Before I get to the list of books about entrepreneurship, let me be very clear about what a startup is. I’m stealing this definition directly from The Lean Startup by Eric Reis (one of the books I’m going to recommend you read).
A startup is an organization dedicated to creating something new under conditions of extreme uncertainty. This is just as true for one person in a garage or a group of seasoned professionals in a Fortune 500 boardroom.
Therefore, whether you are starting a new organization or working within an organization, you can be an entrepreneur. Companies such as Intuit (market cap of $19.2B) consider themselves start-ups and actively endeavor to create entrepreneurs throughout the organization.
If you are seeking to be an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, change agent, etc, then this is a must read list for you.
Important Note: This is not an exhaustive list of books about entrepreneurship. For that, go to Amazon and search entrepreneur. This is a curated list that provides a strong foundation. Also, please add your recommendations in the comments.
#1 Linchpin
Author: Seth Godin
Why You Should Read It: The objective of this book is to help you understand your value and what you have to contribute. We need you.
Link to buy (I’m not making any money off of these links to buy)
#2 Purple Cow
Author: Seth Godin (yes, I’m including two from Seth)
Why You Should Read It: Although a bit older, Seth will teach you about the art of having a remarkable product or service, the next step in your journey.
#3 The Lean Startup
Author: Eric Reis
Why You Should Read It: Eric uses principles from lean manufacturing to put some science around entrepreneurial management and innovating.
#4 Contagious
Author: Jonah Berger
Why You Should Read It: Contagious is a quick read that outlines specific reasons that content, ideas and businesses have viral and word of mouth success.
#5 The Giving Tree
Author: Shel Silverstein
Why You Should Read It: One of the biggest secrets to business success is being generous with employees, customers, partners and pretty much everyone.
Enjoy!
(Cover photo courtesy of Jens Schott Knudsen via Albumarium.com)