10 Best-Selling Entrepreneurship Books Millions Love

Explore Entrepreneurship books praised by Sheryl Sandberg, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and other top experts, delivering proven insights and strategies.

Sheryl Sandberg
Mark Zuckerberg
Elon Musk
Dustin Moskovitz
Ben Horowitz
Ryan Hoover
Vinod Khosla
Updated on June 23, 2025
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When millions of readers and top experts agree, a book's impact on entrepreneurship becomes clear. Right now, mastering entrepreneurship is more crucial than ever — these books offer tested methods that have shaped startups and sustained growth worldwide.

Leaders like Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's co-founder, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, have all recommended these titles. For instance, Zuckerberg praises "Zero to One" for its fresh approach to innovation, while Sandberg lauds "The Lean Startup" for its practical methodology. Their endorsements reflect the real-world value these books provide to entrepreneurs at all stages.

While these popular books deliver proven frameworks, you might also consider creating a personalized Entrepreneurship book tailored to your unique background and goals. Combining expert insights with your specific needs can accelerate your path to success.

Best for innovative startup founders
Mac The Vc, Managing Partner at RareBreedVC, recommends this book after reflecting on how startup strategies have evolved since its publication. He notes, "The Lean Startup concept is amazing but looks different today in 2021 than it did at the time the book was written a decade ago in 2011. I think one of the biggest changes is yes you can have a not finished product but I don't think you can have an ugly product." His perspective highlights the book's enduring influence on entrepreneurship and the need to adapt its principles to contemporary startup realities.
MT

Recommended by Mac The Vc

Managing Partner at RareBreedVC, Entrepreneur

The Lean Startup concept is amazing but looks different today in 2021 than it did at the time the book was written a decade ago in 2011. I think one of the biggest changes is yes you can have a not finished product but I don't think you can have an ugly product. (from X)

What makes this book distinct is its focus on turning uncertainty into a manageable process for startups. Eric Ries, drawing from his experiences as a serial entrepreneur and CTO of IMVU, introduces you to the Lean Startup methodology, which emphasizes rapid experimentation, validated learning, and adapting product strategies based on customer feedback. You'll learn how to measure progress beyond vanity metrics and pivot effectively to find a sustainable business model. This approach suits anyone launching a new product or company, especially those aiming to innovate efficiently without wasting capital or time on unproven ideas.

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Best for breakthrough tech entrepreneurs
Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Meta, recommends this book for delivering "completely new and refreshing ideas on how to create value in the world." His endorsement carries weight given Meta's place at the forefront of technology and entrepreneurship. Zuckerberg’s embrace of Zero to One reflects the book’s resonance with those seeking breakthrough innovation beyond incremental change. His admiration suggests the book helped refine his approach to creating unique value rather than competing in existing markets. Alongside him, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, praises Peter Thiel’s track record and the insights shared, underscoring the book’s impact on leaders pushing technological boundaries.
MZ

Recommended by Mark Zuckerberg

Co-Founder & CEO of Meta

This book delivers completely new and refreshing ideas on how to create value in the world.

2014·224 pages·Entrepreneurship, Startup, New Business, Innovation, Business Strategy

The challenge Zero to One addresses is how to create truly innovative businesses in a world crowded with incremental improvements. Peter Thiel, drawing from his experience founding PayPal and backing Facebook, makes a strong case for focusing on unique, singular ideas rather than competing in crowded markets. You’ll learn to think contrarily about progress, distinguishing between going from 1 to n — copying existing models — and going from 0 to 1 — creating something new. The book challenges you to question conventional wisdom and offers frameworks for identifying opportunities where competition is irrelevant, especially highlighted in chapters discussing monopolies and startups’ value creation. If you’re aiming to build a startup that defies competition and pushes technological boundaries, this book is designed for you.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for personal success plans
This AI-created book on entrepreneurship is designed specifically for you based on your background, experience, and goals. By sharing what aspects of entrepreneurship you want to focus on, it covers battle-tested methods tailored to your unique needs and interests. This personalized approach makes it easier to engage with proven concepts that align with your specific challenges and ambitions. Instead of generic advice, you get a book created just for your entrepreneurial journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Entrepreneurship, Startup Fundamentals, Business Growth, Decision Making, Leadership

This tailored entrepreneurship book explores battle-tested methods that consistently deliver results for business creators. It covers essential entrepreneurial principles, practical decision-making, and growth tactics that have proven effective across industries. The personalized content focuses on your interests and background, ensuring you engage deeply with strategies that match your goals. By examining real-world entrepreneurial challenges and successes, it reveals actionable knowledge that millions have found valuable, all curated specifically for your unique journey. This approach helps you cut through generic advice to focus on what will truly advance your ventures and personal aspirations.

Tailored Guide
Entrepreneurship Playbook
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for resilient startup CEOs
Raoul Pal, founder and CEO of Global Macro Investor and Real Vision Group, knows the brutal realities entrepreneurs face and calls this book the "best, most brutally honest and incredibly useful" guide on startup leadership. His recommendation resonates deeply given his extensive experience navigating complex business cycles and economic shifts. Pal credits Horowitz's candid lessons for offering clarity on the harsh challenges of building and running a company. Likewise, Josh Bersin, founder of Bersin by Deloitte, appreciates the book's unfiltered portrayal of business growth, reinforcing why so many leaders turn to it for grounded advice.
RP

Recommended by Raoul Pal

Founder/CEO, Global Macro Investor

Without question, to me, The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz is, by far, the best, most brutally honest and incredibly useful book about the realities of starting and running a company, ever written. (from X)

What makes this book both expert-recommended and reader-beloved is Ben Horowitz's candid take on the brutal realities of running a startup, drawn from his deep experience as cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz and former CEO of Opsware. You get a grounded perspective on managing crises, making tough personnel decisions, and sustaining a CEO mindset when there are no clear answers. For example, Horowitz discusses firing friends and timing exits with unvarnished honesty that few business books dare to explore. If you’re building or leading a tech company and want insight beyond textbook theory, this book cuts through the noise to share what actually happens behind the scenes.

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Best for strategic business planners
Brian Tracy, a best-selling personal development author who has sold over 10 million copies, endorses this book for its clear guidance on business strategy. After years spent helping entrepreneurs reach new heights, he found Patrick Bet-David's approach particularly resonant, saying, "Patrick helps entrepreneurs understand exactly what they need to do next." This recommendation aligns with the book’s wide popularity among ambitious business leaders. Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, also praises Patrick as one of the most exciting thinkers he’s met, underscoring the book’s value to serious strategists seeking to sharpen their competitive edge.
BT

Recommended by Brian Tracy

Best-selling personal development author

Patrick helps entrepreneurs understand exactly what they need to do next.

Your Next Five Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy book cover

by Patrick Bet-David, Greg Dinkin··You?

What makes this book both expert-recommended and reader-beloved is Patrick Bet-David's unique blend of personal experience and strategic insight. Drawing from his journey from fleeing war-torn Iran to building a financial services empire, he lays out clear methods to sharpen your decision-making and anticipate your next moves in business. You'll explore frameworks for clarity on your goals, team building based on values, and growth tactics adaptable to fluctuating markets, with chapters dedicated to power plays and leverage. This guide suits entrepreneurs and executives ready to elevate their strategic thinking rather than those seeking quick fixes.

#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller
Instant International Bestseller
Published by Gallery Books
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Best for operational business leaders
Dan Sullivan, a strategic coach who has worked with over 13,000 entrepreneurs, emphasizes how "Traction" addresses the real challenges business owners face daily. After years of witnessing frustration around decision making and team alignment, Sullivan found that Gino Wickman's Entrepreneurial Operating System offers a straightforward system that delivers focus and growth. "This book is a must for any business owner and their management team," he says, highlighting how its practical approach resonates with countless leaders seeking control. Similarly, Ben Brewster, co-founder of Tread Athletics, ranks this among his top reads for scaling organizations effectively, praising its clarity around processes and KPIs.
DS

Recommended by Dan Sullivan

Speaker, consultant, and strategic coach

Having coached and trained over 13,000 entrepreneurs, I know the challenges they face. This book is a must for any business owner and their management team. Traction provides a powerful, practical, and simple system for running your business.

When Gino Wickman challenges the notion that business complexity is inevitable, he offers a clear path through the chaos with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Drawing from his extensive experience implementing EOS worldwide, Wickman breaks down six key components of business that often trip up leaders, from personnel conflicts to inconsistent profit growth. You'll gain concrete methods for sharpening focus and accountability within your leadership team, with chapters dedicated to tools like the Vision/Traction Organizer and Level 10 Meetings. This book suits entrepreneurs and managers eager to regain control, though those looking for quick fixes might find its disciplined approach demands commitment and patience.

Over 1 Million Copies Sold
Published by BenBella Books
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Best for daily entrepreneurial actions
This AI-created book on entrepreneurship is tailored to your specific goals and skill level, focusing on rapid results through daily actions. By sharing your background and the entrepreneurial areas you want to develop, you get a book that matches your interests and challenges. This personalized approach makes it easier to stay motivated and apply what you learn, turning broad ideas into concrete steps that fit your journey. Instead of a generic guide, you receive focused content crafted just for you.
2025·50-300 pages·Entrepreneurship, Startup Growth, Daily Actions, Personalized Planning, Goal Setting

This tailored book explores a dynamic 30-day journey designed to accelerate your entrepreneurial growth through daily, focused actions. It combines widely validated concepts that millions have found valuable with insights personalized to your unique background and goals. The content delves into practical steps that build momentum while matching your particular interests, ensuring that every day contributes meaningfully to your transformation. By focusing on rapid, achievable results, this book reveals how you can progress efficiently without overwhelming generic advice. Its personalized nature allows you to engage deeply with topics that resonate, making the learning experience both relevant and motivating.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Progress Methods
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for rapid launch entrepreneurs
Noah Kagan is the Chief Sumo at AppSumo.com, an 8-figure company specializing in business growth and marketing. With a background that includes building the Facebook Ads platform and early roles at Mint.com, Kagan brings firsthand expertise to this book. His experience launching multiple million-dollar businesses in weekends forms the blueprint here, offering you a clear path from concept to customer in just 48 hours.

What started as Noah Kagan's repeated success launching seven-figure businesses in a weekend became a straightforward playbook for aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing from his experience at Facebook and as founder of AppSumo, Kagan breaks down how to overcome fear, find customers quickly, and automate growth—all in just 48 hours. You’ll learn how to sidestep common startup pitfalls like endless brainstorming and wasted spending by focusing on rapid market testing and customer excitement. This book suits those ready to move beyond ideas to real, scalable business ventures without the usual delay or complexity.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for growth-focused new entrepreneurs
What makes this book unique in entrepreneurship is its promise to condense the daunting startup phase into a focused, one-year roadmap toward seven-figure success. "12 Months to $1 Million" offers a clear framework that guides you through finding a product that sells, building a customer base, and scaling sales with affordable marketing tactics. Its broad appeal lies in cutting through the noise of conflicting advice to deliver a practical plan for new entrepreneurs determined to build sustainable businesses. If you're ready to commit to the grind and seek a proven path to substantial business growth, this book lays out the steps to get there.
2020·240 pages·Business, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneur, Startups, Product Development

This book altered the way many think about launching a business by focusing on a clear, time-bound roadmap rather than vague entrepreneurial advice. The authors break down the journey to a million-dollar business into three distinct phases: finding a winning product, scaling sales through affordable advertising, and expanding product lines to boost daily revenue. You’ll learn how to identify target customers, secure funding, and execute a launch that drives real sales quickly. This approach benefits aspiring entrepreneurs who want a concrete plan over theory, especially those ready for the demands of building a sustainable, scalable venture within a year.

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Best for quick entrepreneurship overviews
Entrepreneurship by Inc. BarCharts offers a focused and accessible introduction to launching new ventures, drawing on the expertise of a Babson College entrepreneur. This guide's lean approach and concise format make it a popular choice among students, educators, and aspiring business owners looking for straightforward tools to navigate the startup process. Its practical orientation addresses the core challenge of translating meaningful ideas into viable, profitable businesses, making it a valuable resource for anyone eager to work for themselves or support entrepreneurial initiatives.
1722·Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneur, Business, Startups, Lean Methodology

This book challenges conventional wisdom by presenting entrepreneurship not just as a lofty idea but as a practical roadmap grounded in lean principles. Drawing from the experience of a Babson College graduate and successful entrepreneur, it offers a concise, six-page guide packed with tools that help you strengthen essential skills and reduce risks when starting a business. You'll find it especially useful if you're a student, professor, consultant, or an aspiring business owner seeking a clear, no-frills overview of how to turn meaningful ideas into profitable ventures. The focus on lean methodology and actionable frameworks makes it a solid quick-reference companion rather than a dense theoretical text.

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Best for small business finance managers
Chris Ducker, a serial entrepreneur and mentor known for his deep understanding of small business challenges, recommends this book after seeing many entrepreneurs struggle with cash flow management. He shared "@byjohannafritz Great book... 👍", highlighting how Mike Michalowicz’s Profit First system helped him rethink financial priorities and focus on profit from day one. This insight aligns with the widespread success the book has had among business owners seeking to escape the cash-eating trap. Alongside him, Ryan Deiss, founder of DigitalMarketer, concurs, calling it a great read and praising Michalowicz as a great human, underscoring the practical value and approachable style that make this book a standout in entrepreneurship circles.
CD

Recommended by Chris Ducker

Serial entrepreneur and business mentor

@byjohannafritz Great book... 👍 (from X)

2017·224 pages·Business, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, Cash Flow, Profitability

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz offers a fresh perspective on managing business finances by flipping the traditional accounting formula. Drawing from his experience as a serial entrepreneur, Michalowicz introduces a behavioral approach where profit is prioritized first, and expenses are adjusted accordingly. You’ll learn how to simplify bookkeeping, allocate funds effectively across multiple bank accounts, and foster early profitability that supports sustainable growth. The book includes practical principles and case studies, such as how using smaller 'profit plates' can curb overspending. If you run a small business and struggle to turn a consistent profit, this approach challenges you to rethink financial management and put your business on a more secure footing.

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Best for ambitious exponential growers
Unlike most entrepreneurship books that focus on incremental improvements, this title presents a bold idea: achieving 10X growth is easier than 2X. Drawing from Dan Sullivan's extensive experience coaching successful entrepreneurs, the book has resonated widely, gaining notable attention for its counterintuitive approach. It dives into expanding four core freedoms—time, money, relationships, and purpose—as the foundation for exponential growth, offering a framework that appeals to entrepreneurs eager to rethink how they grow their ventures. This book addresses the common struggle of feeling stuck in slow growth cycles and provides a pathway to rethink business and life priorities effectively.
2023·296 pages·Entrepreneurship, Business, Entrepreneur, Strategy, Growth Mindset

This book challenges the conventional wisdom that incremental growth is the path to success by revealing why aiming for 10X growth can actually be simpler than targeting 2X. Dan Sullivan, known for coaching top entrepreneurs, teams up with psychologist Dr. Benjamin Hardy to explore how multiplying your freedoms—time, money, relationships, and purpose—creates exponential progress without exhausting effort. You’ll learn to shift your mindset from quantity to quality, transforming how you allocate resources and build connections. If you’re looking to break out of traditional growth traps and reshape your entrepreneurial journey, this book offers a fresh perspective rather than quick fixes.

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Proven Entrepreneurship Methods, Personalized

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Conclusion

This collection of 10 best-selling entrepreneurship books reveals clear themes: grounded, actionable frameworks; leadership resilience; and strategic growth methods validated by industry leaders. If you prefer proven startup strategies, "The Lean Startup" and "Traction" offer foundational approaches. For those focused on scaling and strategy, pairing "Your Next Five Moves" with "Profit First" can sharpen financial and operational skills.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Entrepreneurship book to blend these proven methods with your unique circumstances. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many entrepreneurs succeed — your journey could be next.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "The Lean Startup" for its clear, practical approach to launching and iterating your business. It’s widely praised by experts like Sheryl Sandberg for laying a strong foundation.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Entrepreneurship?

Not at all. Books like "Entrepreneurship by Inc. BarCharts" and "Million Dollar Weekend" provide accessible entry points, while others offer deeper strategies as you grow.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like "The Lean Startup" and "Zero to One," then move to leadership-focused books like "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" and strategic guides such as "Your Next Five Moves."

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Both offer value. Classics like "The Lean Startup" remain relevant, while newer titles like "10x Is Easier Than 2x" introduce fresh perspectives on scaling effectively.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Traction" provides practical tools for business operations, while "Profit First" offers straightforward financial management tactics, both ready for immediate application.

Can personalized books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes! These expert books offer proven methods, and personalized books can tailor insights to your unique goals and experience, enhancing your learning. Consider creating your own Entrepreneurship book to get started.

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