Personal development became a primary focus for me when I decided to get really serious about growing my startup.Reading a variety of books was imperative. There are so many books with so much helpful information.
One of the biggest obstacles for me involved my restricted mindset and the perceived limitations that it placed on me. The uncertainty of it all combined with fear is enough to keep most people from ever trying anything. I started with motivational videos and then added podcasts and personal development reading to the menu.
It was not an easy task, but I narrowed it down to 5 “must read” books that all startup entrepreneurs should read and I share the reasons for each. For those of who you hate reading, consider the audio book version of what I suggest. If you don’t like audio either, well I guess you are out of luck! I am going to take this a step further and even recommend them in this particular order.
1. The Magic of Thinking Big
by Dr. David J. Schwartz
This was the first book for me that REALLY got my wheels turning. It was written a long time ago, however, I feel as though its teachings are truly evergreen. If you are one who struggles with confidence and believing in yourself, this book is for you. $10 will not buy you much these days, but you can spend a few bucks less than that to get started on your journey to realizing your potential. With over 6 million copies sold, it is apparent that I am not the only one who sees the value with this book.
2. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
This book is a GIANT in the personal development community. Written in 1937, there are still a ton of relevant principles and stories that will take your mindset to the next level. It does a nice job building upon The Magic of Thinking Big although the authors have very different styles in their writing. In my humble opinion, the mindset is the foundation on which everything else is built. This is another book that deserves a spot on your bookshelf. Seriously, check it out.
3. How to Win Friends & Influence People
by Dale Carnegie
by Dale CarnegieThe first two books addressed the mindset and this one involves social influence and effectiveness in communication. Several years back, I took a 16-week course on Dale Carnegie’s teachings and this book brought it right back to me. Even for the person who did not attend one of the live courses, this book is pure gold. This will help you with your communication, selling ability, and networking with other people. I became addicted to this book as I read it and finished it quickly. This stuff really works too! If you really pay attention to what you are reading and try it, you will see a change in the people around you.
4. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This book delivers financial education from a perspective that I had never ever heard before cracking this book open. Kiyosaki is a self-made multi-millionaire and he has authored a lot of books, so he knows what he is talking about. This book is primarily written in story form, but it makes for an entertaining and engaging read. I would even recommend this for the person who has no interest in entrepreneurship at all. There is so much value here and he gives you a new picture of assets and debts. You will walk away from this one a changed person!
5. DOTCOM SECRETS by Russell Brunson
This is a much newer book than all of the rest in the list. If you hear a lot of people talking about “funnels” or “marketing automation” this will not only explain all of those concepts to you but show you how to set them up too. This book signaled a transition or a pivot in my business because it changed the way that I look at everything. Russell is the founder of ClickFunnels and he is a genius with this stuff. Regardless of the type of business that you have, this will change the game for you.
I am excited to get this blog post out there because there is so much value here. It’s crazy actually. Will you nod and agree with my list or will you actually take it to another level and read a few of these books?
If you have read any of these books, I would love to get your feedback on them as well.