15 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

Jo Rawald • August 4, 2024

FUEL YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY WITH THESE MUST-READ LITERARY GEMS

"Reading is essential for those who seek to rise about the ordinary."

~ Jim Rohn

"If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book."

~ J.K. Rowling

As entrepreneurs, we're constantly seeking ways to grow our business, enhance our skills, and stay inspired. And, you know, one of the best methods I’ve found to achieve this is through reading great books. Today, I’m excited to share my top 15 must-read books for entrepreneurs. These books have made a huge impact on my journey, and I believe they can do the same for you. So grab a cup of coffee, and get comfortable, while I share my favorite literary gems with you!

1. "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries

Let’s kick things off with a classic. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries is a must-read for anyone looking to build a successful business. This book introduces the concept of lean startup methodology, which emphasizes the importance of creating a minimum viable product (MVP), testing it with real customers, and using feedback to make improvements. It’s all about staying agile and learning quickly. Ries’s approach helps readers avoid wasting time and resources on ideas that might not work, and instead focuses on what truly adds value to customers.

Key Takeaways

Start small, test often, and pivot based on feedback. This iterative approach can save you from costly mistakes and help you find a successful path faster.

2. "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill

Next up is a timeless classic that’s been inspiring entrepreneurs for decades. “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill is not just about making money; it’s about developing the mindset needed for success. Hill’s book is based on his study of successful individuals like Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. He distills their principles and practices into actionable steps that anyone can follow.

Key Takeaways

Your thoughts and beliefs shape your reality. Cultivate a positive mindset, set clear goals, and stay persistent in your pursuit of success.

3. "Good to Great" by Jim Collins

Have you ever wondered what makes some companies stand out and achieve greatness while others remain average? Jim Collins’s “Good to Great” explores this very question. Collins and his team spent years researching companies that made the leap from good to great and identified key factors that contributed to their success. This book is packed with valuable insights and real-world examples that can help you take your business to the next level.

Key Takeaways

Focus on building a strong team, maintain disciplined thought and action, and always strive for excellence.

4. "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss

Who wouldn’t want to work less and live more? In “The 4-Hour Workweek,” Tim Ferriss challenges traditional ideologies of work and productivity. He shares practical tips on how to automate and outsource tasks, allowing entrepreneurs & solopreneurs to focus on what truly matters. Ferriss’s approach is all about creating a lifestyle that gives you more freedom and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

Eliminate unnecessary tasks, automate what you can, and delegate the rest. Focus on high-impact activities that bring you closer to your goals.

5. "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” is a game-changer for understanding the power of purpose in business. Sinek argues that successful leaders and companies start with a clear “why” – a compelling reason for why they do what they do. This book encourages you to dig deep and find your own “why,” which can inspire your team and resonate with your customers.

Key Takeaways

Define your purpose and let it guide your actions. A strong “why” can motivate you and attract loyal customers who believe in your mission.

6. "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel’s “Zero to One” is a truly fascinating exploration of innovation and entrepreneurship. Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal, shares his insights on what it takes to create something unapologeticallly unique and valuable. He emphasizes the importance of going from “zero to one” – creating new ideas and products that have never existed before, opposed to copying what others have done.

Key Takeaways

Focus on innovation and differentiation. Seek to create products and services that are truly unique and can change the world.

7. "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the day-to-day operations of your business, “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber is a definite must-read. Gerber explains why many small businesses fail and offers practical advice on how to build a business that can run smoothly without relying on the owner for everything. It’s all about creating systems and processes that allow your business to scale and thrive.

Key Takeaways

Work on your business, not just in it. Create systems and processes that can run efficiently without your constant involvement.

8. "Smart Women Finish Rich" by David Bach

"Smart Women Finish Rich" by David Bach is an empowering financial guide specifically tailored for women, and one of my favorite books. Bach provides practical advice on managing money, investing wisely, and planning for a secure future. Through some pretty straightforward strategies, Bach addresses the unique financial challenges many women face and offers a step-by-step plan to take control of our financial destiny. I wholeheartedly believe this book is a valuable resource for women at any stage of our financial journey, encouraging us to build wealth and achieve financial independence.

Key Takeaways

Take charge of your financial future by making informed decisions, investing wisely, and planning ahead. Bach's actionable advice helps women build a strong financial foundation, ensuring we can achieve our goals and enjoy financial security throughout our entire lives.

9. "Crushing It!" by Gary Vaynerchuk

If you don’t know Gary Vaynerchuk, he’s an iconic social media guru and entrepreneur who has built a massive following through his authentic and no-nonsense personality. In “Crushing It!,” Vaynerchuk shares stories of entrepreneurs who have used social media to build their brands and achieve success, including his own rags-to-riches experience. This book is packed with practical tips and inspiration for leveraging social media to grow your business.

Key Takeaways

Be authentic, consistent, and persistent in your social media efforts. Engage with your audience and provide value to build a strong personal brand.

10. "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz

Running a business isn’t always smooth sailing, and Ben Horowitz’s “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” on-spot illustrates the challenges and tough decisions that many entrepreneurs face. Horowitz, a successful entrepreneur himself, and venture capitalist, shares his experiences and lessons learned from navigating the ups and downs of building his own company. This book is a raw and honest look at the realities of entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways

Embrace the challenges and tough decisions as part of the entrepreneurial journey. Learn from your mistakes and stay resilient.

11. "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss

"Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss is one of my all-time favorite books. Voss’ book and real-life, heroic experiences as a former FBI hostage negotiator, is an eye-opening guide to the art of negotiation. This book takes readers on a journey through high-stakes negotiations and provides practical techniques that can be applied to everyday business and personal interactions. Voss challenges the traditional "win-win" approach, emphasizing the power of tactical empathy, active listening, and strategic questioning to achieve better outcomes.

Key Takeaways

Master the art of negotiation by employing tactical empathy, understanding your counterpart's perspective, and using strategic questioning to guide conversations towards favorable outcomes. This approach not only helps in high-stakes scenarios but also in everyday business dealings.

12. "Million Dollar Weekend" by Noah Kagan

"Million Dollar Weekend" by Noah Kagan is an easy-read and an inspiring guide for entrepreneurs looking to achieve rapid business growth. Drawing from his experience as the founder of AppSumo and a former employee of Facebook and Mint, Kagan shares actionable strategies to kickstart your business in a single weekend. The book emphasizes the importance of taking massive action, validating ideas quickly, and leveraging existing resources to create significant results in a short amount of time.

Key Takeaways

Embrace a mindset of taking massive action, validate your business ideas quickly, and use available resources efficiently to achieve rapid growth. This book provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs who want to make significant strides in their business within a short timeframe.

13. "I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi

"I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi is just a no-nonsense personal finance guide aimed at helping professionals achieve financial success. Sethi's matter-of-fact tone is super straightforward, blending humor with practical advice on budgeting, saving, investing, and automating your finances. He demystifies difficult financial concepts and offers a step-by-step program that anyone can follow to build wealth and live a rich life. This book is perfect for those looking to take control of their money without sacrificing their lifestyle; I love Sethi’s plan for rewarding yourself with trips to Starbucks.

Key Takeaways

Automate your finances, invest wisely, and focus on the big wins. Sethi’s actionable strategies help you set up a system that manages your money efficiently, allowing you to grow your wealth and enjoy life without constant financial stress.

14. "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon

“The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon is an uplifting guide to harnessing positive energy to drive your personal and professional life. Through the story of George, a man whose life and career are falling apart, Gordon shares ten powerful rules for fueling your life with positive energy, enthusiasm, and purpose. This book is not just a story of transformation but a practical roadmap for overcoming adversity, building a positive team, and achieving your goals with a renewed sense of passion and energy.

Key Takeaways

Cultivate a positive mindset and surround yourself with supportive people. Gordon's ten rules provide actionable steps to transform your outlook, boost your energy, and build a successful and fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

15. "Good Leaders Ask Great Questions" by John C. Maxwell

“Good Leaders Ask Great Questions” by John C. Maxwell is a great guide for leaders who want to unlock their full potential and drive their teams to success. Maxwell, a renowned Christian leadership expert, emphasizes the power of asking the right questions to foster growth, learning, and connection. Through real-life examples and practical advice, he explores how leaders can use questions to engage their teams, solve problems, and create a culture of continuous improvement. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and build a more dynamic, responsive team-focused organization.

Key Takeaways

Master the art of asking great questions to foster deeper connections, stimulate innovation, and lead more effectively. Maxwell’s strategies help leaders unlock their team’s potential, drive meaningful conversations, and create a culture of trust and continuous improvement.

There you have it – my top 15 books every entrepreneur should read. Like I said before, these books have profoundly impacted my journey, and I believe they can do the same for you. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, inspiration, or a new perspective, these books offer a wealth of knowledge that can help you grow both personally and professionally.

Remember, the key to success is continuous learning and improvement. So, pick up one of these books, dive in, and let the wisdom of these incredible authors guide you on your entrepreneurial journey. And if you’ve already read some of these books, I’d love to hear your thoughts and takeaways. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other in our quest for success.

Happy reading!

Cheers, Jo

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Wanna see your dog (or cat) as a human? This Ai trick is wild.

By Jo Rawald • April 16, 2025

I went to a networking event yesterday at Rosie’s Bar & Grill in Wilton Manors. Tropical-chic to the max. You know the kind of place - upscale casual, strong cocktails, mandatory valet. Now usually, I’m all about valet. But not yesterday. I wasn’t there to sip martinis or hang around all night. I could only stay for 20-minutes. That means - I was on a serious 20-minute mission: say hi, shake hands, peace out. Then, get back in my car to jump on a Zoom meeting! I certainly wasn’t about to drop $20 just to park my car for 20 minutes. No way! I pulled into the valet area, looked the guy dead in the eye, and said, “I’ll be in and out faster than your last relationship. Can I just park it right here?” And bless his heart - he said yes. Honestly, that should’ve been my win for the night. But then I met Sean Gac-Guerrier. Sean’s the Marketing Director at Excel Title, Inc. We started talking about dogs - and **cue the angels singing. We clicked instantly. Not two strangers meeting, more like two childhood friends who hadn’t seen each other in a decade! Sean showed me a photo of his dog, Dottie. I pulled out pics of my girl, Adelaide. Then he pulled out a photo of Dottie that stopped me in my tracks. Sean had a photo of what Dottie would look like as a human. Not a cartoon. Not a filter. I’m talking AI-generated, fully humanized, real-world, cardigan-wearing, intelligent-and-intimidating Dottie. I was mesmerized! It was as if Pixar and the FBI teamed up to design her. I looked at Adelaide’s pic… then looked back at Sean… and blurted out, “I need to humanize my dog!!” And I did. I went home, found the exact AI prompt, uploaded Adelaide’s photo, answered a few fun questions about her personality, and style - then… BOOM. Human Adelaide was born. Tall, lean, cozy-chic, with that unmistakable “don’t-mess-with-me-but-I’ll-still-hug-you” vibe. She looked like she ran Homeland Security and still had time for tacos and espresso martinis on a rooftop. Honestly? I stared at the image for like five minutes. Because it wasn’t just about making something cute. It was about seeing something familiar - something you know - come to life in a new way. Here’s the AI Prompt if you want to try it yourself:

Your Business is Not a Leftover. Stop Treating it Like One.

By Jo Rawald • April 11, 2025

Leftovers are the fake friends of the food world. And you know what? That’s what a lot of businesses look like, too. They launch with energy. Get some quick wins. A few clients. One lucky viral post. They look like they’re set up to thrive…until pressure hits. The market shifts. Leads dry up. And suddenly - leftovers. Not sustainable. Not scalable. Definitely not long-term. That’s why I teach my clients to build like bamboo - strong, flexible, and BUILT TO LAST. My BAMBOO framework doesn’t chase trends. It builds foundations. At Brains, Brilliance & Bold Moves , I’m teaching how to outlast the noise, scale without stress, and build a business that actually pays you… year after year. No more business leftovers. No more "it looked like enough until you opened it." You deserve a full plate. 📍 May 7 in South Florida 🎟️ Claim Your Spot 🍷 Wine included. Obviously. Catch you in the room. Jo

Your Business Should Be a Profit Machine. Not a Stress Factory

By BSDB7200 • April 9, 2025

If your business feels like one never-ending game of catch-up, we need to fix that. Too many women are drowning in busywork, doing too much, and seeing too little return. They’re hustling hard but not making real money. That’s not a business - that’s a burnout plan. B.A.M.B.O.O. - The Profit Formula That Kills Uncertainty and Fuels Rapid Growth

If Your Business Feels Like a Hot Mess, It’s Costing You Money

By Jo Rawald • April 4, 2025

You don’t need more chaos - you need a business that runs like a machine. If you’re constantly scrambling, reinventing the wheel, or trying to keep up, your business doesn’t have a real structure. And without structure, scaling is impossible. Most business owners build their success on sheer effort instead of smart systems - and that’s why they burn out before they ever hit real revenue growth. What’s the Secret to a Bulletproof Business? B.A.M.B.O.O.

You’re leaving money on the table. Let’s fix that.

By Jo Rawald • April 2, 2025

You’re working too damn hard for too little. You’re hustling, grinding, doing all the things - but where’s the payoff? If your revenue isn’t growing at the rate it should be, it’s not because you need to work more. It’s because you’re not maximizing what you already have. Scaling isn’t about doing MOR E. It’s about making every move count. You don’t need to add more services. You don’t need to post more on social media. You don’t need to exhaust yourself trying to be everywhere at once. You need a strategy that turns your existing efforts into higher profits, stronger cash flow, and sustainable success. B.A.M.B.O.O. - The Exact Business Structure That Makes Scaling Effortless

The Right Clients Should Be Coming to YOU | They’re Watching… but Do They Know What You Do?

By Jo Rawald • March 31, 2025

A while back, I was on a Zoom networking call. You know the kind - 30-second intros, a few breakout rooms, and a whole lot of wondering “Why am I even here?” When it was my turn, I gave my usual intro. Nothing fancy. Just clear and true: “I help women entrepreneurs simplify their systems, increase profits, and build a business that doesn’t burn them out.” Then we moved on. Nobody commented. Nobody asked a follow-up. I honestly thought it fell flat. But a few days later, I got a DM from someone in that meeting. She said, “I’ve been repeating your line to myself ever since. I think I need your help.” It stopped me in my tracks. Not because it turned into a sale (though it did)… But because I realized: clarity attracts. I wasn’t being flashy. I wasn’t over-explaining. I was just finally saying what I do, who I help, and how I help them - clearly, consistently, and unapologetically. And that one sentence? It stuck. That’s what I want for you. Because if your dream clients can’t repeat what you do… If your message is foggy, vague, or buried under “inspirational” fluff… They won’t hire you. They won’t refer you. And they won’t remember you when they need what you offer. That’s why I’m inviting you to: Brains, Brilliance & Bold Moves • A Workshop for Women Entrepreneurs Ready to Work Smarter & Profit Bigger 📍 May 7th | 6PM–8PM | Total Wine & More, Pembroke Pines, FL 🍷 Includes catered experience, wine tasting, & real strategy This is not a vision board party. This is a high-impact, hands-on evening designed to help you: ✅ Attract the right clients (without chasing anyone) ✅ Simplify your offers, systems & structure ✅ And create a business that’s profitable, sustainable, and crystal clear I’ll be walking you through the “A” in my B.A.M.B.O.O. Framework - Attract - and showing you exactly how to stop getting overlooked and start becoming the obvious choice. Ready to be heard — and remembered? 🔗 Save Your Seat Here It’s time to stop trying harder… and start showing up with clarity that sticks. Talk soon, Jo P.S. Know a woman whose message is powerful but messy? Forward this. Let’s get her showing up with client-magnet energy too.

This One Zoom Call Changed How I Coached Forever

By Jo Rawald • March 28, 2025

A few years ago, I decided I was going to finally lose the pesky 10 pounds I had slowly put on over the years. I jumped online and found this weight loss coach who looked like a total dream - toned arms, glowing skin, every photo airbrushed to fitness-perfection. I followed her. Obsessed a little. Booked a 1:1 Introductory Zoom meeting with her to sign up for her program. Then she popped up on camera and… y’all, she didn’t even remotely resemble her photos. I’m not here to body shame - this isn’t about that. But she was clearly 60 pounds heavier than her brand claimed, and everything about the vibe felt… off. Here’s the point. It wasn’t about this woman’s size. It was about the brand disconnect. What she sold didn’t match what she delivered. She was coaching a transformation she clearly hadn’t made herself. I was confused and confused people don’t buy. Period. And that confused moment? It’s one of the reasons why I created my B.A.M.B.O.O. Framework. Because I don’t want you building a business that looks good online but crumbles under pressure. I want you building something that lasts. That grows with purpose. That holds its ground when the storms come. So why Bamboo ? Because bamboo is deceptively strong. It bends - but it doesn’t break. It thrives in chaos, survives in the harshest conditions, and grows fast when rooted deep. You can cut it back and it keeps coming. That’s the kind of business I help women build - durable, flexible, unshakable.

If Your Business Isn’t Making Money, You Have An Exhausting Hobby

By Jo Rawald • March 18, 2025

Let me tell you about a landscaping business in Kansas pulling in $1.2 million a year in gross revenues. Sounds like a solid business, right? Except for one little problem - over the past ten years, they racked up $1.3 million in unpaid invoices. That’s not just bad; that’s horrific. They weren't just doing work for free - it was costing them money to service a client's lawn! Their billing and collection system was a disaster. Clients were paying late (if at all), invoices were slipping through the cracks, and their bank account was bleeding cash. But here’s the kicker - they didn’t even realize how bad it was because their bank account never went into the negative. It came close a few times, but, as long as there was still $100 in their checking account - they thought they were doing fine. From that moment, when we discovered their 10-year Accounts Receivable balance was well into the 7-figures, we came up with a collections plan! I know what you’re thinking. “Jo, there’s no way you went back ten years and collected on old invoices.” Ohhhhh....but we did. And not just that - we re-invoiced and sent late payment notices for every single outstanding balance, even ones from a decade ago. But here’s the secret sauce - we didn’t just send out friendly reminders and hoped for the best. Nope. We threatened to report every single past-due balance to the IRS. [Keep reading if you want to learn more about how we did that]. Suddenly, those clients who had been ghosting them for years? They started paying real fast when they heard the IRS could get involved. And guess what? In just six weeks, we collected $1,079,000 a whopping 83% of what they thought was a lost cause. Now, let me be clear - that didn’t happen by magic. It wasn’t just about sending invoices. It took hustle, strategy, and relentless follow-up. But we did it. And once we got that money in the door, we put a bulletproof billing and collection system in place so they NEVER ended up in that mess again. Now? Today? They have a $0 balance on anything past 30 days. Clients pay ON TIME, cash flow is smooth, and they don’t have to chase down their own money anymore. So let me ask you - how much money are YOU leaving on the table? How many clients are you “hoping” will pay? How long are you willing to stay stuck, grinding without seeing the cash actually hit your account? Because here’s the truth - Hard work alone doesn’t equal profit. Strategy does. And that’s exactly why I created Brains, Brilliance & Bold Moves - a LIVE, in-person workshop in South Florida for women business owners who are DONE spinning their wheels and READY to get paid what they’re worth. This is where business owners learn how to make MONEY. B.A.M.B.O.O. - The Business Growth Formula That Refuses to Break Bamboo doesn’t chase sunlight - it grows straight to it. It doesn’t fight for space - it claims it. It doesn’t wait for perfect conditions - it expands anyway. Your business should be doing the same.

They're Dyeing Rivers Green! What Are YOU Doing?

By Jo Rawald • March 17, 2025

Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago pulls off one of the boldest marketing moves of all time. They don’t just slap a few shamrocks on storefronts and call it a day. No. They shut down streets, they throw massive parades, and they dye an entire river green. And guess what? It works. People show up in droves. They take photos. They talk about it for weeks. Because when you go that big, that bold, and that unapologetically loud, you become impossible to ignore. Now, let me ask you this - what’s your business doing? Too many entrepreneurs market themselves like a whisper. They post once in a while and hope clients magically find them. They keep their services under wraps like some exclusive VIP secret. They don’t want to be “too loud” or “too much.” And then they wonder why no one is buying. Meanwhile, the businesses making real money? They’re throwing a parade. They’re visible. They’re showing up consistently. They’re making noise. Not spammy, not desperate - just strategic, confident, and impossible to ignore. Here’s the Reality If people don’t know you exist, they can’t pay you. If you’re waiting for clients to just find you, you’re going to be waiting a long time. The best brands aren’t the best-kept secrets - they’re the ones that know how to make themselves seen. So, how do you stop being invisible? How do you turn your business into something people can’t stop talking about? That’s exactly what I’m teaching at Brains, Brilliance & Bold Moves - a hands-on workshop for women entrepreneurs who are done waiting quietly and ready to attract clients with confidence. On May 7th at Brains, Brilliance & Bold Moves in South Florida, we’re covering: • How to market yourself like a parade (without feeling salesy) • How to attract dream clients instead of chasing bad ones • How to fix your cash flow so you always know where your next dollar is coming from • The exact strategies to get seen, get paid, and stop wasting time This isn’t theory. It’s action. If you’re a woman business owner, grab your seat now. If you know a woman entrepreneur who needs to stop waiting in the shadows, send this her way - she’s welcome. Sign up here See you May 7th. And hey - if Chicago can turn a whole river green, you can show up and promote your blimey business.

The Lesson I Didn’t Expect at the Dog Park

By Jo Rawald • March 14, 2025

Have you ever had that gut feeling that something was off - like you just knew something wasn’t right? You pull up somewhere familiar - somewhere you go all the time - and yet, something feels… off. Your gut tightens. Your instincts go on high alert. You don’t have proof that anything’s wrong, but you sure as hell aren’t about to ignore that feeling. That was me the other morning at the dog park. And let me tell you - my instincts? Dead on. The Routine That Got Disrupted Adelaide and I have our morning routine down to a science. Dog park, 6:45 AM, five days a week. She’d love to go every day, but, you know, I got work commitments.