21 Books on Online Business to Read Before Going Online

Books are an amazing source of inspiration, offering insights into practical real-world survival tips. Non-fiction books, in particular, have always been at the helm as the source of inspiration for entrepreneurs. Even the busiest successful entrepreneurs, like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, make sure they dedicate time daily to reading. These non-fiction books make it easy to draw inspiration from some of the most experienced and insightful minds in the industry. Entrepreneurship isn’t about perfecting one specific task; it’s a combination of multiple skills, knowledge, and domain understanding. While the required domain knowledge is hard to gain without entrepreneurial experience, non-fiction books can fill that void.

Many top entrepreneurs, such as Warren Buffett and Richard Branson, frequently read non-fiction books. Among the hundreds available, here are 21 must-read books to help you get the most out of your next business venture.

1. The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki

Guy Kawasaki’s “The Art of the Start” is one of the most popular business books. It focuses on entrepreneurship, bootstrapping your way to success, starting your online business, pitching ideas to investors, and more. Kawasaki, an evangelist for Apple in the 1980s, pours his extensive experience into this must-read book.

2. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Eric Ries’ “The Lean Startup” introduces a method for startups and entrepreneurs to utilize lean manufacturing principles, such as rapid prototyping and validated learning, to minimize costs and improve returns. It’s a vital guide for creating a stable startup culture under uncertain economic conditions.

3. Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

“Rework” challenges traditional business wisdom and emphasizes focusing on one thing at a time. Endorsed by business leaders like Mark Cuban and Seth Godin, this book is essential for both managers and employees in making business plans and emphasizing the need for speed in execution.

4. The Six-Figure Second Income by David Lindahl and Jonathan Rozek

This book provides practical tips for starting and growing an online business, even with limited time, money, and other resources. It is ideal for those looking to build upon an existing online business or start a new one.

5. Think Big, Act Bigger by Jeffrey W. Hayzlet

Jeffrey W. Hayzlet’s book emphasizes the importance of thinking big and actually working on your ideas. It discusses owning yourself as a leader, setting long-term goals, and fearlessly pursuing plans, making it a valuable read for all entrepreneurs.

6. Disrupt You! by Jay Samit

“Disrupt You!” focuses on innovation, creativity, and finding your unique voice in the volatile online marketplace. Jay Samit offers insider tips to help you and your online venture succeed through personal transformation and entrepreneurial benefits.

7. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau teaches that you don’t need a huge investment to succeed. This book shares experiences from people who built businesses with little financial backing, emphasizing real-life skills and techniques to tackle entrepreneurial challenges.

8. How to Blog for Profit: Without Selling Your Soul by Ruth Soukup

Ruth Soukup provides practical advice on building a profitable and authentic online blog. Topics include creating compelling content, participating in social media, and diversifying income streams, making it a must-read for aspiring online entrepreneurs.

9. Million Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss

Alan Weiss’ book is essential for those interested in consulting. It covers profiting in a troubled market, leveraging blogging and social media, and delegating labor, making it a valuable resource for online entrepreneurs.

10. Will It Fly? by Thomas K. McKnight

“Will It Fly?” helps you assess your startup idea’s potential for success. It covers essential aspects like product assessment, competition, pricing strategies, finance, and operations, providing a thorough analysis for aspiring entrepreneurs.

11. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

Michael E. Gerber debunks common myths surrounding starting a venture. This book is crucial for online entrepreneurs looking to grow their business productively and avoid common pitfalls.

12. The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson

Carrie Wilkerson’s book helps you rediscover your true goals and demands, offering practical advice for becoming a successful freelancer or consultant. It covers achieving work discipline and work-life balance, essential for online entrepreneurs.

13. Start Your Own Business: The Only Start-Up Book You’ll Ever Need by Entrepreneur Media

This comprehensive guide from Entrepreneur Media covers everything about starting a new venture. It walks you through choosing a business, creating a business model, selecting partners, getting funded, and managing taxes and employees.

14. The Startup Owner’s Manual by Steve Blank

Steve Blank, a renowned Silicon Valley expert, provides a step-by-step guide for building a great company. The book includes over 100 charts, diagrams, and checklists to guide your startup in the right direction.

15. Entrepreneur: How to Start an Online Business by Lucy Tobin

Lucy Tobin profiles successful online business owners, sharing their stories and challenges. This book provides practical insights and firsthand experiences, making it a valuable resource for aspiring online entrepreneurs.

16. Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk

Gary Vaynerchuk teaches how to leverage your passions to create a stream of income. This book emphasizes using your unique skills and personality to build a personal brand and achieve entrepreneurial success.

17. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie’s timeless advice helps entrepreneurs master the art of influencing people and making friends effortlessly. This classic book is essential for building successful business relationships.

18. Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky

Scott Belsky’s book focuses on turning ideas into reality. It covers the process of moving from ideation to execution, helping entrepreneurs become doers and achievers.

19. Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger

Jonah Berger’s book explains why certain ideas catch on while others fade away. It provides groundbreaking research and real-life case studies to help you understand how to make your ideas contagious.

20. The Culting of Brands by Douglas Atkin

Douglas Atkin provides insights into cultivating a personal and startup brand that attracts the masses. This book covers managing workflow and aligning marketing efforts with market expectations and demands.

21. Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy by Martin Lindstrom

Martin Lindstrom’s book helps you understand the buying patterns and behaviors of customers. This knowledge is crucial for online entrepreneurs planning to sell products, as it provides research and expertise on why people buy and what makes them tick.

These 21 books offer invaluable insights and practical advice for aspiring online entrepreneurs. Reading them can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to start and grow a successful online business.