There are plenty of books about entrepreneurship, founding a company, and being a founder.
I’ve read many of them and even completed my Master’s degree with a specialization in entrepreneurship.
Here’s why
- Reason #1: It offers a wealth of great advice on how to think about your company and your goals. I’ve never seen this level of insight for small businesses anywhere else. The main tagline is to view your business as a franchise. Everything needs to work and be profitable without you.
- Reason #2: Unlike other books that feature countless case studies to prove small points, this book includes just two case studies. One of them, about a solo founder of a cake bakery, spans most of the book. It’s easy and insightful to follow her journey to success.
- Reason #3: The book introduces many concepts and challenges you to think about your business and how to grow it. At the same time, it’s not overwhelming but rather motivating!
- Reason #4: Although the book is “old” (the revised version was published in 2004), it couldn’t be more current. It has nothing to do with the internet, and its timeless principles are super well-written and easy to digest.
This book is the single most important reason (outside of those employed at my company) why we were able to increase our revenue by over 100% this year. If you are building your own SME, I can’t recommend this book enough.
If you’ve read it, do you agree? What other books would you recommend for new founders of SMEs?