Whether you’re trying to get your startup off the ground or you’re an established small business owner, you’re probably always looking for ways to grow your entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. And there’s no shortage of resources available to you.
For starters, you could go the traditional route and head to a bookstore or shop online to find a book that shares valuable advice for small business owners. Or if you like to learn while you work, you can listen to one of the many podcasts that are available online.
With the help of our commercial bankers, we’ve put together some recommendations for the best books and podcasts for starting or growing a small business.
1. Founders Journal
Morning Brew is committed to helping business owners become smarter through a blog, email newsletter and podcasts. In Founders Journal, Alex Lieberman, co-founder of Morning Brew, provides tools you need to think better and inspire your entrepreneurial spirit. Each episode is about 10 to 15 minutes long and includes actionable advice for your business and life.
Listen: Founder’s Journal Podcast
2. Business Casual
This is another one from the Morning Brew network. In this podcast, the host interviews entrepreneurs about what makes them successful. You will get insight into their habits and routines, their beliefs, how they manage people and what business trends they’re following.
Listen: Business Casual Podcast
3. This Week In Startups
By interviewing some of the world’s greatest founders, operators and investors, angel investor Jason Calacanis gives you an insider's look into venture capital. In this weekly show you’ll get advice on how to start and scale your own startup and how to utilize the latest investment technology to stay ahead of the curve.
Listen: This Week In Startups Podcast
4. School of Greatness
Hosted by New York Times best-selling author Lewis Howes, this podcast shares inspiring interviews with some of the most successful people on the planet. The guests are always insightful yet vulnerable and share valuable tips which you can apply to better your own life.
Best Books for Small Business Owners
1. The Lean Startup
Eric Ries introduces a new approach to starting a business that is more capital-efficient and leverages human creativity more effectively. This book isn’t just about business. It tells us what we can learn from business and how to apply those lessons to everything in our lives.
2. The Leadership Challenge - shared by Joe Conover
“A good leader gets things done; a great leader aspires, inspires, and achieves more.” That’s the message that authors James Kouzes and Barry Posner deliver in this book. Throughout 400 pages, they highlight the differences between good and great and how to bridge the gap to make things happen.
Buy Online: The Leadership Challenge
3. Total Focus: Make Better Decisions Under Pressure - shared by Jacob Meyers
Many of life’s greatest lessons come from experiencing failure. Brandon Webb, a former Navy SEAL, failed in his first business venture after leaving the service. Then he realized the key to success was in a skill he already possessed from his time in the military: making decisions under pressure. Webb’s motivational story will show you that past failure doesn’t define your future.
Buy Online: Total Focus: Make Better Decisions Under Pressure
4. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
This book has been around for 30 years, and for good reason. Over the years it has helped millions of people learn a better way to negotiate. Authors Robert Fisher and William Ury offer a proven strategy for reaching mutually acceptable agreements in every sort of conflict. This book offers advice that can help you communicate with colleagues, clients and customers, or even family members.
Buy Online: Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
This list only scratches the surface of the wealth of resources available to help you start or grow your business. Whether you’re looking for a book or podcast recommendation, a connection in your community or advice on which financial services to utilize, our commercial bankers have you covered.
If you’re ready to learn something new and take a step in your small business journey, contact one of our commercial bankers today.
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