple Cow by Seth Godin
Purple Cow demonstrates the importance of unique advertisements with creative concepts. Godin gives examples of Apple, Dyson and Starbucks and these brands’ unique marketing strategies. The book criticizes old-fashioned advertising and implies that this era is, in fact, over.
Seth Godin is the author of many bestselling books translated into 35 different languages. His book Purple Cow is one of the most sold marketing and entrepreneurial books. Godin is also the founder and CEO of a website called Squidoo.
Why should you read this book?
If you are interested in creative advertising, you should read this bestselling book. Godin argues how to create remarkable advertisements that make your business stand out. It would be inspiring while forming your company’s brand identity and advertising your products.
A reader review:
“Let me start by saying that overall I’m very happy to have read this book. It launched some new ideas and introduced a unique perspective. That said, despite being written in such a small number of pages, the message was over-delivered with an abundance of redundant examples. The premise is simple. In order to gain market attention, you must offer a “remarkable” product. While the author does provide ample case studies, there’s little in the way of actionable advice or framing on how one might apply this principle to their business. Again, glad I read the book as the concept was compelling, but the simplicity of it felt like the whole book should be a chapter in a larger, more comprehensive guide.”
#9 The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The Lean Startup focuses on creating a vision and adapting quickly rather than a major business plan. Ries, in his book, offers a scientific approach to entrepreneurs while putting their startup projects into practice.
The author Eric Ries is an entrepreneur and writer of a blog called Startup Lessons Learned. Ries is a co-founder of IMVU as well. Apart from these, Eric Ries advises many startups and large companies about product strategy.
Why should you read this book?
Ries provides practical ideas in his book that can inspire your own business. By reading this book, you can avoid risks that are not needed and start building your startup safely. In addition, Eric Ries emphasizes that creating a vision is also crucial in entrepreneurship.
A reader review:
“I wish I had this book 30 years ago when I was more involved with startups. I could have avoided so many mistakes and I might be sitting on a warm beach in the tropics writing a review on the local bars instead. I highly recommend this book if you are involved in startups from scratch or inside an established company. It is well worth the time you invest in reading and reflecting on its messages.”
#10 Rework by Jason Fried
Rework is one of the best entrepreneur books, which focuses on starting and growing a company. It gives business strategies that can be applied by both small business owners and big companies. Besides, the book emphasizes the importance of customer service and how to become more productive in the business world.
The author of this book Jason Fried is the co-founder of 37signals. The company 37signals includes Basecamp, one of the most used products in the business world. Apart from these, it has products such as Backpack, Campfire, and Writeboard.
Why should you read this book?
Rework can accompany you if you want your small business to grow rich. Fried talks about his own experience and gives ideas to business insiders to achieve growth more efficiently. On the other hand, Rework ignores seeking investors and competition with other companies in a specific sector. Rather than these, the book values being productive and growing a company properly.
Reader reviews:
“I enjoyed reading this book. I have read reviews about this and it intrigued me. This book offers a different perspective on business (modern and practical). It’s not like most business or entrepreneurship books that’s fully loaded with traditional theories. This really provides an alternative, especially for the innovators. I read it in two days only because I have so many daily tasks. Otherwise, I would have finished it in a few hours. I will keep this book in my library.”
“I enjoyed reading this book. There was nothing pretentious about the authors or style of writing. It was more like reading a bunch of well thought out nuggets of wisdom that are applicable to any type of business. There is no overarching narrative or “how-to” manual that comprehensively covers everything you need to be successful in business, but the information and learnings within these pages are invaluable.”
#11 Starting a Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide by Ken Colwell
This QuickStart guide takes it from the start to tell readers about the entrepreneurial success they could reach if they follow the business plan checklist and presentation blueprint it provides.
Going into detail, this guide includes several crucial matters that entrepreneurs need to consider before starting a venture, such as competition, marketing, finding customers, and plan creation.
Keep in mind that this user-friendly book might be your next book recommendation to your fellow entrepreneurs if you give it a chance!
Why should you read this book?
Provided that you’re an entrepreneur-minded person, you’re to start a venture one way or another; what this book does is provide you with practical insight that can accelerate the process and teach you the dos-and-donts along the way.
Reader reviews:
“I am starting an educational consulting business and my mentor gave me a business plan template to fill out. This is the type of document he would give business majors in college and I am not very familiar with the language of entrepreneurship (yet). This book was significantly helpful in describing technical terms in a way that a novice like myself could understand and then communicate my ideas and strategies to someone like my mentor. It was a great balance of providing detailed ins and outs of small business, but not making me feel overwhelmed.”
“This book is a wealth of knowledge and understanding for business startups and knowing how and what to do and the things you should be aware of before starting. Great reference for those who don’t know and even for those who do.”
#12 Mind Your Business: A Workbook to Grow Your Creative Passion Into a Full-time Gig by Ilana Griffo
One by one, Griffo shows you how to create a business plan that will accelerate the whole process while enhancing it, thanks to the insider tips that show readers the way to form a clear roadmap for their businesses.
Moreover, it includes chapters on scaling and growing without any hassle so that you can create your own long-term business strategy based on the facts (and experiences) this book lets you in on.
Why should you read this book?
The answer is really simple. If you need a guide that helps you research the marketplace, find a customer base, and protect your financial assets; then, this book might be a really good start for you to take a step toward finding your own financial independence.
A reader review:
“I ordered this book in December 2021 on a whim after seeing its high reviews, and knew I had to get a copy too. It has not disappointed, and I love every aspect of this book. It’s beautifully designed (Ilana’s graphic design expertise) and easy to fill in. Many of the pages are creatively formatted to get you thinking about the many aspects of owning a business. While I’m only through the first couple chapters of the book (every page is interactive), I cannot wait to discover more about my future business by completing this book. Ilana Griffo did a tremendous job crafting this book and you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended!!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book for becoming an entrepreneur?
Beating the Odds by Eddie Brown and Rework by Jason Fried are among the top entrepreneur books by business insiders. You can read these books to improve your business strategy and achieve growth.
What books do entrepreneurs read?
Apart from business strategy books, most entrepreneurs read books about other successful people in their own business. You can choose from our list specially created for entrepreneurs. If you want more book recommendations, you can read Tools of Titans and The 4-Hour Workweek as well.
Can I become entrepreneur by reading books?
Yes, it’s possible to become an entrepreneur by reading books, as you’ll be gaining more knowledge while learning about successful entrepreneurs’ experiences that you should (and sometimes shouldn’t) follow.
