So, you’ve decided that you want a change of pace in your life. You’re tired of working 9-to-5 for someone else. You want to be your own boss. You want to take control of your finances and look for greener pastures.

That’s great! By making this decision, you’ve already done more than most people. That’s an important first step. But what’s the next step?

Is there a way to “break into” the world of entrepreneurship before starting your first project? How do you ensure that your transition from “employee” to “business leader” is as smooth as possible?

You use the experience of others, that’s how.

You look at their journeys, absorb their experiences and learn from their mistakes.

Because, here’s the thing with business – mistakes are costly. A relatively simple mistake can end up costing you a ton of time, resources, and, more importantly – motivation. You don’t want to be one of those people who just decide to “give up” and return to their boring nine-to-five lives, do you?

Of course, you don’t.

That’s why you’re here. This is why you’re reading this post.

So, what’s the best way to get all of this helpful information?

You read books, of course.

Did you know that 88% of the wealthiest people in the world spend at least 30 minutes of their day reading? To put things in perspective, only 2% of the global population does that.

So, if you want to be like them, why not take a page out of their book? (no pun intended)

Below you’ll find our top ten, along with a couple of lines on why we recommend those books in particular. We’d also like to remind you that, in the entrepreneurial world, perspective is the key. The more you learn and broaden your horizons, the better you’ll do in the long run.

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries is a solid introduction to the differences between startups and “traditional” companies. A great read, especially for tech-minded people and software enthusiasts, it tackles the common issues shared between modern-day startups and eases the reader into the innovative mindset.

“Rework” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

“Rework” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson is an excellent productivity resource. It makes “controversial” statements and is an absolute gem for beginners. The book advocates the benefits of the “getting-things-done” approach over the more traditional meticulous planning stance subscribed to by businesses of the past.

“Influence” by Robert Cialdini

Influence by Robert Cialdini focuses on the six universal principles of influencing people. Ethical persuasion and knowing how to deal with dishonest influences are invaluable parts of the entrepreneurial toolkit, making this book an absolute must-read. And, even if you wake up one day and decide that the business world just isn’t the thing for you anymore, you’ll still have this knowledge with you.

“Getting Things Done” by David Allen

“Getting Things Done” by David Allen is all about staying ahead of the curve. And how does he achieve it? By leaving the stress behind. People have this faulty assumption that successful entrepreneurs are some overworked, exhausted workaholics who just cannot wait to finally get their day off. In reality, that could not be farther from the truth. In his book, David Allen shows you how to conquer the stress, confusion and anxiety and come out on top.

“Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh

“Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh focuses on innumerable benefits of positive corporate culture. And if you’re just getting started, don’t worry because this applies to businesses of all sizes. Arguably this is even more important for beginners, as mutual trust and respect are absolutely vital for a small team where you need everyone to perform at 100%.

“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber

“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber sets out to highlight some of the most important yet often overlooked mistakes made by aspiring business leaders.

“Good to Great” by Jim Collins

“Good to Great” by Jim Collins tackles the intricacies of management and business practice by analysing some of the most successful companies in recent times. The book presents a great deal of information about leadership, discipline, corporate culture, and work ethic. And, even though the author takes a more traditional approach than what you’ll find in the other books on this list, we believe that it’s an almost mandatory read for any entrepreneur.

“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill

“Think and Grow Rich” by Motivational Author, Historian & Lecturer Napoleon Hill might not be exactly a “business book”, but it tackles what many refer to as “the pillars” of success. The book deals with timeless concepts, ideas and approaches, applicable to all areas of life.

“Crush It” by Gary Vaynerchuk

“Crush It!” by Motivational Author, Media Company CEO & Investor Gary Vaynerchuk dives into the importance of understanding the underlying principles of marketing and their application to entrepreneurship. If you know where to look, you will always find new opportunities in the digital age.

“Linchpin” by Seth Godin

“Linchpin” by Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur & Public Speaker Seth Godin is a book about making differences and enacting positive change in your business. In essence, this is a work about approaches. About the importance of being the best possible version of yourself and its impact on your life and career in the long run. Because, like everything else you learn about the business world, these concepts also carry over in your day-to-day interactions outside the office. If you’re feeling ready to grab the steering wheel and become the captain of your life, then this is most definitely the book for you.

And that’s about it for our top ten.

Of course, this list is barely scratching the surface – there are hundreds of amazing books about success, a non-insignificant number which aren’t even strictly business-oriented. At the end of the day, entrepreneurship is more than a “career”. It’s a creative mindset, a way to approach ideas and accomplish goals.

Home Grown is the private members’ club that provides entrepreneurial pioneers with unique resources to unlock the true value of their business potential…

We are a global community of visionary entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. Visit our membership page to find out more about what it’s like to be a member of Home Grown.

© Home Grown