Business books usually fall into two categories: how-to or biographical. In how-to books, the author may or may not be an entrepreneur. Biographical books most frequently are written by someone (and, perhaps, their ghostwriter) who's built a successful business and tells the story of the inception and growth of that undertaking.
Biographical books also may share advice, but often have the added advantage of being inspirational. After all, hardly anyone writes this kind of book to tell a story about how they got an idea for a business and found themselves rolling in success the next day. Personal narratives may not always involve overcoming enormous obstacles, but they have the added advantage of being told from personal perspective and offer the author/entrepreneur’s insights into those events that shaped the business.
by Christina Binkley
This is a well-written account of how modern Las Vegas was shaped by three very different entrepreneurial thinkers. Terrific storytelling because the story’s so good.
by Sir Richard Branson
Adventurous entrepreneur Richard Branson shares lessons learned. You don’t have to build a global empire to apply what he’s learned to your business.
by Bo Burlingham
Here is an exploration of companies that chose to stay small and excel, rather than pursue growth (and risk not being as good).
by Adam Cohen
Even though a lot has happened since this book was published, it’s an amazing tale of the humble beginnings of eBay.
by Michael D'Antonio
This is the fascinating story of Milton Hershey of chocolate fame who was also an ahead-of-his-time social entrepreneur.
by A.E. Hotchner, Paul Newman
If you've ever wondered about the birth and growth of Newman’s Own, you'll have to read this highly entertaining account by Newman himself.
by Carolyn See
This book not only offers advice on the nuts and bolts of writing, but also insights into the interior life of an author.
by Michael Shapiro
This collection of interviews with travel writers, including Bill Bryson and Rick Steves, gives insight about how they turned their love of travel into a career.
by Vince Rause, Bill Strickland
I can read this story again and again — it's a genuinely inspiring example of how a positive vision impacts positively. Strickland chronicles his journey from directionless inner-city teen to founder of an enormously successful training school.
by Muhammad Yunus
Micro-lending changes lives! This wildly inspiring story of the birth of micro-lending explains how, by helping the poor create their own enterprises.
Flashlight Worthy
Recommending books so good, they'll keep you up past your bedtime. more...
About Barbara J. Winter
Barbara is a speaker, writer and self-employment advocate who has spent the past two decades helping others become Joyfully Jobless. She considers running a business to be the ultimate personal growth seminar and can be found online at JoyfullyJobless.com.
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