Best book to read for starting a small business

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We are committed to researching, testing, and recommending the best products. We may receive commissions from purchases made after visiting links within our content. Learn more about our review process. Starting a business — online or offline — can be a huge undertaking with a steep learning curve. Whether you're starting a business as a side hustle or to replace your day job, you want it to succeed.

If you want to start a business, you'll need advice on where to start, what pitfalls to anticipate, and how best to spend your time and money to get your idea off the ground. While you may be tempted to spring for classes, seminars, and training sessions, books are the most accessible and affordable way to start learning. Whether you're an aspiring tech entrepreneur or an artisan looking to sell your work, these are some of the most insightful books to read before you launch. Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki breaks down important lessons for new business owners in an accessible, easy-to-follow guide. He acknowledges that with the democratizing force of the internet, once-unassailable business lessons are now in question. But one key idea is timeless: The importance of focusing on key details in the beginning so mistakes don't trip you up as your business grows. The book contains Kawasaki's hard-won practical advice about all manner of topics, from marketing and social media to crowdfunding and cloud computing.

They end up making colossal mistakes. Before doing anything you must have a plan, both in mind and written on a piece of paper. Assess risk, hire the best people, and decide on a budget. An easier way of starting a business is to gather more knowledge and motivation. Reading business and self-help books can help too.