Young Entrepreneur Book Roundup: 6 Must-Reads

Finding success as a business owner can take an immense amount of dedication, skill and determination. And for young entrepreneurs, it can feel like there’s an added challenge of being labeled inexperienced or too youthful to be taken seriously. But I’ve rounded up six must-reads written with the young entrepreneur in mind. If you’re looking to start your own business or turn your hobby into a profitable endeavor, I’ve got just the books for you or someone’s stocking this Xmas.

Must Read 1: “The Young Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting and Running a Business: Turn Your Ideas into Money!” By Steve Mariotti

Author Steve Mariotti has co-authored more than 30 books about entrepreneurship, pulling from his personal experience as a successful entrepreneur. In this book, Mariotti sets out to prove that age doesn’t have to stop you from creating a profitable business. Instead, Mariotti provides valuable insights from other young entrepreneurs and discusses the basic how-tos involved with turning a hobby or skill into a profitable business. With this book, aspiring entrepreneurs can gain an important understanding of the basics involved with building and running a successful business.

Must Read 2: “The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich” By Timothy Ferriss

In his book, Timothy Ferriss is helping young people break the stereotype of a 40-hour work week. Many believe that the more hours you work, the more you earn, but Ferriss is challenging that school of thought by encouraging you to instead focus on your mindset at work – rather than the hours you put in. 

Must Read 3: “How to Win Friends & Influence People” By Dale Carnegie

This chart-topping best seller is a popular book among entrepreneurs and goal-seekers of all ages, but it’s a great motivator for young business owners looking to hit the ground running. With over 15 million copies sold, this book has earned its cult following by helping people improve both their work and personal lives while providing key insights into influencing how others perceive you and your ideas.

Must Read 4: “Founders at Work: Stories of Startups’ Early Days” By Jessica Livingston

Nothing gets you motivated like hearing the success stories of others who started in the same position you’re in today. In her book, Jessica Livingston offers stories of trial and error by start-up legends including founders of Apple, PayPal, Hotmail and more. Diving deep into their transformation from young visionaries to top-tier celebrities, Livingston offers valuable insights into how these businesspeople overcame obstacles and beat the odds to make it as entrepreneurs. 

Must Read 5: “Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!” By Robert T. Kiyosaki

This book was first introduced to the world over 22 years ago, and it has since been translated into multiple languages and continually topped the charts as a leading book on personal finance. In his book, Robert T. Kiyosaki dives deep into the fundamental differences between how high-net-worth and low-income families discuss money. Pulling from his childhood experiences listening to his own father and the wealthy father of a friend, Kiyosaki breaks down common myths about money and building wealth versus growing your income. For young entrepreneurs, this book offers a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective on money matters and growing your wealth.

Must Read 6: “Rework” By Jason Fried and David Hansson

As its title suggests, this book is designed to rework the way we think about starting a business. Instead of the old school steps young entrepreneurs are taught to follow, this book offers a goal-based, action-leading alternative to motivate and encourage young go-getters to get moving right away. What many may consider business essentials, Jason Fried and David Hansson consider to be obstacles, excuses and non-necessities. Instead of drawing up a plan, these authors encourage young entrepreneurs to just get to work.

If you have the passion and drive to run a business, you may still need a bit of encouragement and know-how to get started. These six books are designed to help you understand the challenges ahead and keep you excited about your new business venture to come. They have most definitely helped me as I mark the 1 year anniversary of Financial Planning Matters. Happy Reading!