This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and other Amazon websites.
You’ve got the idea and the fire of ambition burning bright. Man, how good does it feels to be able to visualize a purpose for yourself, to follow through the dream that might bring you untold fulfillment at a young age?
Now, here’s where it gets trickier. You might have the idea, but that’s only 0.01% of the job done! Might have even forgotten a couple of zeroes there!
The route to follow from here on out is not straight, it’s more like a maze with paths that are constantly changing. To find your way around, it isbetter to consult the experiences of those that did it before. Learn to succeed at entrepreneurship while young by reading these books for young entrepreneurs.
A great read for young entrepreneurs for many reasons. First, I started a small oil company at the age of 23 and grew it into a company raising millions of dollars a year before dissolving it in the late 1980’s due to the collapse in oil prices. I know what it takes to start and build a business as an entrepreneur. Second reason, in the book On the Wings of Eagles – Learn to Soar in Life, young entrepreneurs can learn from the messages shared by many great leaders like Kevin O’Leary, Magic Johnson, Joe Namath, Rudy Ruettiger, world class endurance swimmer Darren Miller, and more.
Do something today that your future self with thank you for…Brad breaks down the best messages and underlying points from encounters he has had with some of the most influential people in politics, sports and business and shares his notes in an enlightening way. His encounters include George W. Bush, Oliver North, Kevin O’Leary, Joe Namath, Magic Johnson, Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis, Rudy Ruettiger, Fran Tarkenton and more. As the founder of The Art of Beliefology™ Brad explains how everyone has limiting beliefs holding them back from accomplishing more in life and then provides a framework for overcoming them. Intertwined with stories from Brad’s past as CEO of a small oil company, to real life examples of bringing about change – this is a must read for those wanting more in life.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
As an entrepreneur, I quickly learned that my ability to succeed heavily depends on my ability to lead and influence my team. Influencer is an exceptional book with real life examples of how to lead change, replace bad behaviours with new skills, and influence change in your organisation.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
John Doerr is often credited with popularising OKRs (Objective and key results) which has been adopted by many organisations like Google. This books is incredibly valuable for entrepreneurs because it is imperative to be able to track and measure the most important elements within your business. If you can track it, you can create strategies for improving it. I wish I would have read this book earlier because it has shifted the way we operate as a company.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
This book will teach you how to power your subconscious mind to handle adversity and to avoid negativity. Your thoughts will respond to adversity and negativity and not react to them.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
This book will guide you to think in a certain way as it is based on so many successful people. How they respond to adversity!
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
A fantastic point of view from two different perspectives that will really put you on the path of success as far as family and business!
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
This book is the ultimate starters book. It has a honest approach that most books do not offer or address. It talks a lot about the mindset you need to adopt as a young entrepreneur and helps you build confidence to start with success.
No matter what your passion, service, product, vision, or movement this book will help you have more success from the start. With a unique style, unique insight and personal perspective Steve will help you see what you need to see before you start your journey into entrepreneurship.
This book talks about:
– Overcoming Fear
– Logical and tactical ways to start your journey
– How to stay lazy focused and stay on the trail
– Defining what enough means to you
– Dreaming vs. doing
– Entrepreneur mindset
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
The best business book I’ve ever read was The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco. I first read it in college and it both opened my eyes and reaffirmed by beliefs that the fastest and most powerful way to build wealth was by navigating the world as a producer. Instead of for example, consuming or buying the latest smart watch, produce it instead. Instead of opening a franchise fast food restaurant, offer one instead.
Think like a business owner: what problems can you solve? Where can you add value? DeMarco will reset your thinking and even offer various ideas for businesses anyone can start and how to get started. This book is life changing!
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
As a young entrepreneur, the 1-Page Marketing Plan was pivotal to my success. It helps entrepreneurs clarify their target client and it gives actionable tips to connect with your customers.
It covers everything, including social media marketing, email marketing, networking, referrals, and direct outreach. It gives the complete marketing picture and it’s a fast paced, humorous read.
I recommend it to every young entrepreneur that I meet since it has had such an enormous impact on my business.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
In the E-Myth, Michael condenses and explains everything he has learned in his 40 years building businesses and coaching others with an emphasis on building a business as though it was a franchise, even if you have no plans to franchise the company. Doing so forces you to create systems that ensure you can work on your business rather than in the business.
Michael has revised the book over the years and also launched industry-specific versions.
The book also follows the story of Ray Croc and McDonald’s, something that any young person can relate to and a company that is full of great business lessons, even if you don’t enjoy the food.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
The Only Difference Between Success and Failure Book by Grant Cardone Achieve Massive Action results and accomplish your business dreams! While most people operate with only three degrees of action-noaction, retreat, or normal action-if you’re after big goals, you don’t want to settle for the ordinary. To reach the next level, you must understand the coveted 4th degree of action.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
I read this book as then bought it as a gift for one of my driven-lady 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 copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
I think a great book for young entrepreneurs to read would be Profit First by Mike Michalowicz because it takes the stress and guess work with managing your money as a young entrepreneur. Profit First has a formula for how you should allocate your revenue as it comes in, how much you should pay yourself, and how to be sure you’re making real profit early in the business.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
I wrote this book for young entrepreneurs. It discusses the top five ways they can end their careers and the top five ways to build their careers.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
The author shares ideas and strategies for making improvements in many aspects of one’s life. For a young entrepreneur who is just getting started in business, it can feel a bit overwhelming to face the many challenges that go along with starting a new company. While the book covers various topics, the concept of “incremental improvements” can be applied to many aspects of running the new company, by taking the entrepreneur’s various corporate goals, and breaking them down into more manageable tasks and actions. The book includes lots of helpful ideas regarding personal and business development.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
One of my favourite books to recommend is Who by Geoff Smart. As a chronic people pleaser, I found productive interviews challenging as I didn’t enjoy making people feel uncomfortable with challenging questions. The book provided a great context and set of goals for the interview so I didn’t feel like was being rude by digging deeper. It also helped me set up a framework of expectations for new hires and how to communicate them.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
This book will guide you to getting free from debt and taking practical steps to build wealth with a solid financial future. The teaching is sound and biblically based. You will find her tips easy to follow, the principles she shares easy to apply and immediately experience positive results. Approachable and pragmatic, this message will expand your faith as it increases your ability to walk in generosity.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
Do you desire a greater income stream? Have you wondered how you can create a larger income so you have a lifestyle that allows for freedom?Whether you’re a real estate investor or delving into buying your first property, this book will provide the keys to real estate investing and it will be your go to book again and again.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
In a profession where good ghostwriters get a few hundred bucks per writing project on Upwork, I make $35,000 to $100,000+ per book. It wasn’t always this way for me. When I started my business, the very first gig I landed paid $1.67/hour, a fraction of a fraction of minimum wage. Then I read The $100 Startup, which gave me a one-page business plan that helped me increase my prices, package my services to attract higher caliber clientele, and persuade prospects to book me as their ghostwriter sooner than later.
Thanks to Chris Guillebeau’s book, I was able to quit my full-time job, grow The Entrepreneur’s Wordsmith to multiple six figures annual revenue, and employ my wife so we can raise our son together while working together out of a home office. The twenty-first-century entrepreneurial dream came true for me and my family, and a large portion of the credit goes to Chris Guillebeau, who I met in person a few months ago.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
While the title suggests that the book is for adults who have day jobs, this book is full of great ideas for side businesses as well as some insight on how these side hustlers came up with the idea and brought their businesses to life. The book features a wide breadth of ideas and a lot of beautiful pictures, so it’s a great book for young entrepreneurs who are seeking inspiration and guidance.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
Nathan Latka is 29 years old and is retired. Nathan challenges the old way of doing business for example Robert Kiyosaki says that your home is a liable because it does not bring in an income, Nathan argues that with new age platforms such as airbnb, your home is no longer a liability. Nathan provides a complete playbook of his entrepreneurial journey since he was 19. He founded a software company with $119 in his bank account. Five years later, it was valued at $10.5 million. He provides, email templates, strategies & screenshots of his negations. You don’t need a lot of money to start a business, Nathan will show you exactly how it is done. This book is ideal for prospective entrepreneurs that are struggling to get finance, or have no idea where they should start. This book will they you all about the new rich.
Nathan Latka is the principal of private equity firm Latka Capital; executive producer and host of “The Top Entrepreneurs” podcast; and CEO at two companies he’s recently purchased.
He is also the star of the hit FB Watch show “Latka’s Money” (more than one million viewers tune in every episode).
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
I listened to the audiobook twice and got a lot of good ideas from it. It explains how you should spend just as much time figuring out how to acquire customers (i.e. gaining traction) as you do developing your product. The book provides nineteen different ways to grow your customer base, using specific examples of how those channels have worked for other successful startups. Very useful, practical, and straightforward.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
This is a fantastic book that is refreshing and even humorous. It goes into detail explaining various ideas and techniques to understand the sales process in a fresh way. Pink points out that everyone is in sales. A person may not be selling something directly but we are always seeking to motivate others whether we realise it or not. We as humans are constantly “selling ourselves” by persuading, convincing, and influencing others to give up something they’ve got in exchange for what we have. For example, we try to convince our boss to give us a raise, we pitch our startup business to investors, we push our team to grow our business, we even “sell” our children on doing their homework.
Selling is not something that has to be looked at as distasteful. In fact one of the most effective ways of moving others is to uncover challenges that a person may not know they have.
Pink points out the two most essential qualities in a successful salesperson today are
1.Perspective
2. Empathy
Since the shift in technology has made everything so accessible, a salesperson must be likeable and relatable for a customer to want to do business with them. Pink replaces the stereotypical “selling” with “serving”- an essential principle to be successful. He encourages us to make sales personal and purposeful drive by authentic and honest experiences.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
I am suggesting that young entrepreneurs read The 9 Dimensions of Conscious Success because it will help clarify purpose, raise self-awareness, and develop strong personal relationships. These are three core foundations of personal and professional success. The exercises, tips, and strategies included in this book should be practiced by the entrepreneur to develop leadership skills, as well as to establish basic workplace behaviours and expectations for the team you will be building. Incorporate the 9 dimensions into job performance evaluations.
Use them to evaluate other stakeholders, vendors, and suppliers you will choose to do business with. Be conscious at all times of the relationships you want to find, maintain and develop that will support the core values of your business, which is a reflection of YOU. If you are your authentic self people will trust you, will want to work with you, and will want to do business with you.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
I read Oversubscribed at the end of last year and it changed how I think about my business for the better. Instead of a scattergun approach to finding new business things are not much more focused meaning that I’m now getting the right clients, with the right expectations coming through. It’s a must for any young entrepreneur or business owner.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
Jess is also the author of her upcoming book with Harper Collins Publishing, Chasing The Bright Side. Chasing The Bright Side will be hitting shelves in November of this year and speaks about the importance of pursuing your passions and staying optimist through the inevitable failures and challenges that come along the way in life and on the journey to entrepreneurship. Chasing The Bright Side is an honest, hilarious, and vulnerable portrayal of Jess’ hard-earned success as a young, female entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and philanthropist.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
Anything by Seth Godin but one of his latest is This is Marketing, you cant be seen until you learn to see, he is a master who really understands what drives people to purchase from a practitioners perspective using his first hand experience and simple language not jargon
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott as the sub head says he teaches you How to Use Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Applications, Blogs, News-jacking, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly and again he has been there and done it so he tells it like it is not theoretically but from the trenches
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie it is a classic with timeless advice on manners and people/human nature. You cannot go wrong with this one.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
Another good one is Getting To Yes I also took his negotiations class in business school and this reminds me of what he taught us, we are constantly negotiating in business and you have to always keep in mind what your best alternatives are and be ready to walk away.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
This is a short read, ideal for anyone just starting their own business, and without that much free time for research and reading. Jim Rohn was an American author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. He guided a number of people that later become successful (Mark R. Huges of Herbalife, for example) so his methods can be said to work.
This book, in particular, is a great stepping stone for anyone that wants to frame their business venture using the tools presented in the book. It explores the issues of luck and circumstances, as well as the life attitude needed to succeed in business. One of the more valuable parts to this book is the remark that anyone should measure their progress in concrete ways, using actual data from their work, and not rely so much on gut-feelings and opportunities.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
Brewing up a business is a great book for all aspiring and young entrepreneurs. The book follows Sam Calagione’s journey from humble home brewer to beer magnate. It is an incredibly honest (and funny!) account of what it is like setting up a business and growing it to be a truly global influence.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
In my opinion, ‘Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World’ by Adam Grant’ is a powerful read in which the author champions novel ideas and values which go against the grain and considers how young leaders can battle the scourge of group-think. By using a selection of individual examples from the worlds of business, politics, sports and entertainment, Grant describes how they rose to the top employing original ideas, policies and practices. This the essential handbook for any aspiring entrepreneur!
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
I think every young entrepreneur should read Anything You Want by Derek Sivers. It’s a book more about the story of this artist-cum-entrepreneur and the lessons he learnt. He offers no real frameworks or theories, but Sivers’ story reminds you that there isn’t one best way to start a business, that business can be more art than a science if you want it to be, and the best place to start is from your own passions. These are important lessons for young entrepreneurs who find the startup dogma too dogmatic, and the startup culture too monocultural. It helps you to be comfortable in just being yourself, and expressing yourself through your business.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
This one is a classic, as you may know, and a must-have book for any aspiring entrepreneur. The book is not a “how to” but helps you understand the mindset of an entrepreneur. Using personal experience, Timothy Ferriss does a fantastic job of illustrating his journey as an entrepreneur.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
This book falls more in the category of “inspirational” and is also a great read for entrepreneurs. Elon Musk’s personal story and ambition are well-documented in this book. It serves to prove that nothing is impossible in the world of entrepreneurship, including the colonisation of Mars.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
What’s amazing about the book is that it teaches you the basics of managing a company from day 0 to when it reaches its state of 1. What’s more, Theil shows how to find your piece of cake not to try to defeat huge companies that are already out there. Plus, he shows how to structure the company to run it ethically and to move towards an ethical, so-called creative monopoly.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
The Ultimate Sales Machine is an incredibly thorough book that will guide you and your business on not only on how to make more sales, button how to create a growing, effective business. Holmes covers how to hire the best sales people, how to reach your prospects and sell to them, how to hold effective training sessions and meetings, how to give effective presentations, how to use your time effectively, and more. If you want a book that will teach you how to kickstart your business, this book is for you.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
While this book as been immensely helpful in crafting winning strategies for my clients over the years, it has also been a helpful tool in navigating every day relationships. Influence, by Dr. Robert Cialdini teaches the basic principles of influence which are prominent features of the most successful marketing and sales campaigns of all time.
By better understanding how people are influenced from a psychological level, you’re better able to win sales, convince users to buy, and deepen relationships with those around you. Whether your business is suffering from no-call, no-shows or you’re a multinational business with a flop of a new product Dr. Robert Cialdini’s book can help.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
It might seem odd to pick a book from 2007, but Purple Cow is still one of the most relevant and impactful reads for an up and coming entrepreneur. This book is about key principles of marketing, about standing out instead of blending in and making your business not just available to your customers, but essential.
Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:
Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here
