Non-lame books for starting a business?

February 3, 2013 2:49 PM

There are about a zillion books on starting a new business, being a manager, etc. My base assumption is that they're all lame, and the few I've flipped through didn't make a good impression. Any thoughts?

Here are the things I don't want:

* A "you will be a millionaire in no time rah rah" book
* A "how to make the next big iPhone app" book
* An unethical book
* A book that's too old to have insights on how modern business is changing

Background:

I have a software design and development background and I just don't know much about running a business. I've always assumed it wasn't my thing, but now I want to learn more. I'm not expecting to make a jillion dollars, I don't want to try for the VC->flip the company thing, I have a tolerance for risk but I'm not an adrenaline junkie.

I'd also like something more current; I'd love the book to be a little more Andy Baio/XOXO/it's a new world for indies and a lot less Jack Welch 80's capitalism. I'm not against making money, or risk, or tough calls, but so many business books have a war/greed slant that isn't really my thing.

As for the exact business: I'm not sure. I'm looking for solid business knowledge that can be applied anywhere rather than aiming at one field in particular.

Thanks!

posted by jragon to education (10 answers total)

I will recommend you three:

* Inc and grow rich
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OXCERE

* The art of the start
http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Start-Battle-Hardened-ebook/dp/B000QJLQY4/


* Winning Through Intimidation
http://www.amazon.com/Winning-Through-Intimidation-Robert-Ringer/dp/0449207862/
posted by yoyo_nyc at 3:08 PM on February 3

The Lean startup is good

http://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898
posted by mattoxic at 3:59 PM on February 3

I really like Guy Kawasaki's Reality Check.
posted by three_red_balloons at 4:14 PM on February 3

The Emyth revisited is mostly padding but definitely worth a read. Seconding lean start up too.
posted by molloy at 4:35 PM on February 3

These look great, thanks all :)
posted by jragon at 4:59 PM on February 3

I found Alpha Books' Small Business Desk Reference^ (2004) to be really handy as it's good at giving a detailed, high-level overview of all of the tedious, boring parts of running a business. So I find it a great place to start when you're trying to get your bearings on any particular problem.
posted by XMLicious at 5:20 PM on February 3

I'm not sure if I'd call either a "starting a business" book, but Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Built to Last by Jim Collins are worth reading.
posted by _DB_ at 7:52 PM on February 3

From Idea to Success seemed surprisingly substantive, and is written by a professor of entrepreneurship
posted by shivohum at 9:55 PM on February 3

The Startup Owner's Manual by Steve Blank is excellent. He was the Lean Startup guy, Eric Ries's professor.
posted by AceRock at 10:47 PM on February 3

Do you want to run a business (consulting or contract work), or do a startup (innovative technology, high risk, high possible reward)? If the latter, check out Paul Graham's writing or Y Combinator startup school talks.
posted by sninctown at 5:28 PM on February 4