an entrepreneur’s reading list

I like to read as much as I can.  It’s not as much as I’d like, so when I do, I want to read something great.  My pal @JoeYevoli is also an avid reader, and we share a lot of books back and forth, particularly about business.

A while back, we decided to start the “Overtime Media Library” - a collection of great books for our startup company that we would reference for new employees and such.  Sure, we don’t really have any employees yet, but it’s now a part of our company culture moving forward.

Also, I get asked for advice on startups a lot, especially since Fred said I’m doing something right.  I’ve found myself continually referencing and emailing this list, so I figured I’d just post it once and for all and I’ll update it when appropriate.

Books - there are a bunch that I love, but these are the ones that have helped me most in entrepreneurship.

Getting Real - mandatory at Overtime Media Inc

The Monk and the Riddle - career choices

Made to Stick - effective communication

Atlas Shrugged - capitalism, entrepreneurship, amazing story

Good to Great - how to build a great company

Purple Cow - marketing/product

Deep Survival - awesome book on survival mentality (great for startups)

Crossing the Chasm - business development/market strategy

Let My People Go Surfing - by Patagonia founder, a very different view on business and building a great company

Sway - ‘The irresistible pull of irrational behavior’ [Added 5/4/10]

Mastering the VC Game - by @bussgang - excellent insight into the VC world from the perspective of an entrepreneur turned VC. [Added 5/12/10]

Negotiation Genius - effective negotiation strategy/tactics. Good actionable advice. [Added 6/27/10]

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - by Daniel Pink. Great read to help understand how to motivate your team. Another one with actually actionable advice. This video is a great teaser for it. [Added 8/25/10]

Blogs - there are tons of blogs out there, but these are the ones I return to most often.

AVC.com (Fred Wilson - arguably #1 VC in consumer web, and generally awesome blogger)

paulgraham.com (Paul Graham - entrepreneur, hacker, YCombinator founder)

feld.com (Brad Feld - entrepreneur/angel/VC, TechStars founder)

bothsidesofthetable.com (Mark Suster - entrepreneur/VC)

bijansabet.com (Bijan Sabet - entrepreneur/VC)

cdixon.org (Chris Dixon - entrepreneur/VC)

venturehacks (Nivi and Naval - entrepreneur/angels, AngelList founders)