This past summer, I discovered a newfound interest in books about entrepreneurship. I guess it makes sense considering I am studying business in college, but I really just find it so fascinating to read firsthand accounts from people who went through the same journey I will be undertaking. It’s almost like having a mentor to guide you through the process and help you avoid making the same mistakes they might have made.
These are three books I picked up this summer that I found incredibly insightful. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, these books will give you a multitude of tips, knowledge, inspiration, and most importantly, the courage and confidence to pursue your vision.
1. The Lean Startup
By: Eric Ries
If you are like me and have a hard time showing anyone something until it is perfect in your eyes, then this book is for you. It stresses the importance of releasing, as soon as possible, what the book refers to as a “minimum viable product,” or in other words, a bare minimum prototype. Doing so allows you to instantly start receiving feedback, which then allows you to begin improving your product alongside the constructive criticism. Ultimately, it saves time and money because it prevents extensive spending and wasted time on a “perfect” product that when finally released, may end up not appealing at all to the public. If you find yourself needing a gentle push to begin an idea you have thought out for a long time, this book will help give you that nudge.
2. Creative Confidence
By: Tom Kelley & David Kelley
If you read only one out of these three books, please read this one. I can’t stress enough how much this book impacted me, and one of the best parts about it is that it applies to anyone from doctors to business owners to teachers. It really helps you to begin looking through the lens of creativity in every aspect of life. Or if you’re like me and often get nervous to talk about your ideas in fear of them being judged, then it will give you the confidence to share those ideas and back your vision.
We’ve all heard people deem themselves “not the creative type,” but this book stresses that we are all innately creative, we just have to recognize it within us and then practice utilizing it. There are so many wonderful stories in this book, not to mention real exercises to help you tap into your own creativity. I seriously cannot recommend this book enough, so please do yourself a favor and take the time to read it.
3. The Startup Game
By: William H. Draper III
Before reading this book, I didn’t really know much about venture capitalism or how it related at all to entrepreneurship. This is definitely the most technical and informative book out of the three, but the experience and advice from the author, who is one of the most prominent venture capitalists in the world, makes it a must-read for all aspiring entrepreneurs. William H. Draper III’s experience in the venture capital industry helps give entrepreneurs a glimpse into what investors are looking for in startups and what mistakes to avoid. His insights, connections, and global perspective are invaluable, and he really prompts you to think big.
