In the current digital era and the rapid online shift of practically everything, books are no longer talked about. If you are in the startup ecosystem and are passionate about learning everything that you can, your resources should not be limited to the internet. There is a myriad of startup books out there that have deep knowledge that you would not find anywhere else. Check out these recommendations for the best startup books from experienced startup founders.
1. The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster by Darren Hardy
This is one of my personal favorites and even though this list is no particular order I really had to keep this one at the #1 spot. Why? Well because it preaches the most invaluable lesson when it comes to being a startup founder. And that is to enjoy the process and overall experience and not drowning in the lows of the journey.
A startup journey is an unpredictable and uncertain one. You’ll see highs, lows, success, setbacks, achievements, and massive roadblocks. Which is precisely why Darren Hardy calls it a roller coaster. He talks about anticipating and dealing with the problems and issues that come in a startup’s journey. After reading this book you will be much more startup mature for sure, and better positioned.
Read More: Lessons from The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster
2. Will It Fly?: How to Test Your Next Business Idea So You Don’t Waste Your Time and Money by Pat Flynn
3. The Startup Owner’s Manual by Steve Blank, Bob Village
Consider this book as your parent that held your hand and helped you cross the road as a kid. The Startup Owner’s manual is an amazing workbook for those who want to create a startup business. Steve Blank addresses the problems of today’s startups, answers frequently asked startup questions using a practice-oriented solution approach. It also contains more than 40 helpful checklists for all project phases, as well as special explanations for digital startups and spin-offs.
4. Setting the Table by Danny Meyer
Trust me when I say this, Setting the Table is going to have a massive influence on you and your entrepreneurial journey. Danny Meyer does a great job of explaining how important it is to care about customer experiences and why it is the focus of every successful business. The book goes into great lengths to explain why a product just shouldn’t serve a purpose; it should tell a story and should excite you.
5. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
In his book, Eric Ries explains that the standard approaches to business development are not applicable when it comes to startups. The book explains how the lean startup approach enables you to get your product into the customers’ hands faster. It is a principled approach that teaches you what route to take with your startup, when to pivot, and how to sustain and grow. I would highly recommend you to read this book and fully understand The Lean Startup approach. It is extremely important, especially in the current startup ecosystem. A must-read book indeed.
Read More: The Lean Startup Approach
These were a few of the books that we really wanted to recommend. The startup books market is definitely cluttered as well. The best way to find the right helpful book is to ask around people and look for recommendations like ours here. Books that helped people you know. Or you could get books that provide an insight into the startup life of experienced startup founders. If you have read one that helped you or could benefit other people, do share it in the comments section below.
