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Our seven must-read books for entrepreneurs

Whether you want to hone your business strategies, uncover new leadership tactics, dive into the world of financial jargon or simply top up your professional development library, these books will help to fill your entrepreneurial bucket and keep you at the top of your game.

As an entrepreneur, we recognize how easy it can be for time to get away from you. If you are able to carve out some time over the holidays as you plan for 2021, here are some good reads to help you grow as a business owner. They also make great gifts for your business colleagues and senior staff:

 

1. Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything by Viktor E. Frankl

Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, Viktor E. Frankl, shines new light on the meaning of life in this book, which contains a series of his public lectures. As stated in the Amazon review, Frankl’s words resonate as strongly with the world we live in today – a global pandemic, social isolation, business closures and economic uncertainty – as they did in 1946.

Providing perspective on how to think about life, this is a great read for any entrepreneur feeling the effects that this global pandemic has had on your business.

 

2. The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance by W. Timothy Gallwey

Don’t be fooled by this title – this is a read for everyone. Unpack great focus strategies, relaxation therapies, peak performance tips and more. A great resource for the entrepreneur who wants to improve your performance in any activity!

 

3. What it takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence by Stephen Schwarzman

According to the book’s review on Amazon, Schwartzman is a successful businessman, famous for taking risks and co-founding an investment firm that now manages billions. In this book he reveals the struggle that precedes success. Even the greatest of entrepreneurs can still learn new skills and live a life of consequence.

 

4. King of Capital: The Remarkable Rise, Fall and Rise Again of Steve Schwarzman by David Carey and John E. Morris

Diving deeper into the story of Schwarzman, this novel unpacks the raw details of his rise to riches and entrepreneurial success. It also references the history of Blackstone, the evolution of private equity and historic financial business deals within the last four decades.

Have our Top 10 business loan terms glossary handy – you might need it!

 

5. Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs by John Doerr

Doerr, venture capitalist, reveals how the goal-setting system of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) can help any organization thrive. This framework of OKRs and can be applied to small, medium and large companies or even personal development plans.

 

6. Deal Making: The New Strategy of Negotiauctions by Guhan Subramanian

A member of our team was first introduced to this book at a CVCA conference, after listening to a lecture about negotiation strategies. As summarized by Amazon, Subramanian unpacks the art of negotiation and auction theory, outlining strategies for the entrepreneur looking to brush up on their deal making skills.

 

7. Cautionary Tales: Podcast Series by Tim Harford

In Cautionary Tales, Harford, a Financial Times columnist, BBC broadcaster, and author, tells stories about mistakes and what to learn from them. Down to earth, relatable and realistic content for today’s entrepreneur.

Check out Harford’s website for a full library of diverse and inspiring content.

 

What books are you reading that we need to know about? Send us your recommendations and we can continue to stock the First West Capital library and share them with others.

We help mid-market businesses

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