Google any of the most famous entrepreneurs and business leaders and you will inevitably at some point come across the fact that they read—usually voraciously. From Bill Gates to Oprah, the world's most successful people in business make it a priority to read at least a little each day. As an entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur as the case may be, you too should make it a point to consume those books and articles that can ultimately help you on your path to eventual success. Not only that but consider how reading can help relax you. The realm of business can be stressful, it demands numerous things from you, it can pull you in multiple directions at any given time. Taking some time out and engrossing yourself in a book can certainly help to alleviate that stress, at least momentarily, and this is a very good thing. In this article, we take a look at some of the reasons entrepreneurs take to reading so eagerly, and we also highlight a few key books that every entrepreneur ought to read.
Books can sharpen your focus and enhance understanding
We learn from books. We gather information from books. Books give us new ideas and new directions. And when it comes to running a business, gaining new ideas and reading about different perspectives could help bring things into focus.
Reading books, especially books that are centered on entrepreneurship and/or leadership, you gain a greater sense of cause and effect. That is to say, daily, a business owner must try and dig deeper to understand why something is happening, why sales are lagging, why customers aren't responding accordingly, what have you. Whatever the issue, they spend a great deal of time trying to get to the cause of the problem at hand. Reading gives you greater insight into why issues might arise and what other business owners have done about such issues that worked.
Reading the right book can help you come to conclusions
Just as reading can help you piece together more effectively causes and effects, books by other entrepreneurs can also help you to come to more thoughtful and meaningful conclusions regarding your own business. When it comes to handling challenges, dealing with employees, navigating finances, you can learn so much from those who've "been there done that." Reading books of this nature, such that chronicle how other business owners have dealt with their situations and consequently emerged stronger and better, can translate to lessons that you can take away and use to your advantage.
The right book helps you to better comprehend why others do what they do
As a business owner, you must deal with people daily; it, therefore, helps to gain perspective into how people work, what their expectations are, and what motivates them. Reading books about leadership, in particular, can help you develop better people skills. Not to mention, certain books can allow you to hone your soft skills in light of what it takes to more effectively engage both customers and employees.
Business in many ways is all about people.
Books give us greater patience and teach communication
Perhaps the most important ability of any good entrepreneur is the ability to have patience and listen when required. Communication is an art form, and the more you can learn about it, the better off you will be in your role. It's not merely about reading books written by successful business owners and other leaders, it is about studying those books and intuiting their secrets when it comes to how to simultaneously listen and be a good leader. You definitely cannot put a price tag on the importance of communication in the world of business—especially when you are the boss.
Below are a few book recommendations. These were written by people and entrepreneurs who understand the importance of working on those leadership skills that enable you to more effectively and dynamically run a business.
The Psychology of Selling – Brian Tracy
Selling isn't just about having a great product. It's about being able to talk to people and sell the idea behind the product and the company. That said, according to Tracy, selling should be focused on the person to whom you are selling. Tracy reviews the basics when it comes to the most effective ways to reach people and consequently sell more.
The Start-up of You – Reid Hoffman
In this book, Hoffman (LinkedIn co-founder and chair/) focuses on helping readers shift into that entrepreneurial mindset. Even if you currently have a typical 9 to 5 job, Hoffman contends that you can still think like a boss. If you can do this, you are on your way to establishing your entrepreneurial success.
Click Millionaires – Scott Fox
Online companies are everywhere. Especially in the wake of COVID, e-commerce is emerging as the mainstay. So what is the secret to building a dynamic online business? Fox goes over this in detail as well as providing insight into the plethora of tools available to help you create an online empire.
The E-Myth Revisited – Michael E. Gerber
Gerber's book breaks down those misconceptions that people commonly hold about how tough it might be to start and run a successful business. With Gerber's insights and practical life lessons about entrepreneurship, the book demonstrates how anyone can aspire to build their own company.
The Lean Startup – Eric Ries
Using a more scientific approach than many others have, Ries guides those looking to become entrepreneurs by offering a less conventional approach. In other words, you can become successful without having to follow a traditional route per se.
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