Five books to inspire you to grow your new business

While this may be true, all of us are too busy living in survival mode to try his approach. We can, however, select a few recommended books on business and attempt to read one at a time to move us in the right direction.

Five inspirational books

5 am Club by Robin Sharma

“Take excellent care of the front end of your day, and the rest of your day will pretty much take care of itself. Own your morning. Elevate your life.”

This inspirational book is fictional but with some kick-starter life lessons. It reminds me a bit of Paulo Coelho’s writing. Inspirational and life-changing if you can apply the simple techniques of starting your day intentionally.

Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson

“He knew sometimes some fear can be good. When you are afraid things are going to get worse if you don’t do something, it can prompt you into action. But it is not good when you are afraid that it keeps you from doing anything.”

This is a brilliant fable about change and adaptability. This book teaches you how to not fear what lies ahead but rather to grow from it. To move with the unknown instead of complaining of how things used to be. A takeaway for me was thinking too much about your “cheese” robs you of all the new experiences and opportunities out there.

The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Reis

“The big question of our time is not Can it be built? but Should it be built? This places us in an unusual historical moment: our future prosperity depends on the quality of our collective imaginations.”

This book is about learning quickly what customers want, not what they say they want. It is about having a vision and setting goals. It teaches you that you never stop learning. Sometimes it involves taking leaps of faith. Knowing when to adapt and when to persevere is a key element to a successful business.

Will it Fly? by Thomas K. McKnight

“Is there anything easy to attract, win, or (much like ripe fruit) pick? Are there any prospective customers who would pay a portion of the full price just to be able to lock up some of your initial production? Is there any candidate for any management position who is world-class and looking for a job?”

Will it Fly is an actional, practical book. It is a step by step guide to test your new business ideas. This book makes you look introspectively at the inner workings of your business plan. You delve right into knowing your strengths and learning all about your customers. 

Founders At Work by Jessica Livingston

“Innovations seem inevitable in retrospect, but at the time it’s an uphill battle.”

Livingston interviews founders of a few successful tech companies including PayPal, Trip Advisor, Craigslist and Adobe. We learn from their early years, how there got to where they are today. This book is rich with valuable lessons.

After reading these recommended books it will inform you, equip you, inspire you, motivate you and set you on an exciting new adventure as an entrepreneur.

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