I regret not reading one of the books before I started my marketing agency.
As an entrepreneur, a good book is one of your most powerful tools. Reading is the best way to learn vicariously, and reading books from other successful entrepreneurs will help you improve yourself, and inspire you to try new approaches you’d never imagine.
The skills and strategy from the authors are the essences of their life experiences. By learning from their experience, you save yourself from committing the same mistakes and set yourself up to make better decisions faster.
I’ve created this list to inspire the hungry readers — regardless of where you are in your career — in hopes that you will learn some valuable lessons to apply in your daily lives.
Besides the lists of books, I’ve also included the podcasts from Authors themselves or the podcasts they have been on as a guest to share their experience.
What is Podcast?
A podcast is an episodic series of spoken word digital audio files that a user can download to a personal device for easy listening. Streaming applications and podcasting services provide a convenient and integrated way to manage a personal consumption queue across many podcast sources and playback devices. — Wikipedia
There are so many podcasts with great quality information, and I recommend it to those who are looking for advice on growing a business, boost productivity, and personal growth.
Book #1. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
If it’s important to you and you want to do it “eventually,” just do it and correct course along the way — Tim Ferriss
The Book The 4-Hour Workweek shows you how to live more and work less, all while challenging conventional thought. But along the way, Tim will show you that the concept of working life, followed by retirement is outdated. The book’s main focus is to teach entrepreneurs news skills on productivity and effectiveness- covering the topics of outsourcing, and prioritization.
This is one my TOP 3 favorite books, and I would recommend it to everyone, entrepreneurs, wantrepreneurs, freelancers, executives…etc. This is a great book to start if you are looking for a life with more freedom, and spend time on those things that matter to you the most.
- Tim is also the host of his popular podcast The Tim Ferriss Show where he has interviewed 400+ successful and influential guests include Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, Neil Gaiman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, LeBron James, Elizabeth Gilbert, Ray Dalio, Michael Lewis, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Kevin Hart, Edward Norton, Tony Robbins, Maria Sharapova, Jamie Foxx, Maria Popova, Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, Amanda Palmer, Malcolm Gladwell, Vince Vaughn, Rick Rubin, Reid Hoffman, and more.
Book #2. Purple Cow by Seth Godin
If you’re remarkable, it’s likely that some people won’t like you. That’s part of the definition of remarkable… criticism comes to those who stand out. — Seth Godin
Cows are boring after you see a few. Multi-bestselling author marketing expert Seth Godin uses the metaphor of a Purple Cow to describe something that is phenomenal and remarkable — something that will grab everyone’s attention.
Seth explains how today, your business is either invisible or remarkable and shows you how to stand out from the competition in the best way possible.
When I was running my marketing agency, some of the brands I met with often said their brand is Unique, but when you ask them what’s unique about their brand, they can’t tell you what it is exactly. They would probably have a much better idea about what is “Unique” if they have read this book.
- His new podcast Akimbo talks about different culture and how we could change it.
The recording features on the Akimbo website that you could record a voicemail and send to the Podcast looks really fun. If anyone tried this feature on his website and got a response on the show, I’d love to know your experience.
Book #3. Built to Sell by John Warrillow
Once you’ve isolated what is teachable, what your customers value, and what they need most often, document your process for delivering this type of product or service. — John Warrillow
This IS the book I regret not reading before I started my marketing agency.
John, who has started and exited four companies successfully, uses a storytelling narrative in Built to Sell to teach you how you could create a business that could thrive without you, the owner of the business, so you could sell the business if you want to.
If you are struggling with horrible and demanding clients and wonder what’s the best way to expand your business without burnout, this book is for you. It teaches you how to say NO to the wrong kind of customers and focus on the ones that are right for your products.
I would definitely recommend this book for freelancers who are looking for turning their part-time gig into a serious business. You will learn how to productize your service, measuring the market size, and scale the business one step at a time.
- Podcast: Built to Sell Radio
Book #4. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
Good things happen to those who hustle. — Chris Guillebeau
“The $100 Startup” proves you don’t need a lot of money to start a successful business. He features 50 cases of people who, just like him, have built businesses with high payoff from small investments- yes, $100 or less.
Most of these people were able to monetize their personal passion; Chris wants to show you the intersection between your passion and your skills, and how other people are willing to pay for it.
This book is great for those who want to know how to start a business with literally no money. Using the techniques in this book also allows you to test the market and pivot the ideas before wasting too much time and money on something that doesn’t sell.
- His podcast Side Hustle School talks about different side hustle ideas and invite guests to share their experience.
Side hustles could potentially be something big in the future, and most of the side hustles doesn’t cost a penny. Like Chris said, Good things happen to those who hustle.
Book #5. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
Success in any field, but especially in business is about working with people, not against them. — Keith Ferrazzi
Author Keith Ferrazzi of the book “Never Eat Alone” demonstrates the power of relationships in business. He revamps the concept of ‘networking’ by advocating basing a budding relationship on generosity and connecting friends with other people.
This strategy is meant to grow your success by reaching out to other people, all while establishing a dynamic relationship where everyone benefits.
While business development expert Keith does not have his own Podcast show, he has been on other podcasts as the guest:
Book #5. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The only way to win is to learn faster than anyone else. — Eric Ries
If you want to know how to stop procrastination as an entrepreneur or a wantrepreneur, The Lean Startup is for you. Author Eric Ries revolutionizes the blueprint for business success.
In his book, he argues that the only way to do that is to take action, keep testing, and adapt frequently. Eric supports his principles with case studies that are easy to follow.
This book is an excellent choice for people who frequently over-plan and spend too much time preparing instead of taking the next step.
The Lean Startup is more than just a book now. I was lucky to be part of the volunteer team when they hosted the Lean Startup Conference in Las Vegas in November 2018.
I was assigned to help with book signing session for the book The Intrapreneur’s Journey with its authors: Hugh Molotsi and Jeff Zias.
It was a fun experience attending some of the workshops along with other attendees include employees from Facebook, IBM, and startups.
- Eric’s podcast The Lean Startup Podcast showcases engaging and informative content for their listeners.
Book #6. The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries & Jack Trout
Marketing is a battle of perceptions, not products. — Al Ries
Authors Ries and Trout of “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” provide their readers with crucial rules for building a successful brand. The book also includes case studies to elaborate on each of the laws. Their advice and input are essential to anyone looking to improve their marketing efforts.
The 1994-published book has been the bible for marketing professionals, and I strongly suggest you read it even if you don’t work in the marketing field. Every entrepreneur and business owner should read this book before they start their business or brands.
Book #7. Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone
Your obsession is the most valuable tool you have to build the life you deserve and dream of. — Grant Cardone
Grant Cardone and his book “Be Obsessed or Be Average” uses his sharp (aggressive) intelligence to inspire entrepreneurs and business owners to change their mindset as they approach their own definition of success.
His book is complete with exercises to help you figure out what your purpose and goals are, and the action plan you need to make to accomplish them.
In one of his YouTube videos, he showed his sales team that they have to set the goal right in order to get the right mindset for motivation for selling.
(Check out the BHAG method in this article below)
And guess what is the “Goal” he set for them?
A billion dollars.
- His Cardone Zone Podcast shares real estate Investing insights, interviews with entrepreneurs, and more.
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Want to see more?
One of my goals this year is to read 1 book a week, so I will be sending out my book notes and progress in my weekly suggest email.
