In this article, Ziphawk CEO Bhawna Patkar highlights five books every aspiring business owner should read before starting their own company. These books help prepare the reader for the challenges of entrepreneurship and give them valuable insights into how other start-ups have succeeded.

There are thousands, if not tens of thousands, of great books written about becoming an entrepreneur. Some are specific to a particular type of business, and others are more general.

The books highlighted below address a broad spectrum of the challenges faced by any new entrepreneur.

1. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It, by Michael Gerber

This book dispels some of the myths around starting your own business. It illustrates how common beliefs can get in the way of building a successful company. Gerber walks the reader through the stages in the life of a business and demonstrates how to apply the principles of franchising to any type of business. The book draws out the vital but often overlooked difference between working on your business and working in your business. Reading The E-Myth Revisited will enable you to grow your business predictably and productively.

2. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9–5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich, by Timothy Ferriss

This bestseller by American podcaster, educational activist, writer, and entrepreneur Timothy Ferriss is considered by many to be one of the best books ever written for those who want to escape their 9 to 5 job. In the book, Ferriss talks about how to create and automate an income stream so that you can spend the time following your life’s passion.

3. High-Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way, by Brendon Burchard

In this easy-to-digest book, Burchard explains why some people succeed more quickly than others. He reveals the most effective habits for reaching long-term success in plain language. The text narrows the results of extensive research to just six habits that move the needle the most in helping you succeed.

4. Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too, by Gary Vaynerchuk

Four-time New York Times bestselling author Gary Vaynerchuk teaches you basic entrepreneurship skills in this book. The author maintains that it doesn’t matter where you begin in life, only what you do with your life and how hard you work to reach your goals.

5. Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki

In another inspiring book from the acclaimed author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, Kiyosaki offers an update on what we’ve seen over the past 20 years related to money, investing, and the global economy. It’s an easy-to-understand and engaging book that provides everything you need to know about financial education.

If you want to become an entrepreneur, read everything you can about how others have attained their goals. You will find practical knowledge and inspiring stories in these books and others.

About Bhawna Patkar

Bhawna Patkar is an entrepreneur and business leader with over a decade of experience launching and developing new business ventures in Silicon Valley. She is the founder, president, and CEO of Ziphawk Inc. — a technology service provider for the rideshare industry. Bhawna’s creativity, drive, and knack for problem solving allow her to solve challenges in both her professional and personal life. Her success aside, Bhawna’s mission has always remained the same: “If businesses believe that doing good can be profitable, then doing good will be sustainable.”