Creatives and entrepreneurs alike should always be looking to improve their company, whether it be enhancing sells, revamping market strategies or connecting the dots of an idea that needs tweaking. Here are seven must-read books that will help all innovative unicorns do so:
“Beating The Odds: Eddie Brown’s Investing and Life Strategies” By Eddie Brown
Eddie Brown, founder of Brown Capital Management is an entrepreneur, investment manager, and author. This autobiography is a detailed account of how Brown, one of America’s best stock pickers, maintained Brown Capital Management during some of the nation’s toughest economic times. During America’s Great Recession, Brown Capital Management continued to thrive because of Brown’s business acuity. This read is a must for founders who are in need of a little inspiration.
“The Little Black Book Of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women” by Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood, and Rhonda Joy McLean
Written by three Black women executives, this book is packed with insight that will surely stick with readers for a lifetime. It centers around the four main topics of effectively conveying information, self-confidence, bravery, and working together. With bold chapter titles such as “Racism Is Not An Excuse, But It Can Be A Motivator,” and “Don’t Be The Office Mammy” — this book will not only change your perspective on business but might change your outlook on life.
“Green Power: The Successful Way of A.G. Gaston” by A.G. Gaston
The “Green Power” is a great read for entrepreneurs who are facing hardship or disappointment. Author George Gaston — the grandson of a slave — developed a funeral home, motel, The Booker T. Washington Business School, and Citizens Savings and Loan Association. In the midst of the segregated south, Gaston overcame discrimination and hardship to become one of the most historic Black entrepreneurs of the 20th century.
“Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes
Entrepreneurship is about taking risks and making the most of opportunities. In the “Year of Yes,” Rhimes — the creator of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” — tells of how she decided to start saying “yes” to social invites and speaking engagements. By doing so, she was privy to a new world of creativity and insight. If you’re an introverted entrepreneur, this is the book for you!
“Black and White: The Way I See It” by Richard Williams
Father of tennis legends — Venus and Serena Williams — Richard Williams will leave you with quotes that will make you stop in your tracks. This is a must-read for entrepreneurs because it highlights the importance of developing a plan and sticking to it by any means necessary. William writes about writing out a plan for his daughters before they were born, and well — you see how that turned out.
“Strategize To Win: The New Way to Start Out, Step Up, or Start Over in Your Career” by Carla A. Harris
Carla Harris — a Vice Chairman at Morgan Stanley — gives practical solutions to real-life problems faced by entrepreneurs. She gives the reader tools for all stages of entrepreneurship you may be in. Whether you are just starting out or contemplating switching gears by jumping into a different career path, this book has the answers you need.
“Display of Power” by Daymond John
Founder and CEO of FUBU, Daymond John, gives it to you raw. He explains how he climbed to the top of streetwear using his street smarts. This is a great read for entrepreneurs who may be entering a saturated market and wish to stand out.