9 Books for Startups to Take into 2021

2020 has been a transformative year for businesses. As industries change and adjust to the current climate, there are some books that can help with that or getting started in general. Grasping on to resources every step of the way is essential to staying afloat. Here are some books with a variety of different focuses that can help you expand your knowledge:  

1) The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

This book explores methods entrepreneurs can adopt when beginning their venture. The author Eric Ries believes there are alternative ways to navigate business outside what is typically taught in the entrepreneur world. It is a great read that can impact any stage of a business.

2) Rework: Change The Way You Work Forever by Jason Fried

The title says it all. There’s a common saying: “work smarter, not harder.” Rework uncovers obstacles to avoid when starting a business that will speed up the launch process. It also reveals how investors are not required and explain why you should completely ignore the competition. After this book, you’ll want to put your plans into action ASAP.

3) The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib 

This read also revolves around the idea of “work smarter, not harder.” Included is literally one page to fill out with your marketing plan. This book emphasizes the fact that professionals don’t just “wing it,” they have plans in place to stay ahead so they don’t fall behind. 

4) The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz

This book is highly recommended for startups today. The Hard Thing About Hard Things advocates how the perfect business doesn’t exist – and plans can inevitably change over time (especially in today’s climate). The author informs the reader about big mistakes to avoid as a leader. 

5) Founders at Work: Stories of Startups’ Early Days by Jessica Livingston

If you’re an entrepreneur, you most likely have successful entrepreneurs you look up to. To learn from the best, Founders at Work is a collection of unique interviews from founders of successful startups. Topics include teams, investing, and the importance of customer engagement. 

6) The Entrepreneur Mind: 100 Essential Beliefs, Characteristics, and Habits of Elite Entrepreneurs by Kevin Johnson

The Entrepreneur Mind is another book that correlates beliefs, characteristics, and habits of top entrepreneurs on how they got to where they are today, including one of my favorites, Sara Blakely of Spanx. “To change the way you live, must change the way you think.”

7) The Thank You Economy: Gary Vaynerchuk by Gary Vaynerchuk

The Thank You Economy talks about how important customer engagement and relationships are in a business; the energy you put out is what you receive. These interactions now take place on social media, which have forever influenced the way businesses should redirect their attention. Gary Vee constantly talks about digital marketing trends, which is what this book zeros in on to stay in-the-know. 

8) Atomic Habits by James Clear

Our behavior influences our progress, so it’s important to be aware of what we do every day. This book will teach you how to form good habits and break those bad ones. This read isn’t just for entrepreneurs, but anyone who wants to commit to a goal, big or small. 

9) Contagious by Jonah Berger

Lockdown has shown us how rapidly information can spread. Contagious includes methods to reach people – whether it be advertising, or organic content. This book demonstrates how ideas catch on and grow.