Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here.
Running your own business is hard. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for decades, you’ll need all the advice you can get. As an avid reader and business owner, I want to share some recommendations for books that are sure to help both new and seasoned business professionals alike.
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
If you’re an entrepreneur just starting out, you’ll want as much guidance as possible on how to keep your startup from failing. This book details a different approach to building a company and launching new products and is sure to provide you with helpful guidance on how to adapt and adjust your business plan. If you’ve been in business for years, this could also serve as a helpful refresher.
Zero to One by Peter Thiel
For a more optimistic take on building a business, Peter Thiel offers business owners a promising look at the viability of new ideas. It can often feel like there’s no original idea left in the world, but this book help you ask the innovative questions that get you your standout idea.
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Other Don’t by Jim Collins
This book by Jim Collins builds of a study he conducted examining how businesses, good or bad, are able to find enduring success. Readers will benefit from understanding the kind of leadership success demands and the way risk can make or break a business.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
While this book isn’t necessarily focused on running a business, it’s an important resource for business owners to learn habits that help in their day-to-day lives. Professional lives are, of course, usually kept separate from your personal life, but building up healthy and effective long-term habits will ease both.
There’s no single way to run a business. The leadership style, industry demands, and risk factors can all change between each company, but there’s usually just enough overlap to figure out what does or doesn’t work. I hope these books can provide a helpful starting point so you can help your business achieve the success you’ve dreamed of.
If you want to hear about some of my favorite books and bookstore recommendations, check out my blog for more.
Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. Also, follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.
Michael Gortenburg 