The Best Books for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
I’ve always been an avid reader, but now as a full-time entrepreneur I find it to be extremely imperative to continue to feed my mind with things that will help me grow personally, as well as professionally.
The following books are some of my favorites, as they are the books that I tend to revisit when I need motivation, strategy, or clarity within business and life in general. You’ve probably heard of most of these books but if you haven’t read them I highly recommend doing so!
1. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About it.
This book walked me through the different phases and obstacles most entrepreneurs face, and how to overcome them. There are three personalities that define all entrepreneurs, Gerber helped me to quickly learn that my personality weighed heavily on the "entrepreneur' side; innovative, passionate, risk-taking, and big-picture oriented. While I lacked the skills of a "manager" who are great at organizing, creating systems, delegating, etc. And I'm about 50/50 when it comes to the characteristics of a "technician" (or worker.)
Now that I know where my strengths and weaknesses lie, I am able to be more strategic and I look forward to scaling my business this year! It's a must-read.
2. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
THIS BOOK MADE ME START A BUSINESS. You Are A Badass is pretty popular and has made its rounds on social media quite a bit, and rightfully so! This book transformeeeeed my mindset. TRANS-FORMED. I preach mindest all day long because if you don't know how to overcome fears and obstacles you will never reach the results you truly desire.
Jen Sincero talks about our subconscious and how it affects our decisions and thoughts, religion, fear, imposter syndrome, gratitude, forgiveness, and sooo much more. It's basically therapy + a life coach + your very own cheerleader in a book! If you don't read any other books on this list, READ THIS ONE.
3. Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
Here's another book that made me want to start a business AND completely changed my mindset about MONEY. Money is a very taboo subject amongst the middle class, and most are taught to "go to school and get a good, secure job." This is what Robert Kiyosaki was taught, however, he also had another male figure in his life that taught him the difference between assets and liabilities, and how to invest. if you're living paycheck to paycheck, desire to start investing or want to start building generational wealth this is an awesome read.
"The main reason people struggle financially is because they have spent years in school but learned nothing about money. The result is that people learn to work for money.. but never learn to have money work for them." -- Robert Kiyosaki
4. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
The "work smarter and not harder," blueprint. Like many services-based businesses, it's extremely easy to feel overwhelmed and burned out. I quickly learned I didn't want to work 80 hours a week to make 100k a year, and reading this book helped me to map out a plan. Even better, this book debuted before social media is what it is today, meaning that there are even MORE opportunities for passive income. READ IT.
5. The Four Agreements
The Four Agreements is focused on overall character, and tips to overcome self-limiting beliefs. Similar to You Are A Badass, he discusses the subconscious and mindset. There are four basic principles that I carry in my personal life and business; Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best.
It's gold.
Here are some others I've read, and some that are on my list:
Enjoy!
Tyler D. Jackson is the lead Social Media Strategist and Co-Founder of Trove Branding Consultants. You can find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. To schedule a free discovery call with her concerning your business click here.