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11/7/2015 16 Books That Will Make You a Better Entrepreneur for 2016 | Inc.com
http://www.inc.com/johnrampton/16bookstotransformyouintoabetterentrepreneurfor2016.html?cid=em01011week45day06a 1/7
16 Books That WillMake You a BetterEntrepreneur for2016
TODAY'SMUSTREADS
BUSINESS BOOKS
16 Books That Will Make You a BetterEntrepreneur for 2016
Want to become a better entrepreneur leader next year? Time to start reading.
johnrampton @
IMAGE: Getty Images
Finding the time to sit back and enjoy a book is almost impossible for entrepreneurs.But it's critical that you find the time to read. After all, reading can boost ourbrainpower, help us relax, and make us more empathetic. I personally find that whenI read I am much more aware of good ideas, am able to set more goals, and become abetter leader to those around me.
BY JOHN RAMPTON
11/7/2015 16 Books That Will Make You a Better Entrepreneur for 2016 | Inc.com
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With the new year rapidly approaching, one of your goals should be to take the timeto read in 2016. And, here 16 books to help you get started on achieving that goal. Asa bonus, you now have an answer when someone asks you what you would like forthe holidays!
1. The Startup Playbook: Secrets of the Fastest-Growing Startups FromTheir Founding Entrepreneurs, by David Kidder
Have you ever wondered how companies like LinkedIn, PayPal, and AOL got off theground and became household names? David Kidder, a New York Times best-sellingauthor and serial entrepreneur, sat down with 40 founders to get an inside look athow their businesses were able to succeed, as well as for advice on topics likeleadership, how to inspire others, and persistence.
2. One Simple Idea, Revised and Expanded Edition: Turn Your DreamsInto a Licensing Goldmine While Letting Others Do the Work, by StephenKey
Throughout his career as an inventor, Stephen Key has licensed more than 20 simpleideas that have generated billions of dollars. Key has taken his experience andconverted into this priceless book. Key takes readers through each step of launchinga business, from an idea to cashing in on the idea, and presents it as a practical, real-world guide.
3. As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen
First published in 1902, this timeless masterpiece by British philosophical writerJames Allen has inspired millions of people with pieces of wisdom like: "All that aman achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts."Even if you're already read this book, it definitely deserves another reading.
4. Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose, by TonyHsieh
How has Zappos been able to make more than $1 billion in gross merchandise salesyear after year? For starters, it is the shining example of how to do outstandingcustomer service. Zappos also prides itself on focusing on a company culture thatembraces happiness. Thanks to CEO Tony Hsieh, Zappos has become one of the mostbeloved companies around, both for customers and employees. In his first book,Hsieh explains how he built a culture of passion and happiness through his lifeexperiences.
5. Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Wayof True Inspiration, by Ed Catmull
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As the co-founder and CEO of Pixar, Ed Catmull certainly knows a thing or two aboutinnovation and creativity. Catmull shares how leaders can create, drive, and maintaina culture of innovation. This book is so valuable that Forbes has stated that it "justmight be the best business book ever written."
6. David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants,by Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell, the author behind excellent books like The Tipping Point andOutliers, strikes again with another intriguing and fascinating book. This time aroundGladwell argues that those with disadvantages are actually stronger and more proneto success than those who don't have to face an uphill battle. Gladwell uses exampleslike Richard Branson and Charles Schwab battling dyslexia to back up his claim.
7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in PersonalChange, by Stephen R. Covey
First published in 1989, this now-classic book examines how to succeed not only inbusiness, but also as a leader and as a human being. Covey outlines a step-by-stepguide in which you can learn how to become a better person both professionally andpersonally by solving problems.
8. Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius
If you're looking to add balance to your hectic life as an entrepreneur, then this book,which is a collection of inspirational phrases from Stoic philosopher and Romanemperor Aurelius, is essential. One of my favorites piece of advice is "You have powerover your mind--not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
9. The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When toStick), by Seth Godin
This is another winning text from Seth Godin, author or Purple Cow and Tribes, that iseasy to consume, but packed with valuable insights, like the fact that winners knowwhen to quit by cutting their losses, regrouping, and changing direction. It's a goodcompanion book for entrepreneurs asking whether it's worth the fight or not.
10. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, andRedemption, by Laura Hillenbrand
While this isn't a business book, the inspiring true story of Louie Zamperini can helpus all understand the importance of personal sacrifice and perseverance. If Zamperinicould overcome the insurmountable challenges he faced during World War II, thenyou can overcome the barriers holding you back.
11. Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think, by Peter Diamandis
11/7/2015 16 Books That Will Make You a Better Entrepreneur for 2016 | Inc.com
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11. Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think, by Peter Diamandisand Steven Kotler
These two best-selling authors teamed up for a feel-good and visionary book thatexplores why the future is going to great thanks to technology. Diamandis andKotler maintain that technology is going to solve some of the most pressing globalconcerns, such as food, overpopulation, and health care. This will present anopportunity for innovative leaders to start a profitable company that can also changethe world.
12. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future, byAshlee Vance
Journalist Ashlee Vance spent years with Elon Musk and interviewed more than 300individuals to completely grasp the drive and vision of one of the most importantentrepreneurs in recent history. The biography, which examines Musk's journey fromSouth Africa to launching companies like PayPal and Tesla, also gives us a closer lookat the hardships of entrepreneurship, such as Musk's meltdown in 2008.
13. The 7 Day Startup: You Don't Learn Until You Launch, by Dan Norris
If you're a first-time entrepreneur, then this book is a must-read, since it can be usedas a guide if you're bootstrapping your startup. Written by Dan Norris, anentrepreneur who experienced failure for seven long years until he created WP Curve,this book can help you start bringing in cash in literally a week.
14. Mindsharing: The Art of Crowdsourcing Everything, by Lior Zoref
After a decade at Microsoft as the VP or marketing for consumer and online services,Lior Zoref is now a crowd wisdom researcher. This book, his first, can assist us withlearning how to use the power of crowds, such as connections on social media, tomake smarter and more objective decisions.
15. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the NewRich, by Timothy Ferriss
It doesn't seem possible, but serial entrepreneur and best-selling author TimothyFerriss may have discovered a shortcut to entrepreneurship. Pick your niche; use yourexperience to your advantage; test to find out what your audience needs help with;and then release a product that solves that pain point. After that, you can enjoy yourlife by working less.
16. The Virgin Way: If It's Not Fun, It's Not Worth Doing, by RichardBranson
Like so many other entrepreneurs, I'm fascinated with Richard Branson. It's hard not
11/7/2015 16 Books That Will Make You a Better Entrepreneur for 2016 | Inc.com
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The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.
to be drawn to his charisma, wisdom, and excitement. In his recent book, Bransondescribes why leaders should listen, be passionate, and have fun the "Virgin Way."
Special note: If you're like me and have a hard time finding time and focusing to read,download the audiobook and listen to it. I personally do this and listen while I go forwalks and drive in my car. It helps me to learn while on the go.
What other books would you add to the reading list for 2016?
PUBLISHED ON: NOV 6, 2015
ICONS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Why the Worst Pitch in 'Shark Tank' HistoryStill Has a Shot
Mark Cuban says he's willing to test canned coffee company Hotshot in movie
theaters, even though the six-year-old business hasn't made a sale.
GrahamWinfrey @BY GRAHAM WINFREY
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11/7/2015 16 Books That Will Make You a Better Entrepreneur for 2016 | Inc.com
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Hotshot founder Danny Grossfeld. IMAGE: Facebook
Danny Grossfeld has spent six years and $2 million building a company with no sales.Mark Cuban is intrigued.
On last week's episode of Shark Tank, after all five Sharks passed on investing inGrossfeld's hot coffee-in-a can business Hotshot, Cuban said he would give theproduct a test run in one of his Landmark Cinemas movie theaters. Why?
Hotshot's canned coffee and "Hot Boxes" that keep it warm are technically untestedproducts. Grossfeld has been perfecting the formula since 2009. Both the cans andHot Boxes are available only for preorder, with shipping scheduled for January.Grossfeld says he's received more than 200 preorders for the cans and Hot Boxessince his episode of Shark Tank aired.
In addition to Cuban, three movie theater chains have agreed to conduct tests of theproduct during the first quarter of 2016: AMC, Regal, and Cinemark, according toGrossfeld. He says he plans to contact Cuban about a test in Landmark Cinemas inJanuary.
"Mark was super sweet to me and very receptive," Grossfeld says. "He's the oneperson I'd want to partner with." Cuban did not respond to a request for comment.
Where did the idea for hot coffee in a can come from? Grossfeld came up with theconcept after seeing a similar product in Japan, where he says consumers will spend$15 billion on ready-to-drink coffee in 2016. (Data from the Trefis says ready-to-drinkcoffee in Japan is a $9.5 billion annual market.) One difference between Grossfeld'sproduct and the Japanese version is that Hotshot is hotter--140 degrees compared
11/7/2015 16 Books That Will Make You a Better Entrepreneur for 2016 | Inc.com
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with 110 degrees, according to Grossfeld, who says his cans have a shelf life of aboutthree months.
By at least one measure, Hotshot is the weakest pitch in Shark Tank history: Grossfeldis the only contestant to have spent six years and $2 million on a business with nosales. He says he invested around $700,000 of his own money, $500,000 from friendsand family, and the rest from loans from friends and family. Grossfeld'sprofessional experience consists primarily of working at his family's bankruptcy andliquidation business--useful experience for an entrepreneur.
So what made him think he'd get a deal on Shark Tank? It's worth noting thatGrossfeld didn't apply to be on the show. The show invited him.
"We liked his passion, drive, and his company," says Clay Newbill, Shark Tank'sexecutive producer. He says the show's producers don't intentionally cast weakbusinesses to illicit overly critical responses from the Sharks. Instead, they look onlyfor companies they hope the Sharks will be excited about. A Shark Tank producerspotted Grossfeld after seeing a Los Angeles Times article about the company.
While Grossfeld failed to attract an investment on Shark Tank, all of the Sharksprofessed to like the taste of the coffee. Grossfeld says the product is also a hit withcollege students who've tasted samples. In addition to selling directly through hiswebsite, his initial strategy is to sell Hotshot in and around college campuses.
So has Grossfeld just been drinking his own Kool-Aid for six years? According to him,not at all.
"I'm not overly optimistic," he says. "I've been in business my whole life."
PUBLISHED ON: NOV 6, 2015
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