Books for Entrepreneurs

Every entrepreneur I know has at least one book that changed the way they think. Maybe it’s the spark that got them started, the strategy that helped them scale, or the mindset shift that kept them from giving up when things got hard. If you’re here, you’re probably looking for that kind of book—either for yourself or for someone in your life chasing the entrepreneurial path. Below are some of the most useful and inspiring books that entrepreneurs return to again and again.

Books for Entrepreneurs

1. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

If you know an entrepreneur who’s always chasing time, this book is a game-changer. The 4-Hour Workweek isn’t just advice—it’s a mindset shift. Tim Ferriss shows how to escape the grind, automate tasks, and design life on your own terms. It’s the kind of gift that sparks fresh ideas, inspires bold moves, and reminds them success doesn’t have to mean 80-hour weeks.

2. Lean in by Sheryl Sandberg

For the ambitious woman entrepreneur—or anyone who wants to better support them—Lean In is both empowering and practical. Sheryl Sandberg blends stories from her own career with research-driven insights, offering clear advice on leadership, negotiation, and breaking barriers. It’s a gift that encourages courage at the table, bold decision-making, and a reminder that success grows when women are free to step fully into their potential.

3. The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone

Sometimes the best gift you can give an entrepreneur is a push to dream bigger. The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone is all about breaking free from average thinking and committing to massive action. It challenges business owners to set higher goals, crush limiting beliefs, and embrace relentless momentum. This book is perfect for anyone building a business who needs motivation to not just win—but dominate.

4. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

For the entrepreneur who craves freedom more than titles, The $100 Startup makes a perfect gift. Chris Guillebeau proves that you don’t need deep pockets or an MBA to launch something meaningful. With real stories of ordinary people turning small ideas into thriving ventures, it inspires action and creativity. This book shows that passion and resourcefulness—not big budgets—are often the real keys to building a life you love.

5. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

Sometimes the best encouragement for an entrepreneur is a reminder that wealth begins with mindset. Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass at Making Money is equal parts funny, blunt, and deeply motivating. Through her own story of going from broke to thriving, she gives practical steps to kick excuses aside and embrace abundance. It’s a gift that says, “Go build the income—and the life—you deserve.”

6. The 1% Rule by Tommy Baker

Entrepreneurs often feel pressured to chase overnight success, but The 1% Rule is a refreshing reminder that greatness comes from small, consistent steps. Tommy Baker shows how daily progress—just 1% at a time—can compound into massive results without burnout. It’s a thoughtful gift for any business builder who needs encouragement to embrace patience, discipline, and the process, rather than the illusion of quick wins.

7. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Every entrepreneur needs a spark of creativity, and Steal Like an Artist delivers exactly that. Austin Kleon’s book is a playful yet practical guide to embracing influence, remixing ideas, and carving your own path. It encourages readers to see hobbies, passions, and even borrowed inspiration as fuel for innovation. A thoughtful gift for any business dreamer who knows success is built on creativity as much as hustle.

8. Gary Vaynerchuk Bestselling Books Combo

For the entrepreneur who thrives on energy and real talk, this Gary Vaynerchuk collection is a powerhouse gift. With Crush It!, Crushing It!, and Twelve and a Half, it covers everything from turning passion into profit to harnessing emotional intelligence for leadership. Packed with practical lessons and raw inspiration, these books feel like having Gary Vee in your corner, pushing you to go bigger and bolder every day.

9. Great at Work by Morten T. Hansen

Entrepreneurs often juggle countless tasks, but Great at Work offers a research-backed path to doing less—and achieving more. Morten T. Hansen distills a five-year study into seven smart practices that boost performance without burnout. With inspiring stories and practical tools, this book helps business builders sharpen focus, maximize impact, and find sustainable ways to thrive. It’s an insightful gift for anyone chasing efficiency and excellence.

10. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Entrepreneurs know that big results rarely come overnight—and Atomic Habits is the ultimate reminder that small, consistent changes create massive impact. James Clear breaks down the science of habits into practical, easy steps that anyone can follow. From building momentum to designing smarter systems, this book helps business builders stay disciplined and intentional. It’s a thoughtful gift for the entrepreneur striving to grow steadily and sustainably.