I was having a recent twitchat with some of my fellow biz friends and mentioned that I had a few book suggestions. I figured it would be easier to just write up a blog post about it, so here we go.
These are the books that have really grabbed me in one way or another:
Ladies Who Launch: Embracing Entrepreneurship & Creativity As a Lifestyle by Victoria Colligan & Beth Schoenfelldt with Amy Swift – This book started it all for me. Right around the time I heard about Ladies Who Launch, I checked out this book. It was motivating enough to get me to sign up with their next Incubator. Everything took off from there. I can recommend the organization enough. If you can’t find a local LWL chapter near you, then definitely check out the book.
The Boss of You by Lauren Bacon & Emira Mears – I just did a Skype interview with these two the other day. I’m about 2/3 of the way through the book and I have to say, I love it. They’ve got a lot of info about things we should consider about our business before getting started. They cover all the bases from your business plan, who your clients/customers are and how to reach them, networking, marketing, you name it. Good stuff and easy to read; just like chatting with friends. I’ll post the link to my interview once I edit it.
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber – This book came highly recommended by damn near everyone at SXSW the year I went. I actually drove out that night and picked it up. Heck, even with our partying and the conference, I think I finished it that weekend. Easy read and tons of good information about why many small businesses fail or just become overwhelming.
Awakening the Entrepreneur Within by Michael Gerber – I’m currently reading this one. I was part of a teleconference where Michael was talking about this new book and venture and it was very powerful. I’ve been dying to read it, but I keep telling myself that I’ll get more from it reading it straight through instead of bit by bit so I keep putting it off.
The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking by Diana K. Danielson – I stumbled upon this book somehow and thought it sounded like a fun topic. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I actually learned from it. It’s a super easy read, great to toss in the purse on the way to waiting somewhere. I really think you’ll learn a tip or too.
Small Time Operator: How to Start Your Own Business, Keep Your Books, Pay Your Taxes and Stay Out of Trouble by Bernard B. Kamoroff – This book was recommended to Lauren & Emira through the genius behind Sublime Stitching, Jenny Hart (heard her speak at SXSW in ‘07 and I was blown away by what she and the other biz ladies had to say about being the boss and growing your business your way – here’s a link from that Boss Lady panel discussion). It’s rumored to be one helluva handbook and really touches upon the “what now” sort of issues around growth.
The Innovator’s Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book that Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M. Christensen – This book also came highly recommended (and I’ve yet to read it) from a business workshop I went to a month or so ago. Our “expert” took the time to bring it with him to show us so that we’d all take the time to read it. I hear there are some fascinating stories from many startups.
I’m also interested in checking out Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda. She’s got a real estate background and that’s certainly not me, but it still sounds interesting and useful when it comes to working on that branding thing.
