Get Inspired by the Best Books for Entrepreneurs

René Descartes, one of history's most influential philosophers, believed that "the reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries." Think about that—through books, you are able to sit down with the greatest thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs of all time, tapping into their insights, their triumphs, and yes—even their mistakes.

For entrepreneurs, this is a gold mine. They understand better than most that while one's experiences shape their way, they can learn just as much from the wisdom of others. That's why reading some of the best books for entrepreneurs shouldn't be a pastime activity but a strategic move toward growth.

20 Books Entrepreneurs Should Read

There are so many great books that explore different aspects of entrepreneurship. Each one has something valuable to teach. However, the 20 listed below stand out as some of the best entrepreneur books. They offer the most impactful lessons, strategies, and inspiration for anyone looking to succeed in business.

Rich Dad Poor Dad

For many, "Rich Dad Poor Dad" serves as a financial awakening. The author, Robert Kiyosaki, teaches readers how to think differently about money, using lessons from two father figures: one who worked for money and one who made money work for him.

This book shows how to build wealth through investing, real estate, and entrepreneurship. It's a wake-up call to stop relying solely on a paycheck. Financial independence is the real power, and "Rich Dad Poor Dad" will show you the mindset shift that makes it possible.

As Kiyosaki puts it, "The single most powerful asset we all have is our mind. If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth."

The Art of War

Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is more than 2,500 years old and centers on ancient wisdom that still applies today. Entrepreneurs can take away critical lessons on strategy, planning, and the art of outmaneuvering competition rather than fighting it.

With ideas like "every battle is won before it's ever fought," Tzu focuses on the importance of preparation and forethought. This book's principles can be easily applied to business, as it teaches entrepreneurs to be agile, adaptable, and always one step ahead.

Steve Jobs

Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs is a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most brilliant minds in business and technology. Though Jobs is primarily known for leading Apple, the book focuses on how his work transformed industries.

Isaacson's biography reveals the pursuit of perfection and innovation that defined Jobs' leadership style. For entrepreneurs, there's so much to learn from Jobs' highs and lows, but most importantly, from his relentless ambition to build something truly extraordinary.

The 48 Laws of Power

If you want to understand the subtle rules of influence and control in business, "The 48 Laws of Power" should be your next read. This book is packed with historical examples and real-life strategies, as Robert Greene breaks down centuries of wisdom on how power dynamics work.

Entrepreneurs who want to succeed in negotiations, leadership, and business politics will find Greene's insights invaluable. It's not really about manipulation but rather about understanding the balance of power and using it wisely.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is more than just a guide to success—it's a manual for personal and professional growth. Covey lays out habits that help individuals take control of their lives, manage priorities, and build relationships. His advice on aligning your values with your actions is timeless.

This book reminds entrepreneurs that lasting success comes from discipline, integrity, and a proactive approach to life.

Think and Grow Rich

One of the most influential success books ever written, "Think and Grow Rich," outlines 13 principles for achieving financial success. The author, Napoleon Hill, gathered insights from the most successful people of his time, such as Andrew Carnegie and Thomas Edison.

Hill's concept of "definiteness of purpose" is crucial for entrepreneurs—setting clear goals and relentlessly pursuing them can turn a vision into reality. "What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."

Outliers

"Outliers" tackles the topic of how we think about success. In it, Malcolm Gladwell examines the factors contributing to high levels of achievement, from the 10,000-hour rule to the importance of timing and cultural background.

Entrepreneurs will learn that success isn't just about talent. Instead, it's about timing, opportunity, and an almost obsessive dedication to practice.

Start with Why

Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" has a simple yet quite powerful message: people don't buy what you do; they actually buy WHY you do it. It's a must-read for anyone interested in building a brand or leading a team. It's practically a guide to help you find and communicate your purpose. In turn, that purpose can help inspire loyalty and drive innovation.

The book has inspired countless entrepreneurs to rethink their approach to business and always start with the WHY.

Good to Great

This next book tackles the all-important question of why some companies are able to achieve greatness while many others remain only average. Based on years of research, Jim Collins manages to identify several factors that actually propel companies from good to extraordinary.

In addition to those factors, this book offers entrepreneurs practical lessons on leadership, discipline, and building lasting success. The idea of getting "the right people on the bus" is particularly useful for entrepreneurs when building their teams.

Blue Ocean Strategy

"Blue Ocean Strategy" is a must-read for entrepreneurs who are ready to stop competing and instead start innovating. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, who co-authored this book, introduce two key concepts: "blue oceans," which refer to untapped markets with little to no competition, and "red oceans," where businesses fight over existing customers.

The book's framework encourages entrepreneurs to focus on innovation and value creation, making competition irrelevant. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to make their mark in a saturated market.

Lean In

Former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean In" is a personal memoir and a call to action for women in leadership. In it, she tackles the challenges women face in the workplace and offers practical advice on how to "lean in" to career growth.

For entrepreneurs—particularly women, with one in six planning to start a business soon—Sandberg's insights on leadership, confidence, and work-life balance are invaluable. Her honesty about her own struggles makes the lessons all the more relatable and inspiring.

Zero to One

Peter Thiel's "Zero to One" is a bold manifesto on innovation. Thiel argues that entrepreneurs should primarily focus on creating something entirely new, as the title suggests, taking a business from "zero to one" rather than competing in crowded markets.

It's a must-read for anyone looking to build a startup or scale a business. Thiel's contrarian thinking challenges readers to go beyond incremental improvements and strive for groundbreaking ideas.

The Magic of Thinking Big

In "The Magic of Thinking Big," David Schwartz explains that success doesn't require intelligence or talent but rather a mindset shift.

Through this book, entrepreneurs can find inspiration to break free from limiting beliefs and aim higher than they ever thought possible. The key lesson here is that big goals lead to big results. Schwartz's message is clear: if you believe in yourself, you can achieve extraordinary things.

The Lean Startup

Eric Ries' "The Lean Startup" is nothing short of a game plan for today's fast-moving entrepreneurs. While it's become an essential read for tech founders, its lessons apply to any industry.

Ries advocates for a build-measure-learn approach, emphasizing rapid prototyping and learning from failures. His framework teaches how to minimize risks while continuously improving—perfect for anyone trying to launch something new and innovative.

Rework

"Rework" flips the script on traditional business advice. Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson deliver bold, contrarian ideas that will challenge how you think about running a company.

This book is a breath of fresh air if you're tired of endless meetings, bloated plans, and over-complicated processes. They advocate doing less but doing it better, cutting through the noise and focusing on what really matters—execution. It's sharp, to the point, and ideal for those who want to break free from outdated business norms.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

"The Hard Thing About Hard Things" is a raw, unfiltered look at what it's really like to run a business, especially during the tough times. Ben Horowitz pulls no punches as he recounts his journey through failures, crises, and hard decisions.

This is the book for those deep in the trenches of entrepreneurship—Horowitz's no-nonsense advice on leadership and survival will resonate with anyone who's ever felt the weight of responsibility on their shoulders.

Built to Last

What makes some companies thrive for decades while others burn out? "Built to Last" explores this question with insights from years of research into the world's most successful businesses.

Jim Collins and Jerry Porras uncover the principles that help companies endure, offering entrepreneurs practical tools to build a business that lasts. If you dream of creating something lasting, this book will show you what it takes to go beyond short-term success and create a legacy.

Crossing the Chasm

Launching a product is one thing—scaling it is another. "Crossing the Chasm" is a must-read for anyone in the tech industry or developing a cutting-edge product.

Geoffrey Moore lays out a clear roadmap for transitioning from early adopters to the mainstream market, a step that often makes or breaks a business. His advice on refining products and strategies is useful for those who want to turn innovation into widespread success.

The $100 Startup

Chris Guillebeau's "The $100 Startup" proves you don't need a massive budget to build a thriving business. With real-world examples of entrepreneurs who started on a shoestring, Guillebeau shows that it's possible to turn minimal resources into profitable ventures.

It's a suitable read for seasoned entrepreneurs as well as those who are just getting started. This book will inspire you to think small—and then scale big. It's all about leveraging creativity, resourcefulness, and hustle to launch something amazing without breaking the bank.

The E-Myth Revisited

Think you need to do it all yourself to succeed? Think again.

In The "E-Myth Revisited," Michael Gerber explains why so many small businesses fail. He says most entrepreneurs get caught in the day-to-day grind and never scale. Gerber also offers a lifeline, teaching you how to systematize your operations so your business can grow without you having to be involved in every detail.

If you want to stop working in your business and start working on it, this is your playbook for creating something scalable and sustainable.

The Bottom Line

While self-learning through books can take you far, there's something to be said for professional guidance. When it comes to mastering leadership as part of your entrepreneurial efforts, there's no substitute for structured learning from experts. That's where the César Ritz Colleges' Master of Science in Leadership comes in, offering you the tools and mentorship to truly elevate your impact.

Just like entrepreneurship, success is a mix of self-driven learning and surrounding yourself with the right support. Ultimately, every great entrepreneur knows that the best stories aren't just read—they're written.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the number 1 entrepreneur in the world today?

Nowadays there are many successful entrepreneurs in different industries. Elon Musk stands out with his groundbreaking work in electric vehicles and space exploration, while Jeff Bezos has revolutionized e-commerce with Amazon. In hospitality, Danny Meyer's creativity in the hotel industry has set the standard for restauranteurs around the world.

Which book to read first about business?

Any of the 20 books on this list will be excellent options, but for beginners looking to start a business, "The $100 Startup" by Chris Guillebeau or "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries are great choices, as they focus on foundational financial literacy and launching new ventures efficiently.