Jacob Jacobowitz
A true entrepreneur never stops with personal development. Learning from books, experiences, networking events are all great ways to improve your strategies for the next business opportunity.
These books are one source of information and wisdom from experienced business men and women. An appointment with these authors is not even available, and yet here they are offering you their words at a very accessible price. If you want to take your skills and creativity to the next level, there are 40 opportunities glaring right back at you.
Navigate the article
#1 The Four Steps to the Epiphany by Steve Blank
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Gene Caballero from GreenPal. |
For me, Steve laid out all of the pre-work that was needed to be done before a company should even be started. From getting out of the building and getting feedback from random strangers to being on top of your company and not in it, Steve takes real-world examples and explains everything in detail. He gave me the confidence and the reasoning to get the ball rolling on becoming an entrepreneur.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#2 How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Ricardo Velez from Fundera. |
As an entrepreneur, you will have to interact with a wide variety of people. Dale Carnegie’s timeless classic provides principles that will help any entrepreneur become a more effective communicator.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#3 Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Sydney Liu from Commaful. |
This is one of the best entrepreneurial stories out there. The founder of Nike shares a behind the scenes look at some of the craziest moments, decisions, and more from the founding of Nike. The story shares many lessons on persistence, strategy, partnerships, brand-building, and more.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#4 Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Sydney Liu from Commaful. |
Every business has customers and can do well by making those customers feel amazing. The founder of Zappos, the successful shoe company, shares the secrets he’s learned to really make his customers and employees happy over the long term.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#5 Epic Content Marketing by Joe Pulizzi
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Ryan from Rent My Words. |
As a freelance writer and SEO consultant who works with a number of companies and entrepreneurs, it’s clear that most neglect content and are unaware of the true impact their website, blog, social media platforms, etc. can and should have on the bottom line of their businesses. This book brilliantly – and clearly, with plenty of examples – illustrates the need to focus more on the customer and far less on your products/services. It’s a must not only for the knowledge it passes along, but for the action it compels.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#6 Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business By Gino Wickman
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Matthew E. Gaffey from Corbett Road Wealth Management. |
If you feel Measure What Matters left you wanting more, the system established within Traction (the Entrepreneurial Operating System aka EOS) makes OKRs look pale in comparison. This book was designed with the entrepreneur in mind and is much more focused on providing practical applications and useful tools than illustrative stories about Bono.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#7 The Year a Roof Rat Ate My Dishwasher by Ms Denise P Meridith
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Denise Meridith from World’s Best Connector. |
A lighthearted look at the challenges and opportunities facing the many folks who want to live and/or start a business in the fastest- growing (and most misunderstood) city in the US—Phoenix, Arizona. With all the on-going chaos and stress, this book is a welcome relief and helpful how-to from an author who considers herself the Erma Bombeck of Business.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#8 Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by D.J. Billings from Sparky Firepants Screen Printing. |
On the surface, this book is about Pixar and the animation industry. However, I recommend it for every entrepreneur and business owner, regardless of industry. Ed Catmull has a way of telling stories about his experiences building and running Pixar that anyone can relate to. It’s entertaining, yet there are deep lessons in his anecdotes that have helped me think in new ways about my own business. It’s an easy read, I had a hard time putting it down.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#9 Do Cool Sh*t by Miki Agrawal
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Ramya Menon from Bayut. |
I read this book as then bought it as a gift for one of my driven friends. I highly recommend this great, funny and super helpful book for anyone who wants to start their own business and/or be a better, productive human being. No-nonsense and easy to follow. Her go-getter attitude and tenacity is inspiring. It will help people to open their mind to human experiences and becoming the best person they can be.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#10 Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Jitesh Keswani from E-INTELLIGENCE. |
You’ve heard of Moz, correct? Well, the founder and former CEO of the same has written this wonderful (to say the least) book on how all the hard work and the lessons you learn in your journey, can make you a fighter. A fighter who can survive in any kind of business environment. I was spellbound by the sheer courage that has been portrayed in the book, and the wisdom this man gives is nothing short of a lesson worth a lifetime. To be honest, my brain went on a running spree, once I finished reading the book. It was flooded with ideas and inspirations I had never thought of before. All in all, I will just say that if you don’t read this book soon, it’s a huge loss.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#11 The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Andrei Vasilescu from DontPayFull. |
According to Eric Ries startup is a dedicated effort to produce a new thing under total uncertainty. But most of the startups fail under this uncertainty. This book must be a guidebook for every entrepreneur, because in this book Ries taught us about how not to fail in our startups.
Ries has years’ long experience in entrepreneurship and he knows the little things which are the possible causes for failed startups. This book teaches us to keep looking to our targets and take the ‘lean’ steps one by one carefully towards the target. Ries tells us to see the practical sides of the hostile uncertainty and carefully step on to grow your business from the scratch without failure.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#12 The Entrepreneur’s Playbook by Leonard C. Green
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Andrei Vasilescu from DontPayFull. |
This is an amazing handbook for entrepreneurs written by the business professor Leonard Green who is an experienced entrepreneur and investor. In this book Green has compiled different secret tips, proven tactics and probable mistakes done by different entrepreneurs. You can learn all the useful tricks to succeed in your business and know what mistakes you must avoid in your entrepreneurship. This book teaches us to not to take unwise steps without calculating the risks hidden behind. Green also alerted us to avoid labouring on big ideas which are likely to be out of your capacity at present. This book can be the best coach in your entrepreneurship.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#13 The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Andrei Vasilescu from DontPayFull. |
Today the competition is so high in the business world, that you cannot reach nearly half of your target if pour normal efforts. So, Grant Cardone tells us in this book to commence the 4th degree of action to reach our goals in our entrepreneurships. This 4th degree, told as the 10X rule by Cardone, is that level of effort you need to pour that can confirm the achievement of your desired target. This 10X rule is the principle of massive action of concrete steps to reach your goal while reducing the chance of possible mistakes. This book is a gem for any entrepreneur.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#14 Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Nadine Russell from Entice The Brand. |
This book speaks a lot to taking action on the things that you are fearful about. A lot of times we hold ourselves back out of fears that aren’t justified. Action is the best way to see what works and what doesn’t. The book serves as a great reminder!
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#15 Art of the Start 2.0 by Guy Kawasaki
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Russ Nauta from CreditCardReviews. |
Guy Kawasaki does not mess around with the business jargon, which makes his book more readable and enjoyable. Kawasaki has been in nearly every single position, employee, entrepreneur, manager, and investor; entrepreneurs can visualize their own journey and understand the highs and lows of each stepping stone by learning from a successful entrepreneur. What’s best is that you’re not just reading a book.
Kawasaki acts more like a coach than an author; in addition to great examples and actionable advice, readers are given helpful exercises and recommended further readings after each section. It’s a great book to get a jump start in the business world.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#16 The Go-Giver, Expanded Edition by Bob Burg
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues. |
This is a short read packed with great guiding principles on how to be a successful business person. It’s one of those books I buy, read, and then give to somebody I think should read it. Then I buy it again next year to read it anew. Rinse and repeat.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#17 I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues. |
My favorite thing that I took from this book was automating my finances, especially when it comes to saving and investing. I basically thought about setting up a simple system for saving for retirement for about an hour a few years ago and since then it’s been chugging along in the background.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#18 The One Thing by Gary Keller
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues. |
This is a great book on productivity. It simplifies everything into focusing on only the one thing that’s most important at each time. It’ll skyrocket your productivity and transform how you structure your work day.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#19 The Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues. |
This is the book that started it all.If it weren’t for Mr. Tim Ferriss my life would’ve been relegated to low income jobs and a boring life. Instead, I’m successfully self-employed and get to do what I want to do every day. Pretty good trade-off just for reading one book.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#20 The War of Art by The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues. |
I want to call this the blue-collar method to creativity. Basically you just focus on doing the work as a habit and a ritual every day. Once you’ve finished a project you get up the next day and start a new one.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#21 10% Happier by Dan Harris
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues. |
A very interesting read about one man’s introduction to meditation and mindfulness. I only mediate 10 minutes a day but it’s been crucial in keeping me sane. This book helped me make meditation a habit.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#22 Mastery by Robert Greene
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues. |
It’s hard to describe why this book is good. It’s ’inspirational in many ways, and includes a lot of stories about individuals that became masters in their field. I need to read/listen to it again
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#23 How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues. |
I was originally going to recommend “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie on here but I think this one is better. If somebody updated Carnegie’s book for the new generation, this would be it.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#24 I’m Not for Everyone. Neither Are You. by David Leddick
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues. |
I love this book. It’s a really easy read (with a foreword by Steven Pressfield!) but it encapsulates why it’s pointless to try to please everyone all the time. I have my thing and I know there’s an audience that likes what I’m about. It’s actually quite pointless of me to try to go after those who won’t ever like me no matter what I do.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#25 The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues. |
This is one of those books like the 4 Hour Work Week that make you realize that the typical path “they” tell you to take isn’t necessary at all. You can still do what you love, achieve your goals AND pay your bills without taking a job you hate.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#26 Starting From Scratch by Shelly L. Henderson
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Arden McLaughlin from Definita. |
Shelly L Henderson has owned a successful real estate business for twenty years. She and her husband Phil started their business before there was Google, social media, or mobile phones. While they were starting their business, they started a family. The lessons Shelly learned throughout growing a family and business are invaluable so in 2018, she graciously decided to share them with the world in her book Starting from Scratch.
Today, Shelly shares hilarious, and true, stories of life as a business owner, wife, mom, carpool chauffeur, fashionista, life liver, and joy bringer. Shelly will give you tips on how to Start From Scratch every day, why it’s important to have a firm foundation, and why the people around you should be a team. She hopes you will leave with more determination and encouragement to go out and Start From Scratch making each new day your best day whether at home or at work.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#27 Contagious: Why things catch on by Jonah Berger
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Umberto Luchini from Blood x Sweat x Tears Vodka. |
This book gave me a much more solid understanding of why things go viral, and even more importantly how to put elements in place to increase the likelihood that my brand will have the best chance of going viral. This is a book you’ll want to spend some time with and perhaps use as a checklist.
Another element that I like about the book is how useful it can be in starting discussions with brand teams about how to give ideas and campaigns the highest chance of success. And as quoted in the book: “Virality isn’t born, it’s made.” I strongly recommend reading Contagious all the way through, also for the sheer entertainment value.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#28 Talking to Humans by Giff Constable
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Lee McMillan from PeakSeason Jobs. |
Most entrepreneurs will tell you that Eric Reis’ book The Lean Startup is akin to the bible of entrepreneurship, and they’re right. However, Talking to Humans, by Giff Constable, is the perfect compliment to The Lean Startup, because it provides a field manual for implementing Mr. Reis’ central principle of learning about your customers.
It teaches entrepreneurs how to find interview candidates, structure effective questionnaires, and translate your findings into a desired product. Y Combinator implores its entrepreneurs to make something people want. Talking to Humans teaches you how to figure out what people want so you can make it.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#29 Sell More. Faster. by Kim Orlesky
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Kimberly Ihekwoaba from Kihek Creations. |
I recommend Sell More. Faster. By Kim Orlesky. This book covers the foundational skills that every entrepreneur must have – Sales. As the business owner you must learn how to communicate value, build relationships, and mantain those relationships. The book debunks the idea that people are born sales people, and rather, brakes down actionable steps for better habits during the sales process.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#30 Built To Sell by John Warrilow
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Katrina Cobb from KatrinaCobb. |
Built To Sell offers a strategy to build something that doesn’t trap you but instead becomes an asset and allows you the freedom you were after in the first place. I especially love his example and the story about how finding a perfect niche made a huge difference.
This one I WISHED I read before starting my previous business…it’s so important to have an exit plan, and begin with the end in mind. It’s hard to sell a business that depends on your personal involvement.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#31 Good to Great by Jim Collins
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Andrew Schrage from Money Crashers. |
This book is great for entrepreneurs who have started their small business, are rather successful, but want to take their company to the next level.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#32 The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People By Stephen R. Covey
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Andrew Schrage from Money Crashers. |
These habits are largely thought processes, and fortunately, what’s good for personal development is great for business development as well. This books talks about thinking ahead, thinking positively at all times, and thinking about how to work smarter and not harder. A great read for any entrepreneur.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#33 The E Myth by Michael Gerber
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Andrew Schrage from Money Crashers. |
This book talks about the seamier side of entrepreneurship – failure. The good news is that it provides and clear and easy to understand roadmap for avoiding it. It’s also got a lot of relevant info on basic business organization, something most entrepreneurs would benefit from.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#34 21 Days to a Big Idea by Bryan Mattimore
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Bryan Mattimore from Growth Engine Innovation Agency. |
Inspired by a request from a Columbia Business School professor to help his MBA entrepreneurial students invent better ideas for their new ventures, 21 Days to a Big Idea leads the reader through a fun, easy-to-learn and apply process to invent and develop “the next big thing!” The book includes more than two dozen proven idea-creation techniques and processes that have helped Fortune 500 companies create over $3 Billion in successful new products and services.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#35 Zero to One Notes on Start-Ups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Casey Hill from Bonjoro. |
Zero to One is a look at the the most innovative businesses in the world and what it took to grow them (from the co-founder of Paypal). He talks about how it is immensely more difficult to start something truly pioneering than it is to simply repurpose and reiterate on existing technology. But he argues it is also more worthwhile.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#36 The World of Warcraft Diary by John Staats
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by John Staats from whenitsready, LLC. |
When the founders of Blizzard Entertainment, the world’s top game studio, were asked why their company was to successful, their answer was simply, Because we self-publish. Why was project control so important to them? The World of Warcraft Diary follows the development of one of their most successful titles, World of Warcraft (WoW), and it describes how the company went to a 200-employee company to a worldwide phenomenon. It debunks industry myths and illustrates the flawed, random, unplanned, mistake-strewn process for successful software development.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#37 Starting A Business QuickStart Guide by Colwell PhD MBA, Ken
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Benjamin Sweeney from ClydeBank Media. |
Sourced from over twenty years of firsthand experience working with entrepreneurs, new ventures, and high-growth startups, Starting a Business QuickStart Guide concisely presents the core fundamentals that all new entrepreneurs need to know to get started and find success. This book touches on the entire business planning process with a focus on strategic thinking and the ways in which the intangible aspects of entrepreneurship often have the greatest impact on positive business outcomes.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#38 Running With My Head Down by Frank V. Fiume II
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Jane Reilly from Smith Publicity, Inc.. |
The story of a boy from a tenement apartment in Queens who was obsessed with the game of baseball—a super-fan who idolized the Yankees and devoured player statistics, collecting vintage cards and organizing backyard leagues. As he matures, he turns this passion for the game into a life purpose. Laser-focused, with nothing to lose, he runs toward his goal with his ‘head down,’ defying skeptics, ultimately becoming a pioneer in the youth sports industry and the founder of i9 Sports—the nation’s leading franchise of youth leagues and camps. Since 2003, i9 has generated more than $300 million in sales, with 2 million participants in 900 communities across 30 states nationwide.
How did he do it? It’s a tumultuous journey as Fiume shares tales of defeat, bankruptcy, lawsuits, stalkers, and addiction, together with euphoric moments too, never sugarcoating any of his assorted experiences. And as we discover, Frank pays a steep price for success. His entire identity becomes his company. And he ultimately drives himself to physical and emotional exhaustion, feeling a sense of total disillusionment. This moment of collapse is a wake-up call—that leads him to a remarkable spiritual awakening. In the climactic chapters, Frank ultimately sells his business, and sets off on a brand-new pathway, determined to help others achieve their missions in life.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#39 Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Cassandra D Freeman from Thoughtful Inspirations. |
I am suggesting this book because it is filled with a successful path to create amazing relationships with your customers while you make money. As you read the book, it provides spaces at the end of each chapter to form your dream journey for your customers. And it works! Every entrepreneur should read this book, it’s like the bible for creating a journey for your customers that everyone will love and it will be unforgettable.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
#40 The Art of UnLearning by Divya Parekh
 |
Who recommended this book? This was recommended by Nina Dafe from The Far Above Rubies Collection. |
Entrepreneurship is a journey that will stretch you and require you to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, no matter who you are or what stage of business you’re in. Your success lies outside of your comfort zone is one of my favourite truths from The Art of Unlearning in which nine gifted women experts come together to share their individual stories of overcoming adversity (in all it’s various forms) to step out of theirs. Reading it is sure to inspire and motivate you to achieve your goals and dreams- no matter what- too.
Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:
Ricardo Velez from Fundera
Sydney Liu from Commaful
Ryan from Rent My Words
Matthew E. Gaffey from Corbett Road Wealth Management
Denise Meridith from World’s Best Connector
D.J. Billings from Sparky Firepants Screen Printing
Ramya Menon from Bayut
Jitesh Keswani from E-INTELLIGENCE
Andrei Vasilescu from DontPayFull
Nadine Russell from Entice The Brand
Russ Nauta from CreditCardReviews
Björgvin Benediktsson from Audio Issues
Arden McLaughlin from Definita
Umberto Luchini from Blood x Sweat x Tears Vodka
Lee McMillan from PeakSeason Jobs
Kimberly Ihekwoaba from Kihek Creations
Katrina Cobb from KatrinaCobb
Andrew Schrage from Money Crashers
Bryan Mattimore from Growth Engine Innovation Agency
Casey Hill from Bonjoro
John Staats from whenitsready, LLC
Benjamin Sweeney from ClydeBank Media
Jane Reilly from Smith Publicity, Inc.
Cassandra D Freeman from Thoughtful Inspirations
Nina Dafe from The Far Above Rubies Collection
