Books every aspiring entrepreneur must read

Microsoft Founder Bill Gates reads about 50 books a year, and other business leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffett, Richard Branson, and Elon Musk are no different. Have you ever thought about why these entrepreneurs, who are worth billions of dollars, spend so much time flipping through pages when they can actually go out and have fun? Well, before you presume anything, take a look at this quote from Oscar Wilde:

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"It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it."

You're not the first person to pursue entrepreneurship and you certainly won’t be the last. Many others were in your shoes once, but they did something different to conquer the world and earn a name for themselves. Some of them took 90 years to do it while others did it in less than 30 years. And you can learn all about them and how they did it with the help of great books.

If you aspire to be an entrepreneur and change the world, read as many books as you can. Here are some of the titles you can give a shot:

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Even if you're not an Ayn Rand fan, Atlas Shrugged is a book you cannot afford to ignore. Reading the first 400 pages of the book may seem a little boring but the moment you go beyond them, you'll realise what a masterpiece it is. It showcases a world where the top one-percenters are the real heroes and push the society forward while the poor do the complete opposite.

“I started my life with a single absolute: that the world was mine to shape in the image of my highest values and never to be given up to a lesser standard, no matter how long or hard the struggle.” ― Ayn Rand

Atlas Shrugged doesn't appeal to a mass audience, but if you're even 1 percent interested in learning more about the top one percenters of the economy and wish to be one of them, grab your copy of this book as soon as possible.

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

Do you want to cut your working hours and double your income at the same time? Do you want to travel the world whenever you want without worrying about the money aspect? Do you want to transform yourself into a money magnet? If the answer to all these questions is yes, then The 4-Hour Workweek is the book you should read next.

“But you are the average of the five people you associate with most, so do not underestimate the effects of your pessimistic, unambitious, or disorganised friends. If someone isn't making you stronger, they're making you weaker.” ― Timothy Ferriss

The book explains practical steps to create a life that's not 'all about work' and helps you reinvent yourself.

The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

While writing this book, Chris Guillebeau identified 1,500 entrepreneurs who built businesses that generated more than $50,000 every year. The best part about this list is that all these businesses were started by making a modest investment. From this group of individuals, he selected the 50 most intriguing people who turned their passion into a profession and monetised it quite well. The $100 Startup consists of the 50 most intriguing case studies and practical guides that you can use to start small and reap huge profits.

“Think more about what people really want than about what you think they need.” ― Chris Guillebeau

This book espouses the philosophy that if you know how to fish and love doing it, you shouldn’t be teaching it to anyone for free.

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

If you aspire to create a business and a passive income stream that lasts forever and need some motivation while trying to do so, give this book a shot. Rich Dad Poor Dad talks about financial independence and wealth creation by investing money in different financial products. A large part of this book is inspired by Kiyosaki's upbringing and what he learned from the two dads in his life.

“You’re only poor if you give up. The most important thing is that you did something. Most people only talk and dream of getting rich. You’ve done something.” ― Robert T Kiyosaki

If you want to understand complex financial concepts in a simplified manner, read Rich Dad Poor Dad without any further delay.

The Richest Man in Babylon by George Samuel Clason

Most people are confused between desires and necessities. They spend a lot of money to satisfy their desires and feel happy about it. However, they don't realise what they've missed out on until it's too late. If you want to create wealth for yourself, save 10 percent of everything you earn and keep learning new skills.

“The reason why we have never found measure of wealth. We never sought it.” ― George S Clason

Focus on the establishment of a regular income stream and get rid of procrastination as soon as possible — find many more such practical guides to creating wealth and getting hold of money in The Richest Man In Babylon.

Apart from these five books, I would suggest you read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte, Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki, and Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy.

Which of these books have you read already? Share your feedback with us in the comments section.