TOP TEN BOOKS ALL ENTREPRENEURS SHOULD READ…

REWORK – FRIED & HEINEMEIER HANSSON

Technology that once broke the bank is now accessible to all at the click of a mouse, knowledge that used to be shared among the few is now free to the masses and what we once thought were impossible ideas are part of our daily routine. In short, the times are changing, and it’s easier than ever to start your entrepreneurial journey. In keeping with these changing times, Rework is the perfect playbook to help you also change the way you work, forever

 

AWAKE AT WORK – MICHAEL CARROLL

In Awake at Work, Michael Carroll shows readers how to inject a dose of Buddhist wisdom into their work life by removing drudgery, frustration and workplace anxieties in favour of daily opportunities for fulfilment, satisfaction and genuine happiness. It’s a powerful read that any entrepreneur wanting to make the most of their day should consider.

 

DELIVERING HAPPINESS – TONY HSIEH

Tony Hsieh places company culture firmly at the top of his priority list, something that’s served Zappos, his online retail company making over $1 billion in merchandise sales annually, pretty well. In his insightful book, the entrepreneur shares the successes, failures and life lessons he’s learned along the way, and how his novel approach to corporate culture has become his businesses model for success.

 

THE RELUCTANT ENTREPRENEUR – MICHAEL MASTERSON

The Reluctant Entrepreneur delves into the fears and misconceptions that hold many would be entrepreneurs back. Presenting Masterson’s own solid, proof-in-the-pudding strategies as case studies throughout, this book is a vital resource for anyone looking to avoid the obstacles, challenges and pitfalls that threaten fledgeling companies.

 

START WITH WHY – SIMON SINEK

Sinek’s Start with Why has quickly become a global phenomenon – it’s no wonder his TED talk of the same name is the third most watched talk of all time. Here’ Sinek looks at the great leaders throughout history – from Martin Luther King Jr to Steve Jobs – and that they all started their journey focussing on the why that drives them. Essential reading for entrepreneurs at any part of their journey.

 

POSITIONING – JACK TROUT

A fascinating read littered with valuable case studies, personal stories and some of the most astounding success and failure stories in advertising history, Trout’s analysis is key reading not just for fledging marketers but anyone entering the business world.

 

SHE MEANS BUSINESS – CARRIE GREEN

Having started her own business at just 20 years old, Green has first class experience navigating the fears, concerns and overwhelming challenges that stand in the way of many entrepreneurs. If you're a creative, ambitious, and particularly female entrepreneur, or are contemplating the entrepreneurial path, this book provides a warts-and-all look at what it takes to bring your business vision to life.

 

PIVOT – JENNY BLAKET

In today's gig economy the average job tenure is only four years - and falling fast. In Pivot, Jenny Blake, co-creator of Google's Career Guru Programme, educates entrepreneurs and millennials alike on how to capitalise on their assets for a meaningful and rewarding career.

 

BIG MAGIC – ELIZABETH GILBERT

Whatever your goal – be it writing your own novel, starting your own business or creating art - Big Magic is the book for you. Sharing her own battles and successes, Gilbert challenges readers to embrace their curiosity and pursue their dreams in the face of fear.

 

THE INNOVATOR’S DILEMMA – CLAYTON M. CHRISTENSEN

A classic read for all entrepreneurs, Clay Christensen's masterpiece on disruptive innovation continues to underpin today's most innovative leaders and organisations. No matter the industry argues Christensen, a successful company with established products will get pushed aside unless its managers know how and when to abandon traditional business practices. This book should be read by every manager, leader, or entrepreneur.