20 Books Every Startup Founder Should Read
Learn the lessons from the experiences of successful founders with 20 books every startup founder should read. Get the insights from Zero to One, Founders at Work, Never Split the Difference, The Hard Thing About Hard Things, and more.
Michael Houck 💡
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20 books every startup founder should read:
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
1. Zero to One, by Peter Thiel
The only way to create something truly valuable is to attempt something new and unique. pic.twitter.com/gJiIEpbpMP -
2. Founders at Work, by Jessica Livingston
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
The co-founder of Y Combinator shares lessons from the experiences of successful founders. pic.twitter.com/1ellkW30My -
3. Never Split the Difference, by Chris Voss
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Master the art of negotiation and get what you want. pic.twitter.com/PpS8d4MdtJ -
4. The Hard Thing About Hard Things, by Ben Horowitz
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Candid and personal stories from the cofounder of a16z about how to get through the tough times of building something. pic.twitter.com/rLs1dlJqRn -
5. Radical Candor, by Kim Scott
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Be honest and upfront with your feedback, but do it in a way that is constructive and helpful. pic.twitter.com/b0F0p3FlII -
6. $100M Offers, by Alex Hormozi
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Create offers that are so compelling that customers can't say no. pic.twitter.com/Xnu6Ey7D1q -
7. Start With Why, by Simon Sinek
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Makes the case that effective leadership comes from inspiration, and inspiration comes from purpose. pic.twitter.com/shOtN1aKZN -
8. Crossing the Chasm, by Geoffrey Moore
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Understand the different stages of the technology adoption lifecycle and how to market your product to each stage. pic.twitter.com/TsaZHxm7Dc -
9. Traction, by Gino Wickmayer
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Identify the key metrics that will determine the success of your startup and track your progress against them. pic.twitter.com/oTYWMc45nQ -
10. The Lean Startup, by Eric Reis
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Build your MVP and test it with customers as early as possible. pic.twitter.com/yDdiEsPO82 -
11. Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
A classic memoir on how Nike went from a startup to become one of the world's most iconic brands. pic.twitter.com/iTQwy0yxoE -
12. Recruiting, by Ryan Breslow
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Build a strong team by hiring the right people for the right roles. pic.twitter.com/xHtfxAawUp -
13. The Messy Middle, by Scott Belsky
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Don't be afraid of the challenges that come with running a startup. pic.twitter.com/oHWgCzp1mr -
14. Principles: Life & Work, by Ray Dalio
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Develop a set of principles to guide your decisions and actions, from the founder of Bridgewater. pic.twitter.com/1f3VCw3Q30 -
15. The Innovator's Solution, by Clayton Christensen
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Understand the different types of innovation and how to apply them to your business. pic.twitter.com/JJcehoLffH -
16. Built to Sell, by John Warrillow
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
How to build a business that is valuable and can be sold for a significant profit. pic.twitter.com/BCiT8Mwj1c -
17. Rework, by Jason Fried
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Eliminate unnecessary tasks and processes and focus on what's essential. pic.twitter.com/Nh4iwhNj2b -
18. Resilience, by Eric Greitens
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. pic.twitter.com/59nM87RQOl -
19. Liftoff, by Eric Berger
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Launch your startup with a bang by creating buzz and generating excitement. pic.twitter.com/NystPhxdG4 -
20. Inspired, by Marty Cagan
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Build products that people love by following a proven design process. pic.twitter.com/LBvlcXvnFW -
Bonus: Building a Story Brand, by Donald Miller
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
Create a clear and compelling message that will resonate with your target audience. pic.twitter.com/VjTE7QX99R -
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— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
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— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023 -
Books for startup founders (part 1):
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
1. Zero to One
2. Founders at Work
3. Never Split the Difference
4. The Hard Thing About Hard Things
5. Radical Candor
6. $100M Offers
7. Start With Why
8. Crossing the Chasm
9. Traction
10. The Lean Startup
11. Shoe Dog -
Books for startup founders (part 2):
— Michael Houck 💡 (@callmehouck) June 23, 2023
12. Recruiting
13. The Messy Middle
14. Principles
15. The Innovator's Solution
16. Built to Sell
17. Rework
18. Resilience
19. Liftoff
20. Inspired
21. Building a Story Brand