World Literature

Do you really need to attend a business school to be a successful entrepreneur? While it may help you in certain circumstances, it isn’t a necessity, especially when you want to start an online business. Pete Cashmore began Mashable when he was only 19. And look at how amazingly successful it is today!

But the road to success isn’t easy. You need to gather adequate information, couple it with wisdom and imagination to make things work. And what could be a better source for all these than books! Just take your pick, read and absorb what the best have to say.

Here’s a quick look at 7 of the best books for starting an online business:

Will It Fly? By Thomas K. McKnight

Does your business idea have wings? Or will it fall flat? The 44-item checklist in this one will help you find the answer to this vital question. Do you have the right personal traits? Do you know where the exits are? You’ll find answers to all your queries and also evaluate your chances of success.

The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

Is it really possible to build a million dollar business on a modest budget? Guillebeau brings forward a series of case studies to prove his point. A pleasant read, this offers great value if you are on the lookout for a book that helps you understand why you should do what you love – and how to do it too.

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

Being an entrepreneur isn’t exactly similar to being the mythical hero it is often cut out to be. If you wish to get the entrepreneurship facts straight, this is the book to read. It also illustrates the distinction between working ‘on’ your business and working ‘in’ your business.

The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson

Want a little inspiration? Take up this book and glimpse Wilkerson’s journey to become a home-based entrepreneur. An entertaining read, this helps you understand the ways in which to tackle the core issues – identifying the target market, creating marketing strategies, building your brand, and so on.

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Creation and assessment of business processes may not be an easy task. And it is where this book can be a handy guide – when you are planning to start an online business, especially a software startup, this is one of the must-reads. And the best part, it comes from his experience.

The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

Well, flexible work hours are one of the chief points that drive individuals to begin their own businesses. This book explores the opportunities that you can get when you decide to take the plunge. And the way the author relates the points in a fun and motivational manner makes it all the more interesting.

Lucky or Smart? by Bo Peabody

Bo Peabody was an online multimillionaire in his twenties. In this book he answers the important question – was it luck or was he smart enough to do it? He illustrates the way you can cultivate your perception and identify when he was plain lucky. Smart for him to do it!