6 best business books to read for every start-up founder to build a successful business

Back in 2010, a bunch of nerds at Google counted every single book that was there. And they came to a number just shy of 130 million. 129,864,880 to be precise.

A decade later, the Internet now allows anyone and everyone to publish a book within minutes. And I don’t even have an estimation of how many books we have today.

But what I do know is business books can help startup owners in more ways than one. From inspiration to motivation and even step-by-step guidance, books have all that you need.

However, you have limited time. After all, you have a unicorn to build. So here are 6 of my personal favorite business books for every start-up founder.

Note: The books on the list are arranged in no particular order. And the books not on the list aren’t any less worthy of a read. These are just the best ones as per my personal opinion.

1.  48 Home Business Ideas Guide: Start Your Home Based Business Now By Manuela Willbold and Fernando Raymond

Starting a home business is one of the simplest ways to be your own boss. And Manuela and Fernando come to your aid with not just one but 48 ideas that you can consider. The book has ideas for everyone. A quick read, there is no way you’ll turn the last page of the book without having a Eureka! idea for your home business.

2. The Startup Playbook: Secrets of the Fastest-Growing Startups from Their Founding Entrepreneurs by David Kidder

Intelligence comes from reading about other people’s journeys. And The Startup Playbook gives you ideas, inspiration, and guidance from the top business builders. In less than 300 pages. A bible for startup owners.

3. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

You don’t always need positive motivation to get started. Sometimes the threat of failure and the monstrosity of the unseen can also get you up and cracking. The Lean Startup does just that. The book addresses the fact that most startups fail. And then it gives you antidotes that would save your startup from that kind of a fate.

4. “Who” by Geoff Smart and Randy Street

From waiting in line to be hired to hiring others, startup owners have a long walk to walk. And ‘Who’ is the only guide that you need to find the right people and make the right hiring call.

5. “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel

Zero to One is a book about building technology startups. But no matter what type of business you are building, the book will challenge your preconceived notions. And there is a lot that it has for you to take home.

6. “Superbosses” by Sydney Finkelstein

Superbosses will change your life. And it is not even an overstatement. The book combines research, data, and inputs from the world’s best leaders to help you become a great leader. Or become a superboss, as they say.